"Perhaps the most controversial course of action, though, is the decision to carry and use supplemental O2. Most climbers consider their supplemental oxygen as equipment—just as much a part of their experience as their Gortex gear, and certainly as foundational as their extensive training."

This article is already self-contradictory. It doesn't need to make it obvious by putting these two sentences right next to each other. If it's just as foundational and normal equipment, then it's obviously not a controversial course of action. Also, not how you spell Gore-Tex.