Adventure Diaries | VOL.01
A L P I N E RU N N I N G W I T H GA R ROW & RYA N
G O
F A S T
ENOUGH TO GET THERE,
B U T
S L O W ENOUGH
T O
S E E
EQUIPMENT The equipment we select for our adventure is essential to our enjoyment, success and potentially our survival. Functionality and reliability in the field are crucial. Our adventure journals showcase our staffs experiences in the outdoors, as well as their personal kit. By keeping up to date with the latest technologies being developed and testing it out personally, our customers have a trusted source of knowledge and advice when they visit our store.
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GARROW
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M O U N TA I N E Q U P M E N T - G O R E - T E X A C T I V E
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SALOMON SPEEDCROSS 3
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H E L LY H A N S E N L I FA D R Y
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ARC’TERYX PHASE AR BOTTOM
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TIKKA HEAD TORCH
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M O U N TA I N W H I S T L E
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JACK WOLFSKIN BEANIE
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S A L O M O N A G I L E 7 H Y D R AT I O N PA C K
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H E L LY H A N S E N W A R M PA N T
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SMARTWOOL PHD RUNNING SOCKS
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JACK WOLFSKIN DYNAMIC FLEECE JACKET
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M O N TA N E P R I S M G L O V E
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ORIGINAL BUFF
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H E L LY H A N S E N I C W C R E W
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MARMOT ROM JACKET - GORE-WINDSTOPPER
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SIS ENERGY BAR | MULE BAR | MONEY
MER DE GLACE
START | FINISH
DAY OF THE RUN CHAMONIX LODGE
-9C
06:30
22/11/15
We w o k e u p a t 0 6 : 3 0 a n d w e r e g r e e t e d b y a s u n n y w e a t h e r f o r e cast. Great news as we had been expecting potential white out blizzards and ice fog. Our route would take us up the west facing side of the mountain which gave us additional hours before the snow began to melt and become more dangerous to run on.
RE V IE W GARROW
SUUNTO | AMBIT3 SPORT WATCH
MARMOT | LEADVILLE JACKET
Known for their high quality dive computers, you can rest assured that you have a trusted companion strapped to your arm tracking your location and progress. Easy to use, it provides data on: Distance; Duration; Average Speed; Max Speed; Ascent; Descent; Track Back; Compass and BlueTooth Connectivity.
The 4-way stretch venting side panels made this soft-shell wind-stopper perfect for running in the conditions i found myself in. Highly breathable and unrestricted movement allowed me to focus on the trail, rather than my inappropriate equipment.
ARC’TERYX | PHASE AR BOTTOMS Thicker Phasic fabric provides thermal insulation while lighter Phasic fabrics target areas of high heat and moisture. Phasic Composite reduces bulk, with better mobility and comfort.
BUFF | ORIGINAL When I run in the cold I find that my ears get cold, but wearing a hat is too hot. I opt for a buff to keep me dry, and offer a little insulated protection for my ears and head. MONTANE | PRISM GLOVE
JACK WOLFSKIN | DYNAMIC FLEECE JACKET A micro fleece that’s durable, wind-resistant and great for keeping you warm. Its a synthetic fibre so great as a moisture wicking mid layer. With a relatively slim fit it was perfect for running in very cold temperatures.
These gloves were light weight, warm, touch screen compatible and compact very well in their tiny stuff bag and waterproof enough to shed dry snow these gloves kept my hands toasty warm.
Mer De Glace
SALOMON | SPEEDCROSS 3
The online reviews did not let me down! Ultra light weight with superior grip that does not clog up.The aggressive luggs on the sole gripped the snow and soft ground with ease and the water repellent face fabric shed the snow
SALOMON | AGILE 7 HYDRATION PACK
Getting the wrong rucksack for your activity can have a big impact on your performance. The Agile 7 is a very close fitting and light weight pack maximizing stability and preventing unnecessary fatigue and twisting strain on your back.
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RYAN
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NIKE ACTIVE SHORTS
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RONHILL VIZON PHOTON TIGHTS
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BUFF - GORE-WINDSTOPPER
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I N O V 8 R A C E PA C 8
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H E L LY H A N S E N D R Y T O P
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PETZL TIKKA 100L HEADTORCH
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S I S G O H Y D R O TA B L E T
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A R C ’ T E R Y X B E TA LT J A C K E T
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CAMELBAK 2L RESEVOIR
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R A B VA P O U R - R I S E G L O V E
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EIDER BEANIE
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S A L O M O N FA S T W I N G T E E
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SALOMON FELLRAISER
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SMARTWOOL PDH RUNNING SOCK
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CLIF BARS
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SALOMON TRAIL RUNNER WARM LS ZP TEE
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I C E B R E A K E R E V E R Y D AY L E G G I N G S
RE V IE W RYAN
SALOMON FELLRAISER
RAB | VAPOUR-RISE GLOVE
When trail running in snow or on wet muddy ground, water will always enter the shoe from above and down the ankle. A Gore-Tex liner prevents this water from escaping. That’s why we both choose a light weight, quick drying shoe with an aggressive tread.
Great for cold and dry conditions. Water and wind resistant with a microfleece lining and durable grippy leather palms.
SALOMON | TRAIL RUNNER WARM LS ZP TEE
When choosing your thermals, Merino Wool provides the most effective way to retain heat. Soft, breathable and great wicking abilities. They’re also a preferred choice by many as they are naturally anti-bacterial repellent... (they don’t get smelly as quick). This is perfect for longer trips where washing clothes frequently isn’t an option.
Braving the winter morning chill can put off some runners. This top is a between a Tee and a true mid layer. Great for running in cold temperatures and breathable enough for when you’re warmed up.
ICEBREAKER | EVERYDAY LEGGINGS
CAMELBAK | 2L RESERVOIR
RONHILL | VIZION PHOTON TIGHTS
Durable enough to keep in your bag whilst your using it as a cushion, easy to fill, easy to clean and impregnated with an anti-bacterial chemical. A great reliable choice for a hydration system that comes with a bite valve lock. It also features a vertical membrane down the center reducing horizontal water movement and increasing stability.
Excellent freedom of movement, 360 reflectivity, and small pocket in back for MP3, keys and card. SALOMON | FAST WING TEE The silicone print on the shoulders is a key feature of this Ultra Trail Tee - helping to keep your pacs straps in place.
Mer De Glace
NE X T TIME
S CA AL MOEM LO BA N K| |S P AE NE TD ID CO RT OE S ST H 3 ERMAL CONTROL KIT WITH QUICK LINK
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INOV8 | RACE PAC 8
L i k e t h e S a l o m o n A g i l e 7 , t h e I N O V- 8 R a c e P a c h a s a c h e s t s t r a p than you can raise or lower to help perfect the fit. Materials include Nylon Ripstop, 3D airmesh against the back for breathability and padded shoulder straps. Its light weight, tall narrow shape and close to the body fit make it idea for long distance running and day long cycling tours.
ICE | THE GOOD & THE BAD The freezing temperatures provided amazing views and sculpted its presence in beautiful ways along our trail. It also caused us problems along the way.
FROZEN HYDRATAION Our hydration systems completely froze through w i t h i n t h e f i r s t h o u r. We w o u l d definitely recommend an insulated hydration hose sleeve to anyone considering venturing in similar conditions.
RYAN & SNOW Eager to scout out the starting point of our trail for the next morning, we may have forgotten to take a few things with us.. like a hat.
RYAN & ICE H e t h i n k s h e ’s a r e i n d e e r.
WIRE & ICE Beautiful ice formations on the wire rock cages.
BEARDS, SNOW & ICE The moisture from Garrows breath was forming ice on his beard. Occasionally it would be added to with snow when he needed a drink.
R U N D ATA Chamonix to Mer De Glace -Round trip17.5km 960m Ascent 960m Decent Fastest km: 6 mins 20 secs -9C Deep Snow | Clear Sky | Sunny
HORSHAM
Vo l . 1 A l p i n e R u n n i n g Alex Garrow Photographer | Designer | Editor | Writer | Adventurer Ryan O’Kane Adventurer