Vintage Gear

Dolt piton

Dolt pitons were made by Bill Feuerer, aka the “Dolt.” He began making climbing equipment in 1957 during the months-long siege of the Nose of El Cap. Dolt designed, made and sold pitons, hooks, and other climbing-related equipment through the 1960s. His early pitons were lovingly finished, things of beauty; perhaps the most elegant pieces of climbing equipment ever made.

Layton Kor rap ring

Layton made several rappel rings out of baling wire with some wraps of electrical tape to protect the rope. When asked whether he’d actually trust it, he replied, “there’s six wraps there; you only need four.”

Harvey Carter piton

Attempting the Totem Pole in the mid-50s, Harvey Carter needed pitons larger than the standard army-issue ring-angles. He had a metalworker forge heftier specimens out of heavy-gauge angle iron. This one is welded shut at the striking end. He painted his pitons gold for that classic look.