A lot of people love a good buff. This versatile loop of fabric, created in the 1990s by a keen off-road motorcyclist, is the staple of many climbers and outdoorsy people. It’s for good reason. The buff is a multifunctional piece of clothing, which can double up as a scarf, hat, face-covering, or even as a bandage if need arises. I’ve always … [Read more...]
The Environmental Climber
In a world where climate change is a real threat us climbers have to do our part to keep the environment we inhabit, and let’s be honest, take advantage of for our own pleasure, safe. Sometimes it is easy to forget to do certain things to maintain a fun but environmentally responsible balance but it’s actually pretty simple! … [Read more...]
Review // Paramo Ventura Jacket
I'm only a recent convert to Paramo clothing - let's face it many of their jackets look like they're better suited to bird watching than mountaineering, even if they are technically capable of the latter. Less fashionable, more older-ramblers attire. However, I got a second hand Paramo smock top last year and loved it. I was keen to see what … [Read more...]
Buying a Waterproof Jacket
I have recently taken the plunge and made the decision to replace my 12 year old jacket and enter the world of modern fabrics and design. I thought I would jot down my experience and share it with you. Firstly, it's important to remember that staying dry is the key to staying warm. I spent a lot of time researching different jackets and trying … [Read more...]
Mountain Hardwear // Medusa Glove: Review
Love: the waterproofness. What I would change: Need to have women's sizes. Best for: Wet Scottish winter climbing, walking and mountaineering. Description: Inner and outer glove - Inner is a windproof soft-shell with palm grippers, which covers the hand snugly. Outer is a separate super-waterproof glove, with high gaiter, nose-wipe … [Read more...]
A Tale of Woe with the Shewee Extreme
The background to my purchase of the Shewee Extreme was a 14-hr epic mountain day in Scotland this winter with three men, during which time I had to perch on a snow ledge sandwiched between two men with their eyes closed while I crouched for a wee, with another man ascending up to the stance at the same time. The ascending male had to be asked to … [Read more...]
Talon 44 Backpack Review
In 2011 I went walking around Ben Nevis and realised that it was to invest in a backpack to accompany my multifarious mountain pursuits – single and multi-pitch climbing, mountain walking and winter mountaineering. My first port of call was Manchester Oxford Road Cotswolds, as they are stalwarts in reliability and good customer service. Being a … [Read more...]