Mediocre Mountaineering

Welcome to Mediocre Mountaineering

These are my Mountaineering, Climbing, Skiing, and Outdoor Pages (with some camera and gadget stuff thrown in for good measure.)

Why the title, “Mediocre Mountaineering?” Because these pages aren’t about the extreme, hardcore, or difficult. The focus of these pages is on moderate climbs by a mediocre climber, backpacker and outdoor person.

Although I really love climbing, I am a mediocre mountaineer at best. The best evidence of this is that I’ve climbed for 30+ years, and I’m still not climbing anything truly difficult. I have a desk job, where I mostly sit all day long. If I’m lucky, I can get out and climb on the week-ends, and maybe take a multi-day trip every so often. I’m not a guide, not an expert, and not a very good climber. I’m just a guy who’s been climbing for a while, who has figured out a few things that work, (and some that don’t work) for the mediocre stuff that I do.

This web site is for mediocre folks like me; people who just like to get out and climb in the mountains every so often, and are looking for a few tips and (possibly) useful advice.

Posts are listed below in chronological order. You can use the Search function or the category listing above or at the bottom of the page to find specific posts.

Suunto Ambit 2 Saphire (HR)

For over a decade, I’ve used a Suunto Vector watch with built in compass and barometer/altimeter. I’ve been pretty happy with the Vector, but have always thought that having a wrist-top GPS would be useful. About 6 or 7 years ago, I bought a wrist-top GPS, but ended up getting rid of it because it […]

September 10, 2014
Kanz Field Kitchen with Partner Steel Propane Stove

When I’m car camping, I don’t like to rough it. I like to live in luxury. If I’ve got a truck to carry my stuff, I’d just as soon have all the comforts of home to the extent possible. When I’m backpacking, I’m content with lightweight freeze dried meals, but when I’m living out of […]

September 8, 2014
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Down Jacket

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer line of clothing are pieces that are designed with the overall goal of providing protection with the least possible weight and bulk. I own the hooded down jacket and the hooded windbreaker. This review is of the hooded down jacket Ghost Whisperer Hooded Down Jacket 8.8 ounces (size […]

September 8, 2014
Alpine Rock, Part 2: Washington Pass

After climbing in the Bugaboos, we decided to head back down to the U.S. in search of good weather and good climbing. We ended up at Washington Pass. Our first objective was Burgundy Spire. We decided to climb it via the West Ridge of Paisano Pinnacle, which is a 5.9 variation that adds 7 or […]

September 6, 2014
Alpine Rock, Part 1: Bugaboos

It has been more than 20 years since I last visited the Bugaboos. I had planned three trips since then, and actually bought plane tickets twice, but my partners always seemed to drop out on me, usually at the last minute. Every year it seemed like the Bugaboos was on my list of places to […]

September 4, 2014
Summer, 2014 Outdoor Retailer Highlights

The 2014 Summer Outdoor Retailer Show is in full swing here in Salt Lake City. It’s a huge event, taking up not only the full space in the Salt Palace, but three large temporary pavilions and a tent city as well. I’ve spent the last day and a half wandering around the show, looking at […]

August 7, 2014
First Aid, Repair, and Emergency Survival Kit

Over the years, my first aid kit has morphed, getting bigger or smaller depending on my level of optimism. I’ve carried big kits with everything plus the kitchen sink, and minimalist kits consisting of a few aspirin and a roll of tape. After decades of fluctuation, I’ve finally settled on a largish kit (at least by climber standards.) […]

August 6, 2014
Assisted Braking Belay Rappel Devices Suitable for Trad and Alpine Climbing: Edelrid Mega Jul and Micro Jul, CT Alpine Up

I am becoming more and more convinced that belay/rappel devices with assisted braking are a big improvement over traditional ATC or Reverso type belay/rappel devices. Assisted braking devices are not fully auto-locking like a Gri Gri, but provide significant extra friction when catching a falling leader or rappelling, when compared with an ATC or Reverso. […]

July 20, 2014
Ski Pulk sled

I’ve used sleds on occasion to carry large winter loads. However, the sleds I’ve used have always been home made jobs. I’ve bought kiddie sleds and modified them in various ways to make them serve as ski sleds. My modifications began relatively simply, just drilling holes in the front of the sled and attaching […]

June 28, 2014
Climbing Communication and Commands

Go to a climbing crag anywhere in the United States, and you’ll hear a chorus of climbers yelling, “On Belay’” “Belay Off’” “Take’” “Climbing,” “Climb On,” etc. These communications work fine on a short route, with no wind, where you can easily see and hear your partner. However, on a long route, where wind and […]

June 28, 2014

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