Outdoor Gear Chat

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It's Kendal Mountain Festival time!

Cathy and Wayne have been invited back for a second year and have pulled together an incredible guest list to chat about outdoor kit, clothing and the festival theme of "Hope".

This intro gives a hint of the climbers, mountaineers, adventurers and runners they will be catching up with at Basecamp, The Brewery and Kendal Climbing Wall.

Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal


The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK
The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Kendal Mountain Festival Podcasts 2024

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The fifth of an extra special 5 part series celebrating 50 years since Doug Scott and Dougal Haston became the first Britons to stand on the summit of Everest, Cathy & Wayne are joined by Scarpa sponsored athlete Di Gilbert.

The first British woman to lead an expedition to the top of Mount Everest from the North side, Di has climbed all 7 Summits and worked 4 Antarctic seasons, gaining a phenomenal amount of knowledge about climbing and working in extreme, remote and challenging environments. Di gives us an insight into todays commercial expeditions chatting about essential kit and climbing from a women’s perspective.

Listen in for tips on the best expedition footwear, why crampon choice is important, foot health, top snacks, packing strategies, why Scotland is the best training ground in the world and discover Di's most treasured item of expedition equipment - it may not be what you expect!

Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal


The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK
The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Scarpa Team Member: Di Gilbert

Di Gilbert, website

Thank you to Scarpa for making this episode possible.

If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:

Episode 72: Everest 50 - Fast & Light with Tom Livingston

Episode 71: Everest 50 - Remote Expeditions With Mick Fowler

Episode 70: Everest 50 - Gear Innovation with Mike Parsons

Episode 69: Everest 50 - 1975 SW Face Expedition with Sir Chris Bonington and Paul 'Tut' Braithwaite

Episode 67: Joe Brown and Kangchenjunga 1955 

Episode 66: Kit Lists - Alpine Climbing with BMG Tom Ripley

Episode 62: Community Action Nepal @KMF24

Episode 41: How To Keep Warm With Dr Matt Fuller

Episode 34: Womens Technical Clothing Fit & Function

Episode 30: Kit Lists - 8000m Peaks With Jon Gupta

Episode 28: Mountain Boots with Scarpa

Episode 26: Kit Lists - Expeditions With Andy Cave

The video of this podcast is available on You Tube

Get in touch!

The fourth of an extra special 5 part series celebrating 50 years since Doug Scott and Dougal Haston became the first Britons to stand on the summit of Everest, Cathy & Wayne are joined by Mountain Equipment sponsored athlete Tom Livingstone.

Tom is known for his  trad, winter and alpine climbing - the bigger and badder, the better! His Fast & Light approach sets him apart with Sir Chris Bonington describing him as: ‘one of the finest climbers in the world, always using the purest techniques.’  Listen in as Tom talks about minimalism and the self-belief that get’s him to the top and back.

Tom covers a vast array of knowledge including minimalist kit vs bulk, why a piece of kit finds it's place in his sack, what attracts him to new areas, funding and why he favours a double sleeping bag.

Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal


The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK
The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Thank you to Mountain Equipment for making this episode possible.

If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:

Episode 71: Everest 50 - Remote Expeditions With Mick Fowler

Episode 70: Everest 50 - Gear Innovation with Mike Parsons

Episode 69: Everest 50 - 1975 SW Face Expedition with Sir Chris Bonington and Paul 'Tut' Braithwaite

Episode 67: Joe Brown and Kangchenjunga 1955 

Episode 66: Kit Lists - Alpine Climbing with BMG Tom Ripley

Episode 62: Community Action Nepal @KMF24

Episode 52: Gloves with Mountain Equipment @KMF24

Episode 48: New Waterproof Fabrics - What You Need To know Part 2

Episode 41: How To Keep Warm With Dr Matt Fuller

Episode 30: Kit Lists - 8000m Peaks With Jon Gupta

Episode 26: Kit Lists - Expeditions With Andy Cave

Episode 13: Joe Browns and The Climbers Shop Big History

The video of this podcast is available on You Tube

Get in touch!

The third of an extra special 5 part series celebrating 50 years since Doug Scott and Dougal Haston became the first Britons to stand on the summit of Everest, Cathy & Wayne are joined by special guest Mick Fowler.

Voted the Mountaineer’s Mountaineer by a poll of his peers in 1989, Mick is a three times Piolet D’or winner who is the master of small, extreme expeditions.  From tales of climbing in flares and crampons to brushes with the law, be prepared for your jaw to drop as he describes using clothing (most of the time) and equipment at the cutting edge of technical climbing for the last 50 years. 

Among stories of horrendous bivouacks and nail biting climbs Mick also shares his top tips for contact lens users and how to manage Reynauds Syndrome. A self proclaimed Pioneering Pensioner, he describes working with his long term sponsor Berghaus to create bespoke clothing for the additional needs of his body post cancer surgery.

Don't miss this fascinating episode with one of the countries favourite (retired) tax inspectors.

Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal


The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK
The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Buy: On Thin Ice by Mick Fowler

Buy: No Easy Way by Mick Fowler

Thank you to Berghaus for making this episode possible.

If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:

Episode 70: Everest 50 with Mike Parsons

Episode 69: Everest 50 with Sir Chris Bonington and Paul 'Tut' Braithwaite

Episode 67: Joe Brown and Kangchenjunga 1955 

Episode 66: Kit Lists - Alpine Climbing with BMG Tom Ripley

Episode 62: Community Action Nepal @KMF24

Episode 55: Berghaus Adapts @KMF24

Episode 31: Adaptive Outdoor Kit with Paul Pritchard

Episode 30: Kit Lists - 8000m Peaks With Jon Gupta

Episode 26: Kit Lists - Expeditions With Andy Cave

Episode 13: Joe Browns and The Climbers Shop Big History

The video of this podcast is available on You Tube

Get in touch!

The second of an extra special 5 part series celebrating 50 years since Doug Scott and Dougal Haston became the first Britons to stand on the summit of Everest, Cathy & Wayne are joined by Mike Parsons, the original owner of Karrimor and OMM.

Running the family business Karrimor, Mike was one of the key equipment sponsors for the groundbreaking Everest 1975 expedition and describes how working with the team to create bespoke equipment shaped the products demanded by customers as participation in outdoor activities rocketed. 

Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal


The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK
The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:

Episode 69: Everest 50 with Sir Chris Bonington and Paul 'Tut' Braithwaite

Episode 67: Joe Brown and Kangchenjunga 1955 

Episode 66: Kit Lists - Alpine Climbing with BMG Tom Ripley

Episode 62: Community Action Nepal @KMF24

Episode 30: Kit Lists - 8000m Peaks With Jon Gupta

Episode 26: Kit Lists - Expeditions With Andy Cave

Episode 13: Joe Browns and The Climbers Shop Big History

Episode 10: Rucsacks - What's in Your Sack?

The video of this podcast is available on You Tube

Get in touch!

The first of an extra special 5 part series, Cathy & Wayne are joined by two members of the 1975 Everest South West Face expedition which saw Doug Scott and Dougal Haston endure the highest bivvy ever survived to become the first two Britons to stand on the summit of the worlds highest mountain.

Expedition leader, Sir Chris Bonington and key member of the climbing team Paul ‘Tut’ Braithwaite describe the responsibility, sense of adventure, logistics, equipment, camaraderie and conditions they encountered climbing the worlds highest mountain via a new route. 

This is a unique and captivating insight into an audacious and record breaking ascent told by the people who were there.

Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal


The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK
The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Buy: Everest The Hard Way - the story of the 1975 SW Face Expedition

Buy: More books by Chris Bonington

Buy: Mountain Guru, The Life of Doug Scott by Catherine Moorehead

If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:

Episode 67: Joe Brown and Kangchenjunga 1955 

Episode 66: Kit Lists - Alpine Climbing with BMG Tom Ripley

Episode 62: Community Action Nepal @KMF24

Episode 41: How To Keep Warm With Doctor Down Matt Fuller

Episode 30: Kit Lists - 8000m Peaks With Jon Gupta

Episode 26: Kit Lists - Expeditions With Andy Cave

Episode 13: Joe Browns and The Climbers Shop Big History

The video of this podcast is available on You Tube

Get in touch!

Venture into the world of sports watches and wearable tech with Cathy and Wayne as they chat with Suunto UK Marketing Manager Dan Southam.

Wayne is a tech geek, Cathy is most definitely not so this is an ideal listen for anyone who already embraces their wrist computer to anyone thinking about using a back up to their trusted map and compass.

Find out how easy they are to use, which training apps are available to pair with, what a "mermaid" function is, the many ways you can style your watch for every social occasion and much, much more!

Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal


The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK
The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:

Episode 66: Kit Lists - Alpine Climbing with BMG Tom Ripley

Episode 64: Kit Lists - Cape Wrath Trail with Cathy Casey

Episode 46: Kit Lists - Sea Kayaking and Climbing in Greenland with Olly Sanders

Episode 39: Sports Nutrition - Will It Stay Down? with Voom

Episode 35: Swimming The Cumbrian Coastline with Wayne Singleton

Episode 14: James Gibson First Winter Wainwright Round

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In this special anniversary podcast Cathy and Wayne celebrate 70 years since Joe Brown and George Band stood just below the summit of the world's third highest peak, making them the highest climbing Britons until Doug Scott and Dougal Haston summited Everest in 1975.

Joined by climber, author and film maker John Porter, this is a fascinating insight into an incredible expedition that cemented friendships, promoted respect for the local people and their beliefs, challenged class distinctions of the time, applied technical rock climbing skills above 8000m and saw four members attain the summit ridge.

Not bad for what was supposed to be a reconnaissance expedition!

Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal


The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK
The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

The Alpine Club

The Mount Everest Foundation

Kangchenjunga 70

If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:

36. Kit Lists - Trekking In Nepal

30. Kit Lists - Climbing an 8000m Peak with Jon Gupta

26. Kit Lists - Expeditions with Andy Cave

23. Kit Lists - Everest Basecamp Trek with Paul Poole

22. Sunglasses - Eye Eye! with Barnabe Grison, Julbo

Get in touch!

Cathy is joined by British Mountain Guide Tom Ripley to chat about the kit you need for self sufficient Alpine Climbing.

In addition to what to carry in your pack Tom gives some great tips on classic routes, how to use alpine huts on a budget, top snacks for scary routes and describes what happened when he once managed to forget his harness.

If you have ever wondered what IFMGA stands for, what's involved in becoming a Guide or what's a Guide's favourite snack on hard routes then this is the podcast for you!

Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal


The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK
The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy
British Mountain Guides


If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes:
2. Layering - The Art Of Moisture Management

7. Trad Climbing Gear - Nice Rack! with BMG Libby Peter

15. Ice Axes - Take Your Pick with BMG Adrian Nelhams

22. Sunglasses - Eye Eye! with Julbo

28. Mountain Boots - Good 'n' Stiff with Scarpa

37. Ropes - All Tied Up with Edelrid

41. How To Keep Warm with Dr Down

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Cathy and Wayne are joined by Lake District Sky Trails creator and Race Director Charlie Sproson.

Listen in to learn about the evolution of Sky Running, what courses and events entail, the kit and skills required and why comfy shoes are a necessity.

Charlie gives a fantastic insight into all aspects of the sport as well as drilling down into kit lists and why training is key to coping with those times when things don't always go to plan. Shoes, poles, race vests and bivvy bags - we cover them all!

Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal

Lake District Sky Trails
The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK
The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

If you found this interesting then don't forget to download:
Episode 1: Waterproofs - I'm Wet Through To My Undies
Episode 2: Layering - The joy Of Moisture Management
Episode 33: Trail Running Shoes - Nice Lugs
Episode 38: Baselayers - Tight Fit

Episode 39: Endurance Nutrition - Will It Stay Down?

We also have a number of episodes chatting about kit lists for other key running events including the Lakeland 50/100 and The Spine Race, which you can check out here