I'm a level 21 Fighter at the moment. I've soloed the entire time and this is my second hardcore climb overall. I failed the MasterQuest my first time through which I soloed as well. I'd like to play with a friend or two if possible but everybody I know stopped playing or they rarely play anymore. If you want to have some fun, regardless of your skill level or items, let me know and let's try to stay close to each other in level so we can climb together.

just some advice, don't level up having higher level climbing gear in your equipment slots

That's actually a good idea. I solo all the time while I watch TV and I take plenty of unnecessary risks in hardcore.

also going with only 60 vitality is not smart for soloing
100 vita at a minimum

http://forums.d2jsp.org/user.php?c=3&i=222883&p=481532

this is my from scratch char

Surviving >>> killspeed in hc
Add more vita
Use ee armors
Leave cata when you are lower then 50% life
Keep your inventory clean - dont have your gear for other levels in you inventory
Take as much shriners for regeneration

You know what I never got the hang of? Fishing. I have plenty of rods but I'm nervous to even try. Even when I read the beginner's guide I was still clueless. I'd like to become a master fisherman and catch some of the best fish in the game. Do I have to keep improving that skill set? The problem is I have no clue what I'm doing.

I'm just trying to improve and really learn the game this time around. I wish I had a good friend or two to play with but it's hard to find. It seems like I'm playing for hours and hours just to gain one or two levels at a time. Making any progress is difficult and challenging.

I have a lot of passion for hardcore ladder slasher even if I'm mostly a newbie on it.