Rupal is a mountain in Pakistan’s Western Himalaya and is one of the many peaks that Stubai have used for names when producing their various ice climbing tools. The Rupal Hammer we have here dates from the early 1970’s, a time of huge evolution in ice climbing technology. Different ideas came and went, as fast as the winter snows back then, and whilst the Rupal did enjoy a brief period of popularity, it was short lived and was soon overtaken by new ideas and better technology. Though not always technically ahead of the game, Stubai gear is always strong and sturdy, making it ideal for heavy continuous use. Not surprising then, that this one once belonged to Mick Tighe’s Mountain Guiding Company, Nevis Guides.