You can expect more on the replica Mallory and Irvine expedtion clothing next week when the outdoor industry's leading lights meet to discuss the meaning of kit at Lancaster University.
Stand by for more revelations about the practicality of Mallory
and Irvine's Everest expedition clothing next week at the annual
Innovation for Extremes conference at Lancaster
University.
It was at the same event last year that exact replicas of the
Everest pioneers' clothing was unveiled and compared directly by Alan
Hinkes to his one-piece down Himalayan expedition suit.
Alan Hinkes, Jochen Hemmleb, Mary
Rose, Mike Parsons & the teams from Southampton, Lancaster, Leeds
& Derby universities who worked on the Mallory replica
garments
Hinkes' slightly tongue in cheek conclusion was: '"Streuth, if I
had the option I would choose to climb in the original gear: it is
lighter and easier to climb in, but harder to go for a pee!'
Since last year, as we reported on OM, the replica kit has been
taken to Everest base camp and worn briefly on the mountain itself,
so we can expect some detailed feedback. First impressions are that
contrary to many assumptions, the 1920s clothing was surprisingly
effective and that it's lack of bulk compared to modern kit actually
made for more effective movement.
We'll be reporting on more detailed conclusions from the
conference next week but in the mean time, there's more about the
clothing debate here.
What Is Innovations?
Aimed at the outdoors industry, and co-organised by the legendary
Mike Parsons - of Karrimor, KIMM and OMM fame - the event is a chance
for designers and other influential souls to catch up with the latest
thinking and technology in the field.
This year the programme includes papers on SMART textiles, Nano
technology, pot-holing and a talk on sleeping bags titled "Lies, Damn
Lies and EN Standards', so no ambiguity there then...
Watch this space next week for a report on the conference and a
selection of the more interesting snippets. You never know, this time
next year we could all be layering silk, tweed and ventile for
maximum performance. You read it here first...
If you're an industry bod and interested in going along, check out
the event's web site at www.innovation-for-extemes.org
