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  •  WHAT MATTERS?: Stories by Abbey Smith and Caroline Treadway.

Features

April 14, 2011 » Videos

Telluride Fights AIDS with Fashion

Telluride Fights AIDS wit…

by: Abbey Smith

On the dawn of the fourth decade, the global AIDS epidemic has reached a turning point. Since its climax in 1999, the number of new infections has decreased by 19% globally, according to UNAIDS. Medical, political and social breakthroughs have helped to reverse this devastatingly powerful tide. More people than ever have access to information and prevention, which is reducing the spread of HIV, and more people are receiving treatment that’s improving their quality of life.

 

To support the response to HIV/AIDS, the active and charismatic locals of Telluride, Colorado host t…

April 12, 2011 » Photo

Viewfinder: Cory Richards

Viewfinder: Cory Richards…

by: Abbey Smith

On February 2, 2011, alpinists Simone Moro (Italy), Denis Urubko (Kazakhstan) and Cory Richards (USA) reached the summit of the world's thirteenth highest mountain Gasherbrum II (8035 meters/26,362 feet) in Northern Pakistan's Karakoram Range. Over the course of six weeks, the trio traveled fast and light to establish base camp and acclimatize in brutal 100 mph winds, temperatures as cold at -51 F, low visibility and unstable snow conditions. At 11:38 AM that day, they claimed the first winter ascent of an 8,000-meter peak in Pakistan, and Richards became the first American to ever summit…

April 12, 2011 » Blogs

Review: Mammut Denali Pant
by: Caroline Treadway

Caroline wearing the Denali Pants in PatagoniaPhoto: Matthew Irving
Caroline wearing the Denali Pants in Patagonia,
Argentina, with Fitz Roy in the background.

The Mammut Denali pants are to die for! They're super versatile, perfect for winter sports like skiing, running, showshoeing and ice climbing, but also spring and summer alpine adventures, when the air is still chilly and the weather unpredictable.

On a recent trip to Patagonia, I wore them constantly. It was late summer/early fall down there, with constant wind, rain in the foothills and snow up in the mountains. These pants kept me warm, comfortable and playing around outside all day. They're my absolute favorite layer for a wide range of outdoor activities, including climbing. They're close-fitting and stretchy enough to wear under a harness but don't feel like spandex. The Denalis are also great for lounging around the house, drinking tea and doing crossword puzzles. But don't place them on a super hot heater, they will melt.

Substantial but fairly lightweight, the Denali pants are way more flattering and feminine than your average fleece pants, which, let's face it, can be pretty dorky. Mammut kept the soft stuff on the inside, so they're abrasion resistant and don't pill. They do tend to run a bit big though, so if you're normally size small, try extra small. $99.00


--Caroline Treadway


Including news, features, photo galleries and videos, What Matters? is dedicated to covering adventure sports, active travel and the outdoor lifestyle on behalf of VentureThere.com--a member of the USA TODAY Travel Alliance.

April 08, 2011 » Photo

Viewfinder: Keith Ladzinski

Viewfinder: Keith Ladzins…

by: Caroline Treadway

When Keith Ladzinski's photos started showing up in climbing magazines, readers had no idea what hit them, but they knew it was cool. Keith blended skateboard-style photography, creative use of remote strobes and his landscape photographer's eye for composition to make eye-popping action shots that have inspired a generation of photographers to copy his style.

April 04, 2011 » Photo

SCS National Climbing Championships

SCS National Climbing Cha…

by: Caroline Treadway

After two days of fierce competition at the SCS Nationals hosted by Movement Climbing and Fitness in Boulder, Colorado, the U.S. has a new national climbing team! The top four women - Sasha Digiulian, Paige Claassen, Dana Riddle and Alexandra Johnson and top four (US citizen) men - Matty Hong, Carlo Traversi, Jon Cardwell and Alex Johnson will compete together and represent the U.S. at international climbing events all over the world.