This mag is unbelievable. The photography is unparalleled in periodicals. I really like the self indulgent writing. Everybody always tries to write nice articles, but in Alpinist, no one is afraid to say how impressed with themselves they are, and everyone else appears to be happy to point out that they are morons. Good contentious comentary about real climbing adventures. Great stuff without a hint of political correctness. Two thumbs up!

This publication looks really good. I like the layout and the photos are generally good.

What I can't stand is the writing. The editorials in particular and many of the stories reach a level of pretentious self righteousness that have not been seen since Steve Roper last put pen to paper. The editor(s) apparently have quite a chip on their shoulders, and feel the need to take subtle jabs at other aspects of the sport at every turn of the page. If you do any climbing besides alpinism, or climb below the highest standards your behavior will be criticised constantly, I personally, got tired of it.

I would also add that this publication leans toward international climbing, which many people probably like. I read the first 4 issues cover to cover, and I came away with very little information that is applicable to someone with a 40 hour/week job.

If you're a sponsored, full time climber, and you can spend 3 months in patagonia, or the himalaya you'll love this rag...if you're a regular person, realize that these guys will take your money, but they don't respect you.

Second the recommendation. Not only are the articles and photos top shelf, the staff is great people. They sent me 3 free issues when it came to pass that my subscription was mis-processed, including a printed version of Issue 0 that was never sold in the stores. Christian Beckwith left the AAJ to work on Alpinist and it shows, plus as they mature the 'oddball' stories get better and better. Needless to say the cataloging of significant ascents from all corners of the world is just what you need to plan a vacation...

I recently became an Alpinist subscriber and I can't get over how great the magazine is. It fills all of the gaps that the other climbing publications fail to plug. The streamlined appearance perfectly compliments the intriguing literatire and stunning photography of this magazine. Because there are only 10 ads in the entire magazine (only 10% of the magazine) you can read the magazine like a book, cover to cover. The magazine is expensive, but what you get in return completely justifies the cost in my mind. You basically gain up to 30 pages of content because of the limited ad space.

I really recommend the magazine to anyone interested in climbing, on any level.

-jon