Outdoor Research Clothing - Andy

Got hold of some Outdoor Research clothing for the trip. Decided on a base layer, soft shell, insulation layering system for the mountain. Will take some hard shell for the trek in and as a back up but I'm hoping not to have to use it! The specialist glove range are the first choice for leading mountaineers and alpinists so I should have warm hands (for a change!).

Looking forward to using this kit in anger as I've been around it in its sample stages for what seems like an eternity. Performance updates when I get back!

The link below gives a bit of an insight into what OR is all about, along with some useful tips too:-

Outdoor Research - Video Links

Check out the OR website for more info on the products available:-

Outdoor Research UK

Mentor Jacket Alibi Jacket Alti Gloves

The trek in to the mountain, Day 1 to 4 - Kieron.

I thought it was worth jotting down a little about the trek in to the mountain for those (Andy included!) who haven't seen or been to this area of the world.

From Katmandu a 50 minute flight on these small, Twin Otter type aircraft, we will arrive at Lukla. The landing strip and Lukla is on a 30 degree angle and makes for a very exciting landing and take-off!! It's here that the journey really begins, with a 2 day trek to Namche Bazaar.

The plane at Lukla.

The second day will see us arrive at Namche Bazaar. To help with acclimatisation, we will spend 2 days here before heading on to Thamu.

View down to Namche Bazaar.

During our rest day in Namche we will plan to visit the settlement of Khumiuna, which is about 1000ft higher and will give us our first view of Ama Dablam, a peak I climbed back in 1996.

The view across to Ama Dablam.

Arriving in Thame, this is where we will spend our fourth night on the trail.

Approaching Thame.

Clean Water! - 9th September

Have been getting the majority of the kit together over the course of the last weekend and have most things sorted and the outstanding items are in hand! The one thing I'd forgotten all about until Kieron mentioned it was drinking water on the trek in to base camp. Luckily, a quick email to Ralph at Rosker Ltd and we had the solution - SteriPEN Journey!

This is a bit of kit which I've seen and heard a lot about but never actually used. Simplicity is the key here purifying the water using Ultraviolet light, killing viruses, bacteria and protozoa - including Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Will update on the performance of the product when we get back so watch this space!

www.rosker.com/cgi-bin/range/range.pl?Steripen

New Buff's!! - 5th September

Big thanks to Lisa and Jimmy from Angling & Outdoors in Cockermouth for sorting Kieron and myself out with a Buff each for the trip. Kieron's is the cross of St Andrew and mine is the cross of St George.

Hopefully we'll get a shot of them on the summit!!

www.anglingandoutdoor.co.uk