Hi Dan, I’ve never read that one…sounds interesting. I had a look around online but couldn’t find it. I’ll Let you know if it turns up 🙂

Dan

Hey Taylor! Thanks for your comment.

One of the wonderful things Mammut offers with their ropes is your own choice of dry treatment. You can buy from their Classic, Protect, or Dry collections. If you are climbing in the gym only, buy the Mammut Eternity Classic – you definitely will not need the Dry! The Classic is much less expensive and will meet all your needs indoors. Depending on the length of the routes at your gym, you might be able to go in on this rope with a friend, and then cut the rope in two at the halfway mark. 30-35m is a sufficient length for most gyms, but be sure to check first!

I own a Mammut Eternity Dry and use it all the time for sport climbing outside. If outdoor climbing is in your future and you’re not worried about the cost, it can be a great choice.

I think most people have had boot problems at some time or other. Until about 10 years ago I had the odd blister and used Compeed to good effect. Then I had problems with my Scarpa Mantas – just couldn’t wear them despite lots of previous walks in them. Then my Scarpa SLs and Scarpa Alps started the same trick. I ended up using a pair of cheap light weight boots for a while but had to get better boots for the winter. I was very careful in my selection and the first thing I noticed was that no Scarpas of any size fitted any more (I’ve tried other Scarpas since – no good).

The problem wasn’t Scarpa – it was my feet – MY ARCHES HAD FALLEN hence blisters and bruised toes. I had denied or been ignorant of my boot size going up from a 46 to a 47/48 AND at the same time I needed a wider fit (no – Scarpa wide fits are no good for my either).

So my advice is to try out boots for size and width (Meindl, Raichle/Mammut, Vasque, AKU and Berghaus work for me).

I would also suggest wearing boots suitable for the walk. My Berghaus Kibos are really comfortable but I only use them in winter – at this time of year my feet would get too hot. Think about the socks too and match them to the boots.

It might also be worth trying an approach shoe (if you have a comfy pair) on the hills (try a dry spell) – be careful with the lack of ankle support but if you blister with them it is back to the drawing board. Good luck.

Thank you!

Florian Wittek