We bought a pair of these to try out from our friend Guillermo of Deportes Nomadas in Durcal. Retail price is a reasonable €115. Stated use is for general snow touring. We have tended to concentrate on the more well known makes of TSL and Tubbs in the past, so were eager to get to grips with these newly acquired ” raquetas de nieve“.

inook snowshoes odyssey

First the technical blurb………………..

• Colour blue night
• Size (l x w) 62 x 21 cm
• Frame 1020 g the pair
• Adjustable Binding and heelstep
• Weight 1120 g the pair
• Users weight 50 to 110 kg
• Shoesize 35 to 47
• 6 steel side crampon points
• 2 front teeth
• Carrying case

Design – Looking under the snowshoe, the frame shows a definite arch, that give stability, especially by hill crossings.

Frame – The three dimensional and profiled shape of the frame offers very little friction with the snow. The front nose is slightly bent upwards so that the deep snow does not break the forward movement. The lower part of the frame is open in the back to leave the compressed snow.

Climbing Step – Its technology is very simple and does not need you to bend down. You can use our poles. As you push the pole on the front or rear part of the heel step, you let it glide between the neutral and the up-hill positions.
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Our findings on a 2 day snowshoe trip in the Sierra Nevada

We gave them a good going over on a recent trip into the forests of the upper Alpujarras in southern Spain. Snow was generally very soft and deep.

Bindings – getting and out of the snowshoe is very easy once the rather complex looking binding is acquainted with and the boot set up for the binding. The release can be operated with finger and forefinger.

Heel lift system –  excellent. 5 stars for this. “Heel down” mode, “heel lift” mode and “climbing” mode can all be operated by using a ski pole in similar fashion to a pair of ski bindings.

Ascent – Flotation was good and on harder snow surfaces grip was adequate as provided for by the small front toe crampon points.

Descent – The small dual crampon teeth that give adequate ascent capabilities were not aggressive enough for a powder surface and hard base underneath. The snowshoes didn’t always grip and I found myself being thrown off balance. Similarly I felt the show could have been more stable in deep snow by having a slightly wider base frame.

Traversing – awful. But this applies to most snowshoes I have ever worn. None of them have been particularly good at traverses, so don’t let this feature put you off investing in a pair.

Conclusion

Pros – lightweight, binding system, heel lift, weight, price

Cons – crampon points too small, frame a bit narrow

A good result despite a few negatives to report. We shall be investing in another pair shortly to bolster our snowshoe rental hire store in Lanjaron.

Nearing the cebollar hut

Guillermo, the owner has put much effort into bringing top brands into Spain. As well as the spanish Trangoworld and Inesca brands, he has now brought in such top names as Berghaus, North Face, Marmot, Salomen, Deuter, Arcteryx, Osprey etc

The shop really does sell quality, well made gear. In addition the prices are reasonable and Guillermo himself, is very knowledgeable about the products.

There is also a large amount of technical gear for rock and ice climbing, canyoning, mountain biking and just mountain trekking. There is a good selection of boots and trainers available.

If you want good honest advice, quality products at sensible prices then you should visit. If you can’t make it to Durcal then you can always buy online at the website address!

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Deuter Aircontact Pro rucksack

Firstly, why did we choose the Deuter Aircontact Pro rucksacks to test? Well, we like Deuter and have used some of their smaller packs successfully for many years and they have a reputable name in outdoor manufacturing. Our last sacks from Macpac failed to perform well under the heavy loads required for a Patagonian Icefield Expedition. Google research also provided much to recommend the Aircontact Pro.

Models

The Aircontact Pro is the flagship of Deuter’s range. They have a variety of models (http://www.deuter.com/en/products/167.php) for various sizes. We chose the 70+15 and the 65 +15 SL, which is the womens version with modified carrying system.

The “interesting bit” of the specifications

(from the manufacturer website)
The ‘pull-forward’ function makes the hip belt easy to fasten, even with even heavy loads.
Breathable cushion with ventilating Aircontact technology. Durable 3D Airmesh back system overall lining wicks away warmth and moisture.
3 Height adjustable load transfer straps on the shoulder straps for precision pack positioning.
4 Contoured shoulder straps with 3D Air mesh lining. Heavy duty construction with special dual layer foams.
5 Two ergonomically formed V-shape multi-chamber aluminium stays, direct part of the load from the back to the hips.
6 When fastened, the hip fins taper upwards in a conical form. The fins are concave and ultra-padded and sit perfectly on the hips. The multi-layered, PE-stiffened foam spreads the load evenly.
Heavy loads can be carried easily if the backpack and the wearer form one unit. That is where our Aircontact principle kicks in with our trekking backpacks: a body contact system with perfect stability, optimal load distribution and effective ventilation.
With every movement a pump effect circulates air through the breathable Hollow chamber Aicontact cushions to provide all-round ventilation. The special bilaminate ACT construction allows the wearer to carry the backpack close to the body but still allows for extremely good ventilation. The result: 15% less perspiration than with a conventional Trekking rucksack.

How did the sack perform?

The 65+15 SL in the Sierra Nevada (back)

We had 2 hard days trekking/easy mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada (see http://www.sierra-nevada-news.com/2010/06/crossing-the-sierra-nevada-in-full-winter-conditions-in-june/). We purposely carried excess weight to bolster the pack size to more that normally necessary for a 2 day trip.

Incidentally, the additional weight included some anti-fox deterrents in case of fox attacks (see http://www.sierra-nevada-news.com/2009/12/winter-traverse-of-3000m-peaks-runs-into-fox-problems/). Totally unnecessary, as the little critters plainly couldn’t cope with the arctic like tundra of the high Sierras!

The 70+15 is gigantic and no matter how much I tried to fill every nook and cranny, the sack just swallowed it all up. The two useful side pockets remained unused. There is plenty of strapping that takes a bit of getting used. The huge top pocket takes all required for quick access. The main sack can be accessed from on top which is also useful.

Once on, the trick is to fasten the main hip belt first. This fits snugly round the hips and takes most of the load bearing weight. The upper straps just adjust the balance. And that’s it.

On the trail the sack never felt unbalanced. On the odd times that I began to feel some pressure on my shoulders a quick adjustment (tightening) of the hip belt and the weight was transferred effectively back to the hips. This is where our previous sacks let us down and led to tired and sore shoulders. Not with this sack.

All in all this is a very fine expedition sack and probably the best out there in our opinion. Ok, yes it has yet to withstand the rigours of the Patagonian Icecap, but I feel confident it will perform well. It is expensive at 150GBP (€175), but well worth it for the longer treks or expeditions. Recommended!

Result Softshell R120x

At first glance there are hundreds available on the market. We came across Result Clothing by chance while crawling the internet. Really good prices. But, were we wasting our money buying cheap, when we should be going for the top quality brand names?

Result doesn’t sell direct to the public so we got in touch with one of their retailers, IS Enterprises International. Their ordering system works very well and they are easy to deal with. Only problem was delivery, with which we had a hiccup due to an address in Spain. Never understand why this is a problem in these days with satnav, gps technology all around?

Results R120x Softshell Activity Jacket. Specification

Soft Shell Technology
· Outer: 345g/m2 3 layer 8,000mm waterproof bonded fabric:
- Outer-layer: 93% Polyester, 7% Elastane
- Mid-layer: TPU waterproof, breathable & windproof membrane
- Inner-layer: Microfleece for extra warmth
· Water repellent/Breathable 1,000mvp/Windproof
· Soft high stretch fabric
· Comfortable active cut
· Fashionable shaped longer back panel
· YKK full front zip fastening
· 2 large front zip closing feature pockets, 1 inside pocket & 1 inside phone pocket
· Internal stretch cuff mitten with thumb loop
· Adjustable shockcord hem
· Inner storm flap
· Zip opening underarm vents with mesh backing
· Decorative front & back yoke
· RESULT rubber badge sewn to lower front
· Concealed access points: Concealed inner top back and left chest zips
· Decoration process: Embroidery / Transfer print

Price: From £27.07 * VAT

Review

Result Activity Jacket pit zips and pockets

Yes that’s correct. Just over 30GBP! We had our Spanish Highs Mountain Guides logo put on ours, which added about 9GBP to the price. Still, at under 40GBP for a jacket, things can’t be bad? But how does it perform?

Well, the jacket is well made and feels robust. Not as silky smooth as some of the soft shells around, but it does feel like it will stand a lot of rigorous mountain abuse. It is rather heavier than the trendier more expensive ones though.

There are 2 large external pockets, above harness height, which is useful for alpine use. Also a handy internal phone pocket for all you geeks out there. There are regulation zip opening underarm vents to allow for ventilation. In addition you get cuff mittens with thumb loops. Very useful in a blizzard!

Cuff Loops

The winter here in the Sierra Nevada seems to be on the wane, so we are a little late to test in a full blown winter mountain environment. What we have found out though on our travels is that this is a strong contender and certainly the best value for money buy around. Hardwearing and warm. Tough.

All our team of guides will be issued with these in the near future for working in the Alpujarras and Sierra Nevada (thanks to Kiersten Rowland for modelling)

We shall be looking at more of Results mountain clothing range in the near future. Why pay 120GBP for a similar performing jacket but with a well known fancy brand logo?

They have a fully stocked mountain equipment rental facility in Lanjaron in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. So, don’t be weight penalised by the airlines! Winter or summer they have the following available at reasonable hire rates (n.b their own guided activities include the rental of equipment).

Mountaineering and Ski Boots for hire

Winter Mountaineering Boots and Sizes

Scarpa Freney XT – Size 45 (UK 10.5)
Scarpa Alpha – Size 45.5 (UK 11)
Hanweg – Size 44 (UK 9.5)
Scarpa Freney – Size 42 (UK 8.0)
Hanweg – Size – 43 (UK 8.5)
Scarpa Freney Pro – Size 44.5 (UK 10)
One Sport Insulated – Size 45 (UK 10.5)
Scarpa Freney Pro – Size 40 (UK 6.5)
Meindl – Size 44 (UK 9.5)
La Sportiva Nepal Extreme – Size 45 (UK 10.5)

Winter Mountaineering Equipment

Crampons – various makes both for B1 and B2 boots, strap ins and step ins.
Ice Axes – a large range of general mountaineering axes through to technical ice climbing axes.
Helmets and Harnesses.
Ice screws and snow stakes/deadman belay devices.
Alpine and Expedition rucksacks (40 to 80 litres)

Skis by Hagan

Ski Touring equipment and Snow Shoes

Mountain Skis by Hagan

Downhill and Touring Ski Boots -
Scarpa Denali – Size 45 (UK 10)
Dynafit – Size 44 (UK 9.5)

Other mixed manufacturers:
Sizes 45, 44, 42, 45.5
(UK 10.5, 9.5, 8, 11)

Various makes of snowshoe
- Tubbs, Camp, TXL, Salomen.
Even some old fashioned ones that ascended Mt McKinley 20 years ago!

Rock Climbing Gear

Available are full racks for sport climbing, ropes, helmets and harnesses. Also rock slippers and shoes of all sizes. Good for climbing nearby at Lanjaron, Alfacar, Orgiva, Capileira, Los Vados, Niguelas and Pinos de Valle. Also nuts, chocks and other protection gear for traditional rock climbing.

Camping

They have mountain tents, trekking poles, bivvy bags, sleeping mats, stoves, fuel, pots, pans and even a kitchen sink! There are some sleeping bags available but these are for summer use only.

Snowshoes, crampons, rucksacks and some of the axes

Rental Rates 2010

Rock climbing, ropes, winter belays and tents

A recent clear out and repair of our tent stocks has made me re-evaluate which tents we use for which location and mountain activity. Basically we recommend high quality tents from well known makes such as Terra Nova, Bibler (now part of Black Diamond) and Hilleberg. Yes, I know there are many other fine tent makers out there, but I can only comment on what has worked for us over the past 10 years as mountain guides.

We don’t compromise for the sake of cost. This is false economy! We always go for the best quality, even though it will invariably be a higher price than competitors. I have a simple way of looking at this. You may end up paying €100 more but if you get 100 better quality nights in the mountains for 2 people then 50 cents a night extra per person is well worth it in my opinion. True?

So what do we recommend you use, when and where? All the tents below have similar characteristics ie. are quite expensive but well made with quality materials that have stood the test of time and use.

Summer Sierra Nevada, Spain (normally Jun until Oct incl)

NalloGTR

2 person lightweight tent

Hilleberg Nallo 2 GT
Weight: 2.6kg (1.3kg a person)
Typical cost: 440GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

We have used our Nallo for many years. A large and roomy interior with a massive vestibule for storing rucksacks, cooking in, or for somewhere for the dogs to sleep! Well made and stable.  Loads of headroom. Simple and quick to erect. We have had 2 poles snap in 8 years use, both on the same night on an incredibly gusty evening camping at Siete Lagunas en route to doing Los Tres Miles 3000m peak traverse. This was in late August so was unexpected!

Hilleberg Akto

1 person lightweight tent

Hilleberg Akto
Weight: 1.5kg (1.5kg a person)
Typical cost: 330GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

The Akto was my second foray into the 1 man tent sector. My first purchase being a Terra Nova Solar. This is much roomier and I like the large side entrance which is useful for storage and cooking. Strangely, there is only 1 centre pole. The front and back panels do take a bit of getting used to but once erected do function well. Not as stable as a Nallo in cross winds when the centre pole can bend alarmingly. Nevertheless a very light and roomy tent. Also just about suitable for 2 persons who know each other very well!

Jupiter bivvy

1 person hooped bivvy bag

Terra Nova Jupiter
Weight: 840g (840g a person)
Typical cost: 250GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

I never got to grips with the old style bivvy bags. Sure they worked ok and were very light but the drawback for me was always the claustrophobic nature of the head covering. The advent of hooped bags changed that. One of the best around now is the Terra Nova Jupiter with a massive hooped section. Now you can while away the time reading or playing on your ipod! Terra Nova also do a Saturn bivvy which has a second smaller pole near the foot area. They are low to the ground so getting in and out can be a bit of a pain but they will never get blown over by the winds. Goretex outer ensures it is waterproof.

Winter Sierra Nevada, Spain (normally Nov until May incl)

Ultra Quasar

2 person alpine tent

Terra Nova Ultra Quasar
Weight: 3.3kg (1.75kg a person)
Typical cost: 450GBP (Offers now direct from Terra Nova at 350GBP!)
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

The Ultra Quasar is a lighter version of the bombproof Quasar (see below). You save 1.1kg and quite a few bucks over it’s expedition style neighbour. Everything else is the same. Great space for 2 (or maybe 3?). The double vestibules are perfect for storage or cooking on those dark winter nights. Ventilation options keep the inside dry on the coldest nights. As everything with Terra Nova, there is a genuine feel of quality about it. Perfect for winter mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada

Summer Alpine (normally June until Sep incl)

i-tent

2 person alpine tent

Bibler I-Tent
Weight: 2.2kg (1.1kg a person)
Typical cost: 500GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

Single skin Goretex skin. Easy erection from inside even in a blizzard. High head space and narrow footprint for small ledges. Well made, strong and above all…..super light. At only 1.1kg a person, this is an incredible alpine tent. Perfect for 1 or 2 nights out in the high mountains. The only drawback is the lack of a vestibule which unfortunately is an optional add on at 119GBP, but well worth it. I also believe that if I had a choice again I would rather go for the slightly larger El Dorado tent they make. A must have for alpinists!

Patagonian Icefields (Nov and Dec)

Quasar

2 person expedition tent

Terra Nova Quasar
Weight: 4.3kg (2.15kg a person)
Typical cost: 450GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

THE expedition tent. This is the one I have most confidence in. For taking the worst weather that the Patagonian Icecap can throw at you and never bat an eyelid! When the blizzard is howling outside you will know that there will be no epic story of survival against the odds looming. Spacious, 2 vestibules and strong. I remember once being hit by storm force winds high on Aconcagua (Camp Berlin, I believe). Other climbers were struggling to retain control, but the Quasars, lent to us for the expedition by those nice people at Terra Nova, stood the test. Recommended for expeditions to wild places.

Review

We have been running alpine introduction and winter skills courses since 1983 (in the days when the Bossons Glacier near Chamonix, nearly reached the road!). We have relied mainly on tried and tested traditional alpine techniques. Over the years we have refined things if we felt there was an added benefit by “modernising”.

There have been many instructional guides published before but we have not found one that teaches simply and concisely, in line with our own common practices …….. until now. This new guide by Cunningham and Fyffe is excellent. The photos are good and the diagrams are very clear and easy to follow. It is well written and is well worth getting if you are either a beginner to the sport of mountaineering or an experienced campaigner wanting some revision. Recommended!

The book is the official handbook of the Winter Mountain Leader and Mountain Instructor Certificate.

Price 19.95GBP

Our confidence in the reliability of the remaining 10 weeks of the ski touring season is such that we have invested in some new equipment. We have always purchased our skis from Hagan Skis . They have proved a tough and reliable ski for the last 10 years. Hagan specialise in skis for the touring market. We have invested in Hagan Stag’s, which have replaced the older Alpin Tour Carve’s. The new skis have been bought from Desportes Nomadas in Durcal, where we always get good sound advice.

In addition we have bought boots from Garmont. We have used Garmont G-lite’s before so had no qualms about bying the Summit boots. They are very light and comfortable. We use them for both on piste and off piste days. Once tried you will never want to return to the old downhill boots!

Ideally, avoiding avalanches in the first place is much easier than trying to survive one. Avalanche safety begins even before you begin your travel. In addition to keeping an eye out for weather and terrain conditions, there are steps you can take ahead of time to help you or other members of your party if you are caught in an avalanche.

Proper equipment can be a critical factor in rescue efforts. Avalanches kill in two ways. A victim will either endure fatal trauma (collisions with rocks or trees) during an avalanche, or will suffocate after they are buried by snow. While trauma deaths occur before rescue can take place, the more common suffocation deaths are often tragic because with the proper equipment and expertise, they can be avoided.

Portable shovels made of plastic and aluminum are lightweight and compact enough that they can be carried in a pack. Digging with a shovel, as opposed to using hands or ski poles, can dramatically decrease the time it takes to dig out a victim. Digging by hand takes an average of 45 minutes to dig out one square meter of snow. Using a shovel to dig out the same amount of snow takes less than ten minutes.

Collapsible probes or ski-pole probes are also easy to carry along. Collapsible probes usually consist of two-foot lengths of tubular steel that join together to make a probe ten to twelve feet long. Ski-pole probes are made so that grips and baskets can be removed. The two poles can then be joined together to form a probe. Probing is essential to finding a buried victim if there are no visible clues on the surface.

Avalanche beacons (transceivers) are the most commonly used rescue device, and are standard equipment for ski-area patrollers and heli-ski operators. When properly used, they provide the fastest way of locating a victim. When a victim is buried, the transceiver will emit a frequency that other transceivers can home in on. However, it is critical to have the transceiver set to “transmit” during your outing. When trying to locate a buried victim, rescuers will then switch their transceivers to “receive” to locate the signal. Unfortunately, avalanche deaths have occurred due to the fact that the victims had their transceiver switched to “receive” rather than “transmit.” Consequently, rescuers could not locate them in time.

Remember that more than one transceiver unit is required. A transceiver will not help locate a victim who is not also wearing one. Likewise, a victim with a transmitting beacon may not be found unless someone else has a transceiver to pick up that signal.

Using beacons requires practice. Homing in on a buried signal involves moving in increasingly smaller circles around the area of the signal. When purchasing a unit, learn how to use it properly, and practice using it frequently. Make sure those in your party carrying transceivers understand how to use them.

Time is of the essence. Carrying this equipment may mean the difference between life and death for someone buried in an avalanche. Statistics show that most survivors are dug out within 15 to 30 minutes. For victims buried longer than 30 minutes, survival chances decrease drastically. In fact, U.S. statistics show that victims buried longer than 45 minutes rarely survive. Depth of burial is also a factor in surviving, but even if a victim is near the surface, the length of time it takes to locate them and dig them out can still be the critical factor.

Source: National Snow and Ice Data Centre

Icebreaker was born from humble beginnings in New Zealand 8 years ago. Since then they’ve become a global, multi million pound brand, supplying an ever increasing range of Merino Wool garments. With sustainability at the core of everything they do, Icebreaker garments work hard to move moisture away from your skin, keeping you cool in the heat of the day and insulating you from the cold when the temperature drops. Every Icebreaker is born outdoors and lives to get back out there.

The above blurb is what most outdoor manufacturers tend to say. In this case however our findings back up those of the producers. These garments are warm, comfortable and an added benefit if you are on a week long trip, you don’t smell like the sheep that they have come from!

Seriously, this is good gear. We have tried and tested this stuff in the Sierra Nevada over the past year and we wouldn’t now go up into the mountains without it. Sure, it is expensive, but comfort and long lasting, workable garments are hard to come by these days.

We can highly recommend Icebreaker outdoor clothing to all. Here is a selection of some of the gear we have fully tested:

Altitude Zip

The Altitude Zip’s versatile three way collar (wear it zipped up, zipped down or zipped up and folded over) and top ventilation qualities make it a great choice of action top when you’re planning a peak performance at extreme altitudes.

• Fits close to the body
• No shoulder or back seams, to improve comfort and fit
• High (9.5cm) zip collar can be worn three ways
• Underarm gusset in contrasting colour

Olympia Zip

This attention-grabbing top features a versatile three way zip collar (up, down, or up and folded over), as well as speedy-looking sleeve and side seam stripes. Fits close to the body, and follows your every movement.

* Drop tail.

Mountaineer X-Heavy Mid Calf

These socks will keep your feet warm even when wet. Extra heavy cushioning zones provide maximum protection, warmth and comfort.

* Mid calf mountaineering sock
* Extra heavy cushioning
* Keeps feet warm when wet