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.

MSA, the manufacurer of the Redpoint Auto Belay Descender is recalling all of its units.  After a few documented failures of these descenders, the company has decided to discontinue manufacturing descenders for the recreational climbing market. 

If your program carries the SPOT 2 in the field as an emergency locating devise check the ESN number.  If the ESN number on your SPOT 2 is

Check your Lotus designs PFD’s.  If you have the Lotus designs Mildwater PFD it may fall under a voluntary recall by Patagonia.  After the floatation was tested by

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,

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical compound found in a number of plastics.  The effect of BPA on humans is still disputed by some but the majority of the scientific community seems to embrace BPA as a human health hazard and potential carcinogen.  BPA can leach from the plastic to the contents.