Hiking, Scrambling, Mountaineering, and Climbing

Yeah I have a large bottle of the Life systems stuff. Seems to work. Unless I've just been lucky!

I’m selling my adidas Terrex free hiker gtx boots - they’re just a little small and too voluminous. My feet slide around in them on downhills and my toes bump the fronts. That said they’re great on flats and the cushioning is fantastic on hard or metalled paths.

So - need a replacement. Lightweight, waterproof, mid height, cushioned. Looking at the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor ii mid. Anyone familiar with them, or other recommendations?

I’ve been using the Ultra Raptors for the last couple of years. They replaced some Scarpa Deltas which I found way too heavy duty and clumpy for the walking I was doing.

I really like them. I got some insoles to go with them and they fit perfectly. They are very lightweight (compared to my Scarpas at least) but still feel protective and supportive enough.

The waterproofing is not as good as the Scarpas were though. Although maybe that’s not a fair comparison as they are probably a 1/3 of the weight. But I will definitely buy another pair when I eventually wear these out

Just today I wore them up Ben More.

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I have some ultra raptors I got given by a mate, they're a high volume shoe so be aware of that. The bottom of his feet got blistered as they floated around.

Check their charts and graphs for that info. Could look at their hike or tx5 variants.

Thanks both - I think something with a softer upper to get more of fit round my foot is what I need. I’ll have a look at the website again, maybe see if I can someone that’ll do them with free returns

Go to a good shop. I waste so much money on shoes.

Nice hike & fly this morning in Ceillac. Got surprised by how rough the air was on the way down, and got a couple of collapses for my trouble!

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Sure you didn't take off in a lee side?

Quite - but I think I got myself on the lee side of a peak or two on the way down.

Yeah sorry I meant generally really. Careful. Kelly Farina has some nice videos on YouTube for alps flying.

Pushing the Nanu to its capacity immediately. Still room in bottom pocket though, not quote enough for a pair of running shoes though.

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Gotcha. Looking back at the map and the flights my friends had, I think I would have been fine if I had made a beeline for the valley. But I hung a bit around the launch site hoping to gain some height, and instead sunk just enough to get in the turbulent air.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4nnke4m8lko

Do we have any expert opinions on rain pants here? Have a pretty bog standard pair for commuting but they're very warm and a lot bulkier than I'd like for a summer's trip. Hoping for something that's lightweight and packable but which won't tear if I sit on a rock.

I wouldn't even bother for a summer trip unless you are planning something hardcore. Better to wear shorts or technical trousers that will dry quickly.

Last summer trip to the Alps in mid-August saw a week of rain and snow. Praying for better luck in the Balkans this year but not counting on it.

Where are you going in balkans. We did peaks of the balkans walk a few years back and would definitely recommend. Think alps without the crowds.

That's the one! Going to skip the Kosovo stages since everyone seems to think they're a bit rubbish, so will be 7 days thereabouts.

See any bears or snakes?

Got to be Goretex Paclite then

Yep we cut the top off in a Kosovo a cheeky shortcut to kiss out some road walking bits and I think we did 8 days as we were weather bound for a day.

Amazing trip. Have you got a gpx file as route finding while fine ish, is easier with a gpx.

We've got the Ciccerone guidebook which I think includes a GPX...

10 days left on the kickstarter for this. They'll need a few more pledges to make this beautiful book a reality, so get your orders in. A very decent xmas gift for any climber / hillgoer, I'd say!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/isolapress/mountain-style-british-outdoor-clothing-1953-2000

Ended up buying these, found a pair on eBay for £30

https://rab.equipment/uk/downpour-eco-pants

Half the weight of my other pain pants, seems like a good option to have in-case-of.

Rab eVent fire or something like that. Best I’ve ever bought. Don’t wear them much but when they finally go I’ll get another pair
Edit - rab firewall.