Gear and Reviews

On this page I propose to post reviews of any new gear I purchase, whether it be clothing, equipment, books or dvd's. I shall also comment on my current kit, looking at the pros and cons etc. This may be useful to anyone intending to make a purchase in the near future. These are my observations/opinions, based on using the equipment I am commenting on, in various conditions throughout the year, not a definitive "this is the best" type of review. 

Below is a list of the clothing I am currently wearing/carrying. This has all been tested in various parts of the UK. It works for me, however it may not work for you. Also, I am confident that it won't let me down. I look on this as a clothing system, rather than a collection of individual clothing items: they all work in tandem with each other.

Berghaus Tech T or Montane Terra T

Montane Terra pants or Marmot Rockstar pants

Montane Featherlite smock - windproof, showerproof pertex shell

Montane Krypton/Trans Active or Montane Dynamo - mid/outer layer

Montane Flux or Prism jacket - Primaloft filled insulation layer

Rab Latok jacket or Montane Superfly jacket - waterproof with eVent membrane

Montane Venture pants - waterproof with eVent membrane

Outdoor Designs Taku stretch gloves

Berghaus fleece beanie

Buff

Terra Nova group shelter

Lifesystems Mountain or Trekker First Aid Kit [depending on group size]

Everything is packed in Exped dry bags and carried in either:

Lowe Alpine Airzone

Haglofs Tight Evo

Marmot Eiger

Karrimor Alpiniste

Pack carried depends upon season and size/type of group or whether solo.

All of the above is, I find suitable for all but winter conditions.

I would then add the following:

Rab Vapour Rise pants, Montane Soft Tech pants or Montane Terra Ice pants [sadly no longer available]

Mountain Equipment Mountain gloves

Montane Extreme mitts

At least one spare hat and a balaclava.

To elaborate on some of the above:

Base layers: I tend to use synthetic base layers [polyester usually] as I find anything else a little on the heavy side. To my eyes, a polyester base layer is a polyester base layer. The only difference being the fit, logo and most importantly price! Yes, they smell after a day out but you can always leave a tin of deodorant or a spare shirt in the car. Most manufacturers make them, take your pick. I'm using Berghaus Tech Tees, long and short sleeve versions at the moment as I think they're good value, and perfectly suitable for most purposes. I also use a Montane Terra T shirt on warmer days. These are made from Sportswool which combines the properties of Merino wool and polyester. The best of both worlds? 

I recently tried a Bionic T shirt on, only to find it was the wrong shape for me [or was I the wrong shape for it?]. The Terra T is made from the same material but is a more "relaxed" fit.

Terra pants: light, wind resistant, quick drying and comfortable. Can't really ask for much more. They are also well featured, with reinforced patches on the seat and knee. Another nice touch are the thigh vents. I thought these might be a gimmick but they actually work really well. I've been using these for about ten years now and like them a lot.

Rock Star pants: again, these are light, wind resistant etc. however they are also very stretchy. My only minor gripe is that I would prefer the pockets to be zipped.

Featherlite smock: another great bit of kit. Basically just a pertex shell with a half zip. They weigh about 100g, compress into a stuff sac and end up the size of an apple. For several months of the year, one of these over a base layer is probably all you need. They are windproof, breathable and withstand showers. I have worn one in quite heavy rain to test it out, and was very surprised at how long and how well it stood up to the elements. 

Flux jacket: this is a lightweight, breathable and low bulk insulated jacket. It is lighter, warmer and more windproof than a heavy fleece. It also retains warmth when wet and dries very quickly.

I have had one of these for a few year's now [I bought it to replace my almost worn out Montane Solo jacket] and rate it very highly. It is a permanent fixture in my rucksack over the winter as spare insulation. During milder spells of weather, I carry a Montane Prism jacket. This similar to the Flux, but does not have quite as much insulation in it. Most manufacturers have a similar garment in their range:  Rab Photon or Generator, Berghaus Ignite, TNF Redpoint etc. but I find this has a good balance of features and fit. Features vary slightly from each manufacturer: number of pockets, weight, amount of insulation, some have fixed hoods some have no hood. There are plenty of options and with a little shopping around, something can be found to suit your requirements and your budget.

I have read a few negative comments about this jacket recently, but as it has had a redesign, perhaps they are talking about the newer version. I have worn this for several years and find it to be an excellent garment, it has never leaked, although on the odd occasion there has been a little condenstion inside.

I also use a Montane Superfly jacket, which is similar to the Rab but has less features ie. not so many pockets.

If I had to pick out a favourite item of clothing from the above, it would be the Montane Krypton jacket. This is a pertex shell with a microfleece lining and is a most versatile piece of kit. It can be used as a base, mid or outer layer. It works well under a shell or under an insulation layer if it gets particularly cold. I would prefer a chest pocket instead of the sleeve pocket, however this is nit picking. The lined hood adds to the versatility of this jacket. The warmth to weight ratio is also excellent. Similar items can be found in the Marmot line [the Dri Clime] or by Rab [the Vapour Rise]. 

Footwear: in my opinion, it is of the utmost importance to have at least one really good pair of socks. The combination of good quality socks and boots that fit, should result in blister free days on the hill. Obvious? Perhaps. However, a surprising number of people are happy to walk the hills in a pair of white sports socks or similar that they bought as a pack of five for two quid. These have no padded areas, stick to your feet and are basically horrible. 

Several companies manufacture a range of socks with various degrees of padding and insulation: Smartwool, Bridgedale and Thorlo to name a few. I have recently purchased some Alpkit Trekking socks, which so far seem fine. They are certainly good value at £15.00 for three pairs.

For the past few winters, I have been wearing Smartwool socks [heavy trekking I think]  made from Merino wool, which have plenty padding and are warm. The downside of Merino wool is the durability, these have not been used heavily but are showing quite a lot of wear. I have now replaced these with Bridgedale Comfort Summit which so far are proving to be a good buy.

For the rest of the year, I use Bridgedale Trekker or Light Hiker, which have a diferent blend of materials and are more durable.

Boots: I currently use Kayland Apex Trek or Kayland Vertigo High for most of the year. On fine, dry days during the summer, I occasionally wear aproach shoes. However, this is dependent upon where I am walking; I'm not a huge fan of shoes in The Cheviots, decent paths in the Lakes are a different matter.

Do you really need a pair of heavy, leather boots in summer conditions? Probably not in my opinion, although many would disagree with that.

In winter conditions, the opposite, in my opinion applies. I wear Salomon SM Experts, which are quite heavy leather boots with a rubber rand and contain some insulation. I feel very secure in them, they are great for kicking steps and have yet to leak despite being used in some horrendous conditions.