Tactical Alpinism

Dave is a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army who completed PhD research on conflict in high mountain Asia, with a specific focus on the impacts of climate change within the mountains. Since mountains are one of the primary terrain features that makes up borders, understanding how people within the environment are affected, react and make decisions as conditions change is important. This is a re-rel...

This episode explores what it looks like to progress in rock climbing as a member of the military, emphasizing skills development, safety, and strategic planning. Hosted by Mauri and Zach, the discussion features insights on outdoor climbing progression, technical skills, and how military experiences translate into outdoor adventure and safety. Key topics: The importance of getting comfortable wit...

In this episode, Mauri, Zach, and Kara explore the complexities of operating in mountainous terrain—from high-altitude challenges to logistics and innovative solutions like pack animals. Whether you're interested in military tactics, outdoor adventures, or engineering insights, this conversation offers a wealth of real-world lessons and fascinating stories.

Welcome back to another episode of the Tactical Alpinism podcast, where we talk with leaders in mountain warfare, professional mountain guides, and athletes, all with the intent to highlight the crossover between recreational and military best practices in the mountains. This is a discussion where Mauri, the host of Tactical Alpinism was interviewed about where and why this thing started.

Join us as we explore mountain warfare and weather-related challenges through the experienced lens of Chris Hernandez, who shares gripping stories from Afghanistan and insights on operating in extreme mountain environments. Whether you're a military professional or outdoor enthusiast, these lessons highlight the importance of adaptability, planning, and understanding terrain and weather. Resou...

This episode explores mountain warfare, the importance of proper training, and how to effectively utilize guides in mountain and avalanche terrain. Mauri DiMeo and Zach discuss risk mitigation, certification standards, and practical tips for military and recreational mountain activities.

Nadav Oakes shares his expertise on rope selection, safety standards, and innovative gear design for mountaineering, rescue, and tactical applications. The discussion emphasizes problem-solving, context-aware decision-making, and the importance of continuous learning in high-stakes environments. Nadav is an IFMGA Mountain Guide, founder of Peak Innovations 501(c)3 and former member of the Israeli...

Discover how military and recreational mountain skills intersect through Mauri DiMeo’s experience with the historic Camp Hale to Vail Traverse. From terrain challenges to heritage significance, this episode offers insights into alpine training, logistics, and heritage connection in mountain warfare.

This episode explores advanced cold weather sleeping systems for military and recreational use, emphasizing moisture management, insulation, and gear optimization for cold and snowy environments. Hosts Mauri DiMeo and Zach White share practical insights, personal experiences, and strategies to improve safety, comfort, and performance in cold mountain and arctic terrain.

In this conversation, Michael Miller shares his experiences and insights into the thrilling sport of ski-joring, where skiers are pulled by horses through a course. He discusses the preparation and training involved, the dynamics of teamwork between the horse, rider, and skier, and the community aspect of the sport. Michael also touches on the equipment used, the differences between horse-pulling...

In this episode of the Tactical Alpinism podcast, IFMGA mountain guide Silas Rossi and certified ski guide/host Mauri DiMeo share expert insights on selecting, fitting, and maintaining crampons for various mountain adventures. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned alpinist, understanding gear compatibility can significantly enhance safety and performance.

In this episode of the Tactical Alpinism podcast, hosts Mauri DiMeo and Zach delve into the intricacies of cold weather clothing systems, specifically focusing on the ECWCS and CTAP systems. They discuss the importance of proper layering, the functionality of each layer from base to outerwear, and the critical role of moisture management in preventing cold injuries. The conversation emphasizes the...

In this conversation, Mauri DiMeo and AJ Rehn discuss the intricacies of selecting ski poles for backcountry skiing, focusing on the unique features of baton style poles produced by Folkrm. They explore the evolution of ski pole design, the importance of durability, and the advantages of different pole lengths. AJ shares insights on the benefits of foam grips, the significance of sizing, and the f...

In this conversation, Kuba and Maciej discuss their journey in creating split skis, focusing on their backgrounds in skiing and military training. They delve into the differences between teaching skiing to military personnel versus civilians, the innovative design of their skis, and the challenges faced during prototyping. The discussion also highlights the differences between military and commerc...

Today’s guests are both professional guides and teach professional level avalanche courses through Silverton Avalanche School aka SAS. Together they founded SASTAC to provide alpine and arctic training for tactical teams. Josh Jesperson (joshj@sastac.org) is a Navy SEAL and holds the record for fastest time to ski all of the Colorado 14ers. Michael Ackerman aka Ack (ackerman@sastac.org), is a prof...

Scott Johnston and Maury Birdwell are both incredibly experienced mountain athletes and endurance Coaches. They train athletes for both military selections the most competitive big mountain ultra-endurance events.  Maury currently holds the fastest known time on the Diamond of Long’s Peak, a 1000’ rock face that climbs at the grade of 5.10 and is usually a 12 hour or longer outing for most parties...

In this episode, Mauri DiMeo hosts a conversation with Alyssa and Cody Clark, exploring the intersection of professional ultrarunning and military life. Alyssa, a professional ultrarunner, shares her experiences racing the UTMB and her journey in endurance sports, while Cody, a Navy Lieutenant Commander, discusses his role in supporting Alyssa's career. The discussion delves into the dynamics...

This conversation delves into the intricacies of mortar systems and their applications in military operations, particularly in mountainous terrains. The speakers share personal experiences from combat, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness, trust, and effective communication in leadership roles. They discuss the challenges of adapting to mountain warfare, the significance of training, and...

In this episode of the Tactical Alpinism podcast, host Mauri DiMeo reflects on the past year, discussing the growth of the podcast, personal transitions, and future plans. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and mentorship opportunities for listeners, especially those transitioning from military to civilian life. The episode also touches on navigating the holiday season and the si...

In this conversation, Mauri DiMeo and Dave Searle discuss the intricacies of mountain guiding, the journey to becoming an IFMGA certified guide, and the differences in guiding standards across countries. They explore the importance of mentorship, the challenges of balancing social media presence with authenticity, and the shift in focus from gear to risk management in outdoor activities. The discu...

In this conversation, Isaac Laredo discusses selecting a splitboard, and then transitions to the benefits of lightweight hard boots compared to traditional soft boots. He emphasizes the efficiency gained in energy usage and performance. November Uphill Challenge Submissions

This discussion with Michael Ackerman aka "AK" focuses on training with avalanche dogs, the evolution of avalanche education and training, highlighting the need for distinct educational paths for recreationalists and professionals. It covers the changes in training systems prior to 2017 and the introduction of separate educational lanes in 2017, known as 'the split,' to cater to...

In this episode of the Tactical Alpinism Podcast, Mauri DiMeo and Silas Rossi discuss the nuances of selecting ice tools and axes for various mountain activities. They explore the differences between technical ice tools, hybrid mountain tools, and mountaineering axes, offering insights into their preferences and experiences. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trying out equipment at ice...

The conversation delves into the dangers faced by military mountaineers, particularly focusing on acute mountain sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning. Emily Johnston shares insights from research that highlights the risks associated with weather conditions and the use of stoves in tents. Mauri DiMeo discusses innovations in mountaineering gear designed to enhance safety and efficiency. The dialo...

Mauri DiMeo and Silas Rossi delve into the intricacies of ice climbing, focusing on the essential gear and techniques required for safety and efficiency. They explore the nuances of building the right ice rack, proper ice screw selection, and the role of V-Thread tools in creating secure anchors. The conversation also touches on the challenges of climbing in varying ice conditions and the strategi...