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Blog Archive: May2025

Arc’teryx Alpha SL 30 Backpack: First Look

Arc’teryx Alpha SL 30
Backpack: First Look

Blog Post
Gear Reviews

We take a look at the Arc’teryx Alpha SL 30, one of the first packs to utilise the new ALUULA Graflyte fabric, updating a modern classic alpine rucksack, the Alpha FL series.


Posted on 18 May 202521 May 2025
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Recent Posts

  • Arc’teryx Alpha SL 30
    Backpack: First Look
  • The First Welsh Rock Climbing Guide?
  • Climbing Qualifications Syllabus Updates
  • What is a Quality Mountain Day?
  • La Sportiva G-Tech Boot Review

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Climbing with @matthewpricejones on Sunday at Crai Climbing with @matthewpricejones on Sunday at Craig Cywarch, had been meaning to visit for a long time having worked at Bryn Hafod for the @mountainclubstafford years ago. We started with Acheron (HVS, 5a) before finishing with Doom (VS, 4c). As can be seen from the photos, a fair amount of vegetation, but plenty of good climbing to be found also. We did plenty of cleaning on the way, secateurs came in useful at times ✂️🌿. We also replaced the tat on the abseil stations. Definitely a crag to visit after a long dry spell, but should be in good condition for a while. I've got a bit of availability through June for Rock Climbing, and can probably squeeze a few days in July also for folk looking for guiding or instructional courses. Can get in touch on here or follow the link in the bio to the website for more info.
Rambo (HVS, 5b), Gravestones last night with @roam Rambo (HVS, 5b), Gravestones last night with @roam.mtns
The amazing spring conditions continue here in Ery The amazing spring conditions continue here in Eryri. Evening climb with @t.carrick on Efnisien (E1, 5b), Craig Cwm Trwsgl. Great bit of climbing, well worth seeking out and chuffed to tick one of the last E1 routes in my battered Ground Up North Wales Rock guidebook. So many great climbs here and good memories.
Climbing day on the limestone with @t.carrick and Climbing day on the limestone with @t.carrick and @danlanemountaineering starting with trad on Marine Drive. The Really Exciting Climb (HVS, 5a) and Vic 20 (HVS, 5b) both nice routes. We then went to check out the new lines at Don Side Beach @goverticalclimbing equipped. We arrived a bit too early but the traverse line Lord of the Gogs (6b) proved a good mini adventure and consolation. Note for folk keen to head here for the vertical lines, it needs a super low spring tide and is only accessible for a limited time either side of low tide. We managed to get on the traverse roughly half way through the tide cycle heading out. Foot anyone keen on learning to lead trad or sport to be able to enjoy ace adventures like these, get in touch.
A really valuable CPD spent with @aledoddyfrilo la A really valuable CPD spent with @aledoddyfrilo last week on his Functional Welsh for the Mountains course. I found it really useful in increasing my understanding of the link between the landscape and language. It's clear Aled has put serious thought into developing the course, carefully crafting the content to make it accessible for all. Already having a strong interest (though a non-Welsh speaker) I came away with more knowledge & a better understanding of what I did know. This course would also suit folk without prior knowledge thanks to Aled's welcoming approach, clear explanations and focussing on key terms; not to mention the helpful resources. Aled's passion for the Welsh language and landscape is evident, with engaging facts and asides between the main content, interspersed with practical tasks to help cement the learning. Highly recommended for folk who work in the Welsh mountains, but also anyone with an interest in these special places. Check out @aledoddyfrilo for upcoming dates and booking info.
A really lovely week on our Mountain Leader Traini A really lovely week on our Mountain Leader Training course; great weather, great group, great staff, and great photos also 📸 (particular thanks to Alex) Thanks to @latitude534 and @summit.sense for their enthusiasm working as staff, and also to the group who shared their varied experience with one another. These are always fun weeks that I feel really fortunate to deliver. I love helping develop future outdoor instructors and there's a lot of delivery, but I invariably learn lots of interesting new facts from the clients also. We're kicking off a Mountain Leader Assessment starting Monday. Looking forward to hanging out in the mountains for another week with folk this time at the other end of the pathway. If you're interested in using a nationally recognised @mtntraining qualification to lead groups safely in the mountains, which can lead to exciting work opportunities then check out our website or drop me a message. I'm always happy to chat through the process.

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