Three Things Thursday, Issue #23

Wydaho Sunset. July 15, 2017

• All you need to know about alpine climbing. Well, at least close to all you need to know... 
• I think maybe I've said it before, but rock and alpine and ice climbers have fewer and fewer good reasons to belay a leader with something less than an assisted braking belay device. Your regular "ATC" or plate-style device, even if that device has friction "teeth" or a "guide mode" is out of date. Use a Camp Matik, Grigri, Edelrid Jul, Mammut Smart, or something like it. Use it well, but use it. It grants a real margin for error over the older alternative. I don't care if it seems more complicated. Rock climbing is complicated, and dropping your buddy is real complicated. Learn complicated skills. 
• Stay tuned for me to drop my entire 2018 calendar in your lap. My time fills up fast, and 2018 looks to be no exception. I'm excited to be working with a variety of partners to offer world-wide adventures.