SummitPost.org

So as we enter the 2010s, what’s the best new techno gear/innovation over the last 10 years?

Of all the new techno gear that’s emerged over the last 10 years (GPS, approach shoes, LED headlamps, SPOT,….), I’m inclined to vote for on-line databases like SP, SuperTopo, Mountain Project, etc.

These on-line databases have provided me superb mountain and climbing beta that only comes from years of local experience and enabled me to tackle mountains/routes that would normally take me several years of scouting or teaming up with other experienced climbers/scrambles. These have been my cragging enablers…for better or worse

What’ca think

Clothing?
- eVent and Gore Pro-Shell are lighter and more breathable than 3L GT circa 1999.
- many more softshell options around compared to 1999
- synthetic shell double boots - warmer than leather, lighter and more flex than plastic

Gear?
- Ice tool grips improved to allow leashless climbing, with the BD and Charlet clipper leashes deserving a mention as an intermediate step.
- ever thinner ropes, esp 7mm doubles/twins etc
- good alternatives to BD Turbo Express ice screws, from Grivel etc
- Jetboil and Reactor stoves

Expeditions?
- Hands down - GoogleEarth, opening up the unknown parts of the Greater Ranges like nothing in history.
- Also Thuraya sat phones (Iridium actually started in 1999) and associated comms tech (love it or hate it) that has enabled explorersweb.com etc.
- smaller, better digital cameras and cheaper/improved memory cards, to publicise and share our trips and enable things like Summitpost.com!

D

What about the headlamps having super leds

Also the thermo-sealed zippers in hard shells and trousers

+10 on Google Earth!

Digital cameras and leashless tools for me.

Hotoven wrote:+10 on Google Earth!

+20

Not tried them yet, but reverse camber skis and snowboards deserve mention, IMO

squishy wrote:I began this hobby at a good time...

No doubt, I'll just be jealous of my kids when they are alpine climbing with 10lbs packs! Its only going to get better.

Velcro gloves !

Hmmm…..after taking a quick look at the Site Feedback PnP monstrosity thread I’m changing my vote to LED headlamps. These cool little gadgets have enabled lots of my outdoor adventures; as Peter Croft said “using the night, to get more day”