Time for what you've all been waiting for! The 2010 Rock and Sky Gear awards!

Since this is the first time I've done them, I doubt you've actually been waiting, but I had to make the intro sound exciting somehow.

It's the time of year where everyone is posting their favorite gear reviews, awards, and gift suggestions. I feel left out, so I've decided to do my own gear award post. Unlike those big web sites where brands send them free products to review, I have to buy my own gear. That's why the awards are going to normal person gear, and not the newest stuff on the market. I purchased it myself after doing tons of research and thought it was worthy of mention. So without further excuse or explanation - THE 2010  ROCK AND SKY GEAR AWARDS!!

Ps. If anyone wants to send me free gear to review, that'd be awesome too. :-D

 This pack is everything: Comfortable, well designed, and full of features. I’ve had it for almost a year now and it’s never let me down. Gregory is the only brand I’ve found so far that makes truly “XS” sized packs. I have a nearly nonexistent torso so it’s really tough to find a comfortable pack. Between the available tiny sizing, and the AFS suspension system I hardly feel like I’m carrying anything.

Features:
·      Sleeping bag access zipper
·      Top access
·      Front access zipper
·      Tool loops/Velcro fasteners
·      Rope holding strap under the top compartment.
·      Waist strap pockets.
·      Hydration bag compatible
·      More compression straps than you could ever use.
·      Weight, comes in Orange, Green and Blue.
·     $270 and available here...

Be ready to eat at a moments notice! These chopsticks were a gift and I am rarely without them. The wooden tips are made from recycled Japanese baseball bats. They unscrew from and slide into the handles. Convenient carrying case keeps them together and out of the dirt.
Features:
·      Carrying case
·      Small size
·      Everyone will be jealous of you
·      $29.95 and handy link here.

I’m wearing them right now. The Prana Moab pants are my favorite adventure pants at the moment. They are comfy, stretchy, and look good enough to do more than just hike or climb in them. They pill a little bit with washing, but it’s worth it for such awesome pants.

Features:
·      Built in belt
·      Double layer reinforced knees
·      Zippered back pockets
·      $75 at the Prana website here

I’m wearing these right now too. These shoes are sturdy and supportive enough for long hikes, and the vibram sole compensates for my klutzyness while scrambling up an approach. I’ve also been known to wear them around town, to the mall, and while sitting in my living room. Sportiva did a great job with these. My only complaint is that the round laces untie super easily. Plan on double and triple knotting.

Features:
·      Vibram Sole
·      Waterproof
·      Leather uppers
·      Cushy lining around the ankle area
·     $95 on this page here

I love this tent. This actually means something because I own three. While it’s not the lightest/smallest tent on the market, it’s affordable and full of features that make it worthwhile. Plus it’s a two person tent, so you can split the load with your camping buddy. This three season, well-ventilated tent has a unique pole system that makes setup a snap. The two support poles are attached to the one main pole, making one giant spider-like skeleton. The main pole connects diagonally and the two support poles connect to opposing sides and also hold up the tent doors (yes, there are two doors). I like to add my own sound effects and ninja moves while spinning the poles around so they snap together. Feel free to add your own creative touch while assembling.

Features:

·      Two doors! No more stepping on your partner for a mid night pee break
·      Two vestibules!
·      Two gear pockets
·      Loops for a gear loft
·      Funky pole system.
·      Weight
·      $299 and there

For added warmth on chilly days, or as another layer on long winter expeditions, the Venus vest is my choice. Once this baby gets revved up, it cranks. It’s made with Marmot’s high quality 800 fill goose down, and hugs your curves, getting rid of that bulky feel if you are layering with it. Good for fall walks around town or freezing your rear off ice climbing.

Features:

·      Zippered pockets
·      Internal pocket
·      Zips up to the neck
·      $130 and back to Marmott

If you are a wuss about the cold and try as hard as you can to be light and fast, get this sleeping pad. It packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle and weighs XXX. Inside is a web of Primaloft Spirafill which makes the Big Agnes warmer than your average air mattress. It’s not self inflating, but it only takes me about 3 minutes to blow it up. I can lay on my side and never feel the ground – a big deal for someone with hips.

Features:
·      Lightweight and small size when packed
·      Spirafill inside.
·      Comes with a stuff sack and repair kit
·      $74-$109 at the BA site

 I bought this bottle from EMS after seeing our winter mountaineering course instructor whip out a similar one filled with hot tea. I used mine the next day and on subsequent trips without any trouble. It’s kept my hot chocolate warm for 8+ hours. I can’t speak for beyond that time cause I usually drink it all. *Note – a friend bought the same bottle and had it fall apart, so I may have gotten the only good one ever made.




Features:
·      Pours from under the grey push button
·      Cap doubles as a lid
·      Cheap
·      $14.99 at EMS cause I <3 them.

They are pink! Usually I’m not a fan of gear that assumes I want a girly color, but for these I’ll make an exception. They have been a great all around shoe for me. I use them for indoor and outdoor climbing. The laces make it easy to get a good, tight fit and the stiff sole makes long days of outdoor climbing more comfortable. I’m a size 8, bought a size 7 and I’m happy. They haven’t stretched and they don’t smell too bad, even after a year of wearing them .
Features:
·      Stiff sole
·      Lace up
·      Toe-covering rand
·      Pink!
·      $99 and Link

Ugh! 10 things are so hard to come up with!

Perfect for summer climbing, this tank top not only sports an awesome purple color/pattern, it is cut to allow a full range of movement. I’ve worn it everywhere from Devils Tower to the Gunks and it’s kept me cool and comfy. It’s also long enough to stay put under a harness or waist belt and not show any skin. Crack kills ladies, crack kills.

Features:
·      Awesome colors
·      Vented
·      Racerback design
·      Long cut
·      $25 - go here.

The end!