BERGHAUS LEAD THE WAY IN WATERPROOF PANTS

(COULOIR) (DELUGE)

Down through the years we have done many waterproof pants from the cheap and cheerful to the not so cheap. But at the end of the day you pay for what you get.

Today though we are taking Berghaus and exploring some of their most popular pant. As a fantastic pant with out blowing the wallet wide open and using their own waterproofing Berghaus introduce to you the "Deluge" pant. As a pair of waterproof and breathable pant for € 60 you really can't go wrong. It comes with a three quarter zip up to the hip & draw cord to fasten up. It has mesh lining to knee and from there down just a normal silk type material to keep the pant well fitted.They also pack dowm small and are extremely lightweight without sacrificing too much durability.

If you're a person who likes to do things a bit more extrem (that's the way Berghaus spell it). OH BABY do we got the pants for you. Are you ready. This pant is your hardcore mountaineering pant. Here comes the science (just like the ad!) Goretex pro shell with a 48 metre hydro static head waterproofing, and its so breathable that it has 1.5 billion holes per square inch water can't get in but air can flow out making in breathe. Fact!!!!!!. Your welcome.

This couloir pant has some kick ass features just like my dance moves like full length venting zips on each leg, reinforced cordura kick panels ( just in case you wear crampons ). The detachable internal gaiters are a key feature in any high quality pant & these have them. Braces on a pant are a bit of an issue to people, some like and some don't. So what I say to them (bar being picky) they're detachable so they will suit everyone on or off, easy out!They are a bit more expensive at 240euro but like I said at the start you get what you pay for and these are packed with features!

All and all we have a pant for every event and expedition too.

ICE AXE CRAMPONS BACK IN STOCK

JUST TO GIVE YE THE HEADS

UP THE ICE AXES AND

CRAMPONS ARE BACK

IN STOCK. 10 TO 12 POINT.

AND THE EVER SO POPULAR

SNOW WALKER AXE

HELLY HANSAN PRO WOOL

I thought someone did a review on this fantastic bit of kit but it does not look like it so here one goes. About close to three years ago these bad boys (and ladies) brought on to the market with a big ad campaign for the pro wool range. If i can remember we got a big big blow up polar bear and a 20ft canvas poster to make a display area.

While making the area I was thinking to my- self, just another outdoor gimmick to make a bit of money for a couple of months until they come up with something new and better. But three years on and still no sign of somthing else, I have used mine for snowboarding, skiing, American football, gym training and hill -walking from summer to the depths of December in the Reeks with snow and ice around my feet. When it comes to my outdoor gearI am very picky, if its not right the first time it will never be right andI would soon sell it on but not this oh no not this!

I'll be personal for a sec, the feeling it gives you is that someone you love, mine would be Megan Fox, is giving you a huge hug and not letting go. REALLY. The wicking properties on this is immense, the mili second you sweat any moisture the polypropylene (47%) grabs it and smashes it way out to left field making you feel ultra dry. 52% merino built in to it the warmth factor just keeps you at a perfect medium no cold will be found.

Zip tops are great and this bad boy of course has one. Controlling the temperature if you over heat. From September to the end of February you would see me in it... no wait its Ireland sorry I mean all year around. I thought I was in a normal country for a second crazy days. For fashion victims like Donny and soon to be catwealze, for men and women they come in all colours and if you're a man who likes the colour of the womens then we are not stopping you,happy days!!

COLUMBIA DOWN VESTS €80

COLUMBIA TRANS ALP

WAS €140

NOW €80

This neat little bit of kit fits well length and shoulder. If you don't like the colour then turn it inside out as it's reversible.It's practical, affordable and stylish. It has a 700 down fill so I don't think you'll be getting cold anytime soon. Available in black/silver and brown/orange.

Hi-Tec Promo

Ski Suits

Dare 2 Be Adult Ski Suits

Were: €160
Now Only: €80
While Stocks Last!

Winter Climbing Kerry

What a great start to the year! Winter routes that have not been seen in over twenty years appear on the walls and ridges of the Irish mountains. Mountaineers flock to the hills in their droves. One has to take advantage of the brief spell by enduring icy roads and winter gales.

While not a person for waiting around I too make the pilgrimage to the Kerry hills. Our plan for this winter was simple, heavy bag full of food and gear, spacious tent, good company and a classic Kerry winter climb! And thats how it happened.

The tent is pitched and Alex is preparing steak for dinner. The smell fills the tent andI feel my mouth starting to water!After dinner we relax and discuss what we will do in the morning. The location of the tent is magnificent. Perched on the Eagles nest over looking the Hags Glen while under the looming shadow of Carrauntoohils north east face. The morning is cold and fresh with a slight breeze. The crunching sound of snow under foot brings a smile to ones face.

Our intended route is Cag Cos Dearg. Its a scottish grade IV with great situations and is the only ridge route that finishes at the summit. We climb slow but steady, the snow crystals seem to dance on the ledges as the wind blows. Edging nearer to the summit we come across the crux of the climb. Its short, steep and delicate. Placement of protection is tricky with snow and ice filling the cracks. Topping out I feel a sense of excitment as well as relief. Alex takes the lead as we approach the summit, our only company along the route is the raven whos seems to soar effortlessly above the crag. The route done we relax on the summit. At that moment we didnt relize that this cold snap was set to last for the next two weeks and would see Alex and myself experiencing the best winter climbing we have done in Ireland to date! Sheer bliss!

All Photos: Alexander Berestka

Packing Your Bag

So you have decided what to bring with you during your trek. Great! Now you just need to decide where to place and how to carry your equipment. Even though there are no rules on how pack a backpack – most people pack their backpacks slightly differently - there are however some general guidelines that will make it easier for you to find the equipment you need, when you need it. Just as important, the way you pack your backpack will also determine how easy it will be to carry over a long day. In this blog post you will find some good tips that will make your time in the wilderness more pleasant.

Quick-Access Items

Place items that you will use frequently, or require quick access to, in the outside pockets or in the lid of your backpack. There are a some things that, although they may never be used, you do not want to dump out the entire backpack to find. Examples of these items are; map, compass, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, flashlight, first aid kit, rainwear, water bottles, camera and snacks. After you have used any of these items, always return them to the same place in your backpack.

What goes where?

1. Sleeping bag
   Many backpacks have a separate compartment for a sleeping bag in the bottom. If your backpack does not, pack the sleeping bag in the bottom of the pack. This will keep it out of the way during the day.
   The sleeping bag will take up quite a lot of space in the backpack, hence it deserves some special attention. Most of the larger packs we stock have a separate compartment for sleeping bag storage. These are an excellent choice as the separate compartment holds the weight of your other equipment off of your sleeping bag. Thanks to this, you will get better performance from your sleeping bag, particularly in cold weather. Just like any other insulating gear sleeping bags will keep you warm by trapping air inside the fill. When the fill becomes compressed, the sleeping bag can't insulate as well.
   However, this should not keep you from using a compression bag. The key function of a compression bag is to reduce the bulk of your sleeping bag, saving some space in your backpack. Because the bag compress the sleeping bag evenly on all sides it will not cause the same problems that packing heavy items on top of a sleeping bag will. However, remember to compress the bag evenly and do not tighten the straps too aggressively.



2. Tent
   The tent is often a heavy part of your equipment so if you can, try to split the tent into parts; tent body and poles. Then spread the weight across people in the group. Even if you will carry the tent by yourself, you could separate the tent, strapping the poles outside the backpack and stuff the body in the top of the bag. Since the first thing most people do when they get into camp is to put up the tent, it could deserve a place in the top of the backpack.
   With the tent being at the top of your pack, you save time from having to unload the rest of your pack just to get to the tent. This may not seem like much of a time saver, but if it is raining, you will enjoy having it close at hand. Trust us.



3. Sleeping pad
   The sleeping pad could be attached firmly to the outside, along the back. If you do so, make sure that you pack it in a plastic bag so that it does not get wet if it starts to rain. Some people also fold the pad and pack it on the side closest to their backs. Packed against the back, the sleeping pad provides some protection against sharp cookware or other items that may poke you as you hike. However, the backpacks we sell are created ergonomically and the latter version of packing your sleeping pad will remove some functional features. Avoid attaching the sleeping pad on the sides, it is more likely to become tangled or snagged when you pass trees and bushes.



4. Clothes
   Pack your changes of clothes towards the bottom of your backpack. Just as your sleeping bag, you will not need them until you stop for the night. The ammount of clothes you pack will of course depend on how long you'll be out in nature.
   Let´s say you will be out for five days. Then a good rule of thumb is to bring at least a complete change of clothes and something to sleep in. Also add a fleece for early mornings and some raingear. You will also need at least one, and maybe two, extra sets of underwear. Three pair of socks, one to wash, one to wear and one pair that's dry, should be enough. Pack all this inside and in the bottom of your backpack. If you are trekking in changeable weather, place your raingear, gloves and hats in the top of your backpack or in an outside pocket where you can reach them quickly and easy. Plan to get colder, hotter and wetter than you imagined, weather is not always easy to predict. Although a good deal of variety is not necessary, clothes that offer flexibility are. A pair of zip-off trousers is a great example of a flexible piece of clothing.



5. Food and cooking equipment
   These are two concerns for many trekkers. These are both rather heavy pieces of equipment so you do not want to carry too much. On the other hand, walking hungry or running out of gas or fuel will not give you the quality time you are looking for.
   If you are carrying fuel, the last thing you want to happen is that it spills over your food. In order to avoid this, try to pack fuel containers upright and preferably in an outside pocket. The food you place inside the pack, except some snacks that you like to have easy access to. In order to further protect the food, pack it in pack-bags or plastic bags. Exped's dry-bags are brightly colored, so you can tell at a glance what bag you need to grab. Some people sort their food into bags depending on when they will eat it; breakfast, lunch and dinner, other separate it by day. Regardless on how you pack your meal, make sure you have it in separate bags so it will be easier to pack and grab.
   Also pack your cooking equipment inside the bag. Even though you can place them outside using straps, any gear that hangs from your backpack is likely to bet stuck in branches or something else. And, no matter how good you think you have strapped it, it can be lost.

Finally, a few quick pointers;

• Regardless if you are walking on or off trail, it is important that you keep the heaviest items close to your back, centered between your shoulder blades.



• If you know that you will trek on a trail all day, then you should consider having the center of the weight over your hips. So, pack heavy items near the top of your pack.



• If you know that you will trek on a very uneven route you should aim for keeping the center of gravity low in order to get a better balance. So, pack heavy items near the bottom of your pack.



• Place the sleeping bag in the bottom compartment. Split the tent, strap the poles outside and place the body in the top. Place your change clothes in the bottom of the bag and then your food and cooking equipment. Place items that you will use frequently or require quick access in the outside pockets or in the lid of your backpack.

ICE ICE BABY

Over the last couple of days with the bad snap of snow and ice the staff have found it hard to get into the shop. During the last couple of days we snapped us getting there with Donnys epic disposable s.l.r camera made by the early learning centre.

This shot is Donny and the Hutch leaving for work

Hutch being lowered in to the under ground car park by Donny

In this shot here we see Brian a.k.a Catweazle leaving to go to work from unit 53

This is a picture of our boss coll leaving from her house early on a monday morning this is the usual during the winter for her. lucky she owns a snow car.

This is a great shot of Katie getting the train into work god bless the rail service.

This is a great panoramic shot of Kierans family saying good by to each other before they all set out for work. I bet you can't find him

The shot here is all of the staff working as you can see work and play are two massive things that we keep miles apart from each other. Now where is my coffee

The new plans for our shop just in case the end of the world involves snow or rising water. We can come to your location to sell you things. It floats flys and also provides its own power heat etc. It has all the mod cons like flat screen tv's and such.

the cold snap on the mountains

With the mountains in the last couple of weeks having been covered in snow, we at Mahers outdoor are urging you to be careful when you plan your route up and down any mountain. If you plan on going up carrantuohill (cause it was the first one that came to mind). What you will need without question is an ice-axe if you're doing anything extreme.









Crampons would be ideal due to the fact that any ice and you will be slip sliding away (just like the song) . Roping up on the more tricky bits if you have a weak walker. At the the end of the day you're only as fast as your slowest walker. The most important thing i will urge upon you is the fact if YOU DON'T HAVE ANY SNOW/ICE EXPERIENCE YOU SHOULD NOT BE HEADING TO THE MOUNTAINS.

If you decided to buy them and don't know how to use them then don't. Down jackets or synthetic is a must cause you don't want to freeze. The correct footwear is a must good grips, nice and warm socks and thermal wear a.k.a base layers. Make sure you know your map and compass work cause the usual markers might be covered over and might confuse you. The lads on the mountain rescue teams are going to be working flat out over the next couple of days so if you see them maybe a nice idea would be to say "keep up the hard work".

If you have any questions drop a comment or give us a buzz

kieran

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY