- Home
- don bowie
don bowie
Trad Climber // Mountaineer // Climber // AT Skier // Big Wall Climber // Ice Climber
don bowie:
#240
of 167,143
-
Backcountry.com Sponsored Athlete
47 Reviews:
Helpful?
161 Yes
0 Questions:
Helpful?
0 Yes
17 Answers:
Helpful?
21 Yes
11 Photos:
Helpful?
25 Yes
0 Videos:
Helpful?
0 Yes
2 Comments:
Helpful?
3 Yes
4 Wishlists:
Helpful?
3 Yes
1 Field Tests:
Helpful?
0 Yes
-
Stomping Grounds:
My Jeep, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet... -
Bio:
When not taking third-person-narrative classes, Don can be found (somewhat obsessively) fondling the proverbial void in the higher environs of Asia, with recent expeditions to Annapurna South Face, Cho Oyu West Ridge, Gasherbrum 3 North Face, Distaghil Sar North Ridge, and Broad Peak (in winter)- among others. He summited K2 without supplemental oxygen in 2007 and GI in 2010. For more info check out www.donbowie.com
Rankings 
- #5 of 1,517 - Men's Trail Running Footwear
- #6 of 624 - Mountaineering
- #9 of 1,067 - Men's Mountaineering Boots
- #26 of 1,058 - Canister Stoves
- #29 of 700 - Navigation
- #35 of 654 - Crampons
- #41 of 1,568 - Winter Accessories
- #42 of 754 - 4-Season Tents
- #65 of 772 - Snowshoes
- #76 of 1,370 - Backcountry Snowboarding
- #92 of 1,187 - Women's Trail Running Footwear
- #114 of 760 - Lighting
- #137 of 842 - Altimeters
- #150 of 2,620 - Sunglasses
- #170 of 481 - Climbing Ropes and Bouldering Pads
- #181 of 984 - Mittens
- #186 of 784 - Avalanche Safety
- #202 of 2,628 - Goggles
- #213 of 1,763 - Summer Accessories
- #213 of 2,695 - Gloves
- #220 of 743 - Ice Climbing
- #221 of 1,529 - Men's Long Underwear
- #298 of 1,172 - Lightweight Sleep Pads
- #305 of 1,323 - Rock Climbing Shoes
- #322 of 561 - 0 to -40 Degree Down Bags
- #329 of 966 - Carabiners, Quickdraws, and Belay Devices
- #343 of 1,242 - Telemark Skiing
- #368 of 3,601 - Backpacks
- #426 of 956 - Harnesses and Climbing Helmets
- #446 of 794 - Stoves
- #454 of 4,335 - Men's Footwear
- #481 of 681 - Men's T-Shirts
- #485 of 1,540 - Headlamps
- #489 of 1,961 - Weekend Packs (3000-4500 cu in)
- #511 of 4,662 - Men's Fleece Jackets
- #517 of 813 - Men's Lightweight Long Underwear - Tops
- #549 of 1,354 - Men's Performance Shirts - Short Sleeve
- #629 of 3,089 - Men's Technical Shells
- #692 of 1,756 - Cross Country Skiing
- #730 of 2,140 - Ski Gloves
- #775 of 5,089 - Men's Softshell Jackets
- #856 of 5,972 - Guys' Outerwear
- #876 of 2,143 - Cookware
- #888 of 2,553 - Helmets
- #955 of 4,087 - Men's Shirts
- #1,186 of 1,282 - Climbing Accessories and Training
- #1,206 of 2,732 - 3-Season Tents
- #1,224 of 2,645 - Men's Rain Jackets
- #1,319 of 6,916 - Men's Jackets
- #1,423 of 1,830 - Men's Trail Running Clothing
- #2,090 of 2,228 - Tents
Use your real name to add some legitimacy to your content. Real names mean real community, and real community means real knowledge. Gear Gurus who use their real names get bumped up 1.5x for each contribution - you deserve the credit. For more info check out the Help Center.
This is how you compare to all the other Gear Gurus on Backcountry.com. You earn one point for each list / review / question / answer / gear photo / comments / votes you contribute. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up, but you lose a point for every thumbs down. Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x—you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.
Change me.
This is how you compare to the other Gear Gurus within a group of products. You earn one point for each of your list / reviews / questions / answers / photos / comments / votes. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up (killer), but you lose a point for every thumbs down (filler). Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x-you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.
-
don bowie's High altitude expeditions (+23,000ft) in Spring/Fall seasons
Created December 21, 2009
This is some of the gear I use when climbing on expeditions to the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and other big ranges around the globe. Emphasis is on lightweight.
-
Gregory Z 55 Backpack - 305...
-
Therm-a-Rest Prolite Plus S...
-
Petzl Meteor III Climbing H...
-
-
Jetboil Group Cooking Syste...
-
Black Diamond Venom Hammer
-
Black Diamond Guide Glove -...
-
Petzl Tibloc Ultralight Eme...
-
Black Diamond Venom Adze Ic...
-
Mammut Twilight Climbing Ro...
-
Backcountry.com Dawn Patrol...
-
Black Diamond Venom Tech Pi...
-
Black Diamond Tempest Tent ...
-
Petzl Sarken Crampon
-
Mountain Hardwear Monkey Ma...
-
Therm-a-Rest Ridge Rest Del...
-
Petzl Pandion Harness - Men...
-
Outdoor Research Crocodiles...
-
Black Diamond Firstlight Te...
- Helpful Votes: 3 Yes |
See Full Wish List -
-
don bowie's Ski mountaineering
Created December 21, 2009
I don't lift ski. Free your ass- and your mind will follow.
- Helpful Votes: 0 Yes |
See Full Wish List -
-
Black Diamond Padded Gear S...
-
Black Diamond Neutrino Cara...
-
Black Diamond Camalot C4 Pa...
-
Black Diamond Camalot C4's
-
-
Black Diamond Stopper Set P...
-
Petzl Ascension Handled Asc...
-
Black Diamond Speed 40 Back...
-
Edelweiss Laser Arc Climbin...
-
Backcountry.com Stoic eVent...
-
Black Diamond Momentum Spee...
-
Black Diamond Micro Stopper...
- Helpful Votes: 0 Yes |
See Full Wish List -
-
don bowie's Winter Expeditions Gear
Created December 21, 2009
The gear I use on winter expeditions in the higher ranges.
- Helpful Votes: 0 Yes |
See Full Wish List
Punisher in Pakistan
Black Diamond Punisher Glove
September 30, 2009
Bruce Normand fights heavy spindrift on the unclimbed West Face of Gaherbrum 3 (26,088ft) in the Karakoram, Pakistan. June, 2009.
Helpful Votes: 4 Yes
0 Comments
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >
Frosty Monkey Man Jacket
Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Fleece Jacket - Men's
April 9, 2009
Don Bowie keeps warm on chilly sub-zero Himalayan morning. (see review)
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
0 Comments
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >
Gregory packs at high altitude.
Gregory Shasta Backpack - 5000 cu in
April 4, 2009
Bruce Normand and Chris Warner with heavily loaded Gregory Shasta Pack and Gregory Z55 Pack, at 25,550 ft on K2, Karakoram, Pakistan.
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
0 Comments
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >
Z55 on steep mixed terrain.
Gregory Z 55 Backpack - 3350 cu in
April 2, 2009
Don Bowie climbing on the South Face of Annapurna, Nepal Himalaya, May 2008.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
0 Comments
Sold Out
Smith Moguls at work in the Himalaya
Smith Mogul Sunglasses - Polarchromic
March 31, 2009
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
0 Comments
Temporarily Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >
Black Diamond Tempest Tent
Black Diamond Tempest Tent 2-Person 4-Season
March 27, 2009
Don Bowie at 20,150ft outside of his Black Diamond Tempest tent on the second successful ascent of Peak 6250 in the the Hispar Himalaya, July, 2008.
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
0 Comments
Nomads on the summit of K2.
Julbo Nomad Sunglasses - Alti Spectron 4 Lens
March 26, 2009
Warmer days and summits without goggles, Nomads are great for high altitude.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
0 Comments
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >
Backcountry.com Wool Hoody at work.
Backcountry.com Wool Hooded Jacket - Men's
March 26, 2009
High in the Karakoram, Pakistan.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
0 Comments
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >
Venom on mixed terrain at 5400 meters, Karakoram, Pakistan
Black Diamond Venom Hammer
March 26, 2009
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
0 Comments
GT in use on 2008-9 Broad Peak Winter Expedition
Icebreaker Icebreaker GT220 Quantum Hooded Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's
March 26, 2009
At base camp with Ali and Taqi, Broad Peak, Pakistan. March 3, 2009.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
0 Comments
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >
Camp 4 (26,082 ft) on K2, Pakistan
Jetboil Group Cooking System with 1.5 Liter Cooking Pot
March 26, 2009
Bruce Normand cooks up before our summit push on K2, taken July 20th, 2007.
Helpful Votes: 8 Yes
1 Comment
La Sportiva Spantik Mountaineering Boot - Men's
November 14, 2010
They might, but I'd be a bit worried about how other liners would fit inside the Spantik shell. Have you considered supergaiters or overboots?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
La Sportiva Baruntse Mountaineering Boot - Men's
March 11, 2010
Warmth and weight wise these two boots are almost identical- but in my opinion, the Baruntse is a slightly better slogger as the upper is not as stiff as the Spantik. Neither are built to slog so much, but I end up doing a fair share of long approaches- and have done so wearing both models at different times- without too much discomfort. The La Sportiva rep says the Baruntse is more durable. I would agree.
Helpful Votes: 4 Yes
La Sportiva Spantik Mountaineering Boot - Men's
March 11, 2010
Hey Jon,
A. Reduce excess volume space.
Any boot that has a full shank (does not flex in the sole) will cause some heel lift. However, if you lace up the inner boot tightly first- while the inner is out of the shell- the heel lift should be generally limited to the inner lifting against the outer at the heel. If this does not solve the issue, excess volume is the culprit. To reduce excess volume, use a thicker insole inside the boot. (I have this problem due to flatter, low volume feet, but a thick insole solves it.) La Sportiva also makes a "tongue spacer" that fits via velcro tabs against the boot tongue to further reduce volume and solve heel lift for technical climbs- and this really works well. This tongue insert comes standard with the La Sportiva Nepal EVO boots- but can be ordered separately through La Sportiva. As for performance, I think the Spantik is stiffer, and is therefore easier on the calves during extended frontpoint climbs. The Baruntse seems a bit more nimble, which could be better for harder mixed and technical rock. Hope that helps.
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
La Sportiva Spantik Mountaineering Boot - Men's
February 17, 2010
The Spantiks are stiffer construction, so they will climb steeper terrain better- and are a little warmer than the Degree. In my experience, the fit is quite different between Koflach and La Sportiva- and as you know, fit is key. Buy a few pairs and wear them inside your house for a day. You might want to consider the La Sportiva Nupste or Baruntse. The Nupste is very warm and will both climb AND slog pretty well.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
Lowa Expedition 8000 GTX Boot - Men's
February 17, 2010
You'll find as many opinions about socks as there are people. But in my experience, it depends on the temps you'll use the boot. I assume you'll be using these on an expedition. But if not, the following still applies: On lower sections of the mountain (or more moderate climates) you'll wear thinner, midweight socks as these boots will be very warm. The colder it gets, the thicker the socks you'll need. No boots are warm enough in the coldest conditions- socks are a BIG part of warmth that most people overlook. Lastly, these boots don't hike so well, and warmer socks like Smartwool Expedition Socks have long "terry loops" on the interior of the sock. The longer the terry loops, the less likely they are to cause blisters. Therefore, I personally wear expedition socks in boots like these for comfort reasons- in any temperature. Hope that helps.
Helpful Votes: 4 Yes
La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX Mountaineering Boot - Men's
February 17, 2010
Sportiva designed a fair amount of rocker into the sole, so the fore boot rolls under foot during stride. This dampens the ski-boot "thunk" effect typical of many full shank boots- but only somewhat. Personally, I don't lace them all the way up when hiking long distances. In 2007 my partner trekked 70 miles (5 days) into base camp wearing a pair of Nepal EVO's- brand new out of the box- apparently without too much discomfort. This boot is made for vertical- but it just happens to trek reasonably well for a technical boot. A 3/4 or 1/2 shank boot will hike much better than the Nepal.
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
La Sportiva Nuptse Mountaineering Boot - Men's
February 11, 2010
Most crampon makers will offer an extension bar for adjusting to larger boots. I have the same size foot as you, and use many La Sportiva boots- including the Olympus Mons which are even bigger than the Nuptse. I use both Petzl and Black Diamond crampons. Both of these companies offer extension bars for about $15.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Backcountry.com Stoic eVent Shell - Men's
October 14, 2009
I threw my 2 cents in on the Westcomb Specter LT page on this website.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Westcomb Specter LT Hooded Jacket - Men's
October 14, 2009
I don't have a size medium but I have both the Specter and a BC Stoic in Size L. According to my scale (and I weigh absolutely everything) the Specter is slightly less weight- within an ounce or two- in that size. The fit is were the difference is. I find the Stoic is less roomy and a slim cut for my 6'2 frame. The Specter has a little more room in my size for layering underneath- so, they both have their respective purpose in my gear room. I like them both, but for ultralight stuff, I usually choose the Specter. Hope that helps a bit.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
MontBell U.L. Super Stretch Down EXP Hugger Sleeping Bag: -20 Degree Down
October 2, 2009
It depends on how big you are and what size bag you purchase. If the bag fits too snug over a down suit, the down will compress and lose its loft, resulting in cold nights. In summer (even at 8km), you don't need a very cold-rated sleeping bag if you intend to wear your down suit inside. I would say +5F or even warmer. This method is a great way to save on weight and bulk. A -40F bag AND a down suit is complete overkill, unless you plan to climb in winter or the arctic. Buy a sleeping bag with decent circumference, not a snug version like this model. Even on the highest Himalayan peaks the warmest bag I ever use (in summer) is rated -10F, and I still never get inside with my down. (Feathered Friends Widgeon)
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Petzl Sarken Crampon
October 2, 2009
I really recommenced against this. Manufacturers use specific tolerances and materials that don't usually transfer between companies or models. The Grivel Air Techs are VERY similar to the Sarkens anyway- unless you own the Air Tech LIGHT model which are very different because they are made of alloy not steel. Because of the design features, Sarkens walk well on glaciers and gentle snow slopes but still climb steep ice/rock/mixed terrain well. Plus, you can also purchase a Petzl extension bar for larger shoe sizes for about $10 bucks.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Petzl Sarken Crampon
September 30, 2009
I use a size 46.5 (Euro) boot, which is about size 12 in a UK boot, and I have to use nearly the last holes in the adjustment bar. However, Petzl sells an extension bar that will fit these crampons for about $10. Voila. (PS. These are freakin' great crampons)
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
La Sportiva Exum Pro Approach Shoe - Men's
September 30, 2009
After my last expedition ended in July, I had to travel over the Gondogoro La (google it) in the Karakoram, Pakistan wearing these shoes. Honestly, traveling over icy rock and hard snow in these things was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. The rubber on these shoes are excellent for rock but do NOT work well in ice or snow. Get some crampons, for the sake of Pete.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Brunton Solaris Flexible Personal Solar Panel
September 29, 2009
It comes with a standard female 12v cigarette lighter cable (and others charging cables).
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Brunton SolarRoll Flexible Solar Panel
September 29, 2009
If you simply use (or purchase) your car charger for your iPhone, this system will work very well. I charge my laptop computers, satellite phones, cameras, etc with this panel exclusively when on expeditions.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Backcountry.com Stoic eVent Shell - Men's
March 27, 2009
My opinion- If you want to layer for colder activities, definitely go for the XL. I'm 6'2 and 195 and the L size fits me snug with only one or two mid-weight layers underneath. I use this shell for my milder-temp activities in spring or fall, or for heavy exercise days due to it's amazing breathability- and it JUST fits me with midweight fleece on. With thicker fleece for winter stuff underneath, the L size is too small. I love this shell, though.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX Mountaineering Boot - Men's
October 11, 2008
Although these boots are more intended for the vertical world, my partner hiked all the way into K2 base camp last year wearing wearing his Nepal EVO's. (That's 54 miles of hiking.) We both used them up to camp 2 on the route. If you had to only have one pair of boots, then I would say this boot is excellent choice for Mera- but in all honesty, I would hike in a pair of comfy trainers.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Temporarily Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
{elseif product_status == 'poos'}
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
{else}
View Product Details >
{/if}
Read all Reviews about this product
Sold Out
{/if} {/if}

