Two years ago I purchased the DMM Belay Master Carabiners for a climbing program I manage. This unique carabiner prevents potentially dangerous cross-loading and allows you to confirm the carabiner is locked from a distance away. Is it useful for programs or personal use?

Grand Teton National Park, WY. Three separate climbing parties reported injuries after a storm hit around midday. The groups were all above 12,000 feet on the 13,770-foot Grand Teton Mountain  

 If your program operates in bear habitat, you probably have bear camping & travel practices. Are they documented? How do your leaders implement these? Details after the link.

We review the Stohlquist Descent and Astral Greenjacket. Rescue PFD's are important for any professional or personal paddle trip in moving water. With a rescue PFD you will now be able to help those unconscious swimmers with the quick release safety belt. Details after the link.

In recent years there have been discussions amongst the public and government organizations about who should pay for the search and rescue of the people stranded in the backcountry. Newsweek had a recent article on the issue. Details after the link.

Over the past few years we’ve heard an increasing number of people using grapefruit seed extract (GSE) as a form of water “purification.”  I was told it was basically a tincture made from grapefruit seeds, just add a few drops to a liter, shake it up, wait 20 minutes and drink. There may be more to it.

The Spiroll is a polyurethane device that easily wraps around a section of your climbing rope or webbing to protect it from abrasion.  Simple, lightweight,