This is not a complete gym etiquette article. I won’t tell you how many laps you can acceptably hog the auto belay for or how to tell that V1 crusher that they’re going to blow up every tendon in their arms if they keep doing weighted hangs. Instead, this a mini “Don’t Do It In The…
Category: How To
(Climbing) Nutrition Simplified
Much of the information about nutrition that we ingest online is confusing and conflicting. Every article and podcast seems to encourage us to eat in a new way. Should we try out the ketogenic diet? What about going back to our roots and eating paleo? Or ditch animal products altogether to become vegan? Or maybe…
The Gym Guide Pyramid: What I Look for in an Indoor Climbing Facility
Living in Boulder, CO, I’m a two mile walk/drive/bike ride from three of the country’s best climbing gyms, four if you count ABC Kids, and a twenty-minute drive from a brand-new EVO Rock + Fitness one town over. Naturally, I’ve visited every gym at least once and have enjoyed slightly different experiences at each. Now, while I’m not here to…
Maximize Your Training During Peak Gym Hours
If you’re a “9-5er” and live in the vicinity of a climbing gym, you know the frustration of attempting to train during busy hours. With two kids teams stealing a third of the routes for their after-school practice, their parents milling around, and all the other 9-5ers showing up at the same time, it’s hard to find space on…
Chocolate: The Secret to Making Everyone on Your Climbing Trip Love You (And So Much More)
Most people I know, including myself, are chocolate-lovers in some form or another. I love dark chocolate: the higher the percentage of coco and more sea salt the better. Others prefer creamy milk, nut-infused, ultra-sweet white or berry-filled bars. With so many delicious flavors, inexpensive options and colorful, inviting packages, why not start bringing a bar…
6 Tips for Surviving Long Car Trips
Whether you’re making the 7-hour trek to Joe’s Valley for the weekend or driving coast-to-coast in less than a week, long days in the car are rough. However, YOU have the power to make them less terrible and even productive. Here’s How: Tip 1: Listen to Podcasts! Having driven from New Hampshire to California and…
Homemade Spreadable Trail Mix: A Photographic How To
Trail mix and nut butters have long been outdoor enthusiasts’ staple foods. They’re packable, dense, nutritious fuel. Unfortunately, after several jars of creamy PB and a pound of almonds and dried fruit, you start to hate your go-to snacks. Here is an easy homemade twist on traditional trail mix to make you love “good ol’ raisins and peanuts” again…
New Year’s Resolutions That Have Nothing To Do With Climbing Performance or Strict Training Plans (And Why They’re Important)
2017 is less than a week away, and you know what that means: Getting to work on your “New Year’s resolutions.” Now you might be thinking, Please no, not another piece on New Year’s resolutions: They’re cliché, quickly abandoned, and I hate them. That is true of many performance- and training-focused goals.* However, I promise I…
Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers for Your Outdoorsy Family and Friends
Christmas is less than two weeks away, and Hanukkah begins in just 12 days, which means you’ve likely completed approximately 2 percent of your holiday shopping and are now scrambling. Coffee.Tape.Climb. has you covered with inexpensive gifts for the outdoor enthusiasts on your list. A HYDRO FLASK: This “water bottle” keeps beverages hot for 6…
The Climbers’ “Turkey Trot”
Thanksgiving is just 10 days away, and you know what that means: Food, family, friends, football and people running pre-pie-binge 5Ks. As climbers, we could join the other non-runners, huffing and puffing for 3.1 miles, or we could sneak in a little fun, competitive climbing before succumbing to the mythical turkey coma instead. Ideally, you’re…
“Hands-Free” Yoga Poses for Belayer Warmth
Disclaimer: I am not encouraging distracted or otherwise poor belaying. However, I do acknowledge that there are times when the wind picks up, the sun goes behind a cloud, you weren’t thinking and didn’t put on your belay jacket, etc., and you find yourself freezing your behind off while belaying. Here are some yoga-inspired “poses” and techniques…
Polite Woodland Defecation
I’m pretty good at pooping. I also like to stay hydrated. Between the two, I often find myself having to use the “outdoor facilities” while climbing, hiking, and camping. Now, I’m sure you’ve heard of the proper method for defecating in the wilderness: Walk 200+ feet from any trails, campsites, crags, notable boulders, water sources, and…
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