Trail Gear Guide 2012 ­- 116 page special FREE with the April Issue, OUT NOW!

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