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How to fund a serious climbing habit? 1-Sep-2005 At 10:33:59 AM dr_fil_good

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Okay, I'm goign to try to put in my two cents without repeating anything anyone else here has said. First point of advice, always buy right the first time! When you buy your gear get the gear with the most sparkles on it - essentially make your packs waterproof, one day you'll want to do some mountaineering, get a four season tent, three season sleeping bag with a silk liner (to make the bag last longer) and thermals liner (for those extra cold conditions) etc. etc. think about the future uses of your gear.

These are some of the mistakes I've made and it cost me hundreds to upgrade when the need arises and I'm still yet to do the pack bit ... I got caught out AGAIN with a wet pack that was a pain in the arse to sleep with on Meuller Glacier (Mt Cook NZ) just recently and I'm sick of it (anyone want to buy a second hand Mountain Designs Equator 75L Rucksack for $200?)

Oh yeah, and don't take up photography, it costs more than you make :'( Buy a point and shoot pocket sized digicam with a few added in functions and be happy with it, once you start going SLR you won't be able to turn back and you're not doing your pocket any favours - and there's already enough photographers out there!!! Fortunately for me I still make a few bucks out of caving and commercial photography but it still doesn't cover the cost of my equipment and I still want more equipment!!!!

What else besides saving money through cheap accomodation and food? Ummm TRAVEL!!! If you are travelling a short distance (say less than 5km) job there, it'll build up your calf muscles, good for standing on your toes - if it's further, ride your bike there it'll build up your drivers good for pushing off of a collapsed leg. Only use your car / motorbike when diving out to the crag (save energy for climbing). Not just good for the pocket but good for your body too - get your cardio up.

Other than that, if you've got the balls to hang out and start up a business like Phil(box) obviously has - do it. Otherwise if you're a scared little yellow bellied chicken like me, become a worker bee and work your arse off and live off of the bare minimum!!!

Other than that, I honestly think that part of the mystique of climbing is the daydreaming you do whilst you're at work ... thinking about your next big climb, rather than doing ten mediocre climbs every day of your life not able to afford to get to the finer climbing areas in the world ...

My 2c
Phlip