“The mountains don’t care who you are or what you look like, only that you give them every ounce of your strength.” Alana Chapko, preferably called Lani, grew up in Seattle, Washington with the North Cascades as a backdrop, then moved to California to pursue an engineering degree at Harvey Mudd College. Between classes and […]
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 […]
Even though the mountains are starting to see their first glimpse of winter across the country. At my home in Las Vegas, NV, the temperature has only just fallen below 90ºF. Finally, the weather is comfortable enough to climb in the shade. It’s hard to believe that in a few short months I’ll be trading […]
I love my Patagonia Sunshade Hoody. If you spend as much time outdoors in the sun as I do and you have a fair complexion like I do, it’s critical to minimize sun damage to your face and neck. Call me vain, but the last thing I want is to look like a leather handbag […]
“You can do ALL of the things. You can do ALL of the things.” Fresh out of our Rifle, CO clinic, I repeat, “You can do all of the things!” At Rifle, a group of rad women learned new skills and discovered strengths (and muscles) they never knew existed. “You can do all of the […]
I just discovered that my guy “borrowed” my Osprey Ultralight Dry Sacks for his expedition to Pakistan! Now, not only have I lost my summer cragging partner, I’ve lost my trusty, adventure ditty bags! Osprey Ultralight Dry Sacks (I call them ditty bags) have a roll down closure and a snap buckle so you can […]
The Alpine Butterfly Knot is primarily used to create an attachment point to the middle of a climbing rope in alpine or glaciated terrain. However, for rock climbing the alpine butterfly knot is also great for isolating a bad section of rope and using the rope for the anchor. The reason why an Alpine Butterfly […]
One of the most commonly asked questions I get is, “How do I find more climbing partners?” My answer, “You don’t have to be a super sender to find climbing partners, you just have to be solid.” In order to be solid, I have some advice for you: Be honest, be reliable, be skilled, and, […]
Which is more important, what, how or why? I was lucky to have a mentor when I started climbing. His name was Seiji (Say-Gee) and he was a co-worker when I was in college. Seiji took pity on me for not having a life. I worked, I went to school and I partied. Work, study, […]