MAGAZINE’S
AUTUMN/WINTER
R WEATHER W ATGER A E FORECAST
WHEN THE WEATHER TURNS FOUL, MAKE SURE YOU’RE EQUIPPED WITH 24 PAGES OF THE WARMEST, DRIEST AND COOLEST KIT AROUND
from raging storms in the mountains to the stillness of the whitened forests, we welcome all that nature brings us. Never to conquer it, but to enjoy and appreciate. Designed for a lifetime in the great outdoors, our bestselling Vidda Pro Trousers are made from hardwearing g-1000 fabric that offers effective protection from the elements.
Easy to adapt to different conditions with Greenland Wax, our durable and functional trousers promise to perform wherever your adventure takes you. Forever Nature.
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GEAR SPECIAL
WELCOME! WHEN THE FORECAST IS GRIM AND GREY, DON’T HIDE FROM THE WEATHER – GET GEARED UP AND GET OUT THERE! o if someone very important and powerful came to you and said: OK, you can have any season, forever – what would you say? A lot of people would say summer. That’s sort of understandable. But I think I’d crave the cool mornings and colour of Autumn. And the starry nights, sharp air and woodsmoke breeze of winter. And the burst of new life that comes with spring. So in truth, for me it would be pretty hard to pick. So thank goodness I don’t have to! We live in a genuine four-season climate here in Britain, and sometimes we forget how lucky we are to have a lovely variation of conditions and scenery across the year. Of course, this does necessitate the need for a bit more kit to make sure you’re dry, toasty and upright through the wilder seasons of the year. But if you’re partial to a crisp new jacket and a well-organised gear cupboard, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing either. So here’s a little treat for all the gearheads out there who love a bit of testing weather: 24 pages of the latest gear and a few tried and tested favourites to reach for when the weather forecast becomes... well, nice and varied. As the old saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather – only innapropriate clothing. So prepare to get really, really appropriate.
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Simon Ingram, editor
CONTENT S 04 Gear for... Wind & Rain 08 Sunshine & Showers 12 Cold & Clear 16 Snow & Ice 21 Team Trail’s Used & Abused 24 How to predict the weather
TRAIL AUTUMN GEAR FORECAST 2017 3
RAIN & WIND WE ALL HOPE FOR CRISP, CLEAR DAYS – BUT WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT, IT WOULD BE A MIRACLE IF THE HILLS DIDN’T SEE AT LEAST A FEW WILD AND WET DAYS THIS AUTUMN. LOAD UP ON THIS KIT AND YOU WON’T CARE... A
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WATERPROOF JACKET
Eco Shell is Fjallraven’s hardshell waterproof and breathable fabric, made from recycled polyester to meet strict sustainability standards. The result is a soft, comfortable technical jacket that keeps off the rain and is also pretty kind to the planet. Pictured FJALLRAVEN Keb Eco Shell Jacket £425
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MOUNTAIN SHELTER
Packing a shelter is a very smart move in autumn and winter. Creating a microclimate out of the wind and rain that is instantly warm and psychologically heartening, the Mountain Pod is available in a range of sizes for 2-8 people (they do come up rather snug though, so be wary) and features a chimney that can be propped up with a walking pole. Pictured TREKMATES Mountain Pod £35
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MERINO T-SHIRT
A new range of lovely merino wool baselayers, the MerinoLux T-shirt is odour-resistant, made from sustainable fabrics, is rated for SPF 50+, and offers warmth even when wet, which makes merino such a good choice for autumn. Plus, if the weather turns for the better, you can strip down to this and make like it’s summer. Pictured ROYAL ROBBINS MerinoLux T-Shirt £50
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DRY BAGS
Absolutely essential to any hill trip, at any time of year, is at least one waterproof bag to keep your essentials in. These vary in size from the huge (big enough to line a rucksack) to the tiny (to house your car keys and phone) so buy a range, fill them with anything you need to keep dry, and rest assured that whatever the rain throws at you, you won’t get any nasty damp surprises. Pictured OVERBOARD Dry Bags £4.99-£59.99
4 TRAIL AUTUMN GEAR FORECAST 2017
GEAR FORECAST
“HEAVY RAIN WILL PERSIST FOR MUCH OF NORTHERN BRITAIN, WITH A COOL AND WINDY DAY PREDICTED FOR MANY...” G
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WATERPROOF SMOCK
Designed by British company Paramo, this is a well-proven jacket designed specifically for unpredictable British conditions. Warm, windproof and waterproof using Paramo’s unique directional ‘Analogy’ fabric, this is a jacket that is comfortable in any conditions except extreme heat – and is warm enough to do away with a mid-layer beneath. Pictured PARAMO Velez Adventure Smock £245
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OVERGLOVES
An excellent idea for really foul conditions, these Gore-Tex mitts go over your regular gloves – or your hands – to keep off the wind and the rain. Extremely lightweight at 78g a pair, these are great additions to any emergency kit bag. Pictured EXTREMITIES Tuff Bags GTX £55
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DRESSING FOR… WET WEATHER Rain is a perennial nemesis – and in autumn’s unpredictable temperatures, potentially a very troublesome one. You need to take as many steps as you can to stay dry if you’re intending to stay out late, or camp – as wet clothing in the plunging overnight temperatures of this time of year is far from desirable. Choose warm clothing insulated with synthetic materials or waterproof down, so if it does get wet it won’t turn to useless mush. Wool baselayers
retain warmth when wet, and a reliable waterproof shell that is breathable will prevent sweat making you just as wet as rain. Windchill can also be a dayruiner, so pack more warm clothing than you think you need. Finally, ensure you clean your kit with decent cleaner and proofer such as those from Storm, Grangers and Nikwax – your gear isn’t invincible, it needs cleaning just like everything else. Because if it’s not clean, it won’t work.
ULTIMATE RAIN TROUSERS
When you need the best protection – and we mean serious protection – from the wind and rain, these are about as good as it gets. Made from highly breathable and waterproof GoreTex Pro, these trousers are toughened on the hip and legs at friction points, come up high on the waist, and can be held up with the supplied braces. They’re pricy, but they will last. Pictured MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT Tupilak Trousers £350
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WASH/PROOFER
Washing your kit is absolutely essential! It restores the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of waterproof fabrics and gets rid of grime that soaks up water and clogs pores. You’ll notice a huge difference if you wash your waterproof kit regularly – and Tech Wash doesn’t need to be tumble-dried to work. Pictured NIKWAX TechWash £5
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GEAR FORECAST
“...WINDS WILL REACH 40MPH GUSTING TO 60MPH, MAKING WALKING ON HIGH GROUND VERY CHALLENGING.” I
HEADLAMP
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Submersible up to 1 metre for 30 minutes, this well-featured LED headlamp swivels, is dimmable, has a red lamp mode to preserve night vision, is superlight at 92g and impressively lights the way for 150 hours. Simple, tough, long-lasting and waterproof – just the job. Pictured PRINCETON Tec Vizz £35
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INSULATED JACKET
Very lightweight and compressible, this synthetic insulated jacket features an excellent hood and a wind-resistant outer shell with enough water-resistance to withstand a shower. Where it really comes into its own is as a spare warm layer to throw under a waterproof when that wind gets a little too chilly for comfort. Pictured ARC’TERYX Atom SL £160
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WATERPROOF SOCKS
Dry feet are warm feet – so waterproof socks are worth considering. They’ve come a long way since the stiff, thick waterproof socks of old, too – these days you’d barely tell the difference. Pictured SEALSKINZ Walking Thin Mid £34
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3-SEASON BOOTS
A waterproof Gore-Tex lined upper and comfortable 3-season fit, the Alterra is a great hillwalking boot for use outside the coldest season. What marks the Alterra out as particularly good for the slippery autumn is the Vibram Octopus sole, which makes navigating rain-slick rock that bit more sure-footed. Pictured AKU Alterra Boots £220
M MOUNTAIN TROUSERS These walking strides are also waterproof, which is a bonus if you’re not a fan – or can’t afford – overtrousers. They aren’t infallible, but if you’re looking at a generally drizzly outlook and need a functional pair of trousers capable of keeping all but the most persistent of rain at bay, consider these. Pictured CRAGHOPPERS Kiwi Pro Waterproof Trousers £70
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www.deutergb.co.uk
SUNSHINE & SHOWERS GOOD OL’ BRITISH WEATHER MEANS YOU’LL HAVE TO BE PREPARED FOR ALL EVENTUALITIES. HERE’S OUR PICK OF TOP MOUNTAIN WEAR TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING!
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WATERPROOF JACKET
The C-Knit technology makes this waterproof 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket packable, lighter, softer and more breathable than regular Gore-Tex. There are pit zips too for venting if it gets warm. Perfect for sunshine and showers. Pictured PATAGONIA Refugitive Jacket £380
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SOFTSHELL JACKET
Stretchy and supremely breathable, this softshell made from Gore Windstopper material may be all that you need to cope with light showers and wind. Just combine with layers to suit the temperature. Pictured MAMMUT Ultimate Alpine SO Hooded Jacket £250
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BASELAYER
Tried and tested synthetic Lifa technology is put to use in sunshine and showery conditions, where the sun makes you sweat and the rain makes you wet. It’s wicking and quick-drying, with a close-fitting technical fit. Pictured HELLY HANSEN Lifa Baselayer £40
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MOUNTAIN TROUSERS
These trousers have become a classic for adventurous folk. They are made from wind and water-resistant fast-drying Tactel fabric, which feels like cotton. They have reinforced panels and venting zips, and articulated knees for ease of movement. Pictured MONTANE Terra pants £85
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GAITERS
Avoid sweaty calves with these waterproof gaiters. They are super comfortable, breathable and stretchy! Made with Analogy waterproofing technology, the fabric not only breathes, but moves liquid away from the body. Pictured PARAMO Mountain Gaiters £65
8 TRAIL AUTUMN GEAR FORECAST 2017
GEAR FORECAST
“A DAY OF UNSETTLED CONDITIONS ACROSS BRITAIN WITH THE ARRIVAL OF A FRONTAL SYSTEM FROM THE WEST... ” G
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DRESSING FOR… CHANGEABLE WEATHER Jacket on… jacket off… If there’s anything us hillwalkers have to get used to, it’s weather that just can’t make up its mind! Warm and sunny one minute, chucking it down the next. We wouldn’t change it though. It’s those moody skies, the rays of sun illuminating the hills in a magical way that increases the drama and keeps our hills green and lush. A waterproof/breathable jacket that packs up nice and small to stash in your rucksack between showers is a
must. Full zips on waterproof trousers will make getting them on and off much easier. Quick-drying is key in this weather – go for a synthetic baselayer and fast-drying trousers. A waterproof rucksack and waterproof cases will keep your kit dry in showers and give you easy access to their contents, without having to rummage through dry bags. Finally, showers can mean rock is greasy and slippery, so try using walking poles for extra stability – once you’ve tried them you’ll be sold for life.
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WALKING POLES
An external locking system makes these poles easy to collapse and stow. They are lightweight with foam padding for grip. Great for keeping your balance in wet, slippery conditions. Pictured LEKI ALBULA walking poles £90 (PAIR)
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BACKPACK
With a Outdry main compartment that is guaranteed to be water-tight, your kit will be kept dry during showers. The straps are quick drying, and the front mesh compartment is perfect for stashing your wet outer layers when the rain stops. Pictured MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Rainshadow 26 Backpack £90
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OVERTROUSERS
With water-resistant zips that extend to the top of the thigh, getting these trousers on and off over boots will be quick and easy when out in showery weather. They also pack down into a small mesh sack for stowing. Pictured BERGHAUS Paclite Gore-Tex Overtrousers £110
TRAIL AUTUMN GEAR FORECAST 2017 9
GEAR FORECAST
“...IN THE HILLS TODAY, THE WEATHER WILL BE MAINLY DRY AND SUNNY BUT BLUSTERY WITH OUTBREAKS OF HEAVY RAIN.” I
HEADTORCH
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With up to 250 lumens and a maximum of 150 hours burn time, you won’t even know this water-resistant headtorch is in your bag – but it could be a lifesaver if the night draws in. Pictured PRINCETON TEC Axis Headtorch £50
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MAPS
Super small, super packable – and waterproof, these tough little 1:40,000 scale maps will stand up to any weather – just make sure they don’t get blown away! Pictured HARVEY waterproof Ultramap £9.95
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WATERPROOF HAT
This hat does it all: keeps the sun and rain out of your eyes, keeps your head warm with its fleecy lining and keeps it dry with an X Dry waterproof outer. Plus, it packs down small enough to fit into your pocket. Pictured EXTREMITIES Mistaya Cap £30
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ANY WEATHER GLOVES
Not everyone likes full-on waterproof gloves, and most of the time you don}t need them. But a versatile pair of dextrous, quick-drying thermal gloves like these are essential all year round. Pictured MONTANE PowerDry gloves £25
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CAMERA CASE
These padded cases will keep your compact camera protected and dry – and can double as multi-purpose dry bags. Pictured AQUAPAC Waterproof Pouch small £35
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BOOTS
With a snug female-specific fit, these boots are designed for comfort, but they perform equally well on the trail. With Keen’s own Dry waterproof membrane and with a host of colours to choose from, they’ll keep your feet toasty and trendy! Pictured KEEN Terradora Waterproof Boot £110
10 TRAIL AUTUMN GEAR FORECAST 2017
VERSATILE WARMTH WITHOUT THE DOWNSIDE
NEW ICARUS JACKET The Icarus Jacket is a world first. Innovative new ThermoPlume synthetic insulation technology from PrimaLoft mimics the low weight, loft, warmth and compressibility of down, but with all the wet-weather performance benefits of synthetic insulation.
INTERNAL TECHNOLOGY PrimaLoft ® ThermoPlume
mon ta ne .co.uk
COLD & CLEAR ON CLEAR DAYS, THERE’S NO BETTER FEELING THAN BEING STOOD ATOP A MOUNTAIN. YOU’LL BE AWASH WITH GRATITUDE FOR LIFE AND IN LOVE WITH THE HILLS. BUT YOU’LL STILL NEED PROTECTION FROM THE COLD...
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INSULATED HOODY
When it comes to warmth for weight you’ll be astounded with this new offering from Patagonia. It feels like down, but it’s synthetic, water-resistant and amazingly light and packable. It will keep the wind chill off as an outer layer or a midlayer. Pictured PATAGONIA Micro Puff Hoody £250
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JACKET
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BUFF
Loved by Trail gear-expert GT, this mountain softshell jacket is a versatile breathable layer. With 4-way stretch and wind-resistance, it is great as a super comfy mid or outer layer. Pictured MONTANE Dyno Stretch £100
This 100% merino Buff is a great addition for cold days to help keep your neck warm or as a spare hat. It comes in hundreds (well, 44 to be exact) different colours and patterns and 1% of all proceeds go to charity. Pictured BUFF Merino £22.50
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SOCKS
Made from 25% merino wool, these socks provide fantastic warmth, fit and cushioning for long cold mountain days. Pictured SMARTWOOL Mountaineering Extra Heavy Crew Socks £24
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SUNGLASSES
You can customise Oakley sunglasses with a variety of lens and frame colours, and the polarised lenses not only protect your eyes but bathe the mountain vista with a gorgeous golden hue. Love ’em. Pictured OAKLEY Crankshaft Polarised £150
12 TRAIL AUTUMN GEAR FORECAST 2017
GEAR FORECAST
“IT LOOKS LIKE BEING A COOL, CRISP DAY OUT THERE, WITH TEMPERATURES PLUMMETING AS NIGHT FALLS” G
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TROUSERS
Fjallraven kit excels in this kind of cold, dry weather. The Keb trousers are heavy duty to keep the cold out, but stretchy and articulated in all the right places. Pictured FJALLRAVEN Keb trousers £185
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BOOTS
When there’s no snow, 3-season boots are the way to go for comfort in the hills – and these quality leather, Gore-Tex-lined boots will cope with whatever you throw at them. Pictured HANWAG Nazcat GTX £175
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DRESSING FOR… COLD WEATHER Although we can never head to the hills without being prepared for wet weather, those precious blue-sky days are what we secretly live for. Energised by the sun, we can take on anything! Dry, cold weather means insulating layers are called for – lightweight packable varieties are best for out on the hill, so you can add and remove
layers as required. Merino wool has excellent insulating properties for base layers, hats, socks and neck warmers – perfect for dry, cold weather. Don’t forget to protect your eyes and your skin from the harmful effects of exposure to the sun. And last, but not least, savour that view with a brew – kept hot by your flask!
GLOVES
Leather palms provide great dexterity, durability and grip, while the Windstopper softshell fabric is breathable and comfortable. They have a toasty fleece liner great for colder conditions. Pictured EXTREMITIES Guide Glove £45
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DAY PACK
A perfect size for all the layers you might need on a cold day, the Talon is a classic of a mountain day pack, with air flow back panelling, a hip belt with pockets and an adjustable back. Pictured OSPREY Talon 33 £100
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BASE LAYER
Warmer than synthetics, merino wool also has anti-odour properties and natural climate control. An athletic fit makes this a great base layer in cold weather. Pictured EDZ Merino Long Sleeve 200g Crew £35
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GEAR FORECAST
“AFTER A HARD FROST TODAY WILL BE CLEAR BUT COLD, WITH SNOW ON HIGH GROUND – SO WRAP UP WARM.” K
HAT
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Perfect for crisp days, this recycled ribbed woolly hat will warm and wick. Pictured FJALLRAVEN Re-Wool Hat £50
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HAND WARMER
This re-fillable flameless portable hand heater could be the perfect solution for anyone that suffers from cold hands. It comes with a fleecy protective bag. Pictured WHITBY handwarmer £18
M SUN CREAM Specifically developed for protection at higher altitudes, this factor 50 protection cream will prevent sun damage and premature wrinkling! Pictured LIFESYSTEMS Mountain Sun Cream SPF50 £8.99
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FLEECE
An ideal warm mid-layer if you prefer a cosy, stretchy fleece with no hood. Pictured BERGHAUS Men’s Extrem Pravitale 2.0 Fleece £85
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GILET
Love em or hate em, there’s no doubt that a gilet can be a useful layering option for cold weather. This ultra-light synthetic slim fit one from Rab is ideal to throw on or pack away. Pictured RAB Altus Gilet £75
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FLASK
In an array of shapes, sizes, lids and funky colours these stainless steel flasks are perfect for keeping your beverage hot to warm the cockles on a cold day. Pictured HYDROFLASK From £22
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MOUNTAIN BOOTS HANDCRAFTED WITH PASSION BORN IN BAVARIA – WORN AROUND THE WORLD
HANDCRAFTED IN EUROPE CEMENTED CONSTRUCTION // RESOLEABLE EXTREMELY LONG LASTING Hanwag Makra Combi GTX
®
Made for tough, alpine routes. The MAKRA Combi GTX® is a particularly lightweight yet stable, crampon-compatible all-rounder for challenging mountain trips. Its aggressive tread ensures good grip on rocky terrain.
WWW.HANWAG.COM
GEAR FORECAST
SNOW & ICE SNOW AND ICE BRING A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT GEAR. HERE’S OUR GUIDE TO STAYING WARM, TOASTY AND SAFE. A
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GLOVES
Made for winter, these insulated gloves are both warm and waterproof, with reinforced abrasion-resistant palms for durability. Pictured JACK WOLFSKIN xTexapore Glove £50
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FLEECE
Seriously warm and stretchy, this Polartec hooded fleece provides freedom of movement and makes a great midlayer. Thumb loops are incorporated to prevent drafts and snow getting in. Pictured HOUDINI Power Houdi £180
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GOGGLES
With interchangeable lenses to help you adapt to different light conditions, these goggles will improve your vision and protect your eyes from spindrift. They come with an anti-fog coating and air vents, plus a carry case. Pictured BLOC Equaliser ER3 Goggles £80
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WOOLEN MITTS
Go old school with these woollen gloves, designed for serious mountain warmth and popular for tough Scottish conditions. They’re water-resistant, and the ‘Dachstein’ mitt design is preferred by some over gloves for warmth, but of course, dexterity is reduced. Pictured ORTOVOX Gronland Mitts £28
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JACKET
In waxable G-1000 fabric, with synthetic insulation, this jacket not only looks cool, but can cope with some serious hill conditions. Pictured FJALLRAVEN Skosgo Padded Jacket £320
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WINDPROOF MASK
For extreme cold, snow or spindrift, keep your face warm and protected. This mask has a perforated fleece panel around the mouth and nose for breathability, or can be worn as a neck warmer. Pictured EXTREMITIES Guide Mask £25
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FOR REAL LIFE FOR STOCKISTS
T: 01539 721032
E: sales@whitbyandco.co.uk or visit www.leatherman.co.uk
GEAR FORECAST
“IT’S COLD OUT THERE, WITH HEAVY FALLS OF SNOW EXPECTED ON HIGHER GROUND AND ICY CONDITIONS ALL ROUND”
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BASIC GPS
A stalwart of a GPS, this rugged handheld device is waterproof with 25 hours of battery life. In poor visibility or white out, it could be just what you need as a reassuring extra layer of confirmation when it comes to safely navigating on the hill. Pictured GARMIN ETREX GPS £100
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POWER BANK
If you’re in any way reliant on electronics, a power bank is a must. This one is waterproof, drop-resistant, and can charge two devices at the same time with its 10,000mAh. Pictured X-STORM Waterproof Power Bank Limitless £79
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BOOTS
For snow and ice you will need a 4-season boot that is crampon compatible. These technical mountaineering boots are everything you need when the white stuff falls and have become a firm favourite with mountaineers world-wide. Pictured SCARPA Manta Pro GTX £300
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HEAD TORCH
Headtorches have come on leaps and bounds and you can now get 150 lumens, with a rechargeable battery, for a bargain price. You can get more lumens and a longer battery life, but this one is great for general hillwalking needs and is so compact you’ll barely even notice it in your pack. Pictured PETZL Tikkina £20
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DRESSING FOR… SNOW & ICE For some, snow will bring excitement, a transformation into a whole new mountain playground. For others, it’s a case of enjoying the views from lower levels. Whatever the big freeze brings for you, choosing your kit starts with staying warm. Merino wool has excellent breathable insulating properties. Down is a top pick for
an insulating jacket, but synthetic insulation or hydrophobic down is best if things get damp. An ice axe and crampons are essentials for any snowy or icy walk where steep slopes are involved. And don’t forget goggles, a normal mountain top wind can cause spindrift, which can be debilitating if you’re caught unprepared…
EXPLORE MOREwith EDZ MERINO
www.edzlayering.com INTRODUCING
FEATURING
TRAVEL FLIPBELT â„¢ TECHNOLOGY
[ TRAVEL MODE ]
[ CARRY MODE ]
Backpackers are never stationary for long. Check-in trouble and transit strife are only ever a moment away. The Kulu features a unique technology that allows you to stash the hipbelt and loose straps away when travelling on planes, trains, buses and yaks.
EXPLORE THE TECHNOLOGY www.lowealpine.com/kulu
AERGON GRIP
Men’s Velez Jacket £285
WRIST STRAP
Athletic cut with excellent articulation •
SHERPA XL ANTISHOCK
Adjustable ventilation •
Lightweight with enhanced weather protection
EXTENDED GRIP
FREEDOM TO MOVE UPPER SECTION
LOCKING MECHANISM
MIDDLE SECTION LOCKING MECHANISM LOWER SECTION DS-SYSTEM ANTISHOCK
Páramo’s Velez Jacket is for active people who enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. Versatile, innovative design is combined with outstanding high performance materials. The unique directional Nikwax Analogy® waterproof fabric system takes on all weathers, and manages condensation better than any membrane. Functional design details such as adjustable ventilation and articulated sleeves keep you cool or warm AND dry, and give you freedom to move on foot, bike or water, in the hills or the city. Discover more at www.paramo.co.uk/velez EXTEND YOUR COMFORT ZONE
TIP STOCKIST INFO ADMIN@ARDBLAIRSPORTS.COM | 01250 873863 WWW.LEKI.COM
GEAR FORECAST
USED & ABUSED THE PICK OF THE BEST COLD WEATHER KIT... TRIED AND TRUSTED BY TRAIL’S STAFF OF MOUNTAIN ADDICTS
Used by Sarah Ryan Staff writer
WIND & RAIN Berghaus Gore-Tex overtrousers £110 I’ve spent a long time wearing the cheapest waterproof trousers going, but I’m being converted to the benefits of a pricier pair. Being Gore-Tex, these are light and less plasticky than cheaper kinds. The fit is also neater – important if you’re wearing crampons – then the full-leg zip makes getting them on and off simple. VERDICT Easy to get on and off, light and comfortable.
Used by Jenna Maryniak Deputy editor
WIND & RAIN Arcteryx Beta Lt Jacket £400 One thing I’ve come to realise is that for key items, like a waterproof jacket, it really is worth spending as much as you can afford. If you are rolling in it then go for an Arcteryx Beta LT. It’s made from the supreme Gore-Tex Pro, is lightweight, has a tailored fit and is just so perfect in every way that it’s made every other waterproof jacket I own redundant. VERDICT high-end piece of waterproofing wonder.
SUNSHINE & SHOWERS
SUNSHINE & SHOWERS Buff Merino wool £22.50 The carotid arteries in your neck circulate large volumes of blood, so keeping your neck warm goes a long way towards keeping the rest of your body warm. I’m a bit of a merino evangelist too: I love the fact that it’s natural, rather than synthetic, and anti-microbial so it doesn’t stink. Being wool, this Buff provides more warmth than you might expect from its low weight. VERDICT Stuffs into the tiniest space to provide warmth.
Rab Vapour-Rise Jacket £135 My very first proper hillwalking jacket 10 years ago was a bargain-bucket men’s Rab Vapourrise for £50 in the sale. I had to undo the two-way zip at the bottom a little so it would fit over my hips, but nevertheless I loved it. Fortunately, I now have a women’s version. It’s wind and water resistant; and copes with all conditions, except heavy rain. VERDICT If I had to pick one jacket, this would be it.
COLD & CLEAR Montane Tierra Helada Jacket £150 I’ve worn this jacket so much it’s become like a comfort blanket. As long as it’s in my pack I can feel confident that I’ll be safe and warm. It’s stuffed with Primaloft Silver Eco synthentic insulation with a windproof, showerproof Pertex Microlight Stretch outer fabric. This makes it ideal for British mountain conditions. It’ll shuck off light rain and, even if some of that moisture makes it through, it’ll still keep you war. VERDICT Weatherproof insulation for perfect cosiness in British mountain conditions.
COLD & CLEAR Icebreaker Merino Oasis Crewe £65 Cheaper synthetic baselayers are great in warm weather, but when the temperature dips, merino wool baselayers are great. Icebreaker’s crewe is amazingly warm for the thickness, it has a close fit and it’s not a bit itchy! When needs must, you can also wear it for days without it getting smelly! VERDICT Ideal for colder climes!
SNOW SNOW Julbo Monte Rosa sunglasses £65 The first time I ever went to Chamonix I remember being utterly dazzled by the towering peaks surrounding the town and clear blue skies soaring above the mountains. These were also perfect conditions for physically dazzling your retinas. These are light, robust and flexible and feature cat 4 lenses for ultimate eye protection. There are also removable wings to protect your peripheral vision from glare. VERDICT Light, robust and ideally suited to bright and snowy conditions.
LUXURY ITEM Hot Hands Handwarmers £1 These live permanently in my first aid kit. The cold is one of the most dangerous things most of us will have to combat in the mountains, and it’s serious, especially if someone becomes injured. In that situation, you can pull out a few of these and place them (over clothing) near the carotid and femoral arteries, keeping your casualty or yourself warm.
Fjallraven Keb Trousers £185 Fjallraven clothing are more than just technical clothing – they are a lifestyle. They just ooze rustic rugged quality and charm. I would kit myself out in it head to foot if I could afford it! Only by trying on these trousers will you realise that they are worth every one of those onehundred and eighty-five pound coins. They feel indestructible, but are super comfortable and stretchy in all the right places. You can convince yourself that you are saving £50 on a pair of gaiters, because they are incorporated into the design and you can wax them for water-resistance. VERDICT Rufty-tufty trousers for gnarly conditions.
LUXURY ITEM Black Diamond Poles £130 I’d always considered walking poles, well, a bit uncool. A sign of my ever-increasing age and creaky knees … but then came these pearly-white beauties, ergonomically shaped with comfy cork handles. They really do make a difference to the distance I can comfortably walk, and look lurvely. VERDICT Who knew a walking pole could be beautiful?
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GEAR FORECAST Used by Simon Ingram Editor
Used by Ben Weeks News & features writer
WIND & RAIN
WIND & RAIN
Extremities Mistaya Hat £30 A waterproof cap is a very underrated bit of kit for autumn. When it rains, you get a mini-umbrella for your eyes, which makes a big difference. Get one with earflaps and it can really take the edge off in wind. And if you can find a furry one, you’ve got a warm head. This one has all three, and it also has a folding peak for packability. Spot on! VERDICT the humble cap is an underrated bit of kit – this isn’t humble but it is underrated.
Lomo 2-3 Man Emergency Shelter £18.50 Little things can make a big difference. And this Lomo storm shelter/emergency bivvy/bothy bag – call it what you will – is a little thing. Not much larger than a can of beer, and weighing just 360g, there’s never a reason for me not to have it in my pack. And if I, or someone I’m with, is injured and needs sheltering, or we just want to stop for a break on an exposed mountainside, the difference it can make to my comfort is huge. VERDICT Always in my pack and ready to provide service when called upon.
SUNSHINE & SHOWERS WIND & RAIN
Arc’teryx Atom SL £160 A fabulously light and compressible layer that is cool enough to walk in but warm enough just to stave off a few degrees of cold during rest stops, bothy nights, and otherwise just standing about. As usual from Arc’Teryx the fit is superb, the finish perfect and the features seemingly few, very simple and absolutely all you need. VERDICT super-light, super-snug and super-packable.
COLD & CLEAR
Berghaus Extrem 8000 Pro £490 By golly by gum, this jacket’ll lighten your wallet. But you pays your money, you takes your choice, and if your choice is a bombproof Gore-Tex Pro hard shell that’ll face down a monsoon, this is what you should be payin’ your money for. Pulling it on, zipping it up and tightening the hood around me on a wild day feels like I’m climbing into a suit of armour to joust with the weather. And the best bit is, it feels like I’ll win. VERDICT However wet the weather gets, this’ll put a steadfast barrier between you and it.
Houdini Power Houdi £170 I pretty much live in this during the winter, inside and out. The Polartec PowerStretch fabric is incredibly warm, feels really luxuriant (think a Fraggle that’s been skinned) and the quality and durability is phenomenal – which makes the price easier to justify. That said, over 10 years I’ve bought two of them: not because I’ve worn one out, but because I’m scared of being without it if I do. VERDICT Luxury for cold conditions (and when the heating is on the blink)
SUNSHINE & SHOWERS Mountain Equipment Squall Cap £18 The Squall Cap is perhaps the ultimate piece of sun and showers kit. Sun: it stops my freckled skin from being scorched. Showers: it stops the rain from getting in my eyes. Essentially, it keeps the weather off my face. The folding peak means it’s a doddle to stash in a pocket, but the breathable and water resistant softshell fabric means I’m happy for it to it spend most of its time on my head. VERDICT An impulse purchase that has become a hillwalking essential.
SNOW SUNSHINE & SHOWERS
Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds £300 Waterproof jackets are a very personal choice. For persistant rain I tend to go with Paramo; in summer a rather nice Patagonia Gore-Tex C-Knit thing. But for everything else, this is my weapon. At the time of writing this is yet to fail at making just about any weather hellish condition feel like a mild breeze. There’s no posh Gore-Tex in it – it’s Helly Tech Pro, whatever that is – but it’s tough, it’s well designed, looks fantastic and is, apparently, invincible. I absolutely love this jacket. VERDICT Bombproof, pleasingly Scandinavian and a lovely colour, too.
ALWAYS IN THE PACK! Paramo Mountain Gaiters £65 Paramo redesigned their mountain gaiters for this year and the improvement is massive. Supple, waterproof and now lighter weight, these are well-made essentials to keep the worst of the wet out of your boots in anything from an autumn shower to winter snow. VERDICT the best way to guarantee dry lower legs and feet – which counts for a lot when it’s cold!
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Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket £180 What…exactly…is this? Rab say it’s a soft shell, but the 10,000mm hydrostatic head of the Proflex fabric is on a par with Polartec NeoShell – waterproof shell territory. Having used the Kinetic Plus for a bit, I think what’s happened is this: Rab have created a breathable soft shell with the water resistance of a hard shell. Or, maybe, a waterproof hard shell with the breathability of a soft shell. Either way, it’s unrestrictive, multifunctional, and bloody genius. VERDICT I’m pretty sure I’ve discovered a new favourite piece of kit.
SNOW DMM Cirque £85 (latest version) There’s not a lot to say. It’s a roughly T-shaped, slightly curved lump of metal that’s pointy at two ends and scrapy at one. But this particular T-shape has been with me seven winters – coming up for eight. It does everything an ice axe should, by having its pointy and scrapy bits in the usual place, but its curviness and ‘technical’ rating means it copes better with steeper stuff than a basic straight design can. VERDICT More than a simple tool, my ice axe has become my winter buddy.
COLOUR STO RIE S
PERFORMANCE INSIDE & OUT AW17 RANGE OUT NOW
GARFORTH • I SOT E X , WAT ER P R O O F A ND B R EAT H A B LE T H E R MO G UA R D I N S U L AT I O N JAC K E T • W IT H ST RATEG I C R EF LECTI V E ZON E S F O R E N H A N C ED V I S I B I LI TY
S HO P AT W W W. R E G AT TA . CO M
GEAR FORECAST
HOW TO PREDICT THE WEATHER
WANT TO SURVIVE AUTUMN AND WINTER AND PACK THE RIGHT KIT? LEARN TO READ THE WEATHER AND YOU MIGHT JUST ESCAPE THE WORST OF ITÉ 1 CHECK THE MOUNTAIN WEATHER INFORMATION SERVICE (www.mwis.org.uk) before you head for the hills. It provides not just the weather forecasts in mountainous areas, but also hill conditions. 2
HAVE A WEATHER APP, SUCH AS BBC WEATHER, ON YOUR PHONE. This helps give an overview of the general and upcoming weather picture together with your MWIS forecast.
3
CHECK THE SKY. The saying ‘red sky at night, shepherd’s delight’ actually has some scientific grounding. A red sky appears when dust particles are trapped in the atmosphere by high pressure. In the UK our
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weather tends to move in from the west. A red sky at night means high pressure is moving in from the west so the next day will usually be dry and bright. “Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning” means a high-pressure weather system has already moved east meaning the good weather has passed, most likely making way for a wet and windy low-pressure system.
4 LOOK TO THE PINE TREES. Pine cones open out in dry weather and close in high humidity. 5 ARE THE CLOUDS LIGHT AND WISPY, OR COTTON-WOOL LIKE? These types of cloud indicate fair weather in the immediate
future, but they can also indicate a change is coming in the next 24 hours. Anvil-shaped clouds generally mean bad weather and storms are on their way.
6 ARE THE CLOUDS STREAKY AND HIGH, IN THIN, PARALLEL BANNERS? This suggests that a cyclonic situation lies upwind, and that the next 12-24 hours may see gales blow in. 7 CONSULT YOUR WATCH. If you have a barometer, a change towards low pressure indicates a deterioration in the weather. A rising reading indicates you might not have to put on those waterproof trousers after all…