Quick post to connect to recent articles of interest on Outside Online:

1. Adventure Adviser – “Where are some bouldering spots for beginners?” Answers include Lost Rocks and Bishop, California.

2. Gear of the Year. Not all top 14 products made my heart quiver, but these did.

2.a North Face Primero 60 Backpack. Gorgeous! Sounds ridiculously well-built. And, there’s a woman-specific model. Doesn’t move me when it comes to chalk bags or even harnesses, but does make a difference in packs.

2.b Marmot Aura Tent. Have I ever told you I love Marmot tents? Can’t hide the truth. Is it all about looks? Or do I really value personality? Occasionally fragile, yes, but they’re so handy, easygoing, and never overbearing. I can take them anywhere. They give me plenty of space. So great for bed, I’d even consider a one night stand.

Beautiful new film from BS Productions – their fourth.

In Spray, filmmaker Brian Solano documents the adventures of four climbers along the Northern California Coast. Joe Kinder (The Life), Chris Linder, Collette McInerney, Luke Parady (The Life), and Vanessa Compton.

The film tour is over and the DVD up for sale. See Spray the website to watch the trailer and buy it online.

On a personal note, the only other BS Productions/Brian Solano film I’ve seen is The Life. Looks like Solano had a much bigger budget for Spray because that trailer is way more crisp and the music far more inviting. This is going on my list.

Readers, if you’ve seen em, should I watch The Australian Project and Karma, too?

Posted Monday, a group bouldering at Stawamus Chief and Murrin Park in Squamish B.C. Not the intense kind of climbing video. But I like how you can see solid technique and balance in slow, fluid movements.