Hiking, Scrambling, Mountaineering, and Climbing

Ahh, I didn't realise they usually discounted things. 60% off is decent for some items, but the RRP is mad

Bought myself some nice boots but I’m hearing/reading conflicting things about caring for them.

The guy in the shop said to put leder gris on after I’ve worn them a few times and got them wet. He also said it would make them less breathable.

Should I wait to treat them? It goes against everything I have ever been told about getting plenty of dubbin rubbed in on day one.

Is there anything else I can use to protect them that won’t stop them breathing?

These boots for ref https://www.outside.co.uk/hanwag-canyon-wide-gtx-walking-boot.html

I haven't owned leather boots in ten years but tended to be in the "just smear nikwax all over" camp when I did. Never did any harm.

I couldn't find a manufacturer web site with care instructions but maybe theres a link on the labels?

Just noticed that your new boots weigh ~650g each. The reference weight for my newest mountaineering boot is 1.1kg each in a size 9 and I wear a size 11 :D

Your boots are going to feel amazing!

Yeah my ten year old Meindl Burma Pro MFS boots are stupidly heavy. Rarely wear them these days

Rumours abound that an expedition team is being put together to have a crack at a first winter ascent of K2 this winter.

Its the last uncompleted 8000m challenge by most accounts. Huge amount of excitement about it already.

https://explorersweb.com/2020/10/28/rumors-swirl-around-winter-k2-expedition/

GTX liners being breathable is laughable at any rate, as I found on TMB, after a few days just took boots and socks off when we had a rest to enjoy the views or eat.

Getting the leather wet is good advice, and in fact part of the Leder-Gris instructions.

"It is structured as a classic commercial expedition, based on a very strong Sherpa team climbing on O2 and fixing as much rope as possible, plus a number of members who pay for their spot on the team. None of these foreign climbers has ever attempted an 8,000m peak in winter before.". Hmm.
'Still open to new members'. I nominate Boris & Nigel Farage. I'm happy to chip in.

I noticed that. Sounds like I'm qualified!

Good short article on a more experienced team having to quit at camp 1 before really getting started because holy shit winter @ K2 is hellish.

https://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2020/02/14/2019-20-winter-himalaya-climbswhat-went-wrong-on-k2/

Yeah - they feel lovely. I hankered after a pair of Altbergs but the Hanwags were a better fit.

Look forward to getting out in them this weekend.

Thanks. The concept of breathability inside a stitched leather shoe did strike me as as being slightly at odds with everything I know about breathability.

None of these foreign climbers has ever attempted an 8,000m peak in winter before.".

Wow.

How the hell do you even get insurance as the company or the individual for that?

We have dedicated mountaineering insurance. The levels of cover you can choose are up to 5000m and up to 7000m (professional guide and by prior agreement only). There is no cover available above 7000m.

I gather that these limits are pretty standard off the shelf but if you want to, and you have extremely deep pockets, bespoke private insurance is possible with private insurance companies but usually not financially viable as the premium can approach the benefit.

Interestingly, these things are a finer balance than you think. A single big claim* a couple years ago caused a significant increase in prices for BMC insurance.

Knowing this, 8000m winter punter insurance must be gambling with a much likelier expectation of an expensive rescue.

*a +£5m pound claim. Related to a university climbing club belaying accident. Christ.

Rescue would likely be impossible for those guys. Helicopters don't do well above about 6000m and the number of rescues above 7000m could probably be counted on your fingers.

I’m looking for a recommendation for a decent two/three season sleeping bag please.

Weight and packability are my main priority as I’ll be doing a few multi-day walks next year.

BMC will cover 8000m peaks but possibly not K2 in winter!

Interesting! Will look into how much it costs out of ibterest

I'm guessing phd are still recommended, certainly on my wishlist.

https://www.phdesigns.co.uk/

Like that but about half the price. I can’t really afford to drop £400 on a sleeping bag.

Thermarest are my recommendation.

EMS are really good for sleeping bags.

https://www.elitemountainsupplies.co.uk/camping-trekking-c4/sleeping-c17/sleeping-bags-c73

What's your budget? If its primarily two/three season consider a duvet. I'm GASing on one of the UGQ myself

https://ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/bandit/

I was hoping to spend between £100 and £150.

I get that decent kit lasts but I’ve got to keep tabs on spending at the moment and I have spent beyond my expectations on boots and a jacket.