Since December 2016 we’ve been tracking the performance of our blog posts, so we that we can keep up with what kind of content our followers like to read. Often, something that we think will be really useful and interesting doesn’t turn out to be very popular, and vice versa. And the results, as of 31st March 2019, in reverse order, are…
Read MoreIf you’ve been in the mountains with me, or you’re a regular blog reader, you’ll know that I am a minimalist when it comes to packing a rucksack. Whatever I am doing, from guiding in the Alps to walking in to a crag on a Rock Climbing Instructor course, I don’t want to be carrying any unnecessary weight. And that applies to my first aid kit too. Over the years I have whittled it down to the things I know are absolutely essential, and I’ve ditched everything else. Here’s a sneak peek into what I carry.
Read MoreMy climbing rack is one of my basic tools of the trade. Every piece of gear on it has been used many times and is very familiar to me. What I actually select for my rack on a day out depends on the rock type and grades of the routes I am expecting to climb. When on granite or gritstone I carry more cams, and sometimes doubles of common sizes like 1 and 2. When on slate or harder Lake District routes on rhyolite I take more small wires. Here’s a summary of anything I might carry, and why.
Read MoreTravelling light in the mountains is one of my obsessions, and one thing that can really add to the weight in your rucksack is water. Over the years I have tried various ways to cut down on carrying water whilst avoiding drinking straight from mountain streams – with sheep wandering freely you never know what might be upstream. My latest find is the BeFree Water Filtration System by Katadyn.
Read MoreIt’s time for your trusty old waterproof jacket to retire and be replaced by a younger model. You have to buy a new one, but where do you start? There are so many options in the shops and online, so how do you know how one compares with another? Here are some things to consider when choosing a new jacket or a new pair of trousers, and some tips for making them last.
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