These are my best Items of Gear in 2021. This was another year in which I didn’t end buying a huge amount of kit, but what I did acquire was all excellent and these items of equipment definitely stand out.
Mountain Equipment Guide Gloves
These have been a really versatile glove and they now live in my pack most of the year. They are very light for the warmth they provide. Windproof (an underrated feature in gloves, fleece ones don’t keep out the wind).They are definitely warm enough for most UK weather conditions. Thick pile lining for the back of the hand and nice leather palm which moulds to your hands when broken in.
https://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/collections/mens-gloves/products/guide-glove
Mountain Equipment Superflux Vest
I’ve always been a fan of gilets; they are versatile, very light, don’t take up much room in your pack and provide a surprising amount of warmth. The Superflux vest is filled with synthetic insulation which drys quickly allowing it to be worn as an outer layer in poor weather conditions, just pop it on over your hard shell for a quick boost of warming. Nice high collar, two way zip, fleece lined hand warmer pockets and an inside pocket.
https://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/collections/mens-vests/products/superflux-vest
Khul Rydr Pants
I wanted some trousers to wear while instructing on rock climbing courses and after a bit of research I found the Khul Rydr. Really tough cotton, well fitting and comfortable with just a tad of stretch. Our climbing courses are probably the work which is most wearing on our kit and these have survived a summer of Peak Gritstone. Surprisingly windproof and comfortable throughout a wide range of temperatures. So good I’ve ended up buying two pairs.
https://www.kuhl-uk.com/collections/mens/products/rydr
HebTroCo Storm Stick Stove
I’ve really enjoyed using this stove on our Peak based courses. I’ve been making lunch time brews on some of our rock climbing courses. A simple and effective concept and design. Place some kindling and twigs in the dish, light it and then place the water filled kettle on top. You can also use a meths burner if burning twigs isn’t appropriate or practical. A return to a simpler way of boiling water. Full review here – https://www.beyondtheedge.co.uk/hebtroco-storm-stick-stove/
Hebtroco Storm Stick Stove
https://hebtro.co/product/hebtroco-storm-stick-stove
MSR Reactor 1L
Whilst I love the Storm Stick Stove dearly there are definitely times when the efficiency of a gas canister stove is required. For example you wouldn’t take the Storm Stick Stove on a Mountain Leader expedition.. But you would absolutely take the MSR Reactor. I’ve used a great variety of canister stoves over the years but this is my new favourite. Robust, windproof, simple and it boils water astoundingly fast.
https://www.msrgear.com/ie/stoves/stove-systems/reactor-stove-systems/reactor-stove-systems.html
Alex
Beyond the Edge Ltd is based in Sheffield two hours by train from London and within easy travelling distance from Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham and other Northern towns and cities.
We are one of the UKs most experienced providers of climbing, walking, scrambling, mountaineering and navigation training courses.
Most of our courses are run in the nearby Peak District National Park which has some of the finest climbing, bouldering, walking and hiking in the world.
