Doug Dobkowski's Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Skiing, Mountaineering Gear & Expert Recommendations
Outdoor Educator, Guide
North Conway, NHA bad day climbing is usually better than most of those other days.
Doug grew up in Clifton, NJ, a mid-sized city close to Manhattan. His parents regularly took Doug and his 3 siblings out into nature. The family enjoyed hiking, camping, and canoeing. Outdoor traditions were consistent throughout his childhood and adolescence. As Doug became more independent, he found comfort in the outdoors. He saw the outdoors as a place to recharge, reflect, and cope with adversity. After graduating high school, Doug attended Rutgers University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and used that degree to become a classroom teacher. He earned his Masters degree as a Teacher of Mathematics from Pace University and spent 8 years as a classroom teacher, working mainly with students with special needs. Doug wanted to share his love of the outdoors with his students, so he started an outdoors club. He soon realized how much he enjoyed outdoor leadership and made the shift from classroom teacher to an outdoor educator. This career shift brought Doug from New York City to the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine where he currently works as an Outdoor Educator and Recreational Guide. Doug is also a rescue volunteer for the Mountain Rescue Service of New Hampshire, the Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue, and the Lakes Region Search and Rescue. Doug lives in North Conway with his girlfriend, Brittany, dog Maple, and two cats Juniper and Apollo. You can find Doug rock climbing and ice climbing in the many cliffs of the Mount Washington Valley and Western Maine, backcountry skiing, trail running, walking his dog, and telling corny dad jokes.
Discipline: Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Skiing, Mountaineering
Specialty: Trad, Sport, Multipitch, Backcountry
Climbed the Diamond via Casual Route 5.10a on Long's Peak in Colorado August 2025 Proudest Send: Contortionism at 10 Degree 5.12b/c October 2023
Expert Gear Picks from Doug Dobkowski
Expert rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, mountaineering gear recommendations from Doug Dobkowski, Outdoor Educator, Guide, based in North Conway, NH.
Doug Dobkowski's Lighting
Buy lights from a company that specializes in lights.
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Nitecore Nitecore HC65 UHE 2000 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Headlamp
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Nitecore Nitecore NU27 600 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Multi Color Temperature Outdoor Headlamp
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Nitecore Nitecore EDC31 3500 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable EDC Flashlight
Doug Dobkowski's Mt. Washington
Mt Washington is a great venue to learn and practice mountaineering skills before venturing out to the bigger ranges. Here is a list of gear I recommend taking on a winter Mt. Washington attempt.
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Mammut Nordwand 6000 High
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Petzl Vasak Leverlock Crampons
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Petzl Sum'Tec Adze Ice Axe Black
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Camp C.A.M.P. Geko Ice Pro Gloves
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Rab Men's Mythic Ultra Down Jacket
Doug Dobkowski's Ice Climbing
WARNING: Ice Climbing is DANGEROUS. Here are some of my favorite gear picks for it.
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Camp C.A.M.P. Geko Ice Pro Gloves
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Petzl Nomic Ice Tool
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Petzl Pur'Ice Pick Black
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Swix Swix Chrome File 6 In
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Petzl Dart Crampons Orange
Doug Dobkowski's Helmet
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Camp Saver Black Diamond Capitan Helmet
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Mammut Wall Rider Climbing Helmet
Doug Dobkowski's Climbing Harness
It is important to get the right harness for the right application.
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Petzl Aquila Harness Black XL
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Arc'teryx Arc'teryx Men's AR-395a Harness Green L
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Blue Ice BLUE ICE Choucas Pro Harness Gray L
Doug Dobkowski's Trad Gear
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Metolius Metolius Ultralight Master Cam
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Black Diamond Camalot™ Ultralight
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Black Diamond Stopper Set #4-13
Doug Dobkowski recommends the DMM DMM HB Alloy Offset Stopper Set - Sizes 7-11 Multi-Colored
Doug Dobkowski recommends the DMM DMM IMP Brass Nut Set # 1-5
Doug Dobkowski's Sport Climbing
Looking to clip bolts and try hard in a single pitch setting? Don't know what to buy? I got you.
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Spirit Express Quickdraw
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Grigri Belay Device
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Petzl Sm'D Triact-Lock Carabiner
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Metolius Metolius Basic Stick Clip Black
Doug Dobkowski's Multipitch
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Petzl Attache Carabiner Yellow
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Petzl Sm'D Screw-Lock Carabiner Orange
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Petzl Petzl Reverso Belay Device Gray
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Edelrid Edelrid Mega Jul Belay Device Gray
Doug Dobkowski recommends the Sterling Sterling 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 Loop - 13.5 in. Khaki 6.8 Mm
