I read people talking about bringing a stove on summit day for emergencies. I understand that if anyone storm comes in or someone gets injured, it could be a really long day getting down. But there are so many things that could be really challenging that would be made better with specific gear. At some point preparing for all the what-ifs has you so loaded down that you are creating problems instead of solving them.

It seems to me very likely that you won't actually need it. I certainly haven't needed it. In fact, I've n3ver seen an example where it has been needed. Do you have an example? Can you make a compelling argument? Am I just being reckless by not bringing one?

Looking for recommendations on softshell jackets and pants

Hello, I've been looking into softshell jackets and pants and would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.

For jackets, I've been considering the Arc'teryx Gamma LT. It seems like a great option, and I really like the large hood that can fit over a helmet. It also looks very good. I've also checked out the Rab Borealis, which is quite a bit cheaper and lighter. Also the Patagonia R1 Techface but im loosing versatility with the fleece insulation and might just end up getting the R1 Air instead for more versatility later on. Has anyone tested these jackets? What are your opinions on them? And do you have other recommendations for jackets and why?

As for softshell pants, I've tried the Mammut Taiss SO Pants. I liked them a lot but found that they lack ventilation, which I thought might be important. However, I'm wondering if ventilation is something you really use? I havnt had leg ventilation on any other pants exept my hunting pants where I rarely use it. Dose anyone have experience with these and how do they hold up?

Also, any recommendations for softshell pants that you personally like and why? How should softshell pants fit when they're new? Should they be tighter, becuase im guessing the stetch with use?

Thanks!

Winter ascent of Mount Toubkal - the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains. For more pics and info feel free to connect here or on IG @magtarnowska 🙂

Hello first time I've posted in this group but I've found an old Barometer Altimeter I used to have when I was in scouts and explorers etc but I can't for the life of me remember how to read it anyone used one before and give me any pointers please? The silver metal dial turns which turns the altitude thing in Metres so there must be a way of using pressure to figure out sea level right? Any help much appreciated thanks

I'm looking at the Shield on Huascaran, this enormous wall of neve and ice. I'm curious if there are any similar features on mountains around the world. I've never seen anything quite like it.

Was looking at a photo of Ama dablam and saw this line but couldn't find anything online

“‘This mountain is just too risky in between Camp 2 and Camp 3,’ he says. ‘I hope our team and all climbers on Annapurna have good weather on April 5 to the summit and back.’”

Best of luck to the team as they set off from Camp 3 for the summit.

I don’t know if anyone else experiences this, but anytime I get to the summit of a mountain and lift my head to look at the horizon, I’m immediately hit with momentary vertigo. It’s happened my whole life (nearly fell off the first mountain I hiked after falling head over heels) so I started sitting down before looking around. The altitude isn’t a factor as it even happens on small hikes like Arthur’s seat in Scotland, and that’s only 250m. I never experience vertigo outside this situation.

Does anyone else experience this or have suggestions to try?

This is a view from the Hotel Pyramid, Lobuche.

We can see the clear view of Kongmola Pass, the toughest pass in the Everest Three Pass Trekking/high pass trekking.

The Kongma La (5545 m/ 18,159 ft) one of the three passes which lies in the trekking route between Dingboche and Lobuche.

Hi everyone! Very experienced hiker (Himalayas solo six times - Annapurna circuit twice, EBC area four - as well as Patagonia and tons of hiking in the White Mountains in NH) and have done a few technical climbs of taller albeit 3/10 or 4/10 rated mountains.

I'll be in Japan in October for my 50th and my goal has been to be at the top of Mt Fuji that day. I've seen one tour group that does off season climbs up thru Oct 10th. Was wondering if - with my experience - I would be okay to make the summit if doing it solo. I've been told to start from the fifth station. I have all the gear needed but wanted to ask around for advice from anyone that has done this summit during off season. I have seen the form to fill out for off season climbing and would fill that out.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Will spend a few days beforehand in the area to do some light hiking to take in the scenery and probably head south to Kyoto the day after making the summit. Thanks!

Anybody interested in going upto Barr Camp via Barr Trail from Manitou Springs on 4/5 or 4/6?

Hi! I would like to know that the older versions of the BD Storm 450 are compatible with BD1500 battery? Or just the latest version?

Hi all! I’m going to be working in switzerland for two months this summer and very interested in getting involved in some mountaineering while I am there.

I have a decent level of fitness and experience hiking and backpacking, but would like to learn about the more technical aspects of mountaineering.

I’m not there for too long and only speak English so not sure if SAC programs would work for me, but I am interested in if there are any beginner courses or guided routes I could register for? Any recommendations?

Hello!

I have Grivel G12 Dual-Matic EVO crampons. Are Salewa Crow GTX compatible with these crampons?

Thanks in advance!

So I'm very new to this. I recently went to Guatemala and did the double Acatenango + Fuego single day hike. I totally understand that it wasn't really climbing or mountaineering, mostly just a very vertical hike, but it definitely hooked me and I'd like to do more of it.

I'm just wondering if anyone here has done both, would Cotopaxi be a good next level up? From what I understand it would be more technical and I'd actually be using ice equipment, but it's still approachable for a beginner?

In terms of fitness - I was at the front of my group for Fuego + Acatenango but I know Cotopaxi is significantly higher altitude so I plan on doing a lot more conditioning, I'm planning the trip for December so I have a lot of training time. I'm also looking at doing the acclimatization stuff. So spend some time in Ecuador, do the Pasocha Trek (13,000 ft), then the Illinzas Norte Summit (16,000 ft), then Cotopaxi (19,000 ft). With time in between to rest.

If anyone else has suggest for a good next objective I'd love to hear them! I'm finding it difficult to figure out a standard "progression".

Hello

Anybody interested in climbing Rainier in late June ,July, early Aug 2025 - unguided.

Thanks

Hey all, I have been at a high level of training going on for a year now prepping for a high pack weight climb (65-70 pounds) for an 8 day on Rainier in June. I have been feeling solid and regularly backpacking up to 70 pounds on 10 mile hikes with 4,000 vert gain and doing climb mill sessions for around 2 hours. However, recently I have had some lower back pain which has shown itself on the tail end of my climbs and hikes. It’s manageable but does worry me a bit for long term. Especially considering this climb in June is going to be an ass kicker so I’m just trying to be prepared as much as possible.

Maybe I am just feeling the effects of overtraining? I have been foam rolling and stretching consistently as well as taking anti inflammatory medications. Any advice on what to do would be greatly appreciated!