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Mt. Mizugaki, Japan. [Photo] E64, Wikimedia

Namesake: Izumi (“The Spring”)

by Katsutaka Yokoyama

In this Namesake story from Alpinist 48 (2014), Katsutaka “Jumbo” Yokoyama–an original member of Japan’s famous Giri-Giri Boys, who have become known for their bold… Read More »Namesake: Izumi (“The Spring”)

Drew Thayer carries the Osprey Mutant 52 backpack loaded with ski mountaineering gear and a large four-season tent for a climb of Mt. Daly, Elk Range, Colorado. Crampons are tied on with cord to the rear daisy chains. [Photo] Lillian Hancock

Osprey Mutant 52: A worthy pack for just about any pursuit in any season

by Drew Thayer

Drew Thayer tested the Osprey Mutant 52 backpack on ski tours, cragging days and even a three-week packraft trip in the Amazon rainforest. While the… Read More »Osprey Mutant 52: A worthy pack for just about any pursuit in any season

Chashkin I (6035m), Pakistan. [Photo] Tico Gangulee

Tico Gangulee solos the first ascent and first ski descent of Chashkin I (6035m)

by Derek Franz

On June 20, in a round-trip from his advanced base camp that took approximately 11 hours, Tico Gangulee free soloed the first ascent–and first ski… Read More »Tico Gangulee solos the first ascent and first ski descent of Chashkin I (6035m)

The east face of Mt. Fay with the line of The Sound of Silence (M8 WI5, 1100m) marked in red. [Photo] Courtesy of Ines Papert, Luka Lindic and Brette Harrington

Ines Papert, Luka Lindic and Brette Harrington complete The Sound of Silence on Mt. Fay

by Luka Lindic

Luka Lindic writes about a new route he completed on the east face of Mt. Fay (3234m) in British Columbia, Canada, with Brette Harrington and… Read More »Ines Papert, Luka Lindic and Brette Harrington complete The Sound of Silence on Mt. Fay

Derek Franz discovering just how much effort it can take to activate the Beal Escaper after a short rappel from the top of Elephant Rock. [Photo] Mandi Franz

Beal Escaper: A scary but handy tool for when you need to rappel with one rope

by Derek Franz

Alpinist Digital Editor Derek Franz tested the Beal Escaper, which the company describes as a “detachable abseil system” that enables climbers to rappel on a… Read More »Beal Escaper: A scary but handy tool for when you need to rappel with one rope

The northwest face of Chamlang (7321m) with the line of UFO (ABO M6, WI5, 2500m) marked in red. [Photo] Zdenek Hak and Marek Holecek collection

Zdenek Hak and Marek Holecek complete the first ascent of Chamlang’s northwest face

by Derek Franz

Czech climbers Marek Holecek and Zdenek Hak teamed up for another huge, demanding route on May 16-23, this time on the northwest face of Chamlang… Read More »Zdenek Hak and Marek Holecek complete the first ascent of Chamlang’s northwest face