Climbing Mount Baker — Step-By-Step

Join coaches Leif Whittaker and Larry Goldie as they provide a comprehensive guide for climbing Mount Baker, covering preparation, gear, and strategies for a typical 3-day guided ascent. Leif and Larry discuss essential equipment, packing tips, camping techniques, and nutrition strategies for mountaineering, as well as the importance of proper training and pacing during the climb. They also offer insights into the daily expectations of the climb, including the approach hike, glacier skills training, and the challenges of summit day, emphasizing safety and environmental considerations throughout the journey.

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Episode Guide

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:01:39 What makes Baker unique and special
• 00:03:46 Step 1: Gear check
• 00:06:11 Essential and under-rated gear for climbing Baker
• 00:14:55 Practical pack-loading tips
• 00:19:18 Step 2: Approaching your chosen route
• 00:22:39 Using trekking poles and approach shoes
• 00:25:25 Staying below aerobic threshold 
• 00:28:05 Step 3: Arriving at high-camp
• 00:30:00 First night at high-camp and securing your gear
• 00:36:41 Carry extra fuel to melt snow
• 00:37:49 Go-to back-country meals and snacks
• 00:45:24 Step 4: glacier skills
• 00:47:37 Efficiency of movement
• 00:50:54 Other important skills
• 00:54:47 The night before a summit bid and the alpine start
• 01:00:24 Step 5: summit day
• 01:00:59 Quick fuels for summit day
• 01:03:34 Applying warm layers and sunscreen during rest periods
• 01:06:09 Final push up the Roman Headwall
• 01:07:18 The summit is the half-way point
• 01:09:31 Descending safely
• 01:11:27 Step 6: Back to camp, and down to the trail-head
• 01:16:18 Training considerations for Baker
• 01:23:39 Go into the trip well rested
• 01:25:24 Where to learn more