Short clips

Trailers to full length videos and stand-alone quick tips; everything we make that is under 60 seconds

Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski

Preview to: Build Your Own Pulk Sled to Access Winter Camps or Mountain Climbing Objectives

Winter climbing trips are often extended from one to two day affairs, or even longer. Trailhead access can be further away as only main roads remain open. And then approach hikes take longer due to difficult conditions, as well.  If we need more time out in the backcountry, and now need to set camps, we may want to haul, rather than carry in all that bulky, winter gear. The full video goes step by step building a Pulk Sled that is light and efficient enough for those local trips but also robust enough for expedition rigors.

Read More
Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski

Preview to - Backcountry Luxury: Making a Kitchen at Your Snow Camp Using a Pyramid Tent

If I'm going to be winter camping, on snow, in the same place for a while - think an expedition basecamp or a long-weekend outing - I will often make a dedicated kitchen in camp. With appropriate snow depth, a pyramid tent kitchen is my preferred version to make because it grants shelter, mobility, and better ergonomics. The full video provides more on why, and a lot more on how, I build them.

Read More

Why I Carry 3M Nexcare Skin Crack Care Glue in My Winter Climbing First Aid Kit

As a reminder, I do not have any product sponsors. If I talk about a product, it’s because I have spent my own money on it. Here’s a little item I now keep in my winter first aid kit because super glue in an open wound stings and this does not.

Read More
Short Clips, Quick Tips (06) Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips, Quick Tips (06) Jason Kolaczkowski

N95 Masks for Backcountry Smoke on Your Camp, Hike, or Climb

In certain parts of the world, wildfires are becoming a worsening problem, and the likelihood of being impacted by smoke on our camp, hike, or climb is increasing. Smoke damage to our lungs can be a serious health issue, so we've taken steps to help mitigate that by leveraging a tool that we never used to have a few years ago but which is nearly ubiquitous now.

Read More
Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski

Preview to: Why and How We Add Wildfire Smoke Conditions to Our Hiking and Climbing Trips

Over the years, and even decades, of my climbing career, I’ve noticed an increase in the frequency of smoke from wildfires impacting my - and my family’s - outdoor activities. We now factor in smoke and wildfires into our climbing, hiking, and climbing planning process just like we would with weather. The full video goes deeper into some resources we use for that planning.

Read More
Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski

Preview to: What is Complexity Rationing and How Can It Be Applied in Climbing?

Every May, we make videos on the mental side of climbing and adventure in recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month. The full video is about how the unknowns increase in complex environments thus increasing our risk. Reducing complexity, not of systems but of the number of times we go into truly highly complex environments, may be one way to reduce our overall risk across a lifetime of climbing.

Read More
Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski

Preview to the Long Term Benefits of Being Empowered During a Climbing Accident or Emergency

Every May, we make videos on the mental side of climbing and adventure in recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month. In our full video, we get into some of the psychological underpinnings that suggest we should look to empower the victims and participants of any climbing accident and rescue to help in the situation at hand but also better reduce residual PTSD.

Read More
Short Clips, Quick Tips (05) Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips, Quick Tips (05) Jason Kolaczkowski

3 Different Camp Booties for 3 Different Winter Camps on Alpine Climbs or Backpacking Trips

With my alpine climbing, backpacking, and camping gear, I will try to make sure I am bringing the right tools for the job. In the winter, that includes bringing items to keep my feet warm while around camp. But the terrain I am on will often dictate the type of "camp booties" I decide to bring.

Read More
Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski

Preview to Choosing Between Single- and Double-Boots for Alpine Climbing and Mountaineering

Just like understanding the tradeoffs between single- and double-walled tents, it is equally important to understand the basic differences in single- and double-boots when we head up for an alpine climb or mountaineering attempt. While the differences between specific boots will be varied, there are some general differences between boots with and without removable liners that I keep in mind when selecting a boot for a climbing adventure. The full video gets into what I consider when deciding what to put on my feet.

Read More
Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski

Preview to: Split Finger Gloves/Mittens for Hiking, Backpacking, & Mountaineering

For over a decade, I've been using the same split finger gloves (or split finger mittens) as a compromise between the warmth of a mitten and the dexterity of a glove. They aren't right for every trip, but I can use them in a surprising amount of situations. The full video gets into some of the pros and cons and how I choose when to use them.

Read More
Short Clips, Quick Tips (05) Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips, Quick Tips (05) Jason Kolaczkowski

The Importance of Drop Pockets in Your Winter Alpine Climbing, Backpacking, & Hiking Jacket

Winter alpine climbing, backpacking, and hiking is complicated by needing to keep many different items warm, such as your stove fuel, sunscreen, batteries, and the like. Having clothing layers with drop pockets can go a long way to helping you manage that gear, your water, and your food to make sure it doesn't freeze in challenging conditions.

Read More
Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski

Preview to Review of the Enlightened Equipment Accomplice 2-Person Quilt

Famed high altitude mountaineer Ed Viesturs has used two-person quilts on the highest mountains in the world. Backpackers often use quilts, now, as a matter of course. So, my family has been using the two-person Enlightened Equipment Accomplice sleeping quilt for backpacking and for alpine climbing, both to add warmth (body heat of a second person) and cut weight (less per-person weight). The full video offers a product review.

Read More
Short Clips, Quick Tips (05) Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips, Quick Tips (05) Jason Kolaczkowski

Winter Alpine Climbing, Backpacking, and Camping May Call for a Longer Sleeping Bag

Alpine climbing, backpacking, and camping in the winter requires a lot of gear. So, if we could find a way to keep all of our cold-sensitive items warm overnight, for only two ounces (60 grams) of weight, would we do it? Well, getting a sleeping bag that is one size longer than you need might be that solution.

Read More
Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski Short Clips Jason Kolaczkowski

Preview to Summer Canister Stoves: How Many Days Before Heavy, Efficient Stoves Make Sense?

If we are out on a backpacking trip or an alpine climb, we are already counting ounces. More efficient canister stoves tend to be heavier. So, how many days of fuel use need to happen before that efficiency and saved fuel pays off when compared to carrying a lighter, less efficient stove with, therefore, more fuel? We did a first test in summer conditions.

Read More