Stories & Guides

Getting married and having kids? Yeah… no. Lindsey Hamm never followed the Texan handbook for a “decent life.” Instead, she became an ice climber, mountain guide, and full-time mold-breaker. Her lifestyle is all about freedom, wilderness, and fun, but it’s also marked by loss, grief, and a fractured foot. And still, Lindsey pulls on her short leo tights, grabs her pack, and fires punchlines at life while roping up for her next ice climb. Her home isn’t pinned to a map – it lives in the people she’s lost, the ones she climbs for, and the joy of being unapologetically herself.

The ice has changed. It’s not like it used to be – less stable, less certain. The classic lines that professional ice climber Jonas Schild grew up on in the Bernese Oberland are harder to find now. But that hasn’t stopped him. He’s just learned to adapt. For Jonas, a good day isn’t just about ticking a route. He climbs for the feeling. The quiet. The cold. The way everything else disappears when he’s on the wall. The kind of day you’ll still be thinking about decades from now.

You’d think a frozen couloir would be the last place to feel calm. But for Franziska Schönbächler, it’s the only place that makes sense. No noise. No pressure. Just the sound of her ice tools, the cold in her lungs, and the quiet reminder that she’s doing this for no one but herself. She’s still in the competition world - where every move is judged, every result matters, and the pressure to deliver never really lets up. Even at her best, she wondered: Was I climbing for me, or for everyone else?

Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland, isn’t known for mixed climbing – but for Filippo Sala, it’s everything. It’s where he grew up, where he fell in love with the mountains, and where his career as a professional mountaineer began. Inspired by his grandfather, a lifelong alpinist, Filippo is now bringing a new style of climbing to his home terrain – not for glory, but to share the beauty of Ticino with others. After all, isn’t that why we do open new routes?

Ski touring delivers some of the best mountain experiences out there – challenging climbs, epic descents, and those perfect quiet moments in untouched powder. But before you hit the great outdoors, you need to make sure your gear is up to speed. Because on top of your avalanche safety equipment and plenty of layers, your ski touring backpack is an essential part of any ski touring equipment. After all, you’ll be wearing it for hours on end – so comfort, practicality and functionality are key. Whether you're completely new to the sport or you've been earning your turns for years: In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know – sizing, features, packing strategies, and more.

If you're regularly exposed to the elements – whether hiking, climbing, ski touring, or just living your life – the right gear is key. Especially in changing weather, it often comes down to one common question: What type of clothing will actually help you stay dry? In this guide, we’ll tell you what waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent really mean, what those hydrostatic head numbers really mean, and what to watch out for when upgrading your equipment.

Every trail runner who's logged serious miles knows the truth: Your pack isn't just another piece of gear – it's what can make or break your run when push comes to shove. In this guide, we’ll tell you exactly what you need to know: What makes a running pack work for you instead of against you. How to pick the right setup for the way you run and the trails you tackle. Plus, how to put together your gear, snacks, and safety essentials so you can fully commit to doing what you love the most – running trails.

Whether you're planning a quick jaunt into the woods or hauling gear through the mountains for days – the right hiking backpack can make or break your adventure. Wondering which pack fits your specific trip, how much storage you actually need, and what features really matter? You're in the right place! This guide covers everything you need to know to find your ideal trail companion for any hike.

Whether it's deep cuts, rolled ankles, or painful blisters on your feet – injuries can happen on any hike, no matter how experienced you are. Without the right equipment, these incidents can quickly turn into major problems. To keep you feeling confident on every trail, a first aid kit is an essential part of your outdoor setup. What absolutely needs to be in there, which supplies can be lifesavers when things go sideways, and how to pack your first aid kit for easy access – we've got all the info you need.

Whether you're on steep rock or just getting outside: climbing has blown up as a sport – and for very good reasons. There's something raw and playful about it that brings out your inner kid. At the same time, it pushes your strength, cardio, and problem-solving skills all at once. But is it actually good for you? That's what a lot of climbers wonder about, along with people who are just getting stoked on the sport. This post dives into how climbing affects both your body and mind.

Anyone who spends serious time on trails knows: your gear can make or break a trip, especially your hiking shirt. This key piece of kit goes everywhere with you, helps regulate your body temperature, and makes sure you're comfortable no matter what – whether you're scaling a summit in blazing heat or traversing shady stretches. This guide covers what makes a solid hiking shirt, which materials actually work, and how to pick the right one for whatever adventure you're planning.

Raw rock, wild landscapes, and not a bolt in sight: Trad climbing – short for "Traditional Climbing" – is climbing in its purest form. Out there on natural terrain there's no fixed protection. Instead, trad climbers rack up with their own gear, slot it into cracks and features as they go, and clean it all when they're done. What sounds like a ton of extra work is actually the ultimate stoke for many climbers: a discipline built on self-reliance, solid technique, and getting deep into wild places. This guide breaks down what makes trad so special – and why many climbers consider it the real deal.