Hi Toggsers,
Hadley here. This week started and finished with two difficult private events. While it was my hope to give you a long awaited post on shorts, unfortunately life had other plans (maybe shorts and I were just never meant to be).
This week TOGS officially became an LLC which was very exciting. As we’ve been planning for the future, I can’t help but think of the origins of TOGS. How it came from a place of wanting people to feel accepted as they are in the outdoors. And how I can show up in these mountain communities in support and in welcoming. This week has reminded me that being in community is really what it’s all about. I’m so thankful for this little internet community and all the support you each give Kellyn and I.
I’ve pulled the post on what to wear climbing from behind the paywall or possibly a treat for new subscribers that have yet to dig into the archive. I promise the shorts and many exciting fall TOGS surprises will come after this week.
Many, many thanks for your understanding,
Hads
This spring, I was invited on the behalf of the Hory a Mesto film festival and the American Embassy to give a series of slideshow talks across Slovakia. It was a fascinating experience in a variety of aspects. Seeing a new country, remembering how to speak in public, and most memorably getting to hear stories from the OG Slovakian climbers. To hear what it was like to climb or ski during communism was like a live reading of a Bernadette McDonald book. To be locked behind walls, unable to travel or get gear-to live and climb with nearly nothing. I’m so very thankful for everyone that shared their stories with me and reminded me of the beauty, privilege, and importance of sport.
The first night of the film festival, Catherine Destivelle gave a slideshow. Catherine is a legendary climber. She won pretty much every sport climbing competition she entered, was the first woman to climb 8a, opened a new line SOLO (!) on the famous Dru here in Chamonix, completed iconic winter north faces, many freesolos, and succeeded at high altitude expeditions-she did it all in every realm of climbing. I was blown away listening to her speak, listening to her reflect on what it meant to be a woman in the mountains, and listening to what all those adventures meant to her. It was inspiring to say the least. Later in the night Catherine talked about transitioning from professional climber to owning her own publishing house and well given how obsessed I am with books, I couldn’t have fan girl’d any harder.
Not only is Catherine talented on rock/snow/ice and a book lover, her slideshow also displayed her impeccable sense of fashion. True to the ethos of TOGS-she brought style to the outdoors. Slide after slide she was shown climbing some wild free solo like Devils Tower while being dressed to the 9’s.
In honor of Catherine and the great sport of climbing-this week’s TOGS is all about what to wear on rock based on her style.
Bodysuits
Catherine’s career really started to peak in the 80’s so maybe all this spandex isn’t surprising. I am obsessed with her use of a bodysuit. A few years ago North Face europe launched a bodysuit for climbing and after fellow teammate Emily Harrington got one, I ordered one too. Just like body hugging Snogas are my part of my power ski suit-the onesie became something I reached for when I wanted to climb hard.
Now maybe you’re thinking I’m interested but ummm-how do I go to the bathroom? Most bodysuits including the TNF ones linked above come with snaps where you need them. A bathing suit would work or a vintage Jane Fonda style leotard-but make sure it isn’t so tight that you can’t pull the lower part to the side when nature calls.
Monochromatic
The world knows all about Alex Honnold and his ability to climb without a rope. But Catherine did many free-solos of her own years before Alex was walking. And she did so in style. On many of these climbs, she opted for a monochromatic look. I’m partial to the white (one is even in overalls!). And for the climbing, her solo development of a new route on the Dru in a full yellow suit blows my mind in all ways. Spending time googling her outfits and then following the stories of the climbs she did while wearing them is a great way to learn the history of climbing and of Catherine.
When I go into the mountains, I’m partial to going with black tops and bottoms. Something about emulating a ninja helps me pull up the rock wall. And practically speaking doesn’t show dirt or sweat. But gosh am I digging the all white too and am inspired to test it out myself.
I’ve been loving this bra/tank that TNF just put out shown above. It’s incredibly soft. After years of sunburning my chest wearing sports bras, I’m happy to have the additional sun coverage. It comes in three colors so you could easily create your own monochromatic look with leggings or looser wind pants.
Monochromatic looks can extend from sport climbing to the alpine and mountaineering.
Or even ice climbing (but let us stay in summer mode, no?)
Pops of Red
There’s something the way red looks in the outdoors. Maybe because outside of a poppy and a certain shade of sunset-it’s not a color often found in nature in such a bright form. I love the way red pops against any color of rock, the blue sky, and the green valley below. From Catherine’s shoes, to the trim of her tanks, to her tights or fleece-I love the way she sports the color while climbing and how iconic and timeless it feels.
Vintage Athletic Shorts
I’m not a huge fan of climbing in shorts (or a huge fan of shorts in general-but yes Susannah a TOGS letter on shorts is coming soon!)-but for those that love the garment, I pulled some of Catherine’s best styles. These ones from TNF give a vintage flair, or if someone wants to test kids sizing these ones from Sea/Zara Colabcould be fun. Otherwise an opportunity to scour vintage stores or ebay! Bonus points if paired with a body suit or matches her all white look.
Rugby Shirts/Cotton Pullovers
Rounding out the inspiration is a rugby shirt or classic cotton pullover. Perfect for going from the crag to the cafe. For all the ways in which performance fabric is useful, I do love a good cotton. TNF has some great pullovers, or this rugby would be perfect! Or I’d hit your brothers or dad or boyfriends closet when they aren’t looking. Oversized is the look.
Bonus Style and Snack Suggestions
I couldn’t find any evidence of Catherine climbing in a button up, but I’ve been loving this old TNF light linen/cotton blend shirt. It’s so comfortable to climb in and I like that it has a polished (though at this point in the trip rather wrinkly) button up shirt vibe. We are always trying to bring the streets to the mountains and the mountains to the streets here at TOGS and this is a perfect example of doing so. Another item that if you like-throw a note in the comments and I can beg TNF to bring it back!
On a side note-if you’re ever wanting to plan a european climbing trip I cannot recommend Cassis, France enough. Most of the climbing puts you above the most beautifully colored sea. The rock is so fun. The fresh fish is so good. Ooooof it is a DREAM!
Snacks
Aside from what to wear-I find what to eat a challenge for climbing. How does one stay sustained but never too full that you want to nap instead of pull on tiny crimps? How does one get energy for a sport that tends to make me very hungry? Or what about those days where you’re multi-pitching and either climbing or belaying with no time in between?
I maxed out on bars over the years and pretty much wont eat them unless it’s Lentine’s Feed Fraiche bars (which rumor has it are coming back soon-they are pricey but one is the equivalent of two bars for me and I feel really good about the ingredients that go into my body). If price is concern she has great recipeson her website for pocket snacks.
Otherwise I fill my bag with nuts. I recently started working with the brand ShārPronounced share-they are good for exactly that, sharing. But the biggest reason I wanted to work with them is that they are one of the only packaged sports food packaged not with plastic. The tubes are reusable and refillable and then biodegradable. Plus the nut mixes are delicious and organic. I’m particularly partial to the traditional (blueberries and cashews-sign me up) though the savory are a nice treat when you get tired of sweet snacks.
Otherwise it’s some Scratch gummies, a baguette+cheese+butter sandwich, or if it’s cold I’ll put some miso soup+rice+salmon in a canteen and enjoy the warm salty goodness that gives me power and very transportable to a crag.
That’s a wrap on the rock…
Wishing each of you a great summer and fall out climbing. If you’ve never tried-I can’t recommend it enough. A perfect complement to all the compression of the winter and is just so dang fun!
A big thank you to Catherine for the inspiration on all fronts and a special thanks to my dad who instilled a love of climbing and gave my family a lifetime of cherished memories on the rock. He loved the sport and even managed some climbs during his cancer. His love for the art was infectious. I think of him every time I place a nut or eat a peanut butter sandwich (though I still can’t get on board with adding relish).
Lots of love,
Hadley
Think we need a petition to bring back the onesiessss for the wall! so good and feminine. Feels wildly fresh