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
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 walking on easy terrain. Similarly, other ice tools should be put away when not needed for climbing or safety. Almost all moder… 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
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
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… read more
Gore-Tex is one of the leading materials for keeping backpackers, mountaineers, climbers and skiers protected from the elements. In the back country however, if you are actually using your Gore-Tex jackets, pants or packs, then they wi… read more
Internal frame packs are more streamlined and generally balance weight better than external frame packs. They are also more comfortable. When learning to load an internal frame pack, keep these suggestions in mind to improve your hikin… 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, hundre… read more
The adze is an old-fashioned tool and isn't as popular as it once was. However, woodworking adzes still have their uses, and the tool has been adapted for other purposes. read more
The Osprey Aura series of backpacks is available in three different payload capacities: 35L, 50L and 65L. All sizes are equipped with Osprey's specialty AirSpeed Suspension which holds the pack away from your body to allow maximum vent… read more
If you live near the great lakes, you probably know all about snowshoes. Traveling by foot without them can be a real ordeal. Snowshoes make winter walking easier, but you still get a full body workout. You'll burn up to 1,000 calories… read more
Flying across the country with everything you need for an outdoor adventure can be an adventure itself thanks to domestic flight regulations imposed by the US government and the airlines. 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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