
What summit day feels like, and how to pace it
A long, cold start in the dark, and a pace so slow it feels silly. How I tell my walkers to take it.

October 3, 2026 · 5 min
Warm layers by the bed, water inside your jacket and a small bag you can find in the dark.

Newsletter
A short letter every Friday for people getting ready for a big hike: one lesson, one thing to pack and one thing to try this week.

A long, cold start in the dark, and a pace so slow it feels silly. How I tell my walkers to take it.

Pick a step about knee high, load the pack lightly and count slowly. The few rules that keep it safe.