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Introduction To Rock Climbing Gear
Connor Chilcott Connor Chilcott

Introduction To Rock Climbing Gear

So you are planning to enter the vertical world? Here I will be describing the necessary equipment you need to begin. Whether you are planning to climb in the gym or you are ready to get outside, here is the gear necessary for gym climbing, top rope climbing, sport climbing, and bouldering. Remember there are plenty of options for each of these pieces of gear. I will give you a few options in each category.

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Introduction To Traditional Climbing Gear
Connor Chilcott Connor Chilcott

Introduction To Traditional Climbing Gear

Traditional Climbing is the art of placing your own protection while rock climbing. There will be no or very minimal bolts on traditional climbing routes. In this post I will describe a standard traditional rock climbing rack. I will also describe the gear we use aside from the protection itself.

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Introduction To Climbing Ropes
Connor Chilcott Connor Chilcott

Introduction To Climbing Ropes

In this article my hope is to spread some of what I have learned throughout my career as a guide and professional climber. I will cover everything from big wall climbing to ice climbing to everyday single pitch rock climbing.

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How to Build Your Backcountry Ski Repair Kit
Amber Chang Amber Chang

How to Build Your Backcountry Ski Repair Kit

When I first started backcountry skiing, I carried no repair kits. But in my seven seasons of backcountry skiing, I’ve seen everything from poles snapping in half, skins glopping, bindings ripping out, you name it. And it especially sucks while you’re out on a tour or hut trip that is far away from the nearest repair shop.

Last year I went down the rabbit hole of research to assemble my ideal backcountry ski repair kit so I could go on a hut trip and ski in peace, knowing that I had all the tools at my disposal to MacGyver a temporary fix for most things.

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Trip Report: Mount Everest
Connor Chilcott Connor Chilcott

Trip Report: Mount Everest

After a short breakfast we headed toward the icefall passing about 20 people along the way. Things were going well and the team was feeling great. After we rounded a corner I got a glimpse of the first vertical fixed rope. Ten people were standing in line waiting for their turn to ascend. Progress was slow, the person in the front dropped their mitten. Their Sherpa got it for him and proceeded to clip the man's jumar to the rope for him. Then the Sherpa slipped, it was very icy and a precarious place to try and help someone with the most mundane task. But that is the heart of the Sherpa people, they risk their lives to help people achieve their dreams. I then watched in horror as the man ascended the jumar slower than a competent climber could solo the ice step.

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