Category Archives: Gear

Metal Ice Axes – A big change from Wooden shafted axes. The 1958 Zero Gully tragedy.

Posted on March 9, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

In the early days of winter climbing walking climbing axes were all wooden. As climbing in winter pushed standards some of the gear was extremely limited. There were only a few top climbers climbing at the highest grades. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Recomended books and Guides, Scottish winter climbing. | 2 Comments

What’s was your breakthrough Crampon’s?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I was given a pair of crampons that never fitted my boots when I started winter climbing in1972. The crampons were heated and adjust to the boots. Mine had been heated and reheated a few times and one broke on … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear, Ice climbing Canada, Mountaineering, People, Scottish winter climbing. | 4 Comments

Koflach Boots a piece of history.

Posted on March 3, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I bought my first pair of Koflach in the early 80’s for a ice climbing trip to Canada. What a huge difference they made. Despite temperatures of minus 25 I had no more cold or wet feet. They also had … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Gear, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering | 6 Comments

The high cost of mountaineering gear?

Posted on March 2, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

I was shocked at the price of mountaineering gear recently as I wandered round the climbing shops . Yet much of the clothing is now a fashion item worn by many in the High Street. Many tell me good gear … Continue reading →

Posted in Clothing, Gear, Views Mountaineering | 13 Comments

A few comments on my Bog about staying safe on the hills . Comments always welcome.

Posted on March 1, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Eye sight The point you make about eyesight is a good one. I have been using differential contact lenses now for many years and several other members of the Kintail team do the same. This is where the dominant eye … Continue reading →

Posted in Mountaineering, Articles, Enviroment, Equipment, mountain safety, Gear | Leave a comment

Gear – how did we cope without Buffs ? Buffalo gear who still has one?

Posted on February 28, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

The Buff – a simple garment that can be used as a bandanna or face neck protector. It has many uses. I bought my first Buff many years ago and had to use it as a bandage for a casualty … Continue reading →

Posted in Clothing, Gear, mountain safety, Mountaineering | 4 Comments

Wandering alone on the hills.A few tips.

Posted on February 28, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Over the last few years I really enjoyed being alone on the hill. My last big day was before winter on the Fannichs. I could go at my own pace, stop when I wanted and admire the views. You see … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Gear, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering, Well being | 5 Comments

Simple thing that may save your life in the wild places. A whistle.

Posted on February 20, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

In these days of mobile phones and Rescue beacons there is still a handy piece of simple kit that to me is invaluable. Yet there is one thing that I have found to still be a wonderful asset if your … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Enviroment, Equipment, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, SAR, SARDA, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Some good Winter advice about the mountains from the Police Lead for Mountain Rescue.

Posted on February 15, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

Inspector Matt Smith, Police Scotland lead for mountain rescue, said, “Our volunteer and Police Mountain Rescue teams have dealt with a number of tragic incidents in recent weeks. It’s still winter, despite what it may look like further down. I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, SAR, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

Tragedy on Ben Nevis December 1956.

Posted on February 4, 2023 by heavywhalley.MBE

The 1957 SMC Journal “ 25 December 1956 – Group of 5 benighted in a blizzard on plateau after climbing South Castle Gully Ben Nevis ( Carn Dearg) Survivor got down to Fort William on 26 th December. Rescue party … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Avalanche info, Enviroment, Equipment, Gear, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment