Rab athletes Thea Kopala Rhme and Lisen Strm embark on an epic four-day ski touring mission across a remote arctic peninsula in northern Norway. Impressed by the scenic mountain and untracked terrain, they find their way between lofty peaks and crystal fjords.Read the full story here: https://rab.equipment/basecamp/odysseDiscover the Khroma ski collection. //Womens: https://rab.equipment/womens/ski-moun //Mens: https://rab.equipment/mens/ski-mounta #TheMountainPeople #WeAreRab

Wild places charity the John Muir Trust has relaunched its popular John Muir Award revamped and updated in time to encourage young people to put down their devices and get out enjoying the wonders of wild places this spring and summer. The John Muir Trust is the UK charity dedicated to the protection of wild places and the Award is a key aspect of its work; engaging people in learning about the importance of wild places and how to protect them.David Balharry, CEO of the John Muir Trust said:More than half a million people have achieved a John Muir Award since it first began. Its learner-led approach provides an inclusive way of encouraging everyone to learn about the benefits of wild places. The Award sets the bar for accessible conservation learning and is a lynchpin in the academic year for schools, outdoor centres and a host of other providers across the UK.The John Muir Award was first launched 27 years ago and is hugely respected for providing inclusive, learner-led, outdoor, education experiences. Having been paused for around ninemonths to allow the team to focus on its re-design, the Award is now more sustainable, while retaining its ethos of inclusivity and all the principles and activities which make it so popular.As part of the updating process, the John Muir Trust team consulted extensively, engaging with the more than 1,200 organisations that have historically delivered the Award to participants. Many fresh ideas emerged, including how to make the Award more efficient to run and sustainable for many years ahead.John Muir Trust visitor centre in PitlochryThe Award operates in wild places all over the UK and its principles are just as relevant for smaller, wild spaces in more urban areas as for remote landscapes, because conservation and the protection of wild places are at its core.It is also well known for its inclusive element. Most participants complete their Award as part of an organised group with a leader from organisations including schools, community groups, and outdoor learning centres. The Award can be completed in a self-guided capacity by families and individuals. Theres no upper age limit and adults are encouraged to get involved too.The John Muir Award encourages everyone to get outside, discover and enjoy the wild places on their doorstep and beyond.More info at johnmuirtrust.org/award

Garmins range of inReach satellite communicators have established themselves over the last decade as a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts for staying in touch globally with two-way text messaging, location tracking and SOS emergency response services.The latter function is vital to people travelling in remote regions, and allows users to trigger an SOS message to the Garmin Response international emergency coordination centre, where trained staff are available 24/7 to respond to SOS messages, track devices, and coordinate with emergency services or others to dispatch assistance.Garmin have just released stats from 2024 showing where in the world inReach SOS functions were triggered, and what activities were being done at the time they were triggered. Lets take a dive into the data!LocationsThe locations of SOS incidents reflect the 100% global Iridium satellite network, the broad use of inReach technology and the Garmin Response teams ability to make speedy connections with emergency resources. In 2024, inReach devices were used during natural disasters, including hurricanes, flash floods and wildfires.Responses varied from local police and ambulance services for remote car accidents to highly technical helicopter rescues on Mount Everest. Responses from New Zealand to Norway to Chile to Morocco were coordinated for bike accidents, snake bites, stranded boaters, avalanched snowmobilers, lost hikers, injured climbers and more.Breakdown of the activities users were doing when they pushed the SOS buttonActivitiesThe activity breakdown for SOS incidents in 2024 highlights the many ways inReach users use their device. Though hiking/backpacking and driving/motorcycling were still the biggest categories, there were increases in two very different activities: dirt biking and rafting. Other increases came from camping and mountain biking, while seasonally we see upticks in certain activities such as snowmobiling and backcountry skiing/snowboarding in the winter, boating in the summer and hunting in the autumn.Other top activities for SOS triggers included climbing/mountaineering, off-roading, paddle sports and cycling.2024 saw an increase in the number of SOS incidents triggered for the actual user, but nearly half were still triggered for a party member or third-party individual.Graph shows the reasons that users reached for their inReach deviceMore info: www.garmin.com

Combining the warmth of down with the wet weather performance of syntheticinsulation, we try out two new jackets that use Primalofts latest loose fill technologiesBeing based in one of the wettest parts of the UK on the west coast of Scotland, Team Trek & Mountain appreciates gear that works well in damp conditions, so we were excited to test out two new jackets from Rab and Adidas that are built around the latest, cutting-edge PrimaLoft loose fill synthetic insulation.The performance of these jackets Rabs Cirrus Ultra Insulated Hooded Jacket (230) and the Adidas Terrex Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Insulated Hooded Jacket (170) promised to be ideal for the kind of weather we enjoy/endure in Argyll during the winter months both wet and cold at the same time so we headed out into our local hills in a range of weather conditions to put them through their paces.Two different types of PrimaLoft synthetic insulation, but both are warm and damp-resistantRab Cirrus Ultra Insulated Hooded Jacket with PrimaLoft ThermoPlume+The Cirrus Ultra looks every inch the midweight down jacket except it isnt! Instead of down inside its chunky baffles it has PrimaLoft ThermoPlume+, the second generation synthetic insulation that uses soft feather-like plumes of vegan-friendly fibre to mimic the lightweight warmth, softness and compressibility of natural down. This + version achieves the equivalent of 650-fillpower, and its improved loft over the original PrimaLoft ThermoPlume is achieved by the use of little balls of synthetic fibres that keep the plumes apart and also help stop the insulation from migrating. In practice, this makes the Cirrus Ultra a superbly lightweight jacket that compresses really well in your pack and will keep you warm in all weathers, whether its raining, snowing or just bitterly cold.As well as PrimaLoft ThermoPlume+ the Cirrus Ultra also uses standard sheet insulation in high-wear areas such as the rear scooped hem and across the back of the shoulders, and overall the jacket is very easy to use and look after, with washing and drying much easier than with down products. We used the Cirrus Ultra in all weathers, from cold and dry, to cold and wet, to a full blizzard (see our Instagram Reel!) and it coped with all that was thrown at it. As well as its light weight and impressive packsize, we particularly liked the jackets warm, helmet-compatible hood, its generous handwarmer and chest pockets, and the overall comfort afforded by its Pertex outer and lining complete with soft beardguard at the chin!The distinctive baffle patterns of the Adidas Terrex Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Insulated JacketAdidas Terrex Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Insulated Hooded Jacket with PrimaLoft RISEThe Xperior is a very different beast to the Rab, but no less effective for its intended uses. Using a distinctive baffle pattern that helps to eliminate cold spots, the Xperior uses the latestPrimaLoft RISE insulation which is another loose fill made from 100% post-consumer materials (i.e. used plastic drink bottles). PrimaLoft RISE is ideal for packing into the small baffles on the Xperior, and this gives a totally different feel to the wide baffles and lofty insulation in the Rab Cirrus Ultra. Instead you get a quite thin but warm layer that could be used as a warm midlayer with a rainshell over the top, or just as an outer itself, as conditions dictate.In use we found this a really versatile jacket and, again, ideal for the damp and cool conditions that we hike in on the west coast of Scotland. As well as the PrimaLoft RISE insulation in the body and arms of the jacket, sheet insulation is used at the sides and hood, and this enhances movement and comfort in these areas. Theres two handwarmer pockets, plus an internal mesh stash pocket and zipped pocket ideal for your phone. A nice feature is the stretchy built-in gaiter which prevents drafts getting in around the neck.Walking in Argyll in winter can be both cold and dampTake-awaysSo what have we learned while testing these two products? Well, firstly that the latest PrimaLoft synthetic insulation is getting tantalising close to the performance of high quality down insulation, while also providing an ethical (no birds involved) and sustainable (use of recycled materials) alternative. And then just the ease of ownership not being worried if the weathers wet, and stress-free cleaning and drying of the garments, for long-lasting performance. Its a win-win situation as far as were concerned!More info at: www.PrimaLoft.com

ReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersThe Targhee has been one of the most enduring models in the Keen range, having first appeared a full two decades ago, and this fourth incarnation of the Targhee retains the tried-and-tested formula of a rugged design combined with the Original Fit that has won Keen so many friends over the years.The blurb for the Targhee IV however, highlights two areas that this latest incarnation excels in, and thats durability and sustainability. These two facets often go hand-in-hand of course, and a longer-lasting product is good for the planet as well as your wallet. A perfect example of this is the way that the midsole of the Targhee IV is attached to the outsole, by a process the company calls KEEN.FUSION and well look at this in abit more detail further into this review.KEEN.RUGGED outsole with multi-directional lugs is good on mud and grass, as well as trailsFeaturesBut what about the features of the Targhee IV, and who is the boot aimed at? Well, available in a choice of colours, and in both mens and womens versions (plus both shoe and mid-boot variants), the Targhee IV is a robust walking boot that would be ideal for UK hillwalking as well as overseas treks on trails (as opposed to technical ground). With a premium nubuck leather upper and a KEEN.RUGGED outsole with multi-directional lug pattern, combined with a KEEN.DRY waterproof lining, the Targhee IV is equipped to deal with a variety of surfaces and conditions, and should take all within its stride. The nubuck upper is reinforced with a suede rand and the boot comes with the trademark Keen toe bumper; so all-in-all it is perfectly capable of dealing with plenty of knocks and scrapes on the trail.The Original Fit gives the wearer plenty of room across the forefoot, and this has been a popular feature of these boots over the years this, combined with a highly-padded ankle cuff and tongue ensures that comfort levels are high. A heel-capture system consisting of threaded webbing tape thattightens around the heel area as you tighten the top laces means that heels are kept firmly in place.The iconic Keen toe bumper protects your forefoot against knocks and scrapesKEEN.FUSIONThe process by which the midsole of the Targhee IV is created and incorporated into the finished boot is called KEEN.FUSION, and there are two major benefits of this over the standard method. Firstly it does away with the use of glues that contain toxic solvents that are normally used to attach the midsole to the upper and outsole; and secondly, it makes the boot less likely to delaminate (sole comes away from the rest of the boot) which is one of the main causes of boot failure. Instead of glue, KEEN.FUSION uses machines that use heat and pressure to create a mechanical bond which is far stronger than any glue. The midsole itself is created by means of a direct-injection process that injects PU between the upper and the outsole, fusing the whole shoe together.The eco-credentials of the Targhee IV dont stop with the midsole though. Its laces are made from 100% recycled plastics, and its water-repellency is PFAS free. The nubuck leather is sourced from a LWG (Leather Working Group) tannery, which means that certain standards are adhered to.The Targhee IV will eat up trails like this all day longIn useSo weve heard all about the innovations that have gone into the Targhee IV, but what are they like in use? Well, weve been using the boots for hillwalking duties in the Highlands since the turn of the year, and weve been impressed so far, both with the comfort levels and their performance. Like many other walkers, weve always liked the roomy toebox on Keen boots, and this combined with the well-cushioned midsole, tongue and ankle cuffs mean that long days on the hill arent a problem for these boots, even when used straight out of the box. While the boot is soft enough to give a nice, rolling stride action, it also has good torsional stiffness thanks to its stability shank. The sole unit, with its Keen rubber and multi-directional lugs gives good traction on grass or mud, and also offers good braking on downhill sections.With its tough nubuck upper, and waterproof liner, the Targhee IV is ideal for using all-year round in the UK aside from full-on winter conditions and would also be great for many multi-day overseas treks too, where comfort is so vital during long days on the trail.More info: www.keenfootwear.co.ukKEEN TARGHEE IV SPECSWeight: 1154g (pair)FeaturesOriginal Fit has generous space across the forefoot for toes to splayPadded tongue and collar for enhanced comfort100% recycled plastic lacesDirect-attach, air-injected Luftcell midsole for long-lasting cushioningRemovable Luftcell air-injected insole for added cushioningKEEN.FUSION construction fuses the upper to the sole without glue for a longer-lasting bond thats better for the planet.Abrasion-resistant KEEN.RUGGED outsole for durable, longer-lasting tractionMulti-directional lug pattern provides superior tractionHeel-capture system for added stabilityStability shank delivers lightweight stabilityKEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane seals out moisture from the insideLeather mud shield repels debris for added durabilityEnvironmentally preferred premium leather from LWG-certified tannery for cleaner waterEco Anti-odour for natural, pesticide-free odour controlMaterialsPremium nubuck leather upperBreathable mesh liningCareClean with mild soap and cold water. Remove excess dirt/spot clean with a stiff brush or soft cloth. Air dry away from heat.Buy online at www.keenfootwear.co.uk

The push towards more sustainable garments in the outdoors has resulted in a new generation of waterproof/breathable shells, and Montanes Torren Jacket is one of the leading contenders of this new breed of garment.Using the companys new Petrichor technology that focuses on breathability and sustainability, the Torren Jacket is a premium mountain jacket that features a helmet-compatible hood, pit-zips, two-way YKK Aquaguard main zip, articulated arms allowing freedom of movement, and its shell face and backer are made of 100% recycled materials. It also has a Fluorocarbon-Free DWR coating on the shell fabric to bead and shed water. All in all, its a jacket that ticks the right boxes for todays mountain-goer its waterproof, breathable, functional and has strong sustainable credentials.What is PETRICHOR?Montanes PETRICHOR 3-layer technology delivers waterproof (20,000mm Hydrostatic Head), exceptionally breathable performance to the Torren Jacket. It scores a RET rating of less than 5, which means it is ideally suited for high-output activities in the outdoors, where it will remain breathable to keep you dry inside and out. This is achieved through the windproof, non-porous hydrophilic membrane that transports water vapour and moisture away from the body, an effect that increases as you work harder. The 3-layer construction sandwiches the waterproof membrane between a 100% recycled, 21D Ripstop nylon face fabric and the lining, for improved durability and next-to-skin comfort.Torren JacketEverything about the Mens Torren Jacket has been designed for industry-leading moisture management performance. In addition to the highly breathable PETRICHOR waterproof fabric, large pit-zips have been incorporated to be used on the move and provide adaptable ventilation. This means you dont have to stop to switch out a layer, boosting your performance and helping to keep you protected as you strive to hit your high-altitude goals. The Torren Jacket has been awarded a prestigious ISPO award, recognition for its advancements in waterproof technology, particularly around addressing the current challenges prevalent in the outdoor industry. This recognition underscores Montanes dedication to pushing boundaries and setting new standards.HOW TO ENTERFor a chance of winning this superb prize, just answer the following question:Question: The Torren Jacket has a RET rating of less than 5, but what is RET a measure of?A. WaterproofnessB. BreathabilityC. WindproofnessEnter your answer and email address below:* indicates requiredYour email address *Your answer (A, B or C) Entries must be received by 30/04/25 and the winner will be announced 15/05/25.

A new Everest Exhibition reflects on 100 years of inspiration and human endeavor through art, photography and rare artefacts.To mark the centenary of Mallory and Irvines tragic disappearance on Everest, the Gallery at Rheged, at the gateway to the North Lakes, is currently running their Everest Revisited exhibition. Using original artwork, remarkable photography, film, and rarely seen artefacts, this brand new exhibition brings to life lesser-known stories, the personalities of past and present that have made Everest a household name and some of the little known and untold Cumbrian connections. This is the UKs most significant mountain-focused exhibition since the National Mountaineering Exhibition, 20 years ago. The exhibition is open to the public now and will run till 16th March.Spanning 100 years of mountaineering history, the exhibition delves into pivotal moments of Everest exploration, from early mapping expeditions to pioneering climbs, advancements in mountaineering technology and the vital role of the Sherpa community. The exhibition is not just about the past, its also about todays mountain communities and explores thought provoking themes of motivation, mountain waste and spirituality.Rare artefacts will be exhibited, kindly on loan from the Alpine Club, Mountain Heritage Trust, and Royal Geographical Society and some of families of the key people. Among them, Mallorys boot and goggles found on Everest and the original invoice for the sock, embroidered with A.C. Irvine discovered in September 2024 by a National Geographic team. A selection of tents and mountain clothing will sit alongside Irvines ice axe found mysteriously on its own in 1933 high on the mountain, and Wakefields camera and video recorder each with their own Everest story to share.Highlights will include artworks by Howard Somervell from Kendal and William Heaton Cooper from Grasmere , Bentley Beethams iconic photographs and historic images from the Wakefield and Norton Family. Contemporary art and sculpture also feature by British artists such as Alexander Heaton, Peter Kettle, Susan Dobson, Derek Eland, Julian Cooper, Andy Parkin, Ruth Charlton and Rob Fraser. A specially curated area has been dedicated to todays leading Nepalese painters and renowned photographer Mani Lama.The last day of the 1921 expedition photo by Howard BuryRhegeds Gallery Curator, Claire Harrison says This must be one of our most ambitious exhibitions weve developed and curated to date. We hope to honour the bravery and creativity of the climbers, artists, and storytellers who shaped Everests history, and bring out the Cumbrian links to Everest and showcase mountain art in all its forms.The idea for the Everest Revisited exhibition was put forward by local alpinist, writer and film maker, John Porter, also founder of the Kendal Mountain Festival Over the past hundred years, the fascination with Everest has in part, been a driver for a massive growth in mountain tourism worldwide. We are very aware of the impacts here in Cumbria, and now we turn to what Everest has meant to Nepal. The exhibition, where we have created an authentic voice for adventure and exploration, will reflect not only the extraordinary Everest mountaineers of the 1920s and the decades that followed, but also looks at the positive initiatives happening in Nepal today.Accompanying Everest Revisited is an inspiring programme of talks, films, and Q&A sessions in Rhegeds Cinema, offering a deeper insight into the history and stories of those who have tackled the peak. Highlights include a film screening of Everest Revisited 19242024 with Krish Thapa SAS Mountaineer & Spiritual Guide (4 Jan), a talk with Julie Summers on Sandy Irvines life (10 Jan), and a Q&A with legendary filmmaker and Keith Partridge following his film, Bonington: Mountaineer (11 Jan) and presentation, Life Behind the Lens (11 Jan) and Stephen Venables the first Briton to summit Everest without Oxygen (1 Feb). For the full line-up visit Rheged.com.Everest Revisited is open daily at Rhegeds Gallery and costs 5 to enter with 16 & under free. Tickets are available to book online or at the Gallery desk.

We try out out a striking-looking new jacket that sets new standards for the weight/warmth performance of synthetic insulated clothingReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersAs outdoor enthusiasts, we are lucky to live in a golden era for insulated clothing, with the different clothing brands and their suppliers continually pushing whats possible with both down and especially synthetic insulation. The advances in fabric technology combined with innovations in the actual construction of garments means that we are seeing some astonishingly high performing clothing coming out, and the latest in this line is the new Oreus Jacket (and vest) from Mountain Equipment. ME claim that the Oreus is the best mid-weight synthetic product currently available and they back this up with anecdotal evidence from their athlete team who have been testing the Oreus over many months on expeditions in the Alps and Himalayas. So what makes the Oreus different to other insulated jackets?What is Aetherm?At the heart of the Oreus is the special construction that ME call Aetherm. This is how they describe it: The patent-pending construction uses multiple strands of recycled polyester fibres weaved within a heat-reflective layer. This 3D structure maximises loft and air trapping but minimises the weight and packsize. It also means you need no stitch lines, reducing cold spots and moisture ingress.In use, ME say, the Aetherm technology results in a jacket that offers the warmth and comfort of down with the ruggedness and weather resistance of synthetic insulation. What does the Oreus Jacket actually feel like in the flesh, though? Well, the best way I can describe it is it feels a bit like a lightweight sleeping bag! Perhaps thats due to the very thin outer and inner materials, but also to do with the jackets extremely high loft. The insulating layer seems to float in the middle of the outer and inner layers, aside from a few stitching points, and you can actually feel the fibres that are attached to the reflective layer inside, and are what gives the Oreus its insulation properties.FeaturesSo weve talked about the special insulation thats used inside the Oreus Jacket, but how does it shape up as a jacket and what features does it have? Well, reading feedback from early adopters, its clear that sizing is a critical factor when choosing the Oreus. Although not intended as an out an out belay-style jacket (there are other, dedicated models in the ME range for this purpose), the Oreus can certainly perform this function in all but the most heinous conditions, but if youre intended to use it for this purpose you may want to go up a size from normal. If, on the other hand, youd be intending to use it more on its own, or as an outer (not over a rainshell) then youd probably opt for your normal size.Pocket-wise, the Oreus has two handwarmer pockets which are located quite high to avoid pack straps and harnesses, and theres a single small chest pocket. Inside, theres a large drop pocket that could accommodate a pair of winter gloves, and this doubles as a stuff sack (complete with karabiner carry loops) which in our view is generally a better option than having a separate stuff sack as they often get lost. The jacket has twin pull-cords at the hem to keep out drafts, and theres elasticated cuffs to keep your wrists warm. The hood is generous and easily accommodated the several different helmets we tried with it. Adustability is provided by internal pull cords that adjust the fit around your face, and by a Velcro strip on the rear of the hood to adjust the volume. The jacket uses YKK zips throughout, and the main zip is two-way to aid when belaying and taking comfort breaks, and has an internal storm flap to keep out drafts.In useWe spoke to Mountain Equipment athlete and occasional Trek & Mountain contributor Tom Livingstone about his experience using the Oreus on expeditions: The Oreus is far warmer than any other product with a comparable weight and pack size. Since it contains a patent-pending new method of synthetic insulation, it allows me to have a warmer clothing system for fewer grams. Its a significantly different and impressive jacket.While we havent been using the Oreus on cutting-edge expeditions in the Karakoram like Tom, we have been using it in some pretty nasty British weather over the last few months, and it has proved to be an excellent layer to have in our pack. It really does pack down small (see above pic comparing the Oreus to a 1L flask), and at less than 400g is astonishingly warm for its weight. We found it ideal for pulling on when reaching windy ridgelines and summits, and in the wet it continues to keep you warm as youd expect. We were using a larger size to normal but this really suited us, coming down below the waist and giving protection to the derrire. The arms are long enough to allow you to reach up without exposing wrists, and in fact the insulation overlaps the elasticated cuff so it helps keep your hands warm too. Overall the Oreus just feels very cosy, and seems to be instantly warm when you put it on.Were interested to see how ME use Aetherm in other products moving forward, but for now the Oreus Jacket gets a big thumbs-up from us!More info at: www.mountain-equipment.co.ukWeight390gInsulationGroundbreaking Aetherm Precision Insulation offers the warmth and comfort of down with the ruggedness and weather resistance of synthetic insulationUses 100% recycled Polyester and a reflective layer to increase warmthMaterials100% recycled PLASMA 10D inner and outer fabric with Fluorocarbon-free DWR; incredibly lightweight and breathablePatterning & DesignRegular Fit designed to maximise thermal efficiency and allow full freedom of movementHood ConfigurationMountain HC Insulated Hood is fully adjustable and will easily fit over a helmetPocket Configuration2 YKK zipped handwarmer pockets give access to essentials1 YKK zipped chest pocketLarge inner drop pocket for gloves and other items that need to be kept warmInner drop pocket doubles as an integrated pack pocket and features twin karabiner carry loopsCentre Front Zip2-way YKK moulded centre front zip with insulated rear baffle to minimise heat loss and wind ingressEasy to use with gloves onCuffs & Sleeves ConfigurationElasticated cuff construction for ease of use with gloves and perfect seal to maximise warmthArticulated and pre-shaped sleeves offer unhindered mobility when climbing in all your layersWaist & Hem ConstructionDual tether hem drawcords provide adjustment and increase thermal efficiencyFurther FeaturesDesigned and developed in the UK.Built to last. Backed up by our Product Lifetime GuaranteeMountain Equipment is a member of the Fair Wear FoundationSupplied in a recyclable protective plastic bagMountain Equipment information swing ticket printed on FSC-approved paper from sustainable sourcesThe Oreus Jacket is available at:Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Renowned IFMGA Mountain Guide and photographer Alun Richardson has announced the release of his heartfelt photographic book celebrating 30 years of a personal journey through the Khumbu Himal region in Nepal. Khumbu Himal A Photographic Journey captures the breathtaking mountain landscapes and the rugged terrain, but also the resilient spirit and rich culture of the Sherpa people who live there. Seventy percent of the books profits will be going to the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT), and the project aims to give back to a community that has had a profound impact on the authors life and career.I first visited Khumbu Himal thirty years ago and I was instantly captivated by its overwhelming beauty, the warmth of the people, and their unique way of life, says Alun. Over the years, Ive returned many times as a guide and photographer, and each visit has only deepened my admiration. This book is a tribute to the people of Khumbu and to the unforgettable experiences Ive been privileged to witness. It also highlights the challenges facing the Sherpa people and the landscape that they are the custodians of.In 2015, Alun worked as a volunteer for the Mountain Trust Charity, capturing the journey of three handmade watches, being taken to the summit of Mount Everest by the Royal Gurkha Regiment. However, this expedition was marked by tragedy when two powerful earthquakes devastated Nepal, claiming 9,000 lives, destroying infrastructure, and halting the expedition when a deadly avalanche ripped through Everest Base Camp killing 17 people.In 2017, the Royal Gurkha Regiment returned to Mount Everest and asked Alun to join them as their official photographer, documenting an historic expedition that saw thirteen Gurkha soldiers reach the summit. Inspired by the Gurkhas courage and resilience, on his return Alun began raising funds for the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT) through the sale of his photographs and giving presentations. GWT uses its resources to improve the lives of Gurkha veterans and their families, many of whom still live in rural Nepal, where poverty is widespread.The book is a photographic journey through Khumbus iconic landscapes, from high mountain passes to hidden valleys and the ascents of its highest peaks. It offers a rare glimpse into a region that, while renowned for its challenging Everest Base Camp trail, has many lesser-known routes and viewpoints that reveal the heart of Khumbu. Standing on a high pass, looking over Khumbu, is one of those rare moments that can bring tears to your eyes, Alun explains. There is a timeless beauty that can move you in a profound way.In addition to celebrating Khumbus awe-inspiring scenery, the book provides a voice for the Sherpa communities who live and work in these mountains, honouring their culture and emphasising the need to preserve this fragile ecosystem. It highlights the challenges that increasing tourism has brought to the region. Whatever the future holds for Khumbu and the Sherpa people, this place will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope this book inspires others to visit sympathetically, appreciate, and support this unique region.To order signed copies of the book and high quality prints taken from it, go to Aluns crowfunding page on www.kickstarter.com

Fancy joining the Trek & Mountain team and 400 other like-minded folk for an action-packed weekend in the Lake District next July? Well heres your chance to bag yourself a pair of tickets to one of the most anticipated outdoors events of 2025!Base Camp Festival 2025, the small and friendly festival for over-18s, will be happening in a very special corner of the Lake District. The festival site provides the perfect base for exploring the surrounding fells and crags, accessing the pristine waters of Buttermere, and enjoying the friendly atmosphere and numerous talks, films, workshops, music and other activities we have on-site.Weekend early bird tickets tickets are on-sale now for 195, and included in the ticket price is all of the following: Camping for three nights in a stunning lakeside location on Buttermere Free on-site activities including swimming, SUP, climbing wall, yoga and much more Free talks, workshops and films (including Best Of Kendal film selection) all weekend Live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, plus impromptu performances around the firepit! Subsidised instructor-led activities, including via ferrata, climbing, scrambling, trail running and more Free goodie bag worth 30 plus entry into our huge festival raffle!The event is supported by leading outdoor brands including EXPED, Montane, La Sportiva and Ellis Brigham, and there will be demos of the latest kit, with clothing and equipment available for you to try out.Reserve your tickets now and save an extra 15 by using the discount code XMAS15 at www.basecampfestival.co.ukHOW TO ENTERFor a chance of winning a pair of tickets to Base Camp Festival worth 390, just answer the following question:Which brand will NOT be attending the festival next year?a. EXPEDb. Montanec. La Sportivad. Nescafee. Ellis BrighamEnter your answer and email address below:* indicates requiredYour email address *Your answer (A, B, C, D or E) Entries must be received by 31st January 2025, and the winner will be announced on 10th February 2025.