~ Gear reviews ~

Rab Baltoro softshell gloves

Rab Baltoro softshell gloves

The Baltoro Gloves by Rab are a reliable companion for alpine climbers, mountaineers and winter cyclists (like fatbikers) facing cold, dry conditions.

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Wild Country Rock protection Set 1-8
Climbing, Mountaineering Chris Shirley MA FRGS Climbing, Mountaineering Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Wild Country Rock protection Set 1-8

This set of Wild Country Rocks stands as the cornerstone of any climbing rack, forming a fundamental component alongside quick draws, slings, and karabiners to create a versatile starter rack. A must-have for trad leaders, these Rocks come in sizes 1-8, featuring a user-friendly colour-coded and anodised design.

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Petzl Actik headtorch review
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Petzl Actik headtorch review

My track record with headtorches hasn’t been a great so far, with 2 Black Diamond headtorches stopped working annoyingly, however I’ve always had good experiences with Petzl for the last decade since starting out with their entry-level Tikka.

The Actik headtorch features a maximum brightness of 350 lumens (compared to the Tikka’s 300 lumens), which is more than enough for most expeditions. It also has a wide beam mode for when you need the extra light, and a red-light mode, which helps preserve night vision and is useful for reading maps or navigating in low-light conditions.

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Grivel Ascender / descender - left and right hand

Grivel Ascender / descender - left and right hand

The Ascender Descender by Grivel is offered in both a left and right-hand version (as you can see here) and represents quite the innovation in climbing gear, offering the versatility of functioning as both an ascender and an abseiling device.

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DMM Fly (Adze) Ice Axe
Climbing, Mountaineering, Ice climbing Chris Shirley MA FRGS Climbing, Mountaineering, Ice climbing Chris Shirley MA FRGS

DMM Fly (Adze) Ice Axe

Whilst it’s only been used on some light chalk practice, the DMM fly ice axe is presented as a versatile, well-balanced tool that caters to the demands of various climbing environments, from steep ice to traditional mountaineering terrain.

Key features highlighted include the ergonomic rubber handle, designed for comfort and insulation in wet or dry conditions.

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Jetboil Flash camping stove

Jetboil Flash camping stove

Having used Jetboils for around 15 years or so, the camping stove has earned its reputation as my go-to cooking system for quick meal prep.

This innovative stove is renowned for its speed, portability, and smart design, making it a favourite among adventurers and campers requiring reliable and lightweight cooking solutions in diverse outdoor environments.

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Whether you're a seasoned climber seeking new mountains to conquer, an endurance runner craving the rush of Marathon des Sables, or a bikepacker in search of the perfect mult-day route, we've got you covered. 

Check out our curated collection of articles, categorised to ensure you find the gear that speaks to the adventure you’re seeking to complete: