Vertical Archaeology Blog
Clog Micro Pitons
These incredibly small pitons were a mystery to me for several years. They have no markings or manufacturing stamps and I have never found another example quite so small. Recently I noticed a Supertopo...
MARWA Ice Screws
Introduced in 1961 the Stubai MARWA ice screw was the first commercial attempt at a practical ice screw. Designed by Sebastian Mariner (1909-1989), the screws are simple and elegant but are also very difficult...
Jeff Lowe / Wayne Goss Gear Sling
I’m not sure of when Jeff Lowe and Wayne Goss were in business together as Mountain Gear Incorporated. Jeff Lowe’s online biography doesn’t list the partnership but does cover his move to Colorado in...
Sporthaus Schuster Pitons
These pitons date from the late 1930s and are really remarkable pieces of history. The craftsmanship of these pitons shows in the attention to detail and the fine finish of the product. Hand made...
1940s to 1960s Austrian Pitons
These pitons are all stamped “MADE IN AUSTRIA” and have no other manufacturing marks. My guess is the majority were probably made by Stubai for military use or for sale by other companies like...
1956 Tender Leaf Tea Advertisement
Wow. This ad makes some interesting claims. My question is this: “why would climbers even need bottled oxygen if simply drinking Tender Leaf Tea could boost the oxygen in your blood by so much?”...
1962 Keds Shoe Advertisement
I can’t guarantee you that Keds make good climbing shoes but I can tell you that Converse All Stars are pretty bad. I once did “spaceshot” in Zion National Park in a pair…...
