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Category Archives: Gear
Metal Ice Axes – A big change from Wooden shafted axes. The 1958 Zero Gully tragedy.
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
What’s was your breakthrough Crampon’s?
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
Koflach Boots a piece of history.
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
The high cost of mountaineering gear?
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.
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
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Gear – how did we cope without Buffs ? Buffalo gear who still has one?
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.
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.
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
Some good Winter advice about the mountains from the Police Lead for Mountain Rescue.
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
Tragedy on Ben Nevis December 1956.
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