Crampons are ancient tools that were originally worn by early inhabitants of the Caucasus more than 2,000 years ago. Over the years, crampon design has gone from simple iron spiked plates to a four-point crampon in the 19th century to 10-point crampon in the early 1900s to 12-point crampons in the mid 1930s. Today, many crampons still carry the 12-point desi… read more
Crampons are an amazing technology that enables mountaineers and ice climbers to reach remote peaks and scale vertical ice pitches. The design of crampons has improved over the decades, from a simple four point design to today's standard 12 point design. There are three types of crampons used today for mountaineering and ice climbing. Which kind you choose d… read more
Over the past few decades, changes in outdoor equipment have made it possible to travel safely to countless destinations. The summits of peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Whitney were once reached by only a few climbers. Today, hundreds of people reach the summits of these mountains every year. Without the evolution of climbing gear like crampons and ice ax… read more
Crampons are essentially metal spikes on a frame that may be completely rigid or semi-flexible. The most common crampon configuration has 12 spikes or points, 10 of them facing down, spaced around the foot, and two pointed forward. You either strap or buckle crampons on over your boots to provide traction and grip on ice or hard-packed snow. Do not confuse c… read more
Crampons are devices that attach to the bottom of a shoe to gain more traction in snow and icy conditions. Crampons are used in a variety of sports such as ice climbing, winter hiking and mountaineering. read more
Mountaineering is one of the most challenging and rewarding of backcountry experiences. The inhospitable conditions, difficult terrain and sheer altitude of the mountain environment make summiting a peak a great personal achievement.… read more
The practice of climbing on rock, ice and sometimes snow on the same route is known as mixed climbing. Alpinists often encounter conditions on peaks that call for both rock and ice climbing skills, sometimes within the same pitch. This… read more
Once you've used your crampons several times, they can get worn down. Using your crampons on mixed terrain with rocks, dirt and ice can wear down the original sharpness of your points. Sharpening your points can help keep your points e… read more
Unlike with skiing or snowboarding, the only real skill you need in order to snowshoe is the ability to walk. You'll find snowshoes used for everything from gnarly backcountry adventures to recreational use in city parks. An important… read more
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Ice climbing is a great way to enjoy the winter season, but it also requires some very specific gear. There is plenty of climbing gear that you can re-purpose if you are already a rock climber, but this list is designed to give you the… read more
Snowshoeing is a fun and exciting way to get around in the snow. Once made out of wood, animal hide and sinew, modern snowshoes are made from an array of materials that have made them lighter and stronger. read more
Faber manufactures traditional and modern snowshoes. Both types operate on the same basic principles of weight distribution over a large area, but the construction materials are different. The traditional models use a wood frame with r… read more
Sizing snow boots for winter use is very much like sizing hiking boots, with a few extra considerations. You need enough room in cold weather boots for your blood to circulate freely; if the boots pinch your feet or toes and restrict c… read more
For mountaineers, a climbing spike may refer to a spike on a climber's crampons (spiked metal straps attached to the feet to increase traction in snow and ice) or the spike of an ice axe. Maintaining these climbing spikes is important-… read more
Backpacking in winter means you are carrying a lot of weight on your back, so you will need a long and wide snowshoe to distribute the weight. Aluminum frame snowshoes are very dependable, and those little metal cleats on the bottom he… read more
Mountain climbing, also called mountaineering, is an exhilarating sport that involves backpacking, hiking and climbing mountains. You need a variety of tools for efficient climbing as well as for safety reasons. Choose your mountain c… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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