My Essential Climbing Gear for 2023: Current Favourites

On May 11, 2023August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review5 Comments

As an outdoor enthusiast and a climber, I’m constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest climbing gear to help me push my limits and elevate my performance. Over the years, I’ve tried out several pieces of gear, and through trial and error, I’ve found the gear that works best for me. Lately, I’ve been receiving a lot of emails and comments from fellow climbers asking me about my personal choices for climbing gear. So, I decided to write this post and share my favourite pieces of climbing gear that I’m currently using in 2023. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, I hope that my personal recommendations will help you make informed decisions about the gear you choose to use on your next climb.

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Climbing in SunCastle – Ermionida, Argolis | Greece

On May 5, 2023August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing8 Comments

If you’re looking for a new climbing destination, the recently developed SunCastle Crag between the town of Ermioni and Iliokastro may be just the place for you. With its high-quality rock formations and diverse range of routes, this new sport climbing crag is quickly becoming a go-to destination for climbers of all skill levels. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about SunCastle Crag, including access to the crag, what to expect when you visit, and more.

SunCastle_Crag_Climbing_Ermioni_03 — Route: Dragon’s Spine

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The Ultimate Guide of Trad Climbing in Ermionida, Argolis – Greece

On May 1, 2023September 1, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering generalLeave a comment

Ermionida, located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, is a popular destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. With its rugged and steep limestone cliffs, Ermionida offers a variety of climbing routes suitable for all skill levels. In this post, we will introduce you to ten of the most exciting trad climbing routes in Ermionida.

Trad climbing, short for traditional climbing, is a style of climbing that involves placing gear to protect oneself while ascending the route. These routes vary in difficulty, from beginner-friendly climbs to more advanced challenges.

Let’s dive into the details of the ten trad climbing routes in Ermionida.

Trad_Climbing_Dardiza_Bayby1_Ermioni_172042_228

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Ek Tou Anasfalous VI UIAA 90 m. | Trad Climbing in Karathona beach – Nafplio

On April 24, 2023April 26, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general4 Comments

I woke up early on Sunday, feeling excited about the day ahead. I was going trad climbing with a few friends, and I couldn’t wait to get out to the crag and test my skills on the rock face.

After packing all my gear and double-checking my equipment, I hopped into my car and drove out to the crag. As we arrived, I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I was ready for the challenge.

We took some time to scout out the route and assess the rock quality. We discussed the type of protection we’d need to place as we climbed, and I felt reassured that we were all experienced and knowledgeable about trad climbing techniques.

Ek_Tou_Anasfalous_Web_Images_29 — Topping up the route

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Climbing in Castle Thermisia (Kastro Thermisias) – Ermionida, Argolis (2023 Update)

On March 31, 2023August 24, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing6 Comments

If you’re a climbing enthusiast looking for a breathtaking view, Castle Thermisia Crag is the place to be. Located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, this crag offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the sea. The rock formations are also incredibly diverse, making it an ideal spot for climbers of all skill levels.

The crag is located just a short drive from the city of Ermioni. This makes it easy to combine your climbing adventure with some sightseeing and relaxation in the area. In fact, you can even see surrounding areas such as Nafplio, Hydra, Spetses, Epidauros, Poros and Dokos.

There are several climbing routes available at Castle Thermisia Crag, ranging in difficulty from 5a to 8c+/9a. The majority of the routes are sport climbing routes, with well-maintained bolts and anchors for safety.

Climbing_Castle_Thermisia_Crag_01 — C. Vrochidis projecting Careless Corsair (project)

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Petzl Connect Adjust Review

On March 28, 2023August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review3 Comments

Trad climbing, also known as traditional climbing, is a style of rock climbing where the climber places their own protective gear into the rock as they climb. It is considered a more advanced and committing style of climbing compared to sport climbing, where pre-placed bolts are used for protection. With many years of experience in trad climbing comes the knowledge of the necessary gear to use in order to climb safely and efficiently.

The most essential gear for trad climbing includes a helmet, climbing shoes, harness, climbing ropes, carabiners, quickdraws, slings, and cams or nuts. A helmet is crucial for protecting the head from falling debris or rockfall. Climbing shoes are also essential, as they provide the necessary grip and precision for climbing. A harness is used to attach the climber to the rope, and a climbing rope is used to catch the climber in case of a fall. Carabiners and quickdraws are used to attach the rope to the protection, while slings and cams or nuts are used for protection.

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Mount Artemisio – Winter Mountaineering ascent via the North-West Couloir

On February 20, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering5 Comments

As I trudged up the snow-covered slopes of Mount Artemisio, I felt a surge of excitement and anticipation coursing through my veins. It had been a year since I last set foot on mountain covered with snow, and the thrill of the winter mountaineering activities that awaited me was almost too much to bear.

As I gazed out over the rugged terrain, with the crisp winter air stinging my cheeks and the snow crunching beneath my boots, I knew that I was exactly where I belonged – among the mountains.

In this post, I will recount my recent winter mountaineering ascent via the North West couloir of Mount Artemisio in Argolis, Greece.

Join me on this exhilarating journey as I navigate the treacherous slopes and take in the breathtaking beauty of this majestic mountain.

Winter_Mountaineering_Climb_Mountain_Artemiisio_North_West_Couloir_10 — Enjoying the view and getting ready for the challenge

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PETZL Hirundos 2022 – Climbing Harness Review

On January 25, 2023September 1, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review7 Comments

Not very long time ago, I wanted to purchase a new harness in order to substitute my old -and loved- harness, the Mammut Ophir. In that time, I wanted to have an all around harness, with emphasis on trad and multi-pitch climbing and therefore I got the Petzl ADJAMA.

Although the Petzl ADJAMA is a great and very comfortable harness, due to the fact most of the days I spend them on sport climbing crags, I also got the new Hirundos model by Petzl.

Petzl_Hirundos_Harness_2022_New_Review_18 — Petzl Hirundos Harness 2022 with Gear

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Public VI- UIAA, 90 m. | Trad Climbing in Varasova

On January 16, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general2 Comments

Visiting the area of Mt. Varasova is always very pleasant and while being there, is always great to try to do as many routes as possible. This is what we have actually done at the beginning of 2023.

Early morning we climbed Kalydonios Kapros (V+, 100 m) and upon a short break for a snack and a refreshment we decided to go and climb another route, Public.

Trad_Climbing_Varasova_Public_01 — View of the rock

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La Sportiva Katana Laces 2022 Climbing Shoes Review

On January 13, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review8 Comments

During the past few years, while I have been constantly getting better in climbing, I have been tempted to try and test different kind of climbing shoes. My first pair as a beginner was La Sportiva Tarantula, which was a great pair of shoes for my first “baby steps” in the climbing activities. Upon that, I have tried various other models, such as the Anasazi VCS by 5.10 and the Simond Rock+ and the La Sportiva Otaki. Till this day, most of the times I use the Simond Rock+ and I have been extremely happy, though after a long testing period, I can not say the same about La Sportiva Otaki. Therefore, once again, I did an extensive research, mainly via my network of fellow climbers. My choices where the following two, the La Sportiva Katana Laces (2022 model) or the La Sportiva TC Pro.

LaSportiva_Kataki_Laces_2022_New_Review_01