NEW GEAR

Mindset RESET

THE NORTH FACE SUMMIT FUTUREFLEECE™ HOODED JACKET

If you’ve ever weighed all your gear and entered those weights into a dedicated spreadsheet, or even felt the desire to, then you’re probably a weight-weenie! No shame, I’m in the weight weenie club too (no, we don’t have matching jackets, they’re too heavy).

So imagine my delight when I saw TNF’s new FUTUREFLEECE™ hooded jacket weighed a mere 208g - it damn more sensitive, and more ‘pro-er’ version of the current Shaman and Shaman lace shoes. Featuring Evolv’s new Evo Wrap technology that hugs your foot like it just fell off the last move of its proj, meaning you don’t have to downsize until your toenails drop off –unless you reeeaally want to. But fear not those who love to say ‘they don’t make em’ like they used to’ whilst shaking a closed fist in the air, Evolv didn’t change too much! The new Pro model is everything you loved about the shamans, just with a more bouldering and comp-oriented flavour.

Bonus: The women’s version is even lighter at 176g!

Bonus: They actually do look pro-er.

Bananas Eco

Let’s face it, your shoes stink! Don’t bother denying it, I know… because mine stink too! Thankfully there’s a new fruit-shaped, homecompostable, definitely not edible solution to our community’s collective problem. The new Boot Bananas Eco model works the same as the old Boot Bananas do, but they’re now filled with activated coconut charcoal that’s sourced in Sri Lanka from coconut husks that would otherwise go to waste. They’re genuinely eco-friendly, it’s not just a name! So you can feel less bad about contributing to landfill and not have to worry about the people who have to smell your shoes.

Finally rid yourself of the cartoon-style wiggly odour lines hovering over your shoes post-climb.

Bonus slipper beta: By the time your mates are finished lacing up, you will have already flashed their proj!

Black Diamond Vapour Helmet

Our favourite uber-light helmet just got lighter, more durable, and even cooler! Using a combination of magical foams and materials, BD has managed to drop the weight down to 155g, while still meeting UIAA standards for climbing/mountaineering — witchcraft! It also features an updated look with minimal straps and new headtorch clips. It’s so damn light you’ll forget it’s on your head.

Huntsman Face The Outdoors With Functionality In Your Pocket

If you’ve ever broken in a leather shoe, you’ll know it’s quite a journey, but usually worth it for the end result… Of course, why bother with the journey when you can just skip to the good part: Introducing the Skwama Vegan. Featuring La Sportiva’s new SkinLike™ microfibre material, you get the same performance and sensitivity you’re used to, without the leather (size appropriately) and with less impact than a shoe made with animal-derived materials.