Living in the Peak District National park creating visual tension in my photography with
@CanonUKandIE @kentfaithint @Picfair @photopills and further afield. email peakdistrictinonandabove@gmail.com
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So back in the Peak District today, winds blowing well over 50mph plus. Decided to get back out after our trip to North Yorkshire yesterday and check out some new abseil points at the local crag (Windgather) http://peakathleteclimbing.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/cumulus-review-from-within-cloudy-sky.html
The wind on the top of the crag was un believable. Took a short video of the conditions to show the benefits given by the Cumulus jacket and Monroe sellopets. Fantastic winter kit made by Keela, U.K. Based business. http://www.keela.co.uk/ or catch them on Twitter @keelaoutdoors
This video shows the conditions at present here in the Peak, sound is drowned out by the wind,enjoy.
Saturday could not have been a better day to test some new kit. Recently I applied as a kit tester for Keela, unfortunately January is to late to be picked as I need new kit for an SPA assessment day.
The day was being run by Cliff Lowther of http://clifflowtherroxcoolblog.blogspot.co.uk/ Cliff runs a great company with courses to suit all needs within the outdoors. Contact Cliff for further information on up and coming courses, highly recommended.
So, bit the bullet and did my own bit of kit testing, yep I bought some KEELA kit.
I bought the Keela Cumulas jacket and the Monroe sellopets. So climbing in full winter kit you say, conditions dictate I am afraid.
The weather in North Yorkshire over the weekend was the worst I've seen, 50-60-70 mph winds, with lashing rain. So kitted out ready to climb,
WHATS THE VERDICT
Simply, dry. Is that an answer, well it's difficult. Being warm, wet free in such a hostile environment as we've seen this weekend is for me something unusual.
So starting at the beginning.
Arrive at the crag, early.
Get changed in the van, then go for a recky round the crag.
The guys arrive for the SPA assessment, time to put the kit through its paces.
First route, is Rough Crack. Jammin crack, not easy in winter kit. Well, actually it was. I was amazed at the amount of movement I had in the sellopets. The pants never hindered my progress, really pleased with the movement and articulation I could achieve.
Topping out on Rough Crack.
Next we spent some time running a crazy route inside a chimney. This I thought would be the stopper, no, not a problem. The kit didn't hinder me or stop progress through the tight corners.
Closing our day at Armscliffe we move up to Brimham rocks for the worst weather I've seen for along time.
A tad wet.
So arriving at Brimham rocks we encounter some of the worst weather we've seen all weekend.
How does the kit perform then.
Ok, good points.
Totally dry for the whole two days
Fantastic pocket arrangement.
Love the lanyard idea inside the main front pockets,great for keys or compass.
Skirt at the base of the jacket worked well with a harness, stayed dry throughout the day.
Mobile phone pocket, great. Ease of use, didn't get wet at all even thou the weather was foul.
This jacket has loads of great features, and without doubt the best jacket I've tried.
So, sellopets.
Simple, again, dry. Stayed dry all day. The pants fit well, don't prevent movement and feel great.
You just wouldn't think you had sellopets on.
Comfy to sit in, didn't feel constricted or tight around the harness all round winner.
Like to haves.
Would like to see a slightly bigger hood area, found this a bit tight whilst working.
Velcro, Velcro in between the main front poppers. Got a little bagging on the front of the jacket, Velcro strips would finish this off nicely.
So, other than that the kit met the standard. So, well done to KEELA fantastic well done guys.
Late entry, but here is a bit of video from the Cubic Block are at Brimham rocks. These were the type of condition we faced over the weekend.
To get kitted out. Received fantastic service from Outdoor Wales, prompt fast delivery backed up with great technical knowledge.
Purchased a Cumulus Pro Jacket
Plus to finish a pair of Monroe Sellopets.
At this moment in time I cannot find fault with this fantastic design. They have been designed with help from Mountain Rescue Teams from around the Uk, and it shows. I too currently serve with the Mountain Rescue Service and will be putting this kit to the test over the next coming months. I will BLOG out each time I go out and provide open and honest feedback, so keep logging in and see how it goes.
Saturday saw a trip out to Masson lees nr Matlock Derbyshire, 45 min trip through the Peak District from home over some of the most picturesque landscape in England.
First rule of Drytooling, put the clip stick in the van. Yep, forgot the stick. So, first route on lead for the season was the super route left of the main wall called (Warm up) M4.
Bottom looking up shot, just lead the route and clipped into the top chain.
We stayed on this route running reps all afternoon, two runs each. We will up the anti as the season progresses, Rjukan is booked for last week in January so we need to get some serious training done.
Looking out of the cave.
The great thing about Masson, it's always dry due to the massive over hang in the roof.
Next task is to remove the aggressive front points off my DT boots, they keep locking in the pockets whilst moving up the crag. Short points are required.
So back from Masson feeling good after a great day out with Dean. Watched Eric Mowhinkle
https://vimeo.com/64010387
So, into the loft to re produce the tools for success.
Watch the video, great training aid along side regular visits to Drytooling venues.
