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On the Knife Edge

How to Pronounce Tour du Mont Blanc Place Names

29/12/2022

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I get asked repeatedly how to pronounce some of the place names on the TMB. French words, in particular, are difficult for English speakers to get right. So I have put together a series of short sound recordings which should help: click on the button or the image to get the full article.

Let me know if there are any other TMB place names that you would like me to add to the article. 

​Happy New Year!
How to Pronounce Tour du Mont Blanc Place Names
TMB Place Names
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Gear Review: Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L backpack

12/12/2022

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As an outdoor writer and photographer, I spend a lot of time on the trail. Long days with a fully-laden pack is part of my job so I am constantly looking for products which help me lighten the load, without a reduction in performance. Often one of the heaviest things a backpacker carries is the backpack itself and the differences in weights between products can be large. The very lightest packs are light because they incorporate the lightest products available and these are pared down to the bare minimum. Very light materials tend to be very thin. And very thin material is often not very durable.
​The holy grail of backpacks is therefore one that is light and durable and still performs well. I have used a lot of packs over the years and had never found the very lightest packs to be very good. Sometimes the straps were too flimsy to be comfortable. Sometimes the material just does not last very long. In 2020, I tried the Zpacks Arc Blast 55 backpack and that changed everything for me. At 569g, the pack was super light for a framed pack and the material was pretty durable considering its low weight. Over time, I did notice some very minor wear around the bottom corners of the pack but once noticed, I minimised this by taking more care of it. With the Arc Blast, the lightweight carbon frame needed to be tensioned by the user: at first I was terrified of breaking the thin carbon but over time my confidence in the durability of the carbon grew and I have never had any issues with it. I would say though that I was always very careful with it, not wanting to take the risk of a break while on the trail.
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In summary, I found the Arc Blast 55 to be perfect for backpacking trips that required me to carry up to 4-5 days food. However, if I needed to carry food for 6-7 days then I found it to be slightly too small for me.  When I heard that Zpacks had redesigned its Arc Haul range, I thought that I would try one. I only needed a little extra space for a couple more days' food so the Arc Haul 60L backpack looked like it was just what I was looking for.
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Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L
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Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L on the trail in Iceland
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L on the trail in Iceland

First Impressions

As I unwrapped the new pack, it was the Ultra 200 material of the outer that instantly stood out: it looks great and feels more robust to me than the Dyneema of the Arc Blast. Zpacks say that the Ultra 200 is in fact heavier than the Dyneema but, because it requires fewer reinforcements, the end product is lighter. It would be interesting to see which performed better in the field. The straps and buckles have much in common with those on the Arc Blast: very thin but similarly well designed.

As I looked closer, I noticed that the frame design was completely different from the Arc Blast. I was pleased to see that the carbon frame appeared to be much more robust than that on the Arc Blast: it is much thicker and the cross-section is rectangular rather than circular. But more importantly it has been pre-tensioned so the users do not have to undergo the scary tensioning process themselves.
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The overall weight of the pack is astonishing: it feels like there is barely anything there when you lift it in its empty state. It is even more impressive when you consider that the Arc Haul is 5L bigger in volume than the Arc Blast but (at 592g) it is only 18g heavier than the current version of the Arc Blast.
Ultra 200 Outer
Ultra 200 Outer
Pre-tensioned Carbon Frame
Pre-tensioned Carbon Frame

​Fitting

I found that fitting the Arc Haul was easier than fitting the Arc Blast because the frame has been pre-tensioned. There is a good video on Zpacks’ website which clearly shows you how to adjust the straps, etc. Once fitted properly, the pack feels snug, secure and comfortable. There are few manufacturers which give such good guidance on fitting.

I am 183cm tall and I chose the medium size: apparently almost nobody goes for the large. It fitted me well but only just. I think that anybody slightly taller than me might find the medium to be too small. One minor observation: I have both the Arc Haul and Arc Blast in the same sizes and I found the Arc Haul to be ever so slightly smaller than the Arc Blast. With the Arc Haul, I was at the very limits of the size band but with the Arc Blast I had a tiny margin to play with.

​Testing

To test the pack, I walked Scotland’s Cape Wrath Trail, 400km of some of the wildest terrain in Europe. Over the full distance there is only a handful of settlements and wild camping is the order of the day. I took full camping gear and had a base weight (excluding food and water) of 6kg. At times, I was carrying 7 days food so my maximum pack weight (with food and water) was 13kg. The terrain I walked was extremely rough and challenging: for long periods that are no paths and often the ground is wet and uneven.
Comfort: Over 17 days in very rough terrain, I found the pack to be extremely comfortable. Although the padding on the straps and belt is thin, it is good quality and I had no problems with it. The packed coped admirably with 13kg and I would be confident that I could carry heavier loads with it. I liked the frame better than that on the Arc Blast: it seemed more stable to me.

Durability: it is fair to say that the Ultra 200 material is very tough. Tougher I think than the Dyneema on the Arc Blast. Rubbing on rocks and trees seem to cause it little problems. On the Arc Haul I have none of the minor wear I noticed around the bottom corners of the Arc Blast. I think the frame is tougher too. I would be confident that the Arc Blast will last me a long time.

To test the pack, I walked Scotland’s Cape Wrath Trail, 400km of some of the wildest terrain in Europe

Tough terrain on Scotland's Cape Wrath Trail
Tough terrain on Scotland's Cape Wrath Trail
​Water-proofing: I tested the pack over 17 days in the wettest part of a very wet country and I found that the Ultra 200 material is very waterproof. I noticed no difference in this regard from the Arc Blast which also performs amazingly. There are a few places where a small amount of water does get in but this is a minor gripe as the pack scores far better than its competitors in this regard. I would still carry a dry-bag though on longer trips but that is no issue as good ones weigh a mere 20g.

​Features

The huge mesh pocket at the front of the pack is excellent in size: I used it for my rain jacket and drying wet items of clothing. On the version that I tested, the pocket was made of lycra with was different from the tough mesh on the Arc Blast. I did not find it to be as durable as the mesh used on the Arc Blast as it ripped quite easily. However, I understand that Zpacks are now manufacturing the Arc Haul with the same mesh as the Arc Blast (instead of the lycra) so that particular issue has gone away.
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L inside view
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L inside view
Roll-top closure: European trekkers will take a while to get used to the roll-top closure which is quite unlike traditional packs. However, I have to say that I am a complete convert. It saves weight and is very waterproof. You may miss having a pocket on top but this is easily remedied by adding one or two of Zpacks’ excellent belt pouches.
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Side pockets: there are two and they are well-designed, making it easy to reach for a water bottle or other items. They fit Nalgene bottles but I would prefer them to be ever so slightly bigger but that is a minor gripe.

​Conclusion

As well as Scotland’s Cape Wrath Trail, I have also now carried the pack for many weeks in the tough and wet environment of Iceland. The Arc Haul Ultra 60L has now replaced the Arc Blast 55L as my ‘go-to’ pack for long-distance treks. It is only 18g heavier than the current version of the Arc Blast yet it is 5L bigger, with tougher outer material and frame. In fact, it is almost unbelievably light. Yet I found it to be stable, durable and very comfortable. Unlike most other packs, it is almost completely waterproof. Despite the lightweight construction, it performed extremely well. At $399 it is not cheap but if you like to travel ultralight then it is a price worth paying.

Andrew McCluggage is an outdoor writer and photographer. He is also the CEO of Knife Edge Outdoor Guidebooks. He has written many books for walking and trekking including The Tour du Mont Blanc, Trekking the Dolomites AV1, Trekking the Corsica GR20, Trekking the West Highland Way, Trekking the Hadrian’s Wall Path, Trekking the Coast to Coast Path and The Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt. His latest book is Trekking the Mallorca GR221. Follow Andrew on Facebook and Instagram: @knifeedgeoutdoor

Trekking the Corsica GR20

£15.99

Available now!


The only two-way guide to the GR20: both northbound and southbound routes are described in full.


Real IGN Maps included (1:25,000): no need to carry separate maps.


15 different itineraries: schedules of 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 days. Includes both northbound and southbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you.


Also includes:


  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Detailed information on getting to/from all trail-heads
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts and campsites
  • Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions
  • Information on Wildlife and Plants

Trekking the Mallorca GR221

£16.99

Available Now!


The definitive two-way guide to the Mallorca GR221 (the Drystone Way): both northbound and southbound routes are described in full.


Real Maps: Full mapping inside (1:25,000) by Editorial Alpina. All accommodation is numbered and marked on the maps.


12 different itineraries: schedules of 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 days for hikers and runners. Includes both northbound and southbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain/loss are done for you.


Also includes:

  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Full accommodation listings: the best hotels and refugis
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Public Transport map and information
  • Essential info for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Information on the drystone structures along the route
  • Information on plants and wildlife
  • History of drystone structures along the route
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions

Trekking Iceland's Laugavegur Trail (& Fimmvörðuháls Trail)

£17.99
Available April 2023: pre-order now to secure one of the first batch

The definitive two-way guide to Iceland's Laugavegur Trail (& Fimmvörðuháls Trail): both southbound and northbound routes are described in full.

Real Maps: full mapping inside (1:40,000), made specifically for the treks by Knife Edge Outdoor Guidebooks. All accommodation/campsites are numbered and marked on the maps.

14 different itineraries: schedules of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days for hikers and runners. Includes both southbound and northbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain/loss are done for you.

Also includes:
  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Full accommodation/campsite listings
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather and more
  • Travel to the trail-head
  • Essential info for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Information on the volcanic sights along the route
  • Information on plants and wildlife
  • History of Iceland
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions

Trekking Map: Iceland's Laugavegur Trail (& Fimmvörðuháls Trail)

£16.99

Available May 2023: Preorder now to get one of the first batch.


Waterproof sheet map for Iceland's Laugavegur Trail (& Fimmvörðuháls Trail): 1:40,000. Includes free GPX downloads for the trails.


The definitive map to Iceland’s two best trails: larger scale and more detail than any other map. Made specifically for the treks by Knife Edge Outdoor Guidebooks.


  • Waterproof
  • Free GPX downloads
  • Tough
  • Lightweight
  • All huts/campsites are marked
  • Information on distances, times and altitude gain/loss between huts/campsites
  • Hot springs and fumaroles are marked

 

The Laugavegur Trail is one of the world's most beautiful and aspirational treks. It leads you into the heart of Iceland’s unique ice-capped, volcanic terrain. Experience spectacular and unusual landscapes, the likes of which you will not find anywhere else on the planet.  Impressive volcanic peaks are a constant companion and steam gushes from the ground. This is Iceland at its best and it will be an adventure that you will never forget

Tour du Mont Blanc (2022)

£16.99
AVAILABLE NOW!

Complete guidebook for planning and trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc, the world's most famous trek

Real maps for each stage: 1:25,000. No need to carry a separate map!

Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you

Everything the trekker needs to know: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more

Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts, villages and hamlets

Full section on camping: a complete list of camping locations

10 exciting variants to the main route!

Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers

Trekking the Dolomites AV1

£15.99

Available Now!


The only guidebook exclusively for the AV1.


Real maps inside (Tabacco 1:25,000): the finest maps available for the Dolomites.

​

Everything you need to know to plan and walk Italy's most popular long distance route.


Also includes:


Numbered waypoints linking maps to text


Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you


7 Proposed Itineraries of between 6 and 11 days


Everything the trekker needs to know to plan the route: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more    


Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts


Section on Camping


Exciting variants to the main route


Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers

​

Edge to edge colour: the most modern and beautiful guidebooks

Trekking the West Highland Way: Two-way guide

£14.99

Available Now!


The definitive two-way guide to the West Highland Way: both northbound and southbound routes are described in full.


Real Maps: Full Ordnance Survey Explorer mapping inside (1:25,000)


17 different itineraries: schedules of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 days for hikers and runners. Includes both southbound and northbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you.


Also includes:

  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: the best inns, B&Bs and hotels
  • Detailed section on camping
  • Essential info for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Information on geology, history, plants and wildlife
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions

Trekking the Hadrian’s Wall Path

£14.99

Available now!


Real OS maps 1:25,000


The definitive two-way guide to the Hadrian’s Wall Path: both eastbound and westbound routes are described in full.


14 different itineraries: schedules of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 days for walkers and runners. Includes both northbound and southbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you.


Also includes:



  • Extraordinary detail on the history and construction of Hadrian’s Wall
  • Section on the unmissable forts of Hadrian’s Wall
  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: the best inns, B&Bs and hotels
  • Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions


Hadrian’s Wall was one of the Romans’ most ambitious structures. When completed, it ran for 73 miles between the west and east coasts of Northern England. It crossed the crags and hills of some of Britain’s wildest and most beautiful terrain.


The Hadrian’s Wall path is one of England’s official ‘National Trails’. It leads you on an unforgettable journey of discovery along the route of the Wall. Discover the incredible surviving sections of the Wall and its forts, milecastles and turrets.

Trekking the South Downs Way

£14.99
Available Now!


The definitive two-way guide to the South Downs Way: both westbound and eastbound routes are described in full.


Real Maps: Full Ordnance Survey Explorer mapping inside (1:25,000)


18 different itineraries: schedules of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 days for walkers and runners. Includes both westbound and eastbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you.


Also includes:
  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: the best inns, B&Bs and hotels
  • Detailed section on camping
  • Essential info for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Information on geology, history, plants and wildlife
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions


The South Downs Way leads you on an unforgettable journey of discovery through the magnificent chalk hills of Sussex and Hampshire. It travels the length of the South Downs National Park across wonderful hills and meadows bedecked with wild-flowers, through endless fields of shimmering golden corn and along the edge of the epic white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. It is one of England’s official ‘National Trails’ and is an unforgettable experience

Trekking the Cotswold Way

£15.99

Available Now!


The definitive two-way guide to the Cotswold Way: both southbound and northbound routes are described in full.


Real Maps: Full Ordnance Survey mapping inside (1:25,000). All accommodation is numbered and marked on the maps.


18 different itineraries: schedules of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 days for hikers and runners. Includes both southbound and northbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain/loss are done for you.


Also includes:

  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: the best inns, B&Bs and hotels
  • Detailed section on camping
  • What to see in the City of Bath
  • Essential info for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Information on history, plants and wildlife
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions

Trekking the Coast to Coast Path

£16.99

Available Now!


The definitive two-way guide to the Coast to Coast Path: both eastbound and westbound routes are described in full.


Real Maps: Full Ordnance Survey mapping inside (1:25,000). All accommodation is numbered and marked on the maps.


19 different itineraries: schedules of 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 days for hikers and runners. Includes both eastbound and westbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain/loss are done for you.


Also includes:

  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Full accommodation listings: the best pubs, B&Bs and hotels
  • Detailed section on camping, including wild camping
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Essential info for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Information on plants and wildlife
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions
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    Andrew McCluggage

    blogs about ​life on the Knife Edge

    Andrew is the CEO of Knife Edge Outdoor Limited. He is also a writer, photographer and committed walker​

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  • Home
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