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…
Tag: climbing
Pre-Climbing Power French Toast
Looking to mix up your pre-cragging breakfast routine? Find yourself hungry halfway through your warm-up? Just want something healthy but tasty and simple to make for your next meal? Pre-Climbing Power French Toast has you covered. INGREDIENTS: 1 egg 2 (or 3 if you’re super hungry) slices Ezekiel bread 1 tablespoon whole milk 1 dash…
Climbing In College Part 2: Making the Most of Weekend-Warrioring
The fall of my sophomore year, I camped in the White Mountains or Evan’s Notch every weekend from before the semester began until I went home for Thanksgiving. It was my favorite semester of college, mostly because I climbed outside more that semester than any other—getting out every weekend whether we were hiding from rain…
If the Shoe Doesn’t Fit: A Flow-Chart Guide to Climbing Shoe Sizing
Looking for a new pair of shoes but want to ensure a performance fit without causing (too much) permanent damage to your toes? Here’s a flow-chart guide to help you find the perfect pair, as downsizing to the point of crippling pain (or, less commonly, out of control upsizing) will only make you hate your shoes and…
Your First (or Next) Climbing Tattoo
We are a tattooed generation, and there are many reasons why we decide to get our designs: Some have meaning, some look cool, some were on sale, and some just seemed like the thing to do at the time. So why not get a tattoo that tells others something about your favorite sport? You’ll show other climbers…
Celebrating 100 Coffee Tape Climb Posts
Well, here it is folks: Post number 100. To celebrate nearly two years of writing and doodling about various aspects of climbing, I’ve put together some Coffee Tape Climb crowd and personal favorites. Enjoy! Most Popular Posts: Gear Review: The Butora Acro Tie Back Those Flowing Locks (Also known as: How to Avoid Ripping Your Hair…
Pulling Plastic in Berlin: The Best Indoor and “Outdoor” Climbing in the City
Berlin isn’t known for its fantastic highballs, limestone tufas, splitter hand cracks, or really any other type of outdoor climbing beyond a bit of illegal buildering. There isn’t any good climbing directly outside of the city either. The Frankenjura is over four hours away by car, the Alps are a 10-hour bus ride south, and…
Product Review: ClimbOn to Sooth Your Stinging Skin and Ease Your Mind About Tomorrow’s Climbing
I have wimpy skin. An hour and a half in the gym and I’m desperately looking for crimps to avoid worsening the jug-rash blisters I acquired warming up. After roughly four Pawtuckaway boulder problems–three if I’m in Blaire Woods or stupidly decide, once again, to repeat the sit-start to the crimp problem–and my fingertips are…
“Training” to Feel Good About Yourself vs. Training to Actually Get Better
I’ll admit: I’ve been doing a lot of “training to feel good about myself” for the past eight weeks. And by “a lot,” I mean doing something about four days a week for at least 10 minutes. Despite the fact that I’ve broken a sweat a few times, these sessions haven’t led to sore muscles or…
The Ten Commandments Part 2: Trad Climbing
1. Thou shalt never fall. 2. Thou shalt not associate with sport climbers; they are wimpy ethic-less bolt-clippers. 3a. Thou shalt run out all easy sections. 3b. Thou shalt also run out all cruxes. 4. Thou shalt not become discouraged by extreme amounts of rope drag. However, thou shalt also not create excessive rope drag….
5 Things You Should Know About Climbing with a Lightweight
Many climbers seem to be constantly trying to lose those last five or 10 pounds to reach optimal “sending weight.” However, there remain others, like me, who can eat a pint of Ben and Jerry’s every other night and still not gain a pound. Here are some things you should know about climbing with those of us in the skinny…
Gear Review: Metolius Rock Rings for Portable Training
I got a lot of weird looks from the Boston TSA personnel when they pulled my green Metolius Rock Rings out of my carry-on. The woman inspecting my backpack simply looked at me with her head cocked and eyebrows squeezed together in confusion. She then beckoned her middle-aged boss over so that I could explain…
Coffee. Tape. Climb. 