Category: Blog

by Brooke Warren  While we learn to understand the physical demands of each climb, it is important address the mental aspects as well.  Here are some things you can do to quell any fear or trepidation you may have about embarking towards a summit. Six Ways to Manage your Anxiety (when climbing a mountain): Train […]

by Jonathon Spitzer  Backcountry skiing and splitboarding encompasses a broad spectrum of ski endeavors, from off-piste riding out of a resort to ski day touring to overnight ski expeditions. I adjust my kit based on the type of skiing I’m doing, the same way you would when doing a day of top rope climbing versus […]

by Jonathon Spitzer January is finally here—also known as Pow-uary!  It’s been snowing for the past week on and off, making the skiing and riding amazing. Today is the best day of the season, and now you’re making the third turn down your favorite backcountry ski run. As you reach out to plant your pole […]

By Jonathon Spitzer The snow has fallen in many parts of the country, and back country skiing and riding has awakened from its summer slumber. With snow coverage conditions improving, we must remember to be safe. Avalanche danger will rise and fall through-out the season as the snowpack varies. One day the conditions can be […]

By Brooke Warren You’ve probably seen “toiletry kit” on the packing list for your upcoming trip, but maybe you aren’t sure exactly what it should contain. When mountaineering, it’s a balance between weight and function, because the less weight you carry, the easier it will be to get to camp, and to the summit. So […]

It’s Not Awkward, It’s Reality As adults, we’ve got our bathroom & “private part” habits down. We know how to keep ourselves comfortable, clean, and efficient. But what happens when we step into the backcountry for the day? For several nights? For a month-long expedition? For those heading into the backcountry with a female anatomy, […]

By Mike Hawkins It has been a long day – one of the most demanding climbing days you have ever experienced. Your legs are wrecked. Your back is sore and you have small bruises on your hips from your hipbelt. You have sunscreen caked into every nook and cranny, but even that didn’t keep you […]

By Mike Hawkins “Man, this is a really great pack…” I said it over and over for months until my wife had finally had enough of it. She had to get one for herself.  While 50 liters is a little small for most multi-day mountaineering and winter ski tours, the small size is plenty versatile […]

By Val Peckarsky Regardless of past matrimonial experiences, we have all experienced cold feet at one point or another. As mountaineers, with our penchant for traveling willingly into extreme conditions at high altitudes, we frequently find ourselves on the frontlines of the battle against allowing our extremities to become too cold. Cold-related injuries vary greatly […]

By Marc Simonpietri You probably have more midlayers in your closet than you realize. That still-fitting fleece jacket from summer camp? It could work. A light, puffy jacket that never seems warm enough for actual cold weather? That could work too. Truth be told, midlayers are a very adaptable layer that can come in many […]