http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/ The UK's leading climbing and mountaineering website. weekly 3 2008-05-05T00:00+01:00 2008-05-05T00:00+01:00 Copyright (c) 2008 UKClimbing.com Ltd UKC Articles (mailto:articles@ukclimbing.com) http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=950 Tom Ripley 2008-05-05T00:00+01:00 Until very recently I believed that you couldn’t climb hard without super technical rock shoes. This is a result of staring at too many pictures of Dave Macleod, cranked into tiny rock shoes, pushing on a foot hold the size of a quark and thinking, “if I wore shoes like that maybe I could climb that hard, or at least look like I do.” Dave climbs in a different league to me he needs to sacrifice comfort for that level of performance. I, and the thousands of other VS to E3 climber who religiously cram their screaming toes into super tight stickies, don’t. Enter the Red Chili - Mescalito, super comfy yet still technical enough for ninety percent of British climbers. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=865 TobyA 2008-05-05T00:00+01:00 A cragging pack with a difference. Put on the ground, the SnaPacks are used like multisports bags and the opening gives a direct access to the global area of the bags. Padded and preformed shoulder straps being used as handles and staying always clean because never in contact with the ground. The Snapacks contain an independent rope cover of 1,40x1m, with 6 rings for the hand carrying. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=945 violentViolet 2008-05-02T00:00+01:00 The story of the early attempts to climb the Eiger North face has been told many times, and is full of heroism and mythology, not least because the most famous account, “The White Spider”, was written by Heinrich Harrer, one of those on the first successful ascent. When I first heard about Rainer Rettner’s new book “Eiger – Triumphe und Tragödien 1932-1938 I kind of expected another rehash of the known stories, with added new pictures. I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=937 Paul Smith 2008-05-01T00:00+01:00 The latest Rockfax covers a huge area from Yorkshire virtually all the way to the Scottish Borders. UKC user Paul Smith evaluates the latest book to see if it is up to the standard of the previous Rockfax offerings. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/news.php?id=940 Black Diamond 2008-05-01T00:00+01:00 A high-performance, all-around harness, the revamped Focus’s bullhorn-shaped waistbelt is now built with SoftEdge construction, which vastly improves the harness’s pressure distribution and provides an unrivaled degree of overall comfort and support. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/news.php?id=938 DB Outdoor 2008-05-01T00:00+01:00 The climbing worlds first folding 'space saver' helmet. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/news.php?id=931 DB Outdoor 2008-04-30T00:00+01:00 A proven performer with a redesigned Mad twist. The Flash Lace is a superb shoe that can tackle face, trad and multi-pitch climbs with equal aplomb. Paul Craven says,"I've worn the Flash Lace on several occasions, both indoors and outdoors and on both grit and limestone, I really like the feel of the shoe, especially being able to fine tune the fit by adjusting the lacing. The edging performance is great and with a low toe profile which is good for small pockets." And at £60 a pair suites all with 'small pockets.' http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=922 Jon Griffith 2008-04-25T00:00+01:00 "Yes, it's a ski review. Skis are an essential part of winter climbing in the Alps and with more Brits climbing in the Alps it's time more climbers looked closely at the advantages of a ski's as a means of approach and descent from climbs. It's a scene I've seen countless times out here in Chamonix- a couple of strong determined Brits leave the winter hut a good hour before us only to then find them struggling in snow shoes in chest deep snow retreating from the approach. I used to be the same! Granted some times snow shoes are fine but there is a lot to be said for using skis. " Jon Griffith takes a ride on the Black Diamond Verdict skis. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/news.php?id=921 Marmot 2008-04-21T00:00+01:00 A slightly more technical addition to our Wind line, the Catalyst uses an UpCycled version of our fabulous DriClime fabric, as well as zippers. Stretch panels in the elbows make it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. Marmot UpCycle® products minimize our impact on the environment by using natural, organic, and recycled or discarded materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/news.php?id=914 Scarpa 2008-04-15T00:00+01:00 Grivel designed the Alpine Backpack to meet the needs of climbers tackling the most technically demanding ice and alpine routes. Never one to follow the trends, Grivel scouted the sailing market and found VX21 Carbon Composite fabric. Thanks to this tough, lightweight material, this pack stands up to tons of abuse, so you won't find a big hole when you finish hauling it through a chimney 15 pitches above the glacier. The Alpine Backpack includes exterior gear loops and a secure ice tool carry system. Grivel gave the 45 and 55 sizes a couple extra features, like internal gear loops, front zipper access, and lids that convert into bum bags for your summit push. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/news.php?id=913 Scarpa 2008-04-15T00:00+01:00 The new lightweight and hyper-ventilated helmet from Grivel. No more hot head and safe, reinforced with a metal mesh as protection against the penetration of sharp objects. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=911 James Raitt 2008-04-14T00:00+01:00 Backcountry Skiing is for intermediate-to-advanced backcountry skiers. Includes safety, navigation, nutrition and fitness information in addition to techniques, providing advice on how to make well-informed decisions. Jim Raitt takes a quick look through it. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/news.php?id=906 EquipUK 2008-04-09T00:00+01:00 Excellent multi-use pack great for touring and cragging. Panel loading teardrop design lowers centre of gravity, making for superb carrying stability and excellent head room when wearing a helmet. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/news.php?id=902 Big Stone 2008-04-03T00:00+01:00 The R-320 harness is the Arc'Teryx high performance jack of all trades, deftly able to switch between trad climbing and sport. Four gear loops and a haul loop make racking up for multi-pitch routes simple, and the WST waist and leg loops deliver unified structural support and comfort. http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/news.php?id=889 FurTech 2008-04-03T00:00+01:00 Waterproof softshells without condensation! Helmet compatable hood with transparent peak, excellent freedom of movement, snow seal crotch elastic, massive venting.