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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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.

Simond_Alpinism22_Backapack_Review_120317_483 — Simond Alpinism 22 Backpack

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Simond Rock+ Climbing Shoes Review

On September 29, 2019August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review16 Comments

My personal evolution, i.e. the gradual development of my mountaineering activities, always leads me to search and test the most appropriate gear in order to perform better and most of all in full safety.

As described on my previous gear review post, the 5.10 Anasazi VCS, although very famous amongst the climbing scene, were not fitting me well. Therefore, I have searched for an alternative, which came out of Decathlon.

Decathlon is a French sporting goods retailer. With over 1,500 stores in 49 countries, it is the largest sporting goods retailer in the world. Amongst many brands, Decathlon, also offers a line dedicated for rock climbing, alpinism and winter mountaineering.

Simond_Rock+_Climbing_Shoes_Review__942 — Simond Rock+ Climbing shoes

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Simond 2-in-1 Mountaineering Gloves Review

On February 22, 2018August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review6 Comments

Winter mountaineering activities can be very enjoyable if the gear used is good and appropriate for the conditions. One of the most important gear items for winter mountaineering ascents are naturally gloves.

Simond 2 in1 Mountaineering Glove is designed for mountaineering and it has all the features you normally see on products double its price. So you get a liner glove that has synthetic insulation, and you could wear this on its own. But you also get an outer glove with a waterproof Novadry membrane, which you could also wear on its own. Goat leather palms, a nose wipe, a wrist leash and more make these gloves fully featured.