(Part 2) Best products from r/Mountaineering

Did the mountaineers route from Chamonix to Zermatt last year, followed by a successful Mt Blanc summit. I don't see any reason why doing it in the Zermatt -> Chamonix direction would be a problem.

We found it easier logistically to use Chamonix as a base. We were flying into Geneva which is a short bus ride away to Chamonix. We stashed our travel and some extra climbing gear in a hotel in Chamoix while we did the Haute route. Took a train back from Zermatt to Chamonix for the Mt Blanc climb. If we did it the other way, we would have left our extra gear in Zermatt and would have had to go back after the Mt Blanc climb to retrieve it. Also we had a couple extra contingency days for the Haute route, which we didn't end up needing and it was cool to spend them in Zermatt.

We mostly stuck to the route described here, you could easily do the sections in reverse:
http://cosleyhouston.com/haute-route-summer.htm

This is the definitive guide and served our unguided party of two very well. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1871890217?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

The 2018 Accidents in North American Climbing put out by the American Alpine Club goes over quickly, efficiently, and effectively protecting 4th class and low 5th class climbs.

I've roped up for an easy and comfortable 5.easy slab route in Yosemite, and I'm not ashamed to say that. From the slings left from previous rappels, other people have too.

Insert something about old and bold climbers here.

The way to get them cheap is to watch for end of season clearance sales but if you need a pair now then this isn't a bad deal:

http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Research-Mens-Verglas-Gaiters/dp/B009Q1BGDE

$42 for the black OR Verglas gaiters.

The fit is similar to the crocodile but they're a little lighter. The tradeoff is durability but, unless you are cramponing yourself in the ankles non-stop, these hold up just fine. I have a pair and use them for mountaineering, ice climbing, etc...

edit: If you wear a large or XL, the blue color appears to be an even better deal at $33 shipped, sold and shipped by amazon.

second edit: buy these.

My friends and I formulated a "breakfast shake" for our PCT thru hike. It's hot cocoa mix, Nido Fortificada (made by nestle, basically fortified powdered full-fat milk) and peanut flour. We weren't stoked on eating a bunch of solid food as soon as we woke up so this was an easy way to get a lot of calories and protein in our systems and still leave room for second breakfast an hour later. We usually drank it cold but it's delicious warm too.

I can't speak to issue number 2 here - still, I'll see what I can find for issue 1.

As far as I can find, the Civettas are a plastic boot. As such, only the liner's really going to be "broken in" to any significant extent - the plastic shell really won't change at all. And from what I can see, the inner boot uses Duratherm and Thinsulate so you have a dry, warm foot - and in my experience, neither packs out to a huge extent. From what I know, the best way to break the liner in to any significant extent would be to wear it around as much as you can. Really. Whether that's hiking, or simply sitting on a couch, every bit helps.

Ninja edit: here's a few links to have a look at the Civetta

Btw OP, if you're an 'armchair adventurer' who is interested in climbing mountains then there are lots of non-technical, ie 'scrambles' (needs nothing besides boots and the proper fitness), summits in the Canadian Rockies. SummitPost has a big list with descriptions of a lot of routes and how to get there. Also, Alan Kane's 'Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies' is an awesome source. That being said, scrambling season typically doesn't start until June at the earliest when the snow is significantly melted.

I loved 8000m: Climbing the World's Highest Mountains by Alan Hinkes. He describes his journey on each of the fourteen 8000m summits. The pictures are beautiful.

Julbo Vermont Classics for my Cat4's. Who doesn't want to look like a 70's hippie mountaineer? The newer-style Julbos are great too for slightly better side coverage - I find there's a slight gap between the leather side panels and the lenses - but the lens material itself is the same.

A pair of Bloc Daytonas for my Cat3's - Selfie included! When it comes to 3's, anything with decent coverage and looks is fine - I spent £20 on mine and I've never had a problem with them.

Unless you're straight up ice climbing if you're on a budget you don't need mountaineering boots. Exhibit A and exhibit B. I use a pair of BD Contact crampons with those for over 2 years now and it shows no signs of wear on the center bar and used them down to the ones without getting cold. Not knocking you at all I just mean to give you some tips if you don't mind saving a few coins. Sure you could get a 4 season tent but I wouldn't say you need one until you're on a legit expedition in the "Greater" ranges. Reasons:

• You could make almost every peak in the lower 48 a one day endeavor if you really wanted to (maybe not Gannett, Granite, Olympus, and maybe Glacier Peak)
  
• A well built $100 3 season can get you through a lot. This is in May on Rainier.
  
• Also a bivvy works just fine in cold, but calm winter conditions like here at 10,000ft in February.
  
  On gps devices: I firmly believe you can and should in the lower 48 know the route well enough before you leave your house that google maps with its terrain layer on your phone with extra batteries is enough.

I love dromedary bags for sure and both Nalgene and platapus have large 2 L bags, but you may need something larger than that:

Coghlan's Expandable Water Carrier, 2-Gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EGM1UM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_F5poDb1YME14Y

That is a good shape for keeping close to your back in a pack.

Yes, it is really that great. Also get the Training for the New Alpinism Training Log.

Since weight isn't your biggest concern, I have a Klymit insulated static V and while not the lightest it's very reasonably priced compared to an Xtherm and comfortable at 2.5" thick. Currently going for $52 on Amazon, R value 4.4 and 25 oz, or the 'lite' version which is 19 oz and going for $75

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ANRW7DI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kcBwyb9FMZQG5

Thanks for the article! It explained a lot.
I'm 186cm tall (around 6' 2'') so I was thinking of getting an ax of 3' (90cm) since the last axe I used was really small.
Would you recommend this crampons??
http://www.amazon.com/Crampons-Altitude-Slip-resistant-Strengthen-10-Teeth/dp/B00PA6UNHY/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1417398861&sr=8-18&keywords=crampons+strap+on#customerReviews

They're strapons, so I think they would work. Here in Colombia the climbs aren't really too technical, so I wouldn't need something too fancy.

The Elta stuff mentioned is good. I dated a dermatologist and that's what she always bought me - maybe their propaganda is just very effective :-)

In addition I usually carry one of these in my pocket on route. Less messy to reapply on the go.

Chapstick I use these.

Not sure of the podcast but it sounds pretty close to this story - https://www.amazon.com/Exposed-Tragedy-Triumph-Mountain-Climbing/dp/1555664598

Plus one to this suggestion. Evernew is another great brand:

https://www.amazon.com/EVERNEW-Water-Carry-Hydration-Pack/dp/B001ASLWSK

If WA isn’t out of the question- pick up a copy of Cascade Alpine Guide far too many mixed ice and rock routes out here to narrow down to just one, but the “Beckey Bible” is a good resource to start planning a mountaineering trip to the cascades.

I've used these and it seems to allow one to short stroke and bias to the stronger leg. Is there a way to avoid that?

Edit: I was thinking this machine, realizing I've never used the versa climber - https://www.amazon.com/Precor-Commercial-Stair-Climber-Console/dp/B00DJ3733M/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&qid=1572657128&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A4565380011&s=exercise-and-fitness&sr=1-12