Climbing brands usually reserve advanced technology in a harness design for high-end sport climbers. As such, these svelte models continue to get lighter, sleeker, and more minimalist. But when Black Diamond released its trad-oriented Solution Guide Harness last fall, it gave it both tech and materials on par with its sport climbing models. I’ve been testing a sample since its release on multipitch granite in Colorado and single-pitch granite in Texas. In short: The Black Diamond Solution Guide Harness ($100 for men and women) is well-appointed and extraordinarily durable. It focuses on the needs of trad climbers vying for long multipitch objectives and utilizes materials and technologies to improve comfort and durability. Black Diamond Solution Guide Harness Fit and Feel When I...
Mammut released the original Realization Shorts in 2013, and like many climbers, I scoffed. “Is there really a need for this? Is this better in any way?” I thought. Essentially shorts with a built-in harness, the Mammut Realization Shorts presented a super-niche product. It seemed unnecessary and gimmicky. Sport climbing harnesses are super-lightweight while remaining comfortable, and I can take them off without changing pants. I just didn’t get it. I’ve been testing both the original Realization Shorts and the 2.0 version, launched last spring, for a full year. And, like the shorts, my thoughts have evolved. They do indeed have a place in sport or competition climbing, where they perform incredibly well. In short: The Mammut Realization Shorts 2.0 provide a freer feeling...
image: NOA Hopping a flight to an exotic island. Inviting new friends over and working hand-in-hand to build a community. Spending a beautiful day outdoors fishing and foraging and exploring. While these things are widely frowned upon during a global pandemic, they are exactly the kinds of activities that players experience in the latest Nintendo Switch exclusive, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Your game begins—in classic Animal Crossing fashion—with a trip to a faraway land. Your Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package’s initial offerings are fairly limited: airfare and accommodations (if you consider a tent and a cot “accommodations”), a new Nook Phone, and a couple of neighbors… which sort of flies in the face of the whole “deserted island” concept,...
Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Here’s why. The Flint and Tinder Harrington Jacket – $220 What I appreciate the most about Flint and Tinder is that the design of their clothing fades into the background – yes, that’s a good thing. When something, be it a gadget or an article of clothing, does exactly what it’s designed to do, it shouldn’t be “noticeable.” Pants that don’t move well are noticeable. Jackets with low armholes are noticeable. But I’ve reviewed a number of Flint and Tinder pieces, and every one has been pretty much the essence of what it’s aiming to be. And that’s incredibly commendable consistency. Made in the USA from matte-finish “staywax”...
Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Here’s why. Jomers White Oak Cone Stretch Denim – $34 ($68) About the Author: Adam Terry is Dappered’s resident shoe & denim expert. He’s a thirtysomething Technical Trainer in the heating and manufacturing industry. He enjoys bourbon, boots, sneakers, and raw denim. He’s also a new dad! Jomers is a pretty exciting brand in the menswear clothing arena. Unlike a lot of the other new face, direct to consumer brands, they’ve been around since 2013 and are notorious for bringing killer value to menswear enthusiasts – made in the USA wool dress pants for ~$50, casual button-down shirts for ~$30, and half-canvas suits for ~$250. What’s the catch? A...
