Ninety-Pound Rucksack, a podcast that tells the story of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division and the dawn of America’s $1 trillion outdoor recreation industry, has been awarded the Best Outdoor Podcast Episode of the Year at the 2024 Outdoor Media Summit. The winning episode, “Mountain Intelligence”, explores the extraordinary and previously untold story of H. Adams Carter and the Harvard Five, shedding light on their pivotal contributions to the formation of America’s elite mountain warfare unit during World War II.
Hosted by veteran alpinist and climbing historian Christian Beckwith, Ninety-Pound Rucksack is celebrated for its meticulous research and captivating storytelling. Episode 7, “Mountain Intelligence”, uncovers how H. Adams Carter and fellow Harvard Five mountaineers Bob Bates, Terry Moore, Charlie Houston, and Bradford Washburn used their unparalleled expertise to help shape the 10th Mountain Division. Through climbs in Alaska, the Yukon, and Asia during the 1930s, these men became pioneers in American mountaineering and ultimately harnessed their skills for the U.S. Army. Their efforts, led by Carter’s intelligence work, laid the foundation for American mountain warfare.
From translating the mountaineering experiences of foreign military units into actionable intelligence for the Army, to developing the Division’s iconic Vibram-soled mountain boots and working on rations, clothing, and equipment, Carter’s contributions, the focus of the award-winning episode, were instrumental in preparing the 10th Mountain Division for its successful campaigns. The episode also recounts the Harvard Five’s role in making the Division the best-trained, best-fed, and best-equipped mountain unit in the world, forever changing the U.S. military’s approach to mountain warfare.
Christian Beckwith, executive producer and host of Ninety-Pound Rucksack, expressed his excitement over the award: “This recognition from the Outdoor Media Summit is an incredible honor. ‘Mountain Intelligence‘ brings to light an overlooked chapter in history, and it’s thrilling to see listeners and industry leaders appreciate the story we’ve uncovered. Our goal has always been to illuminate the incredible legacy of the 10th Mountain Division, not just as soldiers, but as the men who shaped the outdoor industry we know today.”
The 10th Mountain Division, an unprecedented unit of World War II climbers and skiers, trained for more than two years in the Colorado Rockies to prepare for combat in extreme cold and mountainous terrain. Their efforts played a pivotal role in Germany’s eventual surrender. After the war, many of the Division’s veterans went on to revolutionize the outdoor recreation industry by developing ski areas, founding companies like NOLS and Nike, and driving forward conservation and wilderness education initiatives that still resonate today.
The Outdoor Media Summit is the premier gathering of outdoor media and marketing professionals. Known for bringing together the brightest minds in the industry, the Summit offers attendees the opportunity to share insights, forecast trends, and network with like-minded creators and marketers. The event’s highly vetted audience ensures that every attendee is a key player in the outdoor industry, making the Best Outdoor Podcast Episode of the Year award a significant achievement for Ninety-Pound Rucksack.
To listen to Episode 7, “Mountain Intelligence”, and explore other episodes of Ninety-Pound Rucksack, visit Ninety-Pound Rucksack.