With this lovely spell of sunny weather at the beginning of April I decided to treat myself to a new pair of shorts. I wanted something not too technical that I could potter about in and maybe use for some rock climbing and bouldering so the Patagonia Stand Up shorts seemed a good choice. I’ve […]
Everyone has a different idea of essentials when spending time outdoors. For some it’s the bare minimum: a few basic tools and know-how will see them through. For others the more gadgets the better (all the gear and no idea?). Personally, I just want a cup of coffee – preferably ground. Fortunately for me, coffee […]
Not sure which bouldering guide to buy for the Peak District? We get into the nitty gritty to work out which book does what best…
The BMC participation statements is on the wall in the climbing wall, their insurance is advertised in the magazines, they make the occasional comical viral video and they’re even talking about bank holiday congestion on the BBC. For many climbers, hillwalkers and scramblers, it can feel like that’s the extent of their relationship with the […]
The excitement of the festive season has subsided, dry January is starting to wear you down and the days still feel all too short. How oh how do you make your way through the longest month of the year? Plan a rock climbing trip of course! Escape London, escape Manchester, escape your boss or escape […]
This is a up-dated version of a post on clothing and equipment for Scottish winter walking and mountaineering first published in 2017. Not much has changed but some brands have some new kit that I have now included in this up-date. BootsPossibly your most important items of clothing and equipment for Scottish winter walking and […]
A review of the best gear I’ve used in 2019. All the items have been well tested in variety of tough conditions. Mountain Equipment Tupilak 45 I’ve owned a lot of packs over the years and the Mountain Equipment Tupilak is definitely one of my all time favourites. It fits all the criteria that I’ve […]
There isn’t very much to say about chalk bags. You put chalk in, tie them round your waist and go climbing. a chalk bag is a simple item of equipment. However I found myself really liking this one and have felt compelled to write a few words. Built to Send are a small, UK based […]
Preparing for Less Daylight Autumn is a fantastic time to be in the mountains. Colours erupt and flame across the landscape, light softens and shadows lengthen giving contrast and counterpoint to valleys and hollows brimming with mist. The onset of winter makes fleeting, shorter days like this seem all the more precious and an urgency […]
Climbers get all the glory. They stand on the podiums, feature in the climbing films and get the sponsorship deals. But don’t be fooled; the true art worth mastering is not climbing, it’s belaying. You know a good belayer when you climb with one. A good belayer is the kind of person who fills you […]