Outdoors

When the weather turns ‘South’ while you are still ‘North,’ what gear do you trust? What brands and specific products are the best for climbing high altitude, high-risk environments?

Now, I realize the smart thing to do is not to be caught at high altitude with bad weather in the first place. However, since it is the Rockies and weather changes on a dime, one must be prepared. Everything from hats to boots and stoves to global positioning devices are on the table for debate. Simply list your top five “must-haves” and describe a scenario when your gear passed “the test”.

Kin to my last blog, I will set a general guideline from which one can support his or her favorite brands and products.

General Guideline: 1. Weight: Extra weight can easily equate to extra trouble. 2. Durability: If one’s gear cannot take a hit, then one certainly does not want to take it to tree line. 3. Performance: Tree cover blocking reception, socks failing to keep toes warm, or stoves providing less than adequate heat, are all definite downers. 4. Price: Not as important as staying warm and dry but still a factor, especially in today’s economy.