In reply to Castleman:
An equally good point.
Our outdoor press could do more really, they always review winter boots, axes, crampons, jackets etc but do many of them cover probes, shovels, transceivers and skills necessary?
In the late 80s early 90s cycling mags and the UCI started a sea-change in attitude to helmets. Ludites were no doubt against it, now you'd be considered a rank amateur without a helmet.
Cost is an excuse not a reason for most. Rental should be easy enough but I guess most shops in mountainous areas of the Uk don't offer rental of this kit, but they will rent boots, axes and crampons.