Maybe just get the bottles with a large opening, because you can store something like food in one, or pee in it, inside a tent in a storm, a pair of extra socks or a couple of plastic bags or something else that's sensitive to pressure etc. Nice slim bag you have, that won't stop your arms. Maybe worth mentioning for someone that starts out. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards.
Nice video, and a lot of good usable information. Have a question about the Grivel Air Tech EVO if you don't mind. Bought an EVO (66 cm), and used it on a glacier this summer. I found the length less usefull, as it was not quite long enough for glacier walking, and too long for properly swinging the axe over my head for a bit more technical stuff than glacier walking. My better half uses the 66 cm now, as she is a bit shorter than me, and she's won't do anything technical. I myself would like to have an axe that is more for technical usage, and would like a shorter EVO, What would you recommend? I'm about 5'11. I read further down that you use a 52 cm length. Does that length fit most situations? In advance, thank you.
Everyone is different, but I am 6’1 & use a 52cm in most situations. I generally think an axe should match the worst ground of your day - so even if you generally prefer a longer axe you’re better off going shorter as you say. ~50cm is a good length for alpine routes for me. Although I now use one on the Munro’s too. This is because my preference is not only based on what I use them for but also weight and size on my pack. I simply find they get in the way less and have gotten used to the size when arresting a fall. It’s worth practicing that though. For the classic “walking axe” my parents like to size them to the point sitting just above the ankle with your arm relaxed at your side. You end up with the huge alpenstock thing at our heights though and they’re a pain.
phil behan Thank you very much for your answer. Made a lot of sense. I’ll get myself an EVO 53 cm, I think. That seems to be the version Grivel makes now a days. You make great videos. Really appreciate all the info you putting out there. Always something new to learn 👍🏻👍🏻🇳🇴
That length sounds about right and should be more manageable. Thanks for the message it means a lot: the videos are purely a hobby, but if they help that makes me very happy.
Hi Phil, great video. Can I ask you what the weight of your pack is roughly? I found that my alpine pack gets uncomfortable to carry once it's loaded with 10 kg (22 lbs), how comfortable is yours? Cheers!
This bag itself is extremely light at ~600g. This is achieved by cheating: it’s a 23L pack that extends to 30L so you can’t really carry enough for it to get too heavy. It carries weight well though and is for the most part comfortable. The problem I have had (and I’ve owned more than one) is with the back panel. When the bag is very full the bottom of the panel sticks out from the bag and creates an angle that rubs on you lower back. I’ve finished a couple of winter climbing weekends with a badly grazed back from it! While it is all well and good telling people what might go in my pack the answer is that it’s different every day as you’re aware. If I’m just diving up something wee near a lift then my metal work is on my harness in the lift and the rope out already. My bag may contain little more than a couple of coats and a pair of gloves. I’ve not thought to weigh it packed for “an average day.” ....you may have given me a new video idea
The one in the video is a a Rab Exodus. It’s the heavier of the few I own and good in the cold. It’s not great in the wind and gets chilly then, but it’s tough and burly and cut to wear other layers under... it breathes better than a hard shell by a very long way and does a great job on slow and steady days up high or in the cold... I use it a fair bit in Scottish winter too, but again beware the windproofness (or lack of) and weight & how warm it is (you’d cook on a hot day). My favourite and go to is an Arcteryx Squamish Hoody: it’s light, packs tiny and is pretty wind proof - honestly awesome value for money.
I use a couple of different waterproof mitts. The GTX ones are by Extremities and a lighter pair by Montane. Extremities Tuff Bags GTX: www.terra-nova.co.uk/gloves-mitts/gore-tex-gloves-mitts/tuff-bags/ Montane Minimus: www.montane.com/mens-c1/accessories-c26/gloves-c47/montane-minimus-waterproof-mitts-p76#attribute%5B3%5D=13
I have a 45L and use it rarely because it flaps about a bit when it’s not very fully. Good for backpacking overnighters with a little more stuff and packrafting though!
@@josephhayden8849 they are actually very comfortable for their style, but they have no padding so they'll never be as comfy as a big cushy Osprey. As for what they can hold I've not used a roll mat with it, but it certainly carries a full nights camp kit. In this Insta post my girlfriend is using my 45L. It has her packrafting kit on the outside and inside it she has her full camp kit (inc half of a tent and half of the cooking stuff) and gear for being out in the mountains: instagram.com/p/CRTc3Zxjl8b/?
Interesting video.. Remember you're taking to a microphone outdoors, which means you need to project your voice more, instead of taking in a whisper, as though the viewer were sitting next to you.
Ha! Well bro a rack is another video: feel free to watch that too. They were deliberately split - this one focuses on what someone needing to watch a RU-vid video for help would likely need otherwise. They’re unlikely to be going out on a bivy (plus use huts and be cosy) why complicate things?
Hey bro. Carrying a tent and sleeping bag reflects a decision. I’ve never carried a tent in the Alps and have rarely carried a sleeping bag. Climbed up to TD.
