Outside Magazine

Life-Link Guide Shovel: "Big. And burly. With its roomy grip, double-pointed aluminum blade, and virtually unbendable shaft, this was our favorite shovel."

Backpacker Magazine

Life-Link Guide Pole Named Best Buy. "Our testers logged 450 miles with these ultra-light, ultra-durable poles in the last two years. The strength comes from their two-section hybrid construction. The lower shaft is made of a thicker-than-average hollow carbon fiber, which makes them more durable in scree fields, where we've seen other carbon fiber poles snap like toothpicks. The upper half is aluminum - a better material for long-lasting lateral strength - topped with a foam-rubber grip. The halves twist-lock into place, and stayed lock mile after mile. These poles convert into an avalanche probe and come with 3.4 inche baskets for better snow floatation. Off trail hikers should switch to a lower-profile basket, like Life-Link's Snag Proof Trekking baskets.

Note: Ladies should check out the Mountain Lily. Same pole with a smaller grip for women's smaller hands and cool femme graphics.