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When the Screen Goes Black: The Lost Art of Basic Map & Compass still Matters

It’s 20°F on the upper slopes of Mount Shasta. The wind is howling across the ridge, biting through your outer layers, and you pull out your phone to double-check your line. The display stutters, dims, and serves up the universal symbol of backcountry panic: a black...

Read Mountain Weather Like a Pro: Preparing for Your 14,000-Foot Climb

When preparing for a climb or ski on Mount Shasta (14,179 ft) or Mount Whitney (14,505 ft), or just hiking into the mountains, checking the standard weather app on your phone won't cut it. A sunny 75°F forecast for the town of Mount Shasta or Lone Pine often hides...

Sea Level to 14,000 Feet: How to Acclimatize for California’s Highest Peaks

Climbing California 14ers like Mount Shasta (14,179 ft) or Mount Whitney (14,505 ft) is a bucket-list achievement. However, for climbers living near sea level—whether in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, or elsewhere in the country—the compressed 2- to 3-day itinerary...

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WEAR YOUR D$%N HELMET!

WEAR YOUR D$%N HELMET!

While climbing Mount Shasta is an unforgettable experience, it is also a serious alpine objective where safety should always come first. Having the proper equipment is essential and one of the most important pieces of gear every climber...

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How to View Mountain Weather Like a Guide

How to View Mountain Weather Like a Guide

Like in normal life, weather decides most things in the mountains. It influences whether a climb is reasonable, whether the snow has significant instabilities, and whether a day feels straightforward or like a constant problem needing to be managed. I’ve dealt with...

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Mexico Volcanoes Expedition Guide: Why This Trip Means So Much

Mexico Volcanoes Expedition Guide: Why This Trip Means So Much

Why I Wrote This:I wrote this to give an honest look into our Mexico Volcanoes Expeditions for those who may not know about them yet, and to help people more fully understand why they mean so much to us as a company. For me personally, this trip is deeply personal on...

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Relaxing in Kathmandu Before Your Everest Base Camp Trek

Relaxing in Kathmandu Before Your Everest Base Camp Trek

For most trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp, the experience doesn’t really start on the trail—it starts in Kathmandu. It’s a city that hits you all at once: busy, colorful, a little chaotic, but full of life, great food, and a kind of energy that makes it clear...

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SNACKS AND MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

SNACKS AND MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

Climbing Mount Shasta is an incredible adventure, but it is also very physically demanding. Having the right snacks/lunch food can make or break your energy levels. The right foods will help keep you fueled, focused, and ready to push through long...

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