A helmet that comes apart! Wild Country Alpine Shield

The new cool new Alpine Shield helmet is uniquie.  It is both a regular style climbing helmet and also an ice climbing lid. 

The Alpine Shield helmet is the worlds first truly modular climbing helmet and the first to allow a choice of protection levels at the turn of a screw!  A high performance EPS inner is complemented by an optional outer shell that attaches quickly and easily to make a stronger, safer unit for harsher conditions.

 Below is a review posted on UKClimbing.com

Reviewed very positively by Hamish Dunn he says of the Alpine Shield that:

'This helmet will suit the climber who wants to buy one helmet which will perform in all types of climbing. A balance of looks and usability coupled with a reasonable price tag make this a strong contender in the ever growing helmet market.  When you consider the cost of buying a hard shell and a foam shell helmet it's really a no-brainer.

Travel article from Icy Astana in Kazakstan

Paul Taylor is currently out in Kazakhstan and has been sending back some pictures and a bit of a diary about his travels.  If you thought we were having a cold winter check out the pictures below.

The first couple of pictures show the view from a bridge over the river that runs through the city.  There are three buildings that look the same to the top left of the picture (as you look at it).  We are staying in the block furthest to the left (last one in the picture).  As you can see we are close to the river. 

 You can see the ice skating rink that has been made on the river (unbelievably, its a beach in the summer). There's even a track that heads off from the rink and makes a circle down the river.

All along the river they have built ice sculptures and ice slides for the kids.  In the picture above you can see one on the bank of the river (directly below the house block to the right of our house).  Its amazing what you can do with some 'ice bricks' and some frozen water.  There are a lot of ice sculptures along the river as well.  I took a photo of one of the bigger ones of a rabbit.  Astana is hosting the winter Asian games in a couple of weeks time - so they have done lots of nice things to make the city attractive (the lights in the evening are very impressive!).
 

And then there are lots of ice slides for the kids.  These have been made out bricks of ice.  I have had to dig out my Rab Summit Jacket as its the only thing which will keep me warm out here!

Ghyll Scrambling

From vertex to vortex…ghyll scrambling is the extreme sport of hurtling down a mountain waterfall, one of the fastest-growing sporting activities in Britain today.

Head for the hills and traverse along a rocky mountain path as you make your way steadily upwards – and then take the plunge and slide down a waterfall or natural rock chute into the swirling waters below. It’s been likened to white water rafting…without the raft!

Ghyll-scrambling – also known as gully bashing and canyoning – has become a huge hit with adrenalin junkies from the Brecon Beacons to the Lake District. These hardy adventurers think nothing of throwing themselves off a rocky outcrop into the middle of a thundering waterfall, battling with the racing waters on their downward descent.

Even during the summer months the water temperature can be somewhat invigorating to say the least. And in winter, with howling winds perhaps whipping the icy water into a frenzy, how to stay warm and dry in the raging torrent is a challenge in itself.

Being professionally equipped with the right clothing is essential for both safety and comfort.

Thermal base layers are a given, worn under a full steamer wetsuit and waterproof salopettes and jacket.

Neoprene socks and gloves will go a long way towards directing heat to the extremities, and although sturdy Wellington boots won’t keep the water out, they will help protect your feet and shins.

Safety helmets, such as those used in rock-climbing, should always be worn.

Look online for a centre where you can try this activity with qualified instructors

How to clean down jackets

Down jackets are one of the hardest pieces of outdoor wear to clean at home, and if in any doubt we recommend a professional company be used.  3-4 season down sleeping bags should always be professional cleaned.  We have added to our Gear Guides on Gear Zone to help you wash and dry your down jacket in the correct way.

I often say to customers that washing down gear isn't hard it's the drying which needs extra care.  


Take a look at the guide to see how to wash by had or machine, dry and re-proof your coat


Click here

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Why are footballers wearing Snoods? or as we outdoors types call them - Buff's

Rant time!

Why are footballers wearing snoods or neck warmers?  I understand the possible need for gloves and definately thermal base layers but seriously are they that cold they need to wear a scarf.

Well, IF your son or daughter is bothering you to buy them a neckscarf so they look like Samir Nasri then I suggest you consider a Buff.  These are neck tubes made of a seamless stretchy and breathable material.  There is also a fleece version available for those who really feel the cold.

Joking aside, I have used one for years now skiing and on the bike.  They can be pulled up over the mouth and nose to keep the chill off of your face whilst still breathable.

They are reasonably inexpensive and come in a huge and varied range of designs and can be twisted and turned in to a hat, balaclava or bandana.

What the demo now you've heard about there amazing uses.

Icebreaker Mondo Zip Wins Country Walking’s Best In Test

I received the below article from our friends at Icebreaker today and thought you might be interested in what they say.

Icebreaker’s Mondo Zip has won Best In Test in the “Men’s base-layers” gear test feature in the January 2011 issue of Country Walking. Gear tester Andy Cremin said of the Mondo Zip “it works well over a wide range of temperatures...gives plenty of warmth when you need it,” and continues to praise the base-layer’s breathability, commenting: “It wicks sweat incredibly well,” and Icebreaker’s unique anti-bacterial, odour resistant qualities: “Body odour isn’t really an issue either, with several days of use being perfectly possible without any obvious stink rearing its ugly head.” The tester also liked the versatility of the zip neck, and that the sleeves can be easily rolled up in warmer conditions.



His verdict: “Icebreaker’s classic merino...nudged into the lead with its quality fabric, decent cut and...more comfortable feeling against the skin.” The concluding observation of the review echoes Icebreaker’s philosophy: “Overall...natural materials perform better than man-made fabrics.”

Publication: Country Walking

Issue: January 2011