Tag: pro tips

Welcome to The Notebook, where we will have guest writers presenting special features based on their fields of expertise, covering topics from mountaineering to adventure travel and everything in between. By Peter Potterfield As the author of Selected Climbs in the Cascades, both volumes 1 and 2, I get emails daily from adventurers coming to […]

The following is the second in a series of “how-to” videos on the major knots and hitches we use in the mountains. Stay tuned for more videos on knots like the figure-8, ring bend- and hitches like the Munter & Prusik! The clove hitch is a simple, essential, quickly tied, adjustable, strong alpine wunder-knot! This […]

Brendan gives us a quick introduction to the different styles of tents often used for mountaineering. From ultra-light bivy style single-wall shelters to lightweight double-wall 4-season tents, to expedition-ready double-walled dome bunkers, each style has a specifically designed use. Stay tuned for in-depth looks at each of these varieties!  

We are often asked why we specifically require “Glacier Glasses” on our climbs, rather than regular sports sunglasses. The answer to this questions is best understood with a bit of background knowledge regarding the effects of a high altitude snowy environment on the solar radiation to which you are exposed. Altitude and Solar Radiation Lots […]

Finding the right insulated jacket for a particular trip can be overwhelming – there are many aspects to consider, including different construction styles, weights, and fabrics. Here, we break down the fundamental properties of down insulation so that you can better navigate the options and come prepared for your next mountain adventure. Why Down Keeps […]

Backcountry stove technology has come a long way in the last few years. While stoves are now lighter, more compact, and more efficient than ever, the multitude of choices a climber has when picking a stove to use for mountaineering can be daunting. Our resident gear junkie Matt has broken down the basic types of […]

Periodically we will talk about a piece of equipment that we feel is a crucial addition to any mountaineering kit. These are pieces which have proven themselves invaluable in the field based on real use, often honed over our years of experience living and working in the alpine environment.   Traditionally, climbers have have had […]

A common question we have from our course participants before they arrive for their trips is how to rig up an expedition sled to their pack. This technique is super useful for any of our Alaska programs – and is especially crucial on Denali. Matt Miller discusses this process below.

Periodically, we will talk about a piece of gear that we wouldn’t go without! These are pieces of gear we feel are invaluable after years of experience living, learning, and working in the alpine environment. Glaciers in the summertime can be a brutal place. For every 1000 feet of altitude gained, UV radiation increases by […]

Climbers prepare for an 8-day winter mountaineering trip on Mount Rainier Pack Like a Pro, Not Like an Advertisement Place a large cup on a table. Fill it with stones. Then, fill the empty spaces with pea gravel. Next, pour sand into it. Only after that last step can the cup be considered full- this […]