passing on some climbing clothing advice

[jibs]

hi folks,

This should be useful for most climbers in the area - I certainly picked up some good tips.

(ok, so all kidding about exposed loins aside, this fellow - Gaston - was really quite something)

Jamie

from On Snow and Rock
Gaston Rebuffat

Climbing Equipment
Stockings should be of wool, and should reach up to the knees, so that there is no gap between breeches and stockings when the leg is lifted. For some snow expeditions, two pairs of stockings are worn, one pair for which should be of fine wool or without feet.

Breeches – these should be of the knickerbocker or short plus-four type, that is to say, extending only about four inches below the knee. Avoid plus-fours which are too long or too full, as they get wet in the snow and the crampons get caught up in them.

Shirt – this should be very warm, therefore of wool, especially for long expeditions. It should be long enough not to come out of the breeches when the climber raises his arms. It is a good idea to have pockets in the shirt.

It is particularly important that these clothes, shirts, pull-overs and anoraks should be of a good length, reaching almost to the mid-thighs; while climbing, the mountaineer frequently raises his arms above his head which inevitably pulls up his various garments; if these are too short, the climber’s stomach and loins will soon be exposed.

[mick]

Gastons are named after this guy (according to wikipedia, which never lies).

That's pretty hardcore. Almost as hardcore as Frank Sloper and Sally Jugs.

[Joe]

Sorry Jamie, I think you made a mistake. I'm pretty sure that's a quote from David Lister.

[martha]

*snicker*