High Kicks in Small Spaces

Climbing is known for being rough and tumble. My mom called me a hooligan the other day when she saw the scabs on my elbow, I have poison ivy all over my ankles from last weekend's adventure, my shins are permanently scared and I don't even bother with nail polish anymore. Whether you climb indoor or out, on ropes or without, you'll take a beating.

So for a sport that absolutely rips through my wardrobe I struggle rationalizing spending top dollar on the latest apparel. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate how sweet my butt looks in a pair of lululemon yoga pants, but come on, let's face it, it looks equally fantastic in a pair of Old Navy yoga pants (see exhibit 1 for comparison).


Exhibit 1.


As this examination has proven, it is silly to spend excessive money on clothing for climbing. (unless a company's got an incredible return policy, like Patagonia or REI (return every item), or if they are designed to take a beating like Carhartt.)

The solution? Well, I'm a big fan of Goodwill and Savers. I think a good pair of used dungarees goes a long way... plus there are aisles of them for you to choose from. Once you select a few candidates, all you have to do is test them out. In a fitting room I would suggest practicing a few high kicks to simulate heel hooking. You want to make sure the waist is flexible enough to allow for ample flexibility and movement, but restricted enough to prevent plumber butt. Also, keep in mind that jeans these days are designed to stretch- make sure to jog in place to test their elasticity.

Plus, in the warmer months an added bonus to buying previously owned jeans is the ability to turn them into shorts sans remorse... heads up though, don't cut them too short or you'll be experiencing some awkward riding up issues.


In case there is any question, I've put together the following proof:

Mathematical Proof- If smart is sexy and you're smart for saving money on clothes that serve the same purpose and keep you looking sexy, then I'm pretty sure that makes you sexy².

The excitement of a trip

So my friends, it has begun.....

the three month journey across this country called America. My 'climbing' trip. Now I put climbing into this title loosely, however I feel like it is still going to be epic. Like all trips climbing or anything else for that matter, it all begins with the planning of everything. I have had this trip booked for almost six months now, however don't really have too much planned. I have kind of time frames and areas that I would like to be and when, but that's about it. I am going to be visiting people as I go, trying to talk them into a little weekender trip, or more. California is the first port of call, Keith Share is the person joining me on the first leg. Now when you think Cali, you think Sunshine, Yosemite, Bishop, etc etc etc Sunshine is my first though. However, apparently there is a 40 to 60% chance of rain over the weekend.... boo to that.... big time, no matter I am sure that we will find something to climb that isnt covered in rain.

Next on the agenda is Portland Oregon, Smith rock to be a little more precise, Sarah Harmon the one, being magnificent. Colorado is gonna get snuck in there as well. A mid trip non climbing Ohioan wedding will be there to break and shake things up a bit. Then the one we have all been waiting for..... Boston!!!! (crowd goes wild) (goes wild I said (shakes fist at reader)) All of these places are going to be amazing and I really can't wait to get to each new spot, however not wanting to take away from the trip ahead of it.

Anyway, 'planning' is usually first, then comes the packing. three months is a reasonable length of time for a trip especially when you have to try and fit your life into a 90L pack, with a 40L day pack. the excitement really builds when you have everything laid out in front of you. your tent, Sleeping bag and thermorest, stove, pots and pans, clothes and alike, and lets not forget the climbing gear too. you look at it all and think, "How the hell am I going to get all that stuff into these two bags?" Tetris is now the aim of the game.... a few things get sacrificed and dont make the cut. All this is helped along a little by the fact that I had my car stolen with quite a bit of gear that was going to be coming along...fuck you who ever stole and torched my car..

sorry, side tracked there a little. any way. Planning, then packing, then all of a sudden after the months and months saving, You are at the aeroporto at 5 in the morning to catch your first flight... Sydney to LA is around 14 or 15 hours.... you should try it some time within the next year when you come and visit me in Australia, think of this as your little guide to it all. No stolen cars though, that sucks.

So here I am now, midnight on Wednesday, after about 30 hours of transit, awaiting the excitement of what is to come. I hope to see you somewhere in this wild country people.
you show me around here, and when you get over to the Down Under, I will gladly show you what we have to offer up!