Some of our Gearheads still have their original 1972 Chouinard Catalog—they treat it like gold. The reverence given to a 50-year-old catalog is just a taste of how influential Patagonia is to the outdoor industry as a whole. 

 Focusing on sustainability and purpose over profit, Patagonia’s gear and attitude towards the planet has inspired many of us at Backcountry over the years. But the world-famous brand isn’t looking back for their 50th anniversary—

In honor of their 50th, and with spring climbing season right around the corner, our Gearheads picked a few of their favorite Patagonia climbing products. 

Caroline Gleich is a badass Backcountry Athlete who completes bucket-list adventures on a seemingly weekly basis. But she’s more than just a thrill-seeking mountaineer, she’s an activist who fights for the environment and equality.

✅ Is an activist who fights for the environment and equality

✅ Is the only woman to complete the Chuting Gallery

✅ Has Summited Everest with a torn ACL

✅ Is a US Ski Mountaineering National Champion

What’s Caroline using out there? See her picks below.

Slapping slopers at J-Tree, jug-hauling at Joe’s Valley, traversing Texas’ Hueco Tanks—we’re pumped for spring climbing. If you're planning your first sesh of the season, our Gearheads are a hold ahead of ya. 

“I tried to bump up to that crimp, but I caught my finger on the sloper below it and blew my feet, so I had to campus the rest of the project.”

Bump [buhmp] verb
Moving a hand to a hold, then immediately moving the same hand again to a higher hold. 

Crimp [krimp] noun
A small ledge only wide enough for the tips of your fingers. Sloper [sloh-per] noun
A very large, gently angled hold that's typically “slick.” Campus [kam-puhs] verb
Climbing using only your hands and arms (like monkey bars). 
 
Project [proj-ekt] noun
A route the climber is attempting that’s typically at the higher end of their ability.