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Footwear
Sandals,
Shoes and Boots
   
 
It is hard to overstate the importance
of footwear on any mountain adventure but on a trip like
ours, it is simply
critical. Our choice of footwear on this trip will comprise
of a variety of models to suit the incredible diversity
of terrain we will encounter. We have choosen sandals,
shoes, trekking boots and high altitude boots made by the
Italian innovator in mountain footwear, Asolo as well as
a 'summit boot' made by Millet.
On leaving Ireland for Nepal, in Kathmandu and into the
Khumbu Valley and at camps to Base, we will use Asolo trekking
sandals and shoes. These are lightweight, supportive, extremely
comfortable and
very versatile.
Our walk-in boot from Lukla to Everest Base Camp will be
a Goretex lined, trekking boot with a leather upper, choosen
for comfort and support. Once on the snowline, our boot
will be that which Pat has used over thirty-eight expeditions,
(the boot that revolutionised
high-altitude mountaineering) the Asolo AFS 8000.This is
a double boot of polycarbonate shell and alveolite inner
boot. It is lightweight, warm, supportive where necessary
and crampon compatable. On our summit bids from the South
Col, as we attempt the final 850m we will wear a very special,
fully insulated boot and gaiter combined to prevent frostbite
to our feet from the very coldest temperatures. This will
be the Everest boot made by Onesport.
Booties
In order to keep our feet warm at night or when lazing
around camp, these down-filled booties are essential on
expeditions to Everest.
Our favourite model is made by
Rab.
Socks
Another crucial everyday item. We will carry a variety
of the highly technical socks made by Lorpen, using a number
of fabrics, including Polartec Powerstretch, Lycra, Thermolite,Wool
and Polymide .
On our approach we will wear a CoolMax sock, designed to
be durable for everyday use keeping our feet comfortable,
dry and cool on the trail. On the mountain,we will use
the Lorpen Treking Extreme, designed for long use in high
mountains and polar regions. The thermal fibre Thermolite
Base and a Lycra mix will keep our feet comfortable, warm
and dry while maintaining a snug fit ensuring blisters
are kept at bay.
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