Kalenji Kiprun XT7 Trail running shoes Review

On June 23, 2021June 23, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review2 Comments

For the past few years, for my training activities (trail running) and for my hiking trips, I have been using the Bushido by La Sportiva. Overall I was very satisfied from those shoes, but due to the fact more than one pair of Bushidos I used, got damaged in the same areas (toe cap), I have decided to check out a different pair for the future. Upon some research and my previous experience with the products of Decathlon, I have decided to buy the Kalenji Kiprun XT7 trail running shoes.

KALENJI_KIPRUN_XT7_Trail_RUNNING_SHOES093705_536 — Pair of Kalenji Kiprun XT7

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Nordisk Mos Down Slipper Review

On November 25, 2019November 25, 2019 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review3 Comments

Winter mountaineering activities, are in the core of my outdoor activities and this means that many times I need to stay overnight on the mountain, either in a tent or in a mountain hut.

One of my favourite rituals after a long day of hiking or climbing a mountain, is to relax my feet. The most basic way, is to remove boots and replace the socks. Though, if you want to wander around the mountain hut, you need to have a second pair of shoes and/or a pair of slippers.

After an extensive research, I came to the conclusion that the Nordisk Mos Down slipper is the one that I wanted to have and use.

NORDISK_MOS_DOWN_SLIPPERS_153441_383 — **Nordisk Mos Down Slipper**

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Simond Rock+ Climbing Shoes Review

On September 29, 2019April 6, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review15 Comments

My personal evolution, i.e. the gradual development of my mountaineering activities, always leads me to search and test the most appropriate gear in order to perform better and most of all in full safety.

As described on my previous gear review post, the 5.10 Anasazi VCS, although very famous amongst the climbing scene, were not fitting me well. Therefore, I have searched for an alternative, which came out of Decathlon.

Decathlon is a French sporting goods retailer. With over 1,500 stores in 49 countries, it is the largest sporting goods retailer in the world. Amongst many brands, Decathlon, also offers a line dedicated for rock climbing, alpinism and winter mountaineering.

Simond_Rock+_Climbing_Shoes_Review__942 — Simond Rock+ Climbing shoes

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5.10 Five Ten Anasazi VCS Long Term Review

On August 18, 2019August 18, 2019 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review5 Comments

I have been involved in the various mountaineering activities for few years now and climbing is a major part of it. Part of climbing, is sport climbing and is a great way to practice for difficult mountaineering ascents. Like in any other sport and/or outdoor activity, the proper gear and correct use of it can provide extra advantages to the user.

My first climbing shoe was the La Sportiva Tarantula, and although is a good climbing shoe for beginners, is not of high performance. Having used the La Sportiva Tarantula for quite some time, I then got in my hands a more advanced climbing shoe by Five Ten, the Anasazi VCS.

FiveTen_Anasazi_VCS_Review_134534_274 — 5.10 FiveTen Anasazi VCS Climbing shoe

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La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes Review

On September 28, 2018September 28, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review7 Comments

It is not secret that I have a preference for high quality – great performance gear and when it comes to footwear I always want to have the best possible shoes. This is the case for my first pair of climbing shoes, the La Sportiva Tarantula.

Prior of deciding which climbing shoes I wanted to use for my climbing, I have searched on various brands, but once again, I ended up buying a product from La Sportiva.

LaSportiva_Tarantula_Review_9409 — La Sportiva Tarantula Top View

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La Sportiva Trango Extreme Evo Light GTX – Mountaineering Boot Review

On January 28, 2018March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review1 Comment

Having reviewed one of the most used and iconic mountaineering boots, this time we will review another mountaineering boot made in Italy, the La Sportiva Trango Extreme Evo.

The La Sportiva Trango Extreme Evo boot is designed for the modern requirements of the alpinist: waterproof, lightweight, insulated, high performance. The ideal balance for people who want a light boot suitable for crampons. Featuring the same abrasion resistant and waterproof Cordura® upper of the Trango S Evo, and a Gore-Tex®/Duratherm® membrane, that guarantees waterproofness and breathability, combined with an antishock HP3 midsole. Suitable for alpinism, ice climbing and hiking. The improved lacing system features a lace lock that allows double tension. Double rubber reinforcement on the toe box, double density Vibram® sole – easy to resole.

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La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX Mountaineering Boot Review

On November 27, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review5 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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La Sportiva Bushido Review

On October 6, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review13 Comments

It has not been so long ago when I purchased the trail running shoe, La Sportiva Bushido. Since then I have used this pair on various circumstance and I have completed around 350 kilometres with various activities such as trail running, mountain running, hiking and scrambling. So far, I have been very happy with the “Bushido” in terms of fit, performance and durability.

LaSportiva_Bushido_Review_0805 — La Sportiva Bushido 650+ km of use

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La Sportiva Bushido Unboxing Preview

On May 18, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review1 Comment

As a mountaineer, I like to keep my body in good shape and good condition. Thus, training is an important part of the whole mountaineering experience. Part of my training process is trail running. I try to complete 10k on daily basis including uphills, downhills uneven terrain etc. So far I have been using the Salomon Speedcross 3 which I have been very happy with, though do to the fact I run more often on hard rocky surfaces I needed a bit stronger outsole. Having done the appropriate research I have decided to go for the La Sportiva Bushido trail running shoes.

LaSportiva_Bushido_Uboxing_Review_01 — La Sportiva Bushido packaging

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La Sportiva Spantik – Review

On April 8, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review12 Comments

One more winter season full of winter mountaineering climbs is about to end in Greece and one of my favourite pieces of equipment will be cleaned up and stored for the upcoming months. This piece of equipment is the High Altitude Mountaineering boot Spantik by La Sportiva.