Outdoor Curious | Top Facts & FAQs about 8000m Peaks Answered by Adrian Ballinger

Have you ever wondered how many 8000m peaks there are in the world and what it takes to summit an 800m peak? Eddie Bauer Alpine Climbing Guide Adrian Ballinger, who has spent over 2 years combined on Mt. Everest answers the internets most asked questions about 800m peaks and what it takes to climb them.

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Learn More about Adrian Ballinger, Eddie Bauer Alpine Climbing Guide: https://www.eddiebauer.com/campaign/guides/Adrian-Ballinger

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Mountain Climbing & Related Resources:

Adrian Ballinger’s and Carla Perez’s Record Breaking Summit of K2 in 2019: https://www.eddiebauer.com/campaign/expeditions/k2

Adrian Ballinger’s Feature Film “Breathtaking: K2 – The World’s Most Savage Mountain”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvFt2Xcuois

More Facts & FAQs about Mountaineering, including on K2, Everest and more: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB7L-tBYrHrAMorsqKytvecAXePbZhRlC

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In 25 minutes you’ll learn everything you’ve wanted to know about 8000m peaks and what it takes to reach the summit from a professional climber who has countless summits to his name. The questions answered in this video include:

1. How many 8000m peaks are there?
a. 14 in the world.
2. What’s the difference between 8000m peaks and other mountain climbs?
a. Simply put, the extreme high altitude with added risk of lower oxygen levels.
3. Which 8000m peaks are most difficult to climb?
a. Everest is considered the most difficult because it is the tallest though K2 is considered the most dangerous and requires the most technical climbing.
4. How much oxygen is in the air at 8000m?
a. The percentage of oxygen is the same as it is at sea level but the density of oxygen at 8000m is around 30% of that at sea level.
5. What are good 8000m peaks to start on?
a. It is not recommended to start your climbing career on 8000m peaks but rather earn years of experience climbing smaller mountains but if you are a seasoned climber one of Adrian’s favorite’s is Cho Oyu (6th tallest mountain) located between Tibet and Nepal.
6. Which 8000m peaks are the most technical?
a. K2 is usually considered the most technical.
7. Do I need a guide on 8000m peaks?
a. No, they are not required though it is highly recommended to work with a guide if you have not spent years climbing and training.
8. What’s the difference between 8000m peaks and the 7 summits?
a. The 7 summits are a list of the tallest peaks on each of the 7 continents while the 8000m peaks are the 14 tallest mountains in the world. The only mountain that is on both lists is Mt. Everest.
9. Why is bottled oxygen used on 8000m climbs?
a. At that extreme high altitude, the human body physiologically can only last minutes to a few hours above 8000m so bottled oxygen essentially lowers the altitude making it easier for your body and brain to function.
10. How does acclimatization work on 8000m climbs?
a. The goal is to build more red blood cells that will carry oxygen throughout your body so acclimatization is a process of stressing your body to the point of needing more red blood cells to survive while also providing time for your body to rest and recover.
11. What kind of gear do I need for 8000m peaks?
a. The strategy behind your gear does not differ for 8000m climbs or a casual day hike in that it is a system of layers that will keep you warm and protected through hot and sunny climates to harsh and freezing climates.
12. How to prepare for 8000m climbs without supplemental oxygen?
a. Years of experience is the most important thing combined with consistent endurance based training to make sure you are physically prepared.
13. Will my contact lenses freeze in my eye at over 8000m?
a. Short answer, no. But, you will need take necessary precautions like using goggles or sleeping with your contacts in your sleeping bag to keep them from not freezing.
14. How many people have climbed all 8000m peaks?
a. 43 people, most without supplemental oxygen.
15. What skills do I need for 8000m climbing?
a. A variety but should include a mix of technical skills like rock climbing, ice climbing, rope work as well as expedition skills like camp craft, being able to live in a tent and cook for yourself, survive intense storms, navigation, reading weather, etc.
16. How do you plan an 8000m climbing trip?
a. They are very complicated and expensive trips so hiring a guide service is the most common and easiest way to plan your trip.
17. How cold does it get on 8000m peaks?
a. Really cold! It will regularly be -40 degrees with up to 100+ mph winds but a good summit day would be -20 degrees with 20 mph wind.

Other Questions Answered:
18. How fit do I need to be to climb an 8000m peak?
19. Are there age restrictions for 8000m peaks?
20. How do you go to the bathroom on 8000m peaks?
21. What’s the view like at 8000m?
22. Why do people climb 8000m peaks?