Last week, Backbone Media partners Black Diamond and La Sportiva played host to a group of 6 journalists for some product testing in the heart of the San Juan Mountain Range, in southwestern Colorado. While the underlying premise of the trip centered around introducing the journalists to the new S11 Pack Line from Black Diamond and the S10 FC ECO Series from La Sportiva, we were lucky enough to receive additional product su
pport from other Backbone partners and friends including: Honey Stinger, Hydrapak, Outdoor Research, Polartec® and SmartWool®. Thanks to all the manufacturers for your support as it really made for a great trip for everyone!
Warning: The photos you are about to see include images of highly skilled “chossaneers” performing their passions with top secret product to debut at this summer’s Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City, Utah. Please do not attempt to repeat any of these stunts without the guidance of Clint, Bean and Cory at the San Juan Mountain Guides, based out of Ouray, Colorado. And of course, without getting a great night’s sleep at one of Ouray’s finest lodges, the Box Canyon Lodge.
Some “motley” members of the testing team preparing for duty.
On the way up the Queen of the San Juans, the 14,150-foot Mt Sneffels.
The climbing was interesting near the summit of the SW Ridge of Mount Sneffels.
The obligatory summit pose…with cardboard sign that we borrowed from another peak bagger.
The clouds were rolling in as we descended into the valley below.
Day two included an ascent of the 14,017-foot Wilson Peak. Entering the land of the choss!
And another meeting on the summit about to begin…
Yeah, Jade!