It is not easy to enjoy climbing the highest peaks of the world, to stay calm, to feel safe and comfortable at the same time. But thanks to training, preparations and high-quality functional clothing, any ascent, even in the most demanding conditions, can be an unforgettable experience. Mountaineer Gabriel Baicus also knows his own story, as he was the first Romanian to conquer Mount Everest (8,848 m) and Mount Lhotse (8,516 m) at the same time in our clothing. So what's it like to stand on top of the world? To be among the first to be touched by the morning sun? Or which clothing is the right choice for the most demanding climbs, where one wrong step can cost a person his life?
Gabriel was born in a picturesque mountain area in the district of Buzau - Nehoiu. He called nature, the surrounding hills and forests home, but it wasn't until he moved to Spain in 2010 and discovered the impressively rugged Pyrenees that he discovered he belonged in the world of climbing. He found a taste for adrenaline, which eventually rewarded him with breathtaking views in the Atlas, the European and Japanese Alps, the Carpathians and the Himalayas.
The most beautiful moment is when the sun rises
I am often asked what it is like up there, what does it look like from the roof of the world? Hard to say. There are many emotions that try me, but I have to concentrate fully because I am only halfway to the top. Sunrises and sunsets up there are magical moments.After hours of walking in the dark like a robot with your mind constantly sabotaging you and begging you to give up, sunrise is when I wake up to life.
It's a moment when my senses go wild. I smile, enjoying the long-awaited warmth of the sun and 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 as if you too have come alive. You will forget about tiredness and all those long hard hours. When you realize that you are among the first people on earth to be touched by the sun's rays that day, as you are almost at the highest point on the globe, you can only be grateful to be alive in this moment, says Gabriel.
Death is as present above as the feeling of survival
During the hours you climb up the glacier wall, you will experience many sensations. You are yourself, but at the same time it is as if you are outside yourself. That's when you feel what it means to have no boundaries - it's a state between spirit and body, between yourself and nature, between life and death."One of the most challenging situations that happened to him was during his expedition to Manaslu in 2021."I was climbing alone. I did not use oxygen or help from Sherpas. This happened during my summit ascent. The original plan was to climb from C3 (6,800m) to the summit (8,163m) at once and return to C2 (6,400m).
During the ascent to C4 (7450m), which is the most difficult part, I had a moment where I fell asleep hanging on the rope. I was hallucinating and dreaming that an avalanche was taking me. It was scary. I recovered, checked myself and said to myself that this can't happen anymore. I was exhausted and barely made it to C4 where I spent the next 2 nights. I felt sick and had stomach problems. At 1am I was all alone in C4. All the climbers 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 I successfully conquered Manasla the next day.
Clothing must be a partner you can rely on
When you go on a 10-day hike, you want the clothes to be as light as possible, with good breathability. Dependingdepending on the activity you are doing, you can wear different clothes, more premium or not. Shoes are key for me, the first layer that comes into contact with the skin and the third or fourth layer, which must be waterproof. For me, this is the most important, you can compromise on the rest.I have been wearing the Northfinder for 2 years. During this time I tried different pieces in very different conditions. From the Carpathians through the Alps, the Pyrenees to the Himalayas. I really liked the clothes where the materials were usedPrimaLoft®aPolartec® Alfa® Direct.
Especially the pants from skialpa collectionLynx and skialp insulating jacket Budin. At high altitude, you go slowly due to the lack of oxygen and you need warm clothes. And in this I felt comfortable and safe. When it comes to footwear, it is good to choose leather and a Vibram® sole, a waterproof and windproof layer with a Gore-Tex® membrane, for the middle layer, go for Polartec® materials and choose merino material as the first layer.
Skialp hybrid pants are among my favorite outfitsFeatures, which are ideal for ascents from 5,000 to 7,000 m, because they are very durable and warm. I plan to do more adventures and climbs in Nepal with them. For lighter hiking, I prefer trousersBraiden, which are breathable, comfortable and light. It is an excellent choicesweatshirtBukovec, which is breathable, very elastic, light and dries quickly or a technical sweatshirtMaple tree. Warm jacketBudinit's perfect as a middle layer that I use when climbing. It is not too thick and is comfortable. In wind and rain, I always choose a light apackable jacketChabenec.
Gabriel's selection of Northfinder products
"The top of one mountain is the bottom of another, so keep climbing" - André De Shields
Next year I have planned a commercial expedition to Nepal to the peak of Lobuche (6119 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 above 8,000 m either. I try to always be ready and take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way," ended by Gabriel Baicus, who has been our ambassador for years and thanks to him, our clothes are exposed to the greatest extremes and stress tests.
It's not every weekend that we feel like packing a backpack, looking for parking under Kriváň or getting up at six in the morning. Sometimes we just want to switch off. After work, when we don't even have the strength for the series anymore. Or on Saturday morning, when we still have no idea what to do with the day. Just then, a short, easy two-hour hike somewhere outside the city is perfect. For a reward. We bring you a selection of 10 short city tours across Slovakia that everyone can handle. Even a tired person after a whole day in the office.
We are proud to announce that the Northfinder brand has won the prestigious Slovak Superbrands Award in the outdoor clothing category. This title is a recognition of the trust that our customers show us every year, and at the same time a confirmation that our brand is among the best that the Slovak market has to offer.
Not long ago, we agreed with our tester, climber and adventurer Honzo Špiček on an important task - testing shoes from our new collection. Together with his wife Alča, they live in Peru and test Northfinder shoes on treks and expeditions in the Peruvian Andes. This time we sent them low hiking shoes MERU and low approach MAKALU. How did the days full of beautiful views in the Peruvian Andes and in Colombia turn out? And did our shoes handle such terrain? We bring you an authentic review by Honz himself.
Dressing for hiking is about finding a compromise between your body and the weather. You should pay attention to your clothes' breathability and ventilation options before taking out your wallet.
