‘Raised in Chamonix, Born in 1860 with a story forged in steel,’ is how Simond describe themselves on their website, and who would gainsay it! Though they are now part of the multi-national Decathlon group, Simond seem to have maintained their unique identity and continue to make good, innovative gear for mountaineers in 2026.

Step back in time to 1987 and we see they were producing a range of pitons, including the Multi Roc versions that we have here in the collection. Made from chrome molybdenum with a special coating, the twist at the top is designed to twist and tighten the piton in the event of a fall or excessive loading. We haven’t tested it to find out!

Based in Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc, Simond are very much a continental company with only a small amount of their gear making it across the channel, mostly their ice climbing tools, several of which we have here in the collection.

These two, fine, pitons did make it over, once belonging to a guy called Chris Craggs, and subsequently Jamie Hageman who donated them. Thanks guys.