Blog | First Light Guiding

From the Blog

Expedition reports, training guides, gear reviews, and reflections from the mountains.

20 Jul 2022

Book Launch 1st September

The time has come to set this book free. Come to Wānaka for the evening of 1st September, and join me at the Edgewater Resort for some stories and celebrations.

15 Jun 2022

Snacks For Mountain Climbing & Backpacking [Recipes & Pre-made Recommendations]

High-nutrient, tasty, lightweight plant-based meals for mountaineering, backpacking, and hiking — recipes and the best pre-made options available.

10 Apr 2019

9 Great Warmup & Core Training Exercises for Climbers

Gone are the days when mountaineers would roll out of bed and climb without preparation. These nine core and warmup exercises will make you a stronger, safer climber.

15 Jan 2019

International Mountaineering Grade Comparison

A comprehensive comparison of international mountaineering grading systems — NZ, French, NCCS, and more — to help you understand what you're getting into.

20 Nov 2017

Ama Dablam Southwest Ridge Video

35 days in Nepal on a campaign to reach the summit of Ama Dablam at 6812m. Watch the expedition video from one of the world's most beautiful peaks.

5 Oct 2017

Mountaineering in Peru: 2017 Peru Expedition Video

Peru's Cordillera Blanca is a mountaineering mecca with 25 mountains over 6000m. In 2017 Penny Brothers fulfilled her ambition to climb in this spectacular range.

1 Oct 2017

Peru Expedition 2017

This year's Peruvian Expedition was a success in every sense. We climbed 3 mountains in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru, culminating in the magnificent Alpamayo.

15 Jul 2017

2C-1 Solar Light Cap – A Legionnaire's Hat for Mountaineering

Reviewing the 2C solar light cap — an incredibly innovative invention that combines UV protection, a built-in light, and the perfect legionnaire style for high-altitude environments.

20 Jun 2017

Peak Fitness – Physical Conditioning for Mountaineers

Mountaineering is challenging mentally and physically. On a physical level, mountaineers require cardiovascular endurance, strength, and the ability to carry loads at altitude.

20 May 2017

Ama Dablam Expedition Update #4 – Success

Success is in the summit. Wrong. Keeping fingers and toes, returning to family and knowing when to turn around are all signs of success on Ama Dablam.

10 May 2017

Ama Dablam Expedition Update #3

We laugh and joke and agree that the real reason we go mountaineering is for the food. Not because mountain food tastes better, but because we eat it so contentedly.

28 Apr 2017

Ama Dablam Expedition Update #2 – Base Camp

On slopes steep enough to barely sustain trees, a path has been cut along the Dudh Kosi canyon walls. Arriving at Ama Dablam base camp after the Khumbu approach.

20 Apr 2017

Ama Dablam Expedition Update

Few can argue with the beauty of a wild display of nature as the Nepalese Himalaya. Once amongst these giants the chaos of Kathmandu fades away entirely.

1 Apr 2017

The Climber Magazine – Harper Mannering Ross Challenge

Issue 99 of Climber Magazine features the full story of a trans-alpine trip completed with Penny Brothers — a traverse of the Harper, Mannering, and Ross glaciers.

10 Mar 2017

Blister Prevention with Gurney Goo Anti-Chafing Gel

If you're a mountaineer, multi-sporter, or runner, you know all about blisters. Gurney Goo anti-chafing gel is one of the most effective prevention tools available.

15 Sept 2016

Spirit of the Mountains

Mountain Adventure & Immersion Into Self — Wanderlust Adventures in partnership with First Light Guiding presents its first immersion and experiential mountaineering retreat.

1 Jun 2016

The Climber Magazine Cover Shot

Issue 90 of The Climber magazine features one of Gavin's photographs on the cover — the result of momentum generated by pursuing photography seriously alongside guiding.

20 Mar 2016

The Hut Builder — A Review

Sam Demas of hut2hut.info got in touch regarding shots of Empress Hut at the head of the Hooker Valley. He had read 'The Hut Builder' — a remarkable book about NZ's mountain huts.

10 Aug 2015

Two Page Spread in The Climber Magazine

Issue 92 of The Climber magazine from the NZAC features wintry landscapes and action shots — including a shot taken whilst guiding the South Ridge of Elie de Beaumont.