Rock Climbing : Comments
Comments by brushman (2)
Article: Cirque Pro Editorial Review
Love most of Sportiva's climbing shoes, however, if you're looking for a comfortable APPROACH shoe, then the Sportiva Cirque is NOT it. Small, low-profile toe box and sticky rand do help with cracks, but at the end of a long day climbing (in real rock shoes) your toes will be screaming for relief on the hike out! I even sized them them a tad bit large, but for me, the small toe box/rubber rand combination does not allow for much forefoot/shoe flexion when hiking. I got rid of them after a few trips....just couldn't take it!
Love most of Sportiva's climbing shoes, however, if you're looking for a comfortable APPROACH shoe, then the Sportiva Cirque is NOT it. Small, low-profile toe box and sticky rand do help with cracks, but at the end of a long day climbing (in real rock shoes) your toes will be screaming for relief on the hike out! I even sized them them a tad bit large, but for me, the small toe box/rubber rand combination does not allow for much forefoot/shoe flexion when hiking. I got rid of them after a few trips....just couldn't take it!
Article: Metolius Crag Station Editorial Review
I have the version prior to this...basically the same pack except smaller side pockets. As mentioned above, the pack is plenty roomy for the average day at the crag, and has several nice features. However, one SIGNIFICANT design improvement should be made....the shoulder straps and waist belt should be repositioned to the opposite side of the pack! As the pack is naturally set on the ground, opened, and used as designed, their current location (on the floor/bottom of the pack) results in dirt, mud, and debris getting on them and back panel, (and subsequently your back/clothing)!! The carrying system and design of the North Face Camp Duffles are more appropriate, with straps, etc. remaining on top when sitting on the ground. Plus, when removing the Metolius pack off your back (held by the shoulder straps), it naturally wants to lay upside-down on the zippered opening of the main compartment. This, then, requires it to be turned over to gain access!....which of course, results in the said dirt accumulating on the straps, waist belt, back panel, clothing, etc. Totally a$$-backwards design! Try one, and you'll quickly see for yourself!
I have the version prior to this...basically the same pack except smaller side pockets. As mentioned above, the pack is plenty roomy for the average day at the crag, and has several nice features. However, one SIGNIFICANT design improvement should be made....the shoulder straps and waist belt should be repositioned to the opposite side of the pack! As the pack is naturally set on the ground, opened, and used as designed, their current location (on the floor/bottom of the pack) results in dirt, mud, and debris getting on them and back panel, (and subsequently your back/clothing)!! The carrying system and design of the North Face Camp Duffles are more appropriate, with straps, etc. remaining on top when sitting on the ground. Plus, when removing the Metolius pack off your back (held by the shoulder straps), it naturally wants to lay upside-down on the zippered opening of the main compartment. This, then, requires it to be turned over to gain access!....which of course, results in the said dirt accumulating on the straps, waist belt, back panel, clothing, etc. Totally a$$-backwards design! Try one, and you'll quickly see for yourself!
