Gabriel Baicus
It is not easy to enjoy the ascent to the highest peaks of the world, to remain calm, to feel safe and at the same time comfortable. But thanks to training, preparations and high-quality functional clothing, any ascent, even in the most demanding conditions, can become an unforgettable experience. Mountaineer Gabriel Baicuș knows this story firsthand, being the first Romanian to conquer Mount Everest (8,848 m) and Mount Lhotse (8,516 m) in our equipment. What's it like to sit on the roof of the world? To be among the first to be touched by the morning sun? Or what is the right choice of clothing for the most difficult climbs, where one wrong step can cost a person their life?
The most beautiful moment is the sunrise
I am often asked what it is like up there, what does the world look like seen from its roof? Hard to say. There are many emotions trying me, but I have to be totally focused because I'm only halfway to the top. Sunrises and sunsets there are magical moments. After hours of walking in the dark like a robot, with your mind constantly trying to sabotage you and convince you to give up, sunrise is when I'm reborn. It's a moment when my senses run wild. I smile, enjoying the long-awaited warmth of the sun and the unique views. When you finally see the contours of the mountains, the colors of the sky, and the light rising above the world, it's like you come alive too. I forget about fatigue and all those long, hard hours. When you realize that you are among the first people on earth touched by the sun's rays that day, being almost at the highest point of the globe, you can only be grateful to be alive at that moment, says Gabriel.
Death is as present up there as the feeling of survival
In the hours you climb the glacier wall, you experience many sensations. You are yourself, but at the same time it is as if you are outside yourself. Then you feel what it means to have no limits - it's a state between spirit and body, between you and nature, between life and death. One of the most challenging situations he went through was during his Manaslu expedition in 2021. I was climbing alone. We did not use oxygen or the help of Sherpas. It happened during my ascent to the top. The original plan was to climb directly from C3 (6,800m) to the summit (8,163m) and return to C2 (6,400m).
During the ascent to C4 (7,450 m), which is the most difficult part, I had a moment where I fell asleep hanging on the rope. I was hallucinating and dreaming that I was being swept away by an avalanche. It was scary. I recovered, checked myself and told myself that this can't happen again. I was exhausted and barely made it to C4 where I spent the next 2 nights. I was feeling sick and had stomach problems. At 1am I was completely alone in C4. All the climbers had left and I had to find a place where I could sleep without freezing. Luckily I found a free tent with a good sleeping bag. It was a very long night, but everything went well and the next day we successfully conquered Manaslu.
Clothes must be a reliable partner
Gabriel's selection of Northfinder products
"The top of one mountain is the base of another, so keep climbing" - André De Shields
"Next year I have planned a commercial expedition in Nepal to the peak of Lobuche (6,119 m) and after that I will coordinate a large expedition of two athletes from Spain who will try to conquer Everest at a very fast pace. I have many ideas that I would like to turn into reality. I am an optimist and open to new challenges. I do not rule out an expedition to a peak over 8,000 m. I try to be constantly prepared and take advantage of each opportunity that comes my way,"concluded Gabriel Baicus, who has been our ambassador for years and thanks to him, our clothes are exposed to the greatest extremes and stress tests.
Related Articles
Northfinder chosen by Slovak outdoor enthusiasts: We received the Superbrands award
MERU and MAKALU: shoes that have crossed the world
Draci and Dracia Jacket: Your new favorite shelter from the rain
Spring hiking: When you breathe deeply, your clothes should, too
