All Blog Posts (85)

Mountaineering while pregnant isn’t most people’s idea of fun, my circle of friends is different.  Several pregnant friends have recently asked me if it’s ok to hike at altitude or climb while pregnant, my wife Sirima and I get asked this because friends have heard about our mountaineering experience climbing Mt. Rainer when she was 12 weeks pregnant.  My first comment is I’m a guy, climber, and survival expert, but that doesn't make me an expert on pregnancies at altitude…

Most modern day wilderness survival situations tend to be less than 48 hrs.  In these cases berries and bugs tend to be your best source of food for sustaining your energy level and moral to buy time and get rescued.  They’re easy to gather, don’t need other equipment, and fairly abundant when spotted.  When leveraging berries as a food source keep in mind this simple berry rule which is easy to remember.…

A home rock climbing wall is a great way to focus on your strength training and climbing skills.  A few years ago we built a new shed and we had the idea of building a climbing wall on 2 sides in lieu of siding.   We were on a budget and wanted to keep it under a $200.  We also wanted a wall that we could use, find challenging, and our 1 year old would find challenging as he…

People often ask me what tools I like to use when training, hiking, and climbing.  I love how technology has made it easier to get and stay fit.  Here are my top 5 favorite apps. 

Note: I have an iPhone now but most are available on Android and other devices.  Also don’t forget this earlier post on The Best Outdoor Apps.

1.   …

Kilimanjaro 19,341' (5,895 m), the highest mountain in Africa was one of my favorite trekking experiences and a mountain that people ask me about often when it comes to training and preparation. That’s why I’ve decided to write down some tips specific to a successful Kili summit and safe return.  I’m not going to get into too much of route descriptions, standard equipment, etc… but try and keep it to unique recommendations for Kili.

Although Kilimanjaro is not a particularly difficult…

In 2012 December, I attempted to climb Kilimanjaro with my two daughters and the blog is about the overall experience.

The Plan

Essentials to pack for Snowshoeing





Snowshoeing is becoming more and more popular, not only is it fun but it’s a great way to get in shape or stay in shape during the winter. I find that snowshoeing for 5 miles is as good a workout for me as hiking 10. I’ve come across many people snowshoeing on the trail who are hours from the trailhead with no backpack and minimal gear. I think they’re taking an unnecessary risk. Mother Nature is much less forgiving in the winter…

http://shantagunny.blogspot.com/2012/11/one-week-trip-to-utah-national-parks.html

I summited Mt. Rainier Saturday morning, August 4th (2012) in perfect weather (zero wind, even!).  I want to thank Fitclimb, particularly Grant Story and his 12 week Mt Rainier Training Plan, for playing a key role in making this dream come true.

In late April I learned I would have the opportunity to climb Rainier three months later, guided by a cousin who was a Rainier (RMI) guide in the 80's.  I went online, found Grant's 12-week plan, and followed it ... rigorously for the most…

My interest in climbing Mount Rainier took strong hold after the hike to the Camp Muir with Ali in 2010 and I had been looking into the schedule of the Rainier climbing companies but couldn't make a decision.  While I put the idea of climbing in the back burner and concentrated on other outdoor activities, I got the email from the Asha bicycle email group in January 2012 about a meeting to discuss about the Rainier climb.  I wanted to checkout the opportunity to climb Rainier with the…

hello every one, this is soni from India.
I am a mountaineer and goning for an expedition this month.
its for Mt. Kamet (7756m) 40 days long in Gharwal Himalayan, uttrakhand India

I just sold my tree climbing business this month after climbing since 1989 I'm ready.  Done Climbing trees for a living just beginning the next adventure in my life.  I'm a musician and a massive outdoors man.  Hope to hear from you guys soon! Johnny G.  Can anybody relate out here?  I will be adding much more just signed up tonight.

I want to base jump I have to.  Plans to go to New Zealand.  Not many have experienced it but I have to.  I have to.  Adrenaline rush will…

90% of avalanches affecting people are triggered by people. For anyone active in the snow, whether snowboarding, skiing, mountain climbing, snowmobiling or hiking, FitClimb Avalanche Safety Evaluator is essential to help you evaluate risks and avoid danger.

FitClimb Avalanche Safety Evaluator converts your Android mobile device into a Clinometer (slope meter) so you can accurately gauge the angle of a slope. It also helps you determine avalanche risk level and includes vital tips…

Forrester research recently released  results of a study that showed  17% of US adults used smart phones in 2010 and numbers expected to increase by double digits in the coming years.  Iphone and Android, the most popular devices each have hundreds of apps that can be useful to those venturing outdoors, especially hikers and backpackers.  I’m a big fan of good apps for the outdoors and wilderness.  A good outdoor app allows me to save on weight and combine functions in a multi use tool. …

In mountaineering a cornice is an overhanging ledge of snow on the edge of a ridge, cliff, or crest of a mountain. Cornices form by wind blowing snow over the leeward edge in successive layers. They can be very dangerous from traveling above and below them. A person or skier putting weight on top of a cornice can cause it to break off and collapse and causing a major…

For 2011 there’s a new Avalanche Danger scale put out by the USDA Forest Service National Avalanche Center and Parks Canada.  The new scale reduces some of the uncertainty of the preceding scale, provides more authoritative avalanche safety advice for backcountry travelers, skiers, climbers, and snowmobilers.  The new scale incorporates risk by referring to typical avalanche sizes expected, and utilizes icons recently adopted by European countries.

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Today was a quiet day at work so a few interesting chats cropped up. My friend Derek mentioned our climb up Ben Ledi and how hard he found it. Derek had gotten a stitch or cramp almost as soon as we had left the car park and Raymond the most experienced hillwalker of us was beginning to feel the strain about halfway before we reached any serious scrambling up or over rock. I do not consider myself fit. As maybe seen in some photos, I have a bit of a belly due to excessive beer intake but I…