Winter is nearly upon us so might be worth revisiting my blog on the Berghaus Extreme Pro Insulated gaiters.
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| Notice reflective hem on velcro edges |
Summer 2012 we tackled a few of the spectacular volcanoes in Ecuador. Most attempting the higher 6k summits use or rent Plastic Boots. I wanted to use my Sportiva Nep Ex on Cayambe and Cotopaxi. Bearing in mind the altitude, cold and the volcanoes propensity for unpredictable weather conditions i needed to supplement them with something better than standard gaiters. After considering other options in the previous blog, i eventually plumbed for the Berghaus Extreme Pro Insulated Yeti Gaiters. http://www.berghaus.com/yeti-
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| Summit on Cotopaxi |
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| An astonishing piece of crevasse sculpture |
So how did they perform? Well, pretty good i’d say. We had atrocious conditions on Cayambe, during the ascent of Cotopaxi a snow storm blew in from 2am till dawn. The insulated Yeti’s supplemented with PHD’s Alpamayohttp://www.phdesigns.co.uk/
Keeping your bottom half layers simple works well. The day warmed up on the decent through the crevasse zone, the storm clouds cleared and the sun came out. Were they then too warm? i’d say no, if anything they kept my legs and feet in the goldilocks zone. If you want slightly more insulation, top up with some thicker footbeds.
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| Small crevasse jump |
Back down at the refuge my boots were dry with no sign of any damp, I’d not noticed any cold discomfort during the climb, and all my toes looked the right colour. So, If you don’t want to go to the expense of buying plastics and just want to beef up your leather B2’s or B3’s then the addition of insulated Yeti’s are just right mix. You likely ending up with something akin to the Scarpa Phantom 6000 etc. The best thing is your trusted B2/B3’s leather boots probably fit like a glove so there is little chance of chaffing or rubbing you might get from unfamiliar plastics.
Would they be too warm for the UK?
For winter day trips where your continually moving I’d say probably yes. However if you’re intent on something like a wandering sojourn through the Lairig Ghru in deep winter, then they might be just the shortbread. For any semi static activity i.e. photography or wildlife watching then again they may come into their own. The big front Velcro grab flap is also brilliant if you’re wearing gloves.
Are they still a bu**er to fit? yes but you get used to it, like fitting bike tyre, just don’t use your bestest table spoons.
Previous post... 15th Feb 2012
I’ve been looking to beef up the warmth of my Nep Ex’s for my Leggies and Footies for a trip to the Andes this summer (Can you see what i’ve done there).
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| Yeti Insulated |
I had thought the ‘Below 40 K2 overboot’ to be the solution. But I’ve just noticed The new ‘Berghaus Yeti Insulated Gaiters’ Hmmmmmmm nice
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| New Yeti |
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| 40 Below K2 overboot |
With the 40 below’s you can only wear them with crampons but you do get the critical footbed insulation. On mixed terrain at altitude i just don’t fancy taking them on and off.
With the New Yeti insulated gaiter it looks like you get the boot and leg warmth but obviously not the footbed. I’m thinking, along with the Yeti insulated gaiter, add some thermal insoles, and i will get the best of both worlds. I know i might be disappointed but they are even claiming that they are easier to fit than the old ones!!
Just getting feedback that they are not too easy to get hold of at the moment, Berghaus expecting a shipment in Late Feb
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