Stories & Guides

How hard is “hard” – and what exactly does that mean? If you’re spending a lot of time climbing or bouldering, you’ll eventually stumble into what seems like an overwhelming maze of numbers, letters, and grading systems. Whether you're scaling sky-high walls in the great outdoors or at the gym, routes with the same grade often feel completely different. Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the why, what grading systems there are, and what they actually tell us.

Fleece is a light, breathable and quick-drying material, mainly used as a midlayer for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing or skiing. It provides reliable thermal insulation while giving you total freedom of movement. But what is it exactly – and what should you know before buying your fleece jacket?

From wind and snow to brilliant sunshine, ski touring is the ultimate outdoor experience. To prevent overheating and freezing, the right clothing is key. And a carefully planned outfit will go a long way in making sure you’ll be able to navigate any weather conditions in comfort. In this guide, we’ll tell you what to watch out for when choosing your ski touring gear – and how to perfectly prepare for any weather.

Like any winter sport, ski touring is bound to push your physical fitness and mental strength to the limit. So before hitting the slopes, you’ll need a little more than just skiing know-how, experience – or the right ski touring gear. To master demanding ascents in style and limit the risk of injuries, targeted strength and endurance training are key. In this guide, we’ll tell you exactly which exercises you need to focus on to be perfectly prepared for the season.

To make your hike a memorable experience from start to finish, proper nutrition is key. Your body needs enough energy to cover long distances, tackle steep climbs, and stay focused and strong all day long. But what foods really do the trick? In this post, we’ll tell you which snacks you need to include in your packing list for hikes – and how to fuel up properly before hitting the trail.

Want to plan a hike that fully lives up to your expectations? Whether you're eyeing a leisurely day hike or looking to tackle a challenging multi-day trek, the right preparation will turn every simple step into an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to properly plan your hike, how to pick the right route, and what things you absolutely need to bring along for the ride.

A multi-day hut trip is the perfect way to take a break from the daily grind. Fresh mountain air, breathtaking views, and cozy evenings at the hut – you’ll be hard pressed to find something better. To make the most of your special mountain getaway, the right preparation is key. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive packing list with all the essentials you need for your next hut-to-hut adventure.

Having the right gear for your ski tour is just as important as scoring perfect powder. From choosing the right touring skis to packing your backpack like a pro – every little detail counts. Because without the proper preparation, an epic challenge can quickly turn into an energy-draining experience. To make sure you can focus on what really matters, and enjoy your next adventure to the max, we’ve put together a handy list of essential equipment you don’t want to miss when you’re out and about.

Climbing is more than just a sport. It moves people – not just physically, but emotionally, and socially, too. SAMA is a film about four young people in Lebanon whose everyday lives are marked by crisis. They share their stories of displacement, exclusion, and the search for identity – but also of friendship, trust, and hope. Filmed in 2022 and 2023 at a time of economic collapse, bread shortages, deportations, and political turmoil, SAMA is​​ anything but a tale of hopelessness.

Climbing for Katie Lambert not only gave her life purpose. The privilege of passion. To her, it felt necessary to use her fire as an act of reciprocity that serves the greater climbing community, and inspire women to take the lead. "I've only been able to do this because of the women before me, making room for my generation to have a spot in the arena of rock climbing".

Adam Ondra gives an insight into his mental game while flashing one of the hardest trad climbs in the UK: Lexicon. The route is rated E11, which signifies a route of extreme difficulty and danger, often involving perilous moves and considerable exposure.

Climbing is one of the sporting activities that require regular training and exercise to be successful. To efficiently build up the technique, flexibility, and strength needed, frequent climbing sessions are key. So if you don’t have a conveniently located climbing hall or outdoor area nearby, or simply want to squeeze a little extra training session into your daily schedule, training at home can be a great way to boost your strength and flexibility.