Winter Kit
Winter has certainly arrived so here is a look at some kit which I have been using for a while now.
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.
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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.
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Petzl Lynk
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| Petzl Vasek Flexlock |
| Petzl Vasek Lerverlock |
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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. Photo: Pete Waite-Shores |
| Tower Ridge. Photo: Pete Waite-Shores |
| Smith's Route, Gardyloo Buttress Ben Nevis. Photo: Chris Thorne |
Late availability for courses can be found on my website. |