When we think of mountain climbing, we tend to think of Mount Everest and big groups of people climbing in long lines. Armies of Sherpas create base camps and ferry supplies and gear up and down the mountain. Miles of rope anchored to the mountainside helps climbers reach the top. For a very long time, many people considered this the best way to climb a mountain.
Today, there’s a different way. First, collect everything that you’re sure you will need. Then, remove one item at a time until you get down to what you can carry. This method of climbing is called alpine style, or climbing light. The focus shifts from the traditional siege mentality of “attacking” the mountain to one of moving fast and light to the summit and back down again.
Read the rest of the article on The New York Times.