![[Photo] Mandi Franz](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/xclimbing-addicts-colored-chalk-1-1-930x620.jpg.pagespeed.ic.AIsKGxRUn4.jpg)
Climbing Addicts Chalk Blends In
A review of Climbing Addicts “Yosemite Gray” and “Wall Street Gold” Chalk prompts a treatise on climbing chalk by Alpinist Digital Editor Derek Franz. He… Read More »Climbing Addicts Chalk Blends In
Home » Derek Franz »
Derek Franz
![Cover design by Sarah Nicholson. [Photo] Jimena Peck](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/as-above-so-below-1-930x620.jpg)
“As Above, So Below” uses fiction to explore the realities of risk and relationships
About four years ago, Chris Kalman found himself struggling with heavy emotions while living with his girlfriend and her father who was dying of cancer.… Read More »“As Above, So Below” uses fiction to explore the realities of risk and relationships
Two Alpinist stories selected for Notables List in Best American Sports Writing 2018
Two Alpinist stories from 2017 are included on the Notables List for The Best American Sports Writing 2018: Claire Carter’s feature story “To Abandon” appeared… Read More »Two Alpinist stories selected for Notables List in Best American Sports Writing 2018
![The Foehn Brise Pants were ideal for the chilly spring temps at the Techno Crag (ca. 9,000') above Ouray, Colorado, last May. Here the author enjoys the classic arete of All Night Rave (5.12b) with numb fingers. [Photo] Mandi Franz](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/foehn-brise-pant-1-1-930x620.jpg)
Foehn Brise Pant: Warm, comfortable and highly functional
Foehn is a new, small clothing company based in Quebec, Canada, that came on the market this year and has a touching backstory. Alpinist Digital… Read More »Foehn Brise Pant: Warm, comfortable and highly functional
Two Alpinist stories are finalists for a Banff Mountain Book Competition article award
The annual Banff Mountain Book Competition recently announced the nominees long-listed for recognition in several categories–out of the four articles under consideration for Best Mountaineering… Read More »Two Alpinist stories are finalists for a Banff Mountain Book Competition article award
![Tom Frost leads Pitch 29 during the first ascent of the Salathe Wall on El Capitan in 1961. Frost, Chuck Pratt and Royal Robbins completed the climb over nine and a half days. [Photo] Royal Robbins, Tom Frost collection](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/tom-frost-salathe-fa-930x620.jpg)
The passing of two legends: Tom Frost and Jeff Lowe
Yesterday, August 24, was a fateful day for the climbing world, as two of America’s greatest climbing legends and icons passed away–Tom Frost and Jeff… Read More »The passing of two legends: Tom Frost and Jeff Lowe
![Tom Livingstone leading on Latok I during his successful ascent from the north side in which he and Ales Cesen and Luka Strazar climbed three-quarters of the North Ridge before traversing right to reach the south face where they continued to the top. [Photo] Ales Cesen/Luka Strazar](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/xlatok-success-1-930x620.jpg.pagespeed.ic.VSwop6ZzuY.jpg)
Tom Livingstone recounts the experience of climbing Latok I
Tom Livingstone, Ales Cesen and Luka Strazar recently became the first climbers to summit Latok I (7145m) from the north side, climbing most of the… Read More »Tom Livingstone recounts the experience of climbing Latok I
![The author lounges on the Sea to Summit Ultralight Air Mat in Colorado's Elk Range with Mt. Sopris (12,965') in the background. [Photo] Amanda Franz](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/xsea-to-summit-ultralight-air-mat-1-1-930x620.jpg.pagespeed.ic.dRy7jBTQT9.jpg)
Sea to Summit Ultralight Air Mat: For a good night’s sleep in the summer backcountry
The Sea to Summit Ultralight Air Mat is a summer backcountry mattress that can pack down to the size of a large burrito and that… Read More »Sea to Summit Ultralight Air Mat: For a good night’s sleep in the summer backcountry
![Latok I (7145m). The North Ridge is the prominent line right of center. [Photo] Courtesy of Mountain.RU](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/latok-rescue-2.jpeg)
Latok I summited by a variation of the North Ridge
After 40 years of thwarted attempts, the North Ridge of Latok I (7145m) has been climbed by Slovenian climbers Ales Cesen and Luka Strazar, and… Read More »Latok I summited by a variation of the North Ridge
Four climbs and one person to be recognized at 2018 Piolets d’Or in Ladek, Poland
Out of 58 climbs on the list of “significant ascents” in 2017, the Piolets d’Or committee has announced three climbs and two special mentions to… Read More »Four climbs and one person to be recognized at 2018 Piolets d’Or in Ladek, Poland
![The North Ridge of Latok I with Alexander Gukov's position marked in red, where helicopters reached him July 31. [Photo] Courtesy of Mountain.RU](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/latok-rescue-folo-1-930x620.jpg)
Alexander Gukov rescued from 6200m on Latok I by a helicopter longline operation
Alexander Gukov, 42, is safe after spending nearly a full seven days at 6200 meters stuck on the North Ridge of Latok I (7145m) in… Read More »Alexander Gukov rescued from 6200m on Latok I by a helicopter longline operation
![The La Sportiva TX4 Mid was a great, lightweight option for the hike to the top of Saint Vrain Mountain (12,162') in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Visible in the background, from left to right, are Chiefs Head, Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker. [Photo] Mandi Franz](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/la-sportiva-tx4-mid-1-1.jpg)
La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX boots: ‘Like walking on air’
The La Sportiva TX4 Mid boots are described by the company as an “access boot designed to excel in tricky, technical terrain.” Alpinist Digital Editor… Read More »La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX boots: ‘Like walking on air’