I'm looking for a very lightweight and minimalistic alpinism backpack.
Currently considering the Blue Ice stache and BD Blitz 20, but I cannot find a review of the Stache.

• The Stache would cost me 30€ more (90 instead of 60, as I can have a pro deal on BD).
• The straps on the Stache are thinner, thus more breathable but (probably) less comfortable.
• The Stache is larger by 5L.
• The Stache is lighter by 50g.

Has anyone used either of these (or a similar pack) ? Any input would be appreciated.
Of course I'm open to considering other options

Hallo an alle!

Ich führe aktuell eine internationale Studie zu dem Verhältnis von Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen zu Politik, politischem Aktivismus und dem eigenen Aufwachsen durch.

Es dauert nur 10 min und ihr habt die Chance, einen 25€ Gutschein zu gewinnen!

Ihr könnt teilnehmen wenn ihr zwischen 16 und 25 Jahre alt seid.

Ich würde mich sehr freuen, wenn möglichst viele von euch mitmachen! :)

Ganz lieben Dank!

https://survey.uu.nl/jfe/form/SV_3ODMXOjmdRZnNEG?Q_Language=AUS-GER

This worked last time, why do I keep finding gear on Hood/Wy'East?

If you lost an ice axe sometime since the last snowstorm, and can send me a dm or chat describing the axe, and distinguishing features, and vaguely what you were doing/where you were on the mtn when you lost it, I can meet you at the MAX stop near where I work and return it to you. (If you're not local, sorry.) No finders fee or anything, just don't make me work to return it.

Does anyone have recommendations for a 2p 4S Alpine tent that is at least 85"(215cm) long? Ideally looking for a freestanding tent, but coming around to a tarp.

My backpacking tent is a BA Copper Spur HV UL 3. And at 90" is just enough so I don't have my toes or head pushing into the walls. (Edit: and on the note, the Copper Spur Expedition 2 is a leading contender, and maybe the MH Outpost 2 if I can find one)

Thanks

I’m looking to pick up some hiking shoes with better traction for a San Gorgonio accent this upcoming weekend. I did Cactus 2 Clouds last weekend in some older sneakers and hiked through significant snow to reach the summit. Looking to get some shoes with better tread and a high ankle maybe to keep the snow out. I have a pair of Altra LPs that I could strap some gaiters to, but was wondering if anyone had other suggestions. I’ve heard good things about the Topo trailventure 2 ($100 Amazon). Should I go for something like that or would my LPs with the gaiters cut it? Also looking at the LP mid hikers.

Hello,

I'm getting a bit sick of having a heavy ass backpack when doing 2 days expeditions (both winter and summer), so I'm trying to lighten my pack.

Usually, I take too much security gear that I don't use but I don't feel confortable getting rid of it (Escaper, 3 Pitons, small diameter 5m rope, 1 quicklink). By it for goulottes/trad/arêtes, they don't leave my pack.

But for the sleeping gear, my girlfriend and I have a rather heavy but comfortable tent (2.7kg I guess?) and I think we could cut some weight here. The prices of ultra lightweight tents are stupidly high and we are not planning on changing the tent. Moreover, where I'm based, refuges are neither big nor comfortable so we prefer to bring a tent.

Hence, I was looking at the bivvy bags.

But I never tried it, so I don't know if it's usual to have one and sleep in one in alpinism expeditions? And there are so many kinds, for winter expeditions, are an "extreme" one, such as the one from samaya mandatory?

I'm based in Pyrénées mountain range, so the nights are not exceedingly cold but can still be up to - 20/25°c.

Thank you for your insights!

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Enjoy!

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my friend and I are planning to go to Mount Shasta over the Memorial Day weekend. It is gonna be our first time alpine climbing, so we’d appreciate some guidance from more experienced climbers, especially we are gonna use ice axe, crampons for the first time. we both have done Whitney (99 switch backs) with relative easy (day hike) and we are marathon runners. thanks for reading!

I'd like to do the EBC this year, and thinking about maybe climbing one of the "easier" peaks there, Island or Mera. Any guide recommendations please? Past experience is Kilimanjaro.

https://preview.redd.it/x144v7rt9czc1.jpg?width=3869&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f1ef368b9895ab493035f534fb454675bc79a66e

My name is Mark Allen and I run a small shop called the Mountain Bureau based in the North Cascades of Washington State. I also work in Alaska, Peru, Canada, Norway and the Alps. I have come to learn that I really enjoy working with individuals or teams that want to progress in higher level alpinism. I have been a professional guide for 25-years and you can find my bio on my site https://www.mountainbureau.com

I'm currently forming a mentorship program and am gauging interest. I'm gearing up for a big season in the Cascades and then plan to work with several clients in the Alps this summer. If ticking off a peak of your dreams in high on the list, we can do that to. I base out of The North Cascades and Zermatt for the summer and finish on the Dolomites as the Alps get dry late season, then final summer days in the North Cascades.

I get a lot from sharing my craft. I've been climbing for over 35 years in the alpine and want to share this gift with you. Drop me a line. I'm looking forward the connection.

As the title says, I’m flying to Chile, this is my first international flight so I’m not so savvy with picking for an aeroplane, I don’t have plans but I like to keep options open and would like to possibly climb some volcanoes while I’m there perhaps.

Would you bring alpine gear on an international flight? Or just count on hiring? I reckon you can be much more spontaneous and free with your planning if you have your own gear. How would you go about bringing it? Ice axe, crampons and helmet (without getting crushed)? I’m figuring camping gear will need to be left behind.

Any help here will be much appreciated, cheers :)

Basically the title, I truly want to conquer the Karakoram. I want to climb all the K's; K1,K2, K3a, K7 etc. These are all very very hard to climb and some of these have only like 15 successful summits. I am a city person all my life, never trekked, never hiked. I know that I need to start trekking for the next four years (I am 18) and attend climbing courses then build a rapport of easier 5-6-7000ers before even thinking about easier 8000ers like Broad Peak in my late 20s to early 30s.

There's loads of general advice out there on "best X for Y", but there are the little things that you figure out over time. Small things, that just become indispensable in your days out in the mountains, and you really wonder how you managed so long without.

It would be great to hear a bit what those "little things" are that work for you, and how they made your life better (or more bearable).

Hello everyone

I'm planning a trip to the Dolomites in early June to do some hiking and via Ferratas. It's still pretty early in the season so I know there's gonna be some snow higher up, but I would like to know if someone has experience doing some of the higher via Ferratas at this time of the year.

I'm gonna bring cramps and an ice axe if I need to cross some snow section, but since I'll be going on my own and probably won't bring a rope I don't want to do anything too sketchy.

Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.

Looking to link up for alpine routes in the Zermatt and/or Chamonix areas!

I'll be in the Saas valley for mountaineering from June 29-June 6/7 and am looking for a partner (or group?) for the two weeks through July 20/21)

I have experience leading alpine routes rated PD+/AD- and have followed up to D/D+. In general, I'm fine with snow to ~55 degrees, exposure, etc.

I'm not as experienced of a rock climber so none of the routes I'm looking to do have climbing moves harder than UIAA III (not incl. Dent du Geant b/c fixed ropes). Most of my climbing these days is indoors where I can climb 6a on lead and 6b+ on top rope. I don't think of myself as a particularly great climber so I'm fine leading easier pitches or following if there's a rock route that's interesting

In terms of altitude experience, I've been to 6400m and that was fine plus I'll spend the week prior doing PD/PD+ stuff between 4000-4500m so I think I'll be well acclimatized

On to the fun stuff! I have some tentative plans but things on my objective list include (but aren't limited to!):

Zermatt area:

• SW ridge of Pollux (PD+, III rock)

• WNW flank aka Swiss normal route of Castor (PD+)

• Lyskamm traverse (AD)

• Traverse of the Tops (PD)

• Zumsteinspitze to Dufourspitze traverse (AD, III)

Note that all of these can be combined in an epic traverse. Pollux and Castor can be climbed individually as day trips.

I'm also open to most of the normal routes in the Mischabel group so happy to discuss those

Chamonix area:

• Mont Blanc via the Trois Monts or Aiguilles Grises. Could potentially be convinced on the Royal Traverse

• Dent du Geant SW face aka normal route (AD, IV)

• Aiguille Rochefort W Ridge (AD)

I'm a bit wary of the other 4000m+ peaks in the area (e.g., GJ, Les Droites) at my experience level but I'm open to various single day routes on whichever aiguille or ridge

If you're looking for a partner and have some similar interests, let's discuss! Thanks!

Hi kids,

I’ve been struggling to find the right boot fit for my big boots. I’ve either found boots that are too big everywhere or found boots that are tight around the toes.

I’ve finally found a boot that feels great length wise and around the toe box (Scarpa Zodiac Tech) but for the first time I’m noticing that the heel has a little space at the sides and I’m noticing that I get a little heel lift when stepping in them.

Should I be worried about them not fitting too snug at the sides of the heel? And also, I’m thinking my foot is more flexible than a B1/B2 boot so is a little heel lift expected or have I just not found the right fit?

Sorry for the boring and mundane question but it’s hard to get this right and the people I’m speaking with in the various shops I’ve been too don’t really seem to be very informative.

Any advice welcome. Thanks guys.

Hello,

Last summer, I had my first hiking experience. We hiked to the highest mountain in Germany: Zugspitze via Reintal valley. This route was not very technical expect maybe the last summit section.

Currently,I don't have experience using via ferrata or the technical knowledge and skills required to do glacier crossings.

This summer, could any of you please make some suggestions that are similar to Zugspitze hike via Reintal valley which had no via ferrata sections or glacier crossings. I live in Germany, I am not from any of the countries with the Alps, so I have limited knowledge on deciding my next hike.

Thanks for your help.

I’ve started a summer alpinism course and I have gotten the advice to buy an Osprey 38L ice climbing specific alpinism backpack.

But I’d rather get a bag that isn’t limited to 1 activity, especially if I’m not sure I want to continue with the hobby after the course. I don’t live near mountains and don’t see myself going alpine climbing every year.

That said, I have a 9L backpack, which I use daily and carry for up to 3 day city trips. I have a 60L backpack, which I use for hiking and camping. I also lent a 28L backpack which was plenty for a couple of weeks in asia, hiking and sleeping in hostels. I like to travel light and compact.

So I would like to buy a bag that is acceptable for summer alpinism, but can also be used for other purposes. We will start our alpine climb every day from a mountain hut or refuge and will only carry essentials. Of course we also need to get to the hut. I am not sure of the size though but I am thinking something around 30-35L. Can a 33L backpack suffice for alpinism? Because I might get an Osprey Talon 33. I would preferably use it as cabin baggage and not as check-in.

Hi all,

We're a team of two french climbers, aged 24 who aim to climb Mt Kazbek next year. We were supposed to this year but it has been delayed. It'll give us a year of properly preparing. We're seasoned, climbed Mont Blanc last year and train regularly. Two friends, one from Germany and the other from the UK may join us on our ascent.

As such, I was looking for the best tour operators, thinking it'd be a safer bet than attempting a solo climb, we lack the expertise to do so I think.

As such, I wondered if anyone attempted the climb and could recommend a tour operator? We have quite a few shortlisted (Alpinism Project, Wild Guru, Explore Share....)

Thank you!

Hi, I've done three seasons of climbing and now its time to get my own crampons. Looking at my next trip(s) I need some 12-pointer, classic / technical , steel, preferably lightweight crampons. Strap on system doesn't really matter as my boots can do all of them.

My next climb is Ortler in South Tirol, Italy. Some mixed climbing, with quite steep ice and a snow plat on top. Looking to climb Mont Blanc, Matternhorn whenever I am ready for it.

When looking around in shops and on the internet I came across:

• Petzl Vasak

• Blue Ice Harfang Alpine.

Now just looking if people have suggestions or have any experience with these two mentioned crampons.

Hi Everyone, I will be visiting La Drome in France and Olargue outside of Montpelliers for two weeks (one in each) in June. I was told that there are lots of via ferrata routes out in the Drome but I haven't really been able to find much on the internet as to where these via ferratas are located. I have my own climbing helmet, sling & locker, and harness and was wondering if I should even invest in getting my own Via Ferrata Sling given that once I'm back in the States, there won't be much of an opportunity to use them.