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Last Minute Christmas Presents!

A blast from the past as we run through some fantastic outdoors Christmas presents that you may not have been aware of... like the Aceme A*se cCrampon. Er, let's hope not anyway. Have a good one...


Posted: 22 December 2005
by Jon

Okay, let's be brutal, if you're reading this now and still haven't bought a prezzie for the outdoors person in your life, it's getting to be / is [delete as applicable depending on when you're reading this] a tad too late.

A shame really, as we've gathered together half a dozen essential Christmas gifts for the mountain fanatic in your life. All are, or should, be available from the OUTDOORSmagic shopping section, where, incidentally, the post-Christmas sales are looming. But hey, here's some proper present ideas for you.


The Acme Arse Crampon - £127.93

A revolutionary development aimed at the timid walker and climber. The innovative arse crampon is a high carbon steel, 14-point steel frame mounted to the contoured, carbon fibre and closed-cell foam 'Butt Cradle' quick release mounting plate. Tension adjustment allows the crampon to be positioned centrally between the cheeks for maximum security.

In use the Acme Arse Crampon (AAC) allows shuffling, seated descents of steep slopes with added safety. With practice it's possible to descend rapidly yet with perfect safety and minimal gibbering by sitting on the slope and adopting a rapid pogoing motion. Once you reach flat ground, it's a simple matter to stand up removing the crampon points from the snow and adopt normal walking posture.

The arse crampon also allows secure rests simply by sitting down on steep slopes, adds grip to seated belays and, on more technical ground can make a vital contribution to confined thrutching moves. We are confident that the AAC will revolutionise winter mountaineering over the next few years and are pleased to offer it at the special promotional price of just £127.93. Buy now and save your arse this winter.

The Instructor's Belay Chair - £523.87

Ideal for climbing instructors and sports climb belayers everywhere, the IBC is a super lightweight folding chair constructed from titanium tubing, carbon fibre and incorporating super strong Dyneema webbing and anchoring points for maximum safety. Weighing just 75 grammes (independently tested) the chair can be carried easily to the crag and mounted eiither to bolts or using natural anchors.

A harness-style waist belt holds the user securely in the chair while a reclining back allows optimum viewing of climbing action on the crag - angle can be altered depending on distance from base of cliff. Other essential extras include built-in public address facility to minimise throat strain while instructing, solar-powered twin-can drinks coolers, fold out sun visor and optional 200-watt sound system. More than just luxury, the IBC will raise your status in the climbing pecking order and make you the envy of other crag rats. A bargain at £523.87.

Mountaineering Literature Software - £78.01

Ever read an expedition book and thought, 'I could do that'? Well now you can. Mountainsoft's revoutionary Cragfast software simply asks for a few crucial details - names, location, ambience - before composing an authentic, award-winning work of mountain literature.

Choose from a range of styles: 'Void', a near-death, seat-of-the-pants epic; 'Bonington', classic high altitude expedition book; 'Wainwright', wistful, stylised accounts of domestic mountain walks; 'Nordwand', vintage takes of derring do written in badly translated English from the original; and others.

The results will delight your friends and win major mountaineering literature awards. Cragfast has already been responsible for several Boardman-Tasker winners and promises to revolutionise mountaineering writing as the sun hangs, a great golden orb, in an azure blue sky. A logistical bargain at just £78.01. Compatible with all computers, the ZX81 and Playstation 2.

Comined GPS / Sandwich Toaster - £879.09

The new Gargellan Toastrex 666 is the ultimate in high-tec navigational equipment, download sandwich recipes from the internet and the Toastrex will automatically produce sandwiches to your specification, which will can be browned and delivered at pre-set waypoints.

On top of this, the Toastrex 666 comes complete with a built-in map of Antigua and Reunion Island plus more features than any other GPS on the market together with a built-in capability to download data from other planets should this become necessary. Not just useful in the outdoor environment, the 666 comes into its own in the pub, where it is a useful, high-tec conversational trump and will also go to the bar and order a round for a pre-programmed waymaked table.

The business for navigation with some very tasty sarnies thrown in. The Toastrex 666 will revolutionise your outdoor experience. Combing with the Arse Crampon for secure, steep slope snacking. Just £879.09 including heat-resistant carrying case.

The Salvation Army Knife - £44.43

Help for the Godless from this fantastic and relentlessly pious multitool. Made from the highest specification materials available, each Salvation Army knife is pre-blessed by a high-ranking clergyman before sale.

The 'Sally Anny' model featured has a variety of useful attachments including miniature emergency tambourine, fold-away soup ladle and a brush for removing bits of fluff from uniforms. In addition there are more conventional tools including a sharp blade and exorcism kit for those awkward overnight supernatural bothying moments.

March tall on the hill with the Salvation Army knife, safety, faith and salvation in one bargain £44.43 package. What more could you ask for?

Olde Magick Trekking Poles - £6,245.76

Produced by the New Age Trekking Co-operative of California, the Magick Trekking Poles combine the latest in high tec construction with a variety of new age treatments which are guaranteed to relieve knee pain. Crapponium crystals will attract healing energy, while the handles are impregnated with relaxing aromatherapy treatments to bring peace to both mind and body.

The handles are placed right at the tops of the poles for easy handling and are hand shaped, while the tips are quite pointy to help them stick in the ground. The Magick Trekking Poles are unique in offering an unconditional knee-joint replacement guarantee should they fail to alleviate your pain. A bargain at just £6,245.76.


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Just in case you were stuck for that last minute Christmas gift.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a Boardman Tasker winner to write...

Posted: 22/12/2005 at 11:57

Hey that Crampon could be designed with me in mind. When I'm walking on ice I spend half the time on my backside anyway. I'll add it to my christmas list.

Posted: 22/12/2005 at 12:18

lol... Just don't try putting it on in the dark!







ouch! ;o)

Posted: 22/12/2005 at 15:33

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