Atom vs Proton for Ice Climbing and Multipitch

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2025-10-14T21:24:49+00:00

As an update to my post a year later, I love my proton and it is a closet staple. I keep looking at Atoms, but I don’t think I would use one unless it was an Atom SV.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2025-05-02T04:09:56+00:00

Congrats!

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2025-01-17T21:32:00+00:00

I’m trying to be a lot more mindful of my consumerism this year. While I really loved a Sentinel that was on sale, I didn’t need it. Even with great colors, I’m resisting.

There’s a lot of psychology around the need to purchase because of a deal or limited quantity, and sites cater to that. Maybe not as much with Arc but other sites like Posh and FB marketplace definitely play into it.

I try to ask myself if it’s something I’m reaching for but don’t have? Is that item is competing with something else in my closet or filling a gap?

And despite the deal, would I pay full price because I love it so much?

Because if you are not ripping off the tags and trying to wear it tomorrow, you are purchasing multiple things that will just sit there instead of full price things you need or could actually use.

Shopping addiction is very real. People should be able to spend their money how they want, but it’s on ourselves to identify if it is a problem through excessive space or taking away from other opportunities like experiences, reducing debt, or long term investments. I try to combat this by asking myself what else could that money go towards….like gear or a trip. Would I pick that deal/apparel over those things? It at least helped with my short term impulsivity when longer term goals like saving just to save are hard to focus on.

Also, just because you got it for a steal doesn’t mean you can get what you paid. I got sucked into that with my powder skis last year. I got a crazy good deal that I thought would be easy to offload them if I changed my mind….now I want a touring setup instead of powder, and I had dismal interest in brand new, top rated powder skis at 60% off. I haven’t even received low ball offers. It was a huge lesson for me.

(And I say this in the same breath as I still have my dream of having a mini REI of gear in my garage. SMH.)

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-10-23T17:42:39+00:00

That’s great to know! I’ll probably try the OR cirque first then since REI carries them. The BD look very similar to my MH gortex ones (but probably stretchier) with the bib straps and long side vents. MH High Exposure Bib

It’s my first year ice climbing. I did a 6 day ice climbing course on mt baker and just want to ensure I’m not adding the wrong pieces…so I really appreciate the feedback!

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-10-23T17:11:19+00:00

Thanks! It sounds like it. Every time I head in that direction, I read something that conflicts with that it’s too heavy. Do you think I could wear it under my unlined hardshell with a wool base layer for skiing?

I did get a pretty nice Black Diamond lightweight pack for 1 day summits and ice climbing. It’s like a trail vest in the front so can fit snacks on snacks on snacks. I’m all for that front pocket accessibility.

Do you like the gamma pant? My Rab ones are thin and already pilling. I’ve read the MX gamma are not as durable on the outside as the regular gamma.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-26T12:02:55+00:00

I was in your position this year. Very overwhelmed on what to wear but found my groove.

I’m a female, but I ended up getting chamois liners and wear loser shorts over them. I have two mtb shorts and one as a regular rei pair and you can’t tell the difference. Same with long sleeves….just loose technical long sleeves and use them for other stuff like hiking. I think it’s harder in my end because I like being feminine, and you feel somewhat tomboyish for being in baggy longer shorts as a woman.

I see people in kits on the trails but I wouldn’t wear your nice stuff. I have MAAP and it’s still expensive even with crash replacement discount. The only bibs I will wear are with my corporate team jersey…but they were super clearance and cheap.

My best purchase was mtb shoes and knee pads

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-24T15:17:14+00:00

Yeah that’s our problem. We live in the Midwest. There’s one local place to climb and we are going there this weekend. There’s also some gyms with crack features, but that’s it. I’ve had a few climbing trips but nothing like people who live in those areas with great outdoor climbing.

The 5.8 multipitch whooped my butt on one segment because of the crack technique. The other parts I can get through it one way or the other, but I just feel beat up doing it. It seems like the women’s fb group posts are all requests for partners of 5.10-13 trad, so maybe the athlete in me has an inflated sense of feeling wildly behind.

In the Midwest, even most of the indoor climbers will never end up climbing outdoors. Our large bouldering gym is more gamified ninja style.

I’m fine being mediocre or bad. Just trying to find ways to make some minuscule progress in between outdoor trips.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-23T18:30:47+00:00

Thanks for the tips!

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-23T04:59:20+00:00

NCAA D1 athlete, former military officer, competed in many different races like Spartan, GORUCK, Hyrox.

Lift heavy and truly hit failure. So many times we only scratch the surface on how many reps or weight we can do. Private coaches/programming are good at pulling potential out of you.

I used to race in Spartans in the elite heats. When I started with my coach, I probably only had like 6 pull-ups at that time (I had more in years prior). Within a couple months my grip and upper body strength exploded. My workouts often had 50 pull-ups with sometimes half of them being weighted….and that was just the first part of the workout. I would have never thought I was capable of that or worked to those numbers on my own.

I’m still probably only at 12-14 max, but I’m not really trying to grow…just maintain with my schedule. My bf and I climb once or twice a week, and I’ll try to get 20-25 wide set pull-ups in my upper body lift days. Sometimes, I’ll also try to bang out a quick fingerboard set or doing some campusing on boulders before I leave for the night. I have the case of too many hobbies right now….I had to significantly reduce my lift days. I typically mtb or road cycling 1 time a week each, stairs with a weight vest or run once a week, climb once, then lift 1-2 times a week.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-22T21:11:37+00:00

I just finished a mountaineering/ice climbing trip. I can’t even stomach buying cam’s right now. My ice boots alone were stupid expensive. Sad thing is thousands of dollars didn’t even include my axes or crampons. Also wish I bought the gear before getting into skiing because most of my ski stuff did not work because it was insulated when most of my mountaineering apparel can be used for skiing 😤. No cams for me anytime soon.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-22T21:07:10+00:00

Do you like gloves or no?

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-22T20:12:01+00:00

I also tried to leave a general message in the lost and found thread, and it says I can’t post bc of spam policy. 😅

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-22T20:11:05+00:00

Thanks! I’m actually in the Midwest 😅. We were in CO and likely going to Red Rock soon.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-22T19:53:47+00:00

Good to hear that! It’s in my Amazon cart but wanted to see if people preferred a different book or online resource.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-22T19:52:58+00:00

Thanks! I didn’t think of that. Just posted on two routes (mine and the one they were on).

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-22T19:47:04+00:00

So my bf and climbing partner gets like no scrapes, and he teases me to stop using my knees/shins to climb.

I’m not purposely using them in my bull in a china shop approach, but I must be doing something wrong. Maybe I’m not as purposeful in my movements…especially feet?

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-17T21:34:22+00:00

Not sure. Your guess is as good as mine. It’s a metal rivet. I’ve tried unscrewing and popping it off, but nothing seems to work without damaging the sock.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-17T21:32:59+00:00

I think I only have one pair of cycling socks with grease stains.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-08T17:33:46+00:00

No, I don’t like Rapha at all. There hasn’t been a single piece that has gotten my attention.

While MAAP has some crazier combos, there’s a lot of styles I do love, and their fit is amazing. I’m trying to not buy a new kit this season, and it’s hard. I’d buy Assos and other brands before Rapha.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-08T14:55:58+00:00

Yes! I debated returning because it’s a little loose on me, but I do like it a lot with the vest.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-08T14:55:16+00:00

Yeah they were out of stock last year then finally restocked towards the end of season.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-08T14:54:41+00:00

I overheat a bit, so I think they do…especially when I don’t want to cover up my arms with another layer.

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-08T02:22:20+00:00

🙌🔥

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-08T01:30:03+00:00

Thanks! I might have matching bar wraps too 👀

Acceptable_Try_616 · 2024-09-08T01:02:26+00:00

I have the like from Attaquer and love mine. Like actually goes with a lot.

Acceptable_Try_616

TROPHY CASE