Open Air Life

I have used the basic ATC for more than 10 years, and was very interested in the look and design of the ATC Guide. So I went to the store and picked one up. I was impressed straight from the start. It is as easy to use as the ATC but has so much more to offer. When my wife is belaying me the grooved sides give her more control and stopping power.

Maybe I’m just a cranky, old-school guy, a non-conforming Libertarian. Don’t know what category to place me, but I rarely endorse a certain brand of outdoor gear. I get asked to do so often – to recommend a tent or backpack, a jacket, harness, or rope. I always resist, because gear is so personal it seems. What works for me may not work for someone else. The stuff I use is all over the board: cheap stuff, quality gear, long-term, short-lived. My favorite camp-cup was a lime-green plastic cheapo I’d had since childhood – it lasted 15 years.