Guide's Down: For all Sizes, Shapes, and Species

This winter I had shoulder surgery, my first surgery ever. It slowed me down from my physical activities in the mountains for several painful months. Instead my time was spent traveling to do slideshows, clinics, and presentations. But come spring, I knew that I would be itching to start to exercise as much as possible, within the parameters of the doctor’s orders of course. And, who better to do that with than man’s best friend? I ended up adopting a dog and soon he became my shadow and my training companion.

Unfortunately for Max, his life before me was a rough one, and he isn’t the most agile and spunky dog. And even more unfortunate, I am determined to make him a mountain dog, no couch surfing for him. For you who have actually met him, I can hear the laughter now, but we’re working on it, he’s a slow learner. When I started taking him out in February and March in Yosemite, I didn’t realize one very important thing: his breed is from Africa, warm sunny Africa, not cold, damp, snowy Yosemite Valley. As I was hiking and sweating, he was normally shivering. So one day I decided to give up my coveted Guide’s Down Sweater, something I carry with me at all times, even in the heat of the August sun, and put it on Max. At first I couldn’t contain my laughter, he looked like a muscle man dog, but soon enough it became as regular on him as it used to be on me.

These days it’s warming up, so Max’s downie isn’t as regular as it was this winter. But come fall I know that I will always pack two Guide’s Down Sweater in my bag instead of one. It just goes to show that Marmot makes things for all types….who knew?

Professional Climber Beth Rodden has been on the Marmot Athlete Team since 2001. Learn more about her on marmotpro.com.