Gear Review – MSR Advance Pro 2 tent (2020 model)

The MSR Advance Pro 2 is a single-wall, 4-season ultralight bivy-style tent designed primarily for fast and light alpine mountaineering. I had been eyeing up this tent for a while as I liked the idea of a small, lightweight, simple to setup and strong 4-season tent, but had been put-off by warnings of severe condensation … More Gear Review – MSR Advance Pro 2 tent (2020 model)

All you need to know to climb Mt. Fuji (2021 update)

* Special update for 2021: The official climbing season is now over, and trails are not expected to be open again until summer 2022. Please check back nearer the time for further updates! ** For full information on climbing Mt. Fuji check out my guidebook ‘Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji‘, … More All you need to know to climb Mt. Fuji (2021 update)

The Japan Times – Hiking the precipitous spine of central Honshu

I wrote a short feature for The Japan Times on hiking in the North Japan Alps recently; the article covers my three day hike from Kamikochi to Mt. Yari, across the notorious Daikiretto, before finally ascending the third highest mountain in Japan, Mt. Oku-Hotaka. I had a great weather window in late October last year, … More The Japan Times – Hiking the precipitous spine of central Honshu