GEAR GUIDE
2012
GEAR GUIDE
CONTENTS
2012
With so many brands, styles and fabrics vying for our attention, the outdoor enthusiast really is spoilt for choice these days. That’s why it’s more important than ever to equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to pick the kit that’s right for you. Trail’s Gear Guide will help you do just that. Whether it's expert tips on key features to look for, ways to make your cash go further, or insight on the kit that lasts longer, you’ll find it here. Happy hunting! Graham Thompson, Trail technical editor
ADVENTURES TO INSPIRE 4
Key kit experiences: five outdoor adventures to really test out your gear
20
Celebrity Used and Abused: we ask the experts about their treasured kit
TENTS
44 How to buy the right tent 46 Tent listings
114 The 12 shades of hillwalking: Trail’s tongue-in-cheek guide to the colours that make up our world
74
72 Gear on trial: rated or slated? We let you, the jury, decide... 82 Your gear questions answered 88 What‘s hot for 2012: Check out the coolest new innovations around 105 10 Kit Commandments: have you broken one yet? Find out here...
WATERPROOFS 12
How to buy the right waterproof
15
Waterproof listings
112 Where to buy this kit!
64 How to buy the right sleeping bag 66 Sleeping bag listings
41 How a boot is born: from concept to shop shelf, we follow it on its journey
STOCKIST DETAILS
SLEEPING BAGS
52 Pack your bags! Your adventures start here with kit lists for backpacking, scrambling, wild camps & budget gear
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE
103 Water treatment listings
RUCKSACKS
How to buy the right rucksack
76 Rucksack listings
SUBSCRIBE TO TRAIL
70 Get some monthly outdoor inspiration: 3 issues for the bargain price of £3!
GPS RECEIVERS & MAPPING SOFTWARE 86
How to buy the right GPS
87 GPS listings 92 How to buy the right mapping software 99 Mapping software listings
WALKING ACCESSORIES
94 How to buy the right headtorch 95 Headtorch listings
BOOTS
98 How to buy the right stove
30
How to buy the right boots
99 Stove listings
32
Boot listings
102 How to buy the right water treatment
GEAR GUIDE 2012 Managing editor Phoebe Smith Technical editor Graham Thompson Art editors Louise Parker, Jane Frusher Production editor Sally Walters
WANT TO SUBSCRIBE TO TRAIL MAGAZINE?
0845 601 2672
(0845 calls from landlines cost 4p per minute. Calls from mobiles may cost more.) Monday to Friday, 8am-9.30pm; Saturday 8am-4pm Fax (01858) 434958 Email bauer@subscription.co.uk Post Active Subscriptions, Tower House, Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9EF
www.greatmagazines.co.uk The data in the listing pages has been supplied by the brands featured, and the Gear Guide is not responsible for any errors or omissions.
GEAR GUIDE 2012 TRAIL 03
GEAR GUIDE KEY KIT EXPERIENCES
BECAUSE IT’S WORTH IT Gear’s not cheap – but then neither are the memories it allows you to bank. Here are five key experiences that make outdoors kit worth its weight in gold… Words Simon Ingram
04 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2012
Looking west from Lakeland's Fairfield Horseshoe at sunset on a fine winter's day.
THE FIRST WALK OF WINTER
I
GEAR GUIDE 2012 TRAIL 05
TOM BAILEY
t’ll be colder than you think. It always is. You can sit in the living room and imagine your nose as an icicle. Your fingers breaking off at the knuckle. Your red jacket frosting white. But you can’t imagine the winter’s bone: the feeling, that deep numbness which creeps beneath your skin and reminds you just how desperately cold the mountains can be. This is an environment that intimidates you by its very nature: slippy, crumbly, unstable, and cold to the point that simply standing still could be the end of you. So break out your armour: your thick jacket, freshly reproofed and comfortingly stiff. Layers packed with feathers, nature’s insulator. Spikes for ice. Axes for safety and posing. Hats and Buffs to cover every strip of exposed skin, a mere slit for your eyes, and goggles to cover that. Get it on, wriggle around it in it, watch for cracks. Stand in front of the mirror. You look odd, standing in your bedroom dressed like that. Like some kind of domestic astronaut, alien and ungainly. But in your element – those snowy mountains, out there – even dressed like this, you’ll be tested. And who knows, it might not be as cold as you think. And if it isn’t, and the sun appears, take a moment to enjoy it, and be triumphant. � Because a sunny winter’s day at large in the hills? It doesn’t get much better.
GEAR GUIDE BOOTS
how to buy
OUTSOLE
BOOTS TYPE OF BOOT Decide what it is you want to do in the outdoors, and then choose a boot designed for that activity. The boots listed in this Gear Guide are categorised as follows: B0 – flexible 3-season boots for valley, hill and mountain walking, backpacking, scrambling and via ferrata. They are not recommended for use with crampons or for use on snow in the mountains. B1– stiff but flexible 3-4 season boots for use on or off the snow when hill-walking and backpacking in the mountains. They are recommended for use with crampons and for use on snow in the mountains. B2 – very stiff 4-season boots for use on snow when hill-walking, climbing or mountaineering. They are recommended for use with crampons and for use on snow in the mountains. B3 – totally stiff and flat-soled ice-climbing boots for serious snow and ice-climbing and mountaineering. They are recommended for use with crampons and for use on snow in the mountains.
For winter walking, look for grooves that are at least twice as deep as the thickness of a pound coin. Lug depths less than this are ideal for hill and valley walking. But if the lugs are less than the depth of a single coin, they won’t give much grip in mud or grass and they’ll also wear down quickly on harder surfaces. The heel breast (the cutaway section between forefoot and heel) should be three times the thickness of a pound coin for hillwalking above or below the snowline. Boots with shallower heel breasts are best restricted to good paths at valley level.
SUPPORT Choose boots with minimal underfoot support for walking on good valley paths, but go for those with a stiffer sole and plenty of support underfoot for use on rocky mountain terrain.
Crampon compatibility B0 boots are not recommended for use with crampons B1 boots can be used with C1 types of crampons B2 boots can be used with C1 or C2 crampons B3 boots can be used with C1, C2 or C3 crampons
UK Euro 3 35³/4 3½ 36 4½ 371⁄3 5 38 5½ 382⁄3 6 391⁄3 6½ 40 7 402⁄3 7½ 411⁄3 8 42 8½ 422⁄3 9 431⁄3 9½ 44 10 442⁄3 10½ 451⁄3 11 46 11½ 462⁄3 12 471⁄3 12½ 48 12. 48 13 482⁄3 13.5 491⁄3 14 50 14.5 502⁄3 15 511⁄3
TOE BOX SIZE MATTERS You’ll find two sizes (UK/ Euro) in many boots these days. We’ve listed them all here so you can work out whether they’ll fit you!
m
If you see this symbol in Trail it means a men’s fit is available
n
This means a women’s fit is available
30 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2012
FIT We’ve listed boot sizes and stated whether they are available in a men’s and women’s fit. Women’s models are generally narrower at the heel. The inside of the boot should be around 13-15mm (half an inch) longer than your foot. With the laces loosened off, roughly measure the gap behind your heel by placing a finger down the inside of the boot. The upper should be snug and comfy. Walk around the shop and feel for any heel movement. Better shops can help with boot fitting, so do ask.
Press the toe box with your thumb and then pinch the toe box on the sides. If the toe box flexes easily, the boot is best restricted to good paths in the valley, while a stiffer toe box is better for rocky mountains and winter use.
UPPER Stiff uppers are better for rocky ground and winter use, and they allow crampon straps to be comfortably fitted. Softer uppers are more comfortable and so are best for valley walkers where less support and protection is required than on rocky mountains.
DURABILITY Stitching will come apart over time, so a boot with minimal stitching will be most durable. But double stitching improves the durability considerably and adds extra security to the stitching. Stiff uppers made of thick leather will be more durable than those made of synthetic materials. To improve durability, look for a rubber rand around the sides, toes and heels. The most durable boots are best for rocky mountain use and winter use, while less durable designs are best kept to valley paths.
WATERPROOFNESS If the upper is made of one piece of leather, or is relatively stitch-free, the boot will be as waterproof as most people will require, particularly if it is made of thick leather. Boots that are covered in stitching or those made with synthetic materials will leak more easily, while a waterproof lining such as Gore-Tex will make the boot waterproof.
HEEL CUP Pinch the heel cup between the fingers. If it is soft and flexible it won’t offer much support, so such boots are best restricted to valley path use, while boots with stiffer heel cups are better for rocky mountain walks and winter use where maximum support is useful.
CUSHIONING With the boots on, stamp your feet on the ground to get an idea of how well they can cushion impact. More cushioning is best for walking, but climbers may prefer less cushioning to allow a greater ‘feel’ for what they are standing on.
Main photo: Meindl Kansas GTX (available in sizes 6-12 including half sizes). Inset photo: Meindl Kansas Lady GTX (available in sizes 3 ½ -8 including half sizes).
MIDSOLE Grab the boot by the toe and heel, and bend the heel towards the toe. Then twist the toe while holding the heel steady. The harder it is to bend the boot, the better suited it is to snow and rocky ground, and crampon use. The softer the flex, the better the boot is suited to use on good paths in the valley. A 3-4 season boot is stiffer than a 3-season boot but not as stiff as a 4-season boot.
Featured p
roduct
MEINDL K ANSAS £159.99 St (015395) 60 ockists 214; www.m eindl.c
GTX
o.uk
�
GEAR GUIDE 2012 TRAIL 31
GEAR GUIDE USED AND ABUSED
Celebrity
USED & ABUSED From the ice-clad summits of Nepal to the frozen plains of Antarctica, five outdoor legends talk us through the kit they've entrusted their lives to.
Interviews Dan Aspel
NAME: Andy Kirkpatrick LOCATION: Romsdalen, Norway, 2011 Andy Kirkpatrick may bill himself as ‘Hull’s secondbest climber’ but his list of accomplishments speaks for itself. Having scaled Yosemite’s El Capitan more than 10 times, the wintery west face of France’s Aguille du Dru and numerous uncelebrated Patagonian peaks, he is one of the most imaginative mountaineers in Britain today.
Patagonia Super Alpine jacket
“I don’t wear waterproofs very often, as I find shells inhibit my movement, no matter how much they say they don’t. The loud rustling sound makes you feel like you’re in a bag, too, which I don’t like… I think I must have been a soldier in a former life! Most people that dress for the mountains wear too many clothes, and it’s not keeping warm that’s the problem, it’s keeping cool. This jacket has proven really useful on both counts. I’ve only made one small improvement. When you’re climbing, water tends to drip down your sleeves no matter what you do, so I’ve customised the cuffs on it by adding the rubber seals from a dry suit. I think the key thing to outdoor clothing is the psychological benefit it provides: wearing a good jacket like this feels like wearing a suit of armour. When it’s on you know you can withstand almost any weather.”
ANDY'S LIGHTWEIGHT PHILOSOPHY
ANDY KIRKPATRICK
“No matter how 'light in weight' companies try to be, they still make gear for a general audience. It’s so much easier if you’re willing to work with what you’ve got, but I’m always on the sewing machine changing the gear I have. I’ve cut down my rucksack until it weighs just 300g. It still holds 70 litres and it’s made of Dyneema fabric. That said, it has almost nothing on it at all, not even a proper hipbelt. You couldn’t sell it in a shop; nobody would buy it!”
20 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2012
GEAR GUIDE 2012 TRAIL 21
BREATHABILITY
WEIGHT, MEN'S MEDIUM (g)
MADE IN
extremely extremely
450
China
Nov11: 4 stars. Ideal for hillwalkers, with large chest pockets, great hood and a relatively short body
-
extremely extremely
350
China
For long distance treks in mountains and summer alpine climbs, with mountain hood and two large chest pockets
3-layer eVent
-
extremely extremely
490
China
Nov09: 4 stars. A modern classic. Excellent winter walking and general mountain travel jacket
mountaineering
3-layer eVent
-
extremely extremely
465
China
Developed for fast alpine, high endurance mountain pursuits, with stretch fabric. Two large Napoleon pockets
INNER LINING -
WATERPROOF MATERIAL
Sep11: 4 stars, Best Value. Great features and price for a fast and light activity jacket
PRIMARY USE
China
WOMEN’S SIZES
215
MEN’S SIZES
extremely
NEW FOR 2012?
very
PRICE (£)
WATERPROOFNESS
GEAR GUIDE WATERPROOFS
140
no
XS-XXL
8-16
multi-activity
Pertex Shield
-
220
no
XS-XXL
8-16
multi-activity
3-layer eVent
240
yes
S-XXL
-
multi activity
3-layer eVent
Super-Fly
270
no
XS-XXL
8-16
general/mountaineering
Mohawk
290
no
XS-XXL
-
NAME
TRAIL COMMENTS
MONTANE Minimus Venture Trojan
MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT Firefox
200
yes
S-XL
-
multi-activity
Gore-Tex Active Shell
-
extremely extremely
320
Hungary
Nov10: 4 stars. Only one pocket and limited venting, but good for multi-activity
Morpheus (M) / Seraph (W)
220
no
S-XXL
8-16
general/multi-activity
3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell
-
extremely extremely
470
Hungary
Nov11: 5 stars. Short body, but great hood and pockets for hillwalkers
Ogre (M) / Nanga Parbat (W)
260
no
S-XL
8-16
general
3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell
-
extremely extremely
550
Hungary
Nov09: 5 stars, Best in Test general jackets. Superb hood, large chest pockets, slightly longer than some
Kamchatka
280
yes
S-XXL
-
mountaineering
3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell
-
extremely extremely
585
Hungary
Large chest pockets, zip-out snowskirt, helmet-compatible hood
Kongur
290
no
S-XXL
-
general/mountaineering
3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell
-
extremely extremely
595
Hungary
Nov11: 5 stars. Longer body, three large pockets, ideal for British hill and mountain use
Tupilak II
300
no
S-XL
-
mountaineering
3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell
-
extremely extremely
505
Hungary
Large chest pockets, A4-sized Napoleon chest pocket, helmetcompatible hood
Changabang
330
no
S-XXL
-
mountaineering
3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell
-
extremely extremely
630
Hungary
Tough alpine mountaineering jacket; pit zips, four large chest pockets
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Epic
100
no
S-XXL
XS-XL
general
DryQ Core
-
369
-
A reliable, full-function shell; lightweight and packable
Versteeg
140
yes
S-XXL
XS-XL
multi-activity
DryQ Core
-
extremely extremely
very
very
413
-
Packable jacket for all mountain activities: walks, runs and scrambles
Stretch Typhoon
180
yes
S-XXL
XS-XL
general
DryQ Core
-
extremely extremely
333
-
Comfortable stretch waterproof shell, extra-beefy hood peak
Effusion Hooded Jacket
180
no
S-XXL
XS-XL
multi-activity
Dry Active
-
extremely extremely
333
-
Mountain Hardwear’s lightest 3 layer-knit waterproof/breathable stretch jacket
Trinity
300
yes
S-XXL
XS-XL
mountaineering
DryQ Core
-
extremely extremely
614
-
Fully waterproof soft shell with brushed lining for winter, helmetcompatible hood
Bizzle
340
yes
S-XXL
XS-XL
mountaineering
DryQ Elite
-
extremely extremely
484
-
Light but fully featured mountain jacket, helmet-compatible hood
Jovian
440
no
S-XXL
XS-XL
mountaineering
DryQ Elite
-
extremely extremely
492
-
Durable clean-lined mountain jacket, great when wearing a harness. Helmet-compatible hood
125
no
XS-XL
XS-XL
multi-activity
Gelanots
hydrophilic PU
extremely
very
260
China
Nov07: 3 stars, Best Value multi-activity waterproofs. No pockets though
Kamleika Race
150
no
XS-XL
XS-XL
multi-activity
Gelanots
hydrophilic PU
extremely
very
300
China
Nov09: 4 stars. Hood and pockets not ideal but good for fast action
Cypher Smock
200
no
XS-XL
-
general/multi-activity
3-layer eVent
polyester mesh
extremely extremely
240
China
Smock version of Cypher jacket that saves weight
Cypher Jacket
220
no
XS-XL
-
general/multi-activity
3-layer eVent
polyester mesh
extremely extremely
280
China
Sep11: 5 stars, Best in Test ultralight waterproofs. Superb chest pocket and hood for hillwalkers
OMM Kamleika Race Smock
OUTDOOR RESEARCH Helium II
115
yes
S-XL
XS-L
multi-activity
2.5-layer Pertex Shield DS ripstop
-
180
China
Lightweight, minimalist jacket for fast and light travel
Aspire
160
no
-
XS-L
general
2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite
-
extremely extremely
-
-
411
China
Packs into pocket; two zipped hip pockets; fixed hood
Foray
170
no
S-XL
-
general
2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite
-
extremely extremely
426
China
High chest pockets plus third Napoleon pocket
Axiom
290
yes
S-XL
-
multi-activity
3-layer Gore-Tex Active Shell
-
extremely extremely
382
China
200
no
S-XXL
XS-XL
multi-activity
Nikwax Analogy
Nikwax Analogy Pump liner
waterresistant
extremely
584
Colombia
Nov09: 4 stars, multi-activity jackets. Cavernous chest pocket. Comes with a fixed rollaway hood. Available with detachable hood (Velez Smock)
PÁRAMO Velez Adventure Light Smock Quito
210
no
XS-XXL
-
multi-activity
Nikwax Analogy Light
Nikwax Analogy Pump liner
waterresistant
extremely
500
Colombia
Páramo’s lightest Analogy waterproof with sleeve/torso vents. Ideal for those looking to travel fast and light
Mirada
220
yes
-
XS-XL
multi-activity
Nikwax Analogy Light
Nikwax Analogy Pump liner
waterresistant
extremely
472
Colombia
Páramo’s first ladies’ lightweight waterproof jacket: hair-friendly hood, stylish shape and length
Alta II
245
no
S- XXL
XS-XL
general
Nikwax Analogy
Nikwax Analogy Pump liner
waterresistant
extremely
849
Colombia
Mar11: 4.3/5 stars. Long jacket that is ideal for hillwalking particularly if you feel the cold. Great hood and pockets
Aspira
290
no
S- XXL
-
mountaineering
Nikwax Analogy
Nikwax Analogy Pump liner
waterresistant
extremely
841
Colombia
Nov11: 4 stars. Long body, superb winter jacket, great pockets
Aspira Smock
290
no
S-XXL
XS-XL
mountaineering
Nikwax Analogy
Nikwax Analogy Pump liner
waterresistant
extremely
868
Colombia
Helmet and harness compatibility ideal for winter mountaineering
Halcon
310
no
S-XXL
XS-XL
general
Nikwax Analogy
Nikwax Analogy Pump liner
waterresistant
extremely
967
Colombia
Designed to suit an active lifestyle with nine generous pockets plus a fleece- lined collar and handwarming pockets
Volt
150
yes
S-XXL
-
mountaineering
2.5-layer Pertex Shield Plus with stretch
-
very
-
360
China
Includes pit zips, 3 chest pockets, helmet-compatible hood
Kinetic
150
yes
S-XXL
8-16
general/multi-activity
2.5-layer Pertex Shield Plus
-
very
-
220
China
Helmet-compatible hood; stuffs into left-hand pocket
Bergen (M)/ Vidda (W)
200
no
S-XXL
8-16
general
3-layer eVent
-
extremely extremely
600
China
Mar11: 4.6 stars, Best Value. Ideal for hillwalkers; excellent value for money
Latok Alpine
220
no
S-XXL
8-16
mountaineering
3-layer eVent
-
extremely extremely
540
China
Drillium
220
no
S-XXL
8-16
multi-activity
3-layer eVent
-
extremely extremely
375
China
Nov09: 5 stars, Best in test multi-activity jackets. Great blend of features for biking, climbing and hiking
Stretch Neo
250
no
S-XXL
8-16
mountaineering
3-layer Polartec Neoshell
-
extremely
500
China
Soft shell feel in a waterproof jacket
Latok
280
no
S-XXL
8-16
mountaineering
3-layer eVent
-
extremely extremely
740
China
Nov11: 5 stars, Best Value. Perfect option for mountaineers who prefer a more durable and shorter jacket
Host
55
yes
3-12, 32in, 34in
-
general
Isotex 5000 Stretch
polyester mesh
waterproof breathable
300
China
Children’s jacket
Techne
100
yes
S-XXL
-
general
Isotex 20000 Stretch
polyester mesh
extremely breathable
680
China
Low-priced jacket with stretch fabric
Velocity
110
yes
S-XXL
-
general
Isotex 20000 Stretch
polyester mesh
extremely breathable
670
China
RAB
very
REGATTA
18 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2012
NEW FOR 2012?
MEN’S SIZES
WOMEN’S SIZES
PRIMARY USE
WATERPROOF MATERIAL
INNER LINING
WEIGHT, MEN'S MEDIUM (g)
MADE IN
BREATHABILITY
PRICE (£)
WATERPROOFNESS
NAME Haley
110
yes
-
8-20
general
Isotex 20000 Stretch
polyester mesh
extremely breathable
580
China
Teja
110
yes
-
8-20
general
Isotex 20000 Stretch
polyester mesh
extremely breathable
600
China
Cloudcover
145
no
S-XXL
S-L
general
2-layer Barricade membrane with Active Diffusion
100% polyester lining
-
-
705
SE Asia
Longer cut, rollaway mountain hood, stiffened and wired peak. Zipped chest Packpocket. Double stormflaps
Mountain Guide
185
no
S-XL
S-XL
general/mountaineering 2-layer Barricade membrane technology with Active Diffusion
100% polyester lining
-
-
875
SE Asia
Nov10: 4 stars. Two big chest pockets situated high enough to clear a rucksack hip belt, rollaway hood. Stiffened and wired peak. Two zipped hand pockets. A bit heavy though
Elite Stormer
195
yes
S-XL
S-L
multi-activity
3-layer Barricade Elite membrane technology with Active Diffusion
-
-
-
280
SE Asia
Incredibly light shell, designed for cycling, tailored with forward pitch cut and reflective trim for safety
Hilltop
195
no
S-XL
S-XL
general
Barricade membrane technology with Active Diffusion
100% polyester lining
-
-
840
SE Asia
Long-length waterproof jacket: deep, zipped hand pockets, a zipped internal pocket and a big map pocket. Rollaway adjustable hood, stiffened and wired peak
Globetrotter
225
no
S-XXL
S-XL
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Mac
210
no
S-XXL
S-XL
general
Barricade membrane with Active Diffusion
100% polyester lining
-
-
875
SE Asia
Smart, very long mac with two large, zipped hand pockets that are mesh-lined for lightness
Elite
215
no
S-XL
XS-L
multi-activity
3-layer Barricade Elite with Active Diffusion
330
SE Asia
Nov10: 5 stars, Best in Test lightweight jackets. Great large pockets that can be accessed while wearing a rucksack. Hood fits and turns with head well
Pinnacle
325
no
S-XL
S-L
mountaineering/general
Barricade membrane technology with Active Diffusion
Soft-Touch inner lining
700
SE Asia
Easy-to-use chest ventilation zips, detachable spindrift skirt, waterproof chest pockets, adjustable, rolldown hood with stiffened and wired peak
TRAIL COMMENTS
ROHAN
extremely extremely
-
-
SALOMON Quest Gore-Tex Paclite
200
no
S-XXL
S-XL
general
Gore-Tex Paclite
-
extremely extremely
350
China
Lightweight jacket with two hip pockets and a hood
Minim Gore-Tex Active Shell
300
yes
S-XXL
S-XL
multi-activity
Gore-Tex Active Shell
-
extremely extremely
410
China
Napoleon chest pockets in the newest version of lightweight Gore-Tex Active Shell
Mac in a Sac 2
25
yes
XS-XXL
8-20
multi-activity
waterproof breathable
284
China
Xtreme Series Venture
50
yes
XS-XXL
8-18
multi-activity
polyester Teflon coating
polyester mesh
waterproof breathable
450
China
Xtreme Series Odyssey
90
yes
8-18
mountaineering
Teflon coating Oxford nylon
polyester mesh
waterproof breathable
600
China
Xtreme Series Pioneer
90
no
XS-XXL
mountaineering
Teflon coating Oxford nylon
polyester mesh
waterproof breathable
700
China
TARGET DRY
Two chest pockets and a fixed hood
THE NORTH FACE Venture
110
no
S-XXL
All Terrain
180
no
S-XXL
XS-XL
general
HyVent 2.5L DT EC
-
general
Gore-Tex Performance Shell
nylon taffeta
-
-
Stretch Diad
180
no
S-XXL
Leonidas
190
yes
S-XL
XS-XL
multi-activity
HyVent 2.5L
-
-
-
380
Vietnam
S-XL
multi-activity
HyVent 2.5L
-
-
-
400
Bangladesh
Alpine Project
250
yes
S-XL
Point Five Jacket
275
no
S-XXL
S-XL
multi-activity
Gore-Tex Active Shell
-
330
China
XS-XL
mountaineering
Gore-Tex Pro Shell
-
-
-
492
Bangladesh
Half Dome Jacket
430
no
S-XL
mountaineering
Gore-Tex Stretch Pro Shell
-
-
-
480
Bangladesh
Birch
95
yes
S-XXXL
yes
multi-activity
2.5-layer Ceplex Active
-
Escape
120
no
S-XXXL
yes
multi-activity
2-layer Ceplex Advanced
mesh
extremely extremely
very
very
380
Far East
645
Ortler
165
yes
S-XXL
yes
general
2.5-layer Ceplex Advanced
-
Far East
Nov05: classic multi-activity jacket
extremely extremely
360
Far East
Mischabel
195
yes
S-XXXL
yes
general
2.5-layer Ceplex Advanced
Great hood
-
extremely extremely
285
Far East
Monte Rosa
240
yes
S-XXL
yes
general
Vaude’s lightest mountain jacket
2-layer Sympatex
mesh
extremely extremely
663
Far East
Jorasses
385
yes
S-XXL
yes
mountaineering
3-layer Sympatex
-
extremely extremely
464
Far East
extremely extremely
extremely extremely
400
Vietnam
709
Bangladesh
VAUDE
Stretch panels and pit zips
TESTED IN TRAIL NOVEMBER 2011
RAB MOUNTAIN DRU £250
The Mountain Dru is ideal for the hillwalker who is looking for a little extra durability and a little extra length while being prepared to have a jacket that weighs more.
ROHAN MOUNTAIN GUIDE £185 This is a well-priced jacket that benefits from a mesh lining and mesh pockets for extra comfort, although that mesh lining also increases weight.
�
April 2010 TRAIL19 77 GEAR GUIDE 2012 TRAIL
GEAR GUIDE PACK YOUR BAGS!
Best kit for
WILD CAMPING Want to take your outdoor adventures away from the campsites and into the wild? Then look no further…
Petzl Myo RXP £80
Due to the nature of wild camping etiquette (pitch late, leave early) you’ll likely set up or break camp in low light, so you need a good headtorch. The Myo RXP won Trail’s Best in Test this year for its great quality of light and, handily for camping, it even has a flip-down diffuser to create a wide beam. �� www.petzl.com
Berghaus Bioflex 60+15 £180
You’ll need a larger rucksack to carry your camping equipment – especially if you’re headed somewhere remote. The new Bioflex (out in March) is large enough for this and has a unique back system that bends, twists and pivots with your body as you move, for maximum comfort. �� www.berghaus.com
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 £33
A first aid kit is vital when hillwalking, just in case. You’ll find you adapt it yourself as per your needs, but this one, weighing in at just 225g, is a great starting point, containing all the vital items like plasters, dressings and bandages as well as some handy extras such as a tick remover and antihistamine. �� www.adventure medicalkits.com
Nikwax SkitoStop Insect Repellent £9
Summertime is the best season to wild camp, but with the warmer weather comes midges! Keep them at bay with this effective but non-DEETcontaining repellent spray. �� www.nikwax.com 62 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2012
Hilleberg Akto £400
Go for a lightweight but spacious tent that pitches easily and simply. Hilleberg’s Akto is just that: weighing 1.6kg, it has enough space for you to sit up in and a large porch for cooking and storing your kit. �� www.cotswold outdoor.co.uk
Jetboil Sol £130
The last thing you want when going wild is to hang around endlessly waiting for water to boil. The superlight Sol (300g) makes sure that doesn’t happen. With an average boil time of 2min 15sec for its 0.8 litre capacity, you’ll be brewing up before you know it! �� www.jetboil.com
Mountain Equipment Xero 550 £300
You don’t really want to be buying more than one sleeping bag, so look for one that will be cool enough in summer and spring, but warm enough to work in autumn and early winter too. The Xero 550 does all the above, keeping you warm to -6 deg C, while weighing an impressive 950g. �� www.mountain-equipment.co.uk
Sigg Traveller £17 (1 litre)
Not only is a water bottle required so you can keep hydrated while you walk, but it also enables you to collect more water from streams to boil when making food. �� www.sigg.com
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (regular) £120
Montane Flux Jacket £130
A good sleeping mat is key to a good night’s sleep but a lightweight one is also essential to save on back strain! The next generation of Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir is lighter (340g) and warmer than ever before, and uses the effective internal reflective technology to trap hot air. �� www.firstascent.co.uk
When sitting around in your tent or cooking on your stove you’re liable to get cold and need an insulated jacket to keep the chill off. This model won Trail’s Best in Test this year as not only is it warm and feature-packed but it’s a low weight too (420g, size 10).
Mountain King Supertrekker Compact £60 (per pair)
Kudrati Naturally Dhal Tadka £3.25
When wild camping you need to eat well to replenish the energy lost through activity, but you don’t want a pack weighed down with heavy meals. These curries are fantastically light (74g) and super-tasty, and if you take a supermarket naan bread with you they tot up over 500 calories – yum! �� www.kudrati.com
GEAR GUIDE 2012 TRAIL 63
STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY TOM BAILEY
With extra weight on your back, a pair of walking poles can be a godsend to aid balance and take the stress off your joints. These feature a coating to help you grip them better in the rain, and anti-shock cushioning that you can switch on or off. �� www.mountainking.co.uk
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GEAR GUIDE 2012 TRAIL 97
GEAR GUIDE KIT FROM SCRATCH
A BOOT IS BORN
ALT-BERG
It’s the single most important piece of hillwalking kit you own, but how does a modern boot come about? Trail spoke to key industry figures to reveal the story of your footwear from concept drawings to the finished article...
A
modern walking boot can be built in a week. From cutting and shaping the raw materials to affixing and stitching the finished product, in five days a team of skilled technicians can create the shoes we wear on the hillside. But look at the bigger picture, and the factory build is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s the market analysis to see what kind of boot is needed, the product brief for the designer, the initial
No, it's not a banana; it's a boot last.
sketches for the production committee, the advanced drawings of the technical details, the discussions over materials to use, the first run of samples, the testing, the second run of samples, more testing, the sales orders from distributors, the first batch orders from the factory, the international shipping, the delivery… Before you know it, 16 months have passed – but then the real challenge begins: impressing the average British hillwalker… �
GEAR GUIDE 2012 TRAIL 41
Gear Guide key kit laws
10 Kit
Commandments
Words Ben Weeks
9
1 thou sh alt o 2 thou sh bserve the beading alt N 3 thou sh ot bake thy footwear al 4 thou sh cleanlinessal preserve the of 5 thou sh thy bed a thy bladderlt love and cherish 6 thou sha L protect thy ga nurture and dgets 7 thou sha Lt Not aband on thy winter 8 thou sha kit Lt Not inflict on thy neighb thy stench our
poles to be dir ot suffer thy ty 10 thou sha Lt Not negle ct thy te
Tom Bailey
nt
gear guide 2012 Trail 105