HILLEBERG AMBASSADOR: Alexander Barber, a mountain guide and solo climber who challenges the limits
Born in Southern California, Alexander Barber's love of the mountains began as a youth fly-fishing the alpine lakes and streams of the Sierra Nevada. The peaks towering above the waters evoked a deep yearning in him. As a teenager, after an unsuccessful winter solo climb of Mount Whitney, Alex made his first successful ascent of the local mountain, Mt. San Antonio. When asked why he chose to climb mountains, he said, "I've always believed that life begins at the end of our comfort zone. I've always been drawn to things that inspire and challenge me to become a better version of myself."
Today, Alex works as a professional mountain guide for Rainier Guides Inc. (RMI) in the United States while focusing on his own climbing goals. He is currently focusing on the 8,000-meter peaks in the Himalayas, climbing without oxygen and soloing.
His love for climbing
“People ask me what it feels like to be at the top, when everything is complete? That sense of accomplishment or that thrilling moment—what does it feel like? But for me, it’s not that single moment at the top or the thrill that it brings that draws me in. Instead, it’s the quiet and abiding satisfaction that comes from the simplicity of climbing, the small details of the journey, and the extraordinary beauty that surrounds us. It’s a beauty that challenges us, not the mountain, but ourselves.”
The reason he uses a Hilleberg tent
“The Hilleberg has successfully combined the most important qualities in tent design: strength without weight, comfort without functionality, and ease of setup. On a mountaineering expedition, where mistakes can be costly, a Hilleberg tent is a no-brainer.”
Alex's comments on different tents:
- Jannu Tent : "The Jannu is perfect for my high-altitude climbing needs. Whether setting up a key camp on a Himalayan peak or leading a multi-person, multi-day expedition in the Sierra Nevada, the Jannu has performed exceptionally well. I've set up the tent for extended periods and it's weathered storms without even needing to adjust the mantle cords. Like all Hilleberg tents, the Jannu uses high-quality materials that have stood up to the most demanding expeditions with minimal wear and tear."
- Soulo Tent : "The Soulo has been my go-to tent for my recent Himalayan expeditions. It's light enough for challenging routes, yet strong enough to be a fortress. This tent embodies the hallmarks of Hilleberg design—strength and functionality combined with ease of setup and lightweight construction. On multi-day solo climbs, the Soulo is my go-to tent; it adds a margin of safety without becoming a burden."