About AlpInsider

Who are we?

AlpInsider was created by a group of experienced mountaineers who wanted to help aspiring alpinists get into the mountains. We have dozens of years’ experience on snow, rock, and ice and have done everything from fast and light day trips to heavy-duty expeditions. Along the way, we’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to pull off successful trips into the alpine and we’re excited to share that experience with you.

Like all proud mountaineers, we’re also gearheads. So you can rely on us to deliver honest, straight-to-the-point reviews about the gear you need to move safely through the mountains.

Why do we do this?

Part of the thrill of spending time in the mountains comes from sharing that experience with others. AlpInsider is our way of giving back to the mountaineering community.

In particular, we know how daunting it can be for newcomers to break into the sport of mountaineering. The alpine environment is unpredictable and unforgiving, there’s tons of conflicting advice about the best way to approach the mountains, and the list of gear you need to get started seems endless. With AlpInsider, we hope to simplify the process of moving through the mountains and help a new generation of climbers explore the world above treeline.

Brands we love

Of all the brands we are continuously testing, the below are our overall favourites, providing consistent quality, value and reliability.

Over the last five or ten years, Klymit has been designing futuristic ultralight sleep systems for use in the mountains. They’re affordable, light, and work like a charm.
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From approach shoes to climbing shoes to ski boots to mountaineering boots, Scarpa is my favorite technical footwear brand. For performance and comfort, they’ll never let you down.
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Mammut has been innovating in the mountaineering world since the mid-1800s. Their ropes, technical apparel, and avalanche beacons have all earned my absolute trust.
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Patagonia is our go-to brand for outdoor clothing for all seasons. We especially love Patagonia’s base and mid layers – there are tons of ways to mix and match to suit any season.
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NEMO Equipment is an under-the-radar brand that has some of the lightest tents in the outdoor industry, and in our experience they’ve stood up to 80+ mph winds and overnight dumps of snow.
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Black Diamond is a one-stop-shop for all things mountaineering. We particularly depend on its technical climbing gear, including ropes, harnesses, rock and ice protection, carabiners, and rescue equipment.
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Arc’teryx produces some of the most dependable outerwear we’ve ever tried. Its technical outerwear can stand up to gale-force winds and sideways snow yet weighs almost nothing when packed away.
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Our writers

With decades of experience in the mountains, our writers comprise mountain guides, ski instructors, veteran climbers and more.

Our company

AlpInsider and www.alpinsider.com are property of HF Brands Limited, which is registered in Hong Kong with the address Unit 1603, 16th Floor, The L. Plaza, 367 - 375 Queen's Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 999077.

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