If you will be carrying an ax or axes on mountaineering or climbing trips, you'll soon learn that attaching one to your pack takes only a few seconds. Many packs are designed to accommodate mountaineering axes or vertical climbing axes. Some packs, designed specifically for ice climbing, may even have Velcro loops for extremely easy ax attachment, but most p… read more
Ice axes are a necessary tool when traveling through glaciated terrain or when ice climbing. Though ice axes are a relatively simple tool they have many uses. They can be used for balance as a walking aid, a belay device for a boot-axe belay, for self-arresting when falling down a snowy or icy slope, and for climbing. There are several different types of ice… read more
Ice axes are a tool that are centuries old and although their designs have changed, their main purpose has not. Ice axes, also called a piolet in French, are an aid for mountaineers in snow, ice and glacier travel. Among the uses of ice axes are as a trekking tool to aid in walking, for stopping a fall (self-arresting) and for clearing areas of ice. Using an… read more
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Though ice axes for mountaineering are relatively simple tools, they can be used for many things. There are also several ice axe designs, so choosing the right one naturally corresponds to what you will use it for and your height. When looking to buy an ice axe, also called a piolet, keep the following in mind. 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
Topping out on a mountain, big or small, rewards you with a deep sense of satisfaction and a panoramic view. Getting started as a mountain climber can be as easy as walking up a trail or involve the use of technical equipment. Here you… read more
Scree and talus---the piled rock that accumulates at the base of steep slopes---can look intimidating to the cross-country traveler. But to the ambitious trekker with a good sense of caution, this fascinating and challenging terrain ca… read more
Mountain climbing involves specialized gear to get you to the top. Proper use of the gear is paramount to safety and success. Adapting the least amount of gear to safely accommodate rock, snow and ice is the ideal. Practice these alpin… read more
Essential mountaineering gear varies considerably---depending if you are thinking of simply hiking up a snowy mountain or intend to go backpacking and perhaps stay overnight during the summer months. But there are some basics that ever… read more
The Spectre Ice Piton from Black Diamond Equipment looks like the blade of an ice axe with a short straight blade going at a 90-degree angle to the ice blade and a sling attached to it. The Spectre is machined of chromoly. It weighs 13… read more
If you're interested in serious mountain climbing, your second priority (behind getting in great shape) must be obtaining proper equipment and gear. While state-of-the-art mountaineering gear is not always necessary, you must be sure y… read more
Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, but unlike a Himalayan climb, most able-bodied persons have a good chance of reaching its summit. It's important to consider the risk factors when undertaking this climb, however. Most suc… read more
The OR Expedition Gaiters are designed for strenuous mountaineering conditions and epic ice climbing adventures. At only 12.1 ounces for the pair, they add extra protection over your boots and pants without a lot of extra weight. Const… read more
Mountaineering is an excellent way to combine a love for the outdoors with a more technical skill set. Imagine the thrill of climbing mountain peaks thousands of feet above sea level and seeing the world from the top. Getting to the to… read more
Alpine mountaineering exposes you to the hazards of steep mountain slopes covered in snow and ice. These hazards aren't random--they result from a mix of well-understood circumstances. Most successful backcountry travelers see them as… 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
While mountaineering, an ice ax is an important safety tool in steep terrain, but you won't want to carry it in your hand all the time; it should be put away, both to minimize fatigue and to reduce the chances of injury, when you're wa… read more
Participating in physical activity is important for staying healthy, and can help to reduce the risk of chronic disease. Mountaineering is one sport that offers strenuous physical activity and can be a motivator for staying fit. 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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