Rasmus Preston
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Photos from Kilimanjaro climb, June 2023

June 20, 2023
January 31, 2022 In Gear Guides

Mont Blanc Gear Guide

The complete gear guide for anyone climbing Mont Blanc via the Gouter Route.

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January 17, 2022 In Mountaineering

This is how I climbed Mont Blanc

In September 2021 I reached the summit of Mont Blanc at 4808 meter above sea level. In this video I bring you along as…

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January 16, 2022 In Photography

Photos from Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc, September 2021

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  • Rasmus Preston
    About Me

    I like big rocks. Check out my YouTube.

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  • Popular Posts
    • Mont Blanc Gear Guide

      January 31, 2022
    • This is how I climbed Mont Blanc

      January 17, 2022
  • When I first stumbled up the slopes of Mt Rainier in 2018, I didn't know what was to come. I failed back then, humbled by the mountain. I backed out at the Ingraham Flats, scared and inexperienced, seeking the comfort and security of staying in my sleeping bag. I remember the regret and wrestling feelings of self-doubt. I found it hard to accept my failure. It haunted me for a long time. 

But it also made me realize that I would need to carve my own way if I were to succeed at climbing beautiful Tahoma. I couldn't depend only on my mentors to drag me up, so I sought out more formal training and experience on my own. 

I returned strong and ready last year in early May. Conditions were perfect for an attempt up the Ingraham Direct route. I remember how I was overcome with fear and insecurities on the first day hiking up to Camp Muir. The early season added extra challenges, and avalanches were constantly on my mind. I talked long and true about my feelings with good friends and decided to attempt the summit push. 

That night, we had a passionate push towards the crater. Another team of friends had broken trail just in front of us, as the rangers had still not made it up top that year. It was a cold, crisp, and beautiful morning on the upper slopes of the volcano when we got to a bergschrund of sorts. I felt strong and steady despite the challenges of the previous day. The goal was finally within reach. But there, with the crater rim almost in sight, we were turned around, as a member of my rope team was hit with altitude sickness. Failure again. 

But then I decided to try again. A last attempt at adventure and redemption before becoming a parent soon. August had been colder than usual, and the Disappointment Cleaver route was in great condition. Friday morning, August 30 at 5:03, I summited with @boe_marion and @peter__dupont in darkness under a moonless sky. I've never felt as good on a climb or as in control of my fears and worries. Even scaling the ladders and looking into the abyss did not shake me. And there on the summit, I couldn't help but cry. Finally, after 6 years, I had succeeded and become a better version of myself.

[Continued in comments]
  • Kilimanjaro 2023 part 2

Day 4 is always a great day on the Machame route. First thing in the morning we scaled the Barranco wall. We had an awesome view of the steep rock face as we approached it. It is one of my favorite parts of climbing Kilimanjaro, a little vertical fun on an otherwise mellow route. After that it was just a matter of trudging on to Karanga Camp.

Day 5 was a very relaxed hike of about 4 hours from Karanga camp. We crossed a big open plain that reminds me of a dessert with big rock massifs in the background. Here we also got a really  good look at the summit. The weather was actually enjoyable for once. We made our way past Barafu and were fortunate to camp all the way up at the Kosovo campsite that offers a beautiful view towards Mawenzi peak. That is a peak that looks more and more inviting every time I visit Kilimanjaro. We went to bed early to prepare for the midnight start towards the goal of the trip, Uhuru Peak.
  • In February, I climbed the highest mountain in Mexico, Pico de Orizaba. New vlog up on my channel. Link in bio!
  • Kilimanjaro part 1

This was my third time on Kilimanjaro, the magnificent volcano that rises above all of Africa. We hiked the Machame route, which is one of the most used as it offers excellent acclimatization with its 7-day itinerary.

We started in a downpour for the jungle trek of day 1. Everything was quickly soaked through, but I managed to keep my cameras relatively dry with an umbrella. The rain takes a toll on you, especially when it keeps hammering down on the first day. You can't help but wonder what is in store for the coming days as we climb higher on the mountain.

We got into camp and scrambled to bed after dinner.

Day 2 started with the sun out, clear weather, and our first view of Kilimanjaro. As we started the ascent towards Shira camp, the clouds quickly gathered, and we hiked the rest of the day in mist and a slow drizzle. We were unable to see any of the views normally present on the ridgeline going up.

Day 3 started with great weather. Finally, some sun to dry out the clothes and backpacks as we moved towards Lava Tower. Here, we had lunch at 4600 m before heading down to sleep at Barranco Camp. And of course, it started raining again as we descended among the giant groundsels, Dendrosenecii Kilimanjari, the unique and alienlike trees that are endemic to Kilimanjaro.
  • One does not simply walk into Mordor...

If you are looking for a hiking trail in Iceland, the Laugavegur is it! It's such a crazy place with wild textures and colors.
  • I recently hiked the Laugavegur trail in Iceland with my partner. And it is the most beautiful place I've ever been. The full vlog is up on my YouTube channel, link in bio🙌

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