tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60666608681904245782024-03-12T20:37:31.439-07:00Outdoor Gear Reviews - Reviews of outdoor kit and gearOutdoor Gear Reviews are my reviews of the outdoors kit that I use / have used to help othersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-34287073348455714022023-03-21T13:11:00.002-07:002023-03-21T13:12:13.964-07:00Dartmoor walks - The Belstone Round<p>One of the classic walks on Dartmoor is the 'Belstone Round' - a looped walk from Belstone into some of the best areas of scenery on the moor.</p><p>The Belstone Round is incredibly flexible but is basically a route from Belstone, over the Belstone tors to Oke Tor, on to Steeperton Tor, over to Hound Tor, Little Hound Tor, Cosdon Hill and back to Belktone village. Where, yes, there is a pub which serves indoors and outdoors in Summer months. There's also an amazing cafe next to the chapel.</p><p>For a variation, I extended the route to take in the well named Wild Tor. You could easily extend the walk by going from Oke Tor to Hangingstone Hill, then to Wild Tor (and bypass Steeperton Tor). However, that extension has less interest and variation than the one in this blog - in my view!</p><p><b>Distance of walk </b>- approximately 16km</p><p>Start Point - SX621938</p><p><b>Suggested Maps </b>- Dartmoor 1:25 OS Map OL28 / Harvey Superwalker XT25 Dartmoor North </p><p><b>Time Taken</b> - 4 to 5 hours, depending on fitness, speed, route, group and number of stops!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vbkCQJGw55n1pVnNR9csr533R6q5boiKbPr8IKXVKeO0o3vOsFzRP9pyG_UVfnF4XKCRWccXREfN3PHPq4vEZNmpkuN6tn4WEiBMcyEBvKWMQaRJ7Qx3No95P2PZtyo_ZB4HD7h_nO84Zk-Q0zXGfnqLS5fb8yrh5J8GDm7Z4P_k5D9xG5pGOEW4/s2906/IMG_5571.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2906" data-original-width="2395" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vbkCQJGw55n1pVnNR9csr533R6q5boiKbPr8IKXVKeO0o3vOsFzRP9pyG_UVfnF4XKCRWccXREfN3PHPq4vEZNmpkuN6tn4WEiBMcyEBvKWMQaRJ7Qx3No95P2PZtyo_ZB4HD7h_nO84Zk-Q0zXGfnqLS5fb8yrh5J8GDm7Z4P_k5D9xG5pGOEW4/s320/IMG_5571.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click for a much larger map</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Starting from Belstone village, you're directed to park in the car park just outside of the main village. This is the best place to park and advised. However, there are other places to park in the village if this is busy, some of which are secrets to locals!</p><p>For my route I walked up the hill and started the route at SX616936 where the road goes uphill past a South West Water treatment place. Through the gate and onto the open Moorland. As you walk up the hill following the path, Belstone comes into view, as do several other tors like Rowtor and West Mill Tor (both to the SW of you).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbGykpmAbboEpnFPaiTz1GE5C_edIStYlzeA7U9EJ4A5Ltt3-wZnA4aA2WVW7yhb9JHdCBC_ISUvbRlkD04UiqRDdJjzUi8teGCsPcbeIljq_C59LqFLqCzzs43mfT3E3j99tnmlKikbMEPwmsTwnry0BF4YTxQnCxNLMfQ9r5uVm1Ohdoz7qbxMZ/s1280/IMG_5569.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="1280" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbGykpmAbboEpnFPaiTz1GE5C_edIStYlzeA7U9EJ4A5Ltt3-wZnA4aA2WVW7yhb9JHdCBC_ISUvbRlkD04UiqRDdJjzUi8teGCsPcbeIljq_C59LqFLqCzzs43mfT3E3j99tnmlKikbMEPwmsTwnry0BF4YTxQnCxNLMfQ9r5uVm1Ohdoz7qbxMZ/w400-h86/IMG_5569.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the (potential!) all-round views on the walk</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>As you start to go down hill, on your left at SX612928 comes the Nine Stones Cairn Circle, a small circle of cairns with a radius of around 2m. Many people just walk past this but it's worth a quick look.</p><p>From here, I headed up onto the Belstone Tors where there is a semi 'scramble' (I use the word lightly) across the rocks, starting with 'Tors End', across Belstone Tor(s), after which there is a further short slope down to Higher Tor (with a couple of short vertical climbs on). The aim is to stay on as much rock as possible over the tors, although I wouldn't recommend climbing on Higher Tor unless you're experienced and capable. </p><p>Continue along the track towards the sprawling mass of rocks that make up One Tor, passing by a couple of outcrops of rock on the way.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMghyPdlmLEsHPpIC_1egvPJg5ztIlmPEIpPSiznGFEDeY5KPD-mW73uapFoSAaf3scU5BjJ_clT7DK7mA93Ru55w5vFdwgDT750NvBrkARHH5ACxP4FaHnTa_SdoyG7geZqYifceusWMo1jQHHnNEaqQimFOlbD90gPslJtCFUwiTar3-_kw-pEiC/s1200/IMG_2830.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMghyPdlmLEsHPpIC_1egvPJg5ztIlmPEIpPSiznGFEDeY5KPD-mW73uapFoSAaf3scU5BjJ_clT7DK7mA93Ru55w5vFdwgDT750NvBrkARHH5ACxP4FaHnTa_SdoyG7geZqYifceusWMo1jQHHnNEaqQimFOlbD90gPslJtCFUwiTar3-_kw-pEiC/s320/IMG_2830.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view back (north) towards Belstone Tor</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Finally you reach One Tor itself, which is a good place for a quick brew. Across to the West you can see East Mill Tor. If you'd like a shorter route, this is a time to head along that track, up to East Mill Tor, then north along the track past Hartor Farm, back down along the path to the ford and back up the path to Belstone.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPedqLuSDku40H9yaLI1kvakm4hywRXEeGV55_dzlPZx7LV5HO3hHFUVYDaZtWnYFAnoSwIPHvipQ-vkiKNZB82v4iw5mBs35YXScsLNBQ291aRDKUa42RzUQvWnroawzQr_Sl3uaGVNbaHOnhkyJ22bbzE0YD_SOvkpBYH5GxKCb8McAPDAmjST1C/s4000/P1050046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPedqLuSDku40H9yaLI1kvakm4hywRXEeGV55_dzlPZx7LV5HO3hHFUVYDaZtWnYFAnoSwIPHvipQ-vkiKNZB82v4iw5mBs35YXScsLNBQ291aRDKUa42RzUQvWnroawzQr_Sl3uaGVNbaHOnhkyJ22bbzE0YD_SOvkpBYH5GxKCb8McAPDAmjST1C/s320/P1050046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The path back to </td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>But back to Oke Tor...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVb2K7neHqAk_sxOvo6BzDUgEJI0ZGc3uXZRkkt0dQKpAhP91RaaZD5ZvOmsl3TJ71QUEYLaHlP_aTkDQkEt71_3Ejkypt1yAho1ehyueLwOKtFSUMHsoWvsBNN1hcqEGbwaPB5hMyEHhdQFEQ7pJ1wZQFnJVzu_d9fhp35iTlm8ezM0i50kTQFg_g/s1200/IMG_0543.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVb2K7neHqAk_sxOvo6BzDUgEJI0ZGc3uXZRkkt0dQKpAhP91RaaZD5ZvOmsl3TJ71QUEYLaHlP_aTkDQkEt71_3Ejkypt1yAho1ehyueLwOKtFSUMHsoWvsBNN1hcqEGbwaPB5hMyEHhdQFEQ7pJ1wZQFnJVzu_d9fhp35iTlm8ezM0i50kTQFg_g/s320/IMG_0543.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Oke Tor, looking south with Steeperton Tor in the distance</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>After playing on the rocks on Oke Tor, head south along the very clear path which will pass West of Steeperton Tor and past Taw Marsh (in the large valley on Dartmoor to your East - I once found a car abandoned here but that's another story...) As you reach Steeperton (SX619883), you can take a quick trip under the small un-named tor to the West.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAraPFtaQE-bucBRRqrGhtWbv_04HT4xX0XiVhTJm3ROuoBjC0Ia_m2r5OyvWxyemanMbApM6O-zA1NUi_ISBT8X2Egd8edfNiNpwVOR7Ub9xGbvlJRRctg59VpNRXgKIJE_up4uS3sTrN6jC09TAZlUzN4rLx0mW7XZZxsYGSAiExco6EB_A1JEy/s4000/P1050318.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAraPFtaQE-bucBRRqrGhtWbv_04HT4xX0XiVhTJm3ROuoBjC0Ia_m2r5OyvWxyemanMbApM6O-zA1NUi_ISBT8X2Egd8edfNiNpwVOR7Ub9xGbvlJRRctg59VpNRXgKIJE_up4uS3sTrN6jC09TAZlUzN4rLx0mW7XZZxsYGSAiExco6EB_A1JEy/s320/P1050318.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Un-named sheep on un-named tor...</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Otherwise it's time to head down the steep-ish slope into Steeperton Gorge. Bear in mind that after heavy rain, it will prove tricky to cross the River Taw if it's in spate. (Alternatively you can continue down the path to the 'Ford' south-west of Steeperton Tor and cross there).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut_U2dNElGYYA51-IElczNj2JaBTozInJUz-WwIIdB_0tl8ExR6FV3L_y6vMLqFL8O_CYqY-TQSU6cciQj8wdIHYmhzNS-TMR1UqZRKs1u3WKXDrsYIR-EbbE-QQlqGJbxJCyI_A83Fz9UThJiHNveM5bnotHJkJ5PldVvpV4iskpLOmgeHw7e25x/s1200/IMG_1713.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut_U2dNElGYYA51-IElczNj2JaBTozInJUz-WwIIdB_0tl8ExR6FV3L_y6vMLqFL8O_CYqY-TQSU6cciQj8wdIHYmhzNS-TMR1UqZRKs1u3WKXDrsYIR-EbbE-QQlqGJbxJCyI_A83Fz9UThJiHNveM5bnotHJkJ5PldVvpV4iskpLOmgeHw7e25x/s320/IMG_1713.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steeperton Gorge - it is much steeper than the photo shows!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>At the bottom you'll need to climb back up the fairly steep gradient up to Steeperton Tor where you'll find an army hut - often useful to protect from the fierce SW winds that can rage. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLhadHRggyY9FEl76bxxl96-_x87-jr2L90YXDxMI8VLHu0edG1cYJqoFCY0maAVQ8tbgH3-m2Y3RhEum3IlVOhBz70SzoPGkBYyJLz4T0jf5fUCYLtlvEXoxDH9EwgGipy3xGWls_Dmh4k5kERap9bZMd5dtELyVm0V_Mm_gjkvURwTrnOrHAWNI/s1200/IMG_1712.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLhadHRggyY9FEl76bxxl96-_x87-jr2L90YXDxMI8VLHu0edG1cYJqoFCY0maAVQ8tbgH3-m2Y3RhEum3IlVOhBz70SzoPGkBYyJLz4T0jf5fUCYLtlvEXoxDH9EwgGipy3xGWls_Dmh4k5kERap9bZMd5dtELyVm0V_Mm_gjkvURwTrnOrHAWNI/s320/IMG_1712.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Steeperton (Oke Tor left, Belstone in distance)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>From Steeperton, you have the option to follow a slightly marked track down to Steeperton Brook (SX622886) and shorten the route by going directly to Hound Tor via a couple of paths (often boggy). </p><p>The route I took, however, continues the walk following the SE path from Steeperton (quite wide as used by army vehicles) to the brook to cross (SX620881). You can then take a bearing up to Wild Tor. Strangely this is one of my favourite tors on the moor, lesser visited. (The other one is on another walk, Shelstone Tor, SX558898)</p><p>There is an unmarked path up to Wild Tor. Great views across the moor in 360 from Wild Tor.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZi1kELrRPNWer8wBWpxq8a-mBiSwNkY6owbd5zNxM2Y15uN79dd6wyYnDATKMnbtBY7w6xBpmPT7-V8ffeLvmtkg2BDvkVepB6cEQ6SZ72aSsL2tKC_a9XTb85JPSD7W825b_BkeU-oB7j3CJEgoEaZysez6XdnSjpkKlBRU3xSQFAIOUWPpeKSs/s1200/IMG_5566.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZi1kELrRPNWer8wBWpxq8a-mBiSwNkY6owbd5zNxM2Y15uN79dd6wyYnDATKMnbtBY7w6xBpmPT7-V8ffeLvmtkg2BDvkVepB6cEQ6SZ72aSsL2tKC_a9XTb85JPSD7W825b_BkeU-oB7j3CJEgoEaZysez6XdnSjpkKlBRU3xSQFAIOUWPpeKSs/s320/IMG_5566.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Tor (north side)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>From Wild Tor, take the path to the south direct to Hound Tor. Then from Hound Tor, take the path north(ish!) towards Little Hound Tor. Just SE of the tor is the Stone Circle which is quite wide and with numerous and varied shaped cairns dotted around in a circle.</p><p>This path has some of the best views of Dartmoor as you get 360 views for long distances and can see all the major tors in this part of the Moor. You can see towns and valleys in the distance, sweeping hills, rolling tracts of moorland, wild ponies and just feel alone in the wilds at times.</p><p>Sadly I can't find my images of the Stone Circle but it's worth visiting. So here's the view just after that looking south...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvauZ6XCNHRWUoNE9HExqKOM_KtQ31P57z9jvhHtssRa56lFRDKLDM1sGehDk8aDPZw6JLPElNxdQJfBYKvHl362QXh-zWzfATeTE4sgmymtFbo9L2DohW57LEC7iaZTZNQurFn3nHxc9Z0eEMkkSXyaC2pE2A0Qb0az0gUevHDaWAIBfa17svaUk-/s4000/P1050320.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvauZ6XCNHRWUoNE9HExqKOM_KtQ31P57z9jvhHtssRa56lFRDKLDM1sGehDk8aDPZw6JLPElNxdQJfBYKvHl362QXh-zWzfATeTE4sgmymtFbo9L2DohW57LEC7iaZTZNQurFn3nHxc9Z0eEMkkSXyaC2pE2A0Qb0az0gUevHDaWAIBfa17svaUk-/s320/P1050320.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes Tor far left, the highest proper 'tor' on Dartmoor</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>The views continue as you head from Little Hound Tor up onto the top of Cosdon. This is quite a peaty and marshy, boggy area with a wide path,. At times it can feel like a bit of a slog but it's again a different terrain and you gradually find your way up to the top of Cosdon Hill. The top is marked by a huge stone 'graveyard' and a couple of shelters to again chill with a cuppa from the SW winds! Believe me, you'll appreciate it.</p><p>From here you follow the path down the hill from Steeperton. You can see the wind farm to the NE as you walk in the distance. You'll get some more great views across to Belstone. </p><p>While you can follow the path all the way down, there is also a 'tree' off to the NE as you descend the final part of Cosdon in and around SX640926). I love this tree, surrounded by boulders and it's a favourite stopping point of mine.</p><p>From here you want to find your way down to the Cairn (SX635932)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozEr-nRQxZ6cBYHF8k4QwHWNeXVpQvnRPglC03t7v_mLr2kTB_x_3RhasK76MagBL3IC7EkfU8dxPsI4-yVXqR5ZVcnR1T7yuU-tMieyNfhMUt3vKusTnqp5pYOYBOp0RAcxqyT_fWHBOUK0ahP_abJmr-RBg4SghQhUBfjDyZpCjm5FWLUF15SVc/s4000/P1050296.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozEr-nRQxZ6cBYHF8k4QwHWNeXVpQvnRPglC03t7v_mLr2kTB_x_3RhasK76MagBL3IC7EkfU8dxPsI4-yVXqR5ZVcnR1T7yuU-tMieyNfhMUt3vKusTnqp5pYOYBOp0RAcxqyT_fWHBOUK0ahP_abJmr-RBg4SghQhUBfjDyZpCjm5FWLUF15SVc/s320/P1050296.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cairn (or 'Ken' as someone once called it)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>From here, follow the path West all the way across to the footbridge over the River Taw (SX621933). The last time I did this walk, the Gorse was flowering and putting on an incredible display. Then it's back up into the village green area via the path. Next stop the pub, the coffee shop or back to your car.</p><p>Enjoy.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YWySn-fgKCg28KYF6GPVWjBk227RLZ6gVNFhJKfLgGdlJdaRAnjJaCKjnMP4c6PZsvU3FcMpED4U1KAwQPEJ9KB3T6JfowTKYFiG1ImjiFWyAZPvd4b7ZjpPdLV1Ka7eXIq6CcnliYs7fk3fIrK0m_sffaCjLwncmZRsf9q2BVuTqR1VFRueG8W0/s1200/IMG_5570.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YWySn-fgKCg28KYF6GPVWjBk227RLZ6gVNFhJKfLgGdlJdaRAnjJaCKjnMP4c6PZsvU3FcMpED4U1KAwQPEJ9KB3T6JfowTKYFiG1ImjiFWyAZPvd4b7ZjpPdLV1Ka7eXIq6CcnliYs7fk3fIrK0m_sffaCjLwncmZRsf9q2BVuTqR1VFRueG8W0/s320/IMG_5570.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gorse in full bloom - looking across to the Green in Belstone village</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-64144106777909120762021-12-26T03:29:00.013-08:002021-12-26T07:16:13.382-08:00Review of Alpkit Heiko jacket<br />
After a trail run up Nethermost Pike a couple years back, I decided that (a) carrying a 32L pack wasn't ideal for trail running (obviously!) and (b) carrying a large belay jacket as an extra layer for a stop at the top was also less than ideal. So aside from getting a cheap Karrimor pack for trail running (and general use), what was ideally needed was a lightweight insulated layer.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYhgxCVoGwqjJIlu4P8br3m1Wdtc4H2JqrKm0eMFXbFbJfsufW3NuRy7wFSZe-zJDlb_TyVoEhQXy5edMvUowwxYLzF24Mo4lHUb_uYZxGLcraV0gIk5kEkEWcleK99iNr4lJPBVCApI/s2048/20170702_171346_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYhgxCVoGwqjJIlu4P8br3m1Wdtc4H2JqrKm0eMFXbFbJfsufW3NuRy7wFSZe-zJDlb_TyVoEhQXy5edMvUowwxYLzF24Mo4lHUb_uYZxGLcraV0gIk5kEkEWcleK99iNr4lJPBVCApI/w400-h225/20170702_171346_HDR.jpg" title="On the way up to Nethermost Pike" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running up towards Nethermost Pike (my fellow trail runner ahead of me as usual!)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>So what was the answer to my insulated conundrum? Especially on a day which was fairly grim and where a down jacket wouldn't be ideal. The answer was a lightweight insulated layer. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Aplkit Heiko has done this brilliantly. For its size and weight it gives a lot of warmth.</div><div><br /></div><div>The jacket has since been updated from the version I bought (with a few changes including now being 100% recyclable) but its basic concept as a lightweight warm jacket (without a hood) is still the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>The jacket has 60gsm of Primaloft Silver ECO fill which is about right for a lightweight jacket. I wouldn't want to be relying on this in winter conditions as a 'duvet' jacket obviously, but for a jacket that gives you instant and quick warmth the Heiko is ideal. The pockets are warm, there is a slight 'cuff' rise at the neck, there's a hem adjuster to snug the jacket. My version of the jacket has an outer top pocket - this has been moved inside the jacket for the latest (2020-2021) version. There's a bit of 'chin guard fleece', a zip 'port' at the top of the jacket, some glove-friendly zip pulls too. </div><div><br /></div><div>In terms of colour, my version is in a nice navy blue with an orange inner. The jacket (as of December 2021) currently comes with a more 'earthy' blue or green colour - more befitting of looking and being environmentally friendly / blending in. Not currently so good for being seen, unlike mine!</div><div><br /></div><div>One time leading a walk on Dartmoor, I was with a girl who hadn't come fully prepared. She was getting slightly worryingly cold because her *not very* waterproof had leaked (she hadn't told me this had happened until I'd asked her directly initially). I got her to remove her waterproof and stuff it outside her pack then put on the Heiko which I'd brought as a spare layer. Although we didn't stay out much longer, she was absolutely fine and warmed up in the Heiko despite it raining, until we made it back the couple of miles to the car.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGysRANSvAdZOmTpJwCkqh4P4hCXC6n5NDJXbYDGW8mXGU7mFRjfYh9FACNGOI-nYKhUmedWwNnWOFoBvCz9iKSWA1byC3CzlT2ijuODZ8knFQuniKu0SDwyDTSSo-vgei5f0Gyr8Ba8kV5JxWnMNU1LTtZ_54wHRGmXKTWTLr37L8dCKgk3FoUxu3=s1000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Just another day on Dartmoor!" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGysRANSvAdZOmTpJwCkqh4P4hCXC6n5NDJXbYDGW8mXGU7mFRjfYh9FACNGOI-nYKhUmedWwNnWOFoBvCz9iKSWA1byC3CzlT2ijuODZ8knFQuniKu0SDwyDTSSo-vgei5f0Gyr8Ba8kV5JxWnMNU1LTtZ_54wHRGmXKTWTLr37L8dCKgk3FoUxu3=w320-h240" title="Just another day on Dartmoor!" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just another day on Dartmoor!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><div>So where and when has this jacket been used. Well, one use has been as an extra layer in an old church building where my church meets to do tech - that's seriously helped on occasion! But mainly as an extra layer on general walks and cycles when the temperature has been chilly but not cold - think more 5 to 10 degrees C than -5 to 0. But obviously everyone is different and gets warm / cold at different rates. </div><div><br /></div><div>As someone with a fairly athletic build, I tend to get warm very quickly and cold very quickly. The Heiko has given me enough warmth every time I've used it. The one time I did use it in very cold temperatures was cycling the 'Granite Way' on Dartmoor with the weather hovering around 2-3C but with a windchill of much lower! The Heiko came in very useful.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFoNKuBfwuE-1587-9X7is3v-sZsDIApv1CwGD6L0W_fpl42WlkBXOt9CL29LzhqW_mJXYOmqg-_ET7oEVgEjqjyif9EVBTc5x4ZEroYoGEHPbMXmu3P4HVfnuFoegYVUKqdqwTJiFWA_t9j7KydiLEUq65lcQL-C4cBVzWuIb4eTJU-EMzebX-ckU=s1000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFoNKuBfwuE-1587-9X7is3v-sZsDIApv1CwGD6L0W_fpl42WlkBXOt9CL29LzhqW_mJXYOmqg-_ET7oEVgEjqjyif9EVBTc5x4ZEroYoGEHPbMXmu3P4HVfnuFoegYVUKqdqwTJiFWA_t9j7KydiLEUq65lcQL-C4cBVzWuIb4eTJU-EMzebX-ckU=w320-h240" title="A lot colder than this looks!!" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Granite Way - way colder than it looks!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Overall the Heiko is one of my favourite jackets. In terms of fit, I'm 5'11 (just!) and with an athletic build and a medium is perfect. I don't wear it that often and don't compress it that much to prolong the warmth of the synthetic fill. But it's very compressible (the latest version fits into its own top pocket) and has been one of the best purchases I've made. Highly recommended. </div><div><br /></div>
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-74810441658567758822020-01-21T07:54:00.003-08:002020-10-24T11:18:17.088-07:00Montane Prism Gloves review - mens - largeHave you ever had cold hands out in the mountains? I've had cold hands many times, once climbing Fiacalli Ridge in the winter with just a pair of lightweight 'working' gloves! Now that got cold until a quick change into my only remaining gloves changed things (lesson, always go out with 3-5 pairs of gloves!!)<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfGd4vXK_EP03nPNXDhBPWofc1fGbOHAhRI-Wvk-q1K-SKQjB_42AVSe-OlADCjVX1HehIWH8-gAC_6-koBDNA4PrxasMtSL569JMCRJicppb-xSdfO7xbxHVpUTZa0nWjGp4WwNZoY8/s1600/Screenshot+2020-01-21+at+15.16.38.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="554" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfGd4vXK_EP03nPNXDhBPWofc1fGbOHAhRI-Wvk-q1K-SKQjB_42AVSe-OlADCjVX1HehIWH8-gAC_6-koBDNA4PrxasMtSL569JMCRJicppb-xSdfO7xbxHVpUTZa0nWjGp4WwNZoY8/s320/Screenshot+2020-01-21+at+15.16.38.png" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Prism gloves - image courtesy of montane.co.uk website</td></tr>
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My experience of the Prism gloves came in the Cairngorms on a seriously windy day (60-70mph gusts and constant 45mph). We'd started in the Sugar Bowl car park just around the corner from the road up to the Cairngorm Mountain car park, walked via the icy and snowy Chalamain Gap and down into the Lairig Ghru before heading back into the Rothiemurchus Forest. We'd stayed low due to the high winds which just got increasingly intense through the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMte5CyOq5eUfMTT9-uDi2YJ67aWVyotYXz0c39MYDQvgpOV7WTWTE7mBKuaiXbRHmulxrCEIyXF6B8zfOl76_i-DqI7DL3ydK5N9nOQA9jhj1xH2o9W8BgdluhcLXDX9GElvRcD1aS0/s1600/IMG_0819.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMte5CyOq5eUfMTT9-uDi2YJ67aWVyotYXz0c39MYDQvgpOV7WTWTE7mBKuaiXbRHmulxrCEIyXF6B8zfOl76_i-DqI7DL3ydK5N9nOQA9jhj1xH2o9W8BgdluhcLXDX9GElvRcD1aS0/s320/IMG_0819.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalamain Gap</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGBQLDojJyBCOyZm5YWGKb4lv6rWTcgXh0veWNohwsGSHXlGYSonZStAzhplHszkgXDW7dB5sZ5jCP11MoFg9HBezTQnJ1UIDmxk4ETQv5Qo68sri3WWTPHgPHoZDGsDScCVySNCe8Gs/s1600/IMG_0840.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGBQLDojJyBCOyZm5YWGKb4lv6rWTcgXh0veWNohwsGSHXlGYSonZStAzhplHszkgXDW7dB5sZ5jCP11MoFg9HBezTQnJ1UIDmxk4ETQv5Qo68sri3WWTPHgPHoZDGsDScCVySNCe8Gs/s320/IMG_0840.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the Lairig Ghru - furiously windy to the extent that standing up proved an issue!</td></tr>
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The main issue was taking photos that day as it was an incredible weather day and atmosphere. Added to the fact that my friend had lost her phone, I ended up taking a few photos and cold hands followed! I did have a pair of mitts in the bag and had already replaced my wet gloves but neither pair were touchscreen compatible.<br />
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My friend suggested her (men's small) Prism gloves which I just about managed to wriggle on! I wore them for about 2 hours.<br />
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I kept them on until we got lower in the forest as the wind was blowing incessantly until about 400m. In this time I took several photos with the Prisms and my hands instantly warmed up and stayed warm. The windchill that day was around -11C.<br />
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So here are my observations...<br />
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These are brilliant gloves if you need some quick warmth on your fingers. Yes, mitts are often warmer but I found these warmed my cold hands very quickly, within a minute or so. It wasn't raining so I can't comment on that but we all know that synthetic insulation like Primaloft does stay pretty warm when wet.<br />
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The gloves are very lightweight and pack down very small (Montane show them to be about the size of an apple). In terms of sizing, I found that I could put on a pair of mediums in the shop but went for a large in the end. My hand circumference is somewhere in the region of 22 inches - if that helps!<br />
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The outer material is pertex so of course it isn't very strong. I personally wouldn't use them for any kind of scrambling or lots of hand on rock. I wouldn't use them with poles for any length of time either. Something like the Super Prism with the added hypalon on the palm would work better for this (these are also warmer with more Primaloft in) - or gloves with a more resilient outer fabric. These aren't designed for intense use though, so don't think of them like that.<br />
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The touchscreen element (like many other gloves) is fine when touching the screen to access the phone and get to your apps but I found I really had to hit the screen a few times to take a picture or even to open apps. This isn't uncommon on touchscreen gloves, however. The 2019AW version has a black plasticy kind of outer fabric on the fingers for the touchscreen. These feel a bit flimsy and like they might 'crack' at any moment - time will tell. You always have Montane's guarantee to back you up however!<br />
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Update March 2020</b>... having headed up to the Gorms in March 2020 during the amazing snow and weather I can now say the gloves do not work with touchscreen regularly, so if you are buying gloves for this, then like many other gloves they won’t work consistently!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1U0FTCoFAlNN5tO3zFUEs2B_KCbxCy-PPpvd-TNYIasdiFuTCv27F_T3w0OagHPTl47GJIncA1eSFK3Q6MSWzHWSXZQwqmEwnBnyCHqFU3pnPC6D-SgckAj6dVbfm6ovrlF8sqx5OzU/s1600/hand.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1U0FTCoFAlNN5tO3zFUEs2B_KCbxCy-PPpvd-TNYIasdiFuTCv27F_T3w0OagHPTl47GJIncA1eSFK3Q6MSWzHWSXZQwqmEwnBnyCHqFU3pnPC6D-SgckAj6dVbfm6ovrlF8sqx5OzU/s320/hand.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming back from Coire an t-Sneachda</td></tr>
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The Prism gloves will be an essential pair of gloves I'll pack and take with me as a backup pair or a general glove when it's cold. While expensive (despite getting them for a reduced price), I'd highly recommend them. If you need a warmer glove in the same ilk then get the Super Prism gloves. They are a bit less lightweight (but still very light and packable). The Super Prism gloves have a stronger palm and 130g of Primaloft and are slightly longer - but they don't have touchscreen compatibility. The regular Prism gloves are touchscreen compatible and have 40g of Primaloft in them.<br />
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I took a long time choosing between the Prisms and the SuperPrisms but in the end went for the Prisms for the touchscreen compatibility. I can get a liner glove underneath these and will use a cheap liner glove (with more resilient outer gloves). I don't think you can lose whichever glove you choose. Chris Townsend said in TGO Magazine that he'd used the Rab equivalent of the Prism and it was his now his go-to glove.<br />
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The choice is yours...!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNIhtchYFJCecUCiyqYlACg5AOtCFAkRuYSvWPqhpe_9JXUI_Vyii2FrJzg07Y15ITHN8tU2wU4MivDUJBOHcmHldi85Cqsytn9q-c_2NTjP7DbV8kzEiDY8iGSVqHegz0I3F6fZ_5WM/s1600/IMG_0852.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNIhtchYFJCecUCiyqYlACg5AOtCFAkRuYSvWPqhpe_9JXUI_Vyii2FrJzg07Y15ITHN8tU2wU4MivDUJBOHcmHldi85Cqsytn9q-c_2NTjP7DbV8kzEiDY8iGSVqHegz0I3F6fZ_5WM/s320/IMG_0852.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some relief lower down in the Rothiemurchus Forest!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b>Update October 2020</b> - in wild and wet conditions in the Lakes in October 2020, I found that with wet hands I struggled to get there gloves on because of the separate liner / outer. As I put on the gloves, I just couldn't wriggle the material on the inside with my finger so it lined up with the outer of the finger. In the end I gave up! So I wouldn't recommend using these with wet hands.</div><div><br /></div><div>However (!) one thing I found was that by stashing these gloves in my softshell pockets (under a waterproof), these gloves acted as insulation and warmed me up no end! An unexpected bonus.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from these comments, my original review still stands but like all gloves in this style, they are fiddly to put onto wet hands! I can also doubly confirm the touchscreen element is pretty useless!</div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-41839478694429315862019-10-29T09:12:00.002-07:002019-10-29T09:14:03.032-07:00Review of Karrimor X-Lite 8L Running PackThis little running pack has been a brilliant add-on to my list of 6 rucksacks...<br />
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Sadly as of the time of writing, Karrimor have seemingly stopped making this little beauty. No idea why, although they are doing the 15L version still...<br />
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It was on a trail run in 2017 when I decided I needed a smaller lightweight running pack. Trying to run with a strapped down 32L pack became quite comical - almost as comical as my fitness level trying to run up a scree slope and mountain that day...<br />
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"I must get a running pack" I kept on repeating, convincing myself that this was obviously the key to my improved running times... Fitness and training may work for some, but for me it's getting a running pack... Or something like that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34WAHkM87whY9dwth5a7U5aYLgRVHY4_CMM9U7l3EYlwR-JzzIg3IflJP5gKOznBxQALZkoPYjFFNiEQfkYmDSmtLGhyphenhyphensOqOXybFxOGbfuiItgWJLZHbNSZdj5MXY4dV2Ro63239xAQo/s1600/20170702_165714_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34WAHkM87whY9dwth5a7U5aYLgRVHY4_CMM9U7l3EYlwR-JzzIg3IflJP5gKOznBxQALZkoPYjFFNiEQfkYmDSmtLGhyphenhyphensOqOXybFxOGbfuiItgWJLZHbNSZdj5MXY4dV2Ro63239xAQo/s320/20170702_165714_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attempting to keep up with a friend up the scree</td></tr>
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The pack has a top opening (on the picture below, the zip runs around the black material), a space for a small hydration bladder (inside the pack at the back as usual) and a front zipped pocket. The Karrimor logo is reflective and the small bits of material that hold the yellow bungee also have reflective elements. The hydration bladder can run out of the pack to the back left or right which is useful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBFZa4NPo6aAcbCImCoL-sKEho3-fFcZ5-I9FKUgflQAV23MgvYDmQ0zxDC2nMYiuqV5lx-Ykjj5n3yH-8XNizUXkBjgmlNKJH0x45OShMv4QL-yQ7a3NYjGhGJhavOzKM6VJryohX_s/s1600/76518520_l_a1-1000x1340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="1001" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBFZa4NPo6aAcbCImCoL-sKEho3-fFcZ5-I9FKUgflQAV23MgvYDmQ0zxDC2nMYiuqV5lx-Ykjj5n3yH-8XNizUXkBjgmlNKJH0x45OShMv4QL-yQ7a3NYjGhGJhavOzKM6VJryohX_s/s320/76518520_l_a1-1000x1340.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
To the rear of the pack there is a mesh bit which won't do much but it really doesn't matter with a running pack. There is a 'waist belt' of sorts which is enough to help keep the thing attached to you when running, as well as a chest strap. Two zip up side pockets are great and the mesh outers just about hold a 500l water bottle but only just.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkS5u1oczH_3RjRkqyp0YsZ1BYwro75FHHwWYuJOeAxqrAzJw2X5fqRZ6tT3Mr5M-3mqkeRG6BPd3eppWJW5RDOvO0LAwvtgTB_OnmfWhdBP12NHv2rv-Mo-KtigoyDfynrR2lGxQuZI/s1600/715%252BWOOjulL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="813" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkS5u1oczH_3RjRkqyp0YsZ1BYwro75FHHwWYuJOeAxqrAzJw2X5fqRZ6tT3Mr5M-3mqkeRG6BPd3eppWJW5RDOvO0LAwvtgTB_OnmfWhdBP12NHv2rv-Mo-KtigoyDfynrR2lGxQuZI/s320/715%252BWOOjulL._SL1500_.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
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Inside the pack there's enough for me to stash a drink, some food and an insulated layer.<br />
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The outer material is lightweight. It is ripstop but I have slightly damaged my pack on the front as it's not designed to be super-resilient. Still, it's nothing that McNett tape won't fix (I've had that stuff on an old rucksack and gaiters for years without it coming off!)<br />
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Recently I've even used it for cycling, stashing a fair bit of kit - repair kit, pump, food, lightweight chain, repair tools, extra layer. Definitely not its intended use but it had more than enough room.<br />
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This cost around £8 or so when I bought it in 2017. For running it's perfect. I can't see why it's been discontinued or why anyone would use a 15l pack except doing longer runs or ultras. And then I'd probably buy a more features and well-known pack anyway, just in terms of reliability. For what it is, it is brilliant.<br />
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I'm not a gear snob but (as always) the low price does make me think about where it was made and the conditions of the workers (let alone the poor quality conditions of Sports Direct staff and the allegedly questionable business practices of its management). That aside this is a well-featured running pack and for the average amateur runner needing a small pack it's perfect.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-57687980463632203772019-07-11T08:13:00.004-07:002020-03-10T02:26:40.061-07:00Simond Men's Mountaineering Pants ReviewOver the last couple of winters I've been using the Simond Mountaineering Pants for general outdoors wear and mountain excursions. Simond kit can be found at Decathlon and has gained a reputation as having some excellent kit at very good prices.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqtyUYI911nXRBLuD0OBZhenvkQ8y7T6lZW8ZFndPj7eAjXJk4bhGwrcZOcaq0jrfstz50UzEpzKaZVuRdTyuz_J0alplz2O2RPXV2H_3AFU542qsxnlrW3ENwu8BBQNYmdVvYf5X88E/s1600/boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqtyUYI911nXRBLuD0OBZhenvkQ8y7T6lZW8ZFndPj7eAjXJk4bhGwrcZOcaq0jrfstz50UzEpzKaZVuRdTyuz_J0alplz2O2RPXV2H_3AFU542qsxnlrW3ENwu8BBQNYmdVvYf5X88E/s320/boots.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trudging back crampon-less from Coire an t-Sneachda on a very icy March day!</td></tr>
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Having used a pair of Sherpa winter pants that I'd got cheaply on eBay and having been impressed with their resilience, I took a punt on the Simond pants simply so I had two pairs of winter trousers (from experience!) My conclusion is that I've started wearing these Simond ones almost exclusively.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KfT2LhlDYW_EqRxBPxbnz3DN9A3t_tu3nqOBXYmQErfCNAb_Ettxv3S845bE1QQ0uhvhdJnqy2UDHFkByQDDoIA2BDIlbVyZIbgDvVULGsDoXIUCSqoajyMQnGVJJrGBQUrEISPVWxs/s1600/Screenshot+2019-07-11+at+15.57.49.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="960" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KfT2LhlDYW_EqRxBPxbnz3DN9A3t_tu3nqOBXYmQErfCNAb_Ettxv3S845bE1QQ0uhvhdJnqy2UDHFkByQDDoIA2BDIlbVyZIbgDvVULGsDoXIUCSqoajyMQnGVJJrGBQUrEISPVWxs/s400/Screenshot+2019-07-11+at+15.57.49.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simond Mountaineering Pants - from decathlon.co.uk website</td></tr>
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These are very resilient pants. Decathlon says they have a 275gsm weave but in English that means these are good for climbing, scrambles and pottering around in. The inside of the lower legs are reinforced and nice and tough for protecting from crampon scratches - or at least helping! In practice I wear gaiters anyway so while the gaiters have been torn, the pants have been protected!<br />
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The pants are quite fitted in terms of wearing them but without hindering movement. They definitely have some added articulation which I've found perfect for climbs, scrambles and walking over boulder strewn hills and moors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYa3pCYjfn2owd2N0Vn2DLSqBZyQHWgHxuI53PBAsltrEVLESJipLcA-uQOhUQtsX_ZqjldUbPCRheKCncWYHYND47RUf_QbW7UJLYw24yVu0DKteCQoRSPL7QXcto9tWsKWp4Rgz06A/s1600/20180213_095157_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYa3pCYjfn2owd2N0Vn2DLSqBZyQHWgHxuI53PBAsltrEVLESJipLcA-uQOhUQtsX_ZqjldUbPCRheKCncWYHYND47RUf_QbW7UJLYw24yVu0DKteCQoRSPL7QXcto9tWsKWp4Rgz06A/s400/20180213_095157_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murk on Dartmoor in winter</td></tr>
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The pants also come with accessories that would make me consider wearing them even on skis - there are some detachable inner gaiters which although I haven't used are very helpful. I think they'd just about fit over ski boots. The pants also come with detachable braces. If you haven't used braces in winter then it can be a useful, if acquired, taste. But simply to have these with the pants and the fact they can be removed just adds to their value.<br />
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Update March 2020 - I did wear these for skiing in the Cairngorms and they worked a treat - the outer zip at the bottom helped me get them on over skis and then was able to buckle them up over the ski boots, absolutely brilliant!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2Qmi_W5YJ5j1gjVgMvDEalu75UdsAGY9b4sCxfxpWNZqfC5U22BItG5RpHY7_qYFKL1LfL3WHMiqOQA0i92lBT-8Gr7k5_4RzWkGed2OEiCbuPMY6ub8T9NLTZJ1Z7wH432yZ8PTxMA/s1600/skis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2Qmi_W5YJ5j1gjVgMvDEalu75UdsAGY9b4sCxfxpWNZqfC5U22BItG5RpHY7_qYFKL1LfL3WHMiqOQA0i92lBT-8Gr7k5_4RzWkGed2OEiCbuPMY6ub8T9NLTZJ1Z7wH432yZ8PTxMA/s320/skis.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skis at Cairngorms, was holding my bag between my legs so image looks a bit weird!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Xq3ab5lKlh5XYe4ZGAhkX1_dDKo-kfAZxFQw0aDr_SXrMPZ6wZ0-04nmYriRCRv7UNpxBDJFSQpUy9MO6QC9XdSqSt-pJbcm7JAXKwITTLOLh8kKoSc7MY2XBuMw9lP2yArDVXbmfGU/s1600/Screenshot+2019-07-11+at+15.45.27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Xq3ab5lKlh5XYe4ZGAhkX1_dDKo-kfAZxFQw0aDr_SXrMPZ6wZ0-04nmYriRCRv7UNpxBDJFSQpUy9MO6QC9XdSqSt-pJbcm7JAXKwITTLOLh8kKoSc7MY2XBuMw9lP2yArDVXbmfGU/s400/Screenshot+2019-07-11+at+15.45.27.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't find any close-up pics of the pants except these - with the Rab gaiters guesting...</td></tr>
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The lower leg has a zip and the option to close them on one of two snappers, which gives you a decent fit over boots. In practice I've found these can cause the pants to ride up the boot a bit. Not a deal breaker and this can be slightly remedied by choosing to close the pants on the slightly 'looser' popper giving the pants more space over the boot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf8-_v1indBRVJti_TWriFDqxBjBU2yUFTSKvF3DWguKDkpTHfeTsqnPzsdUXDsOWS2H3DawFbKftiZJweA9UbFurKQtLTPA4xFxjYnaHUqcq5l2hr90xW_UJTsPP5XAK-VxSsxID4HA/s1600/Blencathra+1+Feb+GUM-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf8-_v1indBRVJti_TWriFDqxBjBU2yUFTSKvF3DWguKDkpTHfeTsqnPzsdUXDsOWS2H3DawFbKftiZJweA9UbFurKQtLTPA4xFxjYnaHUqcq5l2hr90xW_UJTsPP5XAK-VxSsxID4HA/s400/Blencathra+1+Feb+GUM-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter course on Blencathra, image courtesy of Grahm Uney</td></tr>
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The tops of the pants also have zips on the outside of the legs for added venting option. Useful especially when hacking up deep snowy wanders or moving fast - I tend to get very hot and then get cold quickly, so venting helps!<br />
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In terms of pockets, there's a zipped leg pocket at the front of the right leg. This isn't at all huge but good for stashing some small gloves, food etc. The main pockets at the sides are zipped and again they are not huge, meaning that if you've got a larger phone with tough case on, you may not be able to fit in the pocket. This is one area where the pants need a tweak - larger pockets please. The toggles are fairly long and grab-able in winter snow with a liner glove or larger glove.<br />
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I've seen some reviews on Decathon saying these are a slightly strange fit, but I haven't found that to be the case! The pants don't have a belt or belt loops, so if they don't quite fit, use the braces. At the top there is zip fly with a couple of clips for you to get a good fit around your waist. As I say I have found these to move very well with me and not hinder movement at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOwEHFZRKhG1C43lRSxu81Rb9GnBDG5kQzj6gAYszTRrGJ2G4lsqCAKPvsVkj5II-F_38A0YHXI0YHb-MrkS3EPfJibjHKTMi5fl0VLnVDxGr4co7O0DtpfwC3-u_fdcQp2p-tlFwCO0/s1600/20190201_143704_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOwEHFZRKhG1C43lRSxu81Rb9GnBDG5kQzj6gAYszTRrGJ2G4lsqCAKPvsVkj5II-F_38A0YHXI0YHb-MrkS3EPfJibjHKTMi5fl0VLnVDxGr4co7O0DtpfwC3-u_fdcQp2p-tlFwCO0/s400/20190201_143704_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wintery and gloomy Blencathra</td></tr>
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My advice is to try a pair and see if they work for you - if they do, then at £50 they're a ridiculous bargain!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnheFmLc5ovYhYZVpipi9-MgdJq7HHwZXxnLijqLDhsQozXb41HbbnaIlyzjc0OUOYUA2dCBsUueSaXk0WW1pEzRF4Qzp-btmo33Usuy26Xcnz99v6UxBwtLrM9P9jGFuhnPWQ5z5F2EU/s1600/20190201_142907_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnheFmLc5ovYhYZVpipi9-MgdJq7HHwZXxnLijqLDhsQozXb41HbbnaIlyzjc0OUOYUA2dCBsUueSaXk0WW1pEzRF4Qzp-btmo33Usuy26Xcnz99v6UxBwtLrM9P9jGFuhnPWQ5z5F2EU/s400/20190201_142907_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy winter days!</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-73656775368356832632018-12-31T04:29:00.004-08:002019-01-01T10:32:11.985-08:00Environmental responsibility in and out of the outdoors!If you drive anywhere, you'll see our countryside is strewn with litter. Far too many people demand many rights but live without responsibility. In a throw-away society with little that is valued, people live in much the same way. The trouble is that with every packet that gets thrown down there's a consequence; every item that is irresponsibly discarded leaves its mark, with the impact being felt in animals, birds, insects and humans. There's a bit in the Bible that says we reap what we sow. And our natural environment is no different.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHYN3J9Mu_USJEKH4ZZS47uMj5U90N3VXGjGwUERDXOzlnqXM8qjzWn2Bj2V1q3byM-phpDKhOishM92f0K5JCZl5cQS0BfM0_Az805OPvmdrPFZ_Fy2cpMbzamtlzCCAPIgHLjK2Qjk/s1600/hound1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHYN3J9Mu_USJEKH4ZZS47uMj5U90N3VXGjGwUERDXOzlnqXM8qjzWn2Bj2V1q3byM-phpDKhOishM92f0K5JCZl5cQS0BfM0_Az805OPvmdrPFZ_Fy2cpMbzamtlzCCAPIgHLjK2Qjk/s320/hound1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hound Tor, Dartmoor with my sister near the top</td></tr>
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One day myself and a friend went bouldering at Hound Tor on Dartmoor. But instead we saw some litter and started picking up litter around the north side of the Tor. We filled two bags we found and then some...<br />
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It was horrible work without gloves but once we started and saw the need, we couldn't help ourselves. And every time I'm in the mountains or on the Moors, I am finding and picking up litter. I recognise many others do the same.<br />
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We can't do everything. But we can can all do something. And our little something can become a big thing if we all do our part.<br />
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There's a famous story of a beach full of starfish and one boy throwing starfish backing the sea one at a time. Someone tells them there are too many and what the boy is doing won't make a difference. "It made a difference to that one" the boy replied, as he threw another starfish back into the water...<br />
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So what can we do and equally important, how can we be responsible in the outdoors and out of the outdoors? Thankfully in the last few years, some companies are thinking in this way too, especially as consumers demand more ethical and environmental responsibility. Looking back, it's hard to believe that outdoors manufacturers would be doing things that were harmful to the environment in the first place. But this is perhaps thinking with hindsight. What's important is what we do now and next.<br />
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Here are some things that manufacturers are doing, along with some ideas of what we can do and encourage others to do... Please note I have no connections with any of the mentioned companies and am not paid for anything I write.<br />
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1. Patagonia - <a href="https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/environmentalism.html">https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/environmentalism.html</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDegAk1DYY6sfhzatgkiprqDiVhJkyNKmy8zBIDxODHBH4y_ci7YgR2r4819IiHrUFK0aPDjPecFs7da90OGCywpERvptrxl9P3AQ8SF5IHuY-VQ4Ld9PQHI2qrQ5aHPUG2ZwP5p7njQE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-31+at+11.58.58.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="58" data-original-width="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDegAk1DYY6sfhzatgkiprqDiVhJkyNKmy8zBIDxODHBH4y_ci7YgR2r4819IiHrUFK0aPDjPecFs7da90OGCywpERvptrxl9P3AQ8SF5IHuY-VQ4Ld9PQHI2qrQ5aHPUG2ZwP5p7njQE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-31+at+11.58.58.png" /></a></div>
It is impossible to mention sustainability and the environment without Patagonia being at the top of the list. Not only were Patagonia set up with sustainability and green credentials in mind, they have delivered since day one.<br />
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Things such as their 'Worn Wear' idea where clothes are freely repaired or repurposed was a pioneering idea. To this day, Patagonia can be found at places like the Kendal Mountain Festival freely repairing clothing from all brands. Of course they also pioneered using non live-plucked down feathers in their jackets too.<br />
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Patagonia are also ones who give out grants, support environmental projects, reducing their impact on the environment and working to make their products have a lower carbon footprint. Their most recent campaign to protect Europe's wild rivers ('Blue Heart Campaign') has raised great awareness of the destructive impact of dams in wild areas.<br />
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2. Vaude - <a href="https://www.vaude.com/en-GB/Company/Project-Campaigns/">https://www.vaude.com/en-GB/Company/Project-Campaigns/</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOakIJjy5waM03DpbyjqNuW6qI36NRlXHPbaAU1IXgn5XWVtcrxSD2032IS-pXMilvmEhpVvslj7ef_ZdMUPFf3gJYKaGmZDuQwMeSOBOXHdHiJ7ueNX3rCHb3tMpFIWX0dacdEW4Hvk/s1600/core.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="80" data-original-width="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOakIJjy5waM03DpbyjqNuW6qI36NRlXHPbaAU1IXgn5XWVtcrxSD2032IS-pXMilvmEhpVvslj7ef_ZdMUPFf3gJYKaGmZDuQwMeSOBOXHdHiJ7ueNX3rCHb3tMpFIWX0dacdEW4Hvk/s1600/core.jpg" /></a></div>
Vaude's range of 'Green Shape Core Collection' is set of products that are sustainably based, such as those from wood cellulose and recycling pre and post consumer made products.<br />
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This is a fantastic range of materials and ideas that Vaude should be hugely commended for. Vaude also have a 'second use' ebay shop, another helpful idea (ebay.de so it's in German / Euros).<br />
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<h3>
3. Primaloft Bio - <a href="http://primaloft.com/primaloftbio">http://primaloft.com/primaloftbio</a></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50cRwp5xEy3FEAbrrJgwhSy9EhBJNke0lMa5ITfzNZcWucH6c2xQOgPSuCyoN6NCE_q5rZRyMo0byl8is2SQcgNCOGPwbs9PIc2Wz94wduKczF2jiFyLyPWt5pbBEj7L3AU0GV8hXb4U/s1600/primaloft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50cRwp5xEy3FEAbrrJgwhSy9EhBJNke0lMa5ITfzNZcWucH6c2xQOgPSuCyoN6NCE_q5rZRyMo0byl8is2SQcgNCOGPwbs9PIc2Wz94wduKczF2jiFyLyPWt5pbBEj7L3AU0GV8hXb4U/s1600/primaloft.jpg" /></a></div>
Primaloft Bio is 100% biodegradeable and sustainable according to Primaloft. These fibres, available in 2020 only biodegrade once they meet with landfill materials, so don't fade or fail before time, with the fibres returning to natural materials 100%.<br />
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This process takes just one year, unlike for example polyester which remains almost intact after the same amount of time.<br />
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Again, this is brilliant piece of news for the environment and outdoors industry. Brilliant to see Primaloft not only investing in this but making the news public (often innovations are kept secret for years due to marketing forces). Of course Primaloft already to their Eco range of fills which have apparently saved 85 million plastic bottles from landfill.<br />
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<h3>
Other Ideas</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W4HkpXCUXswuTFyYA0te1-PR7K7Tt18ykhsO4-sJDvWkJZjZ5UgB3Fg4cbc2MI7BgMX66CFVTZY23iNXOOvO9TMzQ13HuPmqx7kxlEYYqzDPuZiSOEFr8FIQxQAWue8UndtsZBb7gzg/s1600/mtns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W4HkpXCUXswuTFyYA0te1-PR7K7Tt18ykhsO4-sJDvWkJZjZ5UgB3Fg4cbc2MI7BgMX66CFVTZY23iNXOOvO9TMzQ13HuPmqx7kxlEYYqzDPuZiSOEFr8FIQxQAWue8UndtsZBb7gzg/s1600/mtns.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending Swirral Edge</td></tr>
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Of course many other companies also have sustainable and environmental policies and activities. Companies such as Nikwax, Graingers and jacket manufacturers moving away from harmful PTFEs in their products are excellent ways ahead, as are manufacturers working to reduce carbon footprints and make more sustainable clothing - Alpkit, Fjallraven, Haglofs etc.<br />
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Startup products that are using wholly or mostly sustainable materials are also to be commended.<br />
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What we as consumers need to think about is what happens to our item of clothing etc once it has finished its usefulness. Here are some ideas...<br />
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1. Can a used or unused item be donated to the incredible Gift Your Gear to support young people and other groups - <a href="http://giftyourgear.com/">http://giftyourgear.com</a><br />
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2. If not Gift Your Gear, then can you donate to the Salvation Army, a clothing bank in your area or similar? How about giving away unused items anyway.<br />
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3. Can you buy from and support companies with ethical and environmental policies to avoid creating the problems in the first place?<br />
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4. When you're out in the hills, pick up litter and support groups who work to fight against the kinds of selfishness we see in the Trossachs for example around Loch Lomond where mindless people simply abandon tents and items they don't want. Places like Glastonbury now give away used abandoned tents, but the issue should not be there in the first place.<br />
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Educating people about the outdoors should be a priority from outdoors companies. Are there any companies that would like to take up that baton? As a schools worker, I'd be more than happy to help!<br />
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5. One of my friends used to work for Cotswold at a leading store. She purposely encouraged the manager to take recycling more seriously. Before her interventions, the store was not always recycling packaging properly due to focusing on sales, so she suggested doing so. By the time she left for another job, the store was recycling more effectively. I hope it continues to do so.<br />
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I'd also like to encourage every single outdoors retail store to make recycling, reducing carbon footprint etc much more seriously. Showing you act sustainably, ethically and have integrity will always positively affect business. Not doing so will negatively impact business.<br />
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Final question is to every one of us reading this - how are we going to act to make a positive difference? Not acting is no longer an option, especially if you say you care about the outdoors.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-86682606424627271622018-06-01T05:54:00.004-07:002019-01-01T10:32:23.230-08:00Montane Halogen 33 Rucksack Review / First LookHaving used the Montane Medusa 32 for some years now (since its release) and it having seen some battering, I was intrigued to see what the new model was like - the Halogen 33.<br />
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So what is the Halogen 33 rucksack like and how does it compare? This isn't an 'out in the field' review but some initial thoughts and pictures to show some of the differences.<br />
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In this picture review, the Halogen 33 is the red rucksack and the Medusa 32 is the 'greeny-orange' pack, for want of a better colour description..!<br />
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<h3>
Quit Your Waffle - Cut To The Chase</h3>
The Halogen 33 is an upgrade in a number of ways, not all of them obvious. There's a *better ventilation system, a slightly bigger size, tall side pockets, an adjusted hip belt, what appears to be a slightly contoured shoulder strap. The gear loop on one of the hip fins has been replaced by a pocket. The shoulder straps and hip belt has had the old 'contact mesh' replaced by a different lighter 'contact air mesh plus'. The pack is slightly lighter than the Medusa 32 by about 80g.<br />
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Overall, I would say that the old Medusa 32 had a nod towards climbing (even in winter) with a gear loop on the one hip fin, whereas the Halogen 33 appears in my view to be aimed more towards walkers. The pack is still incredibly sturdy. As with everything I'd say try it on with weight and see if it's the pack for you.<br />
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<h3>
Size</h3>
First things first - the Halogen 33 is a bit wider - and the Medusa 32 is a bit 'taller'. It's hard to see in the picture as obviously the Medusa 32 (left) has been heavily used and is compressed in the picture.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNkhlD1rpvF5R3yy3DpbrV6NW4KEcjBqk2hMj95KW0vTsB5AOQvl_Foh9dtgyImAv5WfyiXgZgwRux4bLFsAU-dWNmym-sY3aRJrUAFwfFT14oMSLLkr1fcLpWeDNKKL3rKUE_k1PzY4/s1600/halogen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNkhlD1rpvF5R3yy3DpbrV6NW4KEcjBqk2hMj95KW0vTsB5AOQvl_Foh9dtgyImAv5WfyiXgZgwRux4bLFsAU-dWNmym-sY3aRJrUAFwfFT14oMSLLkr1fcLpWeDNKKL3rKUE_k1PzY4/s400/halogen1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Medusa 32 (left) and Montane Halogen 33 (right)</td></tr>
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<h3>
The Front Of The Halogen</h3>
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The Halogen has bungee cord on the front as standard (Medusa has cord inside the inner lid as an option). The Halogen also has an upgraded tool lock at the bottom for an ice axe. The Medusa has had this tool lock system developed over time. Finally, the hip fins both have zipped and are slightly contoured ('fish' shaped), unlike the Medusa fins have are more of a 'straight' fit<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulaaPoRUK34x2pqczkcPQP1dlvM6DQ06s7pm11sq0weGU9YiIMMCL1M8aOTDOCdeEm-Vywigh0bXRp0lt-FIE3BeNf4eCBkAwLpl3sHqGy9qfQ2N7_NFYco7qJAa0wGN4DXFOy_9B6kA/s1600/halogen5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulaaPoRUK34x2pqczkcPQP1dlvM6DQ06s7pm11sq0weGU9YiIMMCL1M8aOTDOCdeEm-Vywigh0bXRp0lt-FIE3BeNf4eCBkAwLpl3sHqGy9qfQ2N7_NFYco7qJAa0wGN4DXFOy_9B6kA/s320/halogen5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of Halogen 33</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pdDDk2J_4FVk_Fxh6oHDiWzNaox5AFGYockGjJZ7RhJZpBFBlYCq8HrfW-z9Ty9OVbTF_4MVRY1YSIVwqW9pSAIqjeAmUakPVv7fxaj2OM-ITseEhAv0fjSzCk20kWcHP3Eqw5qLosM/s1600/halogen6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pdDDk2J_4FVk_Fxh6oHDiWzNaox5AFGYockGjJZ7RhJZpBFBlYCq8HrfW-z9Ty9OVbTF_4MVRY1YSIVwqW9pSAIqjeAmUakPVv7fxaj2OM-ITseEhAv0fjSzCk20kWcHP3Eqw5qLosM/s320/halogen6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of Medusa 32</td></tr>
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<h3>
The Straps</h3>
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As you'll see the Medusa 32 didn't have mesh styled straps whereas the Halogen 33 does. It's also more flexible than the slightly more rigid Medusa straps.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOnNkQOI1CC6xQdG8nQNocibNhj_mmW8tYEaOHWh-IzHxcR0cBzkGORe6ELrx99bDZPQy2n-VI6mwyi57CIEvhoWppPHcnSXFajac9nhJHStlJh9NrsKPlEE7O_LRYJx-hBcVxnMujz0/s1600/halogen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOnNkQOI1CC6xQdG8nQNocibNhj_mmW8tYEaOHWh-IzHxcR0cBzkGORe6ELrx99bDZPQy2n-VI6mwyi57CIEvhoWppPHcnSXFajac9nhJHStlJh9NrsKPlEE7O_LRYJx-hBcVxnMujz0/s320/halogen2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesh on the Halogen shoulder strap (right)</td></tr>
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The shoulder straps on the Halogen appear to have a slightly contoured angle around the top of the 'shoulder' which does help with the comfort of the pack.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN5C4Kbvz6fW94yd9bECvvioYsiybAGDGIgzM6AcMXQLgLpQDtSziBUgp38DRpVxprb97ZWBP1qSBdmv7Cu55tKJO6iElVo-BDU4X2MrY6h_L9NmWdFeYke-ANg1lev6-oJTXXXiqolU/s1600/halogen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN5C4Kbvz6fW94yd9bECvvioYsiybAGDGIgzM6AcMXQLgLpQDtSziBUgp38DRpVxprb97ZWBP1qSBdmv7Cu55tKJO6iElVo-BDU4X2MrY6h_L9NmWdFeYke-ANg1lev6-oJTXXXiqolU/s320/halogen4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slight contouring of the shoulder strap</td></tr>
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The mesh on the hip belt is shown below. Again it's nice and squishy to touch and won't be abrasive to clothing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cszmJ8z75jn_A3D_2OLkl3skE_4OEtHwJM9kmMHZgOwZq-A3z310YDtQzSrST_8g4jOeOdlOkwtp5SGkRSAVJ8fkLgD6CF0PI9YexJKdiC_ddgED_NE_mdm5PpzOVIbue9UPUCgjJag/s1600/halogen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cszmJ8z75jn_A3D_2OLkl3skE_4OEtHwJM9kmMHZgOwZq-A3z310YDtQzSrST_8g4jOeOdlOkwtp5SGkRSAVJ8fkLgD6CF0PI9YexJKdiC_ddgED_NE_mdm5PpzOVIbue9UPUCgjJag/s320/halogen3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Front of the Pack<br />
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The bungee cord stretches across the front of the pack as 'standard'. The Medusa has some spare cord in the inside lid of the pack if you want to rig up some bungee at the front - useful for stashing clothing or even crampons at a push...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgava6ixxU8tWGQ2pSjcdKRhhl7s3kjxOnrgcRz6OY6NhueXMzySnTIH0giqvZrBPjtaOoZgCKFZi7yvhtqwxAEco2AyA6tB0ZfzpAFlsxsXBvpm6njSWjt4vxWRVaoghghrfn1V0c7ghg/s1600/halogen7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgava6ixxU8tWGQ2pSjcdKRhhl7s3kjxOnrgcRz6OY6NhueXMzySnTIH0giqvZrBPjtaOoZgCKFZi7yvhtqwxAEco2AyA6tB0ZfzpAFlsxsXBvpm6njSWjt4vxWRVaoghghrfn1V0c7ghg/s320/halogen7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bungee Cord</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And here's the tool loop. Stash the ice axe down the front of the pack as with the Medusa, put the adze through the lower loop (pictured left in pic), through the 'alpine safe sleeve' and then twist the lock (the metal bit to the right in the picture) into the the hole in the adze to secure it. More info on Montane's website. The tool system is much neater than my original Medusa system which flaps around.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uOLCXA9vPNNGx1-FXZ7K3ydZ9YgCqBSAYdD5nXawOCsjF7TaUttbtCFxOjjkWjWw3rVLkYEBfZOUwz64VENXHlcivN9vEhVnNdWiv_wOQxuw87_sn_Y1MUCEY5tdccZNKbLDQwbgI6k/s1600/halogen8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uOLCXA9vPNNGx1-FXZ7K3ydZ9YgCqBSAYdD5nXawOCsjF7TaUttbtCFxOjjkWjWw3rVLkYEBfZOUwz64VENXHlcivN9vEhVnNdWiv_wOQxuw87_sn_Y1MUCEY5tdccZNKbLDQwbgI6k/s320/halogen8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tool Attachment Points</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hip fin on the Halogen doesn't have a gear loop as the Medusa had. Instead there's another hip fin pocket instead.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyOgDdK5s5llfGmV_KjpPQVaCHjCggJsL_EtaIaRVRgvDws_qG-0lOeEdTdLiJ6NejsdXjzBwEwS7Hnm7t3CPi5Wc1kbvKQ54sRZOhUCnwE1-1xurKr0cEb4buMI27Of78vj1WoJ04uE/s1600/halogen9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyOgDdK5s5llfGmV_KjpPQVaCHjCggJsL_EtaIaRVRgvDws_qG-0lOeEdTdLiJ6NejsdXjzBwEwS7Hnm7t3CPi5Wc1kbvKQ54sRZOhUCnwE1-1xurKr0cEb4buMI27Of78vj1WoJ04uE/s320/halogen9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
The ZephryFX Back System</h3>
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Replacing the Medusa back system is the Halogen's ZephyrFX contact mesh back system. In essence there's a lightweight moulded back pad with mesh on the top. To wear this is pretty comfortable it has to be said and rests against the back more securely than the Medusa's ridged back. The area in contact with the back is also wider on the Halogen, again adding to comfort.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ongw1W0XsxF5ImC4w2HqkE2vsD-wkBmef7fDAneHnLn1S7Q85B5xGDGCCS_rHU-h1wY_nyKjgxTLRPp4mJ1ncLyHVhejV3ZSa5Z3EhbpBW-6ChBWHy92DP_nBinLFolqCchWGNxthtA/s1600/halogenmesh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ongw1W0XsxF5ImC4w2HqkE2vsD-wkBmef7fDAneHnLn1S7Q85B5xGDGCCS_rHU-h1wY_nyKjgxTLRPp4mJ1ncLyHVhejV3ZSa5Z3EhbpBW-6ChBWHy92DP_nBinLFolqCchWGNxthtA/s320/halogenmesh1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halogen contact meshed back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpZPKoJncNX9XuRdyS66SIFSwKI-H0zQxdAq3OimR7nNUdnvJLrbGsG-oq7cd9HUzL5C80zRqwyPOZq1tzNhQp4i0G2tppCMzTHJjvxXmjmZwkSG03C19PjOObLD0jMOHyRg0A_s0xd0/s1600/halogenbmesh4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpZPKoJncNX9XuRdyS66SIFSwKI-H0zQxdAq3OimR7nNUdnvJLrbGsG-oq7cd9HUzL5C80zRqwyPOZq1tzNhQp4i0G2tppCMzTHJjvxXmjmZwkSG03C19PjOObLD0jMOHyRg0A_s0xd0/s320/halogenbmesh4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Medusa back system</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQZUzVPtIScTR4A-yyOeF0DiFWc_8JCXIRIDEO8WVikx4_jjpoEJVjMETyWM8xFgCkdo1fjZqFTbVT5w3a-J4VYPfGlZ_tkS0dgxu_Sc__nKIzCYMVdZcjEGhJCzXYjPW8QCroNncnNE/s1600/halogenmesh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQZUzVPtIScTR4A-yyOeF0DiFWc_8JCXIRIDEO8WVikx4_jjpoEJVjMETyWM8xFgCkdo1fjZqFTbVT5w3a-J4VYPfGlZ_tkS0dgxu_Sc__nKIzCYMVdZcjEGhJCzXYjPW8QCroNncnNE/s320/halogenmesh2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up on the mesh with the moulded back pad behind</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRmhZ3jlNzPXOBJOf3MyzNYu0B_Ede3KlmfsHBRjiAmb2qjI0Xty1ZfIYvgmAUs-5k0OM3fCdHKAQ0KoohKJavhMWJvT6Y8PTKmgL8Q0pP8bf-1TozhyphenhyphenskeBEk2nrtQkrGgbJ6OYhvzs/s1600/halogenmesh3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRmhZ3jlNzPXOBJOf3MyzNYu0B_Ede3KlmfsHBRjiAmb2qjI0Xty1ZfIYvgmAUs-5k0OM3fCdHKAQ0KoohKJavhMWJvT6Y8PTKmgL8Q0pP8bf-1TozhyphenhyphenskeBEk2nrtQkrGgbJ6OYhvzs/s320/halogenmesh3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up on the mesh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The mesh itself seems fairly resilient but I'd be slightly concerned about the possibility of it breaking or snagging. However, the mesh is very flexible so that works in its favour.<br />
<br />
The back lengths are the same on both packs (S/M) and (M/L). Pictured are M/L packs.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Side Pockets</h3>
The Halogen has a great side pocket feature - the baguette pocket - a side pocket that stretches further up the pack than is normal and much higher than the Medusa. It means poles can be stashed in there more securely, plus things like a flask. There is a gap half way down the baguette pocket so you can get something in the lower side pocket. The opening at the top of the baguette is slightly stretchy but isn't very wide so you won't get a Nalgene bottle in there!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiO0Ea1rP-Z4SSs8LSJGac7BcjgG0opWE_Z54HHYXPEeBJ3fSg1N-OkyRY8-4hGwD6zGvGkhmcUR207AGfrZKBQQQImAp17XQh2zmzK_XWDgQgQum-IigUpqF2LIZALTU-pGnqFfL_2I/s1600/halogebpocket1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiO0Ea1rP-Z4SSs8LSJGac7BcjgG0opWE_Z54HHYXPEeBJ3fSg1N-OkyRY8-4hGwD6zGvGkhmcUR207AGfrZKBQQQImAp17XQh2zmzK_XWDgQgQum-IigUpqF2LIZALTU-pGnqFfL_2I/s320/halogebpocket1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The arrows show the size of the side pockets (Medusa below)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JWNa8abGlHr-EifFSN3Ag9WnibvNg8SA-phA6HsWpMPAa2fT8vov92c1Qa7oS1DYuOCI0ZPtXHahYKWAyK68WZMEq1wgCuWJ3tcbWXN6D4sUo_yl2L4322yoU0Qs9vyhAt4fik-qvxA/s1600/halogenpocket2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JWNa8abGlHr-EifFSN3Ag9WnibvNg8SA-phA6HsWpMPAa2fT8vov92c1Qa7oS1DYuOCI0ZPtXHahYKWAyK68WZMEq1wgCuWJ3tcbWXN6D4sUo_yl2L4322yoU0Qs9vyhAt4fik-qvxA/s320/halogenpocket2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side pockets on the Halogen (top) and the Medusa (underneath)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Lids</h3>
The lid has a slightly upgraded draw closure system ('Cord Lord Lite') and the inside of the pack has an amended 'Cord<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWn6jsSF7qBMmWJR2q2b2BnKM3FRZhx8dj_25ESGnPWEsYBVKb_G8GPOzSOYxOFnyMDSMRPEduM7S_M2xXWPaTxYADPqM89MD7HRQ_Gf628JtQWhVAow9gIn0aEi2fYnAbVZCbA-HU_4/s1600/inpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWn6jsSF7qBMmWJR2q2b2BnKM3FRZhx8dj_25ESGnPWEsYBVKb_G8GPOzSOYxOFnyMDSMRPEduM7S_M2xXWPaTxYADPqM89MD7HRQ_Gf628JtQWhVAow9gIn0aEi2fYnAbVZCbA-HU_4/s320/inpack.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Halogen 33</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi_yiOvezPMUz6LIg2F2OyquScvBmmZhhLXcv5BDOn3v-G3MgO1C1YYGfPWJM3CVkiIWd7PUegV4IcmwnsezTNT_W5t8lAvF0qLbvvY3czKOOv4of_b0U6TA0zDPpI5MJLe04vlRuSnQ/s1600/lids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi_yiOvezPMUz6LIg2F2OyquScvBmmZhhLXcv5BDOn3v-G3MgO1C1YYGfPWJM3CVkiIWd7PUegV4IcmwnsezTNT_W5t8lAvF0qLbvvY3czKOOv4of_b0U6TA0zDPpI5MJLe04vlRuSnQ/s320/lids.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halogen 33 (top) closure compared to original Medusa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Other Features</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJHkgwOZlKvm2d81DJFmkd16Vgv-YwRPeHk6j66jfRyqCuKdewAoV24oHWg0gtc7MjfmSYS37PnE2dyRc16GVzOpc34s2Ix1otuOjJXgAdmDzDDbzn33fZVSknKd77Xbs8I34iSLKJTc/s1600/cordlord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJHkgwOZlKvm2d81DJFmkd16Vgv-YwRPeHk6j66jfRyqCuKdewAoV24oHWg0gtc7MjfmSYS37PnE2dyRc16GVzOpc34s2Ix1otuOjJXgAdmDzDDbzn33fZVSknKd77Xbs8I34iSLKJTc/s320/cordlord.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front Haul Loop next to the lid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_pe4phYfseI2Q3pPyGZGRAzk-pKLxOsgYjbrwRSrC6WVsAHpjF4CTPZqM_ZXnKbkiWGDRrAJB18dboZlJOadVvEIggHDmQi0FHjReGnDCknlP9SjcgjPDJ9y_Ko_ejGyk0XfsKrIsrk/s1600/cordlord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_pe4phYfseI2Q3pPyGZGRAzk-pKLxOsgYjbrwRSrC6WVsAHpjF4CTPZqM_ZXnKbkiWGDRrAJB18dboZlJOadVvEIggHDmQi0FHjReGnDCknlP9SjcgjPDJ9y_Ko_ejGyk0XfsKrIsrk/s320/cordlord.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click and Go chest strap release</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
<br />
When I got a Lowe Alpine pack years back (before they were bought out), the back system on the pack wrecked 2 baselayers and damaged a softshell. So when Montane released the Medusa 32 with a back system that didn't abrade clothing, I got the pack without question! Since then it's served me incredibly well.<br />
<br />
The Halogen 33 is a worthy upgrade and the baguette pocket is especially helpful. The pack actually sits against the back more comfortably than the Medusa. I'd be interested to know how the Halogen functions in the snow compared to the Medusa which has shed snow relatively well.<br />
<br />
I am also slightly uncertain about the new ZephyrFX back system in terms of durability and not snagging when a pack gets thrown down etc. But I'm sure it will breathe more effectively than the Medusa as the gaps in the back moulding are deeper and the mesh will allow set out and away.<br />
<br />
Finally the Medusa does have more of a nod to climbing so if that appeals then you may need to look elsewhere (Lower Alpine, PodSacs, ME etc) for their climbing specific packs.<br />
<br />
Otherwise the Halogen is a worthy upgrade.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-81120254854785467022018-01-31T06:45:00.000-08:002019-01-01T10:32:32.743-08:00'Britain's Favourite Walks: Top 100' on ITVThe ITV programme, 'Britain's Favourite Walks: Top 100' has caused a bit of a stir.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In my view, rightly so. Too many flat city walks and nowhere near enough walks in Scotland!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the other hand, it does mean the better routes are left for the rest of us to do in quiet. Result!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My best walks are exclusively in Scotland, Snowdonia, Brecons, Lakes & Howgills, Peak District, Dales, Pennines and Dartmoor. OK, so there are some other cracking venues but for me the outdoors means mountains and wilderness (and for that you need to be in Scotland).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So here are some of the best walks I've done / recommend:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Helvellyn via Striding / Swirral</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Helvellyn via Nethermost Pike and back down by Dollywagon Pike, Lakes</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Coledale Round, Lakes</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Fairfield Round, Lakes</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Coniston / Wetherlam, Lakes</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Blencathra via Sharp Edge and Halls Fell, Lakes</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Snowdon via Crib Goch and down via Y Lliwedd, Snowdonia</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Tryfan to Bristly ridge, Glyder Fach, Snowdonia</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Y Gribin, around the tops and back down via Hell's Kitchen / Cwm Idwal, Snowdonia</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- The Cobbler, Arrochar Alps</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Aoanach Eagach ridge traverse, Glen Coe</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Buchaille Etive Mor and its four 'tops', Glen Coe</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Ben Nevis via CMD Arete</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Ben Macdui via Fiacaill Ridge, Cairngorms</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- The Mamores (can do all in a day but better to take some at a time)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- The Torridon Hills (Beinn Eighe, Liathach, Beinn Alligin, Torridon Munros</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Ben Lomond etc, The Trossachs</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- The Cuillins (pretty much anywhere), Isle of Skye</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- The Newlands Round, Lakes</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Buttermere - Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks, Red Pike</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- High Cup Nick, Cumbria</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Malham Cove, Yorkshire</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Belstone / Yes Tor / Black a tor Copse, Dartmoor<br />
<br />
- Carnedd Dafydd / Carnedd Llewellyn via Mynydd Du<br />
<br />
- Lochnagar, Cairngorms<br />
<br />
- Pretty much anywhere around Glen Coe!<br />
<br />
- Scafell Pike / Scafell either via Lord's Rake or via Corridor Route from Seathwaite or from Langdales, Lakes<br />
<br />
- The Langdales / Crinkle Crags / Bowfell, Lakes<br />
<br />
- Nantlle Ridge, Snowdonia<br />
<br />
- Cadair Idris, Snowdonia<br />
<br />
- An Teallach, Northern Highlands (Scotland)<br />
<br />
<br />
The list could go on....<br />
<br />
And on...<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-57043381461213436022018-01-30T07:18:00.001-08:002019-01-01T10:32:50.707-08:00Rab Latok Alpine Gaiters ReviewI've been using the Rab Latok Alpine gaiters for two years now.<br />
<br />
Previously I was using a pair from 'Highlander' but these started to show the classic signs of cheaper gaiters - namely they were unbreathable and caused more moisture inside the gaiter than they kept out. The same is true of clothing and hard shells in general.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The lesson is don't compromise but wait and buy what is good quality unless you absolutely cannot. The Rab gaiters are quality!</i></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Yo056-44NDT4xUzPKQCeptt3nzUC8weVr5oLtmsM-13PmoeMs4UtVima6x-TozmDk-NQv88cMfAY32DdMUeZOi4VOSGcQIEX7nu1hcbopOisGY76SSZLveuYGZ52VjWhlSn5vtg_x8U/s1600/latok_alpine_gaiter_black_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Yo056-44NDT4xUzPKQCeptt3nzUC8weVr5oLtmsM-13PmoeMs4UtVima6x-TozmDk-NQv88cMfAY32DdMUeZOi4VOSGcQIEX7nu1hcbopOisGY76SSZLveuYGZ52VjWhlSn5vtg_x8U/s320/latok_alpine_gaiter_black_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Rab Latok Alpine Gaiter - image from Rab's website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These have travelled to Wales, Scotland, the Lakes and Dartmoor and have been invaluable. Not only do they help keep rubbish and muck and rain from your trousers or waterproof hard shell, they are hard-wearing and do what they need to do. They've got a tough exterior and a crampon patch on each gaiter all the way around the lower part of the gaiter.<br />
<br />
The gaiter features a velcro closure, a popper at the top, a drawstring at the top, a strap over closure at the foot of the gaiter and a hook to connect to the laces of your boot. There's an adjustable strap for under the boot which can be adjusted from inside the gaiter cleverly.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk57Q3KYJRaREqignB9z1i3Veap8-vEVOB0WNKoMZpE0FBo9J234us9AHjfWcSNjfvFFulVcRVqZS7Ju4nGjqmA5X-QUtes4uILOqN9f0fDAdwgkZ_mTy11buPyJDm0cg3uT8ezRfTYY/s1600/gaiter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk57Q3KYJRaREqignB9z1i3Veap8-vEVOB0WNKoMZpE0FBo9J234us9AHjfWcSNjfvFFulVcRVqZS7Ju4nGjqmA5X-QUtes4uILOqN9f0fDAdwgkZ_mTy11buPyJDm0cg3uT8ezRfTYY/s320/gaiter2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawstring at the top of the Rab Latok Alpine gaiter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
These have been worn in the snow, the rain, the mud and on ice. They've climbed up things, scrambled over things, walked through Dartmoor heather and gorse and held up pretty well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTGrVw-4s8FW80hvAn5BaMewRi2CLyI6pDiSLnP4orfYENO4ZcNXZgIgkMVswIkGerGVTLgRyMWKSczq92ZVDRVwuZRJp36MR4NEJLCWYJ-v6dC5FFQy3ZeBVYTUTvG11YWnF8wM8kQ0/s1600/gaiter4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTGrVw-4s8FW80hvAn5BaMewRi2CLyI6pDiSLnP4orfYENO4ZcNXZgIgkMVswIkGerGVTLgRyMWKSczq92ZVDRVwuZRJp36MR4NEJLCWYJ-v6dC5FFQy3ZeBVYTUTvG11YWnF8wM8kQ0/s320/gaiter4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rab Latok Alpine Gaiter showing velcro, strap, closure tab, hook etc</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The eVent has breathed brilliantly as expected and the only issue has been that the eVent on the rear section of the gaiter has begun to rub away on the stretchy part. Nothing too serious but being stretchy and strapped to the back of the boot inevitably causes some wear. Seems to have happened on one gaiter more than the other.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTq854ukwh8cLoKz7vrf3-IGY7gcjJHDa9o2KRGz1uE0Q70NOouGprgx3n42mBAEOiGQkay1DKh1jYyMh7RWjtrAhOH7DVtgQFHZL4DEfX5paIYrOb-V99rmK_u3q4DYXuuvdCfIhDty8/s1600/gaiter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTq854ukwh8cLoKz7vrf3-IGY7gcjJHDa9o2KRGz1uE0Q70NOouGprgx3n42mBAEOiGQkay1DKh1jYyMh7RWjtrAhOH7DVtgQFHZL4DEfX5paIYrOb-V99rmK_u3q4DYXuuvdCfIhDty8/s320/gaiter1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the gaiter's eVent has 'rubbed' on the inside, presumably from the back of my boots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The gaiter did get a rip in one of the gaiters from one of the spikes on my crampons (always a risk), so I patched it up with Tenacious Tape which has been pretty solid. This didn't happen on the stronger corder lower leg part but on the 'normal' gaiter part (<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aFZn5OXxHhTl2CZwkAuuzoTd4f-ffOH6GyWOHnUXvlkIb2iT1emTRddspAWFFyxTBTvc1eZFInI4jf9nvmXoB2wdVL0jP6aW9BTdbDUJnOQVjddz4ijyYfxNTIX3p9lpvCedCYFTuKk/s1600/gaiter5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aFZn5OXxHhTl2CZwkAuuzoTd4f-ffOH6GyWOHnUXvlkIb2iT1emTRddspAWFFyxTBTvc1eZFInI4jf9nvmXoB2wdVL0jP6aW9BTdbDUJnOQVjddz4ijyYfxNTIX3p9lpvCedCYFTuKk/s320/gaiter5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of the Rab Latok Alpine gaiter showing the eVent material</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I did think I had a picture of the Gaiters on in the snow, but in fact you can't see them. Sorry...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUKu_gT2o8tdb6WqFKzfEAh228OclZMxa1__7fdSHUawaG3uzZTyuCVyZiyQ8QwUO6dyRZLlVr5r7SQpeWVZxrVLA6_87s9m2IqA-01WHUbe2U_QgxaKpEFvLThNFy73C8mLt3XajrQY/s1600/hallsfell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUKu_gT2o8tdb6WqFKzfEAh228OclZMxa1__7fdSHUawaG3uzZTyuCVyZiyQ8QwUO6dyRZLlVr5r7SQpeWVZxrVLA6_87s9m2IqA-01WHUbe2U_QgxaKpEFvLThNFy73C8mLt3XajrQY/s320/hallsfell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halls Fell in the snow (from slushy snow to nevé). Can't see the gaiters, sorry. But there were on!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I did a mini review of these on the Go Outdoors website, which says the following:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , serif; font-size: 11px;">They've gone through 'field and fountain, moor and mountain' (not always following yonder star) but been brilliant. They've been scrambled in, walked in, climbed in, 'summer, spring, winter and fall' and even suffered an ice axe piercing (tenacious tape to the rescue). Incredibly breathable compared to other non 'branded' membranes, easily adjustable and strong velcro etc. I did get them in large as a medium male but possibly could have got them in medium. The back section (around the heel) which is stretchy (great idea) is beginning to lose some of the eVent on the inside but aside from this, all good!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
The final thing to say about the gaiters is about the sizing. Mine are the large and while they are fine, I wonder whether medium would have fitted better. My feet are size 9 1/2 - 10 (UK) and I've got an athletic build if that helps.<br />
<br />
So overall these are brilliant gaiters and when they give out I'll get another pair. No problems with the eVent and breathability. I've cleaned them fairly regularly with Tech Wash and have re-proofed once. They're gaiters. They work. Say no more.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-19106610405580832882018-01-09T03:54:00.000-08:002019-01-01T10:32:40.267-08:00No To Zip Wires in Thirlmere thank you<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPudkr9Rr9bj0-uy9geFxO9SPQDqcza50aOqjXDJ6t9otimrWC1T4DDF0vtUsHcKjcxs7nqXdZPNX6Qt3irMOj-ZxXYdm3rHuQ7h3ux9chXLDYVZecXzg1KYVTiGxxbc40p1jktTsjfQ/s1600/24955707_10155210261592218_4439379756783269323_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1050" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPudkr9Rr9bj0-uy9geFxO9SPQDqcza50aOqjXDJ6t9otimrWC1T4DDF0vtUsHcKjcxs7nqXdZPNX6Qt3irMOj-ZxXYdm3rHuQ7h3ux9chXLDYVZecXzg1KYVTiGxxbc40p1jktTsjfQ/s320/24955707_10155210261592218_4439379756783269323_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down to Thirlmere from the Swirls path up to Helvellyn</td></tr>
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<br />
<h3>
The Context</h3>
<br />
Plans are afoot to build a zip wire across Thirlmere in the Lake District. The proposers of this plan (Treetop Treks) have a zip wire and high line activities around Windermere and Brockhole, both hidden away in forest areas. They also have links to Zipworld in Snowdonia which includes Europe's longest zip wire. These are located in old mining sites at the edge of the Snowdonia National Park.<br />
<br />
The plan is to have eight zip wires spanning the lake at Thirlmere. There would be significant development of the Swirls Car Park as well as car parks on the other side of the lake such as Armboth. There would be an estimated 50,000 users of the zip wire each year. People using the zip wire would each be kitted out in red overalls and be driven up to the start point of the zip wire in 'military style' vehicles. People would then zip wire over Thirlmere, leaving from near Fisher Crag and landing behind Swirls Car Park.<br />
<br />
According to the managing director of Treetop Trek, Mike Turner, this would have 'a minuscule environment impact' as hundreds of people would daily and noisily arrive at Thirlmere, need parking and transport, then be driven up newly built roads in noisy 4x4 vehicles before arriving at the top of Fisher Crag, being fixed to the wires in their red outfits and then noisily scream their way across with constantly buzzing wires. According to Terry Abraham, those locals who originally welcomed the zip wires in Snowdonia are now fed up with the noise they create.<br />
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A number of organisations have rightly spoken out against the zip wire proposals, including: Friends of the Lake District, the BMC, the National Trust, The Wainwright Society (eventually), the Campaign for National Parks, the John Muir Trust, TGO Magazine and The Ramblers (albeit with one of the weakest statements I've ever seen).<br />
<br />
<h3>
Vested Interests and Conflicts of Interests?</h3>
<br />
Of concern is the number of Lakeland organisations that have welcomed the proposals. One of these organisations, 'Cumbria Tourism' has Mike Turner from Treetop Treks as its small operator representative on the board, although they make clear that Mr Turner was not present in discussions about the zip wires.<br />
<br />
Terry Abraham publicly stepped down as ambassador of the 'Lake District Foundation' after they expressed neutrality towards the zip wires. The Lake District Foundation's trustees include the National Park, the National Trust and Cumbria Tourism. According to someone who has researched Cumbria Tourism, two of those behind Cumbria Tourism include the Lake District National Park and United Utilities. The Lake District National Park will make the final decision about the zip wires, although their decision making must be based on legislation.<br />
<br />
United Utilities own the Thirlmere land and will receive a rent from Treetop Treks if the zip wires go ahead. It's also interesting to note that Treetop Treks have promised to donate money to the Lake District Foundation if the zip wires get permission. Further muddying the mix is the closeness of a staff member of the LDNP and a staff member of Treetop Treks.<br />
<br />
At a public meeting of the Parish Council of St Johns, Castle Ring and Wythburn, it was stated that United Utilities had gained permission from the Lake District National Park for the Thirlmere Link Mains, despite saying they had asked local landowners. According to a member of the public this was not true and local landowners were not in support the proposals. Other concerns raised at this meeting included noise, impact on helicopters and MOD flying and that traffic increases had not been properly assessed by Treetop Treks to intentionally underplay the impact. The councillors had sent out 195 surveys to the local residents. Of these, 96 were returned, representing a total of 202 adults. Of these, 1 was in favour, 1 was undecided and 200 were against the proposals. The councillors also expressed their public opposition to the Thirlmere zip wire proposals.<br />
<br />
A YouTube video from Andy Beck (the author of the 'Wainrights in Colour'), posted on 6 October 2017 revealed a 'hardcore' laid track from near the Armboth car park all the way up to within a 150m walk of the proposed jumping off point of the zip wire (Fisher Crag) with a nice turning circle area. No marking of trees for cropping had taken place and previously this had only been a basic track up to enable all-terrain vehicle access. As Andy Beck stood there, all you could hear was silence. Something that would be very lacking if the proposals go ahead.<br />
<br />
I just need to be extremely clear that I am not against any of these organisations, nor am I alleging any kind of corruption or 'golden handshakes' in darkened rooms etc. It's just clear that there are a number of potential conflicts of interests in the decisions made by organisations (not necessarily by individuals within those organisations who may hold differing opinions than official company policy at times).<br />
<br />
<h3>
Arguments Against Zip Wires over Thirlmere</h3>
<br />
So what of the zip wires and the arguments against them. Friends of the Lake District have an excellent summary of the arguments but here are some of mine...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xn1-VH5ioTkHWT4x0lqZuf9Uv7kjH3BTmRtg8aloiS02hhGv9F8rIomgSZqYre9_36uOtlvPSqq6Jk_G-EqgrN1ndlm1HHHaUQtc5MMVoZ1NI8w6mZnxgKKSq5splbWiuvqfL35WFd4/s1600/25351878_10155210261577218_7306684617416766795_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1050" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xn1-VH5ioTkHWT4x0lqZuf9Uv7kjH3BTmRtg8aloiS02hhGv9F8rIomgSZqYre9_36uOtlvPSqq6Jk_G-EqgrN1ndlm1HHHaUQtc5MMVoZ1NI8w6mZnxgKKSq5splbWiuvqfL35WFd4/s320/25351878_10155210261577218_7306684617416766795_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees around the southern edge of Thirlmere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
1. The zip wire is contrary to the founding of the National Parks and their charter. It is against very clear legislation such as the Sandford Principle which states that nature and the environment must always take precedence.<br />
<br />
On January 4, Michael Gove said this:<br />
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<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: "monserratlight"; font-size: 14px;">"So the imperative to husband, indeed wherever possible, enhance our natural capital – safeguarding our oceans, cleaning our rivers, keeping our soils fertile, protecting biodiversity – has to be at the heart of any plan for our country and our world."</span></h4>
<br />
2. There would be a huge increase in traffic to the area that is already very busy in summer. Any traffic problems would grind the area to a halt.<br />
<br />
3. The incessant whirring and buzzing noises would prove a constant irritation. Already B&B owners are concerned they would lose visitors. According to Terry Abraham, the noise in Snowdonia is already a concern for some locals that had supported the zip wires, within months of launching the zip wires.<br />
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4. The zip wire is something that is an end in itself. People are not coming to the Lakes for anything else. Once over they'd leave without much consideration of the area. On a BBC Breakfast interview, it was stated by Mr Turner that the Lakes should be a place for 'fun' and 'thrill' as much as 'tranquility' and 'peace.' This is a straw man argument as the Lake District already is a place for fun and thrill.<br />
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5. The zip wire does not engender a respect for the environment. You come, gear up, go down the zip wire and go home. I imagine litter will become a huge issue.<br />
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6. The zip wire is very expensive - it will be in the region of £50 to £80 per go. This is not something for the average person - getting to the Lakes and paying for the zip wire would be a very expensive day out with little going to the local economy (but instead to Treetop Treks). I can drive to the Lake District and back from the South West of England for less than a zip wire ride!<br />
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7. The argument is that the zip wire would provide employment but employment in Keswick is almost zero. Already positions in the Lakes are filled by (hard working and to me, highly valued) Eastern European staff living in multiple occupancy rooms due to low wages and high living costs in the Lakes. Zip wire employment rates would inevitably be low / minimum wage.<br />
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8. The arguments have been made that opposition is from the 'tea brigade' meaning older people (as if their needs should be ignored?) Yet I am in the Lakes regularly with people in their 20s and 30s (all of whom live in Cumbria / north Lancashire) and all are opposed to the zip wire.<br />
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9. A zip wire can already be experienced in the Lakes or in most places in the UK. Why do we need one going over Thirlmere? Put it in West Cumbria which badly needs tourism.<br />
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10. Many argue that Thirlmere is 'man-made' yet this is spurious. Yes it's a man-made reservoir but it has been done to fit in with the existing environment, unlike zip wires which are an offence to the natural environment. Yes there was mining, but this was in the past. Understanding our world as we do now means that we don't intentionally damage our natural areas. Mining (in its time) was there by necessity. Zip wires are simply there for profit and greed.<br />
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11. Things have to 'move on'? Really. Would you say there are areas of life where in our attempt to 'move on' we have made things worse in our world? Oh yes. In many places. Moving forward and progressing has to be done in a responsible and even moral way, otherwise we reap destructive behaviour that costs more to fix than it ever benefits.<br />
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12. There is a huge need for areas of quiet, of nature and of serene environments. Stanford University (2013), the '30 Days Wild Survey' (published Feb 2016) and many other surveys have proven the need and positive effects of people being in a peaceful, natural, green environment. These have huge positive impacts on mental health, physical health, ADHD, stress and depression. Our world is full of noise, depression, ill health. Why damage the very places that help people be restored? It's criminal.<br />
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13. We also know that being active also releases endorphins. Sitting in a harness on a zip wire may be a brief thrill but it is not being active, nor does it get you anywhere. The ride is the start and the end, it is not adventure in any form.<br />
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14. We live in a world of quick fixes and cheap thrills. These actually devalue the essentials of humanity and of being alive. They also bring a long-term cost. Wisdom is the ability to make decisions now that you will be happy with later. This is not a wise decision.<br />
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15. People coming for a zip wire are not coming for the Lake District but to 'do the zip wire'. When someone comes to the Lakes, in order for their to be sustainable tourism, something has to be deposited that causes someone to value the place and want to return. A zip wire cannot by its very nature be that thing.<br />
<br />
16. There are already a huge amount of activities available in the Lakes. These are done (or should be done) with a view to conserving, protecting and being sensitive to the area. A zip wire is none of these things. Mr Turner in his interview with Breakfast News on 12 January 2018 spoke about getting people onto the 'fells'. But people wouldn't be coming for the fells or getting 'out' onto them - they'd be coming to do a zip wire then zip off home...<br />
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17. The impact must also be considered on those who currently visit the Lake District. If the zip wires were to go ahead, how many would wish to visit the Thirlmere area or walk around, cycle around with wires buzzing over their heads? Many would want to reconsider visiting the area. I would.<br />
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18. Let's be very clear that 'profit' is not simply about money. Money is a useful tool but it is there to serve and not be served. The love of money can be the root of evil. Just because the zip wires may bring in some money is not a reason to have zip wires. True happiness doesn't come from things but from people, from love, from faith, from hope, from doing good and leaving a lasting legacy in this world and beyond.<br />
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19. Some of the things said by those who favour this application have been unhelpful at times and even angry, with the rare reasoned exceptions. Comments on Facebook about ' you lot need to give your heads a wobble' or comments made about Terry Abraham being a 'failed' film maker (wrong) are unhelpful and do a dis-service to the cause. There have also been other things said that have been wrong. Treetop Treks at one stage stated that 'most people who responded to a consultation were in favour' of the zip wire. One wonders who the consultation went out to in the first place... Other disinformation has also been spread in order to undermine those opposing the application or to put a positive angle on things that are highly tenuous at best. If there is a need for 'fluff' and 'spin' then you know that your argument is already not a good one.<br />
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20. Fundamentally a zip wire is actually quite selfish. More is explained below...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5YNObfwnz-ShQrqT85oqdphZ4qVG_BlU03CixOxezPVnl8L-YOQRMfOpuMAg_NS8LnEAL87SI-CzELSeDCfiTWJzvJXac7j1KSKzrMmelvpY9A-wKZqdhE-gITbq22OSDiPUZPJQ9HY/s1600/helvellyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5YNObfwnz-ShQrqT85oqdphZ4qVG_BlU03CixOxezPVnl8L-YOQRMfOpuMAg_NS8LnEAL87SI-CzELSeDCfiTWJzvJXac7j1KSKzrMmelvpY9A-wKZqdhE-gITbq22OSDiPUZPJQ9HY/s320/helvellyn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helvellyn from Red Tarn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Making Adventure vs Buying an Easy Thrill</h3>
<br />
Most things in life that are good have to be worked at, fought for or earned. It may be chasing after the girl of your dreams and then spending time truly loving her. Or it may be developing a good app for iPad. It can be training hard so you can join the Royal Marines. Or simply doing your job well.<br />
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When you come to the fells and mountains, they demand exploration and ask for your respect and time. You're coming into their presence more than they are in yours. But it is mutual.<br />
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It also requires work and effort. Adventure is about going somewhere and doing something worthwhile (a bit like Alpkit say). If it can be accessed easily then it's not adventure, it's simply a cheap (or expensive) thrill. If it can't be earned then it loses much of its value. A diamond is priceless because of the forces of nature and time required to work on it. A common stone is less 'valuable' because it's so abundant and is just 'there'.<br />
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A zip wire ride requires no effort except mentally to undertake it. It requires no adventure, no real time invested, no thought, no respect, no serious planning, no energy. It's just there. You get in. Strap in and go. That's it. It's easy, effortless and demands nothing. It doesn't improve your character, increase your fitness, open up new worlds, ask hard questions, cause you to evaluate yourself.<br />
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A zip wire is a quick fix that means little, lasts no time, gives a brief thrill that wears off and is quickly thrown aside in order to find the next fix. It therefore holds little value. A zip wire is basically self-seeking, self-serving and self-indulgent.<br />
<br />
But the mountains demand our time, respect, effort, consideration, planning, time and energy. They require something more, test us beyond our comfort, draw us out into something more and something beyond ourselves. We are forced to go to places that we don't go to normally. They throw challenges at us that we have to respond to. They require the recognition that there is something bigger and more than us and this grounds us as humans. Mountains / fells require sacrifice, service and selflessness: all things that a zip wire can never demand or give.<br />
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This isn't some kind of self-righteous, piety about the grandeur of those who use mountains being 'better' or 'above' others as this clearly isn't true. Nor is everything done by people in the mountains necessarily beneficial or caring of those mountains. But mostly people who go to the mountains are those who care about the mountains and they care well.<br />
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When we look back on history we see all kinds of things done in the name of progress. Many of these things destroyed people's history and culture. People used to shoot, hunt and kill animals to or near extinction. I can hear people's voices in favour of the shooting back in the day using the same arguments we hear from the proponents of a zip wire over Thirlmere... "It's progress... You can't live in the past."<br />
<br />
Yet these activities from the past destroyed animals, wildlife, environments, cultures. The price of progress was a heavy one and one that we can look back on and learn from. The benefit of studying history is that we can learn not to make the same mistakes. I would suggest we should look back and learn that not all progress is progressive and not all development develops.<br />
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At its heart the argument about zip wires over Thirlmere is really an argument about being in the landscape and mountains in a self-less way that enhances and preserves and allows people to make their own adventure and connect with the world around, vs an argument of easy come, easy go, self-seeking thrills where the ride prevails over everything else.<br />
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What kind of world do you want to live in?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-85294684779763700542018-01-01T13:56:00.002-08:002018-01-01T14:03:39.984-08:00Marmot Exum Ridge Gore Tex Active Jacket Review<h3>
Marmot Exum Ridge Gore Tex Active Jacket Review</h3>
<h4>
<br />The Decision-Making Process - to help guide others!</h4>
<br />
A news report in November 2017 saw Dundonnell Mountain Rescue urge hillwalkers to wear bright clothing. Donald Macrae, the team leader made the point that it can be challenging to see people out on the hills in dark clothing - but brighter clothing can be a contrast to the landscape and help find people.<br />
<br />
It's something I'd been thinking about for a while. My time out on the hills, mountains, fells and ridges can sometimes leave me confused as to whether I'm an outdoors person or a ninja. Not just for my extraordinary abilities to move silently without being spotted but mainly due to the fact that my main waterproof jacket is black, my waterproof trousers are black and my face mask snood thing is also black.<br />
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And I have other friends who are also part-time ninjas...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS7AdfOttEtx3Msfqr-YFrGDJvuL_5XeLF8pGJ7lPpMtsl39P2joaYCdnBJkrgFIaUlfO-F-Si7s6fdKrt0s08V-QuxpJaWMlOulOedKqjFj7Y7zT8ktAe1RrcenLQKckYTU5JoQL-Uw/s1600/ninjas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="613" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS7AdfOttEtx3Msfqr-YFrGDJvuL_5XeLF8pGJ7lPpMtsl39P2joaYCdnBJkrgFIaUlfO-F-Si7s6fdKrt0s08V-QuxpJaWMlOulOedKqjFj7Y7zT8ktAe1RrcenLQKckYTU5JoQL-Uw/s320/ninjas.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottish Ninja Day Out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span id="goog_578348237"></span>
I was also looking for a slightly lighter weight breathable and fairly robust jacket. I'd tried a number of 2.5l jackets in Gaynors and Cotswolds but that clammy feeling you get just didn't work for me, despite some great jackets. I'd tried a Neoshell jacket but due to the nature of Neoshell it's pretty heighweight stuff by necessity.<br />
<br />
A trip to George Fisher saw the team recommend me a Montane Spine jacket with Gore Tex Active. I put it on and thought, 'this may be the holy grail of jackets right now.' But George Fisher prices can be as high as their customer service (that's a compliment by the way!) so it made me stop and think. A quick check on Sports Pursuit led me to the Marmot Exum Ridge jacket with Gore Tex Active in - and at a price over £100 cheaper than the Montane Spine was at the time.<br />
<br />
And it was a nice blue! Result.<br />
<br />
The Alpkit Balance had been slightly reduced and offered (offers!) very similar features - but the price had gone back up from a sale price to £175. (The Alpkit Balance is a brilliant jacket by the way).<br />
<br />
So the Marmot Exum Ridge at £125 (offer price) was the way ahead!<br />
<br />
<h4>
In practice</h4>
<br />
This jacket has now become my general go-to jacket in days out across the UK in some pretty interesting weather at times. One day on Dartmoor (I'd gone to meet some friends who'd gone out for a run before I arrived) so I thought I'd head out anyway despite some typical moor weather. I also had to wing my way up through some steep heather, long grass and moorland menagerie and make my way across to the tor through the bog infested wet / wet infested bog. I did wonder if I should have brought a raft...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UEUg4dTGmNiL6NjDRR1K2CjkFvbYNIcG88xuRr9hEmgnJ8jKO3E11wOWkg_67eSatlg_PyUG_THuz8b7dhWcBZQMWAC-NtBxCW-nC8UAwhWt4R5-XQazjDouPxoR8_zco8SSYRp_sr0/s1600/day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UEUg4dTGmNiL6NjDRR1K2CjkFvbYNIcG88xuRr9hEmgnJ8jKO3E11wOWkg_67eSatlg_PyUG_THuz8b7dhWcBZQMWAC-NtBxCW-nC8UAwhWt4R5-XQazjDouPxoR8_zco8SSYRp_sr0/s320/day.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Dartmoor Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
No problems with the jacket, despite its first proper outing. Quickly adjusted the hood toggles sides and back to fit around the head and give good visibility. These are slightly fiddly to use and I wouldn't want to do it with thick gloves on in the middle of a snowstorm but that's true of most jackets. Possibly not quite as good a hood 'fit' as the North Face jacket I've got but not far off at all.<br />
<br />
There's an elastic drawcord around the hem of the jacket that's easy to cinch - which is a big advantage over the North Face Jacket which has to be cinched together within the pockets (and seems tricky to un-cinch!) The Exum Ridge keeps it simple.<br />
<br />
The outer is durable with a nylon rip-stop outer. I've worn it with a couple of packs and done some scrambling in the jacket and it's held up well. I haven't dragged it across rock but it's as sturdy as I need.<br />
<br />
Yes, the Gore Tex does mean it sounds a bit like a crisp packet but I'm not too bothered about that, unless on one of my ninja missions of course...<br />
<br />
Adjustable cuffs are pretty good and fairly easy to adjust even with gloves on. The zip does up without snagging and although it's on the 'wrong' side for UK use (the right side) it's no issue at all. There's not a zip 'park' at the top but there is a beard guard on the inside of the main zipper at the very top 5cm or so. Nice touch.<br />
<br />
There's a reflective 'Marmot' on the hood and a reflective logo on the right shoulder at the rear. Reflectivity on a jacket is something that isn't much but is important for those of us who run on the hills or roads (not that I often run in a waterproof!) Logo on the front is also reflective.<br />
<br />
The cut is fairly athletic but not at all restrictive. It's got a semi-articulated feel to it - certainly hasn't 'ridden up' at all. Breathability is not something I've really faced as I use jackets and layers pretty carefully. There's no pit zips etc but Gore Tex Active is for active lightweight use and pit zips add weight.<br />
<br />
The pockets are mesh lined so can be opened to add breathability if needed (and if it's not raining!) In comparison the North Face jacket I own has fully waterproofed pockets.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRU9feaF7Lj3-X_uLpm0Y5w7Xak6wrW5EhvllM3nZbBuMxbnAFcOv3ijFJn6UTOY7KfpQSUfVZRGZFAfVzixfcs5IYE91GWQmT2SzwYRIYf1QYnENXGV2nxxpAq1jayXwoAhK2D_dIZw/s1600/gable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRU9feaF7Lj3-X_uLpm0Y5w7Xak6wrW5EhvllM3nZbBuMxbnAFcOv3ijFJn6UTOY7KfpQSUfVZRGZFAfVzixfcs5IYE91GWQmT2SzwYRIYf1QYnENXGV2nxxpAq1jayXwoAhK2D_dIZw/s320/gable.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snow-laden day on Windy Gap, brutal winds, freezing cold and a great view of Great Gable...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The jacket has been tested in rain, wind and snow. It's been up and down ridges, sat in shelters (well, I was the one sat there), seen sun and rain, blue skies and clagged out weather in the mountains, on the fells and on the moors. Packs down well, lightweight for what it is (346g medium).<br />
<br />
Great jacket and cracking shade of blue!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLdQCSNAOun4_x7heo8v6u7CLTilf1z6K8-kp-9WLPpCL1pHgClQ_nlXys2Xha9Zt8gLlhf44oyOh4FC8vQsDxAFNZOK92S5jVmWT2e8CS-inrBSmYYH9WGFrGQpSYiM8NK2xa-sgnE8/s1600/wot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLdQCSNAOun4_x7heo8v6u7CLTilf1z6K8-kp-9WLPpCL1pHgClQ_nlXys2Xha9Zt8gLlhf44oyOh4FC8vQsDxAFNZOK92S5jVmWT2e8CS-inrBSmYYH9WGFrGQpSYiM8NK2xa-sgnE8/s320/wot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gormless Snowman in the Marmot Exum Ridge Jacket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-16020249425460365352017-10-06T02:49:00.004-07:002022-02-17T11:53:25.390-08:00Alpkit Koulin Trail Tights review<h3>
Alpkit</h3>
<br />
Alpkit - the British company that has always been a bit different (in a good way) and has produced solid kit at solid prices. They've always been good 'bang for the buck' (or indeed pound) without ever being a 'value' or 'budget' range. Over time, they've built up their reputation with ever improving gear and the issues a few years back with stock shortages are now a very distant memory. This has always been a customer and user-driven company with their staff 'real' outdoors people who are just 'one of us' and communicate this in their marketing.<br />
<br />
In recent times they've stepped up their game with both an increase in quality (such as using Primaloft in their insulated jackets) and a huge increase in the range of stock they provide. During this time their prices have gone up but I would say they are still very well priced in all they do. They're one of those companies that listen to their customers well and are small enough to implement changes quickly and well. They also keep their 'classic' ranges going while improving them.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<i>Onto the Koulin tights which I feel are already a classic item. </i></h4>
<br />
<h3>
Tights?!</h3>
<br />
OK so you may or may not wear tights as a guy. When I initially considered the Koulin tights, hideous images of A'level drama trips flashed through my head along with people mocking me for looking like a ballet dancer on the hills. There's also the slightly sensitive issue of close fitting tights and the occasional wolf whistle from obviously deluded females, as happened in Grisedale on one run. Having to wear them into Sainsbury's once was an experience...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYrY1IXVgZfyfkw3G73N3dZpQO_byfe1zoOwjIKlnjYw1NKOC4pFz3VrdIQBi5K37GLzcfxt4GyfHaGG3uI9tLzMm_vxA9BP6Fu9ycvsVOnhPUXXCIrpqK1vIo56q264wo-hhwW2x8-M/s1600/tights1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYrY1IXVgZfyfkw3G73N3dZpQO_byfe1zoOwjIKlnjYw1NKOC4pFz3VrdIQBi5K37GLzcfxt4GyfHaGG3uI9tLzMm_vxA9BP6Fu9ycvsVOnhPUXXCIrpqK1vIo56q264wo-hhwW2x8-M/s320/tights1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Alpkit Koulin tights. Not in Sainsbury's...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Out and About</h3>
<br />
But having bitten the bullet, I pulled them on (literally) for a trail run up through Grisedale, over the Eagle Crag scramble, up Nethermost Pike, to Helvellyn and back down to Patterdale via Striding Edge. Amazing run and no-one else around save for a guy with his terrified girlfriend headed up Striding Edge. We did stop to help but decided not to get too involved! Wonder if that relationship is still going...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OavSHDN3iWRLWW6-9lKFL5kEWEkQwpATf5cnnNTGuwGadh_DcLgQCMLEyrQokON198h2o5_AlSGfiyor4UmyFcRL5cjUlrwQFvdyedc1NAtmABfXbuRZnJs7PsKG59Q5pTcUAEvC-pA/s1600/tights3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OavSHDN3iWRLWW6-9lKFL5kEWEkQwpATf5cnnNTGuwGadh_DcLgQCMLEyrQokON198h2o5_AlSGfiyor4UmyFcRL5cjUlrwQFvdyedc1NAtmABfXbuRZnJs7PsKG59Q5pTcUAEvC-pA/s320/tights3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle Crag scramble. No it's a bit harder than it looks here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
If you haven't worn trail tights then they are unbelievably freeing, light and easy. They simply flex with your legs which is liberating. The Koulin tights have just the right amount of stretch in them to move with your body. Compared to even the amazing Montane Terras, I'd liken the effect of wearing the Koulin tights to running in trail shoes compared to running in boots. On the two times I've been on Dartmoor wearing them and in the Lakes, it was also so easy to climb as the tights are so flexible but also strong.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsD9jI0At0avhi3uGIRksaxTSyPh-8R_-wtnCUGe8EqHRCfw3v-KWlaz_5_f8Vd23Rz50NBfLg3llSV2ZL3bs6M9Bi0duEWVCdzF7TvKTSJKvbnmgSuah8LaZygoJPvKZ_cnzfvsr_ZM/s1600/tights5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsD9jI0At0avhi3uGIRksaxTSyPh-8R_-wtnCUGe8EqHRCfw3v-KWlaz_5_f8Vd23Rz50NBfLg3llSV2ZL3bs6M9Bi0duEWVCdzF7TvKTSJKvbnmgSuah8LaZygoJPvKZ_cnzfvsr_ZM/s320/tights5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back from Great Links Tor, Dartmoor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Fit</h3>
<br />
I'm a 30 waist (at most) and with a fairly standard, athletic kind of build. The small in the Koulin tights was a perfect fit. Getting them on requires a wee bit of tugging to get them up the legs, especially on the lower leg. At the bottom of the tights on the outside of each leg there is a zip at the bottom (about 17cm in length) which can be done up, even if it doesn't feel like it. Helps get them on and off. Some people aren't fans of zips but I found they helped. They are slightly long (I have slightly short legs I guess) but this also means the tights easily sit on or above the waist.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Features</h3>
The tights are highly breathable and move moisture well and dry quickly. The stretch is excellent and it jumps back to shape after use and washing, so no worries there. There are meshy panels in a couple of non-essential places to aid breathability. A drawstring inside the tights at the front will also help.<br />
<br />
There are two side pockets which I generally use to stash my (fairly large) smartphone on one side and a compass on the other. However, they will take more than that. At the back is a red zipped pocket which will take keys or other valuables.<br />
<br />
The sensitive issue of your parts showing when wearing tights can be diminished by (a) not strutting around like a peacock; (b) wearing a pair of shorts over them or a long (I actually just wrote 'pong') baselayer; or (c) as I did, wearing a pair of Under Armour boxers underneath.<br />
<br />
There is also a reflective logo and trim on the sides of the tights which is essential. They are pretty light and they seem very hard-wearing too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbA6kRQs_BjEjfvEcbqEvU41dKjBFeWfZcVmKAkuO0LnEw9hIkv4Bsa34YbxCe-R_0Eca5X0SJsIYsestfU0VZVAxDOhprSDua1fTnx2C-Kd_OGaetGiljn3mmrCyZ13wq9reBGI6TfYE/s1600/tights2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbA6kRQs_BjEjfvEcbqEvU41dKjBFeWfZcVmKAkuO0LnEw9hIkv4Bsa34YbxCe-R_0Eca5X0SJsIYsestfU0VZVAxDOhprSDua1fTnx2C-Kd_OGaetGiljn3mmrCyZ13wq9reBGI6TfYE/s320/tights2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you spot this person, seek immediate medical help or counselling...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
<br />
The Koulin Trail tights are ideal for trail running, running, hiking or even gentle scrambling. It's almost converted me away from wearing trousers when walking and certainly they're pretty good for trail running in 2 or 3 seasons. At £25 (October 2017) they're also brilliant value. Just don't tell anyone - I don't want hundreds of Alpkit gear clones out on the hills with me ;)<div><br /></div><div>Update 2022 - these are still going, still holding my phone, still being used for the odd run but mainly for cycling. Classics!!<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-51693338221977160442017-07-02T02:01:00.000-07:002017-10-09T02:38:56.802-07:00Montane Further Faster Neoshell Waterproof Jacket - Initial ImpressionsRecently, I started to look for a new waterproof. I have a North Face Five Point jacket which is fantastic. But I was looking at something a bit lighter, hopefully more breathable and in another colour. The North Face jacket is black and my waterproof trousers are black. My Montane beanie is, er, black... Anyone noticing a theme yet?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So in a sale I saw the Montane Further Faster jacket. At 443g it wasn't the lightest jacket but with Polartec Neoshell in, I knew it would be the most breathable fabric on the market. Contrary to the advice I received in one outdoor retailer, Neoshell is the leading breathable material on the market (as of this review, July 2017). Gore Tex Active isn't in the same ballpark. The later version of Gore Tex Pro is pretty similar but Neoshell has a greater air permeability - meaning a minuscule amount of air can get into the jacket and help the thing breathe more.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, Paramo may have a unique system but in the Summer (or non-Winter) it is simply too warm for someone like myself who runs very hot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Polartec Neoshell (due to the nature of the way it works) will not currently ever be able to be very lightweight. The lightweight fabrics are the 2.5 layer system which dispenses with a protective lining fabric (unlike a 3 layer fabric). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what of Pertex Shield + or other manufacturer's own brand 2.5 layer fabrics? Well, these are all fine but not as breathable (certainly not as resilient) as '3 layer' things like Pro Shell. Now, when we say 'breathable' and 'less breathable' we are not talking huge gulfs in breathability. A waterproof is designed to keep the elements out and so will never be as breathable as a windproof or a soft-shell etc, which all allow air and the elements in and out - meaning they breathe and dry more quickly but won't keep the rain out as effectively as a waterproof!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OK, so onto the mini overview. Bear in mind this is taken from a jacket I received (and subsequently didn't keep) but was able to look over and test in a home environment. So this couldn't be a real world review as the jacket was returned. But the time looking at the jacket may help some of you decide if this jacket is the right one for you...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Montane Further Faster is compared with the North Face Five Point jacket and an old Montane Venture jacket which uses eVent.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's something I wrote on a forum:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>This is a mini 'review' of the Montane Further Faster jacket...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I'm an athletic build medium. The first thing I noticed about the Montane Further Faster (FF) jacket (I got a medium) is how large the arms are. There is a lot of space in the arms - both the upper and lower arms. I've got an old Alpkit down jacket and the FF jacket can go over that so will the FF will work over an insulated layer. The FF jacket has a very slightly 'boxy' rather than 'fitted' design. The TNF jacket is perhaps very slightly more 'boxy' than the FF on the torso, but there's not much in it.</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>In the body area, the Further Faster jacket is about the same as my TNF. The FF has slightly better articulation over the shoulder area. Pockets are about the same size as on the TNF as the FF and fit a non-laminated OS Explorer map easily - a laminated version is a bit more tricky on both. The drawstring system for the waist is better on the Montane, as the TNF one is inside the pockets. The one area which is weird on the FF jacket is an elasticated area on the back 'waist' height of the jacket, measuring around 20cm. This cinches the jacket in and presumably may help rain fall off on the back of the jacket. Whatever its (valid) use, it looks weird and seems unnecessary. This was enough to put me off the jacket.
</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div>
<i>The hood is a bit more sturdy on the TNF compared to the FF and fits over a helmet a wee bit better. Both are good hoods with side and rear adjustments but TNF is slightly better and more sturdy for me. The Montane Venture hood is dire, mainly because it's an old system.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>In terms of length at the front, the Further Faster jacket is about the same as the TNF one and not quite as long as the old Venture. A review on I think TGO said the FF jacket is very short at the front but it's not terrible. In the course of looking for another waterproof, I tried on a Mountain Equipment Zeno jacket which was longer front and back (and more fitted than the Further Faster). The Montane Spine jacket was also 'longer' (understand the word 'longer' doesn't mean 'long') and a way better fit than the Further Faster.
</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Between the three jackets I own, the 2008-2009 Montane Venture has the best 'fit' in terms of fitting my body shape, without any doubt. The arms aren't as wide compared to the FF, which *feels* way too spacious, especially in the upper arms. Having said that, I measured the FF jacket arms compared to TNF one and they're not that different. FF one is slightly 'fitted' at the cuffs.
</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>People also talk about 'noise' when moving with Gore Tex Pro. I'd say this is an issue as the Gore Tex Pro is more 'stiff'. But it's not a huge difference, with the Venture and eVent being comparable to the FF. I like that the FF has reflective detailing on it. TNF one doesn't but I use this more in winter and snow.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>No idea yet on breathability or sustainability of the FF in comparison but am positive it'll be more breathable than the TNF one.</i></div>
</div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Outer fabric on the TNF is bomber - FF seems slightly less so. The FF has very long arms and covers my hands! TNF one ins't quite as long on the sleeves, nor the old Venture. The Montane Spine and ME Zeno also aren't as long. The FF arms are extremely long and presumably so to fit over gloves in a snowy alpine type situation.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I love Montane stuff normally. It's high quality and fits me like a glove. The Further Faster jacket is unusual in that it's not quite the case with especially the sleeves being too spacious. It's not a fitted jacket for an athletic build. It is very high quality and has all the features a jacket should have. Montane have gone above and beyond in terms of build quality and features but without the fitted nature of the jacket it's not quite the one for me. This is not a criticism at all, just a different use to the one I would have for it.
</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>The search for a lightweight and breathable jacket is basically not possible. There has to be a compromise. The Further Faster is brilliant for someone who wants a fully featured jacket with the highest breathability on the market. I'll have to look for a lightweight jacket elsewhere and probably compromise on breathability!</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Overall the Further Faster is highly recommended but try one on first!</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-46989810848992606072017-06-02T12:26:00.002-07:002019-07-11T08:15:21.316-07:00Montane Terra Pants walking trousers Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW3DP1LbC5Hv05ytGIMGx3ImlHYSXls3YU_2Z2fPpIL-ZVb34lV9H978aj9RBQzxJ9aT_mnP4ZRxg9VTwvt0wmu4uF_3urlSeD8Zk9PI6NFyogSnqg8eoj5l32vkieCE-2qh4OUhpK2M/s1600/bowfell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW3DP1LbC5Hv05ytGIMGx3ImlHYSXls3YU_2Z2fPpIL-ZVb34lV9H978aj9RBQzxJ9aT_mnP4ZRxg9VTwvt0wmu4uF_3urlSeD8Zk9PI6NFyogSnqg8eoj5l32vkieCE-2qh4OUhpK2M/s320/bowfell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing the Montane Terras on the Climbers Traverse path up to Great Slab and Bowfell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As you can't see in the picture above, I'm wearing the Montane Terras. Fear not, I am wearing them in the picture below. Phew, what a relief.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLiOFXd9pxfYOkCGAmKRjHiUt0CnRHJg41M5wqOaS-CgD-4a9doQsYWwan_q-vMlecoYvxJKjtITXHci_1iE8bvH_HyShhW9ePrKjA1fu1xrQFHYynLlc4wmdpwQMUDU9sjJ0dTE0i8s/s1600/montaneleg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLiOFXd9pxfYOkCGAmKRjHiUt0CnRHJg41M5wqOaS-CgD-4a9doQsYWwan_q-vMlecoYvxJKjtITXHci_1iE8bvH_HyShhW9ePrKjA1fu1xrQFHYynLlc4wmdpwQMUDU9sjJ0dTE0i8s/s320/montaneleg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Montane Terra Pants in the, er, 'great indoors'. La Sporitva trail shoes (amazing!) complete the look...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lots has been said about these but I can honestly say they're my favourites outdoors trousers and my absolute go-to ones - well, unless doing some heavy duty scrambling when I pull out an older pair of Craghoppers.<br />
<br />
Why so special?<br />
<br />
Well they're incredibly lightweight and nice to wear. Unlike my Bear Grylls pants, the Terras don't make you sound like you're a moving paper bag. (Add in a Goretex Pro jacket and you have a combo of moving paper bag and crisp packet all in one...)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGL44IAZeO1QfMg2wNEQoG9oYPi2u9QnoAD1zRNVzZ0RL_T1qx5TIRSgifJt0Qm58fyXDTWm4aYaJGve4ikuPb3TEG3lqc08XATMjUS1mGwn05ltW84e3J2dsJKSjP-Iroi82iayy0IwM/s1600/montane1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGL44IAZeO1QfMg2wNEQoG9oYPi2u9QnoAD1zRNVzZ0RL_T1qx5TIRSgifJt0Qm58fyXDTWm4aYaJGve4ikuPb3TEG3lqc08XATMjUS1mGwn05ltW84e3J2dsJKSjP-Iroi82iayy0IwM/s320/montane1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cordura reinforcement (black area)</td></tr>
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The fabric is resilient and yet they feel almost like a second skin. The main fabric is TACTEL and the reinforced areas are CORDURA which is very strong. There is reinforcement in the important areas such as the knees / thighs and around the rear quarters (the 'buttocks' in the words of Forrest Gump if you've seen that movie...)<br />
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The reinforcement goes right down to the inside of the lower leg / ankle. Brilliant.<br />
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There is a great level of venting available - at the bottom of the legs and at the top of the legs around the thighs. This makes them incredibly useful for Spring and Summer excursions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLujEbxvlclCn_C6RkvcFlSXS7uKgObrxbxkoaF7F0I9vpkUQ2QM0afh1hHW68W0CShhNXUWvnKICcmLdUp7ELOcdi15eH_n12O5CdBuEOQdjkgSVbeeO0yUUxbRxJBZgtx7cI-uSuzY/s1600/montane-venting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLujEbxvlclCn_C6RkvcFlSXS7uKgObrxbxkoaF7F0I9vpkUQ2QM0afh1hHW68W0CShhNXUWvnKICcmLdUp7ELOcdi15eH_n12O5CdBuEOQdjkgSVbeeO0yUUxbRxJBZgtx7cI-uSuzY/s320/montane-venting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing a bit of leg - steady on ladies...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7dMP6n3rYZ0VBIEz7JILwNQesMnT2M9ul1WijggqcWLFWBjnjW7D3QTY58N-Pkw3c2GyxzJcR6lvSinQbIEOkYfgIyaRDlQGCgEqNXIQrI0O_-GFohAXefw_JWVItBEWWX4Tr4C7v1g/s1600/montane-venting-top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7dMP6n3rYZ0VBIEz7JILwNQesMnT2M9ul1WijggqcWLFWBjnjW7D3QTY58N-Pkw3c2GyxzJcR6lvSinQbIEOkYfgIyaRDlQGCgEqNXIQrI0O_-GFohAXefw_JWVItBEWWX4Tr4C7v1g/s320/montane-venting-top.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venting at the top comes with mesh to help with modesty and even potentially keep out some bugs...</td></tr>
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The pants are also articulated which may sound like a fancy word unless you've actually worn them to see how they move with your body.<br />
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Back in the day I used my army lightweights. Good and durable and solid. Then the Craghoppers Kiwis which were strong and practical. The Bear Grylls pants were a step in the right direction, let down by the rustle and excess pockets. But the Montane Terra Pants are absolutely brilliant for movement. They are unlike any other outdoors trousers I have ever worn. They are so good for moving, climbing things, scrambling around. And that's down to the articulation.<br />
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They also have some good pockets with mesh lining.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3brH635uSk_wg4K3A7dZTIDjPdYbKj9RJ75dTCXIjR283k8V5RRyn8NG6dH1RYUcLiRFKWmFIFO59hpuv8QTKxVb4Xoi3tzrP-s7C7SIwMJ7tWksPBoUPC6H1WMY1T4JpmiV-5ZQdbE/s1600/montane-pocket2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3brH635uSk_wg4K3A7dZTIDjPdYbKj9RJ75dTCXIjR283k8V5RRyn8NG6dH1RYUcLiRFKWmFIFO59hpuv8QTKxVb4Xoi3tzrP-s7C7SIwMJ7tWksPBoUPC6H1WMY1T4JpmiV-5ZQdbE/s320/montane-pocket2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pocket pulled out</td></tr>
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A waist belt completes the pants with all they need. I am a waist 30 and got these in small. The one slight thing is that even with my ickle waist they are slightly tight, yet I can pull the waist out around 10cm! So the issue is with the elasticated waist possibly being a bit overzealous. But that's the only fault I can find!<br />
<br />
I have worn these in various temperatures and they've been fine. They have dried very quickly in light showers and are incredibly breathable. They're durable and lightweight too. Perfect.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-79902818137815770812017-06-02T12:02:00.001-07:002017-10-09T02:29:34.236-07:00Montane Minimus Pants (Waterproof trousers) ReviewMy go-to waterproof trousers have been the Berghaus Deluge over trousers in the last few years. You would be hard pushed to find something more resilient and relatively breathable for the price.<br />
<br />
However, what about those Spring and Summer months when the boots are put into hibernation and the temperatures rise enough for the lightweight kit to make an appearance...? Cue another pair of lightweight waterproof over trousers. On offer were the Montane Minimus so I got them - paid around £45.<br />
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Their first test was a slight mishap in that I wore my boots and mistakenly packed the Minimus pants instead of my Berghaus ones. Cue me stumbling around in heavy rain and sleety snow trying to get them on - unsuccessfully. The only way was to head for some cover, take off my boots, put on the waterproofs and then put my boots back on. Note to self: don't do that again.<br />
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The waterproofs themselves held out fine except for the usual plastering of mud as I considered and then thought better off a river crossing and headed back along a path...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNLnOxDkQVsZxzDDob5IEt2zexwao8oZLaI0QAzS8iMl1ZYVcI0sXba4ueEeUxbk0x_S3G0dIgL0OjX3zcsw288tqNWuTQZiRQg1fwKJS_51OV19NW3ZNMf1zHV42TT0U3QvpihksAjc/s1600/murk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNLnOxDkQVsZxzDDob5IEt2zexwao8oZLaI0QAzS8iMl1ZYVcI0sXba4ueEeUxbk0x_S3G0dIgL0OjX3zcsw288tqNWuTQZiRQg1fwKJS_51OV19NW3ZNMf1zHV42TT0U3QvpihksAjc/s320/murk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dartmoor in the murk and sleety snow. Location of a hapless hiker trying to put on the pants...</td></tr>
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Back to the review, the pants are extremely lightweight (140g) and understandably very different to the Deluge pants which are more weighty. I don't think I'd be dragging them across scrambles on Bristly Ridge or through gorse on moorland. But they're probably more resilient than they seem and that's the price for going lightweight.<br />
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The outer fabric has a ripstop type face. The breathable fabric is 2 layer Pertex Shield which isn't breathable on the level of 3 layer fabrics like eVent and Goretex but is pretty good. Over the period of about 90mins walking quite quickly in rain and snow I didn't have any issues with breathability or leakage but that's obviously to be expected! They did well in a wet-ish day in Lakeland too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-QszEyEnAksGAcuKjY2Wis6D63sH_B9kWyMTdNajtKXzYKkN5zFDtURcvmuo_7326Dp-OvAD_dYm-TYKxDGKoa_vPyp133v7UKeG-jL28sQRYWbRloBl02hfxplcFEQdxyrQjZFAZns/s1600/grimey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-QszEyEnAksGAcuKjY2Wis6D63sH_B9kWyMTdNajtKXzYKkN5zFDtURcvmuo_7326Dp-OvAD_dYm-TYKxDGKoa_vPyp133v7UKeG-jL28sQRYWbRloBl02hfxplcFEQdxyrQjZFAZns/s320/grimey.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Fisher's Wife's Rake</td></tr>
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The pants have some nice touches. They have 1 1/4 length leg zip which really helps getting them on over shoes and trainers etc. There is just one zip on the legs, probably to minimise weight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bAp8ZAz0e4JVzsXtBpqxDPSgRVVMWoahoPGZodddsXxvzA_WQuhjWKcLfqbNNTetsz6CWX0goFyqBBKOEIksSpK8_DH13vtIgyAC6fgRMxOvA-sIiMP7_QQbY0M5QvNxPz2KkLCSjsw/s1600/montane-minimus1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bAp8ZAz0e4JVzsXtBpqxDPSgRVVMWoahoPGZodddsXxvzA_WQuhjWKcLfqbNNTetsz6CWX0goFyqBBKOEIksSpK8_DH13vtIgyAC6fgRMxOvA-sIiMP7_QQbY0M5QvNxPz2KkLCSjsw/s320/montane-minimus1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down the leg of the Montane Minimus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDZLI-RLeZyXdrSQQ4W7Gj_S4sTm_dCKr-hrUghyYGVMdGTbfxvP-FVRzhg9s93qYrAFZFF2cJ1EeQykzf8MAMSvtsAMID-IwG_wecCZG6LDGitMXGIorIdRshP5igITuXXns4qA0mF8/s1600/minimus-vent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDZLI-RLeZyXdrSQQ4W7Gj_S4sTm_dCKr-hrUghyYGVMdGTbfxvP-FVRzhg9s93qYrAFZFF2cJ1EeQykzf8MAMSvtsAMID-IwG_wecCZG6LDGitMXGIorIdRshP5igITuXXns4qA0mF8/s320/minimus-vent.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The zip on the Montane Minimus</td></tr>
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There is also a strap lower down the leg (calf area) to cinch in the waterproofs when you're moving fast through the mountains or you're trail running. Nice touch. There is also reflective detail on the Minimus pants as well - much needed. The waist has a simple draw string at the front.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3yG8btvfLxDpUbpcUGsMcPW9Gcx1J7vE6gEl9UbqUQKtDCgBVHHpK6-nkCooVUXjQuUgKBVsg8nBfivZeEuIxB7SC1tg1M-U_9ZgwhvwumKHrPMozncKY-47uJ6IJ2YSas9C-x2JzxQ/s1600/minimus-strap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3yG8btvfLxDpUbpcUGsMcPW9Gcx1J7vE6gEl9UbqUQKtDCgBVHHpK6-nkCooVUXjQuUgKBVsg8nBfivZeEuIxB7SC1tg1M-U_9ZgwhvwumKHrPMozncKY-47uJ6IJ2YSas9C-x2JzxQ/s320/minimus-strap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All in all, the Montane Minimus waterproof trews trousers pants (choose appropriate name) are a very good pair of lightweight overtrousers. They won't breathe as well as eVent or Goretex etc but they're not as expensive retail price either. They may not have the features of Paramo offerings but they don't have the price or the heat either. They're not as resilient as things like the Berghaus Deluge but they're under half the weight!<br />
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You pay your money and you take your choice... Ideal for moving fairly fast (just not too fast so you get too hot) and for trail running, just as Montane say.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-29020383674081824622017-05-13T02:42:00.002-07:002018-06-23T02:00:45.920-07:00Montane Hi-Q Luxe Jacket Review<i>EDIT - There were a few stitches that had come open on the jacket. I contacted Montane to ask about how I could repair, sent pictures and they replied quickly saying they would fix it for me. Was done within about 4 weeks, which was fine as May 2018's sun had appeared. Absolutely outstanding service from Montane.</i><br />
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Who else has got an insulated jacket addiction?<br />
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OK, so maybe it's not an addiction but I've often looked for an insulated jacket that is warmer than the Montane Flux, not beasty enough to take up half a pack and resilient.<br />
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Is the Montane Hi-Q Luxe that jacket? Well, almost. The one thing I've found is that it's perhaps less resilient than the Flux jacket which has a pretty tough exterior.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGOf2f9i2M3Q7X2gUfz8_TyYF4LmRBGdQfHcFu6uIrGCi34Nor4wbT4P0Qiv7jbH_aOhix-QKrurc7H82g-wzehqy0QKGAkkBJnEchk7atqkEdW4k-ilXi6tiBwxtXepLNFU8XnK644w/s1600/hiq1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGOf2f9i2M3Q7X2gUfz8_TyYF4LmRBGdQfHcFu6uIrGCi34Nor4wbT4P0Qiv7jbH_aOhix-QKrurc7H82g-wzehqy0QKGAkkBJnEchk7atqkEdW4k-ilXi6tiBwxtXepLNFU8XnK644w/s320/hiq1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Dartmoor with a snow storm incoming. Very cold!</td></tr>
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Montane Linky - <a href="https://www.montane.co.uk/mens-c1/hi-q-luxe-jacket-p168" target="_blank">https://www.montane.co.uk/mens-c1/hi-q-luxe-jacket-p168</a><br />
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Just a note that my version of the jacket was the first incarnation. I'm not sure whether later versions (2016 one) are any different except for more colour variation.<br />
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A snap sale at Gaynors in Ambleside saw me take a gamble at the Hi-Q Luxe in an attractive black colour (the only one on offer sadly). Never mind, at least you'll be warm on the hills, even if MRT can't find you if ever anything happens..!<br />
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It's been put through its paces across the snowy Northern fells, the windy mountains and over the deceptively cold Dartmoor.<br />
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So the first thing to say is that the Hi-Q Luxe is pretty warm. There's a mix of Primaloft insulation which Montane claims is more like down. It has a Gold Primaloft 'Luxe' fill which makes it one of the warmest Primaloft fills on the market. It mixes this with a micro baffled design and a PEAQ down interior lining which is pretty nice on the skin!<br />
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The jacket is significantly warmer than the Montane Flux (my go-to jacket generally). The Flux also has things like reflective bits on which are great touches. The Hi-Q Luxe doesn't have these which seems a bit unfortunate. I would say the jacket is probably close to twice as warm as the Flux, if you want a comparison.<br />
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The outer is Pertex Quantum ripstop which is not as resilient as the outer of (say) the Flux jacket, so I wouldn't be wearing this for any scrambling or climbing personally (unless it was underneath a hard shell). Having said that it'd be too warm for climbing except very cold temps.<br />
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The jacket is very articulated and moves well with your movement, if that make sense! The pockets are great and warm for your paws if they get nippy. The one unique thing is the Hi-Q Luxe has articulated ("low-bulk") sleeves which means you can pull the jacket up your arm if needed to aid ventilation. Haven't had the need or desire to do this but it's interesting. It means the 'cuff' of the arms is slightly up inside the sleeves of the jacket, rather than right at the 'ends', with the jacket 'curving round' under the arms - if that make sense! I hope it doesn't make this part of the jacket more prone to wear, which would be one possibility of this.<br />
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Haven't worn it while wearing a helmet so can't comment on that but the hood is definitely helmet compatible. Chin guard and pretty good zip toggles mean the jacket would be pretty good with bulky gloves on. Quality zips. Have only used when out wearing smaller gloves so far.<br />
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Sizing is spot on. I'm a medium in everything really and got this in a medium. There is enough room to get a mid layer underneath very easily. I can also get my medium (TNF) waterproof over the top of this too. I'm of a wiry type of athletic build if that helps anyone with sizing! Montane clothing fits me pretty much perfectly.<br />
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I've worn this out in drizzle and mizzle - so nothing too wet or certainly not dreich conditions. But in lighter rain and even some snow the jacket has beaded pretty well. So the claimed insulation when wet isn't something I've tested heavily as yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgXu00XHPva86yq-RCwSJDqMThpFJuDo3zl4ZST97EHLDddMoEr1ir0z2wsLxanfzmM3-X13ACDt22mslL9WFbt8wZVdsgdhcDEFYITuJwBwXKCN4mHE97vSo-Dr6rGK3Y3m0K6Sf94s/s1600/l1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgXu00XHPva86yq-RCwSJDqMThpFJuDo3zl4ZST97EHLDddMoEr1ir0z2wsLxanfzmM3-X13ACDt22mslL9WFbt8wZVdsgdhcDEFYITuJwBwXKCN4mHE97vSo-Dr6rGK3Y3m0K6Sf94s/s320/l1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across to Scafell Pike on a deceptively cold April day - despite the mild winter</td></tr>
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One thing I will say about the jacket (and this could be due to the interior lining) is that it's unbelievably 'electrical'. Every time I wear the jacket or take it off, I am charged up and get static electric shocks immediately. I've never had a jacket so prone to this. So if you're someone who gets static shocks easily, avoid this jacket or only take it off with gloves on! This does make me cautious to recommend the jacket wholeheartedly, to be honest - but this is possibly more to do with me than the jacket.<br />
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But if you're looking for something with a bit of extra warmth than something like the Montane Flux and that packs down pretty small, this could be the perfect solution. It isn't really designed for serious adventures through bracken and against rock too much. But it is a very warm, stylish and useful bit of kit for those colder days! It's also a good jacket for those colder days and evenings around town!<br />
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I have seen a few reviews on Cotswold about some threads pulling / some filling migrating to the outside. I I do have this problem in part on the left shoulder of my jacket and believe it to be the filling migrating out. No such problems with the Flux or other (non-down) related jackets, so when Montane say the jacket is a bit like down, maybe this is what they mean!<br />
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The other small 'issue' that I have (and have read one other review mentioning) is that if you leave the pockets open, the inside of your arm often catches on the zip pockets. It's nothing much and sounds a bit weird but it's bizarrely true.<br />
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As for me - my search goes on and this jacket may well be sold next Autumn. Don't get me wrong, the Hi-Q Luxe is great but the slightly less robust exterior is enough of a concern for me to see what else is out there. Recommendations anyone?<br />
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(Edit Jan 2018 - maybe the Rab Photon X is the answer - hard-wearing and Primaloft Gold Active. Or the Alpkit Katabatic)<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-53097540603125731882016-02-11T06:18:00.002-08:002017-06-02T07:03:13.674-07:00Look What We've Found Meals Review - Boil in Bag Style MealsUPDATE June 2017 - Since this article was done (Feb 2016), lookwhatwefound have changed their range slightly. There is now no chicken and mushroom, no red thai chicken curry, no chicken korma. Instead there is now a chicken casserole which I've tested and is equally tasty as the lamb casserole but with slightly fewer calories. The meals now only seem to be stocked by Waitrose, Booths and Ocado.<br />
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Over the last couple of weeks, I've been buying some of the boil in a bag style meals from 'Look What We Found' (<a href="http://www.lookwhatwefound.co.uk/">http://www.lookwhatwefound.co.uk/</a>). I purchased all these myself and have no connections with the company in any way.<br />
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Although not specifically designed for the outdoors, these can be boiled in the bag in your burner. Plus they are very well priced - £1.50 to £2.50 in price. I'd also add that when doing a boil in the bag meal that's a 'wet' one (as opposed to the freeze dried), it's always advisable to rotate the bag when cooking to get it to cook through (or shake the bag halfway through cooking) - taking it out of the pot first...<br />
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If we compare these with (for example) the 'Beyond The Beaten Track' meals, the BTBT meals are 300g and give a slightly higher calory intake - for £4.00 for a meal (or £6.00 for a self-heating meal). I've had the Pasta Bolognese meal and it was pretty tasty and reasonable value. The chocolate dessert was pretty tasty!<br />
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If we take the Wayfarer meals, these are also 300g (££4.00 - 4.49 each or so) and with a similar calory count and taste to the Beyond The Beaten Track ones. I really enjoyed the sausage and baked beans from Wayfarer.<br />
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What I'd advise is that you either eat 2 of these at a time, or add in some other food with them - be that raisins, pre-cooked pasta, pre-cooked rice, pitta bread, regular bread, crackers etc. With that, you'd have a very tasty meal!<br />
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So here's my mini review of the meals! These are rated against the other Look What We Found meals and not against other meals. These are my personal preferences and opinion only - your favourites and intended uses may well be different! I have mainly heated these by microwave (did this after a tooth extraction as these meals are quick and easy!) but have mentioned when heated on the stove.<br />
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1. Chilli Con Carne</h3>
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This has a good balance of minced beef, kidney beans and red peppers. Very tasty and not too spicy. Definitely could be eaten on its own but would also be great with some added in extras like rice. 270g providing 262kcal of energy (97kcal per 100g).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPCEHYGc6ComVZNIBr6BJSGmuUh0ulELDVgoaZKQEjJEFZ9a-AgDTw1riqnZqlJEJ7jaojFNHnG2Z3TU8TvwrnH2cMWUHIoM_julhmAwmxRYWkvzcXlzfby00kghgftYBE_HxYYVOlLs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-06+at+12.38.06.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPCEHYGc6ComVZNIBr6BJSGmuUh0ulELDVgoaZKQEjJEFZ9a-AgDTw1riqnZqlJEJ7jaojFNHnG2Z3TU8TvwrnH2cMWUHIoM_julhmAwmxRYWkvzcXlzfby00kghgftYBE_HxYYVOlLs/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-02-06+at+12.38.06.png" width="163" /></a><br />
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Score: 8/10<br />
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2. Chicken with Mushrooms</h3>
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Very tasty and would work well as a sauce. Wasn't a huge amount of chicken in this and it's more runny than (for example) the Chilli Con Carne. You'd definitely need to top this with rice or pasta etc as I think this is what it's designed for. 250g providing 200kcal of energy (80 kcal per 100g).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_cQMvfAevxO-9jcW_783IOnzXoLZ_bUfad0mmadt6-26xHXSOjWSTjjNHmvsmpXL6U2hbf75Y3zvTHDHcBXeO8j2z0XxmtCsqxD7AFw9sW56mLvElgP8zhW6PdPgqb_IEl79zIU8Ef0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-06+at+12.37.58.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_cQMvfAevxO-9jcW_783IOnzXoLZ_bUfad0mmadt6-26xHXSOjWSTjjNHmvsmpXL6U2hbf75Y3zvTHDHcBXeO8j2z0XxmtCsqxD7AFw9sW56mLvElgP8zhW6PdPgqb_IEl79zIU8Ef0/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-02-06+at+12.37.58.png" width="161" /></a><br />
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Score 6/10 (but if used as a sauce it'd be 8/10!)<br />
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3. Red Thai Chicken Curry</h3>
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Again quite spicy but not overly so. Lots of bits of chicken. I added in a bit of rice to this one to see how things would taste and it was pretty good and quite filling. Again, this seems designed to be eaten with rice etc. 250g providing 345kcal of energy (138kcal per 100g).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzpkvlYBu9NzmikKmRIyVwXp9zSqExK4Y3ZAUKMyy_LTl5cqIIMNhstFwyIhKCbQEhvf25JHJA1Q4rksHBJs4e3qiizQfZSvn5va4PRi_0b_MXrAdxtD-pybSHDDjM0Vr8iaMpf0hAEQ/s1600/food2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzpkvlYBu9NzmikKmRIyVwXp9zSqExK4Y3ZAUKMyy_LTl5cqIIMNhstFwyIhKCbQEhvf25JHJA1Q4rksHBJs4e3qiizQfZSvn5va4PRi_0b_MXrAdxtD-pybSHDDjM0Vr8iaMpf0hAEQ/s320/food2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi4YYoqholfFUFimXvkov-03E6NFbNc3wPcU3yi-coToutWYXyEc6dIB8n-j9rTq9BrfCjBZzbdxbOQrh3Dxw3HjL-mDInHdcxVl433KQDkAMQXPnKXv1MvSIprU8NqJ9R1XGcP_ilVA/s1600/food1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi4YYoqholfFUFimXvkov-03E6NFbNc3wPcU3yi-coToutWYXyEc6dIB8n-j9rTq9BrfCjBZzbdxbOQrh3Dxw3HjL-mDInHdcxVl433KQDkAMQXPnKXv1MvSIprU8NqJ9R1XGcP_ilVA/s320/food1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Score: 6/10<br />
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<h3>
4. Lamb Hotpot</h3>
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The Lamb Hotpot is a little bit more than the other meals (at a whopping £2.49!!) So for this extra 50p or so, what do we get? Well, we get a really tasty meal. I must admit, despite microwaving this, it didn't taste like a microwave meal but was tasty - good meat and lovely potato! 250g gives you 215kcal of energy (86kcal per 100g).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtggf1lGFfY2JFfHxGnCOMZIKXFhfR7__22TvTmhd-cFAdl9TCmYTtPKXIHPvNpZQBDV2Lg8Jvm0NmMBzr04FuywHkTlLk2O_08ZaEwgdrKTp3zcFrmasOyCAF6VMW7wy5t_lhoK3gUw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-06+at+20.21.47.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtggf1lGFfY2JFfHxGnCOMZIKXFhfR7__22TvTmhd-cFAdl9TCmYTtPKXIHPvNpZQBDV2Lg8Jvm0NmMBzr04FuywHkTlLk2O_08ZaEwgdrKTp3zcFrmasOyCAF6VMW7wy5t_lhoK3gUw/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-02-06+at+20.21.47.png" width="156" /></a><br />
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Score: 9/10<br />
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<h3>
5. Beef Meatballs</h3>
Beef meatballs is slightly harder to review considering I never normally eat any! However, the food tastes better than you'd imagine in a microwave format. I think there were 5 meatballs and these were a reasonable size and tasted good. The tomato style sauce is tasty and not at all bland. Another solid tasting meal and could be eaten on its own. 250g gives you 265kcal of energy (106kcal per 100g).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiqQCV_pdEoOTJ4WvAi4y8gx5ziX_1cEgAbs2co-QRmr-d9Ra-MMHHcuJGNtI2dVLBX7ko7kWnbu_km0cV36VhS5XxJZlTX5vD1YZ3emv8qjqwWLMPznIm0NZ_5HKCKimhQv2WnkM810/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-09+at+10.40.32.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiqQCV_pdEoOTJ4WvAi4y8gx5ziX_1cEgAbs2co-QRmr-d9Ra-MMHHcuJGNtI2dVLBX7ko7kWnbu_km0cV36VhS5XxJZlTX5vD1YZ3emv8qjqwWLMPznIm0NZ_5HKCKimhQv2WnkM810/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-02-09+at+10.40.32.png" width="249" /></a><br />
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Score: 7/10<br />
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<h3>
6. Chicken Korma</h3>
The Chicken Korma was another tasty offering. Again, probably just the right kind of level of 'spice' (not really spicy but a nice edge). The meat was pretty much in one single lump. I cooked this in the burner as a boil in the bag style meal to test it. I'd recommend cooking for the same kind of time as other meals - up to 10mins or so - just to make sure the chicken is piping hot. I then ate it with some pre-cooked rice which I'd recommend as it needs this. 250g gives you 320kcal of energy (128kcal per 100g).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kebO2-8nyM11ZDw9lExGsbq723l-iFmErO6xz-sI73uzLStZm3sU_YkU_hsPXH89OvEBRwBIgK_kh1dNTB5znMlc7EA0e-EI_WgdQwC6bQ5bFZ3lTL4hm4cLOJSgwBTbf5rQaMjB2dg/s1600/korma.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kebO2-8nyM11ZDw9lExGsbq723l-iFmErO6xz-sI73uzLStZm3sU_YkU_hsPXH89OvEBRwBIgK_kh1dNTB5znMlc7EA0e-EI_WgdQwC6bQ5bFZ3lTL4hm4cLOJSgwBTbf5rQaMjB2dg/s400/korma.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Score: 8/10<br />
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<h3>
7. Chicken Tikka</h3>
And for my final test... Chicken Tikka. This was pretty good - probably as spicy as anything else but nothing too hot. Cooked up some regular rice with this and added it in to make a great and tasty meal. Around 6 solid bits of chicken in there with some smaller bits too. 250g gives you 338kcal of energy (135kcal per 100g).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOzOmEiv6HBDJmRcIsvZntgqTO9-Z732bLHn3WbqoF5RltmQys-ktafylmfVsyJyx6y5zEqCYHxuQDrr51O8dRxPCQE84Gqxk2Npvd0y-1-bv3y3AuDY93pOay_OGtjGCNvbPPVJbfNs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-11+at+14.17.24.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOzOmEiv6HBDJmRcIsvZntgqTO9-Z732bLHn3WbqoF5RltmQys-ktafylmfVsyJyx6y5zEqCYHxuQDrr51O8dRxPCQE84Gqxk2Npvd0y-1-bv3y3AuDY93pOay_OGtjGCNvbPPVJbfNs/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-02-11+at+14.17.24.png" width="247" /></a><br />
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Score: 7/10<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-39588531855403978882015-12-01T06:01:00.002-08:002019-02-20T02:01:00.761-08:00Montane Alpha Guide Jacket ReviewUpdate - for AW2017 the Montane Alpha has been replaced by the Halogen Alpha which is a slightly different jacket - with Pertex Microlight outer all over and with 50g of Alpha across the jacket. The result is a lighter jacket at 351g instead of 510g for the Alpha Guide.<br />
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My basic review (Feb 2019 update) - Alpha is amazing and has replaced fleece for me. Wear it in low temperatures and it breathes well and works to create a great balance of warmth.<br />
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In recent years, Polartec have really created some innovative technologies - from various forms of insulation and fleece through to their extremely breathable NeoShell that seems to out-breathe any other hard shell.<br />
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The Montane Alpha Guide </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikG8OMYjCXsOIzzsR3AH23a8WjN8pSmiRdQZS7VMn5uj4ATlsv_pWrI01R6gRKdzDT_1dKgAGiehaZ3liNBxjDdhXV_QScY2H6WxJOcLPMKQFakg7KMiPvo4_OgWUgmi6bdV58hJQC8cQ/s1600/alpha1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikG8OMYjCXsOIzzsR3AH23a8WjN8pSmiRdQZS7VMn5uj4ATlsv_pWrI01R6gRKdzDT_1dKgAGiehaZ3liNBxjDdhXV_QScY2H6WxJOcLPMKQFakg7KMiPvo4_OgWUgmi6bdV58hJQC8cQ/s320/alpha1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Alpha Guide modelled very badly by Noddy</td></tr>
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Designed mainly for climbers (and in cold temps), according to Montane, their Alpha Guide jacket packs 80g of Polartec Alpha (around the body, with a Pertex Microslight stretch face) with a DRYACTIV stretch material elsewhere on the top (arms, hood, shoulders).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNBhQESme4EmG2NNJv5R0lyFJCuGq2s3qhWh4tPIiv-xEZHnBWMAsAKI49muUDI0lSZojMCkuABHhcPe7ujGLJdMjbiHaqAWwSPiVnRCc6-rMbvy55TS-P9pQpw9svlTaCGqPDL_ukQw/s1600/alpha-hood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNBhQESme4EmG2NNJv5R0lyFJCuGq2s3qhWh4tPIiv-xEZHnBWMAsAKI49muUDI0lSZojMCkuABHhcPe7ujGLJdMjbiHaqAWwSPiVnRCc6-rMbvy55TS-P9pQpw9svlTaCGqPDL_ukQw/s320/alpha-hood.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hood (with brushed liner)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholDua_ZTimBuNaUjymBdPMCGv2yAOuqju7FVH7NQ7IH28oamiQ30bbw4gi_IBkNlyIffhtH4MP9iiQ2YQYAcZu7vb9AcUK_quTmlXKhXeEM0cQoLsxfUnoCXFwmrvs_JFwlQ3FuXFLLo/s1600/alpha-sleeve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholDua_ZTimBuNaUjymBdPMCGv2yAOuqju7FVH7NQ7IH28oamiQ30bbw4gi_IBkNlyIffhtH4MP9iiQ2YQYAcZu7vb9AcUK_quTmlXKhXeEM0cQoLsxfUnoCXFwmrvs_JFwlQ3FuXFLLo/s320/alpha-sleeve.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeve with thumb loops</td></tr>
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Inside, there's a breathable lattice type material to wick away the sweat ('PEAQ Hyper' - which sounds like a Star Trek character...) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaENJAPYmB0alOJOwCXXFl8uXqxDuhn0clxVxdqfi4NbzdPUTHyhc82YdrGYtO0nI9enGYoop5L199f25VZ9QIhWpJi1W8V6keN0Zi-_f4tyfIScYzFPePpCKgbjmn3WTCKNbPQefgG1c/s1600/alpha-inner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaENJAPYmB0alOJOwCXXFl8uXqxDuhn0clxVxdqfi4NbzdPUTHyhc82YdrGYtO0nI9enGYoop5L199f25VZ9QIhWpJi1W8V6keN0Zi-_f4tyfIScYzFPePpCKgbjmn3WTCKNbPQefgG1c/s320/alpha-inner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Guide inner with 'PEAQ Hyper'</td></tr>
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The jacket has a very active fit which is intentional. If you're thinking about wearing this with a few extra pounds around the waist etc, you may want to look elsewhere as the next size up would defeat the object of having a close-fitting top. The Alpha Guide also has some waist toggles to tighten things and a double-zip so you can get access to your harness etc.</div>
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So enough of the waffle, how does the thing work? Does it work? Is it better than a fleece?</div>
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The first thing to say is that it is deceptively warm. The day before the sunny-looking snowy pics taken on Heron Pike, I did the corridor route from Seatoller up to Scafell Pike in some brutal weather - heavy rain, low mist, very strong winds and then hail into snow. I had a warm winter baselayer, the Alpha Guide and a Goretex Pro hardshell on the top. The temps were low degrees C into minuses as I ascended. With the wind it was unbelievably cold (-12C or so). On the way down I found that my back was sweating quite a bit. It wasn't the hardshell leaking so was my sweat! I do beast walks quite a lot and my waterproof did get blown up in the winds. But probably I was a bit too hot!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLj0bkgP8QP86YDFnYEv0jl3vCE7_HyQHd7-ZG5OFLlUYkFXcVyaZAZCxmJhUQD6JfN2ph_kCUPdgOKMSZjZup4hefrYMsRa_EYJmEkAFnj6UKncuNxYnkzlLAyfL-Y7N43R0TjZl02Q/s1600/scafell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLj0bkgP8QP86YDFnYEv0jl3vCE7_HyQHd7-ZG5OFLlUYkFXcVyaZAZCxmJhUQD6JfN2ph_kCUPdgOKMSZjZup4hefrYMsRa_EYJmEkAFnj6UKncuNxYnkzlLAyfL-Y7N43R0TjZl02Q/s320/scafell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blasted atop Scafell Pike</td></tr>
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The Alpha Guide itself is great and I didn't really feel cold until I started coming down, slowed down and felt the wet on my back. But then again I'd had rain for pretty much 90% of the 9 1/2 mile walk. </div>
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I would recommend using the Alpha Guide carefully and in cold temperatures only. If you're on a mission either walking or climbing I'd advise thinking carefully about baselayer and not wearing a thick one unless temps are below zero without windchill - this is certainly true if you get hot easily like me. It may also be that it doesn't breathe as well because of being under a hardshell (maybe I do need that NeoShell waterproof...)</div>
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On other days I used the top, I was also warm. In the pics below (Heron Pike), I had a lighter baselayer and despite the winds, the Alpha Guide worked well (I only wore a baselayer on the steep start of the ascent). As long as you're moving and it's cold, it's great. </div>
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The jacket does let the wind in and is fairly breathable but you'll need to judge when it's needed and when it's not,</div>
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So compared to a fleece? Hard to tell but they're probably similar. I did Fairfield in Feb 2015 and wore a fleece that day and it was about the right kind of balance on a day that hovered in and around -1C.</div>
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I would say that the Montane Alpha Guide is a great specialist jacket and would suit things like climbing in the cold and even winter climbing where it wasn't snowing etc. I'm looking forward to a cold winter where this can get some serious testing both on walks and winter mountaineering. I'll post back with my results....<br />
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My results are in (Feb 2019)... This was used several days with hugely varied temperatures, with windchill down to -17 on both long day walks in snow and on a winter skills course in deep snow with lots of standing around. The result being that I didn't even put on a 'belay' type insulated layer. So in low temps it's brilliant and one of my favourite bits of kit. Breathes well but as stated, I wouldn't consider wearing it in higher temperatures.<br />
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But if you want something different to a fleece (and certainly something that dries quicker), that compresses well, that is a sound midlayer and looks pretty darned nice, the Alpha Guide is a good, if not essential bit of kit. I'm completely sold on Polartec Alpha anyway and won't be going back to fleece.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-38426049250677913402015-10-23T12:54:00.003-07:002017-12-26T07:05:37.541-08:00Berghaus Deluge Waterproof Pants / Trousers / Overtrousers - ReviewThere are a number of pairs of waterproof trousers out there on the market, each with their own unique amount of features and purposes in mind.<br />
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There are other options that we'll consider below but if you're looking for a pair of solid waterproof over trousers then the Berghaus Deluge must be right up there...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FptXhVitS2rvP6uTk19ytyLWyAJNfBHaKMZyouUEj6PTPA9xEwceGH7SsIiCjwJhRXv0UA3WdjHXaADoAehF8HimQp-HzOmFwYdWsj7dK-MnFZI1y8TC_RLC0U7SVLW1i0hkKT4W5IM/s1600/placefell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FptXhVitS2rvP6uTk19ytyLWyAJNfBHaKMZyouUEj6PTPA9xEwceGH7SsIiCjwJhRXv0UA3WdjHXaADoAehF8HimQp-HzOmFwYdWsj7dK-MnFZI1y8TC_RLC0U7SVLW1i0hkKT4W5IM/s320/placefell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absolutely battered by wind on Place Fell - helped by the Berghaus Deluges</td></tr>
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The picture shows myself and a mate on top of Place Fell in Feb 2015 on a day of very high winds and a fair amount of blustery rain. The Deluge pants coped admirably - as they did on a long walk for charity across Dartmoor in 2011 and everything in between!<br />
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<h3>
So what makes the Deluge good value?</h3>
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First up they're very hard-wearing - although this does mean they're heavier than I'd ideally like (390g). I would be confident of dragging these through any terrain! In comparison (for example), the Montane Minimus are 150g, although at £80-90, twice the cost of the Deluges.<br />
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Alternatives (Dec 2017)... Craghoppers do the 'all in one' Kiwi Waterproof trousers at £70 - 365g with Aqua Dry or a 'Gore Tex' pair (likely Paclite but not specified) but Paclite is not at all hard-wearing. Rab do an amazing pair of eVent ones at 320g but these cost a lot (£120 odd) but include extra knee protection. Montane do the Minimus ones which are amazingly lightweight (these would be nice in the pack sometimes!) or the Spine pants at 291g (again a bit pricey at £120+ but with Gore Tex Active). Mountain Equipment do the slightly lighter Firefox pant at 259g (again over £100 and Gore Tex Active) The obvious problem with light(er)weight overtrousers can be durability, something the Deluge ones are very unlikely to suffer from.<br />
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Secondly, they have almost full-length two-way zips (and poppers) on the outside of the leg which extends right to the bottom of the trousers and almost up to the waist. The bottom of the leg 'popper' isn't always found on other waterproof pants. This means they're very easy to get on... don't under-estimate the usefulness of this when the rain or snow suddenly comes down.<br />
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Thirdly this also means that venting is possible due to the zip / popper combination. The two-way zip is great for this - you can unzip and use the poppers to vent if the rain isn't too heavy. It's worth noting that the other higher end waterproof pants mentioned before also have 2 way zips.<br />
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Fourthly, these act as a great second layer in winter to keep the legs warm! I would much rather use waterproof trousers than baselayer leggings in any weather except very cold temps - much easier to regulate temperature - i.e. much easier to take them on and off. Obviously when very cold, you'd use waterproofs and leggings - possibly unless wearing something like Paramo.<br />
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<h3>
The downside</h3>
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The main downside of these is first of all their heavy-weight but more importantly, they're not very breathable. They're definitely less breathable than eVent and Neoshell which means you may not always put them on when it's warm and you may get a bit sweaty!<br />
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The other thing I've found is that they are really not at all fitted. In a hoolie on Dartmoor, I looked like the Michelin man and wondered if I'd take off. My friend wearing her Montane Spine waterproofs didn't have the same problem as they are more fitted (yet probably less durable). So, you pay your money and you make your choice according to features needed and cost.<br />
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<h3>
Final thought</h3>
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For the features and the price, the Berghaus Deluges are very hard to beat! Nothing else touches their features at their price. Paying more will give you more fitted, more breathable and towards the higher end, more durability and winter-specific features like crampon protection, snow gaiters etc.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-33867898561412552602015-10-23T12:28:00.003-07:002017-06-02T07:45:17.488-07:00Outdoors Trousers / Pants Review - Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Stretch, Montane Terra Pants, Bear Grylls Survivor Pants, Crahoppers Kiwi ClassicOutdoors Trousers Review - Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Stretch, Montane Terra Pants, Bear Grylls Survivor Pants, Crahoppers Kiwi Classic.<br />
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I've reviewed the Pro Stretch and the Bear Grylls in more detail on the site but this is a comparison type review!<br />
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I've worn all of these pants over the past 7 years and in all kinds of places and conditions. This is a mini review of each of these trousers to hopefully help you!<br />
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For the record I'm about 5'11", a 29-30 waist and an average / athletic build. I've got slightly short legs for my height.<br />
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<br />Craghoppers Kiwi Trousers (Classic version)</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the shores of Buttermere</td></tr>
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These are the original Kiwi trousers and I had these in grey, 30 waist and regular leg length. These are also available with zip off legs so they can become shorts. These come with a decent belt.<br />
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These are the baggiest and most 'heavyweight' feeling trousers out of all the ones I've had. They are very resilient and useful in all kinds of situations - outdoors and work. My friend took a pair with him when working in Belize and he swears by them.<br />
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However, they don't have any stretch and aren't the most manoeuvrable trousers I've ever worn! In fact my decision to retire them was because they just don't give any articulated movement. As a part-time mountain goat this doesn't help and you can forget scrambling well in them! They do dry out fairly well.<br />
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Highly recommended for basic walking and when you need a tough pair of trousers. Not recommended for scrambling, climbing and where you need lots of flex and movement.<br />
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They hold a map very well with the pocket perfectly sized.<br />
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<h3>
Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Stretch</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_CQK70qdTMQ78t76nYKPIXXLytbTHqlq7BgS8GqiMOy-GP7f3siX-Nug2E9M5Myb3dU0m-IwLa0aCMT7rQ_ROyPh5XcQVNaU2lwlEGkJH8GQ-1f6ZaurUkfwGB36_pEii1QfEDOS0cg/s1600/crags1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_CQK70qdTMQ78t76nYKPIXXLytbTHqlq7BgS8GqiMOy-GP7f3siX-Nug2E9M5Myb3dU0m-IwLa0aCMT7rQ_ROyPh5XcQVNaU2lwlEGkJH8GQ-1f6ZaurUkfwGB36_pEii1QfEDOS0cg/s320/crags1.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the snow... in May</td></tr>
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I've got these in black, 30 waist and regular length leg. These come without a belt.<br />
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The trousers are the best balance of great value general walking / scrambling pants. They are very stretchy, especially having come from a pair of the old Kiwi trousers.<br />
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They give plenty of freedom of movement. Despite being a 29-30 waist, I find the Pro Stretch very slightly tight around the waist - but it also gives a huge amount of stretch as well. I did have to re-sew the button (double stitches!) and that's been fine. They dry quickly too.<br />
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The downside is that they don't give any extra protection in the vulnerable areas like the bottom of the inside of the leg or on the knees / around the backside. For this reason I don't use them when scrambling unless it's basic grade 1 stuff or climbing.<br />
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These don't hold a map brilliantly as the trouser pocket is a bit loose and not quite deep enough. I wouldn't keep my map in these over very rough terrain or in very windy weather.<br />
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<h3>
Bear Grylls Survivor Pants</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-AafFs-flJKOjUCP9SHeyo-FUz0SXaOCWOWdjVqwBLv48sXMCZro7vDWv23n4-7xPV2l9Zh3OawIzNjZ4rUkTNo2B9NiJ2RKrT_AuB7ze9Lo_KA891zLSB2EsbzyDHGzktBdlZYA7C4/s1600/bear1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-AafFs-flJKOjUCP9SHeyo-FUz0SXaOCWOWdjVqwBLv48sXMCZro7vDWv23n4-7xPV2l9Zh3OawIzNjZ4rUkTNo2B9NiJ2RKrT_AuB7ze9Lo_KA891zLSB2EsbzyDHGzktBdlZYA7C4/s320/bear1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bear Grylls pants... having survived part one of Lord's Rake</td></tr>
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Got these in the grey / black size. Having read reviews, I went for these in the 32 waist and short legs (I got them cheap on ebay too...) The 32 waist is about right but it does mean I need the included belt to keep them up. I could have bought the 30 waist. Legs are a little short for me.<br />
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These are pretty hard-wearing and my automatic go-to trousers when I'm dragging them across rock etc. They do have a couple of flappy pockets on the legs which isn't ideal fro scrambling but they're pretty hard wearing (polyamide) and have slight reinforcement material in all the key areas - these areas are all stretch as well which is a nice touch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwHQhpFayyA1GoTEiMk3cysq_ZVumfqQ0205vsY9yI77fk3wu84siturG3BfQGydPwa08CZ1LEVTwOFRvh1YA_5wNSRUf5K2-CTSry47I4yj25E5FTME4MJI8ZUfZrrdZmoayXfrCzO8/s1600/bear2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwHQhpFayyA1GoTEiMk3cysq_ZVumfqQ0205vsY9yI77fk3wu84siturG3BfQGydPwa08CZ1LEVTwOFRvh1YA_5wNSRUf5K2-CTSry47I4yj25E5FTME4MJI8ZUfZrrdZmoayXfrCzO8/s320/bear2.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up towards Blencathra</td></tr>
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The two side pockets are useless for holding a map in many ways - again, not quite deep enough and too loose and without the ability to keep them 'shut' with the map in.<br />
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These are a bit noisy when you walk in them - the Craghoppers Pro Stretch pants are silent. So just be aware of that as well.<br />
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<h3>
Montane Terra Pants</h3>
I bought these in the graphite colour in size small - which equates to 28-30 waist.<br />
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These are the most expensive pair of trousers out of the four reviewed and it shows. There are touches in the Terras that aren't found on the other trousers.<br />
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The feel of these is very nice and they are incredibly lightweight in feel and touch. Don't be deceived by this - the tactel fabric with teflon surface is very hard-wearing indeed. They have vents at the top outside of the leg and a zip at the bottom of the pants as well. The knees are pre-bent, there are two deep pockets and there's reinforcement exactly where needed.<br />
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One thing I did find is that the elastic on the trousers is incredibly tight. I think I would only need the included belt if I were wearing an XL... The small is a great fit for me but so tight on the waist - there really needs to be more give. Even when I tried on a medium they were still really tight on the waist, except too baggy elsewhere. I have read a couple of reviewers saying this same thing. The amazing thing is that I think my small Montanes stretch nearly 10cm beyond my waist, it's just the elastic is too rigorous.<br />
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<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
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So, you pay your money and take your choice. These are only a few of the many trousers available so get out there and find the pair that's right for you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-56796845175398409532015-10-03T06:12:00.002-07:002017-05-13T03:31:29.524-07:00Rab MeCo 120 Long Sleeve Baselayer Review<br />
Rab MeCo 120 is another good baselayer, this time from Rab. I've used this out in the hills, wearing around the place and even for sleeping in winter.<br />
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This is what Rab says: </div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em style="color: #646464; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">The MeCo 120 Long sleeve is a light weight long sleeved base layer made from a blend of Merino wool and Polyester with Cocona technology. </em></blockquote>
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The top is pretty good in terms of keeping away nasty miffs from under the armpits! This is one huge advantage of merino over some other materials like polyester, especially if the polyester is untreated! It may not quite be as a good as my Montane 100% merino in this way but the advantage is that the Rab MeCo is really nice to touch and wear - unlike 100% merino (generally anyway!)</div>
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The MeCo is fairly well fitting. I'm wearing a Medium size here and the MeCo sits pretty well on my average sized frame!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modeled with baggy jeans on!</td></tr>
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The neck is fairly wide, so while this helps with breathability, it's not as great in terms of keeping the chill off. Not a deal breaker by any means!!</div>
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If you like tops with a good length, the MeCo is great again, with the top hanging down well below the waist but also hanging fairly loosely. If you're wanting a fitted top, the MeCo isn't for you but it's a great top and baselayer!</div>
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Like a lot of Rab products, the baselayer has slightly overly long sleeves, which you'll see below. My thumb hasn't been cut off, it's disappeared under the baselayer length!!</div>
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If you care about things like colour, it's a really nice blend of royal blue and a dark-teal-black contrast under the arms and down the sides of the top.<br />
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So overall, a baselayer is a baselayer yes, but this one looks pretty good and works well. There's a small amount of bobbling around the place and I'm thinking this won't be the most resilient baselayer in the world. But it does its job, it doesn't pong and is pretty good all year round - barring hot summer days!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-17634455508580832812015-04-04T12:33:00.002-07:002015-04-04T12:36:47.542-07:00Montane Torque 40L Rucksack Review<br />
My go-to rucksack is my Montane Medusa 32 litre pack. But for Winters, something bigger and more beasty needs to rear its head... Drum roll and cue the Montane Torque 40...<br />
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(Note that the colour of the pack is not blue as shown below. The most accurate colour is the second picture of the opening clip. The pack is a kind of blue-green colour. The clips and the back of the pack is orange not reddish as in the pics).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Torque 40L</td></tr>
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So here it is - flattened on the ground in a sad incident of cupboard squishing... But when it isn't being stored, what kind of kit can fit into it?<br />
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Well, I can easily stash a bunch of dry bags in it containing belay jacket, waterproofs, goggles, crampons, food, flask, Nalgene bottle, spare hats and sets of gloves, helmet and rope. And there's room to spare. I find the pack comfy to wear and as it's only one opening it's fairly easy to open up. Obviously the spindrift collar makes things a wee bit slower but hey. What I tend to do is pack my kit in specific dry bags in winter so I know what's where - quickly.<br />
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The base of the pack is also reinforced which is essential !<br />
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<b>Opening the pack</b><br />
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At the front of the pack, the opening is a simple 'hook and loop' type of arrangement as shown in the pic below. Some may find this a little tricky in snow but I found it's much easier than a traditional opening in brutal conditions!<br />
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<b>Bag Opening</b><br />
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Like the Medusa, the Torque has an open and close system that revolves around tugging one side of the cord to close the pack and then tugging the plastic on each side of the pack (shown in the third pic). The pack also has a spindrift collar as well which is mostly a great help!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening to the Torque showing inner and top sleeve - top sleeve can be extended for more volume</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing the outer sleeve closed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same pic but showing the handles you tug to open up the pack</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both openings closed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rope compression strap clicked in place</td></tr>
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<b>Top Pocket</b><br />
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Very spacious pocket at the top of the pack. The 'buddy system' means that your buddy can open the pocket as it faces 'backwards' away from your back. The material is reinforced so it doesn't 'flop' forward with your kit spilling out. Killer feature - very helpful!<br />
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Underneath and inside the pack is a zipped compartment with a key chain on it and spares for the Montane Torque - again, a great feature.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torque top outer pocket</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underside of the top outer pocket showing key chain and bag of spares</td></tr>
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<b>Inside the Pack</b><br />
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Inside the pack there's a single compartment. There is a hydration bladder section which I don't use but it's there for those who do! A great feature is that you can get into the pack via a zip at the top inside of the Torque. When you unzip this, you can take out the 'VertErgo Climb' back system which is there to give the pack needed strength and support. You can also manoeuvre this and shape it to fit your own body. It's also removable for lightweight enthusiasts. Also in this section is a folded removable bivvy mat! It's very thin but again it's a great feature and you could use it to sit on as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpgefJnWPsEyHM1K7YNuxyBQl3wsWVq82bdvFRnrh3ul865sf-UdyqO4_fuej4YLKa3EkIGT22twz23sbPXfHbyNv9yjJcecBEErCCcpWpihc_I-aLPLKmhzn8N6YQEnjdpzhFs5-cPM/s1600/20150404_191817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpgefJnWPsEyHM1K7YNuxyBQl3wsWVq82bdvFRnrh3ul865sf-UdyqO4_fuej4YLKa3EkIGT22twz23sbPXfHbyNv9yjJcecBEErCCcpWpihc_I-aLPLKmhzn8N6YQEnjdpzhFs5-cPM/s1600/20150404_191817.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down into the inside of the pack. The black part you can see is the folded bivvy mat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjng8WT7gAuLgRcja_NTzeUXr1RahJ8NytmR1YyQjeQK9mt-xAIFAWQT7DqUFcOtiyMczgR6X_vMJk12OOeVvru7xeZ-woBuVRGzEQnFPT7wOOGFwb64UpuaUFqbIY9alfLvzkqEHmz1s/s1600/20150404_191826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjng8WT7gAuLgRcja_NTzeUXr1RahJ8NytmR1YyQjeQK9mt-xAIFAWQT7DqUFcOtiyMczgR6X_vMJk12OOeVvru7xeZ-woBuVRGzEQnFPT7wOOGFwb64UpuaUFqbIY9alfLvzkqEHmz1s/s1600/20150404_191826.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down into the pack, the 'white' part is the VertErgo Climb back support</td></tr>
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<b>Side compression straps</b><br />
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Two lockable / unlock able / adjustable straps either side of the pack for storage or compression of the pack. The lower strap passes through the ice axe holder but don't affect the storage of the axe if you care to stash your axe here. I personally stick my axe down the side compression straps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow7Yr7c9TlrtZbfxlMUVE13rn3og4RvAJ6zaI6dy4z3oqvDBl_02j7cpD566T1bmqJcl-HsFiH0_kxfL6JmhKgD04V7nH0iYHdjQw-eFdyY2HWH2RFoPEsvFd6xWf9T471pel7A5aLoE/s1600/20150404_191339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow7Yr7c9TlrtZbfxlMUVE13rn3og4RvAJ6zaI6dy4z3oqvDBl_02j7cpD566T1bmqJcl-HsFiH0_kxfL6JmhKgD04V7nH0iYHdjQw-eFdyY2HWH2RFoPEsvFd6xWf9T471pel7A5aLoE/s1600/20150404_191339.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torque side compression straps</td></tr>
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<b>The next feature</b><br />
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The back of the Torque 40 is the same style as the Medusa. The great thing is that the shoulder straps are clothing friendly which means they have been designed not to be abrasive on your clothing. And they work! The back is water resistant so snow doesn't weigh down and water-log your pack. The waist strap is very effective and easy to tighten - and padded with just the right amount of padding for me at least. The back also allows moisture to escape fairly well. OK it's not a mesh wafting in the air style back but it's what I like! Makes me feel more secure as it's tight to my back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicnt1YL7_2SAMI64S0EGZitXsB3c5IT97ZbGnbdZdEydreMOHjkMVR_jQOikmjFSjHRYE9z9kFnMWe7ylj8Ajo5Ketj5p1XYQg4tko3LwZiNYJxGhUlhVS8gtNVz1GXlfMSfjawGQZ68/s1600/20150404_191446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicnt1YL7_2SAMI64S0EGZitXsB3c5IT97ZbGnbdZdEydreMOHjkMVR_jQOikmjFSjHRYE9z9kFnMWe7ylj8Ajo5Ketj5p1XYQg4tko3LwZiNYJxGhUlhVS8gtNVz1GXlfMSfjawGQZ68/s1600/20150404_191446.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of the Montane Torque 40</td></tr>
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<b>The straps etc</b><br />
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You can see the chest strap in the picture (resting on the back - not done up). The waist strap is great and works very effectively. Unlike most other packs, you simply tug on the strap on either the left or right and the waist strap tightens.<br />
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This is a great winter pack. If you're doing the Alpine thing you may well want something more stripped back and with fewer straps and I can well understand this. For UK winter use or if you need to carry extra kit / spares as a Mountain Leader with a group, I cannot recommend it highly enough.<br />
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<b>A shameless beautiful winter shot from near Heron Pike</b><br />
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This day was very windy and mad. But in the middle of the madness there was a few moments of clear weather!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Torque and Heron Pike meet</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-38399085298110067452015-04-04T11:33:00.005-07:002022-02-17T11:54:34.744-08:00Macpac Tuatara 25L rucksack reviewQuick mini review on the Macpac Tuatara 25 (I think!), sadly seemingly retired now from the Macpac range. It seems to have been replaced by the Rapaki 26.<br />
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Here's the Macpac link anyhow - <a href="http://www.macpac-europe.eu/tuatara-20.html">http://www.macpac-europe.eu/tuatara-20.html</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNOFV7jgCGJcHJuOqdVJN3ibb_fLB051XCaBRV73fqGE3CqhY5KNglOI-toUOGMRTuU8ynmk4nwu2XRZFnIdr4IKkI5Nx4h72qDSBj8Y2f5_WIYvLSUDygSjG39tmCqScU3pKT0e-_Z4/s1600/20150404_192048.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNOFV7jgCGJcHJuOqdVJN3ibb_fLB051XCaBRV73fqGE3CqhY5KNglOI-toUOGMRTuU8ynmk4nwu2XRZFnIdr4IKkI5Nx4h72qDSBj8Y2f5_WIYvLSUDygSjG39tmCqScU3pKT0e-_Z4/s1600/20150404_192048.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macpac Tuatara 25</td></tr>
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Just doing this review because I love this little pack so much - it's been up mountains, on coastal paths, on days out and carried loads of guitar gear and<br />
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This is a 25L rucksack with a webbed waist belt, a carry handle, hydration bladder, three zipped compartments and an inner pocket with a key hold. There's a recessed separate inner for carrying things you need to keep safe.<br />
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This pack is also weatherproofed and tough as nails.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jugoYzhP5Sc4JfGY5AWM6JxgSRyvD421ORxL8DJtO6T9LHRxlYri7ebdHPQFnWuFtC_Qz1t_6QkFfoGD6-9S666CuXv4rMAvKI_D4QbDbMpp1tyWq1Fk-UHlPHvbFbBP6Apbxx6eUV4/s1600/20150404_192101.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jugoYzhP5Sc4JfGY5AWM6JxgSRyvD421ORxL8DJtO6T9LHRxlYri7ebdHPQFnWuFtC_Qz1t_6QkFfoGD6-9S666CuXv4rMAvKI_D4QbDbMpp1tyWq1Fk-UHlPHvbFbBP6Apbxx6eUV4/s1600/20150404_192101.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of the Macpac Tuatara 25</td></tr>
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The back is pretty padded around the shoulders and lower back and fits well to the back. A perfect rugged day sack for out and about. After around 6 years the pack is still going incredibly strong!<br />
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I imagine the Rapaki will be just as good! Only real difference seems to be the lack of bungee on the front of the Rapaki compared to the Tuatara.<br />
<br />Update 2022 - this rucksack is still going. Tough as nails! Pretty sure it was 25L not 20L.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-46828983551252410962015-03-22T05:12:00.005-07:002018-01-02T02:30:28.363-08:00Winter gloves and mitts review / General Outdoors Gloves Review - Montane, Rab, Extremities, Berghaus... Updated 2018UPDATED January 2018 - To add the Montane Via Trail glove and to add in some more real world experiences. These gloves have all been used in the mountains across the UK regularly.<br />
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UPDATED March 2016 - Just a quick update. Been out in some serious winter conditions this year on and off. Found that the Ansell 78-101 work glove is just amazing for such a cheap price. Dries incredibly quickly (esp in Cairngorm winds!) I found the now discontinued Montane Thermostretch glove to be warm but pretty non-dextrous to be honest. For serious winter conditions and needs an under glove. The Outdry gloves were very good - they're dextrous, waterproof but not hugely warm. Finally, the Montane Extreme mitt is an essential bit of kit if you need to warm up your paws quickly and easily.<br />
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Instead of doing separate reviews, I thought I'd group together a bunch of gloves and mitts and tell you my experience with them all...<br />
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These aren't being compared against one another exactly, I'm just sharing my opinions! And this is by no means an exhaustive list. I realise the gloves listed all have different uses!</div>
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Here are the contenders... With a ruler next to the gloves to give some size comparisons... As a note, my hands fall just between medium and large frustratingly. I've got fairly long fingers (good for guitar playing!) Here's my hand next to a ruler if this helps...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOR2pXAIAfZ1nr-YJSarXsf5famhCEMij7MWl2vlApOx2SL2jx7iymHPWk2W9dTy1vGRPTbpZ3wq6X5zCZMIzA3UMvWf_cJb1wPyw6LCaykIuQlGvOhjX3qg8oBn0pL5B5Z6AGR_tZI0/s1600/20150322_103253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOR2pXAIAfZ1nr-YJSarXsf5famhCEMij7MWl2vlApOx2SL2jx7iymHPWk2W9dTy1vGRPTbpZ3wq6X5zCZMIzA3UMvWf_cJb1wPyw6LCaykIuQlGvOhjX3qg8oBn0pL5B5Z6AGR_tZI0/s1600/20150322_103253.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Work type gloves (these are Toolzone latex fleece lined, Large) - £3-£5 a pair</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhabcnbADkrVG7BiXNgKgPburlmvbD5WCGdWzkWJ3rlm1bry9olPeBQ6f_cLq4Sn1gS_hZTD4BwJoYi4j9AAXtvM9y61aiLHdeIPqYObGjhuNcAaCjWLMyH1mk6fFJj_WdTtDiI5zt5E/s1600/P1040405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhabcnbADkrVG7BiXNgKgPburlmvbD5WCGdWzkWJ3rlm1bry9olPeBQ6f_cLq4Sn1gS_hZTD4BwJoYi4j9AAXtvM9y61aiLHdeIPqYObGjhuNcAaCjWLMyH1mk6fFJj_WdTtDiI5zt5E/s1600/P1040405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyC1Oc5MPodwQ6ufn9zfX6DgP-RgsDaqaB5-8cBrmkMJY9QGL_sCYaBIE0LkjYO-PQ9sSeF_kuuEGrbYyPIuVK_haXvdwYNDp7UNElAxGiDoWDsnTofn6ipYiCSxVmI9UpSPctldvMEyw/s1600/20150322_103327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyC1Oc5MPodwQ6ufn9zfX6DgP-RgsDaqaB5-8cBrmkMJY9QGL_sCYaBIE0LkjYO-PQ9sSeF_kuuEGrbYyPIuVK_haXvdwYNDp7UNElAxGiDoWDsnTofn6ipYiCSxVmI9UpSPctldvMEyw/s1600/20150322_103327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are cheap and cheerful. They are fairly close fitting and fairly hard-wearing, although you'll see the holes in them. These may be good as general gloves or climbing gloves as the weather gets a bit colder. The fleece lining doesn't really give that much warmth but these are solid cheap gloves. Everyone should have a pair, if only for gardening and work ;)<br />
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<b>2. Rab Power Stretch Gloves (size large) - around £18-£20 a pair</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQL8Dd3e4UDv7PbhrEQMrkcmtHkp1vT7JwQacNxsgKoa7CcypofEEBdZLN5AZ4rfradK4fPHnurUIfw1X27zlsuEx8Pvrw1SXW_EXi__A1UtoIpDD4OsSgp_bQBIVAdSbjwybbyXcLgU/s1600/P1040407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQL8Dd3e4UDv7PbhrEQMrkcmtHkp1vT7JwQacNxsgKoa7CcypofEEBdZLN5AZ4rfradK4fPHnurUIfw1X27zlsuEx8Pvrw1SXW_EXi__A1UtoIpDD4OsSgp_bQBIVAdSbjwybbyXcLgU/s1600/P1040407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rab Power Stretch Gloves</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ukFJHPHzZigv0wO04aZzzjkSZgQ5gbFc96RNSFy1ZvdOqgOYk9SIP5Xv6xrsf-XIkIyxffW223M4AwAsiW1JHhSK6PLbS0qPewVLVchY57uyQvwq2wY5rsQ6iM81QGGSzQH4mNrSS9c/s1600/20150322_103352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ukFJHPHzZigv0wO04aZzzjkSZgQ5gbFc96RNSFy1ZvdOqgOYk9SIP5Xv6xrsf-XIkIyxffW223M4AwAsiW1JHhSK6PLbS0qPewVLVchY57uyQvwq2wY5rsQ6iM81QGGSzQH4mNrSS9c/s1600/20150322_103352.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rab Power Strech gloves on the wrist</td></tr>
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Powerstretch is a great fabric. It's 'relatively' hard-wearing. Don't go climbing and scrambling in them too often... But Powerstretch excels at being breathable, pretty warm and drying quickly. They also work well as liner gloves inside mitts. The Rab version is a long 'all in one' type of glove (no separate kind of 'wrist' part as some gloves do) which stretches a fair way down your wrist as you can see from the picture. The fingers of the gloves are very long and certainly much longer than the Berghaus equivalent. The cuff is also finished off nicely which is a great touch. These aren't actually my gloves so I haven't used them but I'd be as happy to use them as my Berghaus ones. Everyone should have a pair!<br />
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(Just as an aside, having tried on the Rab PowerStrech Contact gloves, the contact gloves' sizing is different - a medium in the Contact gloves is fine for me but the regular Power Stretch ones in medium were too small)<br />
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<b>3. Outdoor Designs Outrage Gauntlet - OutDry (Waterproof). Large. Around £35-£45</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4VSKEBujyNPdDdfkJ2KXcxFxWsEYTDiadbNLpfYwUO-ZObj18m0avEZp_Ul8t5Y1HBHoEufKh1Wo5qLHgkSuREGL5e1-lCSSmvwbxefHFnyatk6fr2Jtic0whUV5WGrVJATZL1NBDx8/s1600/P1040409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4VSKEBujyNPdDdfkJ2KXcxFxWsEYTDiadbNLpfYwUO-ZObj18m0avEZp_Ul8t5Y1HBHoEufKh1Wo5qLHgkSuREGL5e1-lCSSmvwbxefHFnyatk6fr2Jtic0whUV5WGrVJATZL1NBDx8/s1600/P1040409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor Designs Outrage Gauntlet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbS5SBysAo_RRWCKCmmN-9PxH-cbaFCEYAfNG6KaptdWmVOb4MaRPIcAOHnLnpVCW78Z9K7YX0xJDoBRYNPsAmhXoJIqXj5G2xl7dTt95IblD9aKw0GA0AgVZFWhIul1cQgPqLTSIrTs/s1600/20150322_103447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbS5SBysAo_RRWCKCmmN-9PxH-cbaFCEYAfNG6KaptdWmVOb4MaRPIcAOHnLnpVCW78Z9K7YX0xJDoBRYNPsAmhXoJIqXj5G2xl7dTt95IblD9aKw0GA0AgVZFWhIul1cQgPqLTSIrTs/s1600/20150322_103447.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor Designs Outrage Gauntlet - on the wrist</td></tr>
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The great thing about OutDry is that it's a bonded breathable membrane and so unlike some other gloves, the waterproof and breathable bit is together. I don't know about you but I also absolutely hate gloves that have detachable inners - they are (a) useless and (b) impossible to get back into the glove. Anyways, these gloves are waterproof and pretty breathable. They have a leather palm, a velcro seal, a detachable leash and drawcord wrist closure. On the back of the hand is high pile lining. These are great gloves when you need manoeuvrability in winter cold conditions with precipitation with a long wrist cuff. They are pre-curved so holding an ice axe is easy. My only 'gripe' is that these have a huge cuff area so they are brilliant if ice climbing (carabiner loop on each glove to hang right way up off your harness) but hard to fit under the waterproof cuffs. But this is more about knowing what to use the gloves for, rather than these specific gloves. I also don't like waterproof gloves as much as say pile gloves in the sense that they're not as breathable, hold water in when wet and take ages to dry out when wet! But that's separate to these excellent gloves. They are pretty warm too. Not really enough room for anything except a silk liner glove etc.<br />
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<b>4. Montane Thermostretch Gloves - large - around £40</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaejuXhHRThYB6RkNdUfoY_BB4ZBMiiPaVIBdJHskQPckNLBMmwYEnHe6ABJiOLNYwuumyPCNkRWhErj2x44Ol77Ms9rfRCdASTb6bLxNP6AivaO4RmjXzljV5P56tx9QGLbRUiZkuCYI/s1600/P1040411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaejuXhHRThYB6RkNdUfoY_BB4ZBMiiPaVIBdJHskQPckNLBMmwYEnHe6ABJiOLNYwuumyPCNkRWhErj2x44Ol77Ms9rfRCdASTb6bLxNP6AivaO4RmjXzljV5P56tx9QGLbRUiZkuCYI/s1600/P1040411.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Thermostretch Gloves - pile lining</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchLvtelFoC2uAT8TzEqi9Msm4g4XZpwWiaKnxDEjKFJX5AAlVAn8zbTbbiWLU77HAM1fvXLAiRTDHFtOJKkA01TH9kVwg0LJVrxl1Umkbfk5r9m-3iVgdIGR7kO_7KG3HS3DBbv5M9Yc/s1600/20150322_103508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchLvtelFoC2uAT8TzEqi9Msm4g4XZpwWiaKnxDEjKFJX5AAlVAn8zbTbbiWLU77HAM1fvXLAiRTDHFtOJKkA01TH9kVwg0LJVrxl1Umkbfk5r9m-3iVgdIGR7kO_7KG3HS3DBbv5M9Yc/s1600/20150322_103508.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Thermostretch glove being worn</td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>These are great gloves and pretty warm. They're fairly close fitting which I found perhaps slightly reduces the warmth (certainly in comparison the Outrage Gauntlets above have a looser fit) but they have Dryactiv 2000 pile lining on the inside. The palm has a leather palm, slightly pre-curved fingers for ice axe (one of its best uses!). There's also a nose wipe, a velcro wrist to lock in the heat and a DWR coating which works well. The gloves themselves aren't very long up the wrist so maybe get some wrist warmers if you're worried about warmth escaping up your wrists. They have a 4 way stretch as well, so these are great for winter / alpine use in my view. Carabiner loops on each glove for storage. Small Montane logo on the palm of the glove very unobtrusively placed. Easy enough to use with ice axe and certainly warm but not quite so manoeuvrable as my Outdoor Design gloves - but stay warm when wet.<br />
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<b>5. Montane Extreme Mitt - large - around £25-£30.</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRTgNyJwPduFasOoiPcIEivASiMsxymammGUwcPzuIRTC6MwAMA4JMMwqSDRHvE_lG3huvufTBVpiF-Z2uie3kQ-CIUsOmhPMm5AH8DjUmzdgiRbI8V-dB4ooPN5bAAQifcVWynAQZ1c/s1600/P1040410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRTgNyJwPduFasOoiPcIEivASiMsxymammGUwcPzuIRTC6MwAMA4JMMwqSDRHvE_lG3huvufTBVpiF-Z2uie3kQ-CIUsOmhPMm5AH8DjUmzdgiRbI8V-dB4ooPN5bAAQifcVWynAQZ1c/s1600/P1040410.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Extreme Mitt and bag</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9MgpKbZMedHfh3Rq9W9Y8AOWqo9ksBFAAQwwl4FoW9i4u06sdbge123SHg6NBkkE5pJ-fnllHVRLWo3Q3qXDxqKyHqhsAAK3SnzO1pTLkqWpUP4Z1NTzMAjhPCgHczIYs_x7wt6zqFE/s1600/20150322_110953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9MgpKbZMedHfh3Rq9W9Y8AOWqo9ksBFAAQwwl4FoW9i4u06sdbge123SHg6NBkkE5pJ-fnllHVRLWo3Q3qXDxqKyHqhsAAK3SnzO1pTLkqWpUP4Z1NTzMAjhPCgHczIYs_x7wt6zqFE/s1600/20150322_110953.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Extreme Mitt on the hand</td></tr>
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The Extreme mitts have a Pertex classic outer shell, pile lining on the inside with some Primaloft (Gold - on these new ones, although 'Gold' is just a new name for normal Primaloft I believe) on the back of the hand. The palm is 'hypalon' which is pretty hard-wearing. I did read a review on these saying go one size up to layer but I personally found that going up to size XL was a stretch too far for my paws. Once I down-sized to large I found them much warmer. These are basically Montane's equivalent to the classic Buffalo mitt. They have an adjustable hem and wrist cinch which both help with warmth, keeping spindrift out etc. I have used these all over the place in all kinds of weathers and they have completely warmed my hands up within 5-10mins on a few winter days after fingers have got cold snapping photos. I cannot recommend them highly enough and think everyone should have a pair especially in winter. They can be put in a stuff sac as well which helps. Awesome!<br />
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<b>6. Ansell Therm-A-Knit 78-101 gloves. Size 9. Around £6</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYQYb1IPs3QpLzd9VIRWPDpwg7WzHyXKdoGkG8KH3Q9nNWTUkH-sqpzaP-_iBU-yMFXgIeUevM8kNXiiP1TQNBQ4GitMhxjFlmHfsGYLqierCJNM5ylMDfACtID9WWOr0E_k4fES4bHw/s1600/P1040413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYQYb1IPs3QpLzd9VIRWPDpwg7WzHyXKdoGkG8KH3Q9nNWTUkH-sqpzaP-_iBU-yMFXgIeUevM8kNXiiP1TQNBQ4GitMhxjFlmHfsGYLqierCJNM5ylMDfACtID9WWOr0E_k4fES4bHw/s1600/P1040413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ansell Therm-AKnit gloves</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAeUgzGkfNOEYCBoUU3Jp6EfKqzdrMQu_9HAxvPp0JDSmABpMkMk67FKr_p8Gd4QmM__bxZFRs_4teBaVDtMg1OubvSWsV4s7-uVWxYC1TXwGTKG9ONUMq1F2tt91QXfkfxmzh19cPPQ/s1600/20150322_103606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAeUgzGkfNOEYCBoUU3Jp6EfKqzdrMQu_9HAxvPp0JDSmABpMkMk67FKr_p8Gd4QmM__bxZFRs_4teBaVDtMg1OubvSWsV4s7-uVWxYC1TXwGTKG9ONUMq1F2tt91QXfkfxmzh19cPPQ/s1600/20150322_103606.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ansell Therm-A-Knit gloves live in action...</td></tr>
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Ok so these don't need much explanation. They're a basic 'liner' style work glove with thermal properties. I'll say this about them - they're my go-to gloves. I've even worn these in minus C temperatures in the snow on their own as they dry super quick and are super light. Brilliant. Get a pair or two as you need a bunch of gloves like this when out on the hills, moors and mountains - breathable, quick drying and lightweight. Just get some.<br />
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<b>7. Berghaus Power Stretch Gloves. Large / XL size. £15-£20</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLInzbi9T02vPXtkOPdTrjXGQ6gNn2p_QJbmYZ8hYIzo9cRe-j1sQalir9VAhnQXcx5kxRNUkqUm6_oX2cDhdL0w3IrR8pe8TcOwZXribK9R87XA2xaXqMDTvmGHcM_hNRjGJj8Tx_g80/s1600/P1040416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLInzbi9T02vPXtkOPdTrjXGQ6gNn2p_QJbmYZ8hYIzo9cRe-j1sQalir9VAhnQXcx5kxRNUkqUm6_oX2cDhdL0w3IrR8pe8TcOwZXribK9R87XA2xaXqMDTvmGHcM_hNRjGJj8Tx_g80/s1600/P1040416.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berghaus Power Stretch Gloves</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKb_s_8CgADKHeyVGiPsev57lQJR12033VbTIEQJOEQmKkAoQ_rYXiXeRxxJN9hwNBeCT_cKjdLvJYJopnpHQJy0yvTQRX1xYEODoydrW4MVA_wTg7-CDWxblqcRaBTW-didLcbPSO8i0/s1600/20150322_103628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKb_s_8CgADKHeyVGiPsev57lQJR12033VbTIEQJOEQmKkAoQ_rYXiXeRxxJN9hwNBeCT_cKjdLvJYJopnpHQJy0yvTQRX1xYEODoydrW4MVA_wTg7-CDWxblqcRaBTW-didLcbPSO8i0/s1600/20150322_103628.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berghaus Power Stretch gloves on the hand</td></tr>
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One of the great things about Powerstretch is simply the warmth and lightweight nature of them - plus they dry very quickly. These Berghaus gloves are smaller than their Rab equivalents without a doubt and certainly the fingers are smaller. But they're absolutely fine and have had loads of use with me as part of a glove system of taking a bunch out on the hills in cold weather. I tend to use power stretch gloves a bit less if I'm scrambling - my go-to gloves for that are my Extremities Sticky Thickies. But again, Powerstretch gloves are great. I've read some reviews from people saying these gloves have been a bit inconsistent in terms of wear. But I've had no problems!<br />
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<b>8. Extremities (Hi Wick) Sticky Thicky Gloves. Large </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hzmGRA8yG8gFZ1Eg9VLRH244IBlA7PBQvb1Af_aNx0v4-1rAmKVOLxAdRAYBhacpjTk7jewsYkierj16I1360cNrWRipGdoHFzuWCzHnULolP26sdN7Ja4CEU59VyZhexfQJsXXtYx4/s1600/P1040414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hzmGRA8yG8gFZ1Eg9VLRH244IBlA7PBQvb1Af_aNx0v4-1rAmKVOLxAdRAYBhacpjTk7jewsYkierj16I1360cNrWRipGdoHFzuWCzHnULolP26sdN7Ja4CEU59VyZhexfQJsXXtYx4/s1600/P1040414.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extremities Sticky Thicky gloves</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwizrgb_fFyWW-qyia0XD035PVp-9vf3BP8WuNeED26_N9BrMqbxWd5aeTNFbctegqNmcfQpl5Xp3QS1DgV8ERY3GMqUuIklhJb3sNfQYVjGFqJU4-57bBor9v91lADyRzDI2xvwEhh0/s1600/20150322_103536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwizrgb_fFyWW-qyia0XD035PVp-9vf3BP8WuNeED26_N9BrMqbxWd5aeTNFbctegqNmcfQpl5Xp3QS1DgV8ERY3GMqUuIklhJb3sNfQYVjGFqJU4-57bBor9v91lADyRzDI2xvwEhh0/s1600/20150322_103536.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extremities Sticky Thicky gloves - on the paws</td></tr>
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Initially described as a liner glove, these (if can be found) are more accurately described as hard-wearing multi-use thermal gloves! Chris Townsend wore these one winter while on a walk across Scotland and I can see why. I found that the medium was a bit too small and that the large was a bit too big (my fingers are right between the two sizes). I opted for large. I found that the highly grippy silicone palm means they aren't so easy to use as liner gloves, which is fine as I use them on their own. These are very durable and strong. Perhaps not as quick drying as I'd read about but brilliant for everyday walking, scrambling and hill walking. Having used them loads of times and washed them I can't see any holes or faults which is a testimony too their durability. Probably because these are slightly too big for my hands, I don't find them as warm as the Ansell ones. Great for scrambling though!<br />
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<b>9. Montane Via Trail Glove</b><br />
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A recent experience led me to decide to get some hard wearing and lightweight decent touchscreen gloves. While wandering in the mountains during a brutally windy and yet beautiful day being whipped by spindrift, I decided to take a number of photos. This led to extremely cold hands due to removing gloves to take the pictures on a smartphone. The photos became more important than my fingers! Thankfully the Montane Extreme mitts were in the bag and warmed my tingling and slightly numb fingers up quickly. But I thought I needed to get that issue sorted! I'd got a pair of Lowe Alpine 'spiderman' touchscreen gloves which are great for around town but not hard wearing enough. So onto the Montane Via Trail glove...<br />
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These again fell between medium and large on my hand so I went for the large. They are quite big and fit up the arm a fair way. Designed for trail running, these are a softshell glove that are wind and rain resistant. There's a 'snot wipe' on the thumb of the gloves and they're touchscreen compatible. Perfect really and highly rated by ultralightoutdoorgear. These fit the job perfectly and will be fairly hard-wearing. The one thing is that you can feel some of the stitching on the inside of the glove so they have the potential to be *slightly* uncomfortable. But have been perfect so far. Just check sizing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPfCBDdhMeu7g9ZROjeTJw4Bfd_g58K5hrUi-Me6oZj900bM6Xy8S52QF54vXnO3loJ8DXnMLDZt2e7KMb_1gzgZVzBF1E6qvW-AJwJZJQRINUQpTZbPp4Dhivn25XnSMT-5U8bgqvvU/s1600/via1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPfCBDdhMeu7g9ZROjeTJw4Bfd_g58K5hrUi-Me6oZj900bM6Xy8S52QF54vXnO3loJ8DXnMLDZt2e7KMb_1gzgZVzBF1E6qvW-AJwJZJQRINUQpTZbPp4Dhivn25XnSMT-5U8bgqvvU/s320/via1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Via Trail glove back of hand</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiTPHfecza6rH0mnvKpCDqyLzarAC-NmZ6mOfK3PZiAhvcFn2Ugrba0iNMh4Um9AcWr9z0m8_avXol4YpnL1pL5rB8ma_ThscOYMx5F9St0KUIvxdtJ9hIZ8XyAtjzx-f-uBUGbsoLUw/s1600/via2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiTPHfecza6rH0mnvKpCDqyLzarAC-NmZ6mOfK3PZiAhvcFn2Ugrba0iNMh4Um9AcWr9z0m8_avXol4YpnL1pL5rB8ma_ThscOYMx5F9St0KUIvxdtJ9hIZ8XyAtjzx-f-uBUGbsoLUw/s320/via2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Via Trail glove</td></tr>
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I hope this mini gloves review is genuinely helpful. I realise we all have different paw sizes and varied needs in our uses of gloves. But this is my guide - feel free as ever to write any comments etc below.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6066660868190424578.post-22347775832498454862015-03-21T10:04:00.000-07:002019-01-01T10:39:54.180-08:00Scarpa Manta SL Activ B1 Boots ReviewThe Scarpa SL Activ boot - a cracking leather boot that's as tough as, er, old leather. This has been a boot I've used for four winters now and it's still going well.<br />
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Update Jan 2018 - I have upgraded to a pair of B2 La Sportivas to get a better fit for my foot (very narrow heel and wide front foot). But I still use these in non-snowy wet weather and on the moors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekFYXZPXpqK9wcvf-Dl10owUAo5Y8RrH2h79LApf4Gjj7tcM9OYbwzMJXCDt4kEAbHWlfcZtMMHykzhU0o5N-qvd6aVay18RXWJeKx56jTwDubCk_C9uQpAQTrhrZnpMrENhZrmcqf04/s1600/20150205_152728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekFYXZPXpqK9wcvf-Dl10owUAo5Y8RrH2h79LApf4Gjj7tcM9OYbwzMJXCDt4kEAbHWlfcZtMMHykzhU0o5N-qvd6aVay18RXWJeKx56jTwDubCk_C9uQpAQTrhrZnpMrENhZrmcqf04/s1600/20150205_152728.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarpa Manta SL Activ boots up near Helvellyn</td></tr>
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These have been my go-to winter boots. They're quite a heavy and hefty pair of boots which is great for durability but not for fast and light movement! I actually chose them because they were (a) reduced and (b) fitted and (c) were leather without the Goretex liner that every other boots seems to have (fair enough to use one, especially can help in the cold, I just didn't want it...)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2j8fDMPv_urPqCwfIOXFY_HH68qBab2W5LeBL8Z35-if52MrYVSkgWeIXQ0N5ubgqcv3UNKa8RviGP6OAG7b3izt_uL4uxG6DgYo_jqwWxCUrMD4ApWGN5Xg5FDgjeFZISILcnuD8cHE/s1600/20150321_163546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2j8fDMPv_urPqCwfIOXFY_HH68qBab2W5LeBL8Z35-if52MrYVSkgWeIXQ0N5ubgqcv3UNKa8RviGP6OAG7b3izt_uL4uxG6DgYo_jqwWxCUrMD4ApWGN5Xg5FDgjeFZISILcnuD8cHE/s1600/20150321_163546.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicely polished with Scarpa's HS12 cream - spot the military training!</td></tr>
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These are B1 compatible only (so only C1 strap-on crampons need apply). But in use with my 12 point Climbing Technology Nuptse crampons, these have been amazing. Even without, they've kicked some pretty good steps and been utterly reliable. These have gone up snowy and icy ridges like Fiacaill Ridge in the Cairngorms, Hall's Fell on Blencathra and Striding / Swirral Edge and front-pointed without any problems.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9tdC7je1TwYhHf4w6aG4nz99gElXNl1stw3YEbK1TBTjCmJqs6HTaRvJgbGiD2QPBteEwYuGwTH3MSUqhmt68AZUkcmxv5V6Kl9FBmZlfm-_mpOSem_jL_8yRX79h6Q_3QyrkHGAPSc/s1600/20150206_122805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9tdC7je1TwYhHf4w6aG4nz99gElXNl1stw3YEbK1TBTjCmJqs6HTaRvJgbGiD2QPBteEwYuGwTH3MSUqhmt68AZUkcmxv5V6Kl9FBmZlfm-_mpOSem_jL_8yRX79h6Q_3QyrkHGAPSc/s1600/20150206_122805.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boots coping well with winter scrambling Halls Fell with some interesting conditions</td></tr>
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Of course, fit is everything with boots so the best thing to do is to get your boots fitted properly by people at shops like Taunton Leisure, Cotswold, Gaynors etc. They'll help the boots fit properly! These boots fit very well but I do use a different lacing system (shown below) as I find a wee bit of heel slippage.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvqAc-zuuChH1_zfT4QvrlML-vOdZswsaeRL1unI1mANWb0qARlBiN_j_927mra_XQCPrGFv_Ezr11PK2TLj7WawDH6KfsRhL3-RfbweZKrh76YYdCR77TND1UGRYskChaZ_33XzPAa0/s1600/20150321_163734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvqAc-zuuChH1_zfT4QvrlML-vOdZswsaeRL1unI1mANWb0qARlBiN_j_927mra_XQCPrGFv_Ezr11PK2TLj7WawDH6KfsRhL3-RfbweZKrh76YYdCR77TND1UGRYskChaZ_33XzPAa0/s1600/20150321_163734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to show the lacing system</td></tr>
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The leather does mean that you will scuff up the leather etc but the leather on these boots is so tough and thick that I wasn't worried about this. With careful attention (HS12 cream) the leather also means these breathe well and stay waterproof naturally. The only moisture I've ever had is on the inside through perspiration.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekUWVeJTtoMmNtRhFnCrxBFsGEmtgqSDIM6ASxfFIw4VLZn3FMyH65WerjEL6t7XQXpeASpSQkEA-apxcqahk4PK1AgZyJ1k11mpiTneBfq7A1IJ-v2E2_AbOD6jbdQPhpxUd7HxSKOU/s1600/20150321_163534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekUWVeJTtoMmNtRhFnCrxBFsGEmtgqSDIM6ASxfFIw4VLZn3FMyH65WerjEL6t7XQXpeASpSQkEA-apxcqahk4PK1AgZyJ1k11mpiTneBfq7A1IJ-v2E2_AbOD6jbdQPhpxUd7HxSKOU/s1600/20150321_163534.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slight scuffing on the boot</td></tr>
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The leather does mean that you will scuff up the leather etc but the leather on these boots is so tough and thick that I wasn't worried about this. With careful attention (HS12 cream) the leather also means these breathe well and stay waterproof naturally. The only moisture I've ever had is a slight amount on the inside through perspiration.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIWLAmraUGEBfRVnEJn-T9yVI_KUDYVL3ed0tHlJGQfBZQInqreVU-SIlHRbLI8QgNR-vcO_LBQOJtnzneXMiSN5sDtKFxe7ZrQAFSrBpyFjsvXzhnoOlLC3_xFl7fSmHtnICV5U05pg/s1600/boot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIWLAmraUGEBfRVnEJn-T9yVI_KUDYVL3ed0tHlJGQfBZQInqreVU-SIlHRbLI8QgNR-vcO_LBQOJtnzneXMiSN5sDtKFxe7ZrQAFSrBpyFjsvXzhnoOlLC3_xFl7fSmHtnICV5U05pg/s320/boot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oot and Aboot (for the Canadians reading...)</td></tr>
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Finally, I removed the footbed which came with the boot and replaced with a Grainger's trek footbed. However, I did find even that and some thick socks didn't stop my foot (under my big toes) from getting slightly blistered (nothing bad). So I would recommend getting a proper footbed like the green Superfeet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kG88ZvjrflXl_JPeC-5xPAF52tF8VN6HJMimgwjGbwx2JB9Px5KdHHGbCMnair_DOSTMdQuEN8L2JWzGPN-2qMzfSm27QeWDVlvA0daaja2PN_6xTq_2u-l_FVKGCzTZlel6lfXErag/s1600/20150321_163612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kG88ZvjrflXl_JPeC-5xPAF52tF8VN6HJMimgwjGbwx2JB9Px5KdHHGbCMnair_DOSTMdQuEN8L2JWzGPN-2qMzfSm27QeWDVlvA0daaja2PN_6xTq_2u-l_FVKGCzTZlel6lfXErag/s1600/20150321_163612.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sole has worn well, as has the rand around the boot - a great feature</td></tr>
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The boots have been used over four winters around 40 times and have climbed, scrambled, walked and waded through snow, rock and water (they've also been used at other times of year too!) So I'd say they're holding up very well (few scuffs into the leather now - January 2018). These are not B2 compatible unlike my La Sporitvas. However, don't let them hold you back.<br />
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But for UK mountain walking, hill walking and scrambling, these are brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Only slight downside is their weight. But hey, it helps you get fitter!!<br />
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Great pair of boots. Try them, get properly fitted and kitted and they'll serve you well, even up to grade II winter scrambles and easy climbs with the right crampons on!</div>
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