A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

We’re route setting, pushing limits, and doing things that have never been done all while preserving the heritage of mountaineering and empowering the climber!

DC Mountaineering is committed to innovation that stays true to the spirit of the outdoors and enhances the overall experience in them. The Firefly is the first of its kind and will be joined by other outdoor products that enable all those who explore the tools to do so.

Dallin Connell, our founder, was out rock climbing one day when he was forced to bail off a route. When a climber bails off of a route mid-pitch the climber has no choice but to either leave expensive gear or risk their safety as they leave the wall. That just wasn't good enough for Dallin. He believed a climber should never have to choose between safety and equipment -- so he went to work.

Risks and challenges

Here at DC Mountaineering we have spent over a year working on developing the product and making it ready for our customers. We have also been working with manufacturers and experts to make sure that everything runs smoothly. We are currently working with a reliable manufacturer that is close to home to ensure that the product is completed and at our doorstep on time. We have given a significant buffer to our manufacturing timeline just in case any problems arise.

Here are a few things that could go wrong and what we are doing to avoid them:

Production and Shipping takes longer than expected

-We are working with a reliable manufacture that are close to home to ensure that the product is completed and at our doorstep on time. We have given a significant buffer to our manufacturing timeline just in case any problems arise.

Final product not ready

-The firefly is fully functional. However, there are slight modifications that we are working on to enhance it. Those enhancements are on track to being completed. They have been given a significant buffer in case things take longer than expected but they will be done before the end of the kickstarter campaign. DC Mountaineering will be ready to fulfill mass orders by the end of the campaign.

Although our team has planned for the worst, there are things that could still go wrong that are outside of our control. We promise to keep you informed and to do everything that we can to get your orders to you, well before the next rock climbing season.