Alpine Sports

Alpine Sports, climbing and mountaineering equipment from Kerry

Alpine Sports is an Irish-owned company founded in 2010 that sells clothing and equipment for climbing and mountaineering. Its catalogue is built around a selection criterion that the company itself describes as "fast and light", with brands and products designed for demanding conditions such as those in Ireland. The company operates from its office in Kerry and serves orders in Ireland as well as the UK and the European Union.

Origins and background

The founder, Nigel Dixon, grew up exploring the Irish midlands and developed his love of the mountains both at home and abroad. Before creating Alpine Sports, he worked for a decade at Lowe Alpine, where he gained first-hand experience of the brand's development alongside its early driving forces. That previous experience is what the company presents as the basis for the selection of products it offers.

Climbing catalogue

The climbing section is one of the most developed in the catalogue. It includes starter kits, belay and descender devices, ascenders, carabiners, quickdraws, pulleys, passive protection (nuts) and active protection (cams), helmets, ice protection gear, tools such as ice axes and crampons, slings and tapes, ropes, harnesses, guidebooks and maps, bouldering mats and accessories such as chalk and chalk bags.

Clothing and footwear

The clothing section is divided into men's and women's clothing. In both cases, softshell and windshell garments, insulation, fleece mid layers, base layers, legwear and, for men, waterproof shells are offered. Clothing accessories include gaiters, gloves and mitts, hats and headwear, as well as Nikwax textile treatment products. Footwear is organised according to availability, with a section for items in stock and another for items with an estimated dispatch of one to two weeks, and includes socks and accessories.

Packs, camping and equipment

Packs are classified by use: alpine and climbing, trekking and backpacking, hiking and day walks, city and laptop or school bags, ultralight for running and hydration, kit bags and duffels, adventure travel packs, and dry bags and waterproof cases. In the camping and bivouac area, the catalogue covers bivi bags, shelters and hammocks, sleep systems with sleeping bags, liners, blankets and ponchos and pillows, tents, sleeping mats and chairs, stoves and gas, fire stoves, pots and cooking equipment, and travel items and towels. The general equipment section includes trekking poles, lighting, eyewear, maps and navigation, hydration and filters, and first aid and personal care.

Brands and other categories

Among the brands it distributes are Beal, Blue Ice, CAMP, Crux, DMM, East West Mapping, Edelrid, Exped, Julbo, Kong, La Sportiva, Light My Fire, Lowe Alpine, Montane, MSR, Platypus, RAB, Red Chili, Petzl, Silva, Thermarest, TREK'N EAT, Wild Country, Thorlo, The Heat Company, Woolpower, Nikwax, Petromax, Fizan, Packtowl, Gregory, Katadyn, TWF, Sola, Gelert, SealLine, Nortec, Jobe, Arena and Entre-Prises. In addition to the main categories, the store has water sections (SUP boards and swimming accessories) and a PRO section with harnesses, ropes, carabiners, rope ascenders and tapes.

Service and store operations

The company states that all orders are dispatched within 24 hours from its Kerry office. The online store allows you to select the currency from euro, pound sterling, US dollar and Australian dollar, and has an order tracking programme, wish list and product comparison tool. The site includes a blog with gear and reviews sections. Alpine Sports also publishes customer reviews that highlight the speed of delivery, value for money and the service received.

Location and contact

Dunmaniheen, Killorglin, Kerry, Ireland · Phone: +353 87 6250555