W's Rock Climbing in Dry Conditions

Springtime rocks in northern Arizona - snow, sun and Paradise Forks. Tucked in a pine forest at nearly 7,000 feet where snow often blankets the ground into spring, the Forks' stout routes of columnar basalt can feel like a truth serum to test the effectiveness of your winter training plan (or whether you just went skiing all winter instead).

The stellar Supercrack keeps you honest with physical climbing that steadily widens as it goes, from vertical hands to squeeze-chimney size and everything in between. Be sure to rack up big and plenty on the rim, where the chill can quickly set in while you prepare for the burl below. The Ultralight Down Jacket blocks the wind, and lofts with 800-fill-power down to keep you toasty until it's time to rap in and get on with it.

Once you've started to climb, the full-mobility, articulated cut of the Mandala Capris will handle any thrutching that may occur. Made of abrasion-ready organic cotton canvas, they'll perform even when you've stuffed your entire body into the chimney section. Above the harness, the Merino 2 Lightweight Crew covers your elbows through every chicken wing and arm bar, moving moisture at a steady rate - just in case things heat up a little as you near the top.