Preparing to climb the highest peak in North America, Max Lowe highlights the gear and mentality that he needs to prepare for his journey up the 20,328 foot mountain on his National Geographic “Climbing Denali” blog post.

“With an average of 20 days needed spent on the mountain to gain the summit and return to the airstrip at base camp, you must be both physically and mentally prepared for the challenge as well as outfitted with proper gear and provisions,” Lowe writes about Denali Peak.

Mountain climbing is a right of passage in many cultures, so be sure to prepare properly by reading about Lowe’s preparation for his climb.