New Stuff!
New in for test this week a cunning gizmo from Grivel that makes a trekking pole into an ice axe, Berghaus's new 35-litre technical pack and an interesting new softshell from an unexpected source.
Posted: 22 July 2005
by Jon
This week's selection of kit new to the OM test fleet is an
interesting one with an innovative Grivel device that allows you to
use a trekking pole as a self-arrest ice axe. Berghaus's very neat
new climbing pack, the Duel, and a soft-shell jacket from the masters
of economical outdoor gear at Regatta.
Grivel Condor
 It's
not out until this autumn, but we already have an advance sample of
the new Grivel Condor. It's a cunning retrofit extension to a
trekking pole that replaces the top section of a standard-sized
trekking pole and functions as pole handle, but with an additional
'ice blade insert' - in other words, it adds an ice axe pick to the
head of your trekking pole.
Grfivel says that it's suitable both for self-arrest but can also
be used for daggering on trekking peaks and for glacier travel. It's
a neat idea that should rationalise your kit selection. It's going to
be available either with an aluminium top pole section or, if you're
that way inclined, with a carbon fibre one.
Weight, by the way, is 292 grammes, the blade is made from high
carbon steel, so no bendy alloy picks, and it folds up out of harm's
way or when you're using it as a pure ski or trekking pole.
We'll give it a practical whirl shortly and let you know what we
think.
www.grivel.com
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