by Scott Skinger on September 5, 2008
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I am reading the book, Mountaineering - The Freedom of the Hills, to pick up more background information on all things related to Mountaineering (hiking, climbing, backpacking, etc.). I am about 1/3 of the way through so I hesitate to give it a complete thumbs up, but so far I really like it. It is more of a reference book than a straight-through read, but it answers so many questions and is well written.
Coverage includes:
Clothing & Equipment
Camping and Food
Wilderness Travel
Alpine Ice Climbing
Navigation
Rock Climbing Fundamentals
Leading (Rock Climbing)
Safety
First Aid
Mountain Weather
…Lots More
I will post again with more information on this book.
by Scott Skinger on September 3, 2007
Several months ago, I purchased a copy of Colorado’s Fourteeners From Hikes to Climbs (second edition) by Gerry Roach, before my first mountain climbing trip to Salida, CO. I have to say, that at first, it was overwhelming. It has A LOT of information in it and it can be confusing to new climbers.
However, after spending a good deal of time with it, it is a great reference book and the details are much appreciated. Make sure that you read the introduction thoroughly, as it covers a lot of important information on how to use the book (and climbing in general).
Its great strength is the detailed, accurate information that it provides; from getting to the trailhead, best routes to take up the mountain to helpful advice and tips. You should read and re-read (and re-read again) all of the information on the mountain climb that you are planning.
As a matter of fact, I own two copies of the book. One copy is used as my reference copy and the second copy is used like a workbook. I tear out the pages before I go on a trip and leave the rest of my “workbook” at home. I then have a great little packet of information that I can easily transport on the plane (I like to travel as light as possible). The map(s) can be folded and put inside a plastic baggie…great for a quick reference in your pocket.
by Scott Skinger on August 22, 2007
I picked this backup up during my first trip to Colorado back in July. Prior to this, during hikes with my family I was stuck lugging bottles of water around for everyone. I have used this backpack on numerous hikes and also on both mountains I have climbed…I love it. It is lightweight, comfortable to wear and obviously makes accessing water much easier.
However, keep in mind that this is only a daypack. It is roomy but not roomy enough to handle any overnight gear. Also, I have the largest capacity water bladder (100 oz./3 liters) and I have run out of water (close to the end) on both of my mountain climbs. This concerns me, as I feel that I should be drinking even more water than I am.
On my next climb, I am going to carry two water bladders. I am going to borrow my wife’s bladder (uhh…that might not sound right…you know what I mean), which is a little smaller at 2 liters. So, I am going to carry 5 liters of water with me total. This will probably be pretty bulky at first but after a few hours of drinking it will be fine. Overall, this is a great backpack and I highly recommend it. I use it all the time, even when I am not climbing.
