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3/ Comparing notes on Kit. Archived 04/02/10
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- Fatwalker on Haglöfs Winter 2012 Preview
- Peter Macfarlane on The Local Fuzz
- Peter Macfarlane on The Local Fuzz
- Peter Macfarlane on Haglöfs Winter 2012 Preview
- Peter Macfarlane on Flash of the Blade
- Peter Macfarlane on Flash of the Blade
- Peter Macfarlane on Flash of the Blade
- Peter Macfarlane on Flash of the Blade
- holdfast on Haglöfs Winter 2012 Preview
- PTC* on The Local Fuzz
- Ant on The Local Fuzz
- PTC* on Flash of the Blade
- mrchewy on Flash of the Blade
- PTC* on Flash of the Blade
- Michael Thomson on Flash of the Blade
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so much unused space here i feel the urge to post something… unuseful. :) Regarding the poll i think the UK and Scandinavia are actually still part of Europe. and all of the listed states are present in the internet. arr i’m taking this way to serious …
well btt: somewhere around here you said haglöfs will bring lots of new stuff next year. i know choosing the kit is rarely a question of style but will there be seriuos improvements? or is it just evolution instead of revolution?
(planning to buy some kit and i would hate to spend money on gear outdated next season… and with website and catalogue presenting different kit I’m confused which one is up to date) something you could share with your fellow readers without risking being sued right away? ^^
and: what is the fit of the inov8 shoes? i tried salomons xa last week and liked them so far but the question remains is there a better out there? :) in germany there are only three (!) shops selling inov8 (via net) and the closest is 600km away (btw metric system rocks *g*)
moving out, hope the sun is shinig on your head too…
The reason for the geographical delineation (?!) in the poll is that I find a distinct difference in the design styles between the areas, to oversimplify with sweeping generalisation…
Scandinavia; Tall and slim fit, technical with few compromises. Wet wesather aware
Europe (central mainland); Similar slim fit, maybe more towards alpine, drier conditions?
UK; a bit from all the above with a large slice of dog walking and lifestyle fashion pandering.
US; Wide bodies, short arms, rubbish hoods, great fabrics.
There’s always stunning exceptions of course.
Inov8 fit is so varied. The Salomoin XAs are not a million miles away from the fit of the Terroc330s, and they have a much grippier sole. It’s worth trying on a few Inov8 models though as they are noticably different.
Now, I’m just heading out into the rain…
For self arrest a shorter straight axe is better and safer. With the pick at your shoulder the spike shouldn’t stick out beyond your body too much where it’ll catch passing rocks.
A curved shaft adds to this, the spike tends to dig in as well as the pick and this can tear the axe out of your hands. A curved shaft also stepens the pick angle to a more “climbing” angle and this can snatch at the snow when self arresting, again tearing it out of your hands.
This is all worse case scenario though, I’ve happilly used steep picked axes for years (Mountain Technology Alpine and Technical), and if you practise self arrest you get used to the action of an axe and it won’t be as much of an issue. I’ll never be confident in using a curved shaft for self arrest, but a lot of folk find them easier to place in the snow when climbing slopes.
The length for general use is important as well. Too long and it’ll become an extreme hinderance on steepr ground as you have to lift your hand high to place it into the snow, too short and you’ll carry it all day and it might never touch the ground. But, it’s not a walking stick so shorter is better.
I’m six foot and I use either a 55cm or a 60cm axe these days. A 60cm is still easy enough to wield if you’re using the pick to cross iced crags or pull yourself over the top of a steep snow slope, but still good for general walking.
A 55cm is great for steeper stuff, but maybe not so good on a general mix on slopes. Fantastic for self arrest.
Over the years I’ve used everything from a 70cm wooden axe to a pair of 50cm bent shafts, but I’m happiest where I am just now.
Other things to look at are the head shape as it’s going to be in your hand a lot, too big will give you cramps and will probably make your hand colder.
The best idea is borrow or a hire a couple of different types before you take out your wallet. They’re expensive and last for years, so getting it right is worth while.
I re-kitted when I first got into ski-touring, deciding that short and light was far better in terms of use, stowage (on your pack or in your airport luggage), and weight. It looks like I push the short length for weight and convenience even further than ptc*. A 53cm Grivel Airtech (beautiful) was followed by an even lighter 48cm Airtech Racing model (these are the older straight-shafted versions, not the newer yellow banana – I too see more cons than pros with curved shafts for general use). And last season I picked up one of those near-weightless Camp Corsa Nanotechs at a bargain price in the 50cm length.
All of these serve me well for Scotland in winter (not technical climbing). The one thing they don’t do is serve as a support on flat or gently angled ground, something the 70cm MT would accomplish at a mild stoop. But back in the 80s we didn’t have trekking poles, which are far better at that job! Just make sure you have the correct tool to hand for the terrain – if you’ve ever tried to arrest with a ski/trekking pole you’ll appreciate the wisdom of that statement! :O)
(I definitely wouldn’t want to try it with those new Mountain King skinny jobs!)
BTw, on a winter skills course in the Cairngorms last winter we were advised to use a 55 or 60cm length for exactly the reasons ptc* stated.
Going to do one of those 2-day courses this year to fully get to grips with self-arrest and crampon technique.
A rubber grip, or at least some sort of grip is handy for step cutting or digging a shelter. But big heavy grips hinder shaft placements on slope ascents.
I tried the 50cm Corsa Nanotech (brilliant bit of kit) that Matt mentions last winter, but I found it just too short. I went for a 60cm Corsa amd that’s fine, a 55cm might have been better but I was quite happy, and I used it all winter.
The Grips on those two Corsa axes are very minimal, the Corsa has notches cut in the shaft and the Nanotech has two grippy strips stuck on, both are fine.
There’s a school of thought that says don’t use a leash because if you let go while falling you don’t want an axe hurtling around you strapped to your wrist! Personally I’d rather take that chance than see the axe sail off down the slope.
I must admit though, my course left me wondering about the merits of wearing a helmet whenever I’m on ground that truly demands the axe (and a helmet need only weigh 250g).
(be gentle it is my first proper post!)
I have two 60cm DMM cirques with simple tape leashes. I use one or both of these for everything from winter walking to Scottish Winter Grade II gullies.
They are just the right length for walking and self arrest (I’m 6′), but not so long that they get in the way in more vertical gullies. I’ve got two as I don’t use a rope and like the extra confidence! This has also proved very useful when I’ve had to lend one to people who weren’t using leashes!! I should also add that I’ve not had a problem with two axes being fastened to me when self arresting – although this was only on a practise slide.
I must admit to not using a helmet at present, but mattc has got me wondering about this again.
I haven’t worn a helmet in years, it’s something you get used not bothering about. But it would all come into focus when the rising sun melts the thin ice that’s holding that rock in place at the top of that gully, releasing it towards your forehead.
It’s one of those “It’ll never happen to me” things.
Seriously though I would now think a helemt is a good idea, after all I wear one when riding my bike without question.
Does it fit, is it comfy, am I warm, dry, in no more pain than I was without it, etc – i.e. does it do what it says on the tin – happy. That’s as techical as I get.
Or it was, until I shelled out £90 for my Montane Prism 2.0 Jacket. (Late night online shopping will be the ruin of me, but I do like red, and it’s not just red it’s Alpine Red – ooh!) Now I did need a jacket that’s light, warm and would keep me dry, but would I spend that normally? – no. Is it worth it? – absolutely, and I’ll try and explain why.
I tested the jacket at the Touring Cars at Knockhill – always windy, always changable weather – and neither Knockhill’s weather nor the jacket let me down. However, sporting a baseball cap with the jacket meant I didn’t fully appreciate the hood.
That eureka moment came a week or so later with a simple lunchtime walk over the hill to the shops for essentials in the wind and rain. Now, I have problems with hoods. I have long hair and, whether it’s tied back or not , hoods slide off backwards without much prompting. The slightest gust, or even just a brisk pace can be enough to start the hood moving and I spend a lot of time with the rain running down one arm or the other, as I hold the hood in place. Yes, if the jacket has a cord or lace round the outer edge you can cinch it in or tie it off, but then invariably the face gets wet.
Not so, with the Prism 2.0 – I had two free hands, for the most part a dry face and a dopey grin – it was a revelation.
Yes, it has a bungey cord, but it’s not right on the outer edge of the hood, it’s set inside the peak and it doesn’t pass between the layers of the hood itself, but sits in it’s own sleeve which hangs down inside the hood and it’s adjustable at the sides. What this means is that the cord rests on your forehead. It’s not obtrusive, it’s not uncomfortable, it’s just there – and because you know it’s there, you know the hood’s there and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon – ingenious.
Now, this may all be old news to you kit specialists out there, but for a man who regularly suffers hood failure – let me tell you – this was magical and it led me to my question….
Why aren’t all hoods made this way?
BTW – I’m not “Wet wesather aware” should I be worried?
I’ve always had a thing about hoods, it’s deal breaker for me every time.
Why are some hoods rubbish? Laziness, dog walkers don’t need well fitting hoods, cheaper to make a simple hood. A lot of manufacturers will stick on what they can get away with.
And the old maxim that it never rains and the wind never blows in the US and they all wear baseball caps anyway, so why bother with a proper peak on the hood?
Montane hood have got much better in the last couple of years, UK weather you see, design by necessity.
The main reason I’m still wearing my 15 year old Phoenix Diamond gore-tex jacket (which weighs nearly 1.5kg) is the fantastic hood that actually protects the face.
Sorry for the rant, but yet again I’m left wondering whether garment designers ever set foot outside (in the rain/wind/wearing glasses…).
Glasses, aye. I’ve been out in the hills with glasses wearers many times (I only wear them for reading…so far) and what you say is true. There’s always issue with fit and rain getting onto the inside the lens.
I’ll keep my reading glasses on and try some of the jackets I’ve got here and see how they do.
I’ll be interested to hear the results of you experiment. I like the look of Montane, Rab, ME etc. but their hoods always let the ‘side down’. I did see a Haglofs jacket a few years back that had a cracking hood, but the tight fit of the upper arm wasn’t for me. I also thought of Paramo (I really rate their reversible shirts), but their hoods seemed the worst of the lot.
It strikes me that rollaway designs have a lot to answer for.
It’s still a little frustrating though, there is better slim fitting jacket lurking just beneath the surface of the Velez AL.
I shall continue to email them with “advice”. :o)
For example, My Kaza is a small, but only just fits, so if the Barrier pullover is the same size it wouldn’t be large enough for me. Similarly with the vest. If it’s of any help, I also have a size Small Barrier Hoody, and that is plenty big enough.
Many thanks, Gary.
This means they’re on the slim side. I’ve used the Pullover a lot and it goes over a light midlayer or a light water proof no problem, same with the vest. I wear the same size large in all the Haglofs stuff and it works fine, I’ve got a Barrier Hoody which has ended up being my outer layer on several occasions the last couple of winters, going on over base/mid/waterproof on really bad days.
I measured a Kaza against the Pullon and the Pullon is two inches wider across the chest, and it’s the same as my Barrier Hoody.
I think you’ll be okay getting your regular size.
One bit of info for anybody buying any of the LIM insulation. When it’s gone it’s gone until winter ’09. All the stock has been allocated to stores.
I shall contact the Haglofs man of the north….
A Coleman 100 did three of us for evening meal, breakfast and cuppas in Knoydart last year.
You can resupply at Tyndrum if it all goes wrong.
Rab Quantum 250 is favourite at the moment.
What temperature range do you want to cope with – ‘standard British summer’?
I’d say the PHD Minim Ultra (345g, +8C) or Minimus (465g, +5C) ought to be considered. My Minimus has seen me down to -4 with clothes on. I’m giving in to a Minim Ultra very soon now… :))
It’s just for mms so its autumn temperature. I do feel the cold and will use a rab photon as my warm layer insteed of fleece.
500g seems about the right weight.
PHD know their shit.
Other bags I’ve used in the last year that are good and light are the ME Xero 250, but I’m on the limit for the length at six feet.
The MontBell down hugger #4 is fantastic as well, super comfy and warm.
Some of the lighter top bags like the Rab AR one (it’s the top half of a Q400 apparently), or the Big Agnes Pitch Pine.
Buy now before the prices go up next year.
I rarely wear a waterproof, unless it’s p!shing down or freezing. I have an Arcteryx hooded softshell which is my principal poor weather shell but I need a waterproof to supplement that if the going gets particularly rubbish.
So, it’ll most likely sit in my pack most of the time, which is why I’m thinking about the Ultimate (I’ve seen a 2008 for £120, which is pretty good, I think).
Anyone had good/bad results with one? I’m guessing that the performance is pretty good. Or is it worth putting down the extra cash for the Ozone?
I’m likely to use it fell running next summer as well. I doubt I’d use the Ozone for fell running, so I’d have to get something like the Oz, so I’d prefer the Ultimate if the performance will be decent.
The best jacket would be an Ultimate in the Ozone’s Proshell fabric with it’s laminated hood peak.
I really like the Ultimate’s lycra cuffs with thumb loops and the one chest pocket, it’s dead simple and “easy” to wear. The Ozone is a proper mountain jacket, but still under 400g.
The Paclite fabric on The Ultimate is its biggest drawback, and the hood peak isn’t laminated which makes it a bit floppier than the Ozone’s.
I wore the Ultimate through some cold and windy stuff last winter and was okay. As long as you know it’s cooler to wear and it’s design quirks won’t piss you off the Ultimate’s a winner, but if I’m out overnight I’d taje the ozone as it’ll be drier on the inside for sitting in the tent.
Aye, real dilemma that.
I think I’ll stick with the Ultimate. I’m flogging 2 goretex jackets (both Mountain Hardwear) on eBay at the moment, both of which I find too heavy, though excellent.
If I had the cash, I think I’d probably splurge on an Ultimate and a Spitz but the only activity I can think that I’d *need* the Spitz is mountaineering, of which, I’m currently lapsed.
Cheers!
That’s my kit buying frenzy over with for the year. I’ve got some pennies put aside next month though to sort out my sleeping arrangements, to allow me to do some winter camping (on a top, if possible, though some snow holing might be in order later in the winter).
So, here’s my options, I’d like to see what the consensus is:
At the moment, I have a 3/4 length, lightweight thermarest, and a 1-2 season ME down bag. They do the job but won’t work in winter.
Sleeping bag options look like, bearing in mind that I’ll be supplementing all these lightweight bags with extra clothing, headwear and socks/booties, to bring down the usable temp range:
* PHD Minimus (possibly with a combi if it’s *really* cold).
* Rab Top Bag
* Big Agnes of some description
Mats come down to:
* Exped DownMat
* Big Agnes (Two Track?)
I’m edging towards a DownMat, since I think that for the pack size and weight, that’s going to be the warmest option? If I go with the 2 track, then that’s going to push me towards a Pitchpine/Zirkel SL, something of that order. I’m slightly concerned about 2 track pack size.
So, Downmat puts the BA bag options out of reach, since their “square” top bags are all too heavy, really. That means a Rab Top Bag – is this warm enough for winter, with all the extras (hat etc)? I like the idea of the top bag but if it’s not going to be warm enough, then that just leaves:
DownMat + Minimus. I’m guessing that would allow me to camp well below zero, with a insulated pullover + hat + fat socks.
I like the idea of being able to add a combi to that if I needed to, perhaps for car camping in stupid cold temps (why I’d do that, I don’t know).
Cheers.
I’ve some photies and info to share, I’ll stick them up on Sunday if I get the chance.
The sleepkit choices are another toughie. PHD, without question yes. The Rab top bag, no. It’s not warm enough on its own and it’s a bit narrow for winter I think (elbow sticking out, copressing the down giving cold spots etc). The Big Agnes Zirkel (great bag, used last years and this years versions) or the Pomer Holt are good choices.
You can get cold spots in top-bags as the bag doesn’t move with you, but sleeping comfort is superb, so I just up the rating of the mat.
The mats are both great, the Down mat will absorb lumpy ground better but both are good choices.
Another dilemma!
http://www.apci.asso.fr/l_observeur_uk/realisation.php?id=1846&laureats=2009&id_participant=1531
Wonder when we’ll see them. They really do look like a boot version of the xa pro.
You just know they’ll have the XA sole though…
Tha Fastpackers are okay, but there’s a lot of large tread blocks the same height which seams to make them a bit slippy at times. A more broken pattern would have been better I think.
I haven’t worn them for a while, I’ll need to get them out in the snow and see what happens.
I’ll need to write up last weekends footwear, the Keen Growlers. Much grippier than I expected, and the warmest my feet have been standing or sitting about in the snow.
Salomon are such a pain though. The best fitting shoes on my feet and they think most of the world consists of hardpack trails.
Inov-8 is another one, great soles, cardboard uppers.
Cut and paste that’s what we need.
Who would have thought walking the dog could cause such footwear dilemmas.
Is this a bad time to admit the shoes I wear most are cheapo steel toe capped boots from Millets?
My SS807sm work boots are lighter and comfier than some walking boots. Strange but they are described as brown hiking.
They go with the company uniform of brown Snickers trousers and black t-shirts.
We look like limited edition chocolate and caramel Fab! ice lollies :o)
Too big or too small.
In keeping with the sugary treat analogy. how about pick and mix trainers. Speedcoss uppers with mudclaw soles(sticky compound please).
Life must have been much simpler, when all you had to choose from was hobs tricounis and clinkers.
Another midlayer under the Prism might start to bind your arms though. I’ll need to invstigate that further!
The OMM Duomat, the back-panel/sleepmat thingy – how would you rate the foam it’s made of for sleeping? Is it 3-season, 4-season or what?
I’m thinking of it for ski-touring, so for use on snow as a sit-mat or as an emergency mat in case of an unplanned snowhole or emergency night out in a snow-trench shelter or under a bothy shelter. Currently I have a Thermarest Seat which is great for lunch stops, but in addition I’ve carried either an old purple Thermarest Lite 3/4 or a Bozeman Torsolite pad. I know neither of them is 4 season but I’ve figured they’d be much better than nothing, and they are compact and (reasonably) light. Now I’m thinking the Duomat would be lighter and more compact, and wondering if it may be warmer too?
(FWIW I don’t want the bulk of a full closed-cell mat strapped to my pack.)
It’s okay for half an hour, but I wouldn’t sleep on snow or frozen ground with it unless I really had to.
I shall make enquiries and see if any of the OMM folk have pushed the envelope there…
Need something bigger than the OMM Classic, prob 35/45 Ltrs
Any thoughts ?
Was tempted by this
http://www.karrimor.com/PackphotosSS08/drawings/1SS08N157_P01.jpg
Alrhough it is purple.
Or for something a little different how about an Aarn Peak Aspiration (40 or 45 litres depending on back length). I’m really liking mine, what I haven’t experienced yet is whether the weird, springy back mesh is a snow trap….
It is warmer, smaller packing and will last longer, but vulnerable. On definitely rainy days I do carry synthetic, but in winter, even on wet snowy days I carry down. The Rab Nuetrino Endurance is the best of both worlds, you can wear it and not worry about it with the waterproof Pertex Endurance outer. But putting it on over a wet waterproof will soak the down, so it’s not perfect.
A down gilet is a great compromise as it’s tiny and has maximum warmth, most have enough of a water resistant fabric for you to nip out of the tent for a pee in light rain and get away with it.
It’s a difficuklt one.
Off to Kinlochleven at the end of next week for eight days of fun, time to give it a test methinks…
whosedwot2whonow, I’ve had thinsulate in boots and gloves, but not clothing. It’s kind of felty, warm enough but in a jacket, who knows?
But there’s not enough folk out there posting reviews or on the forums to get a decent, wide picture.
I was looking to get a test sample in last year, but I got snowed under and didn’t follow it up.
They look like fantastic quality, I don’t think you’d get stung.
The thing that put me off was the differential filling between top and bottom – I don’t sleep exclusively on my back and didn’t fancy a cold back!
As you thay though, if the bag turns in the night (which mine always does, as do I). I guess that keeps me happy to have gone with PHD too, especially at sale prices :)
Currently for me PHD are where it’s at, but most of the down bags from the obvious names are decent. Other than the bags I’ve featured on here, I’ve had great results with Mountain Equipment’s Xero bags and Marmot bags have always been good.
I’m sure the Rab one is slightly bigger.
I may have got it wrong though?
http://www.yaktrax.co.uk/shop/products.php?cat=9
They fit fine on my saucony road shoes and due to the low profile I found I had stopped noticing them on my feet after a minute or so…except maybe for the noise and much improved grip on icy patches. Weight is nice and low too, about 175g a pair on my kitchen scales.
First impressions are good they certainly bite into the hard snow and ice and I was confident acelerating, brakig and changing direction on the iced up back roads with no slippage.
There doesnt seem much wear on the steel coils just a little scuffing which I reckon would have come from the tarmac sections where the gritter has been. I’ll keep my eye on this though. I reckon I’ll easily get at least the rest of this winter’s use out of them and at £20 quid a pair I’m happy with that.
I reckon the Kahtoola microspikes(hurry up postie!) will be better for on the hill but I got these for on the road and they seem fit for the purpose.
Im afer a bit of advice on a couple of things please:
1/ Tents – ive prety much narrowed it down to the new tent that i want but just wanted to know if if would fit in the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1, im about 6.3″, i reckon id deffinately fit in the SL2 but want to keep weight down so was looking at the SL1.
2/ Sleeping bags – Desperately need some advice on this area. I have got quite cold in the past wild camping in bag that was supposed to be warm enough for the time of year so think im quite prone to feeling the cold.
Im looking for a bag to use mainly summer & spring, with a therma rest prolite 3 and the SL1 tent thats going to be as light as i can get it, (as want to do more nights out under the stars) and as warm as possible.
I have looked at the PHD bags but am getting in a little muddle over things like TOT etc.
Can anyone offer me some advice. Im looking at something round the 500g mark if that helps.
Cheers
Chris
Hi Chris
All the Big Agnes kit is designed to suit folk up to six foot six, so you should be okay in it, but I’m not sure how the headroom would be for sitting up. The highest point on the roof is just back from the door, but I can’t remember how much clearance I’ve got (I’m six foot).
We should be out next week in the tents, I’ll need to take a dimension or two.
The typical operating temperature is a wonderful ball park figure of what temperature Mr Average fit and well fed mountain man his baselayers will comfortable sleeping in. It’s really hard to judge using any of the figures you get from bags, even now I have to look at the down quality, the fill weight, width of the bag and so on to get an idea of how I’ll get on sleeping in it. It’s taken me quite a while to get there though!
PHD make the simplest bags I’ve used, so they have a great warmth to weight ratio, but at 500g there’s limited options, the best rated they have there is the Minimus.
MontBell do bags that light and lighter, the Rab TopBag that I’ve featured on here is more than 500g, Mountain Equipment have a Xero just above and below 500g.
What might limit you is height, a lot of lighweight bags cut weight by trimming the dimesions and don’t always offer a tall option, PHD and Big Agnes would be good bets then, but Big Agnes only do top bags, so that might be big factor.
If anything else comes to mind I’ll be back!
I would love to hear back how the head room is in the BA SL1 if you do manage to get out in it PTC, thatd be great.
Kate, will have a look at the PHD bags a bit more then, sounds like there a good option for length and weight to warmth ratio.
Greatly appreciate this advice and any more on offer, bit new to this whole scene but learning fast.
Thanks again.
I have been looking at the PHD kit and was wondering whether you think id be warm enough with the following set up, if i tend to sleep colder.
The PHD minimus bag, with the phd ultra down vest on and merino base layer top & bottom.
Or do you think the minimus wouldnt be warm enough and i would be better in something like the minim 400?
Thanks again.
C.
It’s not part of the regular range (you can get it via the Design Your own facility) but quite often in the sale they offer a Minim 300, rated to 0C, which is a lovely bag and might be a good fit with what you’re looking for.
The kit you’re thinking about sounds good to me, but until you’re out there you won’t really know.
I sleep a little cold and I’ve found a good point for myself now where I’m confident going out at this time of year in the kit I’ve got, knowling that with a proper hot meal and late night cuppa I’m sorted for the night.
But I’ve been chilly in the past, so as long as you buy a bag that fits and it’s good quality you can’t lose because it’ll work in one circumstance or other.
You’ll just adapt from there.
Il have a look at the 300 Matt.
Thanks again.
As another cold sleeper I have a Minim 500 for all year round use that is rated to -9C. In the summer it makes a lovely quilt with its optional zip and in winter with a down jacket it keeps me warm to -10C or so.
So the choice is yours 300 or 500 ;-)
I’m somewhat tempted by the current combi offer. However I’m almost bang on the slim/normal fit boundary in the DYO option. I’d guess that this would make the ultralight bags simply a little roomy but the combi is quite a bit wider of course.
I’ll use the Combi on its own in warmer times and report back.
I’m off trekking in 6 weeks and have bought most of my kit. I’ve been reading all of the posts above and have been getting a few tips on different things – thanks! but I’m only sorry i never seen this blog a while back before i bought certain things. Most of what i’ve bought has been good so far though. And Santa vey kindy brought me a Rab Neutrino Endurance jacket in bright shiny red so I’m pleased that’s been toasty warm so far!
But on another note, since I’m a total novice to all of this winter mountain walking business i wondered if you had a tip for a good walking ice axe and a boots/crampn combo? I have tiny feet though – size 3 / 4!
Cheers
Ange
The Neutrino Endurance is a great jacket, I used one a lot last winter, and I keep meaning to do a write up on it.
For walking ice axes the CAMP Corsa and Corsa Nanotech that are always getting mentioned on here are very good, they’re light but still usable. This winter I’ve used a Black Diamond Raven Ultra a lot, and it’s brilliant. It’s only 330g and has the most comfortable head for carrying on any axe I’ve ever used. Grivel’s AirTech family of axes are great as well.
Your wee feet present a problem though as most regular crampons might be too long to fit or if they do the front and back will be too close together making them rigid or putting the spikes in an odd position.
Kahtoolas are quite small, they should fit. Helen who you’ll see on here, has size 4 feet and uses steel Kahtoolas on Meindl boots no problem.
Years ago my girlfriend at the time had the same problem and used a set of Stubai ten point crampons with the length adjustment bar cut down to size. The front points were all very far forward and they sat very evenly on her small feet.
They don’t make that model any more (they were purple!) but these look quite close http://www.stubai-bergsport.com/crampon_light_produkte_art_aWQ9ZnVscG1lcyZsPWVuZ2xpc2gmc3VjaGU9JmVpbnRyYWc9NTk3.html
http://www.stubai-bergsport.com/crampon_trekking_produkte_art_aWQ9ZnVscG1lcyZsPWVuZ2xpc2gmc3VjaGU9JmVpbnRyYWc9NTk5.html
Grivel G10s are another great option, the forefoot section is quite short http://www.grivel.com/
I’ve been using Grivel AirTech lights and they’re lighter that the Kahtoolas with bigger points, soft alloy though, won’t last :o(
Boots? Whatever fits best, everytime! But winter doesn’t have to mean big heavy boots, I wear flexible boots and light crampons and feel better for it.
Happy trekking, I hope you’re off somewhere nice :o)
Cheers
Petesy
Yeah i’m off to Nepal on 2nd April!!! Can’t wait, my first major trip!
Hope i’ve got everything I need…any tips??
Ange
Going that that far away I’d say make sure that everything is familiar and reliable. Anything that’s new, get some proper miles on it so you know if there’s any issues, especially footwear.
Have you sorted out your hydration, filter bottle etc?
I don’t have a filter bottle for water, only a couple of water bottles. We are getting boiled water 3 times a day (It’s an organised trek not me on my own) – would you still recommend my own sort of purification stuff?
Cheers.
I would still carry something to drink from independantly if it was me going “just in case”, but whether that’s a technical opinion or a reflection on my character I’m not sure!
The Aquagear filter bottle I’ve featured on here would be a good bet as you just fill it up from the base and drink.
Hurray for them !
I use Keela salopettes in Winter and am looking for something lighter (and less warm) than my current Paramo trousers for the rest of the year. The Atomic DTs from Montane look good – anyone used them or something similar?
I should add they would need to go over Rohan Essentails and Montane Terras.
Cheers
I’ve got an old pair 2000/2001-ish of Karrimors that have crampon kick patches and a kilo of duct tape on them and the Haglofs LIM that came in for test last year are brilliant.
The Atomic DT’s are reported as good but a little fragile, but then again that’s Paclite too.
Is there any news on whether the new OMMs will have the same elasticalted ankle as now? It’s the only thing that puts me off as I would want to wear them over things as well as on their own and I can see issues with fit.
There are developments in the works, but that’s months away from being buyable.
Great pants though.
I’ve worn their Powerstretch Aconcagua Pullon for years, magic bit of kit.
I’ve got a few bits of synthetic underwear on test, including some Powerdry. It works very well, wicks fast and dries fast. The “lite” version is very good, but almost see-though, I can’t think of anybody using it now.
I was surprised at how much the odour control has improved. I wore Powewerdry underwear ojn my Ben Lomomnd night trip a couple of weeks ago and wasn’t minging at all!
The Montane Oryx is a heavier Powerdry and it performs well, I’ve worn that for days at a time without taking it off and it stays quite pleasant as well. Well, at least to me :o)
the new version of the AQUAGEAR bottle which appeared last year,it’s light,it’s cheap,it filters and gets rid of nasties,it also sounds too good to be true,there must be a catch or am I just a cynical scot.
Bob at http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk has some podcasts abou it that shold convince you.
It’s easy to let water run down the outside to the “clean” end as you fill it upside down, but with a bit of care it’s okay.
Also picked up a Haglofs viper hood today, we’ll see how that works in the finicky month of April. (Thanks for recommending the Footprints store, love it in there) :)
If you like the shoes though, just fit other insoles, there’s a good few to chose from. Take your shoes and walking socks into town and try a few out.
I’ve seen the Viper Hood, nice bit of kit, good fabric.
Footprints are a good bunch, don’t anybody tell them I said that though, I’ll just get more cheek when I’m in.
I did get them on bare rock, and wasn’t carefil and there wasn’t any initial damage at all, but next winter will be the real test.
My aluminium Kahtoolas show a good bit of wear, but I’ve had them for a good while now.
OMM Kamleikas, specifically the pants – did you have some word on an updated / reworked version coming out? And if so, what and especially when? As much gen as you know and are allowed to share please! :)
I’m prompted to ask because I love mine but cycling in particular has taken its toll on some of the seat fabric and some of the taping, so I’ve been keeping an eye out with a mind to replace them. But a) if new ones are due…, and b) Large are like hens teeth in the shops now… I did find a pair earlier this week and got quite excited until I saw the price tag – £99.95!!! Iirc they were always around the £60 to £70 mark, so I wonder if the shop in question was cashing in on their current rarity?
Mine fitted my Montrail Torres and Scarpa Mirages best, and didn’t look at any of the other boots I tried them on.
Definitely a good choice if they fit.
Firstly there are no larges, and there might not be for a few months. And prices of all the newer stick is up, the list price for the pants is £100.
New versions, yes. There’s changes to all the Kamleika gear, including new models.
I’ve tried it on and it’s all very good indeed.
But, different beasts to what’s in the shops just now, so if you like the current spec, might be worth while getting it while you can. I wish I’d got a set of large pants as well, I tore the arse out of mine a few weeks back.
Thanks.
They’ll fit a whole bunch of stuff I’d think. some of my footwear is maybe a bit left field for Grivel’s plans :o)
Nae bother Matt :o)
Whatever, it’s a good point of comparison.
Last summer, me an the missus tried to bag Suilven from Inverkirkaig. When we got to the base, we decided we didn’t have it in us to get up and then walk out againb.
So, the missus has decided we should kit ourselves for an overnight stay under canvas. Our thoughts were for something like Terra Nova voyager and a couple of synthetic bags (Nonok Comfort?) to -5C to do some exploring N of the border in spring and autumn.
How do you rate those for noobs? Should we consider anything different? Ideally, we’d like to keep below £5-600.
THanks,
William
The Voyager is a great tent, and split between two folk for carrying the weight is great. The Voyager Superlite split between two means you’re only carrying about 700g each!
They’re expensive tents though, not leaving much of your budget for sleeping bags. But, as the tent is light a cheaper synthetic bag, although heavier, won’t be such a burden.
I’ve got a whole bunch of synthetic bags on test just now, but no Nanok unfortunately. They have had good reviews though. Most of the big brands have decent sythetic bags, just shop around and try to get the best combination of temperature rating, pack size and weight. If you find you love the wild camping you can always upgrade your bags later to lighter and warmer models and keep the synthetics for car camping.
Wild camping in the mountains is my favourite outdoor activity. There’s nothing like waking up in the hills, I hope you get sorted and get out there.
Keep us posted!
PTC
I’ve been using the Tetrasocks for more or less all my hill and mountain walking over the last few months and have nothing but praise – I don’t plan on returning to ‘normal’ socks. The only negative is the tediousness in getting them on your feet.
On another topic, does anyone know of any shops in NW England that stock the Haglofs shoes: there don’t seem to be many. Does Fell and Mountain have a physical store, or are they only online?
I should have some more info soon about what models are coming in, there’s a few different ones but I can’t remember off hand what ones they were.
I hope they do well.
Fell and Mountain did have an actual shop, and I think they still do?
Bobinson (there’s a link to him to the right) just got a set of Haglofs Trail2 Mids from them last week by mail order. He was wearing them yesterday and likes the look of them.
Thanks for the info and advice. However, wifey gave a somewhat withering stare when she saw the bit about sharing the tent weight. Ah well …
And now she’s talking of the Sutherland Trail next year … not even having done an overnight trip at all.
Aargh …
William
Robert
If someone gets Haglofs shoes, let me know they’re like, mine haven’t showed up yet.
They don’t have to be purple, but it would be nice…
I have a pair of mids and find them spot on with the new insoles in them.
Any body noticed Haglofs are doing tents ! MMMMMMMMMMMMM????
I know they did a range, three models called Genius I think, but I thought they dropped them a year or so ago.
They were meant to be really strong, wind-tunnel tested to maybe 90mph iirc, but Diddy managed to have a couple of poles break and go through the outer fabric in a blow! :(
They were an interesting construction though – you erected the 3 poles as a frame held by a footprint first, then added the outer, then hung the inner – so no masses of unsupported fabric to catch the wind as you try to curve the poles into place.
So anyway, have they brought these back or is it something completely different?
It’s a shame, there must be a middle ground there somewhere, and maybe they’ve found it?
I’ll ask…
Bear Grylls – Survival Clothing. Tested. Proven. Spring Summer 09
There’s a new orange on the block, it’s called survival orange, it pops up everywhere, inner seams at the neck and waist in survival orange are almost mandatory – and there’s other manly colours as well such as metal and black pepper.
Actually, you gotta get some of this stuff on test:
Nosquito (insect-repellent fabric) Camo long sleeved shirt – “…it laughs in the face of mosquitoes & insects” aye, but can it handle midgies?
You’ll love this catalogue – it tells you the weights of everything and apparently there’s much more on beargryllsstore.com
If I see his face anywhere on the website I’m going throw things at the screen though.
not sure weight etc but its worth a look considering the price !
It is the one with the footprint then poles as said above.
Never seen a Haglofs tent pitched. I await it’s first outing with interest.
It look awfy like what I wear to work as well.
Mens range right here http://www.craghoppers.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category5_13552_26251_-1_23_25291_11051__25291
I’m sure you mentioned that inov8 have two slightly different fittings, dependent on model, that suit… was it broader feet in one fitting? Or similar?
Am I making this all up? :)
By that reasoning if one pair fits you, then they all shouild but that’s not the case at all.
I fit Terrocs but not the Roclite low’s (I forget the number, 315 maybe?). The X-talons fit me, but the chunky waterproof one falls off me at the heel.
The Roclite 288s I’ve got on test are an 8’5 and they fit me perfectly and I take a 9 in all other Inov8′s!
I think that’s what you call clouding the issue!
In essence, I love the Terrocs but my little toe could do with having a little more room…
I was wondering about the Roclites – have you got any inkling if they’re likely to be wider across the toes?
Maybe I simply need to go up half a size.
In fact I was planning to do that regardless. The walk is going out to 7 weeks (hey I’m a software engineer – we always put the deadline back!) and from what I hear, that means a fair chance of having our feet grow a fair bit!
Like you say, it’s a try-on thing.
Receding deadlines, that’s my favourite :o)
Cheers PTC*!
Salomon do seem to have a high pace of change, my favourite XA’s get tweaked every year and I’m convinced that they’ll ruin them at some point.
I dug out their recent XT Wings after ditching them a few months ago because of the stupid wide heel. I’ll try them again and do an update.
I’m always hopeful of finding lost classics in the corner of gear shops, old Karrimor Alpinistes fleece’s these kevlar shell gloves I saw in Keswick years ago and always wished I’d bought. Ach!
We plan to go as light as practical.
Questions for you experience chaps and chapesses.
There will be 2 adults, we will be cooking an evening meal some evenings of a reasonable size and other evenings when wild camping heating up a couple of ‘ready meals’ – which cooking system would you recommend?
Tent wise we will either be taking a Robert Saunders Spacepacker Plus MK1 or a recently purchased Golite Shangra Li 4+. Yes the Golite is huge but that’s no bad thing with a wet poo covered (she likes to roll) springer spaniel in tow. The Golite would be taken without inner net to save weight. Is taking the Golite 4+ a sensible ideal?!
My current boots are a now rather worn pair of Salamon Elios mids. I like the lightness of them, prior to them I used to wear 3 season Meindls. However they do leak like sieves and the grip isn’t great in the wet. What would you guys shortlist as footwear for the coast to coast? I will have time to try on/purchase and plenty of time to wear in before the holiday.
The only other thing I’m having to contemplate is I really want to take lots of pictures but it’s unlikely we will be able to charge batteries anywhere onroute – any wise words?
Really looking forward to it, we walk plenty but this will be our first long distance trail. We’ve done shorter trails in the past like the Juan de Fuca (Vancouver Island) on our honeymoon which required us to carry all food for the trip so this in comparison will be higher mileage but much lighter packs :)
Cheers, Phil
Same goes for lightweight waterproof trousers…..
Anyone have suggestions?
Tent. I’ve not used the Shangri-la myself but I have seen the space inside and I know a few folk who use them very happily. It seems practical with the dog. My only concern would be the scope for midge-attack with no inner to seal them out, but you could always burn a citronella candle or some such (ok, spaniel permitting!) to try to counter them if they arise. Otherwise I’d say it’s a fair choice.
Stove. Gas seems the obvious choice given that it’s summer and also remembering the dog. But I think I’d suggest a remote cannister model. OK, they’re a bit heavier than the tiniest cannister-top burners but against that they have a lower, more stable profile and wider pan supports for a 2-person set-up, and a bigger burner head that’s less likely to produce hot spots and burn the meal, important if you’re truly cooking rather than just water boiling. Also, I’m thinking you’ll need to resupply on gas along the way – this shouldn’t be a big problem anyway, but (someone correct me if I’m mistaken) with a remote connection you could even get away with a tall butane cartridge as used in blowtorches etc. if that’s what a village store rather than an outdoors shop happens to have!
The model I’ve used is the Primus Gravity and it’s a robust, reliable beast, but there are others. Whichever one though, take some other lighting method in case the piezo ignition packs up!
Photos – the only way I’ve found to handle extended trips with digital is to set off with several batteries (I’m assuming your camera doesn’t take AAs). The spares don’t need to be expensive – places like sevendayshop or mymemory are likely to sell perfectly good compatible spares for a fraction of the price of a branded one.
Hope that helps. And I hope you have a great trip :)
Was thinking about the ETApacklite as it’s a remote canister just enough for 2 people and has a heat exchange. It’s not the lightest way of cooking but it does have plenty of features.
I’ve not used a heat exchanger stove before so one thing that I’m unsure of is this. All the reviews talk about how quickly they boil water, which is great and obviously an ideal benchmark but are they any good at regulating a medium to low heat, the kind you need when simmering or slowly heating/cooking food.
I know this isn’t exactly the kind of thing done a lot when cooking ultralight but sometimes we like to cook real food :) Just wondering if you’d have to have the flame very low to get the right heat (due to the efficiency) and then have higher risk of it blowing out? Anyone have experience of primus heat exchanger stoves used for cooking on low heat and can put my mind at ease?
The trip is probably going to be some time in August so plenty of time to play with kit before then and see what works. At the moment we’re either set up for car camping or lightweight solo trips. If there is no better cooking option we’ll use our solo kit.
Cheers, Phil
Stove, now I agree about having a remote as being the best for stability, and a heat exchanger variety being the most efficient, but it will react a little slower to the gas being turned up and down, but you’ll get used to it quickly.
Whether I’m out solo or as a pair or more with my usual bunch we still all pack solo cooking ghear, including stoves. Joyce swears by her MSR kit and I’m usually all Optimus, the advantage being quickness. Two stives means two dinners being ready at the same time, or simmering pasta on one plus a boiling kettle on the other.
Canp cooking is easy to string out and be very time consuming, so I’ just stick with that solo set up now. It means that the weight is minimal, your all self sufficient, there’s back-up with two stoves in case someone runs out of gas, or has a mechanical screw up. (I speak from experience here, 3 folk in Knoydart, two stives and I was the only one with a full gas canister…).
Shoes? I’d take your old comfy Salomons and just jump over the puddles (and take extra socks). Over a distance comfort is everything and if you trust them, that’s priceless. On my WHW jaunt last year I wore my old Keen Targhee Mids, the original versions that have no grip whatsoeever, and the fact that they were so worn in saved my feet from the pointless abuse I gave them over that weekend.
if I was going again (…when more like…) I’d happily wear something similar again, but I might go in trail shoes.
I dunno, your feet are the most important thing, after 50 miles it’s too late to realise you’ve got it wrong!
Wummins trousers, the best options I can think of have to be Haglofs and Mammut. These two Haglofs womans panst come in long leg lengths.
http://www.haglofs.se/prd/visaprod.asp?ID=1535&nid=1127&lang=en&CatNr=930&CatNr2=&xCatNr=&NP=&Q=1&HMtrl=&Str=&show=&ak=&nid2=1194
http://www.haglofs.se/prd/visaprod.asp?id=1537&CatNr=930&xCatNr=&CatNr2=&NP=&nid=1127&lang=en&Q=1&Str=&show=&ak=1194&EB=&nid2=1194
Last up, I carry a spare camera battery and memory card in a little pouch these days, and they seem to be a lucky charm as I haven’t needed them!
On the shoe front using my tried and tested Salomon’s will be the most sensible thing to do. I do trust them to not kill my feet so good point. I’m still in the market for something new though to eventually replace my current pair which will need retiring some time this year. I’ll have a scan through some of your articles for inspiration :)
We’ll take the Shangri-la out plenty before the C2C to see how we get on without mosquito inner and how viable a smaller lighter footprint groundsheet will be. Hoping the huge amount of space will be a revelation, just have to see what the condensation is like without an inner.
The wife says thanks for the trouser advice, we’ll try and track down a local stockist, failing that hopefully come across some next time we’re in the Lakes.
Thanks for the advice. Cheers, Phil
Even if you can dig up a pair of short/regular legs the longs are orderable by any of the stockists from Haglofs new Lakes Secret Bunker (in Stavely…).
You sound set for cooking, if you like your current setup and think you can make it work, just stick with it. Taking unfamiliar stuff out for a long trek can sometimes be a gamble, but then again it can be the best thing ever :o)
Most people seem to prefer the former but Haglofs might just do the latter. Probably a non trivial difference in comfort!
If Haglofs long legged trousers are too hard to find/still don’t really fit then Cioch do some rather nice custom fit walking trousers. (the travel trousers not the Paramo style ones which are great for winter but somewhat warm.). They’ve been keeping my legs happy recently :)
I’ve been thinking about a proper light summer pant, but I’d like something with a bit of stretch as well. Not a lot out there at all.
There maybe a trial return to Montane Terras…
I know this isnt related to this last thread sorry about that.
Im just wondering if anyone can offer me some advice again.
Im looking for a new pack, I tend to do quite a bit of long distance hiking so my requirments are:
Around 55/60 L
Lightweight
Back support (so not a striped down pack like the golite (Jam) range) Need some back cushioning.
water bladder compatable.
If anyone has any ideas or suggestions that would be great.
Thank you guys.
Chris
I know they do bigger packs, and the range seems to be light in general I think?
I’ve got a 700g prototype pack here that might be in the area you’re after, but that’s months away from the shops I’m afraid!
The Haglofs LIM that I’ve been banging on about for the last year or so is a fantastic carry, but it’s got its quirks.
There’s just not a lot of packs out there that catch my eye. A lot of the interesting ones are all from small US makers and they won’t send test kit to me or Trail.
I’ll keep thinking…
I’ve had mine for a while now and it is simply the most comfortable 60l pack I have ever had. The aluminium stays transfer the weight whilst being simple and the hip belt is very comfortable. You can vary the padding on the back and in the hipbelt to suit. It also takes a bladder.
You wouldn’t want to scrap it over rocks all day long, but other than that it is a winner in my eyes.
But surely the easiest way to cut weight is to share.
I usually go backpacking in with one or two mates. If there are two of us we will take a two man tent and one stove. I’ve got a Hilleberg Kaitum that you could play 5-a-side football in for 1.35 kg per man (we only take my Akto if there are 3 of us).
I don’t buy into the the multi stove argument. Time is rarely an issue. In fact, my mate prefers his trangia over my much lighter and faster stove and pan because it sets a relaxed tempo for the camp (the ‘rythym of the trangia’ as we call it), and you don’t really need two stoves to make two cups of tea or two meals at the same time.
It’s probably a perception/ culture thing. We probably think that sharing a tent and a stove is more sociable (which it probably isn’t in reality), whle you probably reckon that having a tent, stove and pan per person is more efficient and flexible (again, which it probably isn’t in reality).
But certainly, THE debate seems to have changed from ‘what is the the best 4 season 2 man tent? to Akto vs LaserComp?
I wonder why?
David, it’s been a process of evolution for me and the folk I head out with. We all sleep differently, read books, fanny about with the iPod at 0200 and the like so being in a solo tent has increasingly made sense. Wake up time is another issue, scrambling about at 0500 making a cuppa and pulling trousers on with your feet over your mate’s head are now but a memory, there’s more freedom, and I do enjoy that personal space these days.
The smaller footprint of a solo tent means more pitching options on ridges and summits.
Cooking is where it makes the most sense, I want a hot drink or my dinner as soon as possible, and I often want them together. I use the same rationale I use at home, the simplest and quickest way to get such things done is what I want, I want to light a mini stove and be pouring out boiling water 3 minutes later. I genuinely hate playing with gear when I’m out.
There’s a big element of self sufficiency here as well, “Guys, I’m pitching here tonight, I’ll see you at the bealach in the morning”. There’s no weight penalty doing it this way, no inconvenience, I really haven’t found any drawbacks yet and I do have more fun as well.
Akto versus Lasercomp? It’s entirely done to folk defending their own purchases. Having used both and paid for neither I go for the ‘comp simply because it’s all I need, so why carry more weight?
Mind you, if the MSR Hubba HP was a bit bigger inside, it would be better than either.
Whilst thinking about tents how did you get on with the Hubba’s raised flysheet?
I ask as I really like the look of the Tarptent Scarp 1 (and Hubba HP to a lesser degree), but wonder how it (they) will deal with windblown rain and snow.
The consensus of my mates and I is that we go backpacking for the ‘sociality’, as well as the using wild camps to find some unfamiliar ways up familiar mountains and taking pleasure in camping itself (and buying gear!)
So we like to listen to a radio and yarn while the Trangia bubbles away for the first brew, then a second, then food. It’s all very relaxing.
And if you have a tent as spacious as a kaitum (where you both have an ‘end’ and a porch), the frustrations of a cramped tent with one door are diminished. Pitching acreage is theoretically a problem, but not one that’s ever thwarted a camp site in reality (we tend to aim for high lochans and bealachs rather than ridges and summits though). I like my Akto as well, but I like to be able to sit up straight and change position occasionally !
So what we are saying is that, on the surface, we enjoy the same ‘sport’, but our practices and preferences (and those of our mates) have evolved quite differently.
The laser comp/ Akto thing was just an example of a debate that seems to command a lot of column inches on the web. 7-8 years ago , people were debating the best 2 man tent (answer: the Kaitum , obviously!)
David, absolutely. I might have got to where I am by having a habit of camping at dusk (or beyond) rather than getting there a bit earlier and relaxing more. But now I find myself more prepared, more relaxed and taking more from a trip than I have for many years.
I like the fact that there’s many routes to the same end, enjoyment is yours to make.
Like you say about the endless tent debate, it’s totally pointless, get out of the back garden and get onto the hill I say. When they’re standing watching that sun going down they won’t give a shit what logo’s they’re surrounded by.
That sounds like a cue for me as well, too long since I was in a tent at more than 300m!
I’ll really need to write these up, I’ve been using the proto’s of these for months and the Ultra 15 has become a firm favourite.
Not easy to see, but I’m wearing it in the photies here http://bobinson.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/fox-and-hare/
Im looking at getting a altimeter watch.
Ive seen the new Timex Expedition ws4 that looks good.
Does anyone have any suggestions for a good watch.
Want to spend bout £150
Need – altimeter, baromoeter, thermometer, compas etc.
Cheers
Chris
It’s not something I’ve got a lot of experience with though.
There’s still something of the technophobe lingering within me…
http://www.alpin.de/produkttest/news/f13b10db-be02-4501-a288-d00a6577e030
Ach!
shame on me i didn’t put the link there first, it would look like this then (hope the link is not to long):
http://de.babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpin.de%2Fprodukttest%2Fnews%2Ff13b10db-be02-4501-a288-d00a6577e030&lp=de_en&btnTrUrl=%C3%9Cbersetzen
in case someone else figured this way out already i apologize, didnt mean to lecture ;)
How did your TGOC go?
Isn’t progress a great thing ;-)
I’d keep the mat but for the fact i had to let so much air out to protect it my arse was almost on the ground, i split a bubble wrap cosy i had and put clothes underneath to keep up the insulation,it worked out fine. It’s a pity there seems to have been problems with quality control on a product much lauded and anticipated, i love it though and will be trying a replacement.
I’ll need to watch my my NeoAir, I haven’t had any kit fail in so long now I think I’d be very upset if it went Pffffff…. in the night.
It’s frightening how much stuff I’ve amassed over the past couple of years!
I’ll keep my eye out for your photies.
Many thanks for testing that NeoAir so thoroughly. You’ve fully justified my decision to stay retro & save the cash!
I fancy “something” but with my business to try and keep going and Holly being at a stage where she hates me being away too long I’ve kinda stumped.
However, there will be a West Highland Way jaunt after summer, and everybody is invited.
Like you say, you’d have to carry your own intertainment.
I’m thinking of trying a shortened Ramsey Round (missing out the Loch Trieg tops) this year, maybe over two or three days. I’ll need to have a good nights sleep before I go for that though.
Ach, we’ll see.
Thoughts captain!?
The PD400 is nice bag, but I do think that the PHD bags are finer made and have better down, so warmth and packability is always that bit better for a fill weight.
It’s always a difficult one, but now I’ve the Neoair I feel even more confident in the Minim Ultra’s chances.
Even if you don’t go for that there are options for keeping the warmth and losing the weight.
Hmmm. Now to look at the rest of my kit to see what I can save some weight on!
Mind and give us a shout when you’ve used it!
Rucksack choices. I currently use a Villain which is fine for carrying my usual gear (Laser Comp, PD400, ProLite Short mat, blah, blah) along with enough clothes and food for an over-nighter but I’ll soon be going on a 4 day trip (western fjords of Norway) and another possibly longer one in the summer hols (plus I’d like the new pack to be big enough for winter). I guess I’ll need something around 50-60l and I’ve narrowed it down to:
OMM Mountain Mover 55l – love OMM packs, don’t like not having waist-belt pockets :-( I also hear there’s a 65l version?
Osprey Exos 46 (the Large comes in at 49l and I think I read somewhere Osprey only measure the main compartment?! The 58l looks MAHOOSIVE) – ventilated, light, waist belt pockets but is it too good to be true?
Something ‘exotic’ – like the Pinnacle/Mariposa/Vapour Trail. Super light but at what cost?
Your thoughts/observations are appreciated.
I’ll need to do something on it at some point!
There’s no 65L coming, it’s been canned. And if anyone wants the 55L, I’d get one soonish…
I really like the Golite Jam, so the bigger Pinnacle might be an option at 900-odd grams for 72L if you can live with the design.
It’s something I’ve not used a lot of in recent times is bigger packs.
I can definitely advise you not to buy a Karrimor Jaguar though :o)
OMM always look good but don’t fit me. Have I heard opinions that say the hipbelts give up under a heavier load?
Every Osprey I’ve ever tried has crippled me (I must be odd!), but I’ve been mightily impressed with the ‘quality but less-trumpeted’ Gregory stuff, might be worth a look?
I’d say a POD Black Ice but not if you like handy pockets… :(
MoS has a GG Vapor Trail. It’s a brilliant back system and a comfortable carry, but the fabric is very ‘floppy’ making the pack body quite hard to pack, and the roll-closed top is the work of the devil, so faffy and untidy unless the pack is completely full. She’s largely stopped using it now and gone over to an Aarn Peak Aspiration (I’ve got one too) – 45 litres but there are larger models in the range.
Does this come under ‘exotic’ – how about the Haglofs LIM 55? You’ll know there are happy users of the 45 here, and for the daft 1kg-ish weight the harness is well up to carrying a fair old load when necessary.
I can only echo what has been said before though that fit is everything …
I’m leaning away from the OMM MM now. The LIM 55 is a real possibility if I can find one although it might bust a seam with a full winter load of insulation! Everyone says it’s very comfy.
For those super-size/winter days I’m leaning towards the Pinnacle. Maybe I should have both…
I am interested why there doesn’t seem to be any Exos champions/defenders out there at all, on here or elsewhere.
The production version is different as well, as the samples broke :o)
The only other thought is the Six Moon Design Starlite. It has Dyneema fabric and the same sort of feature set as the Mariposa i.e. metal stays etc. – it should carry heavier gear better than the Pinnacle with its floppy back…
I do like a bit of metal in there for loads getting towards 10kg.
My Virga arrived today: Unexpectedly prices have held steady. The lightweight body material seems slightly more robust than the stuff on my old Vapor Trail – wonder if this applies across the range? Unfortunately the lower side compression straps still run outside the pockets, despite GG rerouting them on the Flash. It’s back to the knife, needle & thread to put that right…..
Thanks to everybody for their input. If anyone knows where I can find a LIM 55 then let me know…
Part of the problem with packs is that every manufacturer has a different definition of a litre, and whether pockets count towards the stated volume. I’ve got a Gregory, which is supposed to be 70L, but carries more than a 90L pack I once had.
Your mission, should you wish to accept it, is to Can carry out a ‘dead scientific’ comparison of ‘real world’ volume
Now you have about your possession a Z35 (35L), a LIM 45(45L), a Villain (45+10), a Jam (51L), and a Mountain Mover (55 + 15).
The idea would then be to find the smallest one and see how much gear it can carry. Then place the same gear in the larger sacks and estimate (using something like pillows or drinks bottles, etc) how much more the others can carry. From that you can indicate practical use.
The second part of your mission would be to photgraph them all side by side to give an idea of relative dimentions
David, I’ll put that one on the to-do list!
Not a bad idea though, I always meant to do a sleeping bag pack-size comparison as well.
It’s funny, I often do select gear that’ll suit the pack I’m taking, and the season comes into that as well.
I suppose that means flexibility is very important, that puts the Villain at #1 for me as I can use it all year round, but don’t.
Antway, now to go and pack the Jam with a Big Agnes tent that’s got awfy long poles…
Durability and build quality seems to be hit and miss, the second mine does something annoying I’ll be straight on here with it.
@Kev – good shout on the wanted ad.
I’m waiting for Neoair Mk II!
Heard a couple of interesting conversations in my local indi outdoor store, between staff and customers. One of which was the staffer saying the prolite 3 would be more warmer and comfortable than the Neoair. Given the r values (2.3 and 2.5) and the thickness (2.5cm vs 6.3cm) I’d put my vote on the Neoair.
Someone on OM posted this evening that Outdoor Warehouse had LIM 55s in the shop last Saturday, even though the website says out of stock…..
Now thay might be mistaken – maybe they saw 45s, I couldn’t say – but it might be worth a call or an email to check the situation?
holdfast, I’d phone it’s worth a shot. Try ERscape Route in Pitlochry as well, and maybe Craigdon in Perth.
Neoair, The regular completely fills a Lasercomp for some reason, it feels like it has more floor coverage than other mats. I shall do a proper measurage at the weekend.
Pack volumes, aye a pack(?!) of lies, or certainly open to interpretation. Snow-lock closureareas are included by some and not others, external pockets too.
I trust the numbers on packs asmuch as advertised weights…
I currently stick a Duomat in it’s sleeve and have my wee airic folded in half and then thirds so it fits nice and snug in the hydration sleeve.
I want a fat mat now with all this talk.
Reach for that wallet! (and hope yours isn’t a duff one)
… or maybe I’ll invest in a Prolite Plus – 4 season warmth for 680g. (200g heavier than the NeoAir when its warm, 200g lighter than the Expeds when it is cold).
Swings and roundabouts, you pays yer money, etc.
Also an interesting torso-length self inflater for 220gm also listed from same company.
Like holdfast, i’m waiting further developments before taking the plunge.
I think I’m stuck with fat mats though, when I tried my Prolite 3 recently I really felt the difference in comfort. Ach. I’ll be getting soft most likely.
I am hoping the Neoair holds together and that the amount of failures is down to the huge amount sold and the failure rate being “average” rather than them being rubbish.
It’s odd that no one has put the tubes cross-ways before now, it makes more sense from an engineering and thermal point of view, but much more complicated to make.
I’ll need to do a proper mat write up at some point.
Adds to list…
Given both my wee airic for summer and my old faithful standard thermarest for winter both still work I might hold fire. Unles someone convinces me the neoair will last and that it will fit my chair kit…
It’s definitely a want/need decision. All fat mats I have are just pure air or winter weight insulated, so I really wanted one so I didn’t have to pack my Prolite 3, but if you’re happy as-is, just wait and see how many Neoair’s un-glue over the summer!
However, the Prolite Plus is warmer than the former and lighter than the latter (and probably more comfortable than both) so I probably should ‘rationalise’ one of these days.
You wrote a while ago:
“The Minim Ultra is the work of satan”
It is indeed. They have Done a Deal with the Devil :-)
It looks *nothing* when you open the packet. Nothing but a couple of bits of very fine cloth. It didn’t even expand much. But once in it. Yummmm!
I thought my Alpkit PD400 was nice. But this is something else. I cant wait to try it for real :-)
And I only ordered it tuesday!
Not that having to use a classic 32 as a day sac is precisely tragic :) The Ace L’s also seems to fit very well but nearly the same weight.
Actually I’m a tiny bit worried that OMMs back lengths might go from just right (for me!) in the bigger sacs to a choice between slightly too small and too long….
All my previous packs have been framed – Osprey Kestrels.
Still nor sure what’s happening with the back lengths, but I’ll have the news first!
Beth, good to hear. I’ll have some Jam news this week, it’s sitting packed and ready to rock as we speak :o)
There might be an element of expectation regarding returns from the stores and distributor, I do hope the Neoair isn’t doomed to failure.
I do reckon it would benefit from a Thermarest-as-packing-tube arrangement. Now I wouldn’t want to do that with a NeoAir!
Packing the Jam has been interesting with its soft back, I’m still undecided. One more trip might swing the opinionometer.
I’ll do a trial pack of it later. I’m just about to make use of this sunshine for a bike ride.
…looks at his cup to see how much commitment is left in it…it could go either way…
I seem to already fit in well having fed my appetite for Hagloffs/Inov8/Laser/PHD etc. daft question tho; what are people using for waterproof/breathable leggies? Everything seems soooo heavy (expecially compare to the Oz pullover). I have a pair of ME Paclite leggies that weigh in at 285g and am desperate to spend some money, errm, I mean save some weight :-)
I wear out/trash overtrousers more than any other item of outdoor equipment.
Not a great fan of Paclite tho. It’s not that breathable and very clammy (IME) a bit like Entrant in the early days… However, for really l/w kit with a nod to breatha ility, there doesn’t seem to be alot of alternatives around.
Anything available from Hagloffs?
I was all set to get the Atomic DTs but the fit was no good for me. So the paclites it was – the fit is great (for me), the long zips should deal with the breathability issue and they are very light (c. 160g). Oh and I got them cheap at Cotswold.
I’m off out at the weekend so if I do wear them I’ll report back…
I tend to take Paclite pants or Kimmlite/OMM Kamleikas.
The Paclits are old Karrimor versions with superb articulation or current Haglofs LIM Ultimate Pants witjh full length zips.
But on a long wet day you do get damp, it’s the trade off.
The Montane Atomics are great but the fits not good on me either (wait ’til you see what they’ve got for winter…).
The Kamleikas aren’r the lighetest, but as they’re full stretch they’re the comfiest overtrousers I’ve ever used.
I tend to wear softshell panst most of the time now, and last winter I only wore my overtrousers once, that I like!
Nae luck Beth!
Thanks for the input. Yeah, I looked at the Haglofs LIM ovies; 290g according to their site. Must be bricks in pockets :-)
You’re lucky 1 day in the wet all winter and, yes when it sets in, no matter what you’re wearing – be prepared to get wet.
The search continues….
I’ve got 4 days of stomping around the Loch Monar area next week so lets hope the ovies are redundant!!
I got out of the tent this morning and the damp drizzly cloud disappeared, I could get used to this :o)
Best 35L rucksack on test weighs 1756g!!!
And the LIM 35 only gets 2/5.
I take it that you didn’t do THAT gear review.
Lol, I can just imagine for the LIM 35….
“It’s Good, But: we expect more (grams) for our money” :(
http://lighthiker.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/outdoor-2009-prelude/#comments
It looks as though it might have a similar pole configuration to a MSR Hubba HP (which seems to give a decent amount of headroom at the ends and I bought myself for Xmas) but it is difficult to gauge dimensions and porch size yet from that one photo. Also someone has mentioned about late spring 2010 release.
Do you think you can blag yourself a demo in due course?
Whilst writing do you know of any other rucsack manufacturers that do something similar to the Aarn ‘U-flow’ design feature whereby the bottom ends of the rucsack straps are threaded together with a low friction plastic strap that feeds through the base of the rucsack thereby allowing the straps to move up and down more easily with your shoulders.
I used an Aarn Natural Balance (lucky half price purchase @ £100 from Wildtrak) in April to carry my and our lasses gear (becos she did’nt fancy doing it with a pack and I didn’t fancy shelling out for luggage service on moralistic grounds) along the WHW and found it to be great. Now considering a smaller pack along similar lines. Any ideas other than other Aarn packs?
The Solar Elite’s porch looks tiny, in which case it’s pointless to me, you’d be as well taking a bivi bag.
We’ll see though, here’s hoping.
I don’t know about getting a tester though, I’ll see, I’ve got two tents here for test, still unopened :o)
I remember when Craghoppers pack range had Aarn’s harness designs a few years back, they certainly got a lot of press and got folk talking. There were smallaer capacity packs in the range. It seems to be something that most brands keep for larger capacity packs whereas Aarn just for for it!
I’ve got a Haglofs ACE L pack on test where the shoulder straps are conected at a pivot point inside the pack behind your lumbar area which allows totally free movement.
Can’t think of anything else small off hand…but I’ll have a think…
Ta.
I’ve only had a brief shot of one. The hydration stuff puts me off, but a lot of folk say it sticks to you like a limpet, so it’ll be worth trying one on.
The production version looks a bit different to mine. I’ll write it up soon…honest…
Has anyone any experience of the Torsolite and/or POE Uber Lite? Combined with a Multimat Adventure foam mat they strike me as way of gaining 4 season performance for a lot less weight than my trusty 1 kg Thermarest.
Also, do the Exped down/syn mats loose pressure overnight in the cold like the neo-air?
Any thoughts gratefully received…
But when I took it on a week to the Pyrenees and got stuck in the tent for 24 hours in a high level thunderstorm, it just wasn’t big enough to lie comfortably on that length of time and read / look at maps etc.
Now I only carry it as an emergency item when sli-touring!
Oh, and I’ve not noticed any of our Downmats losing pressure at all.
Mind you. I’m sure they’ll be sulking after all I’ve said about the Neoair.
As a side sleeper I found the Torsolite too narrow under the hips but now use it “wrong way”, finding the narrow bit wide enough for side of a shoulder & the wide part OK under hips. No problems with durability, though I understand POE produce the Torsolite for Bozeman (& I recall PTC has mentioned some reservations about POE materials/reliability). I’ve tried the OMM mats with the Torsolite but find them only good for mild weather & prefer the short Multimat, which also suits my Virga sack better.
You even beat me to the question of the Duomat :-)
They’re still damage-free, I’m not climbing these days, but I think they’re plenty tough.
The only niggle was the internal gaiters, I had to add a wee lace hook to keep them in place and they’ve been fine since.
have you used the Pacific Outdoor Ether Thermo 6? I’m looking for a full length mat that doesn’t cost the earth and doesn’t weigh too much. My thermarest ultralite 3/4 annoys me now… I must be getting old.
Was also pondering the Exped AirMat 7. It’s for non-winter backpacking. I started out looking for a Alpkit Slim Airic then Exped SIM Light but the extra comfort of an airbed style has me thinking I’d be better off with one of them. It’ll be used in a tent, I’m too crap to bivy nowadays and tarps are the work of the devil.
There’s too much choice out there !
I use a full length mat all the time now, it just more comfy, maybe that is getting old ?!
I like the Exped stuff, the Airmat is reliable and cheap, I’ve used one dozens of time over the past few years without an issue. The Synmat7 will get taken back out in winter as well.
The fat mats are king I think.
Like you say, it’s the choice. I have been no help here whatsoever!
After my recent post above (and as I’m now allowed out of the house) I went and tried a neo-air and exped (not at the same time!) versus a wee airic and multimat adventure combo. I was really surprised in that I much prefered the feel of the combined thinner mats. So much so that I bought an adventure mat! The great news is that it weighs less than the advertised weight :-)
Now all I have to do is buy a torsolite (or similar) for a winter system that weighs about the same as a neo-air. Actually, now all I have to do is use my gear rather than talk about it…
Combining thin mats is a good idea, slows down heat loss I’d think. Some as my down bag combo.
I guess I prefer the fatter mats. (My Alpkit Fat Airic is just sheer luxury but I’d need a sherpa to backpack with it).
I have tried a thin foam mat under the 3/4 thermarest but it didn’t feel great cos of the step. I’m just getting soft.
Did you ever have a puncture with the Exped AirMat? I suppose some duct/spinnaker tape could patch it up if needed?
I’ve got a little bit of duct tape for repairs, and a Compeed plaster might fit the bill too!
More-On: Not sure of the R-value of the Uberlite but the Torsolite shows as 3.5 against 2.2 for the latest (lightest) Prolites. Both should be OK in winter over the foam mat if you do go down that route.
If weight is an issue the smallest Prolite (XS) is a little larger than the Torsolite & is quoted as 230gm, while Bob at BPL shows the Torsolite at 280gm (& interestingly enough Bozeman show it as 283-312gm). Mine weighs 285gm with a couple of small velcro strips glued on, without the bag & strap.
The Torsolite is cheaper than the Thermarest, both from BPL & gives you significantly more insulation but over a smaller area. The new version Themarest wasn’t available when I got the Torsolite but I still think I chose correctly.
thanks
ElShalimo, the only other fat mats (other than Argos…) that spring to mind are the Big Agnes ones, and they’re the same as some of the Pacifics. I’ve used and and been happy with several of those.
I’ve got a red one which I don’t think I ever wrote up. I shall have a rummage.
Im getting frustrated with my big hiking boots and was looking for somthing more lite and nimble, i like the look of the Haglofs Trail 2 Mids. Do you rekon they would be guid for hill walking/scrambling and with Kahtoolas in the winter for hill walks? Have seen a pair in my size on ebay but worried about the fit, i have slim heels and wide fore foot, whats the genaral Haglofs fit?
Rock On!
Cheers, Owen
My feet are much the same as yours. The Trail 2 Mids fit me okay, especially with the Sole insoles fitted as they take up some of the volume, most Haglofs footwear seeems to be quite high volume. They’re not the lightest, but the stiff sole and Gore Tex lining will see them well into winter and they’ll be great on scrambling routes.
I’ll need to get a lot more miles on the test pair I’ve got before I make up my mind, but I like the the way they’re going so far.
If you look for the name bobinson ijn the comments or blog list, that’s my mate Phil who’s been wearing the mids for a couple of months and should be able to give you some good info.
Oh aye, the Kahtoolas fit them fine, I checked!
Willem
The long zip will definitely be better on the hotter nights if you’re wanting to use the same bag as often as possible, but I’ve only felt that the short zip on my Minim 300 was too warm once this summer. The short zip is a good length for sitting up, cooking and such, and it does vent the bag ell.
My other two PHD bags have no zips and although it sounds restrictive, you get used to it very quickly.
It’s a hard one to answer though, I’m testing a full-length zip bag next trip, I might have some more to add soon!
On a bike you can indeed move fast, and thus cover highly varied climate zones.
I will let you know once I have the bag and the vest, and have some experience with them. The lightweight movement is only just beginning to gain some ground among cyclists, but I think the advantages are obvious, even if sometimes the choices will have to be different from those for walkers and climbers.
Willem
There are some extras to be carried in the way of tools and spares, and since cycling often keeps you closer to civilisation than backpacking, maybe even a nod to spare clothes and a bit of soap! ;O)
But even so, I’ve never needed more than a 40 litre set of rear panniers and a small daysack lashed on top of the rack – mostly for food on the go plus being somewhere to stash the tentpoles. With that set-up I’m covered for extended camping, side trips, and even moderate off-road routes.
Come to think of it, I’ve been reducing my gear weight and bulk even more since the last time I toured – it could be time for some smaller panniers! :)
But I do wish more tent manufacturers would pay attention to their packed pole lengths to allow for easy stowage in a pannier (Terra Nova, are you listening? ;O)
There’s nothing wrong with 4 panniers, saddlebag, bar bag and tent on the top – hence my online monicker ;-)
Anyway, you and Willem have got me thinking I really should use the tourer for something other than commuting. Thanks guys and Willem enjoy you phd kit – it really is something else.
(Well, it’s my do-everything bike, not really a traditional tourer.)
I’m looking forward to it. And it’s been an excuse to buy more shiny new kit :))
As I’m going to be in the Lakes a bit over the course of the next month I may just have to indulge in a Needle Sports/Climbers Shop/Outdoorwarehouse kit frenzy :-)
Bikes are a such a huge money pit, I was looking at handlebars that cost £114, and I really need them. Really.
The only new bike kit I have is a seat for my little ones. Now that is a very good thing :-)
Ange, where’s the place at?
Matt’s studded tyres :o)
More-On, a trailer for Holly is something I keep looking at.
My last trip was with my 11 year old son cycling from Achen to Luxemburg city last May. It was memorable.
Bikes can indeed cost a lot Pete (bikes are what I know about), but 114 pounds for a handlebar is ridiculous. The best bars in the world are made by Nitto in a small workshop in Tokyo, and none of their bars cost this much. So you probably refer to some carbon thing. Too many people got hurt already by carbon bars and forks, however.
If you really want to spend money get a bike with a Rohloff hub etc. They at least will work.
Willem
I can see alternative drive like Rohloff and shaft drive becoming more popular as time goes on, it makes sense to hide as much of the drive from dirt, the elements and damage as possible. It’s such a big change and so many manufacturers rely on standard chain drive for their component business that it’ll be a slow process.
I’ve crashed on carbon bars, and they delaminated on the inside. No visible damage on the outside, I’m glad I spotted when I was changing grips!
…..since splashing several times more on a steel-frame, front-suspension Thorn Raven Catalyst with a Rohloff Speedhub :))
It’s brilliant – one bike does everything for me, MTB, road rides, tours, and now commuting – I can’t see myself wanting to ride derailleur gears ever again!
A Rohloff/Thorn tourer is on my shopping list when the lump sum arrives (along with the PHD & Paramo stuff), then it’s off round the Hebrides. ‘Strewth, these trips are mounting up!
I must be getting soft, that cream coloured bike of mine feels like a couch on wheels :o)
Willem
Willem, once you’ve had carbon fail is difficult to trust it again. I have a seatpost sitting there unused since the bars broke.
I did not buy a PHD bag on price, and would not have minded paying for the extra down in the enlarged bag.
Any views?
Willem
PHD will put more down in your bag at a pretty reasonable price if you find it’s not warm enough for you. In your position, I’d try it out and get more down added if necessary.
What I suggest Willem, is to phone or email PHD and see what they say. If you’re worried, they’ll either answer your questions or make adjustments to put things the way you want them.
Keep us posted about how you get on.
Willem
Willem
For me this is part of a weight shedding process in my cycle camping. I have largely given up on front panniers. A front rack and empty panniers alone are 2-2.5 kg. So if you cansave enough volume and weight to do without the front panniers you get a 2-2.5 kg bonus. The task now is to shed enough to almost never need the front panniers anymore. The next target is to go down to where I only new front panniers on the back, or a bar bag and a large saddle bag on my audax bike.
I can learn a lot from ultralight mountainwalkers, but there are also very specific problems. Panniers themselves are heavy. Ortlieb have now introduced a budget ‘City’ line that is some 25% lighter (and cheaper), even if it still uses their heavy classic material. So I have challenged them to produce an eqaully simple bag, but in their lighter more expensive ‘Plus’ material. Who knows. As for clothing, I insist in wearing neon yellow tops for visibility (I have given up trying to get tops that conform to the EN standard for road workers wear), and that reduces the range of what you can get enormously. I have written to several manufacturers and by and large they cannot be bothered. I now have some shirts and a (heavy) sweater from the Brooks Nightlife range of running clothing, and they are fine (they lack reflective striping such as for road workers however). A few weeks ago I luckily found an Adidas Packlite shell with hood in neon yellow in a sale in a small Luxemburg village. I have stuck some reflective tape on it. I am slowly getting there, but the market is thin.
I am sure I will come back to you guys for advise. Please ask me if you want to know about cycling…
Willem
Montane do a whole range of hi-viz gear including bike wear.
I’m seeing them tomorrow, I’ll make a point of checkiong out the bike range.
Cheers Willem!
cheers,
Willem
I wonder why the cycle brands don’t make something along the lines you’re looking for?
Karrimor has a cycle jacket years ago which had reflective thread woven right through the fabric, so the whole jacket lit up under a cars headlights.
The technology must be there to make it possible to have a safe jacket that still looks really good?
Anyway, there ar ethree levels of safety striping, and the lowest may wll be easy to integrate into a nice design. On the other hand, conditions for cyclists really are quite similar to those demanding the highest standard for professional use.
As I said, in practical terms I have now come a pretty long way, and even more so with the good lights that I have (SON hub dynamo with Edelux headlight, a revelation). I even found neon yellow shoe laces….
Willem
Andrew
Reflective features have become more common and pfominent though, at least there’s some progress.
ACS, I’ve seen one and tried it on at the Haglofs hut, but never used one. I’ve got an Ascent 48 here, but a bit more straight winter climbing though?
I did see the ultralight Stephenson’s Warmlite 2R, but the lack of a proper vestibule for wet raingear or a smelly stove puts me off. So I wondered if anyone has experiences with the Helsport Ringstind 1 (or 2) Light. It is a kind of Akto on steroids (30 cm longer and 15 cm higher), but for the same weight.
All advice is much appreciated – I am entering a new world.
Wilem
I’ve used the standard Voyager (2.6kg!) and then the original Superlite Voyager (1.8kg) as solo tents for about 14 years, and found them excellent. Possible cons – inner first pitching, which doesn’t bother me at all. And the packed length of the poles (around 50 to 55cm iirc) which might be trouble to stash on a bike? I’ve carried mine lashed under the crossbar or in a small daypack strapped on top of my rack.
Thanks for the input, and did you see the new much higher TN Laserspace 2? I am not yet ready for it, but I think it is brilliant for that niche in the market.
Willem
Willem
I manage to get my tent poles into an old 20 litre daysac which is quite long and slim (a Karrimor Kimmlite 20, ptc* :), and sits on top of my rack with the base tucked right in against the seatpost, and the top zipped opening easy to access at the rear of the bike – handy for things I want easy access to without rummaging in the panniers, or for stuffing an extra pie into if I pass a nice bakery on route :))
I will be competing in the Mourne Mountain Marathon on the 19th September so the gear I mention here will be being used for this. I also hope to spend more time in the mountains after September (when I get back to England) and possibly take up fell running if I can survive.
I have been able to try on the OMM Kamleika Smock in a local store in Belfast but after doing my research I have seen that the Haglofs Oz Pullover is a big contender too.
After further research I have found that maybe the Kamleika (or “Kam-leaka”, as I think someone put it here) maybe not cut out for it all. Although… Up and Running.com claim to be getting the new OMM gear in for the first week in September.
Bearing in mind I would obviously not like to spend unnecessary money these are my questions.
1. Have some issues with 2008′s Kamleika been resolved in the new version and will 2009′s one be any better/worse.
2. As there are no stockists on the Haglofs Oz in Northern Ireland I have no way of telling whether or not it would fit/feel good, is it worth spending £160ish pounds on it?
3. Should I just Snatch up one of the 2008 Kamleika smocks now for a mere £65 (pete bland sports) and be happy with it?
Cheers the the info!!
Ricky
I saw some Montane bike gear today, and their new bike jacket has 4 metres of reflective detailing, but not the wide strips of the work jackets. I’ve got a shot of it, I’ll get it up soon.
2/ ACS, I’m not entirely sure about the back system, I’ll have closer look at it. In general, its a nice plain, robust pack, it has a similar harness to the LIM 45 and it’s very “Alpiniste”!
3/ Rocket
First, hello!
I’m not entirely sure if the Kamleika kit that’s coming into the shops shortly is the redesigned range with the new improved fabric, that may or may not be appearing until February next year. The new fabric is much better and is worth waiting for.
The Oz should be in Northern Ireland, I know that there’s a rep for there, my list shows “Great Outdoors” in Ballymena?
The Oz is brilliant if it fits you.
The 2008 Kamleika is fine, I wear one now and again. The issue is that the outer fabric soaks up water, it doesn’t get through, but it does hamper breathability and make the smock heavier.
It’s very comfy to wear, and has nice long arms and body. £65 is bloody good for what you get.
keep us posted on what you decide.
PTC
I’ve just spotted a guy I know from OutdoorsMagic who’s selling his Rand 38 (thread here)
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/dt/1/UTN/29479/last/1/V/8/SP/
I don’t know if the fact it’s for sale is of any interest, but I figured there’s someone out there who’s used one and might be able to answer your questions. Are you registered on OutdoorsMagic? You could send him a message that way (tell him I sent you if it helps :)
I’m not sure if he looks over here, I guess I could point him this way…
Shoes vs Boots:
I am considering a pair of Inov8 Roclite 315s (subject to whether the fit suits me) as these seem a good all-around choice for multi-activity and can hopefully replace my Raichle boots for most hill-walking. What are peoples’ thoughts on these and what else should I be considering for comparison?
Clothing choices:
Looking to get a pair of Montane Terra pants as these seem a good balance of price and functionality and also a pair of Atomic DT overtrousers and a Featherlite smock for keeping all but the worst of the elements at bay – as above, what are folks’ thoughts on these and what should I be considering for comparison?
Many thanks,
My feet fit some Inov8s though, but Salomon and Montrail are my favourite trail shoes, I like som LaSportiva models, but the fit’s not quite right for me.
There’s a lot out there, and fit is king.
That Montane kit is all good, I’ve had a Featherlite smock on almost every trip for months now.
Lots of folk love the Terra’s, great fabric and the thigh vents are genius. When I wear them these days I miss the stretch I’ve got in other pants, but how well they move is dependant on your body shape as well, so again down to fit.
Miontane have got a nice softshell pant due out in a couple of weeks, and my favourite pant purveyors elsewhere are Haglofs, Patagonia and Mammut.
But, I’m going to get the Terra’s out and give them a shot and see what I think after a few months gap.
But in summer on the hills it’s Terrapants – great garment :-)
If they fit you, of course…..
Tomorrow I try some Roclites and will look into the Mammut, Haglof and Patagonia offerings before ordering any legs.
Worth looking at a kaza by way of windshirts if you can find one. Ellis Bringham seem to selling a few off in their end of season sale like at the moment. Or maybe a different flavour of Montane windshirt :)
(Within reason, whatever fits best basically.).
The Laser 2009 just arrived in the post and I should get extra postie goodies tomorrow :( yum scrum I like early birthday presents, even if they are to myself hehe!
Have fun :o)
The escape nubuks are tempting for a bit more wind/shower resistance but I wonder if they’d hold too much water.
Any thoughts on the rambles? From their website (which seems to have decided its winter already!) they seem a bit like casual crossover shoes.
The Rambles are indeed a fine shoe for country parks and garden centres :o) Actually, I can’t remember the sole pattern, if it’s a good one, it would be a fine shoe.
I’m going to try the Crags with waterproof socks soon enough, there are probably Haglofs best shoe.
They’ve got a lot of nice mids in the range now as well.
Winter in the outdoor trade is about a week away, all the new season kit is ready to ship and some is trickling in to the stores. That means sale time as well!
After what has been literally hours and hours of reading/researching in the last few days I think I have came to decision between the OMM Kamleika Smock and the Haglofs Oz Pullover.
I emailed OMM about their September release asking if the fabric in their 2009 smock will be the same as before or has it been updated. They got back to me saying,
“The fabric is an improved type with four way stretch. The delivery in September will only be the black version but blue will be available for the start of spring summer 2010″.
I am not sure if this is the type of improvements you were expecting or not!? They also said it will be landing in the UK on the 9th Sept so hopefully I will get it in time for the marathon.
Only downside is the price will not be cheap and now I am just thinking will I just pay the extra for the Oz. Argh decision decisions.
I spend the whole day yesterday in an Kamleika smock on the bike with a pair on Haglofs Paze tights (they should be out soon), the weather was rubbish with rain on and off all day and I was very comfy in that outfit.
The long tail of the smock was brilliant as was the stretch.
Like you say, not an easy decision!
Martin Carpenter on OM is a small Haglofs body but has a medium LIM pullover: that choice was made partially based on arm length, though, whereas my arms aren’t much longer than average length, if at all.
Opinions?
Oh, and to the poster above on the Roclite 315s: provided you have medium-to-narrow feet and, aren’t carrying a big load, absolutely. Brilliant stuff, very grippy rubber, drain fast, great heel cup, tough uppers. If the fit is an issue then don’t give up on inov8 as some models are a bit wider including, weirdly enough, roclite 312s! 305s, though, look to be the same fit as 315s.
They must be coming back into the shops about now I think, maybe get a chance to try one on?
They might have stock in the UK, I’ve got some winter test kit in and they’re production versions, so there might well be piles of boxes waiting for the retailers to get their shit together.
The rambles look from the website to have the same sole as the motions (side on at least) but without any kind of toe/heel reinforcements.
I have a feeling I might end up ageing into a good fit in Haglofs medium :) For now the only people I can buy unsighted seem to be Norrona.
Just a touch mad at times them…. A casual hooded fleece with a zip so long you can zip the *entire* hood shut? Or this thing (seemingly aimed at very rich folk with a pocket fetish!) – http://products.norrona.com/webshop/tradepoint/b2c/ItemView.aspx?ID=4150-09%206640.
My power stretch style pullover from them really is *aggressively* orange. A little scary almost – getting on for day glo. The photo on their website doesn’t begin to do it justice. Oddly EB only stocked them in black!
The Haglofs footwear is good, all of it on thhe sturdy side. Quite high volume fit as well, but tunable with the Sole insoles. This wet weather will have me getting the Trail 2 Mids up shortly.
Actually one genuinely interesting thing they seem to have started doing is what seems to be a totally recycled waterproof membrane (with good looking stats.). Comforting to know it can be done.
I suppose that some of the UK stuff like Buffalo and Paramo must look awfully odd to the outside world :)
Talking of Buffalo, Montane said they’re sending me an Extreme Smock to test…
I want to buy my first proper ultraweight tent. Is the Laser Comp still the best choice or has it now been superseded?
The ‘comp is almost always my first choice for a trip unless I’m testing something else, it really is the best compromise between strength, space and weight there is.
I’ve tested a lot of tents and some come close, MSR’s Hubba HP, Big Agnes, Golite all have models that are close in weight, but lack something that keeps me turning back to the ‘comp.
Talking to Terra Nova as well, they say a couple of things that I say a lot about the ‘comp. You have to pitch it right to make it work, and it doesn’t need all the extra guylines and nonsense that folk are attaching to it.
Basically, if I could have only one tent it would be the ‘comp.
I’ve got the Laser Photon Elite coming in for test shortly which is lighter, but smaller inside. You can’t have it all!
Once the Photon arrives we’ll sort something out so I can compare notes with them all pitched together.
Three tents on one trip weighing in at 2.5kg? I like that.
Talking of weather windows. I have to climb Beinn Narnain in the next two weeks if anyone fancies it?
Kate, it is a bubble of joy :o)
It’s funny how the fly colour can affect your head in a tent. I found the very dark green that Wild Country use very depressing to sit under.
Big Agnes tents are so bright it’s like sitting in a greenhouse with frosted windows, very airy feeling.
Norrona – och, that is some weird product and no mistake. Gorgeous hoods, lovely colours and a fantastic fit, though the finishing isn’t quite arc’teryx and the build quality isn’t quite Haglofs. Some real oddities, like that crazy hoody fleece – I sold that to someone doing an ultramarathon across the Gobi desert once, as it’s really very lightweight, and we decided the zip-up hoody would be nice if a sandstorm struck the camp during the evening. The uses people find for kit…
Good call on the LIM Pullover, it’s such a great bit of kit. Keep us posted.
Speaking of which, we had some really weird crampons arrive in store a couple weeks back. Black, 10-pointers from Grivel, but unlike the standard ones they bend. I mean really bend, you can squish them in the same way you could a flexible trail shoe. Might be nice whacked on a mid or more flexible boot – not really sure. Odd stuff.
As well as the Velez Adventure Light there are some much lighter waterproof trousers (Velez) and a new jacket (the dubiously named Quito) that takes nearly 100g off the adventure light (to about 500g – taking it to an average shell weight. The jacket is relatively slim and otherwise the same sort of length as the AL. There is good venting with long pit zips a la Mountain Equipment Ultrafleece mountain jacket. It might be limited as a full-on mountain jacket as the only pockets are accessed internally, and the flap behind the front zip looks barely adequate.
Its good to see that they are making their waterproofs more all-rounders – enought to tempt me.
ACS, I rushed through the Grivel range and missed them all together, I’ll need to go and dig out the workbook and get all anoyed that I didn’t get a photie.
The down pants I’m getting are lighweight affairs, for runnin/biking in winter and boosting sleeping bag. Should be interesting.
rp610, When I met Paramo earlier in the year they seemed very aware of where they were in terms of public perception of their place in the market and were working towards lighter and sexier kit. Glad to see it’s happening.
I’ll need to give them a shout :o)
I’m in the market for a new jacket and the Atomic 2.0 and the Meteor look interesting. Are they any good etc. etc.
The x-bionic I’ll get a proper chance to try out later today, but gosh, it just feels gorgeous against the skin. I can see where the merino comparison comes from. Fantastic aesthetic too. The compression isn’t massively close on this one, actually: it’s compressed fairly closely across pectorals and uppper back, certainly enough for stability, but is fairly loose on the abdomen. Apparently this one is their “Mid” level compression: is the energizer or the trekking shirt a higher level?
Really top stuff. I’ll no doubt be getting some more in due course.
The Halo seems to have been their starting point for the new range, it is the best lot of waterproofs they’ve done I think.
ACS, alright!
It’s brilliant when stuff just clicks, makes everything so much easier.
The Trekking kit is low compression, a gentle rub more than a squeeze. Bobinson is the man in the know with the enegizer tops, I’ve got the bpoxers though and I can confirm that they are quite compress-y!
The LIM pullover is a marvel right enough :o)
My last few trips have all been very wet and my 10 year old ‘summer’ waterproof cannot cope any more. Shame really -it’s orange ;-)
The big question as I have no cash at present (Combi S in the PHD sale) and cannot stretch to a Halo/Latok Alpine/Morpheus etc. is whether an Atomic 2.0 would cope all year round if I don’t drag it over too many rocks. Any thoughts gratefully accepted!
Has anyone got experience or thoughts on the Aarn Marathon Magic rucksack 20L and the whole centered load approach?
Splitting the load is a great idea. I’ve used OMM pouches for years, and I’ve got a bigger aidlight one here to try on the next overnighter.
Worth a look.
Forever the outdoor encyclopedia.
I saw one at a shop in Lake District last week and my wallet started to twitch. I’m not one for impulse buying, I like to do a little research first.
I have the OMM Marathon 32L, so the pouch would fit OK.
I’ve just looked at the Raidlight website and they very good.
I look forward to find out how you get on and how it matches up to the OMM pouch.
I wear a Buff as Phil says, but again putting in the miles on a wet road would see you with water running down your neck. There must be proper kit out there somewhere?
Kiff, the Raidlight pouch is a lot bigger, so I think I’ll use if differently.
It fits fine on my OMM packs as well, it’s got a clever attachment system. I’ll get some stuff up on it soon enough. I’ve just got my “Trail Route” details in and West Highland Way race or not, I’ve mountains to climb and deadlines looming again!
I do indeed use a buff in cold weather, but it does not keep me dry in real rain. And no, my Goretex helmet cover does not fit my Giro XL helmet (I have a big head). The shape of the helmet is too elongated. Maybe there are other helmet covers.
Waht I can think of is to use one of these more or less disposable transparant plastic raincaps you see elderly women pull out of their handbags when it starts raining, or alternatively some waterproof skulcap. With the latter, water dripping into your neck seems a real issue.
I think I need to be properly prepared for this. Last time I was in Norway it rained almost non stop for three weeks. Part of our tour will be at altitudes of 1000-1400 meters, and you do not want to get soaked at those temperatures. It happened to us on a previous trip, in the Pennines, and that was no fun.
I will bring a waterproof jacket and trousers, Goretex spd cycling boots and waterproof cycling gloves, but I still need to find a solution for my head. The hood will be fine on the campsite, and when it gets cold I will have my buff underneath, but how do I keep my head dry while riding?
The other was the OMM Kamleika smock, it’s a stretch waterproof. Cut the peak off the hood and it should fit under a helmet. Maybe the old version can be had cheap as the new one is hitting the stores right now?
I should really be thinking about this stuff as well for the West Highland Way race in a few weeks. I can see that being very wet.
As for my earlier post about by PHD Minimus bag that was too light: I returned it and it tuns out I was not sent a wider size by mistake. So they will widen it, and probably add some extra down. I have now also ordered a synthetic combi bag with Dryshell from them (also cut wider) to keep me warm in Norway. I did not think the Minimus would be warm enough on its own camping in Norway at 1000 meters: even in summers the nights can be freezing cold there. The bad news is that all this cold weather stuff will make my load heavier on these steep bike trails.
But I like the idea of cyclists going around in old ladies rain caps ;-)
Good luck with the WHW race… Don’t burn your legs out before the race.
Willem, have you looked at ASSOS, they specialise in quality cycling gear. I used to do a lot of road racing at one time and their kit was the brand to have… Just a thought.
Weight versus comfort/performance is always a difficult balance.
I can see a retro-fashion resurgence here Kate.
I’m sure the forces have a head-cape thing. Knowing my Sunday morning thought processes it’s probably just WW2 naval gunners that wore them though?
Kiff, I meant that I’ve got to get out and backpack sooner than I planned, that’s no great hardship though :o)
I’ve got to do a route based from Eilean Donan castle (it’s a movie-themed issue, I picked Highlander!), so I think I might head down Glen Elchaig.
It’s now been too long since I was out with a tent, and I’m totally stoked for it!
Any guidance would be appreciated.
Ta
Andy
The Oryx they send me last year is made of a heavier weight Powerdry. It’s a nice bit of kit, but it has a full zip and a wee pocket, so not very minimal for racing.
There’s bound to be others out there though.
Just seen today, posted by someone ‘in the trade’ on OutdoorsMagic:
“Without going into too much specifics, it would be worth noting that OMM has actually recently changed hands. What this will do to the range (and possibly the quality) we don’t know, but as things might be in a state of fux for a bit…”
So, is there anything you can tell us about this, ptc*? Any inside knowledge, noises of reassurance etc…?
The thread in question is here http://tinyurl.com/y8wjmqk
Look on the bright side, this might mean more/longer back lengths…
What I will say though, is that the range as it is, and future development will continue. I know what’s on the drawing board, and I’ve been testing samples for months.
Also the evolutionary line started with the Whillans Alpinist isn’t at its end either.
So don’t worry folks.
The background is that I’m after big bloody winter insulator. And this looks like a good option. I’m a rough bastard with my kit and synthetic has better trash value, and the warmth looks about right (150g of Thermolite in the body, 100g in the arms and hood). So, assuming Thermolite has an insulative capacity similar to Primaloft, that’s 250 percent warmer in the body as my LIM Barrier Pullover, and 66 percent warmer in the arms (have I done my math right? And am I talking bollocks? I’m not the best technically on things warm). Plus, it’s Haglofs so I know t’will be good quality, good fit, good colour, yada yada yada. And I quite like windstopper, certainly for legwear and I can see the potential value in a belay jacket.
The only qualm is the pack size, I don’t want to be saddled with a monster. Any ideas how, roughly, this would compare with the pack size of my LIM Barrier? Or in relation to whatever big piece of fruit you can think of?
I pack the regular one regularly in the winter in a packs from 20L to 35L, but I’m not carrying a rack or ropes these days.
Small pumpkin maybe, turnip sized?
I actually wish I’d asked for one to test this winter. Ach.
I’m 6′ 4″, slim build and looking for a vest, synthetic rather than down, but willing to consider both. My difficulty is finding a vest long enough given my height. Does anyone have centre back length measurements (size medium) for the Haglofs Barrier vest, Marmot Cauldron vest, Rab Generator vest, or anything similar?
I understand the Haglofs is quite a good, slim fit but I’m concerned about the length (or lack of!).
I’ll measure my Barrier vest tomorrow (it’s in the car and it’s raining…). I know from memory that the Rab one is a little longer, but marmot no idea.
More later!
I see in other postings you’re a fan of the LIM Barrier Pullover – if it’s not too much trouble (last request, promise) I’d be hugely grateful if you could take front/back length measurements of this also? I’ve got emails out with Haglofs and various other companies but not sure how soon they’ll reply.
Thanks!
I use a large Rab Generator Vest. It is 74cm long in the centre of the back plus 8cm collar. However, I have just noticed it is a bit of a droptail shape. I use a large size of this product even though everything else I have got is medium because I find it useful just to wear it on top of any of my other things for lunch stops, etc. The stretchy openings fit quite snugly even if you are only wearing a base layer and stop it getting draughty even though the garment looks a bit floppy on me when worn over just a base layer. In the winter I use it to boost up my PHD Minimus jacket for camping because it is not quite warm enough for that time of year.
PTC, talking about sizes, I think Montrail’s international shoe size chart is wrong. I just bought some Continental Divide GTX’s that were on cheap. They are labelled as I ordered at UK9.5. However the label says Mens US10.5; EUR44.5; UK9.5.
According to my investigation, the other two sizes equate to UK10. The shoe also feels like a UK10. This problem stems from Montane’s sizing interpretation that UK is one full size smaller than US men’s. It is my understanding that the difference is a half size. Am I right or wrong ??
Cheers
However, European 44.5 would not normally be UK 9.5. I’m an EU 44 and always UK 9.5. 44.5 = UK 10 normally.
Montrail sizing is slightly off the normal aye, US10=UK9=EU44.
I always go by the US size, because the test kit comes from France and dealing with European footwear distribution has taught me to stick with that as it’s the biggest print on the box!
Anyway seeing as I wore them outside and they are not quite clowns feet I will stick with them and see what happens.
Regards
Measurements coming tomorrow! I’ve been in my bed for two days…
Barrier Pullover, size large, back collar seam to hem: 29 1/2″/ 750mm
Barrier Vest, size large, back collar to hem: 28 3/4″/730mm
Catching up…
Alright!
I am just posting an ‘orange’ alert for you in that RAB on their website now seem to have introduced a Vapour-rise Trail Jacket in orange. I thought you might be interested. Unfortunately, it does not seem to have any skulls on it.
Speaking of the La Sportiva boots you are about to try out, you viewers might be interested in some wimins Trango Extreme Evo boots on theoutdoorshop.com that they are trying to sell at £150. They look to be worth a try for cold weather stuff and I tried to get my girlfriend interested but apparently she would prefer a small sculpture for crimbo.
Hey ho, I don’t understand some peoples priorities…
I suppose it depends on what kind of sculpture it is that’s trumping the outdoor gear? I have a nice wee Heironymous Bosch figure (it’s the tree-man from the Garden of Earthly Delights triptych’s “Hell” panel) that does beat synthetic underwear in desirability and scariness, but that’s about the limit!
I don’t recall you testing a VR trail jacket previously although I am fairly sure you must have had a close look at the smock at some point. IMHO, it is one of the few items I use for walking that I would replace with minimal consideration of current alternatives.
It is not perfect. The waist elastic on mine bust within a year where it is attached in the hem of the jacket near the zip. But the elastic is still useable a further year later after tying a couple of basic knots in it. Also, like most garments that people reckon you can get an OS map into the ‘cavernous’ front pocket of, when you actually try with say a real world Ortlieb map case on, it just to say doesn’t fit. Also, this garment is for walking, not leisure time as it is basically to be worn over a base layer or directly on the skin unless you want risk ripping out the inner fleece or alternatively buying an oversize jacket. But all of these minor niggles aside, the jacket is a great compromise between weight, windproofness and warmth. Also, on my neck the collar with the hood stowed is the best neck gaiter / scarf I could ever hope to come across. Brilliant.
BTW, the sculpture Deborah has chosen is a leopard watching over it’s young whilst they drink out of a puddle. This is because she loves cats. Maybe not my cup of tea, but still slightly preferable to Hilda and Stan Ogden’s flying duck wall ornaments. To be honest, the only sculpture I currently own is my Aku Croda in Anthracite with orange laces. They are my idea of art. The boot equivalent of a Ferrari F430 (n.b. obviously these boots still have compromises like every other reasonable lightweight product).
Sorry I am a bit talkative, but I am in a good mood as I have just been down the local town hall for a few drinks watching a folk band. And to cap things off, I have just checked the forecast and it looks alright for the weekend for a bit of car camping across the Lakes with Deborah and our little dog.
Best wishes everyone.
It’s good that there’s so much variation available these days. It used to be wooly jumpers and coated nylon jackets not so long agao, we’ve never had it so good!
I’ve seen the Croda’s, nice bit of kit. I quite like Aku, they do their own thing regardless.
Talkative is good, and live music puts me in a similar frame of mind. Getting out to a couple of gigs recently after a the big gap since Holy was born was just fantastic.
There’s a huge gulf between musician and celebrity and good to know we’ve still got musicians plying their trade and the world’s not gone completely X-Factor!
I have an Exped sim light which isn’t going to cut it – neither I suspect would the Fat Aric but I’m not going to even think about carrying that more than 10yards from the truck!
Have considered the Exped syn and downmat’s especially the 7 short, to save weight and money… but it still seems awfy lots of money.
I was fine camped in snow at 1000m+, but I do think it’s on the limit and it does bleed heat when it’s out of contact with your body which can be noticable, but it hasn’t woken me up yet.
I’m going to try other mats again on the next trips and I’ll update as I go. The warmest is probably the Big Agnes Two-Track. More soon!
The two-track looks slightly heavier (depending on who’s figures you believe!) but quite a bit cheaper.
Hmm. Maybe I should get another duomat and layer up, as it were.
I’ll be looking at your mat reports carefully!
We had ours out on Saturday night, not on snow but the overnight temp dipped to -4 according to the thermometer in the side pocket of the tent inner… we were toasty.
The packed size is very reasonable and the weight is a ‘mere’ 630g now that it doesn’t need the extra pumpsac.
That makes me think as well…
Qualifies for free carriage too. Ooops. :)
Short mats are great but once you’re over the 6ft mark, as I am, there’s a bit too much hanging off the end for comfort. Bearable in the warmer months but in winter, not so much.
What’s annoying me just now is that the mat is now the biggest thing in my pack if I’m using an insulated one.
Two Neoairs? Hmm, my nose would be on the ceiling. More thinking.
I wear shell pants so rarely these days that I’d go for light and cheap as long as the fit is good, especially with leg-left. No bare calves when stepping up thanks!
See if this comes out okay!…
Rvalue degrees weight
Downmat 7s 5.9 -24 630g
9 8 -38 980g
(course the weight is the new integral pump)
Depends if the weight saving and shortyness is worth yet another mat? I haven’t got a winter capable mat so it didn’t need much thinking about.
Think it’s going to chop up this url…
http://www.climbers-shop.com/book.aspx?pageStart=18&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=xmas
http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage.nsf/b43popup5/E9747A9C9CD626BCC1256F2B00296698?Opendocument
Hurrah.
It’s been so wet recently that I’ve had shell pants on three times I think, so I still need them, I can just get away with not wearing them more.
What’s the pack size of these Downmats (real, not website), will I be upset with one?
Even the full length versions are pretty compact really, certainly comparable with what self-inflaters achieve.
I thought you had a Synmat anyway?
I’ll take it out next time and report back.
It occurs to me that the big tubular-style mays might allow just a little bit of fill-loft under your body inbetween the tubes. I wonder?
I’m away to dig out the Synmat and see how small and I can pack it. And to remind myself if it’s stitch-through style or not…
Have you noticed the latest fashion for DIY icebugs or screwshoes?
http://ulsterwalker.blogspot.com/
http://badbenkc.blogspot.com/2010/01/screwin-shoes.html
The trouble is the rigidity of the DIY versions. Studded soles often have the spikes set in flexible cups or sleeves so they don’t tear out when you get onto grippy rock, and it stops the sole splitting after repeated flexing too.
But, the chances are you’ll be fine for as long as the conditions last so it’s a bloody good idead I think :o)
Also , have you come across these ptc – http://hillsound.com/02product/trampon.php
They look like microspikes showing off,the pro version getting on for kts ? No findy in the UK tho .
Liking the looks of those Hillsounds, some bits are better than kKhtoolas, some worse.
I shall away and email them!
Is anyone else affected – I often find that this page won’t load to the latest comments for me? It seems to hang after a comment by Daz from back in April 08 and never carry on to load the latest stuff. This is one of the rare instances when it has.
It might just be me :(
But if it isn’t, would there be any merit in archiving the earlier material to another page and slimming this one down a bit for ongoing discussion – a kind of ‘lightweight’ approach’? ;O)
I’m in two minds whether to archive this or wait until the new formatting is ready and deal with it then. I dunno, there is a lot of good stuff up there that folk have posted that I have to keep accessible.
I’ll sort it somehow and soon!
And the stuff definitely wants to remain accessible.
I didn’t expect to have this much stuff, it’s like the attic you dare not go into in case you knock over a box :o)
Thanks for the heads-up!
But it’s mostly an unknown for me.
It seems wll made and warm enough for the weight, although I don’t think it is as ‘puffy’ as a PhD Minum so we’ll have to wait and see (or wait and shiver).
Some of the reviews on Patagonia’s website (the US one) can be quite helpful.
Their UK trade showroom is next to TNF and Haglofs in Staveley, I should have chapped the door!
Also, there’s a huge new shop in Ambleside called The Epicentre that jammed full of Patagonia kit.
Saw this an thought of you.http://www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk/2010/01/28/jono-gets-out-there-whatever-the-weather/
Would like to hear from people who use the Terra Nova Laser tents. I’m looking for a one man tent at about that magic kilo weight or under and the laser had my eye. It’s listed on Terra Nova’s website though as a 3 season tent. I saw you had it out recently PTC, would you recommend it for the odd winter camp? Can it take the beating of a Scottish winter?
I’ve used the Lasercomnp and now the Laser Photon Elite in winter and the design does have it’s limits in the worst of weather. Often though it’ll come down to how much fltsheet rattling you are happy to put up with!
Interesting about the Helium Superlite 100, I’ve got that and two other F10 tents coming in for test, so I’ll have some comparisons soon.
This is archived now, and I’ll set up something new for banter.
Bless you all for making this the longest page on here!