La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX Mountaineering Boot Review

On November 27, 2017August 28, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review6 Comments

It is considered to be one of the best mountaineering boots, for sure, it is one of the most iconic mountaineering boots there are out in the market. The La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX, is indeed, a great piece of gear for multiple winter mountaineering activities. From an easy Alpine route, to mixed climb up to ice climbing. La Sportiva’s Nepal Evo GTX is one of the most popular mountaineering boots of all time; a combination of rugged, supportive 3.2mm Perwanger leather, classic lacing system, lugged Vibram sole with rigid midsole, all lined with insulated Gore-Tex to keep a mountaineer warm and dry.

LaSportiva_Nepal_Evo_Review_2278 — La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX Side View

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Autumn Ascent on Skiathis Mountain

On November 23, 2017 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking4 Comments

It was a cloudy and rainy Sunday morning, and we have decided to visit a mountain peak that is not well known. The name of this mountain is Mount Skiathis (also called Scathes or Sciathis) and is in the boarders of the prefecture of Argolis and Arcadia. In the north part is connected with Mount Oligyrtos and in the southern part with Lyrkio Mountain.

The highest point of Mount Skiathis is 1.777 meters above sea level. This mountain is not often climbed and therefore during our ascent we have not met any other hikers. Actually, the path towards the peak is not well signed and therefore in case of not optimal weather conditions, it is suggested to have a GPS device with the route already loaded in it.

Skiathis_Mountain_Autumn_Ascent_2830 — While arriving in Alea, a beautiful rainbow was welcoming us

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Agrafa Mountains Svoni Peak Expedition Preparation – Autumn 2017

On November 18, 2017November 20, 2017 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking4 Comments

Agrafa is a mountainous region in Evrytania and Karditsa regional units in mainland Greece, consisting mainly of small villages. It is the southernmost part of the Pindus range. The Agrafa region is famous for its complete autonomy throughout the entire 400 years of Ottoman Turkish occupation of Greece. The word agrafa literally translates to unwritten which means unregistered or uncharted; because the Ottomans were unable to conquer this region, the area and its population were not recorded in the Sultan’s tax register. As a result the people were usually free to conduct their business and customs as they pleased without Ottoman influence.

Agrafa_Five_Towers_26 — Pouli and Svoni Peak 2.042 m. as seen from 5 Towers (5 Pyrgoi)

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Stubai Ice Axe Review

On November 15, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear ReviewLeave a comment

Several years ago, and once I decided to be more actively involved with mountaineering activities, I needed to get equipped with the appropriate gear. Once of the main tools for winter mountaineering activities is the Ice Axe. The first Ice Axe I have used was an ice axe from the Austrian company, Stubai. Nowadays, I use the Salewa Tec X Ice Axe.

see review of the Salewa Tec X Ice Axe here

Stubai_IceAxe_Review_1740 — Stubai Ice Axe

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Taygetus Mountain Autumn Ascent via Athanati Rachi

On November 6, 2017August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking, Mountaineering general3 Comments

While we are approaching winter, we have decided to visit once again one of our favourite mountain ranges of Greece, Taygetus (Taygetos).

Taygetus, is a mountain range in the Peloponnese peninsula in Southern Greece. The highest mountain of the range is Mount Taygetus, also known as the “Profitis Ilias”, or “Prophet Elias”. The name is one of the oldest recorded in Europe, appearing in the Odyssey. In classical mythology, it was associated with the nymph Taygete. During Byzantine times and up until the 19th century, the mountain was also known as “Pentadaktylos” which means “five fingers” in Greek. The name was related to the 5 tops of the mountain range.

Taygetos_Taygetus_Mountain_Autumn_Ascent_2577 — Map of Taygetos found in Maganniari Springs

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Cumulus Incredilite Endurance down jacket – Long Term Review

On November 1, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Apparel Reviews, Gear Review6 Comments

Winter is approaching and is time for a review of one of my favourite down jackets. This is an 850 cuin goose down jacket from a Polish brand named Cumulus. I have used this down jacket for 18+ months now on various occasions. From winter mountaineering activities, as insulation jacket while camping but also for daily use when temperatures drop down in my area.