If it gives you any clue, here are some famous photos from the early days of Black Diamond, Chouinard's first company: http://www.prolificmagazine.com/wp-conte

If it gives you any clue, here are some famous photos from the early days of Black Diamond, Chouinard's first company: http://www.prolificmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Profile-41.png http://www.prolificmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/P... http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/Tom_Frost_-_One_cup_of_tea_-_1960.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/Tom_Frost... They sold their gear off picnic tables in Yosemite. They themselves were (are) climbers, and they climbed on the gear they made. (I think the answer to your question is "both")