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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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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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.

Salewa_IceAxe_TecX_Hammer_Review_1774 — Salewa Ice Axe Tec X – Hammer (pair)

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Mount Kyllini (Ziria) Spring Ascent with Snow

On April 29, 2017July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering19 Comments

It was end of November when we last visited the peak of Mount Kyllini (Ziria). That was our first winter mountaineering ascent for the 2016-1027 season. Now, end of April, and following up our ascent to Doussias peak of the so called “small” Mount Ziria, we decided to reach the second higher peak of Peloponnese.

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Spring Ascent on small Mount Kyllini (Ziria)

On April 24, 2017July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering7 Comments

End of April in Greece, usually is not just spring weather, but we are entering the “summer” temperatures. Though, this year, on the 22nd of April we had one more and perhaps the last snowfall for this season. Due to the weather conditions, we took the chance to hit the road and travel towards Mount Kyllini.

Mikri_Ziria_02 — Small Mount Kyllini within the clouds

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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.

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Winter Ascent on Artemisio Mountain

On January 21, 2017July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering3 Comments

Artemisio mountain is on the border between Arcadia and Argolis, in the Municipalities of Argos-Mycenae and Tripolis respectively. It forms part of the mountain range that connects the Argolic Gulf with the Corinthian, and as such, it borders with Lyrkeio mountain on the north and with Ktenia mountain on the south. On its west is the plateau of Mantineia. Its tallest peak is 1,771 metres in height.

According to Pausanias, a sanctuary dedicated to goddess Artemis, patron of hunters and wild nature, used to sit on its peak. The Roman traveller mentions the sacred grove of Itamoi, a European Yew that is very toxic, and according to mythology, the goddess used it to poison her arrows; unfortunately, the grove has not survived. Today, very few fir trees survive. The river Inachos has its spring on the mountain, its mouth in the Argolic gulf, and is one of the few springs that can be used for those who decide to climb the mountain.

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Winter Ascent on Mount Kaliakouda

On January 14, 2017July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering10 Comments

Mount Kaliakouda is like a twin to Chelidona; seperated only by Karpenisiotis river, the two are of almost equal height. An ideal destination for adventure-seekers, it stands out for the wildness of its nature and thanks to its contiguity with other mountains, it may serve as a base for several days of exploration.