Legend Kelly Cordes Talks Patagonia Gear Testing

Best job in the world? Field testing guru Kelly Cordes takes us on a journey through the extremes of Patagonia’s field testing program and possibly to the brink of hypothermia.

Cordes is a leading American climber with a number of bold first ascents to his name. Minimalism influences his climbing, which includes the first ascent of the Azeem Ridge on Great Trango Tower in “disaster style.” He’s made first ascents in Alaska, Patagonia and Peru.

If you’ve never read his book The Tower then check it out here. “We promise, we take this work – if not always ourselves – seriously.”

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It’s a fine day when you have clear weather in Scotland, and even finer when you get to spray about dragging one of the world’s best alpinists up a route. @stevehouse10 ‘s bag didn’t arrive, thus he’s enduring a week of (interminable) reminders about how I guided him up a route that, for me, was frankly quite easy. “You did great, Steve, you should try leading someday!” “Are those rental boots and crampons? I have some old ones I could lend you next time.” “Hey, one of these days you should get yourself some ice tools and a harness, you have potential!” Long week (for him), perhaps, but it was a fine day. Getting into the hills with friends always is.

A post shared by Kelly Cordes (@kellycordes) on Jan 20, 2020 at 3:54pm PST

Kelly Cordes in On the Brink