Can anyone recommended a good crampon match for a Salomon Super Mountain 9 Boot? I'm a new crampon user but am thinking 12 point with simple on/off fixing for general winter mountain work (rather than ice climbing etc). Aiming to try out in Fort William in February!
I want to do more climbing this year, take a course and get some time in. Probably easy outdoor crags and bouldering the UK, and some hot weather stuff in Spain. Maybe the occasional indoor wall. I'm thinking of getting some climbing shoes for the first time - what would you recommend based on your experiences?
I'm 5' 11", medium build, a size 9 foot with one slightly larger then the other! Not really interested in cross function or hybrid approach shoes as have several already. Aiming to spend about £50 I guess. Lots of choice out there including lace-ups and newer velcro tabs.
Grateful for any advice to get me on the right track.
I took 11 kids on a jungle expedition to Belize in Central America in 2004. Several of the Platypuses they had broke or split and were dumped in the first 10 days. My Camelbak Unbottle stayed the course and is still going strong - the softer bladder seems much better than the more rigid plastic in the Platypus design.
This all sounds a bit familiar.. it was Berghaus Mera Peak Jackets with trackpants, Reeboks and Burberry caps in Birmingham city centre two years ago!
'You pays your money and you takes your choice' in my book, and most of us have some brand loyalty based on our (unique) views and perceptions of the brand and its products. I own Berghaus, Helly Hansen, Salomon, Mountain Hardwear, Rab, Lowe Alpine, Craghoppers, Mountain Equipment, and a TNF Genesis Vest, Redpoint softshell and Buildering Approach shoes too - I chose them all on merit, features and price and if I get a bit of cool thrown in as extra then I'm fine with that (and as an expedition leader, mountain leader and instructor I'm fairly "serious"!)
I did see pics recently of Jennifer Anniston and Kate Moss in TNF Nuptse's - it's a design classic after all haha!!
My ME Microtherm is one of the most versatile items I've owned, and teamed with an ME Firefly Paclite Jacket it's a cracking combination. Having found the Microtherm doesn't pack enough insulation in colder autumn and winter days, I've just bought a North Face Redpoint Optimus Jacket (primaloft, with hood) and first impressions are very good indeed. At 3-5 degrees and 35mph winds on Kinder last week it performed great over just a Helly Lifa long sleeve base layer. I've found the smooth face fabrics of these great for layering (fabrics slide over one another easily so comfortable with ease of movement), they're light and versatile - the Microtherm has zip-off sleeves so just half unzipping creates 'pit vents' and the jacket scrunches to sugar bag size. The Primaloft redpoint doesn't seem to pack as small but warmth to weight is great - I'll have to write a review on this site.
Paul Bedwell 2
