We need kit, lots of kit

I’ve been steadily researching and acquiring more gear over the last few weeks, which has helped build the excitement to the point where I’m struggling to sleep when I lie down at night!

Following on from the tent, I’ve now got a light-weight Grivel Air Tech Evo ice axe, some Grivel Air Tech crampons, a PowerMonkey Explorer solar charger and a super-flexible Primus Omnifuel stove that can burn just about anything. I still have to buy some pans but I’ve got my eye on some lightweight titanium pans from Alpkit (although the Primus Eta pans have come in a close second).

A guy in a shop in North Wales recommended some modifications to my layering, so I’m probably going to invest in a Rab Vapour Rise top and Primaloft jacket, which together should mean I can leave fleece and down jackets behind, saving space and weight.

The biggest trauma has followed on from the news that my trusty old Manta M4 boots are now too flexible for crampons. I decided to buy new boots and invested in some Scarpa Cristallo boots - lighter than the leather alternative (the SL) and hopefully quicker to break in. Unfortunately despite 5 trips to 4 shops, I couldn’t get a pair that fitted without squashing my toes, so I’ve switched to the SL. These are much more comfortable and I’m just hoping I can break them in in time.