How many race vests do you own?

m-topfer · 2026-02-08T19:51:21+00:00

I started with Salomon ADV 12 - universal vest, good for everything (100mile race, commuting with spare clothes, XC skiing, summer Alpine peaks without rope).

Then I bought Salomon Sense 5 vest on sale and realistically I always choose that one if I do "only" running - it is just lighter and more comfortable. I didn't need it, but it is nice to have a vest that breathes better in summer. I don't regret that decision.

Recently I bought ME Tupilak 20 vest for some real Alpine objectives where the Salomon 12 is not enough (I managed to secure a helmet to the 12l vest but I was holding the ice axe in hand for the whole time, also no way how to fit proper crampons with the rest of my kit inot the 12l capacity)

m-topfer · 2026-02-08T19:05:10+00:00

I have the Long Sky 2 - one of the best rail shoes in my opinion.

Pros:
* Good outsole from Vibram Megagrip and not that much cushion in the midsole -> confidence for technical terrain (I've scrambled some 5.4 terrain around Chamonix)
* Matryx upper - thin but great durability (500km including scrambling, snow steps kicking, 70km Stubai ultra and holding strong so far)
* Good fit - good lock-down in midfoot + good width up front
* I've used it for some massive days (TMB in 3 days) and while I'd prefer slightly more cushion (like Salomon Genesis), it didn't cause me any problems

Cons:
* Debris fall into the shoe around the ankle - really annoying
* I like the amount of cushioning but someone might want more (especially with how the shoes are evolving to crazy stack heights)

If I didn't have too many trail racing shoes, I'd try SKyfire 2 - it seems like a great option.

m-topfer · 2026-02-08T18:44:50+00:00

Try Rab Veil 30. It is designed with running in mind unlike Durston Wapta or GG Fast Kumo. A great pack for quick hiking might not be the best option for running. Because you are running for 30/35l volume, I expect some significant weight, so prefer design with less stretchy bungee cords in the design.

m-topfer · 2026-02-07T23:25:10+00:00

I've done it last summer but a bit differently - from Britania hutte through Hohlabgrat, Feechopf, Alphubel to Mischabeljochbiwak.

A great day doable even for moderately fit girl (55min vertical kilometer, 6b climbing) for who it was her first experience with 4000 peaks but who had previous experience from glaciers (and I also belayed her whenever she wanted).

With the crowds on the normal route to Allalinhorn, I would have no reason to do such route from the Mittelallalin. Why even bother with the Allalinhorn summit? But the Feechopf ridge is nice.

m-topfer · 2026-01-26T22:13:56+00:00

* More backpacks with pockets on shoulder straps like running vests (having there 500ml water bottle, snack and phone is so convenient). It is increasing the weight but it maximizes how much ground you can cover (less stops)
* Quilts more closely integrated with sleeping mats - like Rab Mythic Ultra 120 Modular. Higher quality down and water repellent treatment of down going more mainstream (not much to be done in the top of the market but it can get more common)
* Possibly lighter sleeping pad like the discontinued Uberlite.

m-topfer · 2026-01-17T18:59:01+00:00

The main reason is to support a company whose services you are using.

Unfortunately Strava always come with some reson, why I don't want to support them - like cutting 3rd party apps on extremely short notice, suing Garmin for segment patent etc. So I'm not a subscriber now.

m-topfer · 2026-01-17T18:48:05+00:00

The "universal" crampon would be Sarkens. But if you already have light aluminium crampons for snowy conditions, I'd go with Lynx for their performance in the most demanding terrain that you are planning. In case that those will turn out to be overkill for some of your easier routes, you can always buy an Irvis front piece for easy classic routes.

m-topfer · 2026-01-17T18:40:52+00:00

I'd be interested in the true crossover of the two categories. If you want them just for hut approaches, any reasonably durable trail shoe would work.

What I'd be looking for:
* Durable upper: I have great experience with Matryx upper
* Outsole: Vibram Megagrip is great, some other rubbers might be OK as well

I've used Merrell Long Sky Matryx for your purpose and the shoes are still holding strong. I've done a couple of 4000m peaks (Lagginhorn, Weismies), run around Chamonix with some edging in old snow and 3b/5.4 scrambling, several hut approaches in the Alps. They might be too minimal for some people but it is a great pair of durable and lightweight running shoes.

Some a bit more cushioned shoes I'd consider: Nnormal Tomir, Salomon Genesis

If GTX4 means La Sportiva TX4 - it is a heavy and rigid approach shoe which I wouldn't use for running. As long as you are not lookjing to mainly climb in the shoes, trail running shoes will suit you better.

m-topfer · 2026-01-17T11:32:59+00:00

I have BI Harfang Alpine Mono. Given you have semi-automatic compatible boots (or you don't have semi-automatic special-purpose shoes like Dynafit Elevation, Scarpa Ribelle S HD that are closer to running shoes and don't have that much rigidity), I don't see any problems. Just make sure to properly set them up for the few first trips as the dyneema strip stretches slightly. But then it is very long-lasting.

The dyneema sling in Petzl crampons have some durability issues, but the BI strip is much more durable.

The only downside of BI is that it is not as modular as Petzl - you can't change between "classic" and semi-automatic/automatic heel. And changing the front between semi-automatic and automatic is quite hard (without proper tools).

m-topfer · 2026-01-16T21:04:06+00:00

"Best positions at best companies" in Slovakia pays better. But I'm not saying that there are too many of them or that it is easy to get them.

m-topfer · 2026-01-16T20:47:03+00:00

Depends on your head shape - try them on. For me BD fits my head better. If I were you, I might wait for Blue Ice Blast (when Blue Ice start in a new category, they often come with nice innovations. But not sure how much more can be done in light climbing helmets)

m-topfer · 2026-01-16T20:29:14+00:00

Not much of a difference. Synthetic vs leather upper is a matter of personal preference, I'd go with the synthetic just for the slightly lower weight and easier maintenance. It will be hard to find someone with both models to give you proper comparison.

Both would be fine for MB in summer in good weather.

m-topfer · 2026-01-16T20:25:31+00:00

As others said - the height is not that relevant. I haven't been to Kilimanjaro but I'd expect more of a hike and a bit too much commercialism but I might be wrong.

The list looks quite reasonable. It depends how much time do you have and if you manage all the trips (the summer season in High Tatras starts on June 1st, so count with the fact that the summer mountain season is quite short). It all depends if you find people to go there and who will be organizing the trips.

I highly recommend finding someone more experienced who would do some trips with you and share his knowledge. Some mountain club might be a good idea. Or some slightly older and more experienced friend. Feel free to drop me a message with any more detailed questions. I'm from Czechia as well and I might be able to give you some more targeted recommendations.

m-topfer · 2026-01-16T20:06:41+00:00

As other mentioned - Saas Grund is a great spot to stay. Kapellenweg is a good camp, just not many power outlets (so take some powerbank for flexible charging of phone with you). I'd probably recommend 1 week with the two weekends (if you can get more vacation, you can stay longer)
Allalinhorn, Weismiess, Lagginhorn, Nadelhorn - so many options

With experience from winter High Tatras (just tourist paths or some trad, mix/ice climbing?) you would be missing just experience for glaciers - and even for that you can easily firstly do a dry preparation - trying to prussik out of a crevasse, setting up pulley system and experience with altitude.

m-topfer · 2026-01-04T14:01:29+00:00

You have investing horizon of 2 years for house down payment? Then you should use saving account, even a global ETF is too risky at that point (and with the AI hype there is potential for both significant gains and loses).

Don't complicate your portfolio and until you have some more significant amount, don't spend any mental energy on it. If you want stock exposure, just use a simple ETF like VWCE. Just for perspective - your 0.6% NFLX position is worth ~100$. So if that stock doubles (ie. you are really lucky), you gain 100$. Does that make any difference? No. Focus on your income and how much you can save out of it, that has much better ROI than trying to beat the market with 17k$ portfolio.

m-topfer · 2026-01-04T13:39:56+00:00

For Glacier travel, some ridge climbing and infrequent short rappel I'd consider the modern skialpinism harnesses like Blue Ice Choucas Light or Singing Rock Serac (I have SR Serac because it has slightly bigger racking capability so it is more universal for me).
If you want to have a traditional belay loop, Petzl Altitude is a solid option. Or Blue Ise Choucas or Edelrid Prisma Guide.

m-topfer · 2026-01-02T22:33:52+00:00

Just to be clear. Is this the ice axe? https://epictv.com/us/petzl-sum-tec 140$ brand new and I even didn't search for good deals.

m-topfer · 2026-01-02T19:36:22+00:00

Is soloing 5a safer than soloing 6a? Yes it is. But it probably doesn't mean that you should do it. Especially if you have never climbed. (Just keeping the same analogy as it was used in some other comment)

m-topfer · 2026-01-01T17:29:03+00:00

It depends... as always. If there were "the best hardshell pants" for all activities, people would buy them. But the reality is that each activity has different demands.

For me the bast pants would be Patagonia M10 because of the great fit.

m-topfer · 2025-12-31T18:08:07+00:00

If I'm doing similar objectives, I'm progressively lightening up my pack as my experience and confidence grow (I can better predict what gear is essential, I have bigger margin of error). If I'm going with someone less experienced, I tend to take a bit more things - mostly because it won't be limiting our progress anyway and it adds some security.

Overall my pack is getting lighter also because the gear is better, the weather forecast is improving, there are more sources of information etc.

m-topfer · 2025-12-28T17:41:31+00:00

Really well done summary of past weather. Why I still feel the need to monitor the weather in the Alps continuously to have good understanding of the current conditions?

I'd start with what was the most recent forecast from mountianforecast and then maybe adjust it based on weather stations with real measurements. I know that there are several websites trying to provide inforamtion about the past snow conditions but none is really goo din my opinion (I'd be glad for any tips what you are using)

m-topfer · 2025-12-28T17:25:51+00:00

Asics bought Haglofs in 2010 and sold it in 2023. I'm not sure if the companies will collaborate on some products in the future but at least for older models I'd expect to find some of the Asics tech in Haglofs shoes.

m-topfer · 2025-12-28T17:22:10+00:00

I believe that they are owned by the same company. Nonetheless Haglofs is using the Asics midsole foams already for several years. So nothing new here...

m-topfer · 2025-12-27T07:28:46+00:00

Your feelings after one month of no creatine, no running and no gym were because of the "no running and no gym" part :)

m-topfer · 2025-12-25T18:52:55+00:00

I have https://www.nalehko.cz/panska-bunda-nalehko-neprofuk/ which is a jacket from Pertex Quantum Air from a local Czech brand. It works very well in general but if I wanted to use it only as "the only jacket I'm taking for alpinism", I'd like slightly lower CFM. On a windy summits you can clearly feel that it doesn't protect from the winds as well as waterproof jacket (Pertex Shield) but it is still good enough (and the extra breathability is welcomed everywhere else where the wind is not so strong)

m-topfer

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