Category: Blog

How exactly can you shop for a down jacket…and be confident it’s going to be warm enough? Here, we break down one aspect of down jacket selection. Alternatively, check out the insulation we offer for men and women, and email us with your questions. How much down is in this jacket? The key question to […]

Easily the most common question we are asked is, “What kind of boots will I wear on my Rainier climb?” Here, we break down how we decide. Two Boot Types We use two main types of boots in Washington’s Cascades Range, which includes Mount Rainier and Mount Baker among other peaks: double boots and single […]

Alpine Ascents climbs Mount Rainier from May through September. We are often asked which dates to choose, so here we break down the merits of each month. Mount Rainier’s Climbing Season(s) Mount Rainier can be climbed year-round. For climbers willing to adventure, even the more challenging shoulder seasons can provide interesting climbing or skiing. A […]

Why do we use full-zip hardshell pants for alpine climbing? What exactly are hardshells, anyway? What features are important in hardshell jackets or pants? Why is it important not to bring half or quarter-zip hardshell pants into the high mountains? Here we answer some common questions with a few anecdotes and a few unavoidable facts. […]

Welcome to Part 2 of our Food Planning for Mountaineering blog series. This post will breakdown the mysteries of building a proper meal plan for backcountry travel. Whether you are headed out on an overnight trip or a week-long expedition, you should be able to pick up some helpful tips and meal ideas as we […]

“How do I lighten my pack weight but still bring enough gear?” This is a very common, very important question. Here, I break down some key tips for dropping your pack weight. Get Rid of Some Niceties Perhaps the truest axiom when talking pack weights is that if you bring less, your pack will weigh […]

In good company with approximately 20 other 14,000-foot-plus peaks in the lower-48 states, Mount Rainier is often misunderstood and underestimated. Whether you’ve climbed extensively or are new to climbing, you know that properly sizing up a climbing objective is the first key step to seeing a good time in the mountains. In this brief article, […]

An ice axe is a critical piece of mountain equipment. Not only does it need to be suited for the terrain you will be encountering on a given peak, but it also needs to be sized correctly. As with most gear, the array of choices can be overwhelming, so we are going to break down […]

After a long drive to the trailhead, you’ve tossed your last items into your pack, drained the last drop of coffee, and locked the car. On the skin out of the snow-covered parking lot, you kick out ahead of your buddies for a group beacon check. Yesterday, you toured resort sidecountry, and your beacon was […]

The anticipation and physical preparation have been exhausting. The iron has been pumped. You have been ripping up stair sets for breakfast. Every precious ounce of your kit is honed. But have you stretched your expedition mindset? An expedition is much more than the physical climb of a single mountain. For several weeks you will […]