Meet An OGExpert: Giancarlo Lopes

NAME

Giancarlo "Juanny" Lopes - he/him

AGE

36

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Redding, Connecticut

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE?

11 Years

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT OGE?

Logistics & Physical Plant Director

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO VERMONT?

I transferred to college in Southern Vermont in 2010, then decided to move to Burlington the Fall after graduating. I've been living in and calling Vermont my home for the past 15 years.

WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR AREA OF OUTDOOR EXPERTISE?

I've spent the past 16 years being in love with ice climbing. It's generally the less appealing and popular form of climbing, despite New England being a world-class destination for the sport! I find climbing transient water features offers a unique way to experience nature and is the perfect balance between mental and physical challenge.

FAVORITE PIECE OF GEAR?

My Black Diamond Hydra ice tools. I recently switched to these last year and have loved everything about them. They currently boast the most options for customizing your pick weights of any tool on the market. The swing is excellent, the handle is comfortable, and the construction is noticeably more durable than other tools I've used over the years.

TELL US A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF!

Music is a huge part of my life, and I have been singing and playing guitar and bass since I was about 13. At 18, I tried out for the music program at my local college in Connecticut and didn't get in. Had it worked out, I may not have fallen in love with the outdoors and eventually pursued college and life in Vermont.