Introducing The Ninety-Pound Rucksack

We’re excited to share a new podcast from long time AAC member and prolific climbing writer, Christian Beckwith. The Ninety-Pound Rucksack tells the story of the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division, and how these mountain troops ushered in the dawn of outdoor recreation in America. We’re especially stoked about this pod because not only is the 10th Mountain Division deeply relevant to the history of climbing, but also because Beckwith uncovers the many ways the American Alpine Club was critical to the 10th Mountain Division's inception and success. Dive into the first few episodes to get a glimpse into how climbing and military history collide.

Explore the Podcast

The Winter War: Episode 01

The first episode of Ninety-Pound Rucksack explores the historical context that brought about the 10th Mountain Division. Host Christian Beckwith digs into the 1939 invasion of Finland during the Second World War, and how Finnish tactics influenced global military considerations of winter warfare, including the realization that America needed a cold-weather and mountain fighting unit of its own. He also digs into the role two young members of the American Alpine Club, H. Adams Carter and Bob Bates, played in the genesis of the Division.

Listen Episode 01

The State of the Art: Episode 02 Part 1

Episode 2 Part 1 provides a sweeping overview of the history of skiing in America as told through the experiences of one of the 10th Mountain Division’s greatest unsung heroes, John Andrew McCown II. The episode includes interview excerpts with Paul Petzoldt, the Teton climbing legend who would join the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale in 1942 and be put in charge of developing its mountain rescue system.

Listen Episode 02