Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is the ALPINIST case different from my existing camera case?
Q: Will my existing compact point & shoot camera fit inside the ALPINIST case?
Q: What happens if I get my ALPINIST case and I am not satisfied with it or it is not compatible with my digital camera?
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Q: What is the return policy?
Q: What is the warranty policy?
Q: How will the ALPINIST case protect my camera?
Q: Is the ALPINIST case waterproof?
Q: How durable is the anodized finish?
Q: Will the magnetic latch damage my camera?
Q: How long will my ALPINIST case last?
Q: Can worn parts be replaced?
Q: How do I clean and maintain my ALPINIST case?
Q: Where and how is the ALPINIST case made?
Q: Where else can I purchase the ALPINIST case?
Q: How will my ALPINIST case be shipped?
Q: Can the ALPINIST case be shipped to international customers and destinations?
Q: How can I recycle my ALPINIST case once it is at the end of its life?

>>> Please email us with additional questions at technical@mproto.net

Q: How is the ALPINIST case different from my existing camera case?

The ALPINIST case is different from ordinary camera "cases" in at least three ways:

It is specifically designed to be used in vertical climbing where the requirements of robustness and accessibility to a compact camera are highly important. Subsequently, these demanding design requirements make it very useful in other outdoor pursuits as well.
It is constructed from computer-numeric-controlled (CNC) machined aluminum alloy, thus enabling this camera case to be very high-quality, durable, lightweight, functional, and uniquely aesthetic.
Due to its functional design, aesthetic design, and exceptional build-quality, the ALPINIST case is truly unlike any other camera case currently on the market.

View the ALPINIST case demo video here.

Q: Will my existing compact point & shoot camera fit inside the ALPINIST case?

The ALPINIST Case is available in four sizes - M5, R5, X5, and L5. There is an ALPINIST Case size to fit most all sizes of current compact point-and-shoot cameras.

To verify your camera will fit inside a specific ALPINIST Case model please note the external maximum dimensions of your camera and then select the case model that accommodates those maximum external L, H, & W dimensions.

See Size Section HERE for more information.

Maximum External Dimensions for camera to fit adequately -

M5 Model
3.7 in. X 2.4 in. X 1.1 in. (L x H x W)

R5 Model
4.2 in. X 2.6 in. X 1.3 in. (L x H x W)

X5 Model
4.8 in. X 2.6 in. X 1.3 in. (L x H x W)

L5 Model
4.8 in. X 2.6 in. X 2.1 in. (L x H x W)

Customers can also download and print the Size Compatibility Worksheet PDF's for each case model to aid in determining if camera will fit inside a specific case model.

Please feel free to call us at 503-208-2284 or at technical@mproto.net with camera compatibility questions.

Q: What happens if I get my case and I am not satisfied with it or it is not compatible with my camera?

A full-refund will be given to the customer if the camera case is returned in new condition within thirty (30) days from purchase date - no questions asked. The original shipping charge incurred by us and the cost of shipping incurred by the purchaser from returning the order will not be refunded..
Please verify camera size compatibility here, or email us at technical@mproto.net with camera compatibility questions prior to ordering.

Q: Will the ALPINIST case protect my camera if I drop it?

Yes, the ALPINIST case is specifically designed to protect your camera against impacts, loads, and the ambient elements common in outdoor pursuits such as (but not limited to) technical climbing, mountaineering, hiking, mountain biking, travel and/or bike touring.
View our product gallery here.

Q: Is the ALPINIST case waterproof?

The ALPINIST case is water-resistant, not waterproof.

Expect to be able to keep your camera dry in a snowstorm or rainstorm, but don't expect it to keep your camera dry during a deep-sea diving session. In addition, because the ALPINIST case is made from aluminum and stainless steel, it will never rust or corrode.

The ALPINIST case in NOT waterproof for the following three primary reasons:

Watertight seals would add too much weight and bulk to the case - see our weight comparison table here.
When used in climbing it is important to be able to access the camera strap before opening the camera case, thus keeping the camera strap external to camera base would break a watertight seal even if it existed.
Waterproof seals would add unnecessary complexity to the case design and most importantly hinder accessibility to the camera.

Q: How durable is the anodized surface finish?

Aluminum anodizing is very hard and durable - in fact, the anodized finish is actually harder than the aluminum beneath it. Anodizing is not "paint" and cannot be removed or chipped off without damaging the aluminum beneath it.
Because aluminum is NOT harder than granite (or most other rock types), the perimeter edges of the case will wear during climbing in a way similar to an anodized carabineer or belay device. This is expected and normal. Keep in mind that the ALPINIST case is designed to take this kind of abuse - and frankly, we believe an ALPINIST case is not truly "finished" until it gets some hard-earned scratches from long outdoor epics.

Q: Will the magnetic latch damage my camera?

The magnetic latch should not damage digital cameras or camera memory cards. Please do keeps things such as credit cards, magnetic I.D. cards, cassette tapes, video tapes or other such devices away from the magnetic latch. It is the end-user's responsibility to prevent damaging other devices by the magnets contained in the latching system.
Please visit http://www.kjmagnetics.com/faq.asp#health for more magnet specific questions.
Please read and accept our product liability statement here prior to ordering.

Q: How long will my ALPINIST case last?

The ALPINIST case is designed to easily out live a typical point and shoot digital camera - the idea is that one case will be used for a lifetime of compatible cameras.
Since we believe it is wasteful and irresponsible to discard a product when only one component is broken, we have taken the time to design a camera case such that its parts can easily be replaceable by the end-user without special tools.
With light use (such as non-climbing activities), the case is designed to last a lifetime.
With moderate use (such as regular climbing), the case is designed to last 5 - 7 years.
Since we expect many users to regularly abuse the ALPINIST case during vertical climbing or other pursuits, this product is designed such that all the individual parts are replaceable upon part failure. Spare parts are always available upon request.

Q: Can worn parts be replaced?

YES! Because we have designed a product we intend to last a lifetime, all parts can easily be replaced by the end-user with common hand tools. Spare parts are always available upon request.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

Orders can be cancelled via email or phone anytime prior to shipment. Once the order has been shipped, then the purchase must be returned and a refund will be issued in accordance with the return policy.

Q: What is the return policy?

A full-refund will be given to the customer if the camera case is returned in new condition within thirty (30) days from the purchase date. The cost of shipping incurred by the purchaser from returning the ALPINIST case will not be refunded. The original shipping charge incurred by us and the cost of shipping incurred by the purchaser from returning the order will not be refunded.

Please verify camera size compatibility here, or email us at technical@mproto.net with camera compatibility questions prior to ordering.

Q: What is the warranty policy?

Each ALPINIST case is warranted for 90 days from the date of purchase against manufacturer defects. Damage during use of the case or the case componets are not covered under our warranty policy. Camera cases sent back for repairs not covered under warranty policy can be repaired at a reasonable expense to be paid by the owner of the case.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my ALPINIST case?

To clean the ALPINIST case, simply rinse it under running water and let it dry thoroughly in direct sunlight. Any type of mild soap or rubbing alcohol can be used to remove external stains. Do not use solvents on internal foam lining.
The ALPINIST case is designed to be essentially maintenance-free. Once a year, simply lubricate the lid hinge and carabineer hanger pivot point (use Teflon or silicon based bike lubes).

Q: Where and how is the ALPINIST case made?

We are designers, engineers, fabricators, and climbing dirt-bags who chase experiences and then channel what we learn from them into our work. We are constantly striving to improve our products - please visit our feedback page here.
We take great pride in machining, folding, finishing, and assembling every ALPINIST case we sell. At our Washington State based shop, every case is seen as a minor work of art - and that is how we would like you to feel when you receive your ALPINIST case - please visit our company section here.
Since we are low-volume manufacturer, we are involved in every step of creation - from concept imagination to CAD design to final assembly. Flat sheets of aircraft grade aluminum roll into the shop and fine climbing camera cases roll out!
Because we are a small company that takes pride in being involved in the creation process from beginning to end, production runs are small and quantities are limited.
Every ALPINIST case is made 100% in the U.S.A.

Q: Where else can I purchase the ALPINIST case?

Currently, the ALPINIST case is only available by direct purchase from this e-commerce site - www.mproto.net

Q: How will my ALPINIST case be shipped?

The shipping rates quoted on our site (and generated in shopping cart) are for ground shipping (domestic) or air shipping (Hawaii and Alaska). We will use either UPS or FedEx.

Domestic deliveries will take 5-7 business days once the order is shipped. We will provide a tracking number once the order leaves our shop via email. If a product is backordered or delayed we will contact the customer via the email provided at the time of order. Orders can be cancelled and payment refunded at anytime prior to shipment.

International orders will be shipped via air carrier and will be insured. Additional restrictions and shipping delays may apply to international orders - please email us prior to ordering international orders.

Q: Can the ALPINIST case be shipped to international customers and destinations?

Yes, we will ship to international destinations, but you must email us prior to purchase so we can calculate and charge the specific shipping costs.

We will generate a shipping quote and provide a quote number via email. This generated international shipping quote number is required to proceed with international orders. We will provide instructions on how to submit order once a shipping quote number has been generated.

In addition, the customer is responsible to pay all taxes and brokerage fees, which could be collected at delivery.

Q: How can I recycle my ALPINIST case once it is at the end of its life?

Since your ALPINIST case must be disassembled and cleaned prior to recycling, we offer an in-house recycling program.
Send us your spent ALPINIST case and we will recycle the aluminum, steel, and other components contained in it.
As an incentive to recycle, we will refund the original purchaser of the case $10 US dollars (electronically or via mailed check) in a timely manner.
NOTE - A complete ALPINIST case must be returned for recycle refund to be issued. A complete ALPINIST case is considered to be the following five (5) parts; Case Lid, Carabineer Hanger, AL 6061 T6 Sides (right and left), Al 5052 Body. Mogomoto Prototype reserves the right to refuse a recycle refund to anyone in case of a dispute.