Earlier this year, I took part in a training day with the Assynt Mountain Rescue team in the Highlands of Scotland as part of Helly Hansen’s Open Mountain Month program, which aims to inspire people to get out and experience the spectacular scenery of the mountains.
As the people who are responsible for saving the lives of people who encounter serious and sometimes life-threatening danger in the hills and mountains throughout the United Kingdom, Mountain Rescue provides an invaluable service to anyone who enjoys exploring these incredible places.
Locating and rescuing people who are in trouble in treacherous terrain and in often poor conditions is incredibly challenging, and so the volunteers who work with Mountain Rescue must be highly skilled, well-trained, and well-equipped.
So, with the help of Helly Hansen, which supplies Mountain Rescue with their kit, I travelled up to Rhiconich, in the north west corner of Scotland, to take part in one of their training days and see for myself first-hand what it takes to be part of such a vital service.
In the mountains
As we climbed into the hills overlooking Loch na Thull, it was obvious the level of fitness required to be a part of Mountain Rescue. Not only are you climbing hills and mountains, sometimes away from the trails, you’re also doing it with rescue equipment.
We practised carrying stretchers over difficult terrain and discussed what kind of care is often required, from dealing with broken limbs to treating hypothermia.
Next, we had a taste of the technical skills that the Mountain Rescue team use when assisting people. This including setting up belays and abseils, how to prepare for a helicopter evacuation, and navigating treacherous terrain.
While this was happening, an emergency call came through, and some of the team had to leave and attend a real-life rescue, which reinforced just how dedicated these people are, ready to respond to an SOS at a moment’s notice, whenever, wherever.
Equipment
We also discussed the importance of having the right equipment. Helly Hansen, which provides Mountain Rescue with the kit they need to operate in difficult conditions, sent me some of the same kit to test myself, including the Odin 9 Worlds 2.0 Shell Jacket, Odin 9 World Infinity Shell Pants, Roamfree HT Boots, and a Transistor Backpack Recco.
For Helly Hansen, working with Mountain Rescue is the perfect way to get real-world product testing and feedback, and they work closely alongside each other to develop new kit.
As I discovered myself, this kit was perfect for trekking in the Highlands, providing protection against the weather, warmth, and allowing for complete mobility.
Watch the video and find out more
Helly Hansen is a leading brand for technical outdoor kit which is the official clothing partner of five mountain rescue teams across Mountain Rescue England and Wales, Scottish Mountain Rescue and Mountain Rescue Ireland.
Working with Mountain Rescue teams, Helly Hansen has developed bespoke best-in-class Mountain Rescue Responder kit utilising real-life feedback of the kit to integrate changes to designs with the aim of protecting the Mountain Rescue volunteers against the UK’s unique weather conditions and varied landscapes.
If you want to learn more about staying safe in the mountains and check out the kit that Mountain Rescue uses for yourself, head over to Helly Hansen’s website here.