ExWeb Mountaineering Round Table Part 2: Cameras, Video, and Staying Powered Up

Explorers Web has posted the second part of their technology round table, in which they discuss how some of the top mountaineers and explorers in the world stay connected while on their expeditions, while also documenting their adventures for sponsors and social media followers back home. If you missed Part 1 yesterday, and have an interest in how expedition technology works, I'd urge you to check it out here.

The panel consists of some big names, including Italian climber Simone Moro, and American Alan Arnette. Wingsuit pilot Joby Ogwyn is also part of the discussion, as is mountaineer and polar explorer Ryan Waters, amongst others. The panel was moderated by Tom Sjogren from ExWeb, who has climbed many big peaks, and skied to the North and South Pole.

Yesterday, the discussion mainly focused on satellite communications and staying in touch while in remote corners of the globe. The various members of the panel shared their strategies for which devices worked best for them, and what they preferred to carry when they go into the field. Today, the discussion shifts to camera equipment, with most of the panelists saying that they now take action cameras with them on their journeys, including a GoPro or the Garmin Virb. One even recommended the new Sony AX100, which is small, lightweight, and shoots in 4K.

Next, the panel moved on to how they stay powered up while at higher altitude and in base camp. Some, like Simone, carry USB battery packs to keep their gear functioning properly when high a mountain, while others turn to solar solutions from the likes of GoalZero and PowerTraveller. Back in BC, gasoline powered generators are still the best source of power, especially as more people travel with electronic gear, including guides and Sherpas.

Finally, the group talked about how they stay connected for high speed Internet while on their adventures. Most said they used the BGAN or Thuraya IP. These lightweight, yet powerful, solutions allow them to post dispatches, share photos and video, and stay in touch with friend and family. In this modern age, many sponsors want to see their athletes sharing the experience from the field, and these devices are crucial to that process.

The panel wrapped things up by discussing other tech gear that they day with them on their expeditions, including such items as foot warming systems, smartphones, and oxygen saturation meter. Some of the gear they touch on in this last section extends to everything from having proper tents, to their favorite climbing harnesses.

All in all, this two-part series from ExWeb has proven highly educational for anyone who wants to learn about the technology that keeps expeditions moving forward. I found it to be a good read, even for someone who stays on top of this kind of information. If you're planning a trip of your own, and want to be able to stay in touch with those back home, I'd suggest reading both part.

More about → ExWeb Mountaineering Round Table Part 2: Cameras, Video, and Staying Powered Up

ExWeb Hosts Mountaineering Tech Round Table

ExWeb has posted a fascinating interview with some true luminaries from the world of mountaineering. Recently, the group got together in discuss the most crucial gear that they carry with them when they head out on an expedition, with the some really interesting insights into the technology that allows them to function in the Himalaya and beyond. What they shared will no doubt be of interest to other climbers, but also those of us back home who follow their exploits.

The panel consisted of Italian mountaineer Simone Moro, climbing documentary cameraman Elia Saikaly from Canada, Canadian mountaineer Louis Rousseau, wingsuit pilot Joby Ogwyn, American climber Alan Arnette, who runs a popular climbing blog often referenced here, climber and polar explorer Ryan Waters, Caroline Blaikie from Adventure Consultants, and Everest Base Camp manager Tim Robertson. The panel was moderated by Tom Sjogren from Explorers Web, who has also summited Everest, and skied to both the North and South Pole.

As you can see, this panel was filled with people who truly know their business. The group featured top climbers, explorers, extreme outdoor athletes, and guides. Collectively, and individually, this group has a great deal of experience in the Himalaya, the Karakoram, and a host of other mountain ranges across the world.

As mentioned, much of the discussion on the panel was about the technology that these adventurers take with them when they head into the mountains. Now days, in addition to satellite phones and GPS devices, mountaineers also carry laptops, tablets, smartphones, and a variety of other gadgets on their expeditions. Some of the discussion involved the technology that Ogwyn had planned to use to broadcast his wingsuit jump from the summit of Everest on live television, as well as touching on the tragedy that occurred on the South Side of the mountain in Nepal this past spring. Saikaly was one of the cameramen on that expedition, and was on the mountain when the avalanche claimed the lives of the Sherpas shuttling gear up to Camp 1. That topic also broached the topic of the use of avalanche airbags on the mountains.

From there, the discussion moves on to satellite phones, and the strategies for their use, as well as the implementation of satellite trackers such as the DeLorme InReach. Some of the panelists talked about their experience with the new Thuraya Satsleeve as well, as well as the Iridium Go.

There is a lot of information here for those thinking about a big expedition of their own and looking for some advice. Each of these panel members has years of experience in the field, and they have all worked out good strategies for the use of this type of gear. If you've ever wondered how they operate while in the field, this will certainly provide some solid insights.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this panel, when the same group will discuss their use of video on expeditions as well.

More about → ExWeb Hosts Mountaineering Tech Round Table