Tactical Alpinism

The Goliath is the longest technical traverse in the world, combining the Evolution Traverse, Pallisades Traverse and dozens more peaks into one continuous push.

Tanner Wanish sat down in this episode to share his journey from the SEAL teams to professional climbing, formal guide training and his experience tackling the Goliath traverse in the Eastern Sierra. We explore the lessons learned from guide courses, the mental aspects of climbing, and the unique challenges of multi-day big wall adventures. In this episode, Tanner and Mauri delve into the high-stakes world of alpine climbing, exploring the mental and physical challenges faced during the Goliath Traverse, the importance of team dynamics, risk management, and how climbing shapes personal growth.

Film Link: https://www.fusisfilms.com/goliath-film-tour

Justin Grisham shares his unique journey from mountain rescue army medicine to wilderness and ultrasound fellowships, exploring the intersection of military, medical, and mountain skills. This episode delves into mountain safety, medical preparedness, and innovative rescue techniques, offering valuable insights for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.

In this episode, Ted Ehrlich shares his mountain climbing experiences, safety insights, and lessons from a critical incident on Denali, emphasizing preparation, risk assessment, and the importance of training.

Ted's Peak Bagger Account

Key Topics

• Mountain climbing safety and risk assessment
• Lessons from a Denali incident involving altitude sickness
• Importance of wilderness first responder training
• Peak bagging as a tool for logging and planning
• Logistics and permits in high-altitude expeditions

In this episode, Mauri, AMGA Ski Guide and Zach, a long time resident of Fairbanks, AK, explore the planning and logistics of climbing Mount Hess in Alaska, discussing routes, access options, and terrain analysis using tools like Caltopo and satellite imagery. They share insights on mountain reconnaissance, route selection, and the challenges of remote alpine expeditions.

Caltopo Link: https://caltopo.com/m/P4M3E3H/0FA16CECM2QU2QT1

In this episode, Brian Oestrike of Hypoxico shares insights on altitude training, acclimatization protocols, and the use of hypoxic environments for people ranging from athletes to the military.

"200 Hour Rule Study"

In this episode, Mauri unpacks the science of altitude acclimation, the risks of altitude sickness, and practical strategies for mountaineers and adventurers to prepare for high-altitude expeditions. Listen to learn how to optimize your performance and safety in the mountains.

USAREIM Altitude Acclimation Guide

Preparing for Denali with Scott Johnston - Spotify

Preparing for Denali with Scott Johnston - Youtube

Request Access - Denali Acclimation Schedule and Logistics

Dave is a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army who completed PhD research on conflict in high mountain Asia, with a specific focus on the impacts of climate change within the mountains.

Since mountains are one of the primary terrain features that makes up borders, understanding how people within the environment are affected, react and make decisions as conditions change is important.

This is a re-release of a popular episode. This episode was originally released in the fall of 2024.

All views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the stance of any entity that they may represent.

This episode explores what it looks like to progress in rock climbing as a member of the military, emphasizing skills development, safety, and strategic planning. Hosted by Mauri and Zach, the discussion features insights on outdoor climbing progression, technical skills, and how military experiences translate into outdoor adventure and safety.

Key topics:

• The importance of getting comfortable with indoor gyms before outdoor climbing
• Transition from gym climbing to outdoor terrain: gear, techniques, and safety tips
• Building efficiency in movement and setting quick, reliable anchors
• Various systems for creating strong, redundant anchors (Serene, Ernest)
• The significance of pacing, route selection, and managing line up at crags
• Skills for multi-pitch climbing, including managing transitions and anchor setup
• Differences and considerations between sport, trad, and aid climbing in a military context
• Use of social media and apps for finding partners and area beta
• Weather considerations and securing good conditions for outdoor climbing
• The value of climbing trips for developing terrain familiarity and confidence
• Practical advice for new climbers and military personnel integrating climbing into their routines

In this episode, Mauri, Zach, and Kara explore the complexities of operating in mountainous terrain—from high-altitude challenges to logistics and innovative solutions like pack animals. Whether you're interested in military tactics, outdoor adventures, or engineering insights, this conversation offers a wealth of real-world lessons and fascinating stories.

Welcome back to another episode of the Tactical Alpinism podcast, where we talk with leaders in mountain warfare, professional mountain guides, and athletes, all with the intent to highlight the crossover between recreational and military best practices in the mountains.

This is a discussion where Mauri, the host of Tactical Alpinism was interviewed about where and why this thing started.