Joseph Gannon

Vintage Mountaineering Gear

1. REI Mountaineering Goose Down Parka 2. Fjallraven Kajka-85 Litre Backpack 3. Patagonia M’s Capilene® 2 Zip-Neck 4. Vintage JB Mountaineering Helmet 5. Vintage Patagonia Backcountry Bibs 6. Rocky Mountain Featherbed and BEAMS Tokyo 7. LOWA Mountaineering Boots 8. National Geographic Vintage-Style Mountaineering Sunglasses 9. ’70s Vintage Mother Karens Gaiters

I’ve long had the itch to climb Denali. It seems a more reasonable (sensible even) alternative to Everest. If I get to make the trek, you better believe I’m going with the best in synthetic fibers from contemporary outfitters. My nostalgic side, however, would want for a sprinkling of the vintage gear. Reading through the guide books provided by a few Denali outfitters, I made note of a couple of substitutions I would make trading new for vintage. I went straight to the source for all things vintage and cast off, eBay. In all honesty…part of me wants to climb just to legitimately rock a pair of vintage, Bolle’, mirrored lens, snow shielded, polarized, go to hell, mountaineering sunglasses and a gnarly beard. (see thumbs-below-for inspiration)

The look is inspired by The 1980 West Fork Expedition that skirted the great Alaskan peak. 80 Days of traversing, skiing, climbing, and hiking. Several superb guides offer great experiences into the Alaskan Wilderness, find one and get training (Denali’s climbing window is typically April -June depending on the outfitter).  After reading their account…I’m counting my pennies and starting to pull some gear from eBay. (ed. This Vintage Mountaineering gear holds it value, well.)

Check a selection of photos from the West Fork adventure to whet your appetite. See the link above to read the whole story. Worth the time.