Spencer Huffman
Rock and Alpine Guide | Climbing Instructor and Coach
San Diego, CASpencer Huffman is a seasoned climbing guide, instructor, and coach. With over a decade of experience in leadership and program facilitation in the climbing industry, he is passionate about mentoring the next generation of climbers. He brings technical expertise and a deep commitment to safety in every aspect of his work and personal pursuits. His career includes impactful roles with North Carolina Outward Bound School, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, San Diego Climbing School, and Mesa Rim Climbing Centers. Spencer has a personal affinity for high desert climbs in Red Rocks where he brings clients on ultra-classic routes to share his stoke while working with The Mountain Guides and Golden State Guiding. His passion for mentorship can be heard in his collaborative podcast “Everything SPI” on Ting Ting’s Female Guides Requested show. As a Climbing Gear Expert, Spencer combines his technical knowledge and facilitation skills to ensure that everyone he engages with receives a high-quality climbing advice. His vision for mentorship is rooted in the belief that climbing can be a powerful tool for personal growth and community building. When he's not climbing, Spencer enjoys surfing and researching how to create the best cup of coffee.
Discipline: Outdoor Education and Recreation, Indoor Training and Coaching
Specialty: Rock Climbing, Alpine Climbing, Gym Climbing
Spencer Huffman's Expert Gear Recommendations
Tech Tools for Climbing Outside
- ATC-Guide Belay Device by Black Diamond — The best quiver-of-one plaquette/tube-style device by a mile. Wider aperture (hole size) than its competitors for advanced top-belay scenarios with 1 or 2 climbers. Buy this first for rappels over a standard tube style device so you don't have to buy a second one later!
- HMS Bulletproof Triple by Edelrid — Pair this with your ATC and never worry about grooving again. Also great for masterpoint lockers! Auto-lockers are great here for not having to remember to lock the gate!
- ROCHA by Petzl — A compact pear-shaped carabiner for multi-purpose use! Great for clove hitches and munter belays. Screw gates are mandatory if you only have 1 hand available!
- Sm'D (USA) by Petzl — The connect anything to anything else carabiner! Not great for munters, but perfect for everything else. Auto-lockers preferred - set it and forget it!
