The quiet Alps, pushing climbing limits, invincible Alan Hinkes and more

Welcome to the Twenty-Fourth edition of ClimbLife – our bi-monthly newsletter where we bring to you a curated collection of climbing facts & history, the latest news, the latest products in our offering, and the climber of the edition.

Namah – A brand from an organization established since 1898, specializing in the manufacturing and exporting of high-quality UIAA/CE certified Ropes and Safety Harnesses.

Climbing Facts & History

Hochwanner: The Quiet Giant of the Alps

The Hochwanner stands at 2,744 meters, rising quietly along the German–Austrian border. Often overlooked, it is actually Germany’s second-highest mountain, yet it doesn’t share the fame of its louder neighbor, the Zugspitze. What makes the Hochwanner special is not just its height, but its character.

Its vast northern face drops nearly 1,500 meters into the valley, making it one of the steepest walls in the Northern Limestone Alps. Unlike crowded peaks, the Hochwanner offers solitude. Reaching the summit requires patience and steady climbing over grass, rock, and scree, rewarding climbers with sweeping views over the Wetterstein range.

Its first ascent in 1870 marked the beginning of its quiet legacy—towering, impressive, but never demanding attention. The Hochwanner remains a mountain for those who appreciate greatness without noise.

In The News

Pushing Limits on Limestone: Schenk Sends Erebor

Italian climber Filip Schenk has redpointed one of Europe’s hardest routes: Erebor (9b) in Arco, Italy. The line was first climbed by Stefano Ghisolfi in 2021 and is known for its brutal start powerful, bouldery moves with no room to breathe, followed by a fierce crux just before the anchor.

Schenk spent months studying the route, trying variations, and even replicating sections of it in his training sessions at home. Once the puzzle finally clicked, he returned in November with one goal: execute the sequence without hesitation. In just four determined days, he clipped the chains and claimed the ascent.

Erebor continues to stand as a benchmark of modern sport climbing—where strength, precision, and obsessive refinement decide whether years of effort end in success or another unfinished dream.

Product Spotlight

Lynx 9.5 mm for Demanding Climbs

The Lynx 9.5 mm from Namah Ropes blends lightweight design with serious climbing performance. Certified to UIAA and CE standards, it delivers reliable fall protection without adding bulk to your rack. Its bicolour weave ensures quick visual rope management, while the Dry XP treatment enhances abrasion resistance and keeps the rope performing well in wet, dusty or cold environments.

Whether you’re pushing grades on sport routes, navigating tricky trad placements, or moving fast on alpine terrain, the 9.5 mm diameter offers the ideal balance between handling, durability and agility. Its low-stretch dynamic behaviour provides secure catches with a smooth feel, helping climbers trust every move, every fall and every belay.

Choose the Lynx 9.5 mm if you want a rope that boosts performance, reduces weight, and keeps you confident on demanding climbs without weighing you down.

Alan Hinkes: Britain’s Quiet Conqueror of the 8,000ers

Alan Hinkes OBE, born in North Yorkshire in 1954, is one of Britain’s most respected high-altitude mountaineers. He is recognised as the first and only Briton to have climbed all fourteen of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks an achievement that took him over two decades to complete. Hinkes is known not just for reaching these rare heights, but for his philosophy of survival in extreme environments. He often reminds climbers that the summit is always optional, while coming home safely is mandatory. His climbs are marked by careful decision-making, patience, and a willingness to turn back when conditions demand it. In 2006, he was honoured with the title of OBE for his contributions to mountaineering. Hinkes continues to inspire climbers around the world, not through risk or glory, but through a deep respect for nature and the discipline required to live through it.

Industry insights

NZMGA: Training the Next Generation of Guides

The New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA) is a non-profit professional body recognised globally. It sets and upholds standards for mountain guides and supports the tourism operators who employ them. NZMGA offers training and certification across a variety of specialist guiding pathways including ice-guiding, ski-guiding, alpine trekking and rock or glacier guiding. Registered guides explore remote terrain and lead clients safely on high-risk adventures while maintaining professionalism and competence. Whether you’re looking to become a certified IFMGA or NZMGA guide, or to engage one for your next expedition, NZMGA provides clear pathways, training resources, scholarship opportunities and a network committed to excellence in mountain guiding.

The summit is just the beginning with Namah – ClimbLife.

Stay connected! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily updates, tips, and more. Remember, every climb begins with a single step, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Happy Climbing!

If you have feedback for us or want to reach out to us regarding something, feel free to contact us via the details provided below.

Write an email to info@namahropes.com (or) Call +91 98111 80634 to get connected with our team.