Crux kit is designed for mountaineers, by mountaineers. Well, actually, by one mountaineer – since this specialist brand is entirely owned and operated by New Zealander Carol McDermott. Carol is a trained chemicals and materials engineer with a background in the outdoor industry. He’s also a highly experienced alpinist and climber, with ascents in most of the world’s great ranges to his name. That’s a pretty good CV for designing the world’s most uncompromising outdoor kit, focused purely on performance in the most demanding conditions. Which is why Crux use only the best quality materials, like Polish white goose down and premium Japanese fabrics, with stringent quality control that puts the big brands to shame.

This is gear for which the appellation ‘bomber’ was invented – designed to be used on the toughest lines, the steepest faces and in the most arduous conditions. It’s no surprise that Crux has gained such a loyal and dedicated following among elite mountaineers for its specialist down layers, bulletproof alpine packs and rugged, dependable tents.