Joe Hampton — Rock Climbing Guide, Veterinary Candidate, Veteran | Rendezvu

Joe Hampton

Rock Climbing Guide, Veterinary Candidate, Veteran

Brevard, North Carolina

If you think of a friend, call them or text them. You never know whose life you might save.

After graduating from the Naval Academy in 2015, I spent a decade in the explosive ordnance disposal community, deploying to 3 continents, and supporting a diverse range of maritime and special operations. During that time, I began my guiding career with Pisgah Climbing School, and now I am pursuing my rock and alpine disciplines with the AMGA and a doctorate in veterinary medicine in North Carolina.

Discipline: Climbing, Military

Specialty: Rock Climbing/ Type 2 Fun

Early in my guiding career, planning a trip with my co captain in college to climb Mt. Whitney. He had never touched rock shoes before, but it was really enjoyable to blend military operational planning , general fitness, and technical rock climbing into a great friend reunion. In 3 days, he went from learning a figure 8 to summiting a 1000+ ft face in Yosemite! This was the first time I felt like I truly could call myself a guide. My dog, Okra, always being down to camp anywhere, run any distance, and greet any stranger on an outdoor adventure

Joe Hampton's Expert Gear Recommendations

Fueling

Endurance Fuel 6 Pack by Tailwind Nutrition — I use this for basically any event over 2 hours
Honey Waffle Box of 16 by Honey Stinger

General Outdoor Gear

HydraPak 500 ml Stow Bottle - 17 fl. oz. Blue by HydraPak
HydraPak 1 L Stow Bottle - 32 fl. oz. Blue by HydraPak
Honey Waffle Box of 16 by Honey Stinger
Endurance Fuel by Tailwind Nutrition

Climbing Gear

CRUX® MEN'S (UPDATED) by Scarpa
GENERATOR MID by Scarpa
La Sportiva Women's Tarantulace Climbing Shoes Blue 42 EU by La Sportiva
Helix Climbing Shoe - Women's

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by Scarpa

Escaper by Beal

Sleeping System--Hammock

Blackbird XLC Gen3 by Warbonnet Outdoors — If there are going to be trees where you are camping (not alpine), this thing is my baby. I sleep so well in it, I tried to convince my last girlfriend to let me hang it up next to our bed.
Wooki® Underquilts by Warbonnet Outdoors
StormLoft™ Down TopQuilt by Outdoor Vitals — I supplement this with blankets depending on the weather
Nova Colors Solar Lanterns by LuminAID — Hang this bad larry from my hammock for nighttime reading in bed, leave it hanging during the day to recharge. Compresses and fits easily into pack

Layering System

Vantage Alpine Down Jacket by OutdoorVitals — A belay jacket for cold days, or a jacket for hanging out at the campsite in frigid weather
Pursuit Hybrid Fleece by Outdoor Vitals — My active layer for cooler days without a lot of wind. I've worn this comfortably in 35 degree weather while ice climbing, but it is also a cozy layer for a day of shady rock climbing in the 50-60s
Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie by Outdoor Vitals — My base layer year round for all activities. Very lightweight, but the wool is surprisingly warm. Doesn't smell bad after several days of wear in a back country setting, and is quite durable despite how light it is.
Ventus Active Hoodie - Men's by Outdoor Vitals — The original jacket that OV made and continues to be their flagship piece. It is very wind resistant, warm, and comfortable. Works as both an active layer if it is windy and as a basecamp layer on top of the fleece hoodie for extra warmth.
Aenergy Light SO Pants Men by Mammut — Perfect sized and located pockets for wearing a harness. Stretchy, breathable enough for summer, protective enough for windy shoulder seasons.
Men's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks by Darn Tough — The only socks you will ever need
Men's Alpine Start Hoody by Black Diamond — Wind layer/softshell jacket. I use this thing all of the time--for runs in 20 degree weather to climbing when it is windy but not too cold. It is super lightweight and basically costs nothing to throw in your pack
Arizona Essentials by Birkenstock — The ultimate lightweight-camp, driving-back-from-the-crag, post-cramming-your-shoes-into-climbing-shoes, shower-and-river shoes. I've worn these for years and take theme everywhere I go. I learned recently though that while they are hardy, they do not stand up to French Bulldog teeth.

My First List

Your first gear list to get started

Camalot™ Z4 by Black Diamond — For sizes .5 and below
Aenergy Light SO Pants Men by Mammut — Perfect sized and located pockets for wearing a harness. Stretchy, breathable enough for summer, protective enough for windy shoulder seasons.
C4 Camalot by Black Diamond
Blackbird XLC Gen3 by Warbonnet Outdoors — If there are going to be trees where you are camping (not alpine), this thing is my baby. I sleep so well in it, I tried to convince my last girlfriend to let me hang it up next to our bed.
Vantage Alpine Down Jacket by OutdoorVitals — A belay jacket for cold days, or a jacket for hanging out at the campsite in frigid weather
Pursuit Hybrid Fleece by OutdoorVitals — My active layer for pretty much everyday that isnt just sun shirt weather.
Trion 38 by Mammut
Trion 28 by Mammut — My normal pack for single day guiding. Side zipper for easy access to everything, light but supportive frame
Workhorse HMS Screwgate Carabiner by Mammut
Contact Sling 8.0 by Mammut — my favorite sling for alpine draws, and a triple length for anchor building material