My Outdoors

The formation of very hard ice – due to the temperatures dropping as low as -17 degrees overnight, sometimes not exceeding -13 degrees in the daylight, meant that for the ice screw to ‘bite’ meant physically having to put a lot of force through the ice screw, requiring more effort to try and get them to attach into the hard ice whilst wearing gloves. In conditions that cold, it’s also not advisable to put gear in your mouth as a means of multi-tasking as this can lead to serious injury ,..." go to full review

In use, the Petzl Ride makes for a great axe if you don’t intent to use it for technical climbing but want a lightweight classic mountaineering axe for ski touring, hiking and running.  It feels great in the hand, the head ergonomically shaped for a secure grip and the shaft featuring groves for that extra purchase for cutting steps. However, for anything technical and for those wanting to venture onto steeper terrain in the Alps or UK with a light and fast approach, the Petzl Gully is..." go to full review

The EPP is what helps to keep this helmet down to the book values of 225grams , my version weighs 260 and is the 56 – 61 cm size. The “skull cap” part of the Wall Rider is what gives the helmet the initial impact protection. It we’ll fend off light debris and knocks without concern. Most of what mine has had to contend with is the ice and debris being thrown down from my lead or other teams. Along with a couple of cracks off a wall when I misjudge the angle of the route.go to full review

Overall, I found the Salewa Ice Axe was a great ice axe to use for mountaineering out in the Alps, and has made a big difference to the weight of my kit when out on routes. Whilst I’ll still be keeping hold of my trusted old axes for Scottish winter, the Salewa Alpine-X does what it says on the shaft and is a great piece of kit to try and save precious weight.go to full review

The El Cap is comfortable, reasonably weighted and robust. I went on a mountain bike demo afternoon and used it as my head protection. Initially I had to confess to a group of mountain bikers I didn’t own a cycle helmet then explain I had brought a climbing one. When I put it on I didn’t get any stick, it actually received good comments on its styling.

The El Cap has done what it’s supposed to, it protected my head from falling debris and when I clattered it on a small overhang. It..." go to full review