Having to re-climb doubled rappel ropes is one of climbing’s most taxing situations. In my 30-something years of climbing, I’ve only had to do this twice, and both times were epic.

Chasing ghosts on Hawaiian sea cliffs.

What do sitting through an ice comp and a recital of Bach's Brandenburg concertos have in common? A: They seem brilliant after the fact, but during them you have to mainline espresso beans to stay propped upright.

On September 30, Eric Brand went into the home he shared with his wife, Carol, in Silver City, New Mexico, lay down on the couch and never woke up. Throughout his 50 years, Eric followed his own path with intensity and determination, and it is difficult to grasp that someone with so much passion for living on the edge could leave in so peaceful a way.

Where are all the dirtbags? I'm not talking about these imposter dirtbags, the new-age lurkers taking up all the parking spots at Camp 4, Indian Creek and Miguel's Pizza with their pimped-out, Direct TV-receiving Sprinter vans that look like college dorm rooms on 26s.

Winter is now the only time of year when I actually feel warm, and I have this new behemoth of a down jacket to thank for that. First Ascent, a new line of technical mountaineering apparel from Eddie Bauer, has introduced its Peak XV Down Jacket, undoubtedly the warmest coat I've tested.