Stories, experiments, and lessons from the backcountry. Browse the posts or look for a favorite place or piece of gear.
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…
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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…
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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.…
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A rope joins two beings who have only one life; the guide for some hours ties himself to an unknown man who is going to become a…
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I am a big proponent of using small, compact cameras when climbing. Although I sometimes take larger, interchangeable lens cameras with me on climbs, there are many…
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Polartech Powerstretch Pro is a new highly breathable and water resistant fabric from the folks at Malden Mills. Patagonia incorporated it into two different lines of clothing,…
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For the past three years, me and a group of friends have done a backcountry ski tour together. Last year, we did a Sierra tour, and the…
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Hidden Haven is a red rock canyon in southern Utah. It's not far from Parowan, on the road to Brian Head ski resort. In winter, the falls…
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I have 30+ pairs of outdoor gloves and mittens. It seems like every year for the past 20 years, I've bought one or two new pairs of…
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Skyward Mountaineering is a guide service operated by alpinists Steve House and Vince Anderson. In addition to offering guided climbs both locally and internationally, they also teach…
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This is a new book on training for alpine climbing, by uber-alpinist Steve House and elite sports trainer Scott Johnston. There are tons of books on the…
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The Cassin Bladrunner crampons are a new modular design that is supposed to provide both maximum versatility and excellent performance. The design allows the crampons to be…
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