Full Wild Country Climbing Range Now Online!

Great news for all you climbers, Gear-zone.co.uk is proud to announce a new partnership with Wild Country.

We have been massive fans of Wild Country climbing gear for years and our range of their climbing gear has grown and grown. Now though we have it all. The majority of the range is held in stock in our Norwich store with the rest of the range we don't stock available to special order. This includes all the legendary Wild Country climbing gear which includes the legendary Friends and Rockcentrics and also the Harnesses, New Helmets, and also their sister brands Clog and Red Chili Climbing shoes.

As always everything is at our legendary competitive prices and we will endeavour to get you your order the next working day so you can spend less time by your computer and more time on the crag.

Iodine banned for water purification by EU!

Important news about Purifying water.

After October 25th 2009 the EU is banning the sale of iodine droplets and tablets to purify drinking water. They are however considered still safe to use. The EU have insisted that the manufacturers comply with regulations on the biocides’ efficacy in scientific tests. Iodine is routinely used by the military and outdoor enthusiasts and is considered safe for short periods of use with the correct dosage. It was not recommended for long periods, pregnant women or those with Thyroid problems.

Chlorine tablets are still available for use, however it is recommended that you use the neutralizing tablets or the water tastes like a swimming pool. Alternatively you can filter your water using a pump such as the MSR Waterworks or the Katadyn pocket filter. The filters have a ceramic core which offer protection from the most commonly encountered culprits of tainted water. They filter out bacteria, protozoa and particles. The MSR filters have a carbon core to reduce the organic chemicals. You can filter up to 2000 litres with a filter.

There is another new gadget on the market which is the Steripen. This is really compact and light and use ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria. It purifies a litre in just ninety seconds.

Societ Calzaturiera Asolana Riunita Pedemontana Anonima or Scarpa to you and me.

Scarpa, originating from a small company founded by an English Nobleman, consisted of the best shoemakers from across the land. The quality has stuck to this day, with their leather boots still being hand made by the Italians, and there shoes fashioning the latest technologies including the likes of Gore-Tex and Vibram.

The experience developed over many years of manufacturing boots has lead to features that only Scarpa boots encapsulate; such as the minimal use of eyelets (the weakest part of a boot) and the sleek slimline design to limit fragile points on the boots. This workmanship has resulted in a boot that, if looked after, should see you through 10 years of service.

Fast, Compact, Efficient.

The Jetboil cooking system was a first in design, style and technology. Incorporating a mug as the boiling pan, and an insulated sleeve that can be left on whilst cooking, the Jetboil collaborates many bits of kit into one compact unit.

One of the features that Jetboil are most proud of is the record boiling time. 33% quicker than its rivals, the Jetboil makes a perfect companion to any camper with a boil time of just 60 seconds for a perfect cup of tea. The patented FluxRing and Piezo Ignition, give a massive power input, along with a insulating Cozy and Lid, that provide efficient boiling through Neoprene insulation.

And finally the whole unit packs down neatly allowing for more room within your rucksack for all that extra Tea you'll be drinking.

British is best!

Definition: Montane regions generally have cooler temperatures and often have higher rainfall than the adjacent lowland regions. These are precisely the condition that Montane clothing excel at.

Montane have two main aims, firstly weight. The heavier something is the more energy it takes to transport it, and the more room it takes to pack, limiting room for luxuries like chocolate. Secondly is breathability. When people feel uncomfortable its usually because their perspiration is making them feel clammy, not only is it important to keep the rain out but also your sweat. To combat these Montane use various eVENT membranes that leave Gore-Tex in the dust. Some of the jackets are unbelievably light, for instance the featherlite smock weighs half the weight of a piece of paper per square metre.

Montane's quality is world renowned, their use of branded fabrics such as Pertex and eVENT mean the fabrics used are at the top of their league. This means that the versatility of Montane clothing is vast, ranging from their fast and light range that are perfect cyclists and runners to their mountain adventure range, ideal for anyone from the novice to British Mountain Rescue.

Anything better than a Leatherman - I don't think so.....

Whether its for botching a broken car or fixing some broken sunglasses in the middle of the desert, the Leatherman has earned the respect for being a truly multi tool. Since 1975 Tim Leatherman has wanted to create the best multi-tool available, and personally i think he has succeeded. The leatherman boasts an efficient design, comfortable grip, precise tools - which are secure, ultra sharp and perfectly aligned. The attention to detail has allowed Leatherman to offer a 25 year guarantee with all its products, something that's rare in our throw away society.


The design is simple to use yet elegant and safe. The sharp looking blade - believe it or not - is less likely to cut you, as it requires less effort to perform the task. Leatherman tools are made from 100% stainless steel to provide years of dependable service. Each 400-series stainless implement is heat treated to optimal hardness for its function. The knives and files are typically tempered to Rockwell C 57 to achieve excellent edge retention.


The 34 years of manufacturing experience has allowed for a tool that can do more than you expect from a first glance. For example, a specially adapted Phillips screwdriver means it can be used on both No.1 and No.2 sized screws.

The regular torture tests and rigorous quality control mean that you are owning a piece of quality when purchasing a Leatherman.

Matt - out.