Many of my clients ask me about wich backpack they should choose for their next trip to the Alps. Many possible answer to this question:
Which activity ?
each backpack is designed for a specific activity.
A ski mountaineering pack should have side velcros and loops to carry skis and board whereas you will be happy to use ice axes loops for a day ice climbing. Side-access or double-zipper designs give you the option of retrieving gear from various parts of the pack without having to dig around or remove items...
Before you choose your pack, make sure it is designed for the activity you're planning.
For how long ?
For mountaineering ascents in the Alps you will certainly not need more than a 45 litres capacity. The longer you're out on the mountain, the more space you'll need for gear. You can use these figures as a basis for determining your capacity needs:
- Daymountaineering or single-night trips—30 to 40 litres. ( One day off piste skiing, ski touring, ice climbing, heliskiing)
- 2- to 3-day trips—40 to 45 litres ( summer ascents with a night in mountain huts, or short ski tours)
- Extended trips (up to 6 days)—45 to 50 litres ( ski or climbing trips in autonomy, multi days ski tours)
Try your backpack in the shop loaded and make sure you carry most of the weight onto your hips and not on your shoulders !
A moulin or glacier mill is a narrow, tubular chute.Moulins can go all the way to the bottom of the glacier and can be hundreds of meters deep.
Moulins are a part of a glacier's internal "plumbing" system, to carry meltwater out to wherever it may go.
We abseiled down on of them on the Mer de Glace the other day with Jesper as the running water system is now stopped by freezing temperatures: just an amazing experience in the heart of the longest glacier of the french Alps.
Watch the video here. Contact me for more details !
20 minutes from Chamonix is the peacefull Thermal parc in Le fayet. In the back of the Thermes building is a new born dry tooling spot. About 20 routes between 15 and 30 meters. From F 6B to 7C grade.
What is Dry Tooling ? Dry-tooling is climbing on non-icy rock but using ice climbing equipment such as crampons and ice axes.
Dynamic, burly moves, wild falls and unpredictable blow offs...dry tooling is controversial among many climbers !
Some favor it as a new and exciting kind of climbing, while others dislike it for its non traditional methods... Just try it yourself and make your own opinion !
Watch the related video from our last session with Peter in Le Fayet.
