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In the first of a 2-part series, in association with deuter, Alun Richardson advises on the essential knowledge you need to start scramblingAt the top of the Chasm Face, a classic grade 3 scramble on Glyder Fach in North Wales, I stepped towards the edge and looked down the line of our ascent. The steep drop left me with a question was it a scramble or a rock climb? I would like to say that the answer was straightforward, but unfortunately there is no simple answer. One persons scramble is another persons rock climb, and it is that subjective view that makes scrambling such a wonderful pastime. There are not many sports that you can choose the size of the pitch and the size of the opposition to suit your experience, your mood and, of course, the weather?What is scrambling?Scrambling is an ambiguous noun and verb that attempts to describe the gap between mountain walking and rock climbing. Its a bit like a healthy diet most of us know what it is, but trying to explain it proves very difficult. Scrambling has existed since people started exploring the hills, and early scrambles were done by botanists and explorers. In 1802 Coleridge descended Broad Stand in the Lake District and in 1826 John Atkinson, an Ennerdale shepherd, climbed Old West route on Pillar Rock. Even the father of British rock climbing, Walter Parry Haskett-Smith, thought that rock climbing using a rope was wrong: We were rather heretical in our attitude to the use of the rope not having one ourselves. In the gall of bitterness, we classed ropes with spikes and boulders, as a means by which bad climbers could go where none but the best climbers ought to be.On harder scrambling routes, a rope is used to keep participants safeAt one end of the spectrum scrambling describes routes that adventurous walkers ascend such as Crib Goch on Snowdon and Striding Edge on Helvellyn. At the other end of the difficulty scale, routes like Broad Stand on Scafell and the Parsons Nose on Crib Y Ddysgl are, in reality, easy rock climbs. Some of the classic ridges of the UK such as the Cuillin Ridge encompass all types and standards of scrambling.For me, the joy of scrambling is that it takes me away from well-trodden paths and onto secluded buttresses and ridges where far fewer feet have travelled. But that brings its own problems, not least that the very places I am seeking solitude and adventure in are often the last sanctuaries for rare plants and animals tenuously hanging onto their grip on survival. We must all therefore give great thought to every footstep when we are scrambling to ensure we leave the delicate plant life untouched.There are great scrambling routes to be found all around the UKScrambling gradesThere are guidebooks to scrambles all over the world, each enticing you to take a slightly more exciting and rocky route up mountains. However, as weve insinuated above, selecting a scramble to suit your ability and experience is a bit of a black art. In the UK, scrambling is broken down into four grades (sort of), with the grade being based around technical difficulty and exposure. There is a big difference between a grade one and a four. Some older Scottish guidebooks used a system of grades 1 to 5, leading to considerable confusion over grades 1, 2 and 3. The grade alone is not enough, however one must also consider the weather conditions which can easily change the grade. On the continent, some authors describe them as easy, moderate or difficult. The important thing to realise is that the more difficult the scramble, the more like rock climbing it becomes.Grade 1 The terrain may have some big drops, but is technically easy. Ropes are only required by the nervous walker and you may be able to circumvent the difficulties. There may be the occasional hard step where hands will be required. Route finding is obvious e.g. Crib Goch on Snowdon, or Jacks Rake on Pavey Ark in the Lake District.Grade 2 Will have longer difficult sections where a rope and rock climbing techniques may be needed. Route finding can be difficult, and escape from the route may not be easy e.g. Clogwyn Y Person Arete, Crib Y Ddysgol and Llechog Buttress.Grade 3 Lots of tricky sections with many pitches of easy rock climbing. Dry conditions may be essential. Escape is probably by abseiling, and route finding skills are required. Cneifion Arete, Mynydd Mawr and Shark Buttress on Glyder Fach.Grade 4 (3S in some books, the S means serious) Exposure will be high and it will feel more like a rock climb; in fact, you may also find the route in a rock climbing guidebook. Escape is by means of an abseil e.g. Cyfrwy Arete on Cadair Idris, and the West Peak via Bilberry Terrace on Lliwedd.Where to goScrambling terrain in the UK is usually found on the mountains of mid/north Wales, the Lake District and Scotland, but they can be found anywhere, even traversing on sea cliffs. This isnt coasteering, which involves entering the water; sea cliff scrambling focuses on staying above the water, exploring the cliffs themselves and can involve using ropes, helmets and harnesses, but all above the reach of the waves.EquipmentFor scrambling you can carry the usual equipment that you would for summer mountain walking, but as soon as you get above grade 1 then you will need extra thought about what to take.Footwear: I sometimes wear boots and other times sturdy approach shoes, both with good lateral rigidity in the sole (to test a boot for low lateral twist, grab the heel and toe of the boot and twist in opposite directions). Specialist scrambling boots are great on the rock bits, but often have very poor grip on grassy terrain.Rucsack: The ideal pack for scrambling is a simple tube design between 25 and 40 litre. I dont like a rucksack with a plethora of straps or bungee cords because they get caught on the rock, especially as you may have to squeeze through tight spaces. Avoid packs with frames because they put the pack away from your spine and you want your pack to be part of you and move with you, so get one that sits as close and snug as possible. Also make sure that the pack lid doesnt restrict your movement when you try to look up with a helmet on. Load your pack carefully so that the weight is low and against your back and use the compression straps to keep the load from moving around this will help you to stay in balance.Specialist gear: The technical gear above and beyond the kit for summer walk will depend on the grade of the scramble. Each person should have a belay/abseil device, nut key and 120cm sling with a locking carabiner. The group gear you might carry will range from a 30m single rope tied around the waist, a sling and an HMS krab, to a harness, helmet, small rock climbing rack and a 40/50m single rope.A light, streamlined backpack is ideal for carrying your kitA typical rack of climbing gear for more technical scrambles is as follows:An assorted set of wired protection e.g. DMM WallnutsTwo large hexes on wire, or two extra large Wild Country nutsThree cams 0.5, 0.75 and 14 x 60cm slings4 x 120cm slings with locking carabiners3 x 240cm slings with large locking HMS carabinerTwo spare locking HMS carabinersBelay tubeNut keyPrussikSome 7/8mm abseil tat in case of retreatThe art of staying safeScrambling is the ultimate test of the what if question: What if I slip here? What are the consequences of a fall? Scrambling has been described as climbing a route where hands must be used for balance during the ascent, and rock climbing as an ascent where your hands hold your body weight. If we take that definition seriously, then many mid-grade scrambles soon become easy rock climbs. Describing scrambling as easy rock climbing belies the fact that it can actually be a more risky activity requiring efficient movement in big boots over exposed and loose terrain, often without a rope. Your partner must understand what is happening and communication is important to let them know where you are not comfortable with the level of risk. An efficient scrambling team is a delight to watch as they choose the appropriate technique at any given moment and fluidly change between options. To do this well they must make judgements, not only about the terrain ahead, but also about both their own ability and their partners. It demands the appropriate application of a variety of techniques generally employed in alpine mountaineering and rock climbing.If you need to use your hands, then chances are youre scrambling!Easy scrambling terrainThis can be defined as ground where a rope is generally not required, there may be a lot of grass, you may be in a damp gulley and there will be rocky steps that you are happy to solo because a slip will not mean death! The difficult steps may however require you to spot each other. On this type of terrain keep asking yourself what are the consequences of a fall? What is the terrain like ahead? What are you and your partners abilities? Are you both stable on your feet? Are you climbers or walkers? Is there more walking after the difficult step or do you need to put a rope on? Do you need to get harnesses out or can you just attach the rope around the waist? Could they end up dangling in space? Once the answer to the what if question is that you are getting the rope out, the fluidity of your progress up the mountain will then depend not only on your movement skills, but on how efficiently you can use a variety of rope work techniques and skills. Within a single scramble the techniques used can range from specific rock climbing skills, to moving together with a shortened rope between you and your partner.Easy climbing terrainThis terrain is where the scramble has longer and continuously difficult and exposed steps where a slip is serious and spotting is no longer effective. Two or sometimes three scramblers now tie themselves to the rope and protect themselves using a technique called moving together. In the wrong hands, moving together can simply mean all scramblers fall off instead of just the one who slipped, but to an experienced practitioner it hugely improves safety. It requires fluency and concentration and is a difficult skill to master. It is a good idea to practice on non-dangerous terrain before trying to use it on a serious scramble.Through scrambling you can access some of the most stunning mountain locationsThere are too many variables for a rigid method to be described here, but it starts with the scramblers using the natural terrain to weave the rope in and around. Should one climber fall, the rope will then catch on a rock feature such as a spike, boulder or one side of a ridge, stopping a very long and serious fall. When natural protection cannot be found, the lead scrambler will start placing rock climbing protection. When moving together do not have too long a length of rope between you because there is more stretch in the rope and communication is difficult. When a section arrives where you or your partner are no longer confident to move together, stop, create a belay and then climb over the difficulty, make another belay and bring the second over the difficulties. The type of belay varies depending on the consequences of a fall and whether they will be dangling in space and can be either a direct belay with the rope round a spike or boulder to a full on belay with runners and a belay device. The one you choose will depend on the consequences of a fall..Climbing terrainWhen the difficulties become more concentrated and moving together is too risky you will have entered the realm of rock climbing. Difficult scrambles are often broken up into several section of rock climbing interspersed with easier section. The ability to switch quickly between rock climbing tactics and moving together techniques is something that will come with experience.Product Focus: deuter Guide 24For moving smoothly and unhindered on rock while scrambling, a streamlined pack with a minimum of pockets and external features is desirable, and we found the Guide 24 from deuter ideal for this purpose. The Guide 24 is the latest in the line of the legendary Guide series of packs, which have always featured hard-wearing materials, high-quality workmanship, as well as ice axe and helmet attachment systems for moving through challenging alpine terrain. This latest model (and series) is lighter than ever (just 710g), is Climate partner certified and Made without PFAS, and offers features loved by mountaineers including a removable waist strap, detachable mesh helmet holder, fast access to the main compartment and padded shoulder straps. From scrambling in the UK through to summer mountaineering in the Alps, the Guide series is the ideal pack for the job.For more info on deuter Guide packs, go to: www.deuter.com

In this months big competition, Trek & Mountain readers have the chance to win either a (mens) Gregory Paragon 60 or (womens) Maven 58 multi-day hiking pack read on to find out how!Gregory Packs are renowned for their feature-rich yet lightweight rucksacks, offering everyone from hikers to alpinists some great options for carrying their kit, and weve teamed up with them to give you a chance to win one of their excellent Maven 58 (for women) or Paragon 60 (for men) packs, designed for multi-day hiking trips.What makes these packs stand out from the crowd though? Well, uppermost in Gregorys design goals was to make these packs your partner on the trail, delivering all-day comfort. The FreeFloat hipbelt is designed to move with you, meaning you can expend less energy, and stay cool and comfortable as you seek out those must-see places. The adjustable hipbelt and torso provide a customisable fit, and the Air-Cushion backpanel delivers that cool sensation you crave when youre deep into your backcountry adventure. With a performance-first focus, the Paragon and Maven are the ideal companion for your next adventure to keep you cruising as you lose track of the miles.FEATURESAs well as the innovative FreeFloat hipbelt, the Maven and Paragon have all the other essential features you need:On-The-Go shoulder strap pocket designed for the Garmin inReach, your favourite trail snack, or sunglassesPerimeter alloy frame and fiberglass anti-barreling cross- stay for stable load management and torsional flexibilityFull length side-loading access zipper for easy unloading and gear organisation *not included on 40L/38LInternal hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger compatible with Gregorys 3D Hydro reservoir (reservoir not included)Floating top pocket with large zippered compartment and an underside zippered pocket, reflective attachment points and key clipDual side stretch mesh pockets, one with side trail access and pass through for over or under compressionFront oversized stretch mesh pocket with secure buckle closureQuick-pull drawcord closure and top webbing compressionZippered bottom sleeping bag compartment with removable dividerCustom-moulded attachment loop and upper shock lock for trekking poles/ice axeComfort-grip moulded zipper pulls and moulded webbing keepers for strap managementHOW TO ENTERFor a chance of winning this superb prize, just answer the following question:What is the name of the dynamic hipbelt that moves with the natural movements of your body?A. FreeBirdB. FreeFloatC. FreeWillyD. FreeBritneyENTER HERE!* indicates requiredEmail Address *Answer (A, B, C or D) Entries must be received by 30/06/25 and the winner will be announced 15/07/25.

2025 marks a very special anniversary for British mountaineering, in that it is half a century since the groundbreaking expedition led by Sir Chris Bonington to summit Everest via the unclimbed South-West Face.The route had been attempted several times in the early 70s and critical to the ultimate success of the team of 75 was the efforts of Nick Estcourt and Paul Tut Braithwaite in forging a route through the Rock Band which unlocked the way to the summit itself. We are honoured to have Tut one of the golden generation of British Himalayan mountaineers speak on Saturday 5th July at Base Camp Festival, and it will be a rare opportunity to hear him talk about the South-West Face expedition and his climbing career up to that point. He will also be talking about the work of Community Action Nepal (of which he is a trustee), the charity that his late teammate and legendary British climber Doug Scott founded to help the mountain communities of Nepal.Adele PenningtonTut isnt the only Everest connection we have at Base Camp either. We also have one of the UKs most successful high-altitude mountaineers, Adele Pennington, giving two talks and leading a walk into the fells of the Buttermere valley on Sunday 6th. Adele was the first British woman to summit Everest twice, and she has ticked off five of the legendary 8000m peaks in total. You can sign up to Adeles guided walk HERE.Adriana BrownleeLast but not least, we are delighted to welcome Adriana Brownlee to the festival. Adriana made deadlines in 2024 after having completed all of the worlds 8000m peaks at the age of just 23. Now running a trekking company in Nepal with her partner Gelje Sherpa, Adriana plans to return to Everest next year and attempt to summit without supplemental oxygen. You can hear all about Adrianas adventures on Sunday evening at the festival.If you havent booked your weekend pass for the festival yet, click HERE.

A new exhibition has opened in Cumbria, featuring photographs and memorabilia from one of the most famous moments in British and indeed Himalayan climbing history.Sponsored by outdoor brand Berghaus and free to view, the month-long exhibition at Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1975 British expedition to climb the South West Face of Everest, and will be open to the public until Sunday 14 September.Led by Sir Chris Bonington, the 1975 expedition saw Doug Scott and Dougal Haston become the first Brits to successfully summit the worlds highest mountain, by a route that had never been completed before. The exhibition at Heaton Cooper Studio is being hosted by Community Action Nepal (CAN), the charity that Doug Scott later founded. It has been curated by David Nightingale and features the celebrated mountain photography of Sir Chris and Doug, along with climbing gear and other equipment and personal items from the expedition, much of which is on public display for the first time. The exhibition was opened by Sir Chris and Dougs widow Trish Scott (pictured above, second left, with David Nightingale, Chris Bonington and, from CAN, Nicola Terry) at a special preview event this week.Some of the exhibits on display, including Doug Scotts summit suitExhibition curator David Nightingale comments: These items have never been together in this format before. Many of them are being shown to the public for the first time, because most of them are in private family collections.The exhibition is part of a wider programme of events in the Lake District and London, all sponsored by British outdoor brand Berghaus, to mark the 50th anniversary and raise funds for CAN. The schedule will culminate in London next month. On Wednesday 24 September, 50 years to the day since Doug Scott and Dougal Haston stood on the summit of Everest, the Royal Geographical Society will host an evening of conversation with expedition members and special guests, featuring archive film footage and images. Sir Chris will attend, along with other 1975 team members and prominent names from the climbing community. Tickets for the evening cost 40 each and are available at 50th Anniversary of Everest the Hard Way expedition Tickets, Wed, Sep 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM | Eventbrite.Guests mingling at the special preview event, attended by Trish Scott and Chris BoningtonOn Thursday 25 September, CAN will host a VIP gala dinner in London. During the evening, Bonhams will conclude a special auction of 1975 Everest expedition items and other mountaineering memorabilia, that will also run online. Among around 30 lots in the auction will be some unique items that feature in the exhibition in Grasmere, including Doug Scotts summit suit from 1975, and other equipment from the expedition. The auction will go live at www.bonhams.com a few days before the dinner, and bids will be taken online up until and during the dinner, when Bonhams will also accept bids from in the room for key items.Money raised by the auction, and through other 50th anniversary events and initiatives, will contribute to CANs Sherpa Heritage House project. Find out more about the work of Community Action Nepal at www.canepal.org.uk.All images courtesy of Mark Battista Photography

Former professional rugby player and incomplete quadriplegic Ed Jackson has made the first ascent of a 4,720m mountain in the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan, in what is believed to be the first time someone with a disability has made the first ascent of a high altitude peak.Jackson and his team reached the summit on Saturday 23 August, and he is believed to be the first climber with a disability to make the first ascent of a high altitude mountain. The climb marks a milestone in adaptive adventure, as Jackson continues to defy the odds after a life-changing spinal cord injury.Ed Jackson is a former rugby union professional and lifelong outdoor enthusiast. In an accident in 2017, Jackson fractured multiple vertebrae in his spine and doctors warned him that he may never walk again. He has since confounded the experts and found a way to return to the mountains. Jackson works closely with British outdoor brand Berghaus, which modifies kit to help him climb.The expedition to Kyrgyzstan had been in planning for over two years, and saw Jackson and his small team establish a remote advanced base camp with the support of local nomadic shepherds, before tackling the technical ascent across glacial terrain, steep ice and a rocky section to the summit. The successful climb adds to Jacksons reputation for redefining whats possible in the world of adventure and resilience.Reflecting on the climb, Jackson said: Ive been working towards this for so long, and for it to finally come to fruition feels incredible. The climb was far more technical and demanding than I could ever have imagined, and it took absolutely everything to reach the top. There were moments when I doubted whether my body could do it but I wasnt climbing alone. I felt the strength of everyone who has carried me to this point. This summit isnt just mine, it belongs to all of them too.Ed Jackson, photo by Toby RoneyJackson, who founded the Millimetres to Mountains Foundation (M2M) to support people facing adversity through outdoor challenges, dedicated the climb to the beneficiaries of the charity and the local Kyrgyz childrens organisation CDI Children at Risk. The mountains name will not be chosen by the team themselves, but rather by the children supported by the CDI programme in Bishkek. Jackson and the team will meet with them in the coming days.Jackson adds: Climbing this peak was never just about standing on the summit. It was about carrying with me all the people who cant be here, and giving something back in the process. The fact that the children were supporting in Kyrgyzstan will get to name this mountain only seems right to me.The expedition was led by Adrian Nelhams, a highly respected mountaineer and guide, whose mentorship Jackson credits as the reason that the ascent was possible. Sponsors and partners included Berghaus, Petzl, Grangers, Inigo Insurance, Texel Group, Airolo, LEKI, and ISM, whose support helped make the expedition possible.The climb has also raised funds for M2Ms projects in the UK and CDIs work with children with disabilities in Kyrgyzstan. Donations can be made online athttps://www.givengain.com/project/ed-raising-funds-for-millimetres-2-mountains-foundation-106370

ReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersRabs expansion and development of its backpack range continues apace, now with larger packs that might once have been the sole preserve of sister brand Lowe Alpine joining their range, as well as the smaller, fast-and-light style packs that featured in their initial launch range.The differentiation between Rab and Lowe Alpine? Well Rab packs are certainly more techie, using the latest hi-tech fabrics to give the best weight/strength performance, as well as innovative back systems and other features, with Lowe Alpine tending to give a more traditional offering.This pack we have on test, the Hyperon 65L, is described by Rab as our definitive pack for exploring far-flung regions where self-sufficiency is key, this 65L backpack is geared up for serious multi-day adventures, from long distance trekking to shorter expedition use. It certainly looks the part, with its blue/black colour scheme (grey/black also available), chunky hipbelt and mesh-clad back system and straps. Its clean design belies the fact that it packs in a lot of features, both in terms of adjustability and storage options but well come to this shortly. Lets start off with a look at the packs all-important carry system.The Hyperon 65s back length is easy to adjustCarry systemThe Hyperon comes in two sizes M/L and L/XL and in addition to this the back length can be adjusted using a hook-and-loop system. Unlike some other hook-and-loop designs where its a struggle to keep two surfaces apart (and not sticking together) while adjusting the length, the Hyperon has a more refined design which is simple to adjust; just pull the outward facing side of the back panel away and then slide up or down on the two metal stays to get the ideal back length. The entire carry system including a very pronounced lumbar pad makes use of thick perforated foam which is intended to maximise ventilation at the same time as assuring comfort. The hipbelt arrangement is interesting in that it has slots behind he lumbar pad and moves independently with its own, curved metal stay giving it structure, and is also heavily padded with a large, zipped pocket on each hip.StorageAs we said earlier in the review, the Hyperon 65 has a clean and unfussy profile, and that is exactly how we like our packs here at T&M, but when it comes to storage it is absolutely rammed with options. The packs main compartment features a (removable) fabric divider near the bottom, which allows you to access a sleeping bag or other item directly via its own zipper. Not only that, but the upper part of the main compartment also has its own zip, so again, you can access items in this area without having to open the main lid. Speaking of the lid, theres no less than three internal and external zipped pockets located here, all good sizes each, with a security key clip inside the internal pocket. On the front of the pack theres another pocket with a vertical zip that could be useful for keeping a spare layer, or other items you want to access quickly, and naturally you also get a mesh drinks pocket on either side at the hips. Were not finished yet! Theres a zipped pocket on either side of the hipbelt itself, and finally, theres smallish zipped pockets at the sides, towards the top of the pack, which will fit objects such as a 1L water bottle.Out testing the Hyperon 65 in Langdale Valley in CumbriaIn useThe Hyperon 65 weights in at a not inconsiderable nor unreasonable 2.6kg, but like all well-designed trekking packs it feels almost weightless when you actually put it on. The fabrics used feel really tough and durable, and you just get the feeling that this pack is not going to let you down. The pack has both internal and external compressions straps; having them inside the main compartment means you can position items where you want them and ensure the pack is stable even when moving on rough terrain. On the outside, the lower straps thread through the side mesh pockets, and if like us, you like to carry tent poles at the side in these pockets, then youll appreciate being able to cinch them in tightly. But what matters most, of course, is the ability to carry a load over a long distance with the minimum of fuss and discomfort, and in this respect the Hyperon 65 delivers big time.VerdictLoads of storage options, a comfy carry and tough as nails make this a super trekking packMore info at: www.rab.equipmentSPECSWeight: 2.6kgMain fabric: 210D ROBIC Nylon with Spectra Ripstop and Hydroshield Dura coatingBack lengths: 48-58cm (M); 53-63cm (L)Secondary fabric: 210D ROBIC Nylon Ripstop with Tri-Shield CoatingVolume: 65lt/3965cu.inDimensions: 82 x 37 x 46cmBack system: V-TRAXFull specs and features at: www.rab.equipmentBuy the Rab Hyperon 65 online at:Ultralight Outdoor Gear

ReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersThe Jetboil name is synonymous with the all-in-one personal stove systems (also called tower systems) that the company pioneered in the early 2000s, driven by the desire of founders Dwight Aspinwall and Perry Dowst to create a more efficient and compact stove system than that of more traditional designs.The concept they came up with combined the stove burner with a pot that featured a heat exchanger consisting of multiple fins which increased the surface area of the bottom of the pot to speed up boil times and mitigate (some of) the effects of wind. The idea has since been adopted by other brands including MSR (with the Reactor series), Primus (with their Lite stoves) and Alpkit (with the Brukit), however the name Jetboil has virtually become a generic term for tower stoves, much in the way Hoover once was for vacuum cleaners. The Flash was not the companys first model, but was first introduced in 2009 and has gone on to become Jetboils biggest-selling product. Well come onto the improvements/revisions on this latest version of the Flash shortly, but lets take a quick look at how it compares to the other models in the Jetboil range.Combined pot/heat exchanger on the left, with the burner and gas canister on the rightThe rangeJetboil splits its range of stoves into two categories regulated and unregulated. Stoves with pressure-regulated valves are able to adjust the gas flow to ensure that the optimal level of performance is achieved, and this is particularly important in cold conditions, at high altitude and when the fuel level is low. Regulated stoves in the Jetboil range include the MightyMo (74.99), MicroMo (174.99) and MiniMo (184.99), and of these both the MicroMo and MiniMo are tower systems.The Flash falls into the unregulated category and Jetboil describe it as a 3-season stove. You can still use it in colder temperatures of course, however it wont be as efficient as a regulated stove and you will use more gas to achieve the same result. The other unregulated stoves in the range include the Zip (119.99) and the Stash (154.99). The Zip is essentially a cut-down Flash, with a smaller cooking cup (0.8L), and without the colour-change heat indicator and combined push-button ignitor of the Flash. You can still use the various accessories such as the coffee press, hanging kit, pot support and so on. The Stash, on the other hand, is a slightly different beast to the Flash and Zip. Light weight is the name of the game here, with this model being 40% lighter than the Zip, and featuring a titanium burner. Theres less protection for the flame though, so in windy conditions you may struggle.Spark wire is now encased with ceramic to make it more durableFlash 1.0LSo now weve had a bit of Jetboil history and an overview of their stove range, lets dive into the detail of the Flash 1.0L stove. The stove essentially consists of two parts (plus a gas canister) the burner itself and the cooking cup/pot which attaches to the burner by a simple twist mechanism. The burner unit sees some updates from previous versions a grippy rubber covering that makes handling easier and safer when attaching/detaching the pot, and the combined ignition/valve control which is a real improvement, making lighting the stove quicker and easier. The beauty of this design is that you can easily see when the valve is closed, so you can avoid wasting gas in the instance that you connect the canister when the valve is in the open position. One anti-clockwise twist of the dial turns the gas on and ignites it simultaneously. Another improvement is the spark wire on the burner which is now encased in ceramic, making it more durable.Fold-out legs attach to the bottom of the gas canister to improve stabilityOnto the pot itself, and this will feel very familiar to anyone who has used the Flash before. The insulated jacket incorporates a coloured temperature indicator silver when cold and red when hot, and the lid incorporates a strainer so that most times you dont even have to take it off. Boil time for 1L of water is about 2 minutes, which is about as fast as you can get. The stability of the Flash is not as good as traditional stove systems, however this is a downside of tower systems generally, not just the Flash. For campers who want to do more than heat water, the Pan Support 2.0 accessory allows various pots and pans to be used with the Flash, increasing its versatility and making proper meals possible.In conclusion, then, this latest version of the Flash offers several very worthwhile improvements on the previous version, especially the combined ignition/valve control which really does make life easier. For heating water for drinks or freeze-dried meals, the Flash is still one of the best and quickest options available, while if you do want to actually cook something yourself then the pan support accessory allows you to use pots and pans.More info: www.jetboil.co.uk1 Litre FluxRing cook pot with insulating cosyThermochromatic, colour-change heat indicatorConvenient, reliable push-button igniterBottom cover doubles as a measuring cup and bowlCompatible accessories include Coffee Press, Hanging Kit, Pot Support, Skillet, FluxRing Cooking Pot and UtensilsBuy the Jetboil Flash 1.0L online at:Ellis BrighamUltralight Outdoor Gear

This week sees the conclusion of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1975 expedition to the south west face of Everest, led by Chris Bonington, that saw Doug Scott and Dougal Haston become the first Brits to successfully summit the worlds highest mountain.Sponsored by Berghaus, the programme of events is being organised by Community Action Nepal (CAN), the charity that Doug Scott founded, and will raise funds to rebuild the Sherpa Heritage House, which is in the village of Khumjung in the Khumbu region of Nepal, and was badly damaged in the devastating earthquake that hit the area in 2015. The house is the ancestral home of Pertemba Sherpa, who was a member of the 1975 expedition.The celebrations this week will include a special event at the Royal Geographical Society on Wednesday 24th September, 50 years to the day that Scott and Haston reached the summit. Sir Chris will attend, along with 1975 team members Pertemba Sherpa, Ang Phurba Sherpa, Mike Thompson, Paul Tut Braithwaite, Martin Boysen, Mike Rhodes, Charlie Clarke, Adrian Gordon, and Arthur Chesterton, who covered the trip for the BBC. Dougs widow Trish and his daughter will be there, and other prominent names from the climbing community will also attend. Any remaining tickets for the evening are available at 50th Anniversary of Everest the Hard Way expedition Tickets, Wed, Sep 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM | Eventbrite.On Thursday 25th September, CAN will host a VIP gala dinner in London. During the evening, Bonhams will conclude a special auction of 1975 Everest expedition items and other mountaineering memorabilia, that is also running online. Among around 30 lots in the auction will be some unique items, including Doug Scotts summit suit from 1975, Dougal Hastons aluminium expedition box and an Olympus camera used by Chris Bonington during several expeditions.The Everest 75 exhibition at Heaton Cooper Studio in GrasmereThe auction is now live, and bids will be taken online up until and during the dinner, when Bonhams will also accept bids from in the room for the main eight items. Bids on the rest of the items will be accepted until Friday 26th September. There are some incredible lots from a golden age of British expeditionary mountaineering, including many donated by Dougs family.There are two links to use for anyone who wants to place a bid:Everest The Hard Way 50th anniversary celebrations(main eight items online and concluding at the VIP dinner on 25th September) Bonhams : Everest The Hard Way 50th Anniversary Celebrations.Everest the Hard Way online sale(online only until 26th September) Bonhams : Everest the Hard Way Online sale.All proceeds will be going to Community Action Nepal.