Our friend and coworker Jesse Riley just graduated and is on his way out to explore new horizons and we wanted to have one last chance to climb with him; so the four of us went out to Pilot Mountain. In preparation for the climb we laid out our gear and took note of what more we needed from the stores demo gear. Makana has a flyweight pack that he loves, and decided to try out our Verto 26 (Demo Gear). As it was Brad’s first outdoor climb, he borrowed the Angstrom 30 (Demo Gear) to ensure he had enough space for everything.
In the early morning of May 4, 2011 we gathered at Pete’s place to grab some grub and try to give Alex Honnold’s ten egg breakfast a run for its money. We failed miserably with only eight eggs between the four of us. After breakfast we hit the road for the 100 mile drive.
Pilot Mountain is a very popular climbing destination in North Carolina. It is known for its top rope routes, although there are also a few sport climbs. Jesse, Makana and Pete are somewhat familiar with Pilot Mountain, having made a trip up two weeks prior; this was Brad’s first time. With the sun shining, mild temperatures and a fresh mountain breeze we arrived at Pilot Mountain in good spirits.
Using a lot of our new gear from Petzl and Metolius, we set up two top ropes on bolted anchors atop the longest routes in the park. One route, Vegomatic, is a 5.8 climb with a number of solid holds leading to the crux, which involved a dynamic move on an overhang. The other route, Chicken Bone, is rated at 5.7 and is a test of endurance and one’s ability to continuously battle with outstretched crimpers. These two routes were each about 90 feet high!
Rappelling can be a nerve-wrecking endeavor for both new and experienced climbers. All of us, except Jesse were met with a bit of cold feet as we stepped over the edge. Having reached the bottom with adrenaline pumping, we were aching to climb. Jesse and Makana started on the Vegomatic as Brad and Pete took on Chicken Bone. After switching up the climbs, we were exhausted. We pulled down the ropes, cleared the anchors, had some lunch and set up again on two other routes in the Little Amphitheater.
These new routes were called Grandpa's Belay 5.7 and Pee Break Left 5.6. Jesse and Pete set up the anchors and rappelled down in tandem. As a testament to our work, a gentleman who instructs climbing came and took pictures of our top rope anchors as an example to his students of how you should build them every time!
We had climbed the Pee Break Left 5.6 on our previous visit, but wanted to try some different routes going up this time. Jesse attempted to redpoint a route that would turn the 5.6 into a 5.10c but wasn't quite able to make it. Brad completed his first top out on an outdoor climb there! Makana set up protection on the anchors of Grandpa's Belay to take pictures of Jesse coming up Pee Break Left.
After our climbs we packed up our gear and wished Jesse safe travels.
Looking at the demo gear, we were all impressed on how well it preformed. Makana compares the Verto 26 to his beloved flyweight pack and gives the Verto 26 kudos for a better back panel, three point compression and comfort when carrying. He also points to the ability to hang a hydration bladder and a large carrying capacity as added features. Overall outcome: Excited to recommend.
Brad’s experience with the Angstrom 30 brought to light many new benefits of the pack. He appreciated its size allowing him to easily carry all the necessary gear including but not limited to: stinky climbing shoes (strapped on the outside), climbing harness, belay gear/carabineers, extra clothing and outerwear, and a mammoth lunch (3 sandwiches, some fruit, 2 bottles of water, and a full bag of potato chips). Overall outcome: Brad now owns both an Angstrom 30 and a Verto 26.
TNF Raleigh
Makana Dumlao
Peter Kaminski
Brad Muszalski
Jesse Riley
Never Stop Exploring
