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Winter Kit 
Winter has certainly arrived so here is a look at some kit which I have been using for a while now.
Paramo
Paramo clothing has always featured highly on my list of top kit both summer and winter. A variety of weights of shell gear provide very comfortable outer layers, which can even be worn next to the skin by itself, plus an underlayering system to compliment the shell. Also of real interest are the over-layering Gilets that can add quick warmth to even the most damp and perspiring body! All details at the comprehensive Paramo website.
Whatever your shell kit is made of it's important to keep all breathable garments clean on a regular basis and that is where Nikwax lead the field. Regular washing with Tech Wash and occasional application on TX Direct Wash In.
 Crampons
 
This winter I am trying out the Petzl Lynx crampon for technical ice climbing. It arrives with either a metal toe bale or plastic toe cup and has the normal easy to adjust heel clip. This crampon is best suited to fit B3 or B2 boots which are designed for winter climbing. The front points are easily adjusted to take either mono or twin points and so far the results have been good.

 

For our rental stock, guests can choose from either the Petzl Vasek Leverlock, Spirelock or Flexlock Models. Details at Petzl Crampons.

Petzl Lynk
Crampons Flexlock
Petzl Vasek Flexlock
Crampons  Leverlock

Petzl Vasek Lerverlock
 
Weather and Avalanche

Making the most of conditions and weather on the winter hills is a key skill to potential enjoyment and safety. Many outdoor providers can teach how to understand and use the avalanche forecast and link it to current and recent weather cycles. For comprehensive avalanche forecasts and understanding of how they are formed, visit SAIS.
 
An essential factor in forecasting how serious the avalanche hazard might be is the weather, recent, current and into the next few days. A number of good sites are available including MWIS and BBC Weather Also a new one I have been told about is Weather Badger, which gives an easy to use look at the next seven days.
Mountain Matters at the Moment 
 
At present there is still plenty of good climbing and walking on the Scottish mountains. The west coast has more good snow than farther east. Loads of good climbing, mountaineering and winter walking as can be seen by these photos taken from my blog
Ben Nevis Plateau
Ben Nevis Plateau. Photo: Pete Waite-Shores

Tower Ridge
Tower Ridge. Photo: Pete Waite-Shores

 

Smith's Route
Smith's Route, Gardyloo Buttress Ben Nevis. Photo: Chris Thorne

 Late availability for courses can be found on my website.

Accommodation and gear hire 

 

Check out Calluna Self Catering for accommodation if you are considering coming to Fort William or Glen Coe. We have the best drying rooms in town and also a comprehensive stock of gear for hire especially in the winter, plus leashless axes for climbing and simple axes for walking. We offer everything!!

Sponsors and Helpful Retailers during 2012

 
An important area of an outdoor instructor/guides work is keeping up to date with equipment in order to be able to answer a wide range of questions about mountaineering kit. In the ever changing world of equipment this is difficult and that is where some good outdoor manufacturers and retailers come in. There are many and varied outdoor shops and I cannot hope to know all of them. However a few come to mind as being very helpful to our mountain visitors over the years. Some clients have driven many miles of a weekend to get good sound advice and here is a small selection.
 
Paramo Manufacturers of the best shell clothing I have ever used in 40 years of mountaineering.
 
Barkers of Ringwood For anyone living in southern England good sound advice, especially on footwear  
 
Ardblair Sports Importers Ltd Importers Ltd In particular for AKU footwear which were recommended to me by Steve Barker. If any of you have seen my awkward feet you will know that to find a  comfortable pair of boots is not easy for me. The AKU Spider and Spider Lights are very light, warm and comfortable. The Spider is very good for the Alps in my opinion.

Ardblair Sports Importers have started an AKU Facebook page.  If you like what you see tell your friends and confirm.

 
Any good pair of boots will be enhanced by proper insoles and I'm convinced that Superfeet Footbeds really help. Go for the custom fit insoles. They may be expensive, but are a good investment towards comfort and stabilisation of the whole body frame.
 
Needlesports will be well known to anyone visiting the Lake District. Once again sound advice from passionate outdoor folk.
 
914 Outdoor is worth a visit for anyone on their way to the Isle of Skye, especially as the view towards Eilean Donan Castle in one direction and the Black Cuillin to the west is stunning. Friendly advice and a chance to pick up some last minute kit.
 
Cioch-Direct on the Isle of Skye made to measure Paramo outdoor clothing is very close to where Norman Collie and John Mackenzie are laid to rest. There is also a good spot over the road for tea and scones.
 
Mac Mountaineering is my final recommendation for now, if you land up in Inverness and prefer an old style independent shop instead of the larger apartment store layout.

 

 

 Alps Flora
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Alan Kimber

 

 
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