As a professional mountaineer, climbing harnesses are an essential part of my kit. Over the years I have had many different harnesses, and I currently have three that I use all the time. All of them have come a long way since the Whillans sit harness that I had when I started climbing as a teenager.

Waterproof trousers – you either love them or hate them. If they don’t fit well, they can restrict your movement. If they seem to soak up the water rather than repelling it, you’re going to be reluctant to put them on. But if you have a pair that are well made, that fit you really well, and that keep you dry and warm, you’ll be reaching for them as soon as it starts to rain. Working outdoors in the UK this time of year can be pretty wet. Having a good comfortable pair of waterproof trousers makes the difference between a positive day and a pretty grim day.

I’m often asked which I prefer – Paramo or Goretex. It’s a bit of a Marmite queston – people are often very much one way or the other. I’ve used both myself, and I’ve talked to lots of clients about their preferences. I’ve seen how both perform in the same weather conditions on the same day out in the mountains. So which do I prefer, and why?