As 2020 closes, a year filled with a different reality for us all (and an abundance of craziness), it leaves us reflecting on how our existence and interaction with the world has transformed. As any ice climber could attest to, these drastically changing, inconsistent times are analogous to ice climbing. Walking into the east fork […]
Osprey Packs has been a long-time supporter of Chicks and if you’ve ever attended one of our programs, you’ve no doubt had the opportunity to use one of their packs for a day out on the rock, ice or snow. Not only do they make great day packs, crag packs, travel luggage and hydration […]
Foundational to Chicks’ ethos and mission is gender equality in the outdoors, specifically in climbing and skiing. We stand for human rights and oppose violence and systemic racism. We do our best to be an ally to women who wish to improve their climbing skills. A few years ago, in partnership with the AMGA, The […]
The YETI Daytrip Lunch Box is the answer to all of my high-angle lunch needs. Since COVID-19 shut down climbing, I’ve been fortunate enough to use my skills for rope access work. Rope access is a way to get to a high, work location and then do whatever job needs to be done. I’ve been […]
Right now, it’s like this. I’m spring cleaning. As I clean, I think about the time I climbed the North Ridge of Mt Baker and what I learned. On the descent, the sun cast filtered patterns in front of me. It tricked my eyes as I plodded along. Placing one foot in front of the […]
Do you have isolation photos and stories? We’re living in crazy, unprecedented times: told not to climb or backcountry ski, not do anything risky, to take precaution to a whole new level, to stay home while businesses shutter their doors for the unforeseeable future. For most of us spring is a season when we’d otherwise […]
As the world hunkers down in the wake of the pandemic and we practice “social distancing”, including no climbing at popular crags, I’m finding new ways to enjoy the great outdoors. To breathe a little fresh air, my go-to form of socially distanced recreation has been to hop on my bike and hit the trails. On […]
Osprey’s Transporter Wheeled Carryon is perfect. I’m a frequent flier so it’s very important for me to have a roller carryon that floats easily through security and airport throngs. Carryon compatible with most domestic airlines, the measurements are sewn into a tab on the side as living proof for any overly scrutinizing gate attendant. At […]
Rock climbing relates to ice climbing in many different ways. The following 4 tips will get you into the swing of things – from rock climbing to ice climbing. Rock Climbing Relates to Ice Climbing when you Relax Your Grip Rock climbing relates to ice climbing in that you don’t want to over grip. In […]
What’s the best all-around crampon? When it comes to choosing crampons the first question you need to ask yourself is what kind of terrain or climbing objective do I want them for? Technical ice climbing Mixed climbing Alpine climbing All of the above If you chose D, or all of the above, then sit tight […]