Colmcille Climbers - In defence of Ron Hill Tracksters

There have been some rather sniffy comments made about Ron Hill Tracksters recently. The main implication Ronn Hill Tracksters Classic DXB

is that they are, somehow, old-fashioned and no longer acceptable apparel at the crag. In particular, comments have been made with regard to the Donegal Guidebook and the inappropriateness of photographing people in red Ron Hill's (i.e. your own correspondent, Pete Smith).

Ron Hill Tracksters have been part of my life for many years I do not intend to lie down and let them be taken off me by some fashion victim, e-grade climber from the dark hinterlands of Dublin or Limerick or Cork. I got my first pair of these wonderful strides in 1991 and was astonished to learn from the bloke in the shop that they were not designed for climbers, but for more sporty types like runners etc. I felt he must be mistaken because they seemed so perfect for the job - light, stretchy, bright (photo of sensible climber in Ron Hill's TRacksters ), quick-drying and, above all, non-flappy. [This reminds me of the a time my mother took me to buy clothes. It was my first ever pair of jeans and the fellow in the shop said "Straights or flares?" and I didn't know, so I said flares, and he said "Some blokes still look alright in flares, I s'pose". So I went home with new flares and it was 1979 and I had to wear them till they fell apart because they cost too much to be thrown away. But I digress.]

Light. They are easily packed, light in the sack and light on the legs
Stretchy. I would have thought this was a prerequisite in climbing strides. The beauty of Ron Hill's is that they do not impede you even when they are sopping wet
Bright. It is the duty of all climbers to look colourful. Red is preferred as it does not show blood
Quick-drying. Occasionally clothes need washing so it is handy if they dry quickly. More importantly, it sometimes rains so strides that do not retain moisture are useful.
Non-flappy. There is probably a word hidden in the OED that means non-flappy, but I don't know it. Clothes that don't get in the way will save your life. Well....OK.... They might save you from doing something that puts your life in danger.

Ron Hill Tracksters Flash Trackster Ron Hill's are also rugged and hard-wearing, warm in the cool, cool in the heat, great for layering and fadeproof. With a list of advantages that long, it is very hard to knock 'em. However, we should look at the disadvantages for balance if nothing else.

Disadvantages of Ron Hill Tracksters:

Ah. Good. Well that settles it then. I'll go and thank my wife for the new pair she got me for Christmas last year.

In Defence of Ron Hill Tracksters

Pete Smith