Up and coming British outdoor brand Kora have launched the first ever collection of technical yak-wool baselayers. Claimed to outperform Merino wool by 40% weight for weight, these ethically sourced garments have been designed for active-use and are made from 100% Yak-wool – which Kora have dubbed Hima-Layer. Highly breathable and extremely soft with no coarse fibres, the base layers …
The Last Great Climb premieres in London
The world premiere of Alastair Lee’s new film, The Last Great Climb, is to showcase in London’s West End next month. Set in the mountains of Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, the 2013 climbing documentary follows the story of British speed climber Leo Houlding, big wall expert Jason Pickles and climber Sean ‘Stanley’ Leary as they attempt to make the first …
Mountain Equipment launches Compressor Jacket
Outdoor gear experts Mountain Equipment have introduced a new super-lightweight, weather resistant belay jacket. Available in stores now, the 370g Compressor Hooded Jacket features damp-resistant hydrophobic PrimaLoft One synthetic insulation, with a 60g weight fill for the body and 40g fill in the sleeves and side panels to avoid excess bulk. Also designed for use as a packable mid or …
Wild Country recall climbing gear
Rock climbing gear manufacturers Wild Country have issued a voluntary recall notice for some of their climbing nuts, following a failed strength test on certain units. Climbers have been asked to return any Wild Classic Rocks and Anodised Rocks purchased within the last three years. A spokesperson for Wild Country explained: “Following the testing of over 17,000 Rocks we found …
Nepalese peak recognition bid on hold
Despite the suggested recognition of five further 8,000m-plus peaks in Nepal by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) earlier this year, indecision between India and Pakistan has now seen the process put on hold. Currently recognised as the home of eight 8,000m-plus peaks, Nepal has been campaigning since 2012 to gain international recognition for five others, in the hope …
Tickets released for Kendal 2013
Tickets are now on sale for the Kendal Mountain Festival 2013, a weekend-long event featuring the latest adventure films, inspirational speakers, art exhibitions and mountain literature. Running from 14 – 17 November, this year’s festival will see outdoor talent from around the globe gather in Cumbria. US alpinist Kelly Cordes, Everest mountaineer Kenton Cool, world renowned female climbers Shauna Coxsey, …
India to reduce peak fees for 2014
Climbers could soon benefit from a reduction in climbing fees on Indian peaks, as the Ministry of Tourism attempts to draw higher numbers of adventure seekers to the Indian Himalaya. Although proposals for the potential drop have been in circulation for some time, a speech given earlier this year revealed the intentions of the Indian government to reduce these fees …
Scarpa introduce new Manta Pro GTX
Scarpa have introduced the new Manta Pro GTX – a four season, B2-graded winter mountaineering boot designed for all round UK winter mountain use. Claimed to have a snugger fit and increased dexterity compared to earlier Scarpa models, the crampon compatible GTX features a Gore-Tex liner, Vibram sole with Climbing Zone, locking instep loop, Pro-Fibre XT 20 mid-sole, cut and …
Success for Fowler on Kishtwar Kailash
British mountaineer and President of the Alpine Club Mick Fowler has made the first ascent of a previously unclimbed peak in the Indian Himalaya. Accompanied by climbing partner Paul Ramsden, Fowler led a team of four to the summit of Kishtwar Kailash (6,451m), the highest peak in the Eastern Kishtwar Range, via a route on the mountain’s 1,500m south west …
Help forces heroes by trekking Vietnam in 2014
Lance Corporal Jonathon le Galloudec amazed doctors after climbing some of the world’s highest mountains just two years after being shot in the spine. Galloudec, who was critically injured during an arrest and detain operation near Basra in 2007, was told he would never walk again, but rigid determination saw him take his first steps two months later. After almost …