CJ doesn’t exactly do "normal." He works as an EMT in Breckenridge, Colorado, teaches ski lessons on the weekends, and spends the rest of his free time chasing mountains. Summer hikes, winter ski lines, and a personal goal to conquer every 14,000-foot peak in Colorado keep him busy. And honestly, probably a little crazy.
About a year ago, his dad gave him an Insta360 X3. Most people might use it for vacation clips, but CJ had bigger plans. The camera meant he could share experiences from places most people could only dream about—and do it safely while focusing on staying upright on some of the state’s trickiest terrain.
Capitol Peak: Not Your Average Hike
Take Capitol Peak, for example. This mountain near Aspen is a beast. Seventeen miles round trip, 6,000 feet of elevation gain, and the infamous "Knife’s Edge" to cap it off. One false move there, and gravity isn’t forgiving. Most people don’t attempt it. CJ did.
He brought X3 along for the ride, expecting epic footage. But when he reached the Knife’s Edge at 13,700 feet, he realized he’d forgotten his helmet mount. No hands free, no tripod, and a ridge that demanded his full attention.
Razor-Sharp Footage
Improvisation was the only option. CJ tied the camera to a strap on his backpack and let it dangle while he carefully crossed the ridge. It wasn’t textbook filming, but it worked. His X3 captured sweeping views of jagged peaks, dizzying drop-offs, and CJ inching along the spine of the mountain.
Why It’s Worth It
For CJ, it isn’t about making a perfect video. It’s about sharing the real experience: the nerves, the exposure, and the raw beauty of the Rockies. Most people will never step onto Capitol Peak, but Insta360 X3's immersive 360 footage lets them see what it feels like.
By the end of the climb, the footage was stunning. And CJ got to keep both hands free, which is probably the smarter move when you’re 13,700 feet up.
This article was submitted to Insta360 Community Stories by @Cj_mcd. Got a story to share? Email yours to communitystories@insta360.com and win up to US$50! Learn more here.
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