Seiji Ishii

Seiji Ishii is an adventure journalist that blurs the lines between work and play, writing about his climbing, two-wheeled and on-foot adventures, and the gear involved. He is also an AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor and an ACSM certified personal trainer, specializing in climbers and motocross/supercross athletes. He lives in the woods with his wife, daughter, and a small herd of pets in Wimberley, Texas.

Dynafit TLT Speedfit Ski Touring Boot Review: Good for Ice Climbs?

Switch from tight, ‘ski mode’ to articulating ‘walk mode,’ strap on some crampons, and send the icefall. We tested Dynafit’s TLT Speedfit ski touring boot to see how it performs on ice climbs.

October 16th, 2018

Patagonia Ascensionist Climbing Pack Review: Burly Minimalist

After serious review, the Patagonia Ascensionist is a favorite climbing pack for alpine, ice, and multipitch climbing. Our review, conducted in Alaska, highlights how to best use the pack and who should buy it.

October 15th, 2018

Testing LifeProof’s First Backpack: Squamish XL Review

Best known for adventure-proof phone cases, LifeProof expands into backpacks with a well-organized urban solution.

October 2nd, 2018

KUIU, Sitka Founder Jason Hairston Has Died

Jason Hairston, a former college and NFL football player who founded two outdoors brands, has died. He was 47 years old.

September 7th, 2018

Summit Twice, Run Around: Grueling Rainier Infinity Loop Sees New Record

Inspired by Chad Kellogg’s life of perpetual motion, a pair of Coloradan adventurers claims the fastest known time of the 130-mile, 40,000-foot-gain challenge on Mount Rainier.

August 21st, 2018

All Gear, Any Carry: Big Agnes Stagecoach Rolling Duffel Review

Roll it, carry it, wear it, the Big Agnes Stagecoach provides numerous ways to carry most if not all your gear. We took it across tarmac, over dirt, on our shoulders, and through the skies for this review.

August 17th, 2018

Tents vs. Hammocks: How a Traditional Camper Took to Sleeping in Trees

Hammock-life brand Kammok tried to sell me — a lifelong tent-user — on hanging versus traditional camping. So I went along with the brand for overnights in Texas heat and cool Colorado mountain stops to see how hammock-camping stacks up.

August 10th, 2018

Lightweight Lumens: 1.3-Ounce Petzl Bindi Headlamp Review

Petzl’s super-compact, ultralight headlamp is excellent for the front country, urban escapes, and EDC use.

August 7th, 2018

Five Ten to Launch Bouldering-Specific ‘Aleon’ Shoe

The to-be-released Five Ten Aleon weds modern materials and Adidas testing with the old-school experience of Fred Nicole.

July 13th, 2018

Sensitive and Steep: Scarpa Furia S First Look

Scarpa adds a sensitive, soft, aggressive shoe to its high-performance lineup. We tested the Furia S both outdoors and in for this first look review.

July 9th, 2018

First Bolt Problems: ‘Beta Stick Evo’ Is Your Answer

Clip bolts with ease in the rigid Trango Beta Stick Evo Compact. Read our review of the stick clip and find out how it compares to other remote clipping options.

June 21st, 2018

Carbon & Kevlar: MSR Trekking Poles Survive Alaskan Test

Carbon fiber, Kevlar, and the patented DynaLock adjustable closure combine in the light, compact, sturdy MSR Ascent Pole.

June 13th, 2018

First Look: Wild Country Revo Revamps Assisted Belay

Fall fast, and the Wild Country Revo kicks in, catching you. Read on for our take on the nuanced assisted-locking belay device, which differs considerably from the GriGri and tube-style belay devices used in climbing.

May 29th, 2018

Best In Weight Class? Gregory ‘Optic’ & ‘Octal’ Backpacks

The Gregory Optic 48 delivers the obvious benefits of an ultralight pack with a high ratio of features and function for its weight.

May 25th, 2018

Foot-Mapped Custom Insoles: Superfeet ME3D Review

Superfeet worked with HP to create fully custom, supportive, and flexible insoles. After getting my feet scanned and gait measured, I tested the ME3D insoles on hikes and trail runs.

May 8th, 2018