Montane Flux jacket
Montane Terra pants
Montane Featherlite smock

 

Gear

 

On this page I propose to post reviews of any new gear I obtain, whether it be clothing, equipment, books or dvd's. I also intend to comment on my current kit, looking at the pros and cons etc. Hopefully this may be useful to anyone intending to purchase anything in the near future. These are my own 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.

 

 Current Clothing 

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, it may not for you. Also, I am confident 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 or Terra Stretch pants

Montane Featherlite smock - windproof, showerproof pertex shell

Montane Trans Active - mid/outer layer

Montane Flux jacket - Primaloft filled insulation layer

Rab Latok jacket - waterproof with eVent membrane

Montane Venture pants - waterproof with eVent membrane

Outdoor Designs Taku stretch gloves

Berghaus fleece beanie

Buff

All of the above is, I find suitable for all but winter conditions. I would then add the following:

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

Mountain Equipment Mountain gloves

Montane Extreme mitts [again, no longer available]

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 in the car! Most manufacturers make them, take your pick. I'm using Berghaus Tech Tees [the long sleeve version] at the moment as I think they're good value, mine were two for the price of one [£25] at the Berghaus shop sale. I propose to buy a couple of Montane Bionic T shirts for the warmer months. These are made from Sportswool which combines the properties of Merino wool and polyester. The best of both worlds?

Base layer update: 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?]. As a result I bought a Terra T shirt instead. This is made from the same material but is a more "relaxed" fit. I have worn it several times now and first impressions are good.

 

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 six years and like them a lot.

 

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 over a year now [I bought it to replace my almost worn out Montane Solo jacket] and rate it very highly. Most manufacturers have a similar garment in their range: Rab Photon or Generator, Berghaus Infinity etc. but I find this has a good balance of features and fit.

 

Rab Latok jacket: another tried and trusted piece of kit. Great hood, four outer pockets, two inner pockets [useful for camera, phone etc.] and an excellent fit. The zips are water resistant rather than waterproof, so rain can find it's way into the outer pockets although I have never really found this to be a problem.

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 over three 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.

 

If I had to pick out a favourite item of clothing from the above, it would be the Montane Trans Active 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. The warmth to weight ratio is excellent.

The unfortunate thing is that this type of garment has recently fallen from favour, the Trans Active being no longer available [glad I have a spare!]. However, 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.

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 Brasher Lithium XCR for most of the year, over the winter I use Salomon SM Experts. 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.

I have been wearing the Brasher's since late spring, and have to say I am very impressed with them. They appear to have just the right balance of weight, support and comfort. I am not obsessed with weight, however I do not see the point in wearing boots that are heavier than they need to be. 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. They may be overkill for many winter days and yes, you could get away with lighter boots, however will you feel comfortable in them in winter conditions?