Jens Posted September 2, 2006 Posted September 2, 2006 After just getting back from Europe and climbing with a bunch of Europeans, here are some of my obseravations about what our brethren across the pond are using (for alpine routes): * lots of softshell pants but almost no softshell tops. Everyone wears a hardshell top. Didn't see a softshell top almost the whole trip. * Millet gear is everywhere (packs, clothing, boots) * Pins are carried on every alpine route * GUs or bars are rarley used. Real food is eaten instead * Not much black diamond stuff is used * They carry way less stuff in their rucsacs than us. * wands aren't used anywhere * Gaiters are not as common * Soft pitons are preferred (even on granite!) * GPS units are more commonly carried * Ropes used are skinnier (but often in better shape) * Cams aren't common on alpine routes (it's pins and nuts) * Perrier or SanPelligrino is the hydration of choice! Quote
ClimbingPanther Posted September 2, 2006 Posted September 2, 2006 * Ropes used are skinnier (but often in better shape) People are skinnier (and often in better shape) Quote
slothrop Posted September 2, 2006 Posted September 2, 2006 * lots of softshell pants but almost no softshell tops. Everyone wears a hardshell top. Didn't see a softshell top almost the whole trip.  Softshells are for skiing.  * Pins are carried on every alpine route  Even on pure rock climbs where you wouldn't carry ice tools? Do they carry hammers, or expect to have loose rocks to bash pins in with?  * GPS units are more commonly carried  This surprises me. I would have thought Americans were the gadget geeks.   * Perrier or SanPelligrino is the hydration of choice!  Whoa. Do they pour it into their water bladders, or lug up whole glass bottles? Quote
Mark_Husbands Posted September 2, 2006 Posted September 2, 2006 so what is it that they aren't carrying that us fools are lugging around? Quote
Dechristo Posted September 2, 2006 Posted September 2, 2006 so what is it that they (Europeans) aren't carrying that us fools are lugging around? Â Most of Arlington Cemetery and the debt to reconstruct their asses sixty years ago. Â Stoves Bivy gear The guilt of being American Quote
Mr_Phil Posted September 2, 2006 Posted September 2, 2006 What brand of cigarettes are they smoking at belays these days? Quote
Mark_Husbands Posted September 2, 2006 Posted September 2, 2006 who among us carries stoves, bivy gear, wands , gaiters, gps, maps, compass, matches, and/or any of that other ten essentials stuff on an alpine climb? Quote
tlinn Posted September 2, 2006 Posted September 2, 2006 I see a lot more people using figure 8's over there rather than ATC's. Â What`s up with that? Quote
jmace Posted September 4, 2006 Posted September 4, 2006 rather than ATC's  well he did say most people dont use black diamond stuff... Quote
RemoWilliams Posted September 5, 2006 Posted September 5, 2006 The latest in European soft shell action suits Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.