Doug Dobkowski's Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Skiing, Mountaineering Gear & Expert Recommendations
Outdoor Educator, Guide
North Conway, NHPersonal Motto - A 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 — This thing is a MONSTER! It is extremely bright. It has a removeable 18650 lithium battery. You can recharge the battery by plugging the headlamp into a USB-C. You can also swap the battery. I keep a spare 18650 lithium battery on me.