Chris Werner, Sierra Mountaineering International

Chris Werner I grew up jumping off sand dunes in the Persian Gulf and climbing redwood trees in the Santa Cruz mountains of California. I graduated to climbing rocks and surfing foggy stretches of beaches along the Northern California coast. I made my first turns on skis at the age of 3 in the French Alps, and still get giddy at the thought of a powder day with friends. An AMGA Certified Rock Guide, I spend my springs guiding in California's Eastern Sierra for Bishop's Sierra Mountaineering International. I take pictures of people, clouds, mountains and funny- looking animals. If I weren't a guide and photographer, I'd be a professional fudge taster. I've ridden camels, donkeys and horses. I've been chased by rhinos in the jungle and chased after kangaroo mice in the desert. If you know how to make good pancakes and have the wisdom to put real maple syrup on them, chances are we'll be friends.
28Apr

My JanSport and Salish packs arrived and it felt like Christmas day

By Chris Werner

The JanSport box that showed up on my doorstep was open within
minutes. When it’s Christmas, I take my time. I’ve learned to make it
last. It’s only once a year, right? But when I get gear in the mail,
rules no longer apply. Next thing I know, I’ve got a Mazama pack in
one hand and a Salish in the other. Hmmm, let’s see, zippers with easy-
to-grab thumb loops? This is good. Fleece-lined goggle pocket on the
Mazama? Love it.

I can already tell the Mazama is going to be a great pack for short
adventures. Pockets everywhere, vented shoulder straps, side-
compression straps and a removable lid. Very utilitarian. As for the
Mazama, I’ve been looking for a smaller pack for single-day
backcountry ski tours. This pack keeps it organized. Shovel and probe
go in the large, easy to open front pocket. Skins can go in the main
compartment for the ride down. And I gotta say I’m vibing with the
blue and yellow color scheme. Reminds me of the year I lived in Sweden.

Today I took the Salish out for a day of cragging in Red Rocks. Water,
lunch, harness, shoes and camera gear all fit in nicely. One of the
pockets in the lid has this cool little key holder clip– not the
standard kind, this one bites right onto your keychain ring.  The pack
did well. I have to say, I’m not really one for running around with
shiny new packs. I like my gear to remind me that it’s been places. I
don’t think it will take long for the Salish to look the part.

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