Alpine Strongholds: The Remote Mountaineering Tent

“A mountaineering tent is your first line of defense against some of most severe and inhospitable conditions on the earth,” says Eric Larsen. As a record-setting polar explorer, mountaineer and guide, he knows. “I’ve literally spent years of my life living in a tent on one adventure or another. A well-designed tent is integral to your safety, and even survival.” When MSR set out to redefine what a mountaineering tent could be, we worked closely with Eric. The result? Our Remote Mountaineering Series—expedition-grade, guide-worthy tents that deliver the benefits that big-mountain climbers need, with less weight and modern engineering. “From 8,000 meter peaks to Mt. Rainier and everything in between, if you’re only going to have one mountaineering tent in your quiver this is your choice,” Eric says. Mountaineering Tents…

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The Access™ Winter Backcountry Tents

When it comes to winter backcountry camping, MSR’s Access Tents are carving fresh tracks. Lighter than a classic mountaineering tent, but warmer than a backpacking tent, they’re the first to strike a balance between high-quality winter protection and true lightweight performance in livable designs. For backcountry skiers, splitboarders and snowshoers looking to spend comfortable nights in the winter mountains, Access Tents are your golden ticket. Recognizing a unique need “Not everyone who camps in the winter backcountry is a mountaineer,” says Terry Breaux, MSR tent designer. But until now, four-season tent options have been limited to heavy expedition-grade mountaineering tents or cramped bivy-style alpinist designs. This left winter recreationalists, such as skiers, splitboarders and snowshoers, forced to compromise in their shelter selection. “We were seeing skiers using classic mountaineering tents,…

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Himalayas: Preparing for and Hiking at High Altitude

I’ve joined friends and photographers, Dan and Janine Patitucci for a ten-day Himalayan adventure trek across the Gangotri Glacier organized by Ruck Sack Tours. This glacier is one of the main sources of the Ganges River, and one of the largest in the Himalaya. However, it is rapidly receding. We scramble over rock and rubble where ice once stretched to reach Tapovan, at the base of Shivling, the mountain we’ve come to admire. Itinerary basics: Gangotri Glacier Trek with Ruck Sack Tours 3-day drive, 1 free, 10-day trekking, 3-day drive, 1 free in Delhi Two main base camps in high meadows Four nights at Tapovan (4300 M) at the base of Shivling Three nights at Nandanvan (4400 M) at the foot of Bhagirathi Two nights at camps on the way…

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