Two kinds of tape
There are two tape tips to tell this time. (This is either an amazing poetic alliteration or perhaps a new tongue-twister).
The first tape is one for repairing holes, large or small, in rucksacks, waterproof jackets and trousers, and just about anything else at all really. It’s the best and stickiest tape going and it doesn’t look as unsightly as the other more well-known solutions. It’s ‘McNett Tenacious Tape’. For best results, cut an oval or circular patch of tape, as having no corners means the tape is less likely to start getting peeled off.
The second tape is very specific to winter. If you have your own ice-axe then this simple addition or modification can make your axe a lot easier and more comfortable to hold in a variety of a positions. The idea is to make an additional grippy ‘handle’ section on the shaft, just below the axe head for use when using the ‘daggering’ technique. The tape in question is any brand of ‘self-amalgamating tape’, available from most good DIY/hardware stores. Wrap it tightly around the shaft of the axe in a spiral, overlapping pattern and you have a fantastic additional handle area that also doesn’t feel as cold as bare metal. If you’d like photos or a further explanation, then just get in touch.
