Reflections of a Green Business Pioneer, a Lecture by Yvon Chouinard

The UCLA Institute of the Environment held an interview (more like a lecture) with Yvon Chouinard - the founder of Patagonia, and also Chouinard Equipment (which became Black Diamond Equipment).

The interview is about all kinds of things and he shares some excellent stories about starting up his equipment company and Patagonia.

Part 1:

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w30d87Dsoc&feature=relmfu

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH21aUH4NbY&feature=related

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-C98EiYMi8&feature=relmfu

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoC0p6YRULI&feature=relmfu

Carbon fibre carabiner (key chain)

Bison Designs, which seem to mainly sell key chains and other trinkets, have created a carbon fibre carabiner key chain which can hold around 500lb (227 kg) and weighs 10 grams. According to a description on carbonfibergear.com the gate is heavier than the body of the carabiner. Unfortunately 227 kg is about 1/10th of the strength required for climbing carabiners so it won't be so useful for that. But it will hold a mighty heavy set of keys. The niche for a carbon fibre carabiner for rock climbing still waits to be filled.

Image from Bison Designs

New BMC Belaying & Abseiling Leaflet released

The BMC have released a new leaflet/pdf on belaying and abseiling. The leaflet has been updated to keep up with changes in belay devices. The booklet includes greater emphasis on 'assisted braking devices' such as the Grigri 2 or Eddy; these devices have sometimes incorrectly been referred to as 'auto-locking' - this term is misleading because the devices do not allow you to belay hands free. They merely assist in holding a climber; you should always keep hold of the braking end of the rope.

The leaflet also deals with the importance of matching your belay device with your rope. Many ropes are thinner than ever, and new dry treatments on a rope can make them feel even slicker in a belay device. Download the leaflet from here:

http://www.thebmc.co.uk/News.aspx?id=4332

Direct pdf link.

Image from BMC website.