Can technology help the climbing experience? We ask climbing legend Mick Fowler.
If it’s spectacular and intimidating, Mick Fowler has climbed it. Alpine climber, ice climber and the first ascensionist of many of Britain’s most spectacular sea stacks, Mick also hit the headlines when he became the first (and probably last) climber to scale a 65ft ice streak created by a leaking toilet outflow at St. Pancras Station in the heart of London.
We caught up with Mick on terra firma (thankfully) to talk travel tech.
What are your feelings about technology and travel?
A love/hate relationship. I don’t feel excited by it. Technology makes research easier and adventure safer. But at the same time it detracts from the sense of uncertainty and commitment that are essential ingredients in adventure. So – it’s a love/hate relationship for me.
Do you use technology when you head off on an adventure, or is it merely a useful tool when planning?
I use it when planning a trip (e.g. Google Earth). The only technology I carry on a route is a walkie talkie which I use to keep in touch with the other pair (we usually arrange trips so that there are two teams of two climbers operating from the same base camp).
What are the drawbacks or technology?
If communication is lost for any reason people can get unnecessarily worried.
Is there some item on your wish list that manufacturers haven’t created yet?
Fully waterproof down. Resilient, non-bulky heated gloves.
We’re an Australian travel site, so where have you/would you want to climb in Australia?
I’ve never been to Australia so I haven’t ticked anything off my to-do list yet, but I’d love to climb the sea stacks in Tasmania, go surfing (or try to, at least!), and climb Ayers Rock.
What are your Australian climbing recommendations for Mick? Tell us here.
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