Hiking, Scrambling, Mountaineering, and Climbing

I rate Alpkit stuff. I've got one of the down bags and it's very good

I believe someone on this very forum was selling a Mountain Hardwear bag for cheeps. Rated -9C iirc.

I’m not the seller but I have a MH laminar (as in the classifieds) which I used for a couple of Himalayas trips. Worked well down to -25 or so

I think it’s a bespoke package and I’d take the helicopter rescue bit with a pinch of salt. Many years ago I tried to medivac a stroke victim (trekker) from Base camp on the North side and despite having helicopter rescue in their expensive insurance the PLA weren’t having any of it. There was a well documented rescue more recently but they were flying at or above the machines limits I gather.

As EB says for you budget then an Alpkit bag is well worth considering.

Their Skyehigh 500 is on sale at £140 at the moment.

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Yeah I have the 700 version of that Skye High bag

That 500 would be good for 2/3 season in UK

I bought the 500 for my up coming multi day hikes in NZ.

Alpkit recently started doing £15 international delivery to NZ so it was the best bag for the money even compared to local ones from Kathmandu etc

Thanks. I’ve ordered one.

K2 in winter FA by Nepali team
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-55684149

Top bit of scrambling that.

I saw a tweet where they got to camp 2 to find a storm had destroyed tents & kit. Assumed then it was all off. Impressive.

Anyone bought from Sportpursuit before? Some of the deals seem too good to be true, but I'm not quite sure what the concept is - I can't browse unless I'm a member? Thanks

Lots of times. They buy end of line or sometimes bankrupt stock in bulk, list it and wait until a line is mostly sold before posting out.

worth a browse and you can get some good deals. Returns policy has worked OK for me when I have used it. As @leggy_blonde says check the despatch date if you want your stuff soon. Sometimes it ships straight away; sometimes there is quite a delay
Also worth checking that whatever you are looking at isn't available for cheaper elsewhere. Sometimes the claimed discounts are a bit "optimistic"

I've bought stuff from there before. S'fine imo.

I've bought stuff from there, quite a bit. Echo always worth checking elsewhere - it has always been cheaper but sometimes only by a few quid and once you've added delivery charge and the dispatch delay, it isn't always worth it.

That said I've got some bargains too. Arcteryx and Marmot pop up quite a lot.

End of an era for sure, always found Viewranger a useful app.

https://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2021/02/viewranger-thoughts-memories-future.html?m=1

If you like Viewranger, give Locus a go. It has a load of free map layers. Its particularly good for the Alps.

Will take a look, ta.

Interesting read...

https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/news/dyfed-powys/news/2021/march-2021/warning-after-experienced-walkers-mountain-rescue-terror/

Go to trousers/boots?

I'm struggling to find a pair of trousers that don't make me look like Steve Irwin (RIP) i.e. no extra pockets, fairly slim fitting. Anyone got anything they'd recommend?

Also looking for a new pair of shoes/boots, i've had some Saloman GTX Mid's which have been ok but wouldn't mind trying something by Terrex?

Any info on what you will use this kit for, where and when? Answers will depend on activity and intended climate...

Thats a bad luck story and a half. Really good example of how quickly things can go south.

Although heading into the hills without checking the weather does seem like quite the rookie error for somebody who describes themself as experienced.

Mostly just day hikes with the dog around the Peaks and Lakes, a bit of scrambling perhaps but nothing that can't be completed on foot unaided.

For bad UK weather I swear by these. I also use them for climbing in good to moderate weather in the Alps in winter (with base layer). They shouldn't make you melt if the sun comes out either.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-mountaineering-trousers-alpinism-light-grey/_/R-p-177435?mc=8495174&c=GREY

For all round UK use I have got through two pairs of these in the last 8 years or so and can't see myself using anything else for a while.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-modular-mountain-walking-trousers-mh950/_/R-p-301330?mc=8587435&c=BLACK