the theUpdateUpdate SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70
SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 georgefi sher.co.uk New Spring stock now in! See inside for a full round-up of new clothing and equipment ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPS FOR FREE?
Who’d have thought it? A little-known European directive seeking ‘to unify spatial or geographical data across the European Union’ could be behind a recent government announcement discussing making Ordnance Survey products such as Landranger and Explorer maps free to the end-user. One problem would be that making maps free could destroy the business model of the Ordnance Survey, which funds itself by making a ‘profi t’ on sales of maps and geographical data. It could also signifi cantly affect the way we purchase both paper and digital mapping in the future.
David Stewart from the walkers’ web site www.walkingworld.com says, “As yet no one is sure what the implications could be - in essence the proposal discusses the OS being funded directly by the Government to the tune of a possible £40m a year. In other words we’d be paying as Could Ordnance Survey maps become free? Photo: GPS Training taxpayers, rather than through individual purchases. Many walkers would www.walkingworld.com is an Ordnance Survey partner and has been asked be perfectly happy with that, especially if it does away with the bugbear of to comment on the proposals. Before they respond they would love to hear having to pay more than once for the same maps - for instance if you want what you think and have set up a questionnaire at www.surveymonkey. mapping on your PC and then the same on your GPS.” com/s/BBY85HV. If you want further information you can download it from Nothing in this world is totally free of course. At present the model for the Communities and Local Government website http://tinyurl.com/yguqe7c many software applications is for the software to be free and you pay for As Peter Judd from our local experts GPS Training says, “It’s got to be worth the maps; this government initiative may well change the market and who making your views known about a subject that could affect all walkers and knows who the winners and losers might be. outdoor enthusiasts!” BRAND NEW GEAR NOW IN STORE!
Here at George Fisher we like to think we We feature stories about new rucsacs from Lowe keep our fi nger on the pulse of what you, our Alpine, Gregory and Osprey, plus a profi le of the customers are asking for and Spring is always hydration experts Source. an exciting season as we take delivery of so many new product lines. Brand-new 2010 Finally with the camping season just starting, our models of footwear, tents, hardware, hardware expert John Owens looks at new stoves and rucksacks and clothing all arrive in our cooking products including an store rooms and there’s a genuine feeling intriguing Irish kettle! of anticipation as we stock up the shelves.
In this issue of The Update we have plenty of stories about these new products. Andy Airey looks at the latest Spring clothing with an emphasis on lightweight gear, while Lisa Bergerud gets all animated about the latest footwear.
phone and website orders received before noon are delivered free overnight georgefi sher.co.uk 1 t 017687 71801 • weekdays only the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 RONHILL GOES MICROLIGHT NEW GARMENTS FROM THE WELL-KNOWN BRITISH RUNNING COMPANY
1970 was a busy year for the athlete Ron Hill. He became the fi rst At George Fisher, the British athlete to win the Boston Marathon, in 2hrs 10mins 30secs, highlight from Ronhill’s 2010 and later the same year Ron struck gold at the Commonwealth Games Spring collection is the new recording a time of 2hrs 9mins 28secs. Not content with that, in Microlight Trail Jacket (£60) September 1970 he set up Ron Hill Sports and, as they say, the rest is which is available in men’s history! and women’s versions. Made from super-lightweight In 1972 Ron brought out his iconic Trackster, the legwear used by tens of 100% polyester this jacket thousands of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to this day. Ron bowed out has a high standard of of running the company in 1991 but since then the company has continued wind resistance and water to supply athletes and amateur runners alike with kit that’s ideal for fell and repellency. The Microlight adventure running. Trail Jacket features a hood and also packs into its own This year Ronhill has a complete range of clothing that’s designed for pocket with a belt strap. anything from a leisurely trail run, to competing in one of the Lake District’s All this and the jacket only many race events. The Ronhill collection features featherweight jackets and weights 144g! Ronhill Microlight Trail Jacket a range of legwear and T-shirts, with plenty of options available to suit your needs. So whether you’re planning to run in the Lakes or just need a compact, ultralight wind resistant garment to put in your walking rucsac, the Microlight Trail Jacket is well worth a look.
ICEBREAKER SUMMER 2010 RANGE INSTORE NOW
TRAIL BLAZING.
The Spring Summer 2010 Ronhill collection features new products, such as the Microlight Trail jacket (above) which are ideal for trail and fell running and competing in the many Lake District race events.
In store now at George Fisher.
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3 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 GEAR ROUND-UP Andy Airey lightens up with the latest Spring clothing
For years the demand for ever lighter waterproofs has driven Let’s work down through the layers. As usual we are our suppliers to become more and more minimalist, to the point carrying a comprehensive range of fl eece, where it’s sometimes hard to believe what you see is waterproof! merino wool and Primaloft for insulation but one new piece that is worth trying is This process has culminated in the Lite-Speed H2O The North Face’s Pitaya Jacket, which feels jacket from Montane, the world’s lightest hooded like a bit of a throwback to the 1990s. It’s waterproof! Its fast-and-light design is aimed a shelled microfl eece but TNF has taken at active outdoor sports; the garment their luxurious TKA 100 fl eece and covered weighs less than the average eating apple it in water-repellent nylon ripstop. As a at 135g and costs just £75. Since it has a functional stand-alone jacket for cool, roll-away hood and 3M Scotchlite fl ashes dry days and as a layering piece it’s hard it’s ideal for aerobic outdoor sports in to beat because the nylon outer offers inclement weather, night or day. a friction-free surface – your waterproof just slides over it - and at just £90 it also For those who require something a little The North Face Pitaya Jacket offers fantastic value for money! Montane Lite-Speed H2O Jacket more substantial then weight doesn’t have to increase too much. Here are three Moving on to base layers, Berghaus has re- waterproof jackets that give great protection and comfort but won’t invented their range of Tech-Ts. The new feel like ballast in your rucsac! Argentium Eyelet fabric has a much softer handle than its predecessor; it has When the design team at Montane discovered Entrant DT Stretch permanent odour resistance through fabric, their desire to minimise weight whilst maximising comfort led the use of silver ion technology plus a them to build a jacket using the stretch fabric exclusively. The Atomic sun protection factor of 30+. All excellent DT Stretch jacket (£150) is an absolute beauty – you won’t notice when improvements, but most noticeable of all it’s on because it just moves with you, and you won’t notice it when are the changes in style… the new panel it’s in your sack because it only weighs 295g. shapes and colour combinations mean that these performance T-shirts look too good The North Face uses stretch waterproof HyVent fabric in their Stretch to hide under your jacket! Prices start Berghaus Women’s Tech-T Speed Jacket (£130) with stretch across the shoulders and down the at £25. arms, it’s slightly longer than the Atomic DT but its weight is still only 328g. Finally on to legwear, and returning to the subject of stretch we think we’ve Finally on waterproofs, if you feel unsure whether found the ideal spring/autumn soft these ultralight jackets will stand up to the shell trouser – the Dyno Pant from wear and tear you give them, then check Haglofs. They use their own soft shell out Rab’s Drillium Jacket (£175). Rab uses fabric, Flexable 1556, a 4-way stretch lightweight 3-layer eVent fabric which is material with a highly water repellent not only more robust than many other light outer and fast-wicking inner; the fabrics; it is also much more breathable. clean style means you can wear them This means the jacket will enjoy a much as an everyday pant but the fabric’s longer effective life and you will stay more performance lets you use them across a comfortable when you wear it. Oh, and the wide variety of activities and conditions. weight? Not too bulky at 375g for the men’s, All-round comfort for just £75… and they and 360g for the women’s versions! come in different leg lengths so you can Rab Women’s Drillium Jacket always fi nd the perfect fi t.
Haglofs Dyno Pant
4 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 THE SUN’S OUT THERE… Lisa Bergerud fi nds that Spring is in the air
Another interesting seasonal dilemma! As I write this Asolo has been working this season to reduce sole weight and increase grip. The new we’re still in the middle of one of our best Lakeland Moran and women’s Advance (both £150) not only look different but also feel different winters ever, yet I’m thinking about summer sun and too, well worth consideration. If you’re after a more traditional look, Zamberlan has sandals. I really am excited about this year’s sandal range gone crazy with leather - the Vioz Gore-Tex (£155) is established as a classic and is now and both Teva and Keen have certainly gone to town on available in half sizes for the perfect fi t. There’s now a lightweight Vioz version in Gore- the colour palette. Ladies, try Keen’s Venice leather (£75) in Amaranth (dusky purple) alongside their Naples (£65) tex (£145) and also a great summer option in the Trekker Lite (£135) without Gore-tex. with fi ne leather straps in Biking Red, or a fabulously And for the many Haglofs fans out there, look out for the Vertigo Hi (£140) - we’ll try to comfortable Balboa (£60) in Regal Orchid that covers any keep some in stock before all our staff order them! toe imperfections that some of us may have. All three come to us via Keen’s Now for the explosion of colour and development that’s gone on in the rucsac ReThinking ethos - thinking department with Lowe Alpine, Osprey and Gregory. out of the box, getting the most out of life, Lowe Alpine has come out with a new, lightweight range exciting and fresh. of packs which include the Zepton 50 (£120) and women’s Nanon ND50:60 (£140) weighing in at 1.06kg Pair these with Keen’s and 1.15kg respectively. Aimed at people who want Keen Naples sandal new bags. Made from simple yet strong packs the ultra-strong Dyneema reclaimed fabrics, no two fabric is coupled with no-clutter designs. are the same and they just We included the Nanon for women as it has look perfect for your next holiday. And if Keen’s sandal colours don’t practical stuff pouches on the back and pockets cut it, try the award-winning watersports Teva Tirra (£55) in Macaw on the hip belt, yet we’ve kept it simple with the (lively green) with a broad Velcro front strap to fi t over any problem Zepton for men - one main compartment with toe joints. an ample lid. There’s even a Zepton 50XL for those bigger/taller in size! In use the simplicity I hope you men don’t feel left out. This season your colours have not of these packs is great, and you’re not carrying gone quite so bright, but you do have another watersports award- any features you don’t need. I loved using these winner from Teva, the Itunda (£75) in Ombre rucsacs and also liked the wild, fresh colours: Blue, or there’s the Newport Leather from Lowe Alpine women’s Nanon Dark Aqua, Cress and Purple Potion! Keen in Brindle/Rust (£75) And if you really don’t want to fl ash your toes Osprey has been working hard this year developing their range of Hydraulics packs. why not take a look at the latest At fi rst glance these look like they’ve been developed for the mountain bike market, Patagonia shoe collection; but if you dismiss them you’re going to miss some brilliant little packs. They come the Boaris in Wildwood with Osprey’s own hydration reservoir developed in partnership with Nalgene. We’re (£82), the Tsali in Green stocking the Raptor 10 (£75) for those who don’t need to carry much more than water, Flash (£87) or the Naked pump, spare tube and food. However the one I’m Patagonia Tsali Maui Moc (£55) - you really most excited about is the Manta 25 (£95). This has won’t be disappointed. an airmesh back, rain cover, ‘Stow-on-the-Go’ for trekking poles, handy stretch pockets and a nifty Let me briefl y drag you back to thoughts of snow. For those who’ve little loop for carry a helmet. I can feel a little worn out their winter boots yet are thinking of the Alps this summer, Italian Via Ferrata coming on just looking at it! look out for the Asolo Lhotse (£230) in men’s sizes up to 13 and women’s up to 9.5. While you got your shoes off, why not try Gregory rucsacs were a big hit last year in the new Scarpa Cristallo (£200), now lighter with George Fisher, and for 2010 they have made more fl exibility. And for Lake District scrambles some developments to their harnesses La Sportiva has brought out the ultimate improving fi t and comfort. Try a weighted-up approach/scrambling/climbing boot Z55 (£140) or Jade 40 (£130) in our rucsac called the Ganda Guide department and see for yourself. (£175), these boots are just begging for dry rock. Gregory Jade 40 La Sportiva Ganda Guide
5 the Update SPRINGJ8CFDFE 2010 - ISSUE%:FD 70
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ÈLJ@E>K?<9 BURNING ISSUES Our hardware expert John Owens cooks up some ideas for camping stoves It’s spring at last! The snows have retreated you will do, and buy the appropriate stove. kettle (£45). For those who want more versatility and the grass is threatening to turn green from the kettle there are separate pan supports again, so we can turn our thoughts to camping This year sees some exciting new models and the available which sit in the neck of the kettle to allow trips - whether that’s in camp sites or on the introduction of a classic. Among the new models small pans to be used. fells. are a trio from the German climbing brand Edelrid, which used to brand their stoves under the Markill If only a little of this has whetted your appetite Campers have to eat, and everyone has a different name but have now launched a modern range of then come and look at our extensive range of approach to his or her culinary needs. You may be Edelrid stoves and cooking accessories for this lightweight stoves and accessories, ready for the the ‘open a tin and tip it in’ sort, or maybe prefer season. The top-end Hexon stove (£108) is a gas hottest summer on record (you heard it here fi rst!). the Keith Floyd open-air cooking approach (without cylinder and liquid fuel compatible model weighing the wine of course) but it makes a big difference in at only 220g. For an even lighter remote-canister what you choose to cook on. There’s no point stove there is the Opilio (£54), giving extra stability trying to cook a full English breakfast for the for larger pans but weighing just 170g. If that is family on a lightweight canister stove, nor still not light enough for you, the Kiro is a canister- is a twin ring mounted model at 69g; very impressive looking kit. burner set-up suitable for The classic models introduced this year are the backpacking. result of many customers’ requests; so welcome So my advice the Kelly Kettle! This very simple yet well-proven is always to kettle from Ireland uses pretty much any burnable decide material in the fi re base at the bottom. This heats what sort the internal walls of the kettle and boils the water held within those walls. We are stocking two sizes - Edelrid Kiro stove of cooking the 0.57 litre capacity version (£40), and the 1-litre The Kelly Kettle in action EXCLUSIVE PACKAGE! DAKOTA® 20 AND OREGON® 450 When you try on footwear in George Fisher you’ll TOUCHSCREEN GPS COMPLETE WITH notice the for Nepal demo sock box FULL GREAT BRITAIN 1:50K OS LANDRANGER MAPS in the boot room. The for Nepal programme ensures that demonstration socks used in George Fishers are sent to Sherpas and porters in Nepal. Now while they’re working in the harsh terrain of the Himalayas, their feet stay comfortable and protected. OREGON DAKOTA 450 20 £400 £350 best socks on the planet. best socks for the planet.™ www.garmin.co.uk/garmin-gb-discoverer For further info on socks please call 0131 317 0200 7 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 A LIFE AFLOAT Local canoe instructor and boatbuilder Paul Weller enthuses about the Lakes “Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING, absolute nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”. Rat – Wind in the Willows. My earliest memories on the water begin on the river Derwent with my Dad at Grange in Borrowdale, where he held fi rmly onto my rubber dinghy with a length of rope. Ever since that moment I have had a passion for water sports. My dinghy soon changed for a kayak, and then my kayak for an open ALEX HONNOLD, BORNEO PHOTO: JIMMY CHIN canoe and I have been exploring the Lakeland waters, islands and rivers ever since. I moved to Keswick from Blackburn, Lancashire in 1995 and have worked as a canoe instructor since 1997. Nowadays I take groups and individuals of all abilities out to experience the great outdoors through canoe tours and skills training courses on Derwentwater and Windermere, as well as more involved expeditions to the west coast and inland Scotland. There is something deeply satisfying about building your own craft, especially from wood. With Steve Smith, an expert in canoeing and bush craft, I spend as much time as I can building wooden canoes and paddles. We use two different types of boat building methods. The modern approach is ‘stitch and tape’, where the panels that make up the hull are cut from marine ply then joined together using glass tape and resin. The second more traditional method, wood strip, is undertaken by joining inch-wide strips of cedar that are laid over a form to make the hull. Each strip of cedar has to be shaped to exactly fi t the next. All our materials are locally sourced making every canoe unique, even if it is shaped around the same form. The boats are then outfi tted with seats, gunwales and trim using hardwoods like ash, cherry and yew. The paddles are made from either one solid piece of timber or laminated strips, depending on the design. Keswick and Derwentwater are steeped in history and, in my opinion, Derwentwater is the most picturesque of all the lakes in our National Park. So for me, it’s only fi tting that our handcrafted boats and personally guided tours refl ect the pure natural beauty of the Lake District! Find out more about Paul’s courses and boats at www.keswickcanoecompany.co.uk THE NORTH FACE® SPRING 10 RANGE OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT NOW AVAILABLE AT GEORGE FISHER Wooden canoes on Derwentwater 8 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 WAYNE’S WORLD Wayne Gregory went his own way with product design – and it worked! Now in its second season with George Fisher is the Gregory range of performance backpacks from the United States. Gregory Mountain Products is an independently owned backpack manufacturer located in Sacramento, California. Known for innovation and many ‘industry fi rsts’ the fi rst Gregory pack was the brainchild of Wayne Gregory in 1961, when he created a backpack as part of a Boy Scout project aged 14. Gregory Jade 40 During his teenage years Wayne progressed in designing packs and other outdoor gear before starting his fi rst company Sunbird in 1970 with the goal of producing advanced external frame packs. In 1977 Wayne founded Gregory Mountain Products and from the earliest days, Wayne was meticulous about designing packs that improved upon fi t and used the best materials available. Gregory packs became known for innovative design and comfort, pioneering many ‘fi rsts’ including building backpacks in different frame, harness and waist belt sizes, and developing a waist belt system that adjusts to fi t different hip angles. The current Gregory line includes rucsacs suitable for a variety of different outdoor pursuits from cycling to running, trail walking to mountain climbing; truly a pack for every occasion. At George Fisher you’ll fi nd carefully selected models including the z55 (£140), the workhorse of the backpacking line featuring JetStream LTS Suspension and an Auto-Fit harness system. Durable yet lightweight, with a host of technical features, this pack is the perfect accompaniment for lightweight hikes, long weekends or climbing trips to the crag. The Jade 40 (£130) is a new, no frills women’s pack with no shortage of space for backpacking essentials plus JetStream LTS Suspension, three waist belt size adjustments and a women’s-specifi c harness and back panel. The z35 (£100) uses JetStream DTS technology so the weight of the gear rests directly on the waist belt, while the suspended mesh back panel allows for true airfl ow across the back. This pack is a great candidate for technical routes or longer day trips that require more gear; with a host of technical features such as side mesh pockets, dual hydration ports, side and bottom compression straps and a front zip for full access. Smaller than the other packs, the 11 litre Navarino (£50) is specifi cally for women who need an everyday pack for hiking or biking. Using Gregory’s Biosync system, the Navarino moves with the body during exercise for a comfortable fi t and includes features such as front stretch pocket for extra clothing layers and a webbing loop for securing bike lights or a refl ector for safety during night time travel. 9 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 LOVE YOUR LAKES Help clean up our Lakeland waters Help keep Derwentwater algae-free Photo: Cumbra Tourism / Tony West Sunlight sparkles on the waters as refl ections of the fells skip and dance across the gently rippling surface. It’s an iconic image of the much-loved Lake District landscape, and one which draws millions of visitors. But wait; zoom in closer and you might notice an ominous green sludge sliding towards the shore… At fi rst glance our lakes appear pristine, but delve deeper and it’s clear the ecology is suffering. A survey across the UK has found that waters suffering the worst degradation are the very ones which attract tourists to appreciate their charms. In particular, Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake are in urgent need of some tender loving care. The problem is down to the lakes receiving too many nutrients. But surely nutrients are nourishing, they help things to grow? Well, the problem is that SCREE PANT too many nutrients cause too much of the wrong thing to grow – in this case algae which blocks out the sunlight, depriving other plants of oxygen. These Marmot’s Scree pant is a lightweight, softshell versatile softshell trouser that excels in plants die and decompose, using up more oxygen. Fish and insects suffocate all types of outdoor activities. and birds and mammals further up the food chain are affected. Our M3 softshell fabric blocks wind, And the sad and surprising fact is that we may be creating part of the repels water and breathes easily to help problem. Put simply, too much phosphate from washing machine and keep you comfortable all day long. dishwashing detergents is ending up in the water. A high visitor population RRP - £75.00 means lots of laundry, adding up to a lot of phosphate going into the lakes. (Men’s and Women’s fit) Luckily a new project has just been launched to help. The ‘Love your Lakes’ campaign aims to raise awareness and provide practical solutions for locals, Available from George Fishers. tourism businesses and visitors to reduce their use of phosphates. There are three main things to remember: Choose to be P-Free. You can choose phosphate-free or low-phosphate laundry products without any compromise on quality. Less is more. Wash less often; make sure you fi ll And other selected quality outdoor retailers. your washing machine and dishwasher before turning them on. Be a big softie. Cumbria is a soft water area so you need minimal detergent. Here at George Fisher we’ve been doing our bit by changing all dishwasher and toilet cleaning products to phosphate-free versions, and examining anything that may fi nd its way down the drains – even surface-cleaning sprays. For more information go to www.loveyourlakes.org 10 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 THE SOURCE OF OUTDOOR KNOWLEDGE HYDRATION SYSTEMS Get ready for summer with the outdoor hydration experts WIDEPAC Started 18 years ago in a one-room apartment, Source has come a long way. Now with a 150-strong workforce Source Vagabond Systems produces sandals, hydration systems and accessories for outdoor enthusiasts CLEAR and people who travel the world. Source believes in values and humanity in business, from maintaining a happy working environment to creating products in an eco-friendly manner. The The Source Widepac company has a strong charity initiative hydration bladder which sees 5% net profi t from the domestic market and 1% of the company’s turnover abroad going towards sponsoring social and environmental activities in communities around the world. (see www.giveonechance.org) Source products are engineered to be totally reliable, cost effective, environmentally friendly and have the longest possible life-span. New to George Fisher, the Source collection of hydration systems has something suitable for most outdoor enthusiasts. Central to the Source range of hydration systems is the Widepac bladder which fi ts effortlessly into any backpack and is available in three sizes; 1.5, 2 and 3 litre. Each bladder boasts an easy-fi ll aperture with Source’s patented anti-bacterial ‘grunge guard’ and glass-like liner technology. A sustainable product made with FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved materials, the Widepac comes complete with a slide handle which LIQUITAINER allows for easier cleaning, drying and draining. For an easy backpack fi t, the Widepac’s tube is simple to insert and remove. The Source Liquitainer Folding Bottle is the ultimate lightweight, eco-friendly water carrier that can be re-used time and time again and is both fl exible For more information please visit and durable. The Liquitainer can withstand freezing and boiling and folds fl at when empty, or stands stable when full. Available in 1 litre, 2 litre and 4 litre www.bramwell-int.com options with a push/pull screw cap (1-2 litre models) or tap mechanism (4 or phone 015395-60214 litre model). The Source range also includes several accessories, such as the Convertube. This versatile tool will convert most water bottles into a hydration system. www.wateraid.org Simply screw the attachment - using one of the three adapters - to a plastic Bramwell International & Source Hydration Systems are supporting WaterAid in 2010 with a gift of £5,000 (WaterAid is a registered Charity No. 288701) water bottle to create an effective hydration pack for outdoor adventures. 11 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 Less weight. Zero compromise. Featured pack: Zepton Weight: 1.2 kg DyneemaTM Stripped weight: under 1kg The lightest and strongest fibre in the world, which means more durability in every gram of pack fabric. AirFlow harness for maximum comfort. AirFlow back panel for maximum stability and optimised beathability. Supportive lumbar pad and lightweight internal frame linked to AdaptiveFit hipbelt ensure maximum AdaptiveFit hipbelt carrying comfort. automatically shapes itself to your hips Equipment is getting lighter, but terrain isn’t getting any easier. Only our Hyperlite packs promise less weight, with no compromise on strength, durability or comfort. We’ve used ultralight DyneemaTM fabric, stripped-down features to the bare essentials and incorporated AdaptiveFit® technology to maintain the highest standards of carrying comfort. For backpacking, the Nanon is also part of the Hyperlite range. A feature-rich pack that still weighs only 1.36kg (stripped weight under 1kg). The most performance at the lowest possible weight. For more details contact Lowe Alpine on 01539 740840 Email [email protected]. www.lowealpine.com 12 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 THE BACKPACK PARADOX How do you create light weight, durability and comfort? In recent years, the latest developments in outdoor equipment have meant that the size and weight of the gear you’ll pack for a backpacking trip has tumbled. Even so, a multi-day trip still requires plenty of gear. Rucsac designers now face a paradox; a trade-off between weight, comfort, quality and price. Those rucsacs that focus only on saving weight frequently do not carry well, inevitably resulting in sore shoulders, hips and back. Lowe Alpine has always stood by the principle that quality (ie durability) and comfort are paramount. This belief is nowhere better demonstrated than in its new TFX Hyperlite packs, the Zepton and Nanon, which focus on ensuring you carry with comfort and light weight. Designed to carry 10kg in comfort, these packs accept no compromise in build quality. All seams are specifi ed to full 12mm seam tolerances and are triple stitched and bound to ensure durability. Even the buckles are unique – Lowe Alpine has worked with manufacturers to get the best performance with its 10mm nylon webbing. Dyneema fabrics are specifi ed as they are the lightest and strongest option available, with massive tear resistance, and Lowe Alpine’s Dyneema ripstop fabric is coated three times for extra durability. The Zepton 50 (£120) is a no- compromise ultralight rucsac that demonstrates outstanding carrying comfort and performance due to its wire-frame fi xed back system, Airfl ow mesh and full lumbar pad. The Adaptive Fit hip belt design ensures that whatever your body shape, the hip belt fi ts perfectly. The Zepton weighs in at just 1.2kg, with ‘stripped weight’ taking it The ultra-light Zepton 50 under 1 kilo. The Nanon 50:60 (£140) is a more featured product aimed at the backpacker making the transition to lighter-weight equipment. George Fisher is stocking the women’s model which features a stripped-down version of the Torso Fit Centro adjustable back system plus the Adaptive Fit hip belt. Additional features include stretch side pockets, front compression stash pocket and extendible lid – all for just 1.2kg. the women’s Nanon 50:60 Field-testing the new Lowe Alpine rucsacs. Photo: John Norris 13 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 THE SQUEEZE IS ON Osprey’s Hydraulics rucsacs offer a new hydration solution Three years in the making, Osprey’s new The HydraForm reservoir includes a wide-mouth, easy-clean Rapidfi ll Cap and Hydraulics packs are the perfect fast- taste-free lining material for anti-microbial protection. An articulated no-leak and-light way to stay hydrated in the on/off bite valve enables easy water fl ow/control while a patented magnetic mountains. chest strap buckle enables the bite valve to be easily secured out of the way during periods of high activity. Why are Hydraulics packs different? The secret is the way they have designed a The Raptor 10 (£75) is designed for biking and includes Osprey’s new LidLock completely new way of integrating the helmet clip to easily stow a bike helmet on the front of the pack, as well as bike rucsac frame with the water reservoir. specifi c tool pockets and refl ective graphics Built to deliver a consistent water supply, for safety. The AirScape ventilated back the HydraLock frame creates hydraulic panel, highly ventilated and supportive pressure via a squeezing action for BioStretch harness and ergo-pull waist increased water fl ow and minimal water belt allow for free body motion and ‘sloshing’. minimal pack bounce. Additional details Osprey Raptor 10 include an adjustable sliding sternum strap The HydraForm reservoir itself gives the and stretch mesh hip belt pockets. rucsac additional support thanks to a built-in, anatomically-shaped back panel. The rucsac frame helps to guide The Manta 25 (£95) is designed for all- the reservoir into position, while the reservoir shape is maintained to avoid round outdoor use and is extremely ‘barreling’ or round-out during activity. The reservoir’s long, rigid handle makes comfortable thanks to a fully ventilated for easy fi lling, prevents buckling, and ensures the reservoir can be easily AirScape ventilated backpanel, plus the routed into the frame even when the pack is full. ventilated and supportive BioStretch harness and hip belt. Osprey Manta 25 form BEHOLD THE ORIGINAL...... THE TILLEY Acknowledged as the finest outdoor and adventure hat in all the world. functi n T: 0800 374353 www.TilleyUK.com HYDRAULICS ospreypacks.com youtube.com/ospreypacks 14 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 FEBRUARY ON THE FELLS Bill Birkett refl ects on recent conditions in the Lakes throughout the ascent. As if all that wasn’t enough, threatening the top pitch of the climb (and hanging directly above Andy as he belayed) was a huge icicle. Dave said, “It must have been tons in weight and supported by a thin neck of only a few inches. As I was climbing up to it I could see drips of water falling from the tip and kept wondering if it was going to be strong enough to stay in place!” Anyhow, all survived and the hardest winter climb in the Lake District is now in the bag. The fells have looked truly alpine this winter and I have enjoyed a number of days out. In early January on Place Fell above Ullswater, I had a truly memorable afternoon in deep soft snow. The sun was shining powerfully from a blue sky and it was absolutely windless, but the air temperature was sub-zero. Wary of avalanche danger I ploughed my way to the summit to be greeted with stunning views of Helvellyn to the west, and High Street to the east. I encountered no more than three other walkers, perhaps a record for such a popular Descending the western leg of the Fairfi eld Horseshoe in heavy spindrift location - who said the Lakeland fells are busy? A few days later I traversed the classic Fairfi eld Horseshoe. Conditions Here in the Lake District, ‘extreme’ would probably be the best way were markedly different. The mountain scenery was just as beautiful, the snow to describe this winter so far. Devastating fl oods in November with quite as deep, but thrown in was a strong easterly which turned an otherwise Borrowdale, Keswick, Cockermouth and Workington taking the worst straightforward outing into a rather tough battle against the elements. of it. Then heavy snowfall and freezing conditions across Cumbria from December, continuing unabated as I pen this piece in late February. On the summit and down the western side the wind was so strong that not only was snow being blasted over the edges, but lumps of ice were being fl ung When the rainfall arrived, Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite actually joined. In through the air. My black-and-white collie lost her black and became wolf-white my neck of the woods the head of Great Langdale, which you would expect to as we battled our way down to Rydal. And that’s another great attraction of the be similarly fl ooded, wasn’t too badly affected. Yet in Little Langdale, the source magical Lakeland fells – you just never know what the day is going to throw at of the River Brathay, the fl ooding was massive. The stone arch of Slaters Bridge you. disappeared completely beneath the fl oodwaters – something I’ve never seen before. Finally I must report that my recently published ‘Walk The Langdales’ is doing extremely well at £8.95. Next in the series to be published is ‘Walk Ambleside, Then beginning around Christmas we’ve had lots of snow, most of which has Rydal and Grasmere’ which is to be followed by ‘Walk Borrowdale and Keswick’ stuck for an extended period. Again I can’t think of a longer period of snowy (that’s enough self-promotion – Ed). It’s the fi rst book published by Bill Birkett conditions. For the most part winter climbing conditions have been particularly Publishing and it feels a bit like having a new baby. good. All the classic winter climbs are ‘in’ with Bowfell Buttress and the great gullies on Scafell receiving many winter ascents. Steve Ashworth and Brian Davison even recorded a winter ascent of Jim Haggis’ formidable ‘Hangover’ on Dove Crag. First climbed as a rock climb in the spring of 1939 it was latterly graded Hard Very Severe. In Buttermere, on Honister Crag, Dave and Mary Birkett discovered a long and vertical icefall above the quarry incline – a feature that has never been recorded before. While on Scafell the same team, along with local schoolmaster Andy Mitchell, climbed a huge icefall that hung down the central and most overhanging portion of the East Buttress to produce the hardest and most demanding winter climb in the Lake District. This icefall has almost been in place before but never extended to the bottom of the crag. It gave a formidable multi-pitch climb on very steep ice. Mary informed me that Dave’s progress on the lower section was slow and methodical with little if any ice protection, the few nut placements being gained by scraping ice from cracks. Judging each crampon and axe placement was critical. Any slip would have been disastrous and total concentration was imperative Little Langdale Tarn photographed at the end of February 15 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 MEMORIES OF A CLIMBER Des Oliver recalls a talented climber and friend L-R Stan Wilkinson, Tony Wilkinson, Des Oliver and Gunter Franz In July 2009 I visited St Olaf’s Church at Wasdale Head. My purpose was to lay fl owers at the grave of a climbing friend, Gunter Franz, who died from a fall on Scafell; the date for my visit was the 22nd of the month and had he lived, it would have been his 80th birthday. Although I only knew Gunter for three years the climbs we did recalled happy days on the mountains. Our fi rst contact was as members of Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and soon after we formed the Keswick Mountaineering Club – he was the fi rst secretary and I was the treasurer (George Fisher was the Chairman). Here’s a list of the climbs we did together: Napes Needle (by moonlight); Eagle Front, Birkness Combe; Moss Ghyll Grooves on Scafell; Tophet Wall on Great Gable (the week before his death); Central Gully, Gable Crag (he knocked off a stone which just missed my head!); Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis; North East Buttress on Ben Nevis; Route 1, Carn Dearg; Cioch West on Sron-na-Ciche, Skye; South Crack on Skye’s Inaccessible Pinnacle. There were others, but those were the ‘classics’. Without doubt our most outstanding achievement together was an ascent of the Central Buttress on Scafell’s North Crag. There were four in the party but the main diffi cult section, the climbing of the Great Flake, was left to the two of us. I went up to the foot of this unusual feature – a large piece of rock which seems detached, hence the name – and belayed. Then Gunter ascended to the ‘chockstone’, a large rock jammed in between the fl ake and the main rock face. He then prepared a series of slings around the chockstone into a harness and sat dangling over space! I should explain that the Great Flake had already been climbed free by laybacking, but we chose the original method. When he was sitting ‘comfortably’ I climbed up through his legs, onto his shoulders then placed a foot on his head. He then heaved on the slings and I was lifted bodily higher until I was able to reach a handhold, and was up. Our two friends followed, and then it was the turn of our ‘human ladder’ himself. Gunter couldn’t move because his legs had gone to sleep from sitting in the slings, so the three of us physically heaved him up! He soon recovered and led us up the rest of the route to the top of the crag. 16 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 STAFF PROFILE: The fastest feet on the hill CLAIRE WELLER Clothing department The Italian company that knows a thing or two about off-road running I moved to Cumbria in May last year after having returned from a Crosslite four-month trip to India and Nepal. The trip was truly amazing and I Designed for fell running managed to climb, trek and kayak in some of the most breathtaking and orienteering. Featuring a and awe-inspiring locations. lace gaiter and an aggressive studded sole which sheds mud. Coming home, back to the UK was a daunting prospect as I returned unemployed (I had left my job as a Commercial Recruitment Manager to go travelling), was relocating from Leeds to Cumbria to live with my partner Paul, and had since got engaged while we were away so had a September Raptor wedding to plan! A new competition trail running shoe featuring the super sticky Frixion AF sole A lifeline was thrown when an opportunity arose to work at George Fisher and excellent stability. and thankfully I was offered the position of sales adviser. I knew things were going to be all right from that moment on! I was confi dent I had made the right decision on leaving the stresses of WildCat city life behind me to concentrate on a new quality of life. I am a keen hill Lightweight, highly walker and took up rock climbing three years ago. This winter I have taken breathable trail running advantage of the best conditions for a decade and been able to climb some shoe featuring excellent great winter routes, like Newlands Hause and Sour Milk Gill. I can honestly say shock absorption without that what I lack in skill I more than make up for in enthusiasm! compromising stability. I like to set myself goals, as it’s always good to have something to aim for. I have recently undertaken SPA (Single Pitch Award) training with a view to gaining the award at the end of summer, and am also planning another trip Find out more at www.lasportiva.com to Nepal in November where I plan to climb Island Peak (6189m). La Sportiva products are distributed in the UK and Ireland by Lyon Equipment - www.lyon.co.uk 17 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 STRANGER THAN FICTION Our man in Chamonix, mountain guide Mark Seaton, describes a real-life drama that reads like a novel It is not unusual to see someone wild camping in the Val Ferret. In fact it is hard to imagine a better place to pitch your tent and watch the sun set. I thought nothing of it, other than the camper was the fi rst person we had seen all day. I raised my hand and received a wave in return but the camper was too far off the path to say anything. Keswick’s Peter Little and I were walking down after a long, remote rock climb called Genepi. We strolled along chatting and refl ecting on our climb. A good day, but that was that. A month later in October I decided to repeat the climb with another client, Reuben Berg. We duly made the ascent and were again very impressed with our remote surroundings and the fact we had not seen a soul all day - until I noticed the same tent and the same man in exactly the same place. I again raised my hand, but either this time he didn’t see me or just chose to ignore me. I pointed out to Reuben that the guy and the tent had been there for over a month and we both agreed that you can have too much of a good thing, and laughed about the guy being some sort of hermit. And beyond that I cannot say I gave it much thought. That was until I read a bizarre story in the papers, and I started to put two and two together. On 21 September 2004, Michelle Weinberger woke up on the boat that she and her husband Mark owned, in a marina on the Greek island of Mykonos. “I put my hand on his side of the bed, and I remember feeling it empty” she later told the US television channel NBC. She leapt from bed to fi nd that her husband had vanished. It was the beginning of a fi ve-year fl ight from You can lose yourself in the Alps… justice that ended even more strangely than it fi rst hint of trouble emerged in October 2002 when a lawyer acting for the began. Two offi cers of the paramilitary Carabinieri, led by a mountain guide, estate of a woman who had died of throat cancer fi led a complaint with the trudged up the slopes of Mont Blanc to fi nd one of America’s most wanted Indiana department of insurance. The complaint claimed Weinberger failed to fugitives living in a tent. He was surviving in temperatures as low as -18C on diagnose her cancer and instead carried out an unnecessary operation on her dried and tinned food, and snow melted on a stove. sinuses, paid for by her insurance company. Dr Weinberger, a 46-year-old ear nose and throat specialist, ran the The lawyer said he was subsequently contacted by dozens of the doctor’s Weinberger Sinus Clinic in Merrillville, Indiana. Michelle Weinberger later said former patients who alleged that they too had had surgery they suspected she reckoned her husband was earning $200,000 (£124,000) a week. The was unnecessary. A similar complaint was fi led by a second attorney on behalf of 25 former patients. 18 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 In The Backcountry, Having The Right As the malpractice suits piled up, Weinberger promised his wife a present that would be “something that only the movie stars have”. Before disappearing, he bought her two expensive diamonds. Shelter Is Crucial It was small recompense for what she was about to discover. The unpaid berthing fees on Mykonos alone came to $40,000. Their boat was seized by Constructed to rigorous standards, Hilleberg tents have been the Greek authorities. Weinberger’s practice owed $5.7m and was eventually the top choice of professional adventurers and discerning auctioned to meet his debts. backcountry travelers around the world for over 35 years. But the oddest discovery, and one that perhaps holds the key to his life on From the 8-person Atlas to the solo Akto, every Hilleberg model is precisely designed and engineered to provide the optimal blend the run, was that the doctor had a room at his clinic crammed with survival of reliability, ease of use, versatility, durability and comfort, all gear. And the equipment had been shipped to Europe before he left. at a light weight. The Carabinieri did not immediately reveal that they suspected Weinberger’s All Hilleberg Tents Are... identity. They used an excuse to get him to accompany them to Courmayeur where he tried to persuade them he just “wanted to live a life in the wild”. Supremely reliable and easy to use in all seasons and conditions After it became clear that they knew who he was, the runaway doctor asked Built with plenty of room for you and your gear to go to the lavatory. There, he whipped out a tiny knife he had hidden in Made with superior materials for longevity his underwear and plunged it into his throat. But despite being an expert Constructed with linked inner and outer tents for surgeon, he missed the artery he appeared to be aiming for, and the quick, simple, one-step pitching Carabinieri hustled him away for fi rst aid. Designed and developed in northern Sweden by a company with over three decades of tent design, development and manufacturing experience Individually set up and quality checked in Hilleberg’s European factory before being shipped Professional Guiding Introduction and Organisation of Skiing and Mountaineering Pursuits AN INTRODUCTION TO ALPINE MOUNTAINEERING I have devised a ¿ ve day programme for people who have often thought about Alpine Mountaineering but who are not clear on how to begin. My assumption is that you are reaonably ¿ t and active but have no or little Jolanda Linschooten experience of ropes or rock climbing. Our time together would provide you with all the necessary skills to ascend a variety of alpine summits in safety because you would be in the company of an experienced guide. Go to www.hilleberg.com and The programme is intensive and includes three alpine ascents culminating in the ascent of a major peak and includes over-nighting in an alpine hut. The order a free copy of our 2010 maximum client to Guide ratio is three to one. catalog. The cost of the course is €2000.00 which could be divided between a maximum of 3 people. This fee does not include travel and accommodation but we can arrange it. The transfer time between Geneva airport and Chamonix is just over an hour. For more information go to www.markseaton.com or contact 750, CHEMIN DES GLIERES, CHAMONIX, MONT BLANC 74400 FRANCE WWW.HILLEBERG.COM telephone +33 (0)4 50 53 63 77. [email protected] Frösön, Sweden Ŧ +46 (0)63 57 15 50 International Federation of Mountiain Guides Associations 19 the Update SPRING 2010 - ISSUE 70 COME AND JOIN THE FUN Keswick Mountain Festival revs up for this May This years’ Keswick Mountain The main climbing event will be a DMM-sponsored Dry Tooling Festival is gearing up to be competition, taking place on Thursday 20 May between 6pm THET outdoor event of the year. and 10pm at the Keswick Climbing Wall. Anyone can turn up and SponsoredS by Ordnance Survey and try climbing using ice-climbing equipment such as ice axes and CumbriaC Tourism, the programme crampons. is already packed with loads of The Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS) has been given exclusive greatgr activities, sporting events access to run a mass swim in Derwentwater, taking place on andand inspirational speakers. A few Sunday 23 May. This one-mile swim starts from the shores of the highlightshig include Leo Houlding, Adventure Base and loops the Island. This is a great opportunity Britain’sBrit best-known rock climber and to experience outdoor swimming in a beautiful location. thethe Lake District’s own golden boy whowho is returning to lead a scramble on If you make your way to the Adventure Base from 21–23 May you SaturdaySatu 22 May followed by a talk at will get the chance to sign up for free taster sessions, chat to thethe TheatreT by the Lake, Keswick. outdoor gear experts, enjoy tasty Cumbrian food and enjoy a great day out with friends and family. TheThe festivalfe is hosting a Sportive on 22 MayMay ofofferingf three distances, with the main Visit www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk for more information. routeroute takingta in Whinlatter, Newlands and Honister.Honiste Published by George Fisher Limited, 2 Borrowdale Road, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DA Tel: 017687 72178 Website: www.georgefi sher.co.uk Email: customerservice@georgefi sher.co.uk The publishers of Update would like to thank all contributors to this edition, noting that the opinions expressed in submitted articles are those of their authors, and not necessarily of George Fisher Ltd. Editor: Clive Allen Printed by Reeds Printers, Penrith Tel: 01768 864214 Printed on 100% recycled paper