Consumer Catalog
Summer 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 tech outerwear, footwear and ski gear to tents, packs and climbing pro. The summer book focused on hiking, climbing and mountaineering.
Link to PDF Pages
Rolling Thunder—by The North Face
For gear-intensive adventures, this wheeled duffel packs it all in. An aluminum chassis supports heavy metal loads, in-line wheels roll though airports without delay and a kickstand keeps it upright in the airport lounge or the rental car line up.
Base Camp Duffel—by The North Face
Truck tarp material has made these bomber duffels a standby on everything from alpine expeditions to interstate relocations. Double stitched seams survive rough travel, four compression straps cinch it down and padded alpine- cut straps shoulder the load.
Endless Road—by Dana Design
Whether by bus, plane or train, this first-class duffel rolls right along with any travel plan. A horseshoe opening makes packing easy,compression straps cinch down the load and a ticket pocket keeps the guidebook, itinerary and journal close.
Snoscopic Ice Axe w/ Trekking Pole—by Petzl Charlet
Half axe, half pole, this ingenious hybrid stabilizes snowfield crossings or long walks over high passes. A telescoping aluminum shaft extends to 41 inches and sticks with a carbide tip, while a curved 4mm pick provides a smooth self-arrest when footing gives way. The chiseled adze cuts steps and the carbide tip is replaceable when worn down on ground.
Raven Pro Ice Axe—by Black Diamond
Whether high on Shasta, Hood or Rainer, this super-light tool keeps weight to a minimum on glacier climbs. A stainless steel head and spike keeps strength up, while an ergonomic hand platform with notched finger rests ensures a natural grip when gaining vertical one small step at a time. Gently tapered in the pick for a smooth self-arrest.
Raven Ice Axe—by Black Diamond
Destined for classic alpine climbs, this timeless axe design is an essential tool for charging the next looming peak. The neutral pickself-arrests without injuring limbs and the classic curve adze provides tool utility. An ergo, stainless steel head with notched finger rests feels comfortable in the palm even on long slogs to the summit crater.
Sabretooth Crampon—by Black Diamond
Ice, mixed, alpine–this multi-faceted crampon does it all. Combining a semi-rigid, horizontally railed design and an aggressive second point configuration it blends versatility, balance and control. With center strap numbering and micro heel-lever adjustability it sizes up toollessly. Powder coated to prevent rust and available in step-in or clip models.
Vasak Crampon—by Petzl Charlet
Spring summits are the clear objective of these 12-point crampons. Ten walking points stabilize without stilting, asym lateral points reduce railing and thin front points penetrate hard morning ice. Two attachment systems–FlexLock for flexible footwear or LeverLock for boots with a heel welt–keep them firmly fixed on feet. Antisnow plate included.
Air Tech Crampon w/Antibot—by Grivel
Shorter spikes make this mixed modern crampon extremely functional for alternating between rock and ice. In addition to ten walking points, an extra pair of points grips on the traverse and the double angle on the final front points bites better when descending. Perfect for any alpine season, it folds in half for easy packing.
Mondo II—by Franklin Climbing
This highball pad is big enough to cover the whole impact zone. The two-tiered foam softens landings even from twenty-foot drops, while padded harnessing makes transporting it possible and comfortable. A hinged design opens easily and always lays flat, stainless steel hardcore buckles survive abuse and beefy side zippers allow access to interior foam. Rush ship not available.
Sharma System Plus—by BlueWater
Widen your landing zone with the modular Sharma system. The System Plus features a 4-inch thick Homebase–complete with mesh pockets, padded shoulder straps and a waistbelt. A sandwich Velcro system attaches add-on Auxiliary pads when tackling new problems. Rush ship not available.
Drop Zone II—by Franklin Climbing
When struggling ten feet up, this dualdensity pad provides a reassuring place to land. A flap closure system stows supplies, high-mounted straps keep the pad away from snags and PU-coated Cordura stays in shape. Stainless Hardcore buckles release quickly to ready your spot in seconds flat. Rush ship not available.
Satellite Pad—by Franklin Climbing
When stressing over cramped corners or that extra few feet of width, this supplemental pad covers the breach. Downsized from a Drop Zone, it features a continuous top layer and an easy-folding hinged bottom. Carries either with the briefcase handle or the padded shoulder strap. Rush ship not available.
Elite Slackline Kit—by Asana
For building balance or simply showing off skills, this slack kit is the simplest way to get lined out right. A simple ratcheting system keeps the line tight, 30 feet of webbing keeps you on your toes and the instruction booklet provides a primer on how it is done. Rings, biners and slings included. Not intended for highlining.
Gamma MX Jacket & Hoody—by Arc’Teryx
Mixed climbs in mixed weather is where these alpinists earned their stripes. Constructed with Power Shield to shed nasty weather, breathe liberally and remain mobile, they are an all discipline answer to the countless climbing variables. Both feature close cut fits and refined detailing, while the Hoody engulfs a helmet during epic episodes.
Apex Atlas Pant—by The North
Face Fitted form and a flat waist tailor this durable pant to the climb. Apex aerobic stretch fabric exhibits great range, sheds light precip and allows the body to breathe. An ankle zip makes for an easy transition, a half-fixed waist gets the belt size right and a right thigh cargo stashes essentials within easy reach.
Welded Omega Jacket—by The North Face
By completely blocking out the wind chill, this piece gives reason to leave your hard shell at home. A WindStopper barrier stops wind cold, while welded seams fuse panels without breaking the seal. A waterproof HyVent stowable hood provides emergency relief from pounding precip and a performance fit removes bulk from whatever the endeavor.
Alchemy Jacket & Pant—by Mountain Hardwear
Toughened for exposure, these mixed-use pieces show dexterity when taking your game to a frozen plane. Stout Alchemy Stretch fabric repels route-induced wear and blocks bitter alpine wind, while Schoeller panels blend air-it-out breathability with full-stem, full-reach flexibility. Stretch cuffs, a neck cinch and a hem drawcord ensure thermal containment in the jacket, while a trim high-back waist and water-resistant ankle zips enhance the pant’s standing as a true climber’s tool.
Manticore Jacket—by Mountain Hardwear
True to form, this hybrid charges tough routes with tenacity. Textured stretch-nylon panels vent and move on difficult pitches, while Conduitbacked shell fabric fights off storms when stationary. The hood’s laminated brim keeps vision clear, external skinny taping seals the microclimate and welded pit zips let off steam when working the route.
Trango Trail—by La Sportiva
This bomber and beefy low top ranges from across-the-divide approaches to cross-town commutes. To-the-toe lacing and a sculpted heel cup hone the fit, while a gusseted tongue keeps out debris and an EVA midsole cushions on natural or manmade surfaces. Sticky Spider rubber rands and a Vibram sole combine for a good grip in any condition.
Mountain Master—by Five Ten
Sighted often at both crag and coffee shop, this well-worn approach shoe is respected for its agreeable and adaptable character. Compression molded midsoles and synthetic leather uppers shave weight, while Stealth S1 soles and a technical toe rand aid in accessing routes. Known to possess a mellow style that serves daily duty at home, work or play.
Extend Low—by Salomon
Take this shoe anywhere and it will acclimatize to the situation. Constructed with split suede and Nubuck uppers for style, a Contragrip sole for stability and a cushy molded-midsole and-foaminsole combo. From trail to town or the office to the climbing gym it incorporates function into the plan.
Retro Tennie—by Five Ten
Go old school with these classic throwback kicks. Reminiscent of the original approach shoe, this one uses Dotty Tread C4 rubber soles, an EVA midsole and a performance, low-pro Tennie last for up-to-date function. Look cool at the bar, move fast on the trail or simply relive the summer you spent living in the bus.
Sticky Cat—by Garmont
A feline spine allows this new sticky shoe to flex and edge expertly. Firmed up in the forefoot for security, but kept soft where feel and comfort are prioritized, the design excels in multiple dimensions. A Vibram Crossover sole mixes lugs with a sticky compound and a clean, randed forefoot provides another point of contact.
Guide Tennie—by Five Ten
An irreplaceable favorite for getting to the route or scrambling up to a better view, the Tennie carries the attitude of a shoe that knows its purpose. C4 dotty tread soles and a technical toe rand perform up to a low fifth-class level, laceto-the-toe provides a precise fit and a nice, even rocker eases long slogs back to the car.
D7—by Montrail
Fast and technical performance is what you’ll get from this unpretentious approach shoe. A foldedgusset tongue keeps out debris, a low volume toe gives pointed control and a supportive lace-to-toe fit helps the miles fly by. EVA foam in the midsole cushions and a dual-compound Vibram outsole brings both solid stick and trail durability to the shoe.
Sticky Spin—by Garmont
This function-first shoe lets its performance speak for itself. A Vibram Crossover sole blends trail grip with inclined friction, while edging and smearing well due to a dual durometer. Lace-to-toe gives climbers a familiar crank-it-tight fit and a QDS lining lifts sweat in settings from the average hike to a spontaneous scramble.
