Abstract: A non-cleated, soft metal traction device reduces or eliminates slippage on wet and hard surfaces, such as mossy rocks beneath the water surface of a body of water. The traction device includes at least one external metal shank, plate or bar attachable to a footwear item with a desired binding system. The shank is preferably made from a soft metal material, such as a non-heat-treated aluminum alloy, so it is soft enough to grip and elastically conform to moist, wet or otherwise slippery rock and shale. The contact surface of the shank may include grooves, ribs, spaced apart ridges, or other small surface variations to improve the traction of the device in transition environments.

Abstract: A non-cleated, soft metal traction device reduces or eliminates slippage on wet and hard surfaces, such as mossy rocks beneath the water surface of a body of water. The traction device includes at least one external metal shank, plate or bar attachable to a footwear item with a desired binding system. The shank is preferably made from a soft metal material, such as a non-heat-treated aluminum alloy, so it is soft enough to grip and elastically conform to moist, wet or otherwise slippery rock and shale. The contact surface of the shank may include grooves, ribs, spaced apart ridges, or other small surface variations to improve the traction of the device in transition environments.

Abstract: A modular utility vest system is disclosed. A front portion of a utility vest is designed to accommodate the needs of a particular sporting activity. The front portion of the utility vest further includes a pair of buckles at the top of the utility vest near the shoulders of a wearer and a buckle on either side of the vest near the waist of a wearer. A backpack designed for use with the utility vest front portion includes complementary buckles on the tops of the shoulder straps for attaching the top buckles on the utility vest front portion. The backpack further includes complementary buckles on the lower sides of the backpack for attaching the side buckles on the utility vest front portion. If a user wishes to use the utility vest without the backpack, there is a webbing harness that comprises two pieces of webbing sewed in an "X" configuration. The webbing harness is worn on the back of the user and includes two complementary top buckles for attaching to the top buckles on the utility vest front portion.

Abstract: A polygonal mountaineering chock with at least two sets of opposed faces in which extensions of each set of faces defines an acute angle, and the median distances between the two sets of opposed faces are unequal, whereby the chock can be received in holding position in cracks or openings of two different widths. A series of such chocks in graduated sizes is provided, with the distances between the sets of opposed faces being uniformly increased, such that at least one position of one chock of the series will fit into any crack of a width between the smaller end of the narrower set of faces of the smallest chock and the larger end of the wider set of faces of the largest chock.