An Alpine Expedition Pack We like this custom backpack for winter mountaineering use for several reasons. 1. Its high volume at 80 liters is perfect for stuffing bulky winter clothes, sleeping bags and tents. 2. The contoured, well cushioned and adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt are very comfortable. This, along with an adjustable pivotable frame sheet helps carry the heavy loads. 3. Large base pouches on each side of the pack allow for the easy stowing of ground pads, tents, snow pickets and ski poles 4. The back of the pack has enough bar tacked webbing in all the right places to attach climbing tools, shovel, crampons… It has gear loops for biners, ice screws, etc. allowing one to
Finding a shelter one can trust during extreme winter storms is no laughing matter – our lives depend on our tent. Our top choice for this trip is the Hilleberg Tarra. Its geodesic design is excellent for heavy snow loads, strong winds and provides a spacious interior. The Tarra offers two opposing vestibules which provides one side to prepare meals and the other end to store gear. It is designed with an excellent ventilation system to help eliminate frost. The outer fabric has an outstanding tear strength due to its silicone impregnation – a critical attribute on these extreme winter expeditions. Here we are preparing our tent with a custom made insulated floor. We’ve learned that comfort
On March 4th 2019, alpinists Lonnie Dupre and Pascale Marceau are returning to Canada’s Yukon Territory to attempt a first winter ascent in Kluane National Park and Reserve. The team is planning a reconnaissance flight prior to the climb to assess possible routes and landing options near Mt. Lucania 5,226 meters (17,146 feet) Canada’s third tallest mountain, or nearby Mt. Wood 4,850 meters (15,912 feet). Neither peak has been climbed in the winter. "The beauty of such firsts lies in their unknowns. There is no standard route. There are no prescribed landing zones and the condition of the glaciers is always changing," said Marceau. The biggest challenges are expected to be the extreme cold a