Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2017 i Trail

This is something else. If you’ve only ever seen Ben Nevis from its rounded, hulking side, you are in for a treat – one that tightens breath and dampens palms. The north face of Ben Nevis is imposing. Dark turrets of rock spiral upwards and shadowy terraces crinkle its walls. At times it folds inwards in snow-chocked gullies or bulges outwards in buttresses gleaming with verglas. It’s a huge, often-vertical mass of cold rock, snow and ice; a cathedral and a horror show at once. This is a real, true winter mountain and even if you never step a crampon on it – which we’d only recommend with honed winter skills, good fitness and a qualified guide – you should still see it. Though the widest view comes from Carn…

“Weirdest place you’ve slept? A sketchy tree house we built as kids” Scafell Pike, Snowdon or Ben Nevis? Ben Nevis. What’s the highest mountain you’ve climbed? Kilimanjaro (5895m) with my bike. Who’s your mountaineering hero? Martyn Ashton [former British and World Champion mountain bike trials and stunt rider]. What do you love most about mountains? Most of all, the descent. Sending it downhill on the bike gives me a buzz. On top of that – the views on the way up and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. Most memorable day in the outdoors? Standing on the summit of the Inaccessible Pinnacle on the Isle of Skye, while filming The Ridge in the summer of 2014. The mist whispering over the top of the mountains created an incredible view of…

Mountains are tricky things. You think you’re just going on an innocent walk, to stretch your legs and maybe see a nice view. Little do you suspect, when you’re lacing up your boots, that your walk may just lead to a fascination, and that fascination to a whole new life. We asked some mountain professionals, adventurers, team Trail – and you – which ones were responsible for turning your life the mountain side up... The hill that changed my life… BEN WEEKS, TRAIL Crib Goch . The first time I saw that knife-edged arête curving away from me, it was a revelation. I’d never have believed such places existed in the UK. From that moment I was hooked on finding the high and narrow spots of this country’s mountains. NEIL…

Go to the seaside Do 1244m of ascent Question: when prepping scones is it cream then jam, or jam then cream? I think it depends whether you follow the Cornish or Devonshire approach, but I can’t remember which is which. In the end I go half and half, pour a cup of tea from the pot and contemplate just how un- Trail -like this scenario is. I’d better explain… Coastal paths are notoriously hard work. Walk the entire 1014km (630 miles) of the South West Coast Path (SWCP) as it winds around the bottom left corner of mainland Britain and you’ll accumulate a whopping 35,000m of ascent – nearly FOUR times the height of Everest. Last year ultra-runner Damian Hall completed it in under 11 days. It can be walked…

Go the Isle of Anglesey Do a mini ‘Ayers Rock’ I’ve never questioned what a mountain is before; that is until I visited Holyhead Mountain. I know what you’re thinking. Something along the lines of ‘‘Anglesey has a mountain ?!”, right? This I know because, tinged with surprise and doubt, the very same thought crossed my mind. The cliffs of Gogarth, which lie on the coast nearby, are renowned among the climbing community; but the area is definitely not well-known by mountain walkers. Nevertheless, marked there on the map is a dot labelled Holyhead Mountain and so, intrigued more than anything to see what Wales’s largest island would offer up, we set out to find it. Situated on the north-western tip of Anglesey, it’s the highest point in the area…

HELINOX UMBRELLA ONE £65 Hot because: Decades ago, when editor Simon Ingram first joined Trail’s ranks, he was asked to come up with a list of words that should never appear in the magazine. Number one on that list? 'Umbrella'. It’s unlikely that’s the reason for the name of this particular brolly, but whether umbrellas have a place on the hill at all is still debatable. This rain shield is super-light (210g), super-strong (DAC TH72M aluminium shaft) and super-reliable (mechanism-free operation). Its 97cm diameter is still at the mercy of strong gusts, though, and – in general– a hard shell jacket with a decent hood is preferable. But on low-level walks or a warm summer’s day when the threat of a light shower can’t be ruled out, the Umbrella One…

This jacket weighs 102g. In its handy stuffsack it weighs 106g and is about the size of a cricket ball. Jackets that hit these lean specs aren’t new. But the Hyper 100 (the grams-referencing name is not to be confused with the older Hyper Hydroshell) has keen advantages over models of yore. One, it’s a proper 3-layer waterproof – which is a new one at this weight. Two, it claims to be the most breathable jacket Berghaus has made, meaning the clammy cagoule-like feel of many superlight waterproofs shouldn’t be an issue here. Three, this looks and feels like a jacket you’d actually want to wear, rather than a nasty, shiny Halloween costume. It’s worth noting that this is no normal Berghaus jacket. Created by MtnHaus – a team that…

If you’re short on time but big on ‘quiet hills’ then pack some gaiters to help with this wild little journey, and its accompanying heathery and bouldery terrain. This is a wonderful mini march over Moel Meirch and Cerrig Cochion, giving you just enough of a taste of this gloriously quiet upland area to keep you coming back for more – but putting you back in the valley in time for tea and cake. Pick a clear-weather day and you’ll be impressed with some seldom seen views of Moel Hebog and the Snowdon massif. Or use the trip as a good test of navigation when the visibility is low, as this pathless and remote-feeling upland terrain will remind you of the wilder Rhinogau or smaller, heather-clad hills in Scotland’s Western…

Dun da Ghaoithe is Mull’s second highest peak after the far more famous Ben More, and it’s the island’s only Corbett (2,500-2,999 footer). Mull, Scotland’s fourth largest island, definitely lives up to its Gaelic name, Muile nam Mor-bheann, which translates as ‘Mull of the big mountains’. Dun da Ghaoithe, meaning ‘fort of the two winds’, is also apt, given the two castles that adorn its flanks. Starting straight from the ferry in Craignure itself, the walk up Dun da Ghaoithe passes by the picturesque (but now private) Torosay Castle. The ‘castle’ is in fact a Victorian country home set in 12 acres of garden. Neighbouring Duart Castle, of which you get great views as you climb the shoulder, is more of the real deal. A track takes you up a…

1 SO284725 ’ From Offa s Dyke Centre follow signs down to the River Teme and walk west through trees to cross a footbridge, railway and lane in quick succession. Leave the official Offa’s Dyke Path and walk north up a bridleway through bracken to re-join the main path near Panpunton Hill. Turn left and join the obvious route running next to the line of the earthwork, crossing stiles at fences. Continue north-west to a small forestry plantation on the right of the path, where the land drops steeply to the west. The path, marked with the acorn logo for long-distance paths, drops slightly towards the head of a steep valley and then turns left to the trig point on Cwm-sanaham Hill, with excellent views over the Teme Valley towards…

“All this will help etch in your memory a mountain day that will never fade.” Ben Lui and its neighbours Ben Oss and Beinn Dubhchraig are a bit of a surprise. From a distance they look rather benign as their profiles are hidden by the twists and turns of the glens and slopes that surround them. But it doesn’t take too much investigation to find that these three secretive peaks actually harbour one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in Scotland. A brisk walk up to Cononish at the heart of the range reveals a magnificent cirque of towering crags and enticing summits. Each of the three displays its own particular form of grandeur, and each offers a slightly different challenge. Ben Lui is perhaps the most impressive, and in…

It is not the, ahem, sole purpose of your boots to keep you dry. The fact that many do is often overlooked, and therefore many boots spring leaks well before their time because – quite understandably – their owners don’t follow a few simple rules. Leather vs fabric? Most boots are made of either leather or fabric, or a mix of both. Leather boots have the advantage of having high natural water resistance, though they can still get saturated and still leak. Fabric boots tend to have a high level of stitching and therefore more weak points. Both often come equipped with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex, so regardless of fabric they will keep the puddles out – provided they are adequately maintained. RULES TO REMEMBER! Clean your boots…

Mountaineer Joe Tasker trained as a Catholic priest before becoming a highly accomplished climber, writer and photographer. His legacy has been commemorated in the annual Boardman Tasker Award for mountain literature and in Savage Arena, an exhibition about his life, which will be on display at the Blencathra Centre from the end of the month. If you can’t make it there, or can’t wait, you can also see it online, right now. A collection of photographs, postcards, notes, old kit and video footage give a fascinating glimpse into the sharp end of mountaineering in the Seventies. www.mountain-heritage.org/tasker-exhibition/…

CARNEDD Y FILIAST SNOWDONIA After a day exploring Maes-Caradoc, up the ridge between Carnedd y Filiast and Mynydd Perfedd, Paul Tate enjoyed some fantastic views across the major tops – Tryfan, Crib Goch, Snowdon, Elidir Fawr and Y Garn. THORPE CLOUD PEAK DISTRICT Paul Mosely and daughter Jessica (7) are pictured here at the top of Thorpe Cloud – photo expertly taken by Mum! Paul's hoping this will be just the first of many adventures together to Britain‘s inspiring high points. KHUMBU GLACIER NEPAL Hannah and Terry, on their way to Everest Base Camp with the Khumbu Glacier in the background on a perfect autumn day in October 2016. SNOWDON SNOWDONIA Al Haynes' dog Diesel in his favourite place, on the top of Snowdon. At the time the picture was…

The great British weather had played its usual trick. When the weatherman predicted an unexpected dump of snow and freezing conditions in Wales, our plans quickly changed from Snowdonia’s knife-edge Crib Goch (slight relief) to the friendlier Lake District fells. Sitting in the cosy Black Bull pub in Coniston, nearly 200 miles away from our original Welsh location, with 50mph winds and sleet lashing the windows, we hatched a new plan. The Mountain Weather Information Service forecast clear skies and a gentle breeze. After 48 hours of battering wind and rain, it didn’t seem likely, but we were hopeful. Nothing beats bright blue skies, snow and a Lake District vista; so a quiet excitement brewed as we pored over route books and an outstretched map of the Southern Fells. “Introducing…

Go the Lake District Do a not-so-famous flipside I knew the day was going to be good because it began with an interesting poo. Perched on the edge of an unexpected precipice, it certainly delivered in the drama stakes. And this poo was sufficiently remarkable that it was quickly decided we would box it up and take it home. “My kids will love this,” said Tom. Hopefully that got your attention. Because if there’s one thing this place needs, it’s attention. The problem is, this little horseshoe lies on the wrong side of a very famous Lakeland horseshoe – the Coledale Round. Now, the famous Coledale Round is super. It takes in the famously dashing peaks of Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head and the underrated (but still famous) Causey Pike. You’d…

“Employing this technique allows you to roam without a specific route.” I developed the ‘hook & baseline’ technique while exploring the flat and relatively featureless Somme Valley in northern France, and I now employ it everywhere I navigate – from the streets of Manhattan to the mountains of Scotland. A ‘baseline’ is simply a bearing taken on any prominent feature, from a water tower or a skyscraper to a mountain peak, that you can use to find your way back to your starting point – and it is especially useful if you are lost. A ‘hook’ is a ‘catching feature’ behind the prominent feature from your starting point. These would ideally be linear, and hard to miss: in Manhattan for example I used the Hudson River! 1 From your starting…

Walking boot laces need to be tightened enough so they are firm, but do not restrict foot movement or circulation. So they should feel comfortable and allow ankle movement, while keeping the heel in place to prevent blisters. Laces often incorporate synthetic fibres, which make them slippery and less prone to wear from friction. Such fibres allows the laces to slip a little through the eyelets and move with your foot for comfort. The drawback, though, is that they can loosen during a walk. Various lacing patterns and techniques can help hold your foot in place and prevent laces slipping. Surgeon's knot Lace your boots as usual up the forefoot, but before continuing on to the ankle, wind the laces around each other two or three times (left). This creates…

KEELA ADS ADVANCED LONG SLEEVE ZIP TOP £25 Keela are often a good choice for inexpensive hillwalking gear with good functionality. This base layer is not quite as luxurious as higher-priced garments, which are softer and have additional odour control, but for day walks it‘s fine. It‘s made of simple polyester to wick away sweat. The fit isn‘t perfectly neat, but compared to similar priced base layers it does well, though the body is slightly short and can up ride up if you‘re wearing a rucksack with a hipbelt. A short zip at the neck improves ventilation in warmer weather but others, with a higher collar, may keep you warmer in cool conditions. VITAL STATS Material polyester Weight 232g (size L) Sizes S-XXXL (men’s); 8-20 (women’s) www.keela.co.uk BAM BAMBOO CLOTHING…

This walk is longer than the direct approach from Wythburn, but it has stunning views across many of the central Lake District fells from several different angles, a couple of secluded and beautiful tarns, and an unexpectedly sharp crag standing proud above a hidden valley. The going is mostly rough moorland grass, but there’s always the challenge of navigation if the clag is down. Perhaps it’s cheating a bit when there’s a line of rusty fence posts to guide you for some of the way along the ridge near the summit. Nevertheless, where they exist, they are useful and can provide good foreground interest for photos if the weather is good. Indeed, this walk is best saved for clear conditions, as the views are stunning! Lining Crag is the real…

The name ‘Wild Boar Fell’ alone conjures images of ancient legends and days gone by; indeed, the tusk of the last wild boar killed on the fell can apparently be seen in Kirkby Stephen church. This walk starts from the ruins of Pendragon Castle, founded in legend by Uther Pendragon, King Arthur’s father, who died here with his men when enemies poisoned the well. The present Norman building, now open to public access, dates from the 12th century. After the steady ascent over the Settle-Carlisle Railway and Little Fell, the summit plateau of Wild Boar Fell offers reward in threefold: the distinctive clifftop point of The Nab; the extension to the true summit and trig point; and a mysterious line of cairns guarding the dale, reminiscent of Nine Standards Rigg…

The Shelter Stone is, perhaps, the most famous refuge in the Cairngorms. It sits at the base of the spectacular An Sticil (Shelter Stone Crag) and has provided sanctuary for walkers, climbers, soldiers and even Prime Ministers (Ramsey MacDonald apparently spent a night here) for over 200 years. If it’s full, the banks of Loch Avon are also a fabulous spot for a wild camp. This howff is remote but a great way to reach it is by via Ben Macdui and Beinn Mheadhoin. Having spent the night, a spectacular route climbs onto Shelter Stone Crag and Carn Etchachan, two of the Cairngorms’ finest vantage points. The final route ascends steeply via Coire Raibeirt onto Cairn Gorm. TRANSPORT Train: from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness to Aviemore. Bus: service G10 between…

1 NJ002015 From the Shelter Stone, follow a path that runs north down to reach the banks of Feith Buidhe. Its fast-flowing waters, which descend from Lochan Buidhe, can be tricky to negotiate, especially when in spate, but several smaller tributaries a little upstream mean it can be crossed with a little care. Once over, follow another path that heads east to reach a gorgeous sandy beach on the shores of Loch Avon. It is an amazing spot surrounded on all sides by precipitous mountain slopes where you feel you are within the heart of the Cairngorms. Beyond the beach the path splits, and here a choice is to be made as the Allt Coire Raibeirt has to be crossed a little further along. If the river is in spate…

1 SO251742 Take the narrow lane west from Knucklas, on the north side of the railway, soon leading onto a track. Keep ahead, uphill, for 750m and at the next lane keep ahead on a path through fields, which climbs up to a clump of pine trees on Wernygeufron Hill. 2 SO238756 Turn left at the pines to walk west along a broad, grassy ridge. Continue for 500m and pass through a farm gate leading onto Open Access land with sweeping slopes of heather, gorse and rolling upland pasture. Keep ahead on a wide track, with a fence on the left, and pass a number of small pools. Some of these have been created as part of habitat management work and a range of dragonflies are found here. Walk west…

WHEN IT COMES TO HILLWALKING, looking after your feet is pretty crucial. Get your footwear wrong and you may find yourself with blisters, overheating, numb toes, foot pain, or even joint problems in other parts of your body. Not much fun. Get it right and you can enjoy dry, comfortable, supported tootsies, allowing you to enjoy the mountains to the full. As Trail is all about getting out there and loving the hills, we have produced this special Footwear Guide to make sure you avoid problems from the start, to get it right come rain, shine or snow. There is a bewildering choice of all types of boots today, with amazing technologies that have revolutionised waterproofing and comfort, so to get you started we have rounded up the very best…

HEEL CUP Pinch the heel cup between your fingers. If it’s soft and flexible it won’t offer much support, so such boots are best restricted to valley path use – while boots with stiffer heel cups are better for rocky mountain walks and winter use where maximum support is useful. FIT The inside of the boot should be around 13-15mm (half an inch) longer than your foot. With the laces loosened off, roughly measure the gap behind your heel by placing a finger down the inside of the boot. The upper should be snug and comfy. Walk around the shop and feel for any heel movement. Better shops can help with boot fitting, so do ask. Boots generally come in a men’s and women’s fit. Women’s models are generally narrower…

WATERPROOFING Yes, waterproofing has technically been around since the beginning, but leather isn’t infallible – particularly when it’s stitched. Gore-Tex has become the mainstay of reliable waterproofing, the big advancement in the last few years being Gore Surround, which was well-received as a way of increasing breathability and allowed the making of a lighter boot. But the hunt for the perfect combination of waterproofing, breathability and durability continues. Scarpa has recently converted to OutDry for some of its boots, which is an alternative waterproof and breathable membrane. But rather than being a membrane within the shoe, it is directly bonded onto the external layer of the shoe, the idea being that the outer layer does not soak up heavy, leak-inducing moisture. FIT Once upon a time, boots were boots, and…

Visiting the Peak District can feel like stepping into a steaming bath at the end of a long day, or being lobbed naked into a freezing one – depending on how lucky you are with the weather. On a clear day, under the welcome glow of spring sunshine, it’s marvellous, not least because of its sharp gritstone edges. Curbar Edge runs on from Baslow Edge and into Froggatt Edge, a rocky escarpment that the path traces almost to its lip. To one side of you is open moorland, heather and the occasional alarmed grouse. To the other a sheer rocky precipice, woodland and near endless view. Turn up early in the morning and the valley below will likely be blanketed in cloud, a half inversion caused by vapour settling overnight.…

“ I don’t feel very comfortable navigating away from paths and worry about getting lost. I want some good training in the fundamentals.“ That’s me ››› Foundation I CAN DO MORE “I’m happy with the basics in good weather, but feel nervous in more challenging conditions or on more difficult terrain. I’d like to consolidate what I know and perhaps become confident enough to lead groups.“ That’s me ››› Intermediate I CAN STILL DO MORE “I’ m comfortable with using map and compass, but would like to add to my skillset and increase my confidence at night or in extremely challenging conditions on featureless ground.“ That’s me ››› Advanced TAKE ME FURTHER! “I specifically want to learn night navigation, so I can happily walk in the hills after dark, as…

The feature on the Lake District Black Sail Youth Hostel in a recent issue of Trail [Mar17] reminded me of the day a couple of years ago when I was there – proving that on foot or cycle aren’t the only ways to arrive! A small group of us, all members of the Icelandic Horse Society of Great Britain, were staying with our Icelandic horses at Felldyke Bunkhouse near Lamplugh for a week. We rode from Ennerdale Water up the main track to the Youth Hostel. The weather that day was not favourable, so we returned along some forestry trails on the south side of the River Liza and had a thoroughly enjoyable day in spite of the conditions. Icelandic horses, although small in stature, are tough and versatile, and…

CRIB GOCH SNOWDONIA A moment of celebration for Daniel Chapman (right) and friend Al (left) as they enjoy a beer on Al's last UK summit before he goes back to New Zealand. Dan says, "Perfect day for a traverse of Crib Goch – blue sky, cold, but nice and dry." Each issue we’ll be giving away the new Summit 25/38 mattress from Multimat’s Expedition range. New materials make this self-inflating sleeping mat tougher and lighter for durability on unsupported expeditions. Tested to -35 deg C, its wedge profile maximises comfort and minimises weight, while a warm zone improves tog value under the torso. THIS COULD BE YOU! Send your shots, marked ‘Summit selfie’ to trail@bauermedia.co.uk In association with   www.multimat.uk.com…

A HILLEBERG SOULO Big tents cost big money. Solo tents are usually less financially deadly, but this one from Hilleberg packs a punch. A 4-season, free-standing design means you get a lot for your dosh. Price : £675 B WOODLORE BUSHCRAFT KNIFE Designed by Mr Whittle himself – Ray Mears – this knife is made of carbon steel to Ray‘s bushcraft spec. Price : £375 C SHERPA TENZING SUIT If you want to stand astride Everest, you‘ll need a cool Pertex-shelled suit stuffed with 800 fill power down. Possibly overkill for Kinder Scout. Price : £1,000 D MCNAIR MTN SHIRT The ‘best mountain shirt in the world', so says McNair. Spun from fine merino wool and made in Huddersfield, these shirts marry fabric brilliance with traditional design that endures. Hope…

Hill-bagging stats Walking the Wainwrights, the Munros, the Corbetts or the Welsh 3000ers? These routes have got you covered. Gradient profile We map every route for its unique gradient profile, giving you a pinpoint impression of its progressive steepness and the heights you’ll hit. What is the Trail 100? It's your tick-list of the 100 UK mountains you MUST climb! Download the full list from: LFTO.com/trail100 Always take a map on the hill We aim to provide the most accurate information, but you must ALWAYS use an Ordnance Survey or Harvey map on the hill and double-check any directions against it. BEFORE YOU GO... If you’re likely to encounter snow or ice on your walk you need to take precautions. You MUST have an ice axe, crampons and the skills…

Whinlatter Forest Park can be an easy place to overlook as a hillwalker. After all, it’s perhaps most famous for its mountain bike tracks and its local branch of a popular tree climbing amusement park. But head south of the rather glorious Whinlatter Pass and beyond the plantation tracks you’ll find an appealingly diverse way to explore some of the most pleasing summits in the Lake District’s north-west. These come in the form of Grisedale Pike, Crag Hill and Hopegill Head – with the bonus tops of Sand Hill and Ladyside Pike (and perhaps even Grasmoor too, if you’re feeling ambitious) thrown in to keep you entertained along the way. That main trio make for a choice 14km-or-so of walking. Grisedale Pike’s summit is dramatically positioned above the forests, overlooks…

1 NH989060 From Coire Cas car park, take steps to the right of the funicular railway entrance then cross the bridge over Allt a’ Choire Chais. After climbing a flight of steps bear right and follow the superb path south-west. It rises gently for 0.5km then splits; here keep right along heather-clad slopes. Soon stepping stones take you across the gorgeous Allt Coire an t-Sneachda, after which the path forks again. Go right and continue south, crossing Allt Coire an Lochain, before ascending steadily up the defined ridge of Miadan Creag an Lethchoin. As height is gained the scenery opens out across the dramatic and mighty Northern Corries. Coire an Lochain is truly impressive, the sheer cliffs dropping some 300m to the corrie floor. In a while the walk reaches…

Knighton sits slap-bang on the England-Wales border and, down by the banks of the babbling River Teme, it’s quite easy to stand with a boot in each country. King Offa dug this steeply undulating land, and today Knighton is often called ‘the town on the dyke’. One of the best parts of the original earthwork runs north-west over a roller coaster of dips and escarpments, while the empty moors above Knucklas form a fine breezy horseshoe that peaks on top of Beacon Hill. In contrast, the open pasture on the huge whaleback known as Stow Hill seems to go on forever. Many old tracks are still here and, apart from a few forested bits, the panoramic views haven’t changed much either. TRANSPORT Knighton is conveniently located on the Mid Wales…

1 SO354738 From the centre of Bucknell take the lane leading north from near the church and fork left onto a narrow lane soon after crossing the river. Continue along the lane until it turns into a track and at a low col between trees keep ahead with the main conifer plantation on the right. Follow the good track through woodland for almost 1km to emerge onto a lane by Cubbat. Turn right for 900m to the farm buildings at Weston. 2 SO329733 Turn right up the farm access track, past a fine cast iron waterwheel, and drop down to a couple of cottages. Look for the small steel gate and steps on the left, which lead to a track on the north side of the farm. Follow this uphill…

La Sportiva Trango Alp Evo GTX £270 Used by Jeremy Ashcroft, mountain-mad mountaineering editor Used for 6 months Take a first look at the Trango Alp Evo GTX, and it’s clear it has all the hallmarks of a summer-weight scrambling and mountaineering boot. The sort of boot you would pick for routes on the Cuillin Ridge or jaunts around the ridges of the Ogwen Valley, where there is a mix of rough walking interspersed with scrambling and the odd bit of rock-climbing. It’s on this sort of terrain that it excels. There's an uncluttered profile with tough Idro-Perwanger leather uppers, a rubber rand and a stiff sole unit, which is perfect for exploiting small holds and jamming in cracks. Closer inspection also reveals a rear crampon lug, Gore-Tex liner and…

ABRASION (OUTSIDE) Mountains are unforgiving environments for boots, with razor-sharp rocks the number one enemy. It’s common sense that scraping against rocks will have an adverse effect on the boot itself; but thankfully most manufacturers plan for this in the boot’s design. The main problems are rocks cutting through stitching, slicing through thin materials and breaking lace rings. Also, grit can get embedded in the leather, which gradually wears away at it. Another problem is the loss of the proofing agents on the outside of the boot – these help prolong a boot’s life, keep it looking good and help water repellency. DO IT Regularly reproof the outer with specific products, for example from Nikwax, Granger’s or Scarpa. Also consider the environment you’re likely to be in most when picking…