Haglöfs LIM35 competition, win a rucksack
I was at the Haglöfs shed of joy yesterday seeing the 2011 kit, which I’ll have live in a day or two. Or next week if the weather’s good in Kintail… We have new shirts, new fabrics, new colours, and my own personal favourite, softshell hotpants for the girls. I’m not joking either, 70′s style integral belt and everything.
However, for the moment I have something else to do, and that’s to give away the LIM35 pack below, courtesy of Haglöfs UK.
Did I say give? There is a question first, and this is a good one. We all hear “Why did they discontinue…”, “Why don’t they make…, “Wummins gear is…”, so my question is:
What do you want Haglöfs to make for you?
Now, they might not make whatever you suggest, but they will know all about it, because I’m not judging it, they are. So “an orange and purple fleece” isn’t going to win.
So, softshell socks, Gore-Tex head bucket, fleece nose hoppers, bring back the Triton, whatever you like, funny, weird or serious.
Stick your suggestions in the comments box below.
I’m kinda pleased with this compo, it’s a great prize because I’ve done hundreds of miles with the LIM45 (stick it into the search box on here to see!) and I know how good it is. The LIM35 is just the right size for lightweight backpackers, so there is much joy to be had.
And for a bit of fun, while they weren’t looking I stuck that nice banner inside the pack, so winner is going to get that as well.
T’s & C’S; sign in, write something, maybe win a thing. Haglöfs don’t get your details and I won’t try to sell you central heating later on.
eVent waterproof socks (or Goretex).
Enlarge the (ultra) lightweight LIM Series, I’d like to see a windshirt from Haglöfs as well.
Finally, I’d like to see forays into using natural fibers like bamboo & merino. I do encourage cooperation in that area with other Swedish companies (Woolpower, for example).
Think that would do it for me but if I think about it I could come up with some more. If you want get them to give me a call ;)
Hmmm i think i have just described a Haglofs Oz pullover tent crossover.
you could also use this as a wee head cover/pillow(place coat over tripod) whilst bivying so feeling less claustropbobic.two rucksacks spaced evenly could even make a weeny tarp tent!
balls.
What I would like is a product that when I see it I think – great idea, why didn’t someone else think of that?! So, not just another sleeping bag or rucksack or (really expensive) anorak (sorry shell). Of course that is the challenge – finding the right product.
How about:
- arm buffs, like the arm warmers that road cyclists wear. Stretch material – like skins or maybe merino- adding versatility to a t shirt….
- breathable space blanket material – light, tiny but able to add a lot of warmth without sweating. Think about that as a middle layer in a sleeping bag or a hat, reflecting warmth back
- a “modernised” lighter, less bulky pile and pertex / buffalo style top. lighter, with more venting options / removable sleeves etc, so that a single top could do you for lots of conditions. The idea is ripe for revisiting and improving. Surely something like pertex with a merino inner, plus venting options would offer a lot
- softshell gaiters – like the old berghaus yeti ones, but stretchy softshell, to really grip over the top of shoes.
…..this is hard work!
So hard to find this in the UK – there must be at least a few of us wanting to try it out!
Matt
(Also, not a product but I’d love to see on the Haglofs website more photos and detailed sizing information specific to products. It’s next to impossible to find Haglofs kit on the high street where I am, so the more photos and sizing information provided online the more likely it’d be to convince me it’s worth taking a punt.)
Now will this win me the bag ;-)…………….
That’s what Haglöfs should make me
Personally can you make some new hats for people with really big heads. I’m like the elephant man over here.
A line of vapour rise type jackets smocks and troos. Vapour rise is terrific but there’s no harm in competition and an alternative that doesn’t look like an outsized, all-in-one, romper suit (preferably pants and jackets that look like seperates).
This may be technically infeasible but how about lightweight boots with removable linings? Linings that can be replaced when they pack in without having to buy the whole boot over again. Linings that can be left at home when it’s hot and dry. Linings are now determining boot life and the range of conditions in which they are comfortable. There needs to be more flexibilty and opportunity for repair. I know this sounds like unlined boots and socks with membranes but I figure its better to have more room inside the membrane than socks allow and socks get damaged too quickly.
The LIM45 and the Matrix 50 are both great packs, but not perfect.
The LIMATRIX 45 would have the best elements of both and more.
- 45- 50 litres (depending on back size)
- 2 or 3 fixed back lengths. No velcro length adjustment (to save a little weight)
- interchangable hip belts in three sizes (a la Granite Gear), so the beamier or skinnier gentleman doesn’t have to put up with hipbelts designed for the ‘average’ Swedish packpacker
- A version for the ladies
- conventional lid (with lid pocket) secured by a single strap. A twist on the existing Matrix
- side and hipbelt pockets from the LIM and a smaller version of the LIM’s front stretch
- combination of matrix and LIM fabrics
- ‘Put on and forget’ carry for loads up to 15kg
- As near 1kg as possible (1.4kg max), but NO sacrifice of carry to save a couple of hundred grams. It is a proper, light backpackers pack, not an entrant in the ‘who owns the lightest pack’competition for gram counting bores.
- Stealth black
I’d buy one!
Maybe Haglofs could look into this kind of membrane-free, ‘true soft-shell’ concept. I for one would like to see a pair of soft-shell pants, built-in braces, mini snow-gaiters, crampon/ski patches, long thigh vents in Haglofs grey colour with green zips. Sweet!
Matching top? Same membrane-free, wicking, weather resistant material, smock configuration, side vents, awesome, wired, storm-proof hood and in the same colours.
How about hooded base-layers too? Merino and Power Dry please. These things are so rare and yet so practical (it’s hard to lose a hood and it creates a nice warm seal around your neck and noggin!).
For summer? The Intense shorts are ok but the mesh ‘brief’ liner could do with some tweaks. A longer ‘compression short’ style liner would reduce thigh rub and a softer material would be welcome.
Thanks for listening to us Haglofs!
I spend most of my time running both on the road and trails and the Intense shorts are just about perfect and with one simple addition these could be the best running shorts ever and fill a gap in the market that will make runners very happy. What I would like to see added is elasticised loops to the outside of the waist band for carrying energy gels. No running shorts I can find have this and I’ve even take to getting elasticised loops sewn on to shorts before marathons as in races where water/energy drinks are provided I know that I only need to carry 6 energy gels.
SIS and other energy gel providers do their own ‘gel belts’ for carrying gels, but these are about as useful as a chocolate fire guard as when you run they ride up over your shorts and provide severe chafing ! I’ve experimented with pinning the belts to the shorts for races, this caused the problem of rubbing from the safety pins and also after the race I forgot I had done this, took the gel belt off and ripped my shorts on the pins.
So the addition of three wee elasticised loops either side of the back pocket would make these perfect!
Please start researching, designing and manufacturing light weight inflatable camping mattresses. Thermarest currently dominate this market, but I would like to see more competition, especially at the high end of their product line. This should hopefully drive greater innovation.
Everyone and their dog is doing bags, shells and sleeping bags. Its these more niche products which I would like to see more work carried out on. My mattress is almost as important as my sleeping bag for a good night.
More colours.
Mountain bike gear – eg.jkt. windproof front – thin breathable back,removable sleeves and pockets on sides for gels/snacks/camera-so you can use hydration pack too without
trouble.
Other than that a nice bright coloured zip-necked short sleeve base layer and some zip off trousers that zip of to a nice length and have some decent sized pockets for maps!
Slippery slope – re-enter the first half of your rucksack idea!
Don’t even get me started on bamboo …….
Soft shells, particularly those with a membrane don’t seem to breath well in damp UK conditions. Synthetic insulation can handle getting wet but gets very sweaty when you’re hacking up a winter gully. Maybe there’s a market here waiting to be addressed?
Cf above, trouser leg length options for tall/thin seem very good actually – you can get long leg and small waist in combination. I was playing with a few in the Lakes this Spring (where they’re anything but rare!) and the style dependent knee stretch panels do also seem to help an awful lot with leg lift.
The bigger problem seems to be persuading the shops that there are any tall people in the country :) So we only get short/normal lengths to try. Oh well….
(2) A Kaza/Shield-type pullover with a simple hood, less than 200g – would be the ultimate windshirt
(3) I’m very attached to my LIM 45, and hesitate to suggest changes to near perfection… But the fixed back lengths idea would be good for function and weight, and would Dynema be better for longevity without compromising weight? Proper ice axe loops and fastenings would be a good feature too. But no changes to the harness, pockets and roll-top please – pure genius!
Amongst other problems it’d probably be horribly hard to sell of course.
The snuggie(tm) blanket with sleeves has clearly cornered the international market for quasi-religious lounge wear. Perhaps Haglofs could re-imagine this classic cult robe concept with a stylish down filled hooded blanket/dressing gown combo with high wicking thermal slippers, for those cold winter mornings? They use them for camping in the commercial! =]
Weight needs to be low and needs to be able to cope with the damp. Make it a decent length, insulating layers need to be long enough to cover my backside, I’m fed up with the ones that ride up and let the cold air round my kidneys.
Let me explain, last summer – reasons left out – I once ended up sleeping in my Haglöfs Tight L, legs tucked in keeping my lower parts warm, my wool polo sweater on my upper body and to keep the elements away, my late Haglöfs Helium jacket on top. Needless to say this was a success!
As the rumor spread I continued evolving the idea along with my scout companions. At that time I was using a Haglöfs Shosho 70, we did some small experiments and came up with the following.
A rucksack with extra long drawcord/roll top which can be pulled out, making the pack as long as the person. Additionally the liner would be somewhat lined for warmth. You now have a backpack/sleeping bag.
Smart huh? Well, not smart enough according to the researchers. Next step, weather proof fabrics and ropes attached to both ends, making it able to hang the bag hammock style. Finish off with the shell jacket over your face and voilà. Pack, sleeping bag and bivi in one.
Hand over the LIM – currently using a Exos which I don’t really get along with… :)
Down to earth. A leanweight bag, about 50l +, weight under 1,3 kg. Perfect carrying ability, smart features and durability (where it’s needed). I like the lightweight philosophy, but I have to be able to thrust my pack. During my time in the military I really appreciated bombproof kit and the same goes for climbing trips. As I mentioned I’m also an active scout and then you really never know what’s going to happen, you will probably need some extra space for a spare fleece if someone’s cold, ability to strap on an extra tent etc… Make this lightweight yet durable pack, give me a good reason to come back to Haglöfs, please.
Finally, work on maintaining and further improve overall quality, that’s what makes you different.
Daniel, Finland
But with knobs on :)
Gary
I see a few of us agree on this so Haglofs pease please make it. I promise to buy at least one in each colour :-)
Also, I really wish they had a lighter pair of trail shorts. Some like track runners wear. You know, they allow a nice breeze, and they’re short, and their light enough where one feels like they can do anything in them from swimming to cycling to running. Something that encourages energy and doesn’t hinder potential for activity.
Anyway I’m sure i’ve mentioned it before (about 40 million times) but i’d like more colour variations in the trousers. Black, stone, beige are fine but rather dull! What I want is softshell (or girls rugged mountain pants) in short length (28″ leg) in the following colours: electric blue, strawberry red and kelly green! Do it Halgofs, do it!
http://www.mallatts.com/image/Products/11592/photo
And short leg length in 29″ please, not 28, all girly trews to come in short leg length and all UK Haglofs retailers to stock all the short leg lengths :-)
2. Softshell gaiters- something like the ME Scree gaiter.
3. (as someone else mentioned before) lightweight waterproof trousers to match the ozo/oz.
4. tarp in budgie green would look amazing!
5. More eco products- its interesting to see more manufactors develop these ranges
6. Haglofs website can sometimes be a little confusing, ie there are some great products under intense/climatic, but if you didnt know what this meant you could miss out. Why not have climatic/intense subsections of trousers/tops etc?
(Its interesting to see a lot of peoples ideas are very similiar though)
Also I’d like a pack to fit my back length and to fit my waist. I’m quite wee (5’3″) and have a pretty tiny girth (for want of a better word). YES!! A womens specific pack range!!? Of course this Lim will fit me, won’t it ?! Say aye! :o)
Also very important. A breathable bra top. In White.
I’ll be back with more suggestions later. Maybe!
Even here in south Manchester they were sort of rare a little bit back. Now though I’ve got a decent range in walking distance in Snow & Rock, a similar amount across EB/Cotswolds in town, Outside off in the peak, one of the shops in Settle, some nice independents and then of course the Lake district where this spring it seemed every other shop had rugged mountains in….
There seems to be some really weird economics relating to outdoors shops where the more you put into an area, the more you get opening. Or something daft!
(it doesn’t make any sense at all to me.).
Have to have pity on the shops cf the whole range thing :) All the big manufacturers have such BIG ranges now, can you imagine how big such a shop would have to be?!
2/ Sign a deal with Paramo to use their (waterproof) analogy materials. If only to stop people whinging about Paramo fit and sizing.
is…
soft shell mens KILT!
not long,
not short,
press stud conversion for town
bonded on outer thigh pocket
simple smooth waist band that’s good under a hipbelt.
possible velcro fastening
why because my misery of chaffing was only solved by cutting up some running shorts.
The only option I seem to find for strapping something to the hip fin on google though are military style molle pouches. Something along those lines would be good, as would pouches that could be fitted to vertical straps.
I’m sure there must be one or two products out there already.
I agree with the Ange & Kate, we need strong coulours none of this pastel kack that most other retailers give us. Not so sure if long troos should come in bright colours but crops and shorts are a must – give me budgie green lizard crop troos or bright red ta muchly
I’m fairly easy to please from a wummins perspective but the biggest difficulty I find is in the sizing and the fact the there doesn’t always seem to be wummins equivalent though Haglofs are much better than most manufacturers.
I would love a fully specc’ed down bag, 3 season upgradable to 4, suitable for the taller (6’4″) and wider bodied user…
Oh and some of those mittens on strings that go through jacket arms, as I am always loosing mine ;0)
Also, not in black, it’s just too sombre. I’d like to see either natural colours or some good colour options like budgie green, orange, purple or even super bright yellow!!
Being a tall person, please, bring in all the pants in different inseam lenghts, incl. shells and for example Granite pants. And in all colors (just found out Mid Flex pants for example does only come in Black/Grey for long inseam, got plenty of dark clothes already :))
As for new products:
1) Lightweight hiking boots (in the range of 500-700g), preferably with eVent (or GTX).
2) Down booties with soles (to walk around in the campsite, so do not need to be too thick. Fabric should be able to take some wear.
3) Alpine gaiters in eVent (or GTX) with venting possibility.
4) Lightweight softshell jacket (no membranes of any sort, so true softshell) with ventilation and removable arms (zippered)
5) Bring back the LIM PS III powerstretch fleece! :)
Those would solve pretty much all of my current gear problems :)
Suppose the Weasel isn’t far off. Fascinating idea that, and certainly nice and colourful :)
http://moderate.shop-pro.jp/?pid=16449909
rather than the standard
http://www.planetfear.com/item/Brand_haglofs-treble-hood_0_0_27426_1.html
especially significant when you can’t actually find the garments to physically try on 85% of the time.
For example if a softshell trousers come in black but the fabric is used in a jacket and available in orange, then you could select that colour and certain size parameters (loger leg length) and features (extra pockets) etc. It would require links with their suppliers (in China?) but with modern techology should not be too difficult.
The biggest problem would be lead time and transport/delivery. Presumably they would have to be flown which could be expensive.
A nice exo-wired hood, peak, slim sleeves, diamond armpits, and slim cut with decent shoulders for climbers. No pit zips because I find they chafe and get caught on under layers of fabric.
A pocket on the top of the sleeve for passes/mobile/mp3 player/snack, and perhaps a kangaroo pocket that can take a map.
Cut for ladies please!
In pillar box red, lizard green or black. Neutral colours, and safe BRIGHT colours for white-outs. Fabric – hmm eVent, or would be willing to try a homemade waterproof – but it has to be breathable so we can do away with pit zips.
Ta, Mel
Could also do the same design on a lightweight windproof. I’ve ‘made/converted’ my own and it’s perfect for mountain biking.
I want Haglöfs to make me a hooded baselayer with removable sleeves. The sleeves would have thumb loops that are reinforced to prevent fraying. Whatever method is used to remove the sleeves, it would not interfere with pack straps. This would also make a great fashion item, hoody singlets… Merino wool in a 150 or 200 weight weave would be best but barring that I’ll settle for dryskin.
I appreciate the best, but I’m settling for less, I’m looking for the next best thing.