Cumulus Incredilite Endurance Hydrophobic down jacket Review

On April 23, 2018March 30, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Apparel Reviews, Gear Review16 Comments

Winter season is over quite some time now, though I have decided to purchase a new jacket for the upcoming winter mountaineering season here in Greece, but also for my upcoming travels in other countries. Once again, I have been searching for the best possible option in order to fulfil my needs and personal taste. My research included also the major outdoor brands such as Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, The North Face, Rab, Mountain Equipment, Montbell etc., though once again I have ended up buying one more product from the upcoming Polish brand, Cumulus.

Cumulus_Incredilite_Endurance_Hydrophobic_New_Review_6235 — Cumulus Incredilite Endurance Hydrophobic Down Side view

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Cumulus Minilite Down Vest Review

On April 9, 2018March 29, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Apparel Reviews, Gear Review4 Comments

It has been more than 2 years of time that I was looking to get a down vest. The possibilities within this field are many, or better, the market is overloaded with down vest products. As I usually do, prior of purchasing any new product, I search the market and the offerings of the various brands and based on previous experiences and knowledge I take a decision. This is the process I have followed also in order to select and buy a down vest, which is the Cumulus Minilite Down Vest.

: Cumulus Minilite Down Vest Side View

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Simond 2-in-1 Mountaineering Gloves Review

On February 22, 2018August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review6 Comments

Winter mountaineering activities can be very enjoyable if the gear used is good and appropriate for the conditions. One of the most important gear items for winter mountaineering ascents are naturally gloves.

Simond 2 in1 Mountaineering Glove is designed for mountaineering and it has all the features you normally see on products double its price. So you get a liner glove that has synthetic insulation, and you could wear this on its own. But you also get an outer glove with a waterproof Novadry membrane, which you could also wear on its own. Goat leather palms, a nose wipe, a wrist leash and more make these gloves fully featured.

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Black Diamond Big Air XP Belay Device Unboxing Preview

On February 16, 2018March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review3 Comments

An essential belay/rappel package, the Black Diamond Big Air XP Package features a new ATC-XP and a Mini Pearabiner screwgate carabiner.

BlackDiamond_Air_XP_Belay_Unboxing_Review_2099 — Black Diamond Big Air XP Belay System Packaing

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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, 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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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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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.

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Petzl ALTITUDE Harness Unboxing Preview

On October 25, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review18 Comments

Recently, I have decided to upgrade some of my older pieces of equipment, and during this process I came to the conclusion that I wanted to upgrade my harness system too. Having used the Mammut Baffin harness for few years now, I came to the understanding that such a bulky harness was not what I wanted to have anymore. Although the Mammut Baffin performed great so far, I looked for less bulky and most of all for lightweight solutions. After extensive research on various harnesses from different high-end companies, I decided to purchase the new lightweight harness from Petzl, the ALTITUDE Harness.

Petzl_ALTITUDE_Unboxing_Review_2070 — Petzl ALTITUDE Packaging

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Salewa Ice Axe Tec X Hammer – Review

On October 16, 2017March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review15 Comments

As winter is approaching it is about time to take off the cast and dust off one of the most crucial items of winter mountaineering, the ice axe.

The Salewa Tex X Hammer Ice Axe is not the latest model of Salewa but is one of the most versatile models ever produced. The Salewa Tex X Hammer Ice Axe has ergonomic head with optimally balanced weight for a perfect swing and placement. The 20° curve in the shaft makes sure the user can use not much power and deliver an outstanding stroke power.