Sport climbing is a type of technical free climbing where climbers clip into permanent anchors that have been set into the rock face. Free climbing means that upward mobility is made using only hands, feet and other parts of the body rather than artificial means. Because sport climbing does not require placing removable protection, climbers can focus on the… 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. Some packs, designed specifically for ice climbing, may even have Velcro loops for extremely easy ax attachment, but most p… 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
There are several types of boots used for mountaineering including technical ice climbing boots, alpine boots and high altitude boots. No matter which specific boot is used for mountaineering, the best kind--besides being crampon compatible--have a stiff sole and ankle support, adequate insulation and will stand up to intense use. read more
Virtually anyone can rock climb safely for fitness or training using traverse rock-climbing wall activities. The safest traverse walls feature a well-padded and even landing surface to reduce potential injury from falling. Get started with a safe climbing wall at an indoor climbing gym, playground, school, or park. read more
Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport, and participants rely on excellent equipment to keep them safe in harsh environments and precarious situations that would be otherwise unnavigable. The rope is the most basic piece of climbing… read more
Glacier travel requires technical gear due to the inherent hazards in such terrain as well as proper clothing and personal gear for comfort and safety. Glaciers are a beautiful place to trek but there is no doubt about the danger they… 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… read more
Bar Harbor is a picture postcard of coastal Maine towns. Quaint, yet full of life, the downtown area has many restaurants and a variety of unique shops. Bar Harbor offers a wide variety of family activities from a zoo and oceanarium to… read more
Fall is an ideal time for mountain biking. The surroundings are free from the scorching heat of summer but abundant in autumn's serene colors of oranges and reds. Tune up your mountain bike and tackle a terrain that climbs through roug… 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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