Category: Climbing
December 27, 2005
Brecon Beacons 8 Peaks Challenge
As final preparation for the Kilimanjaro climb I went climbing in Brecon Beacons (South Wales) with a friend Chris Williams. We climbed 8 peaks and covered a distance of 15 miles in a time period of 8 hours. Conditions were pretty bleak, the temperature never went above zero celsius and on the peaks the temperatures were in the region of -5 without windchill. Whenever we climbed a peak our water froze whilst reaching the summit.
The pic below shows me on top of Fan y Byg at 2,358ft.
The peaks we climbed were:
- Corn Du x 2
- Pen y Fan x 3
- Cribyn x 2
- Fan y Byg
As shown in the graph below, total ascent distance worked out at 2km and considering that on the the Rongai route for Kilimanjaro we will be ascending 4km over the entire climb we effectively climbed 50% of Kilimanjaro in one day.
You can download more pics of the climb here as well as a Google Earth KML for the route we took.
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Categories: Sport, Climbing, Brecon Beacons, Kilimanjaro, Training
December 23, 2005
Rab Neutrino Endurance Down Jacket - 2004/05 Model
I recently acquired this jacket as it’s one of the many layers I need for my Kilimanjaro ascent. I bought it at Outdoor Mega Store for GBP150 (RRP GBP200) and have to say I’m very impressed with it as it keeps you nice and warm. Only down side is that the hood is not detachable.
The Rab site describes the Neutrino jacket as follows:
By combining Pertex Quantum (the lightest down proof fabric) with 96% pure white goose down we have produced a superlight and compressible down jacket that lofts well, packs small and will form a vital part of any ‘fast and light’ mountain system.
- Filled with 220g of our finest quality 96% Polish goose down (750+EU 850+US fill power)
- Stitch-through construction provides a simple yet effective method of containing the down
- Elasticated hem provides a secure seal at the base of the jacket keeping warmth in and cold out with one handed pulls for ease of use
- Fixed filled down hood with draw-cord closure and stiffened visor protects against heat loss
- Two external zipped hand-warmer pockets and one inner zipped security pocket provide for all your storage requirements
- Full-length lightweight reversible YKK zip
- Velcro adjustable cuffs for a secure seal against the elements
- Provided with a stuff sac
- Weight 600g
The care section of their site also provides the following useful maintenance tips for RAB down filled products:
Storage:
- Store uncompressed out of direct sunlight in a dry, cool place.
If item becomes damp:
- Air thoroughly
- If unsuccessful, a short program in a tumble dryer on a ‘cool’ setting should restore the loft.
Cleaning:
RAB down products can be home cleaned, however this is a difficult and time consuming job. Please give it careful consideration before starting.
- Carefully hand-wash the item in warm water (40°C) with a soap solution, NOT DETERGENT.
- Rinse thoroughly, making sure there is no soap residue present within the product.
- Squeeze out all excess water gently with your hands and transfer item with care to a washing machine. A delicate ‘spin’ programme is recommended.
- If you are cleaning a box walled garment or sleeping bag, ensure that the weight of the item is supported by ‘cradling’ in a bath towel or similar. Failure to do so may result in damage to the down compartments
- Immediate tumble drying should commence in a commercial dryer on a ‘cool’ setting. Check the item periodically and repeatedly turn inside out. The down contained within the baffling may require further manipulation in order to restore the loft.
- Avoid the temptation to remove the item from the dryer too soon. Although the outer fabrics may feel dry and warm to the touch; down contained within the baffling can still be clumped because of moisture.
- The drying process can take several hours. When finished it is advisable to store uncompressed in a dry, cool place. Airing should continue for two days before use.
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Categories: Sport, Climbing, Kilimanjaro, Equipment
December 20, 2005
Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance with the British Mountaineering Council (BMC)
I’ve just taken out my travel insurance with the British Mountaineering Council for our Kilimanjaro Climb. This was recommended to us by one of the more experienced climbers in our group, Rick van der Merwe, who had a friend who claimed on it for alititude sickness and emergency repatriation.
The policy type I took out was trek which covers you as follows:
Includes all activities in Travel plus:
Hill walking, trekking, backpacking and scrambling.In Britain this includes year round mountain walking (including the use of crampons and ice-axes) but not ascents of graded climbs. In Europe and worldwide Trek includes easy trekking summits and via ferrata.
All walking trips in the mountains are covered including adventurous treks in the Alps and Himalayas. Recognised trekking routes with simple glacier crossings and scrambles are included. So, in Europe the Tour du Mont Blanc and easy alpine hut tours including via ferrata are included, but Alpine & Ski is required for technical and high altitude alpine peaks and tours such as the Haute Route between Chamonix and Zermatt.
For worldwide cover, Trek covers the trek to Everest base camp (including the scramble up Kala Pattar) and the trek along the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia, but Alpine & Ski is required for the crossing of high-altitude passes with snow covered crevasses (such as the Biafo-Hispar trek). Trek only includes journeys where the purpose is non technical ascents of easy trekking routes on peaks that do not require the use of technical climbing equipment. So, the normal trekking routes on peaks like Stok Kangri, Island Peak, Aconcagua, Kinabalu and Kilimanjaro are included but harder ascents require Alpine & Ski or Expedition.
To take out the policy you have to become a member of the BMC at an additional cost of GBP27.50.The Membership benefits are:
- Supporting Access & Conservation
- Summit Magazine Subscription (download pdf back issues here)
- Free world-wide Personal Accident and Civil Liability Insurance cover
- Travel and Activity Insurance
- Access to the Information Service
- Event Discounts
- Members Handbook
The nice thing about this policy is that there is no altitude limit which is ideal for Kilimanjaro, this policy schedule provides you with a pretty good analysis of the benefits. A summary of the cover is as follows:
- Medical Expenses £10 million
- Rescue/Recovery £50,000
- Hospital Inconvenience £1,000
- Personal Accident up to £25,000
- Personal Liability £2 million
- Baggage/Personal Possessions (incl cameras/watches) £1,500
- Loss of Passport £250
- Money & Documents £500
- Cancellation/Curtailment £3,000
- Delayed Departure £100
- Missed Departure £500
- Legal Expenses and Advice £25,000
Alpine & Ski and Expedition policies only:
- Avalanche Closure £500
- Piste Closure £300
- Ski Pack £250
- Equipment Hire £250
As can be seen, the cover is fairly comprehensive, let’s hope I don’t have to make use of it!
Update - 23rd December 2005
I received my BMC membership letter in the post this morning. My membership card is illustrated below:
Also received was the BMC Insurance Certificate and Policy Summary.
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Categories: Sport, Climbing, Kilimanjaro, Information
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