Looking Glass Climbing

As many of you might have heard by now, the Forest Service has installed a locked gate at both entrances to 475B due to hazardous road conditions. The road remains full of snow and incredibly wet, prohibiting vehicle traffic until the weather allows it to dry out.

Still, for the determined, many routes on the South End and even the Sun Wall are dry and accessible. After a busy Saturday at Rumbling Bald, Sunday we hiked in to climb the Sun Wall classic Le Pump. The added approach conditions made for a little over an hour to make our way to the crag, but the sunny skies and lack of crowds were worth it.

The routes were crisp and sticky. Although my camera seemed to disagree, as it rocketed down 70 feet of slab and decked well below us. It lost some but not all of its functions!

Happy climbing!

Looking Glass Outfitters is a full service gear shop specializing in hiking, climbing and camping equipment located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and around the corner from Hendersonville, Brevard & Asheville.
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

Snowy Rumbling Bald

Lots of snow and ice in Hickory Nut Gorge, particularly the Chimney Rock Falls side. But there was still dry rock to be found over the weekend for climbers and boulderers at Rumbling Bald. The Park Superintendent helped oversee parking on Sunday. Please be respectful of the new signage and bring a leash for your dog! As the parking lot fills up quickly, consider carpooling or leaving a car at the visitor center.

Banff Mountain Film Festival

Coming to Brevard, NC March 19th and 20th at Brevard College Porter Center

Get your tickets at Looking Glass Outfitters before they sell out, as they always do!

Get a taste of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour here

Winter Bouldering

Winter is the season for Rumbling Bald Bouldering! Check out Pat Goodman, Richard Burnett and crew on some classic RB boulder problems here

Get the Rumbling Bald Bouldering Guidebook at LGO

Travel Kit for the Southeast Traveler

Headed kayaking in Georgia's Golden Isles? Exploring the trails of Pisgah National Forest? Touring historic Charleston? Cruising a gallery crawl in Charlotte's NODA? Here are a few versatile travel pieces that pack well, layer effortlessly, last long enough to give excellent value and still look great as daytime activities flow into evening fun.

Mountain Hardwear Wicked Tee- Long sleeve or short, this tee features a feminine cut and keeps you dry whether crosscountry skiing along the Blue Ridge Parkway or fanning yourself on a Savannah Ghost Tour.

Prana Tenaya Pant - This adorable pant resists wrinkling and abrasions, stretches, AND hugs your curves. Whether bouldering at Rumbling Bald or hoofing it along the AT, this pant goes the distance.

Monkey Woman Jacket - Even as spring emerges from the icy blasts of winter, this snuggly fleece remains your favorite go to piece. It keeps you toasty warm and goes with everything.
A lighter, more budget friendly fleece jacket option is The North Face TKA 100 Hoodie.

Chaco Sandals - With temps still below freezing, your Chacos may be at the back of your closet. But, this sandal is hard to beat once the sun comes out. With excellent arch support and quick drying polyester straps, this sandal goes from kayak to pub with ease.

The North Face Venture Jacket - For just under $100, this rain jacket keeps you dry. Pit zips ensure the jacket remains rea

Trailrunning in Snow

For a quick and easy way to add traction to your trailrunners running on snow and ice covered trails, you will need:

Roughly 2 Dozen 8x1/2" Hex Washer Heads
Drill or Flathead Screwdriver
Trailrunning Shoes

Insert the screws to the outside edges of the soles, and away you go. Remember not to walk on your wood floors in your newly spiked shoes!

Canyoneering Slideshow Thursday Night!

February 4th at Looking Glass Outfitters 7:00PM
Rich Carlson, founder of the American Canyoneering Association, will present a slideshow. $2 at the door with free drinks courtesy of Pura Vida Adventures included!

.......and checkout our Groundhog Day Discounts on ALL Apparel that last until Saturday!

More Snow for NC!