Next Adventure News

The seasons are changing. Really. Summer is on it's way and we're rollin' out the Summer Package deals. Camping, Climbing and Kayak packages are here. Check out the savings!

Black Diamond makes top of the line harnesses with intelligent design like those pictured here that will accommodate expert to entry level climbers. Both the "Focus Speed" (men's) and the "Iris Speed" (women's) are fully adjustable, all season harnesses with super comfy molded foam waist and leg loops. Originally $80, get 'em at Next Adventure for only $59.99.

Matt Reece, who works here in the climbing department, recently took a trip to Matanuska Glacier in Alaska. His mission: Ice cave exploration and glacier research in new hydrology models (to better understand water flow in and beneath glaciers- Duh). Whoa Matt, that's AWESOME. See more pictures of his trip.

Imagine a day of riding without the lifts and crowds. Here's a few things that will help.

Recent customer experience has shown that the front points of SARKEN crampons are susceptible to premature wearout following heavy use. This means cracking of the metal forefoot near the front point(s), followed by possible breakage if usage continues.

Petzl has stopped sales and production of these crampons and is recalling all SARKEN crampon models because we feel that the potential lifetime of the crampons should be longer than user experience has demonstrated.

If you own SARKEN crampons (any binding system, black or orange color metallic parts):

• you should stop using the crampons
• you should contact your Petzl distributor to obtain return instructions and to indicate which Petzl crampon model you would like in exchange. He will process the exchange procedure of your crampons as soon as possible at no charge.

To contact your distributor, by phone or by email:

• In North America:
  877-740-3826 (toll-free number)
  sarken.recallna@petzl.com.

 To read more about this on the Petzl website, click here.

Come check out the newly remodeled and expanded Climbing Department at Next Adventure. It's bigger and better than ever, with the same great deals we've always had to offer.

Next Adventure's own Eagle Scouts, Deek and Greg, made a trip earlier this week down to Camp Melakwa, a Boy Scout Summer Camp nestled in between the Mt Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas. There they lent a hand teaching Scouts rock climbing and belaying.

Melakwa is a "Scout Skills" camp, focusing on the basics of the outdoor experience. "Wow," said Greg, "I wish I could have climbed a mountain when I went to summer camp." Greg got his wish at Melakwa, as he assisted a group of scouts climb Middle Sister Mountain. Here are a few photos of their trip:

Above: Scouts on Middle Sister Below: Deek belays a Scout

Mid-month this June, NA employees Sam and Seth headed up to the North Cascades to attempt the West Ridge of Forbidden Peak. One of the "50 favorite climbs of North America", the ascent involves rout finding, glacier travel, and technical rock climbing to the summit. Access to the West Ridge is most commonly gained through Bostin Basin, a large alpen plateau below the summits of Mt. Torment, Mt. Forbidden, and Sahale Peak.

The trip was four days, three nights.
Day 1: Hike to base camp at 5200 ft.
Day 2: Attempt to Summit (lots of avalanche and rock activity), return to base camp
Day 3: Weather check at 3am and again at 7am...

Conditions were not optimal with lots of ice and rock fall from the flanks of the peak, and the summit would have to wait for another day. However, they still managed to snap off a few wining shots. Take a look!