Gear: Climbing Technoloy RollNLock

I've been testing a new procuct from Climbing Technology for Hoogtelijn Magazine; the Climbing Technology RollNLock. As space in the magazine is limited here's a more extensive online impression and review.

Climbing Technology RollNLock

Ice Climbing & Gear Again

Last year I did an ice climbing course for beginners, and I wrote a blog about the gear I used. This year I got a chance to do the intermediate course, and thought it would be nice to review some of the gear I used again.

This years gear

Gear: Mountain Hardwear SummitRocket 40

As part of the Ueli Steck Collection, Mountain Hardwear have created the SummitRocket 40 pack 'for the expedition alpinist pushing the limits with a superlight, high-performance pack with good versatility and volume'. I got to test the updated 2012 version.

Mountain Hardwear SummitRocket 40 (2012)

I've used the SummitRocket 40 on a number of trips; I've taken it while alpine rock climbing in the Austrian Alps, while hiking and camping in the Candian Rockies and as my only luggage during a relaxing holiday on Bali - on average the pack has performed very well.

Banff, Alberta, Canada. Nice, eh?

A while ago, I was asked by Hoogtelijn, the magazine of the NKBV, to go to Alberta, Canada to write an article about the Canadian Rockies. I spent most of my time in Canada in Banff National Park. Although the article will only be published in a few months time, I've been back for a week now, and thought I'd share a few of the highlights of the trip with you;

This is me on the summit of Mt. Cline, which is 3361 meters (or 11027 feet) high, and lies on the border of Banff National Park and the Wild Goat Wilderness Area

This is me after topping out on Gooseberry (YDS 5.9 variation) on Tunnel Mountain near the town of Banff

This is me on Sentinel Pass, which is the high point of a nice day-hike from Moraine Lake, near Lake Louise. Going up you get great views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The pass is the start point for the normal (scramble) route up Mt. Temple, the East Ridge of Mt. Temple is considered one of the '50 Classic Climbs of North America'. Now why didn't I do that!?

The trip was organised by TravelAlberta, with help from Yamnuska Mountain Adventures and the Canadian Alpine Club. 

Needless to say I've enjoyed my time in Alberta, Canada immensly. Maybe we'll do the next trip in the winter, TravelAlberta?