#111 Climbing Mount Baker — Step-By-Step

 Join coaches Leif Whittaker and Larry Goldie as they provide a comprehensive guide for climbing Mount Baker, covering preparation, gear, and strategies for a typical 3-day guided ascent. Leif and Larry discuss essential equipment, packing tips, camping techniques, and nutrition strategies for mountaineering, as well as the importance of proper training and pacing during the climb. They also offer insights into the daily expectations of the climb, including the approach hike, glacier skills training, and the challenges of summit day, emphasizing safety and environmental considerations throughout the journey.

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Episode Guide

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:39 What makes Baker unique and special

00:03:46 Step 1: Gear check

00:06:11 Essential and under-rated gear for climbing Baker

00:14:55 Practical pack-loading tips

00:19:18 Step 2: Approaching your chosen route

00:22:39 Using trekking poles and approach shoes

00:25:25 Staying below aerobic threshold 

00:28:05 Step 3: Arriving at high-camp

00:30:00 First night at high-camp and securing your gear

00:36:41 Carry extra fuel to melt snow

00:37:49 Go-to back-country meals and snacks

00:45:24 Step 4: glacier skills

00:47:37 Efficiency of movement

00:50:54 Other important skills

00:54:47 The night before a summit bid and the alpine start

01:00:24 Step 5: summit day

01:00:59 Quick fuels for summit day

01:03:34 Applying warm layers and sunscreen during rest periods

01:06:09 Final push up the Roman Headwall

01:07:18 The summit is the half-way point

01:09:31 Descending safely

01:11:27 Step 6: Back to camp, and down to the trail-head

01:16:18 Training considerations for Baker

01:23:39 Go into the trip well rested

01:25:24 Where to learn more

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:39 What makes Baker unique and special
• 3:46 Step 1: Gear check
• 6:11 Essential and under-rated gear for climbing Baker
• 14:55 Practical pack-loading tips
• 19:18 Step 2: Approaching your chosen route
• 22:39 Using trekking poles and approach shoes
• 25:25 Staying below aerobic threshold
• 28:05 Step 3: Arriving at high-camp
• 30:00 First night at high-camp and securing your gear
• 36:41 Carry extra fuel to melt snow
• 37:49 Go-to back-country meals and snacks
• 45:24 Step 4: glacier skills
• 47:37 Efficiency of movement
• 50:54 Other important skills
• 54:47 The night before a summit bid and the alpine start
• 1:00:24 Step 5: summit day
• 1:00:59 Quick fuels for summit day
• 1:03:34 Applying warm layers and sunscreen during rest periods
• 1:06:09 Final push up the Roman Headwall
• 1:07:18 The summit is the half-way point
• 1:09:31 Descending safely
• 1:11:27 Step 6: Back to camp, and down to the trail-head
• 1:16:18 Training considerations
• 1:23:39 Go into the trip well rested
• 1:25:24 Where to learn more