Consumer Catalog
Fall 2005
38,000 Words
Over a five-year span, I worked with outdoor retailer Mountain Gear to write every product description in their 100-page-plus catalogs. In total, I cranked out more than half a million words of copy that explained subtle differences and user benefits of leading outdoor brands in categories from backcountry skiing and indoor climbing to expedition gear and tech outerwear.
Link to PDF Pages
ABSOLUTE ZERO PARKA & PANT—BY MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR
800-fill warmth, Conduit SL breathable waterproofing and welded-baffle construction ensure a warm alpine experience in these high-mountain heaters. The parka simplifies life at the hut or high camp with internal bottle pockets and one-handed hood, waist and hem cords, while the pant’s rainbow seat eases answering natures call.
PLASMA PARKA—BY MARMOT
High warmth to weight and a luxurious removable down-filled hood sets the Plasma apart at crowded high camps. Baffled 800-fill down traps heat in subzero temps, MemBrain blocks water and reinforcement toughens the exterior for 14-er climbs. Snug Lycra cuffs, a down-filled draft tube and an oversized layer-friendly fit equip it for the wide world above treeline.
SUB-ZERO SL HOODED JACKET—BY MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR
Waterproof for wet mountain climates, this jacket features 650-fill down, a Conduit shell and detachable down hood. The shell repels sleet and snow, the fill traps heat during frigid camps and the detachable hood zips off when clear skies prevail. Outfitted with internal bottle pockets to keep beverages fluid and a stuff sack for easy winter packing.
8000 METER PARKA & PANT—BY MARMOT
High-altitude expeditions are the clear domain of this shelled and lofty parka. Fully baffled 800-fill down traps a constant heat supply, while a Gore DryLoft shell presents a barrier to high-mountain precipitation. A hood, down-filled draft tube and gripper powder skirt keep heat locked inside when setting your sights on the tallest peaks and most exposed lines.
MOMENTUM AL—BY BLACK DIAMOND
This biomechanical harness displays great range– from sport and trad to ice and alpine–without a hefty price tag. Ripstop resists abrasion, molded gear loops ease racking and a reprofiled 7-milthick waistband sits comfortably. Also available without adjustable leg loops.
VERTICAL—BY TRANGO
Thrifty climbers appreciate the affordable performance this 50-buck harness provides for gym or crag use. Firm laminated foam supports, a wicking poly liner manages sweat and four loops holster draws. Leg loops adjust to layers and releasable risers drop on demand.
ADJAMA & SAMA—BY PETZL
Optimized geometry, breathable belt and dense foam leg loops make these options comfortable for any discipline. Four gear loops and three Caritool positions rack up gear, while adjustable loops on the Adjama and stretch loops on the Sama adapt to thicker layers.
BOD & ALPINE BOD—BY BLACK DIAMOND
Perfect for ski mountaineers or alpine minimalists, these harnesses trade bulk for pure function. Both designs supply the basics of four fixed gear loops and quick release risers for fast transitions over skis or crampons. The Bod adds Synchilla padding and a haul loop.
ATC XP & ATC—BY BLACK DIAMOND
Trademark smoothness, kink-free geometry and a quick catch gives these simple-to-operate devices their popular appeal. The XP adds an extended central surface to reduce kinking and grooved jaws that increase power with variable friction.
GRIGRI—BY PETZL
This self-braking device lends a hand when belaying a heavyweight or safeguarding a lead. It locks off quickly when subjected to fall forces and lowers smoothly by varying grip on the rope. Perfectly paired with a Freino biner, which adds another radius for extra hold.
SOLOIST—BY WREN
A soloist’s self-belay device that feeds on advance and locks solidly in a fall. Function with a directional cam and requires knowledge of advanced rigging.
BOMBSHELTER—BY BIBLER
Four-person parties bunk comfortably in this tough single-wall shelter. Weighing only nine pounds packed, it reduces the shared load, pitches easily from inside and keeps the interior climate controlled in bad weather with waterproof/breathable fabric. Dual vestibules, opposing doors and a mesh pocket array aid logistical convenience during complicated climbs.
VE 25—BY THE NORTH FACE
This summit-bid standby provides more than enough space for two climbers and their full assortment of gear. Dual doors and vestibules provide easy exits and good stowage, while a taped bucket floor prevents ground-level moisture from penetrating. Zip vents, clear poly windows and internal pockets exhibit clever utility when waiting for weather to break.
TRANGO TENTS—BY MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR
This double-wall tent forms a bomber base camp during extended alpine stays. A quick-clip design sets up fast, four poles with seven intersections survive gusting winds and the windowed expedition canopy lets in light when confined to the tent. A roomy front vestibule keeps gear out of the weather and loft-style shelves stow items required to pass the time.
HOT SAC—BY WESTERN MOUNTAINEERING
Turn up the heat during winter nights with this vapor-barrier liner. A metallic lining reflects warmth back to the body and an elastic drawcord prevents evaporative heat loss. A great companion for cold or high camps, this red-hot sack also functions as an emergency bivy.
BIGWALL BIVY—BY BIBLER
Multiday climbs demand the presence of this shelter. Seam-taped ToddTex seals out storms and a waterproof RF-welded tie-in point takes a load off the mind, making stays on spindrift-encrusted ledges almost enjoyable. Sewn-in headspace hood and mesh face panel.
XGK EX—BY MSR
Born from the cumulative experience of the XGK, this next iteration will transform the expedition kitchen. A new flexible fuel line packs smaller, while retractable legs and pot supports stabilize hot, heaping meals. Equipped with a shaker jet for easy cleaning and capable of burning a wider variety of fuel when a hardware store resupply is not an option.
DRAGONFLY STOVE—BY MSR
Adjustable between fry and boil to simmer or sauté, this stove keeps the flame under total control. A self-cleaning shaker jet, multifuel versatility and stable legs make firing it up a trip highlight for any true backcountry gourmet.
WHISPERLITE STOVES—BY MSR
With a reputation for reliability, this appliance remains the designated cook during countless backcountry trips. A quick boil time, self-cleaning shaker jet and small folded size keep preparation simple, while field maintainability ensures a hot meal. In addition to white gas, the International burns kerosene or auto fuel in a pinch.
3-PIECE TITANIUMCOOKSET—BY SNOWPEAK
Blending light and flavorful, this titanium set provides enough pans to cook a sumptuous backwoods feast. Two pans–an 18-ouncer and 22-ouncer– alternate responsibility for meal prep, a foldout handle allows dining sans bowl and a fry pan doubles as a lid.
JETBOIL COMPLETE COOKING SYSTEM—BY JETBOIL
A two-minute boil time proves the ultraefficiency of this 15-ounce integrated stove system. Five pieces—a burner, heat exchanger, windscreen, one-liter cup and cozy—interlock and sit securely on a JetBoil fuel canister, which provides 12 total liters of rolling boils.
TREK 700 TITANIUM POT—BY SNOWPEAK
Made from titanium, this one-person pan adds only five ounces to the kitchen. The slotted lid lifts with a fork and the pot–which saves space with a folding handle and nests a canister inside–serves up 26 full ounces of high-carb alpinist meals.
TITANIUM CAFE PRESS—BY SNOWPEAK
Brew morning java with this titanium press and tall 17-ounce cup. The single cup is perfect for climbers trying to cut down.
PINT GLASS SETS—BY MOUNTAIN GEAR
With the popularity of our Tie One On and Knot Again pint glass sets, you’d think climbers had a natural affinity for beer. What a better way to celebrate the stereotype with these four- pint sets that show the knots you need to know when on the wall.
TITANIUM FLASK—SNOWPEAK
After a high-output day nothing takes the edge off like a swig of your favorite adult beverage. This titanium flask weighs less than three ounces, is free of metallic odor and holds six ounces of Gin, Brandy or Scotch to enable après-activity consumption.
WOOD GRIPS—METOLIUS
This aesthetically pleasing training board fits well in any indoor setting. The smooth wood surface won’t shred skin and the compact size crams easily into a closet, over a dorm-room door or in the remaining partition of the gear room. Includes instructions and training guide.
CLIMB GLOBALLY & SKI GLOBALLY—BY DRINK LOCALLY T SHIRTS
Pairing some of North America’s greatest routes with their respective regional brews, this T-shirt places two important life lists on prominent display. From El Cap to the Grand, it supplies local info on which pint to raise when celebrating each of these formidable climbs.
KRIS HOLM MOUNTAIN UNICYCLE
The mountain unicycle elevates steep singletrack and narrow log rides to a new degree of difficulty. Designed by onewheel master Kris Holm with a stout aluminum frame, high-grade componentry and a handled seat to help clean tough technical sections.
FLY BAR 1200
This big air pogo stick provides a full boost of upward propulsion. An elastometric spring system–powered only by leg strength and body weight–enables five feet of overhead air. Adjustable piston length controls bounce height and wide foot pegs help stick the landing.
RED ROCKS CLIMBING WEEKEND
Learn the sport of rock climbing from the pros in Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Nevada. The weekend includes clinics by world-class climbers, Friday and Saturday night party, sponsor demos, comps and seminars, Sunday pancake breakfast, and much more!
Three options to choose from. Basic Registration includes the Friday night kick off and clinics and festivities through the weekend. The Introduction to Climbing Weekend adds a comprehensive Friday beginner climbing course to prepare first time climbers for the weekend clinics. Our third option, the Introduction to Climbing with Gear package, is the 3-day weekend including the Friday basic instruction course, the full Red Rock Rendezvous weekend and the following gear: shoes, harness, helmet, belay device, carabiner, chalk bag and an Access Fund membership.
