I'm vintage and live in hilly country (no mountains but we do have some that hit 1500ft). And I'm one of those that ride with an old fashioned, terribly outdated gear set. 52/40 on the front and 29/14 on the rear.

My granny gear is Jezebel's sister.

Jim, on hills cadence is your friend. When you lose that and there is hill left over, you are just about finished.