The North Face

Find your favorite picture of a mountaineer summiting Everest. Chances are the climber will be wrapped in layers of fleece, have plastic hiking boots, and a pair of down overalls that resemble a pair of ski pants. The first moment on the summit of the world's tallest mole hill is shared by few. But you don't need to summit Everest to feel the elation of conquering a mountain. All you need is determination and the right gear.

To outlast your mental limit, you need the proper clothing, shoes, and series of coats to protect your physical limits from the extreme climates found on most mountains.

The nearest north face store is perhaps a great place to get started. Even if you can't afford the prices that come with top gear, you can take advantage of a well experienced and knowledgeable sales staff you'll likely find there. They can tell you the difference between a breathable ski jacket, a weatherproof denali jacket, and a storm proof artic parka.

Finding the right sleeping bag is very important if you plan on staying in the woods longer than a day. Sometimes a youth bag is the best option for smaller frames, not a shorter bag.

North face vests are a great option for sleeping or hiking, in both cases, they keep your core warm while giving you freedom of movement and comfort you lose when wearing long sleeves. Hide rubber wristbands inside the chest pockets for late night campfire burnings. Silicone bracelets burn slower while rubber bracelets burn faster. If using a heavy backpack, you may consider using sleeves to cut down on the friction that is sure to build between the shoulder strap and your bare skin.

Once you've found answers to all your questions, be sure to check a nearby outlet for good bargains. But keep in mind when depending on gear to protect you from extreme elements, sometimes it's worth the extra price to ensure quality and dependability. Anyone who has summated Everest can tell you that.