Carabiner evolution has suffered from some tunnel vision, with the element of weight coming to serve as the primary development force. Anchor Labs aims to shake up the climbing world with the Gumball Clip, a new carabiner that serves a different function — more efficient clipping while lead climbing.
One of the most challenging barriers in the realm of rock climbing involves advancing to lead climbing. Leaving the safety of a top rope behind is terrifying enough, but learning to pull up rope with one hand while dangling from a hold on the other and effectively clipping it through a dynamic, gated oval slot is a demanding feat.
Some of the most dangerous falls occur when climbers fumble at the clip, plummeting the distance between their last clip in addition to the length of rope pulled up in expectation of clipping. Many amateur climbers are dismayed at the thought of lead climbing and never progress beyond top-roping.
Anchor Labs was launched by a group of climbers out of the University of Minnesota. They aim to revolutionize the climbing world with “training wheels” for lead climbers, and the Gumball Clip serves this exact purpose. The product is constructed of forged aluminum, boasts a simple curved wire gate, and has an unusual smooth ball at the rope entry point. The combined curved gate shape and sliding ball function contributes to increased clipping ease and offers a massive decrease in usual equipment error, highlighted commonly by stubborn biner gates.
This innovation is being provided with safety assurance equal to existing systems, including CE certification. The carabiner is rated to 20kN when closed and 7kN when opened or on its minor axis.
The Gumball Clip has been a year in production and is listed to retail for $18 on Anchor Lab’s prominent Kickstarter campaign page, or $25 for an entire quickdraw, including shipping. The quickdraw can be purchased on the Kickstarter campaign page for $23. The product is set for initial shipment this summer.
The limited-edition Current LTD comes loaded with premium upgrades, powerful motor assistance, and features designed for serious trail riding.
Aventon is taking things up a notch with its latest electric mountain bike. The new Current LTD is a full-suspension eMTB packed with high-end components, plenty of power, and some impressive technology. There's one catch, though. Only 99 are being made, and each comes with a $7,999 price tag.
INIU has launched the Rugged 10000, a $54.99 power bank with 45W fast charging and IP67 dust and water protection. Its 10,000mAh battery supplies power through two USB-C ports for phones and outdoor gear.
It’s the first product from the company’s new INIU Outdoor division. Weighing roughly 196g, the silicone-armored battery is designed for hikers who need backup power but want to keep their pack light.
Keeping devices charged and a campsite lit takes a little planning once wall outlets disappear. These four Amazon offers cover portable solar power, satellite communication, and two different approaches to camp lighting. The BigBlue, BioLite, and LuminAID prices require Prime membership.
BigBlue 28W solar charger - $50.97 (15% off)