Petzl Neox Belay Device Review

On November 2, 2024 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear ReviewLeave a comment

The Petzl Neox is a cutting-edge belay device that’s quickly gaining popularity among both novice and experienced climbers/belayers. Gifted to me by a special friend, I’ve had the chance to test it extensively and am excited to share insights on its performance, strengths, and limitations. This review is geared toward climbers seeking a dependable, versatile tool that excels in multi-pitch climbing, hauling, and even rescue situations, making the Neox a standout choice for those looking to enhance their climbing experience with safety and ease.

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Simond Rock 20 Climbing Backpack Review

On August 23, 2024August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review2 Comments

For avid readers of the Olympus Mountaineering Blog, it’s no secret that I’m deeply immersed in various outdoor pursuits, with a particular fondness for general mountaineering activities ranging from Trad and multi-pitch climbing up to Winter Mountaineering ascents. Engaging in such adventures demands gear that effortlessly combines functionality, durability, and a lightweight design.

Having previously owned and reviewed the Simond Alpinism 22 and The North Face Verto 27 Summit Series, my recent experiences led me to reconsider my gear choices. Unfortunately, the latter, The North Face Verto 27, proved to be unreliable with numerous manufacturing faults, prompting the need for a reliable and budget-friendly replacement.

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Evolv Shaman Laces 2022 Climbing Shoes Review

On December 6, 2023August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review1 Comment

In my recent years of dedicated climbing improvement, I’ve delved into the fascinating world of climbing shoes, constantly experimenting to find the perfect fit for my climbing adventures. Starting my climbing journey with the reliable La Sportiva Tarantula as a beginner, I took my initial “baby steps” with confidence. However, the quest for the ideal climbing shoe led me to explore diverse models like the Anasazi VCS by 5.10, the Simond Rock+, and the La Sportiva Otaki.

After rigorous testing, I’ve settled into a harmonious partnership with the Simond Rock+, finding satisfaction in its performance and mostly with the VFM proposition. Unfortunately, the La Sportiva Otaki didn’t quite meet my expectations after an extensive trial period. Determined to make an informed decision, I conducted thorough research, tapping into the insights of my fellow climbers within my network.

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Forclaz MT500 Air Inflatable Trekking Mattress Review

On July 25, 2023August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Hiking Gear Review2 Comments

Approximately a year ago, I encountered some complications with the sleeping pad I had been utilizing for the preceding years, as it began to experience deflation issues from the valve. While the Klymit V-Static mattress initially proved to be a commendable choice with an exceptionally high R-Value, which I had acquired during a promotional offer, the product served me well during its years of use. However, due to the malfunctioning valve, I found it necessary to seek a replacement, ultimately opting for the Forclaz MT500 Air inflatable trekking mattress.

First off, this mattress is incredibly lightweight, weighing just 510g, and it folds up into a compact 1.7-liter package, which made it easy to carry around during my hiking trips.

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My Essential Climbing Gear for 2023: Current Favourites

On May 11, 2023August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review5 Comments

As an outdoor enthusiast and a climber, I’m constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest climbing gear to help me push my limits and elevate my performance. Over the years, I’ve tried out several pieces of gear, and through trial and error, I’ve found the gear that works best for me. Lately, I’ve been receiving a lot of emails and comments from fellow climbers asking me about my personal choices for climbing gear. So, I decided to write this post and share my favourite pieces of climbing gear that I’m currently using in 2023. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, I hope that my personal recommendations will help you make informed decisions about the gear you choose to use on your next climb.

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Petzl Connect Adjust Review

On March 28, 2023August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review3 Comments

Trad climbing, also known as traditional climbing, is a style of rock climbing where the climber places their own protective gear into the rock as they climb. It is considered a more advanced and committing style of climbing compared to sport climbing, where pre-placed bolts are used for protection. With many years of experience in trad climbing comes the knowledge of the necessary gear to use in order to climb safely and efficiently.

The most essential gear for trad climbing includes a helmet, climbing shoes, harness, climbing ropes, carabiners, quickdraws, slings, and cams or nuts. A helmet is crucial for protecting the head from falling debris or rockfall. Climbing shoes are also essential, as they provide the necessary grip and precision for climbing. A harness is used to attach the climber to the rope, and a climbing rope is used to catch the climber in case of a fall. Carabiners and quickdraws are used to attach the rope to the protection, while slings and cams or nuts are used for protection.

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PETZL Hirundos 2022 – Climbing Harness Review

On January 25, 2023September 1, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review7 Comments

Not very long time ago, I wanted to purchase a new harness in order to substitute my old -and loved- harness, the Mammut Ophir. In that time, I wanted to have an all around harness, with emphasis on trad and multi-pitch climbing and therefore I got the Petzl ADJAMA.

Although the Petzl ADJAMA is a great and very comfortable harness, due to the fact most of the days I spend them on sport climbing crags, I also got the new Hirundos model by Petzl.

Petzl_Hirundos_Harness_2022_New_Review_18 — Petzl Hirundos Harness 2022 with Gear

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Kalenji Kiprun XT7 Trail running shoes Review

On June 23, 2021August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review4 Comments

For the past few years, for my training activities (trail running) and for my hiking trips, I have been using the Bushido by La Sportiva. Overall I was very satisfied from those shoes, but due to the fact more than one pair of Bushidos I used, got damaged in the same areas (toe cap), I have decided to check out a different pair for the future. Upon some research and my previous experience with the products of Decathlon, I have decided to buy the Kalenji Kiprun XT7 trail running shoes.

KALENJI_KIPRUN_XT7_Trail_RUNNING_SHOES093705_536 — Pair of Kalenji Kiprun XT7

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Camp Mach Express Dyneema Quickdraw Review

On November 19, 2020August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review25 Comments

In the past years, I have been advancing in terms of mountaineering skills and climbing abilities and I have constantly been progressing to climb tougher routes. In order to do so, one needs to be physically and mentally trained, but most of the times needs to be equipped with the most adequate gear in order to have a safe and pleasant outdoor adventure.

One of the most important items for mountaineering activities is the quickdraw, and specifically the alpine quickdraw.

Camp_Mach_Express_Dyneema_Quickdraw_Review_120006_142

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Simond Alpinism 22 Backpack – Long Term Review

On July 25, 2020August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review11 Comments

Mountaineering and Alpine climbing require special gear such as backpacks. Since 2012, for general mountaineering, winter mountaineering or multipitch climbs I have been using as a backpack the Simond Alpinism 22.

The Simond Alpinism 22 is designed for climbers, mountaineers and Ski touring use for day-long routes. It is a compact, sturdy, all-purpose bag. Its shape and volume make it suitable for all builds and lets to carry all the required gear for a day-long hike.