Category: Gear

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 […]

In this series, we break down what to expect at the start of our expeditions. Where will you stay? Are there any tips or tricks to make the trip begin more smoothly? Though a Denali expedition can last 20+ days, the first two days can set the tone for the rest of the journey. While […]

So you’ve signed up for our 3-day climb of Mount Rainier, but are wondering what to pack for lunch each day. While we provide delicious, masterfully prepared, real-ingredient meals for breakfast and dinner, you’re right to take extra time to consider your snacks (known as “lunch” in the frontcountry!). Calories are fuel, and are almost […]

Welcome to our recurring series- Camp Chef! In this series of posts, we will discuss cooking in the backcountry and highlight some of our favorite recipes to use in a variety of situations. We will focus on simple, easy, and nutritious recipes that have proven delicious in the mountain environment, and offer related tips & […]

By Mike Hawkins 10 days x 3,000 calories per day = 150 Clif Bars or 60 PB&J sandwiches Planning and packing food for long trips in the backcountry can be challenging and time consuming – but the last thing you want is to eat energy bars for 6 days straight. Climbers need to consider several […]

Most tent manufacturers these days offer a superlight, two pound (or less!) tent. These tents are simple to setup, occupy a very small footprint, and again – weigh in at about or under two pounds. When choosing a tent, it’s easy to focus on those factors and arrive at the conclusion that a single-walled shelter […]

When summit morning arrives, it’s important to move efficiently through packing, preparation, and last but not least – breakfast! Mike Hawkins talks through a few of the foods we like to eat for quick fuel on alpine start mornings. Whether it’s midnight or 3:00am, these options are our go-to fast breakfasts.  

While Alpine Ascents is fortunate to work with dozens of world-class guides and climbers, we are especially grateful to work with Dawa Yangzum Sherpa. Hailing from Nepal’s Rolwaling Himal, Dawa’s resume includes numerous 8000m ascents (Everest, Cho Oyu, K2), successful entries in high-altitude ultra-marathons, time spent as a climbing ranger on Mount Rainier, and instructorship […]

We are often asked what gear is necessary to climb Mount Rainier. If you’re curious to know what we use, check out this video, in which our Operations Manager Matt Miller talks through our entire gear list. Climb on!