Richard Gear's Latest Answers

Q: What's the difference in fit between Meindl Himalayas and Meindl Lhotses? I want to buy some Himalayas (because Himalayas have a bigger rubber rand), but because Himalayas are older and less available, I can only try on Lhotses - is there such a difference between the two that buying Himalayas online would be stupid in this situation? ?

A: Gear here, Richard 'Lots Of' Gear, and I do mean lots, I mean... anyway. It helps to understand a little about how boots are made when it comes to fit. Each brand decides on a target shape and volume for their typical customer's foot and constructs a series of artificial feet based on that.

The actual shape of the last will depend on a number of factors including where the boot is to be sold - Italians, for example, tend to have narrower fit than Brits - and even what it's for. The same company may use a different shaped last for approach shoes, trekking boots and technical mountaineering footwear.

What that means is that if the Himalaya has been constructed using ..'
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Q: I'm looking for some fleecy advice. Basically, I have the usual range of technical gear but lack that cosy fleece to keep me warm after the day's exertions and on the way to the pub. I've seen the Montane Jaguar as being pretty good. Do you agree and have you any other suggestions? I'm looking for something with a bit of wind protection.

A: Gear here, Richard 'Apres Hill' Gear, fashionista of the fells and outdoors style icon. Or that's what I keep tellng myself anyway...

First, here's a brutal truth for you - synthetically insulated jackets using Primaloft or a similar synthetic fibre for insulation will give you a better warmth to weight ratio than fleece and thanks to their shell fabrics, are windproof as well. In cold, dry conditions, down is even better, though it does need some extra care when the going gets damp.

However, the one thing fleece has over both, is that comforting soft and fluffy feel that synthetic down-type insulation still can't match, call it the pub factor. As you've probably noted, most fleece has very little wind resistance, which is what makes the Montane Jaguar a good choice.

It uses Polartec's Wind Pro which ...'
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Q: What's the most reliable method for lighting my stove? I've recently had two different piezo lighters fail on me (on my Primus stove and camping lantern), and I'm also not that impressed with my 'Turbostik' lighter, which struggles in windy conditious?

A: The name is Gear, Richard 'Ignition' Gear, keeper of the flame and flamer of pasta. Stove lighting is one of those subjects that no-one really thinks about too hard, but obviously it's crucial to your comfort and potentially your survival.

To start off with, I would never rely completely on a built-in piezo electric lighter and always carry a back-up alternative. They do tend to die ..
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