Montane Medusa 32

When I fist clapped eyes on the new pack range from Montane I was really looking forward to trying one out, I’ve had plenty of Montane gear over the years and have never been disappointed with any of it whether it was my Terra Convert Trousers or the Superfly XT (which I just sold as it’s now too big) or even the my Air Pants which are without doubt the best waterproof trousers I’ve ever owned. The Medusa 32 is no let down either, when I first picked it up in the shop It felt really solid but at the same time surprisingly light, I just hoped that it fit as I’ve always had a problem getting smaller sacks with a long enough back so that I can use the hip belt. Luckily it was just about right, maybe an inch too short but even when loaded...

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Berghaus Smoulder Hoody

A couple of weeks ago I was looking through the Berghaus website when I noticed they no longer do the version of the Smoulder Hoody (or is it Hoodie?) that’s been a constant companion on almost every walking trip for the last couple of years (including the coast to coast), it seems to have been replaced by a jacket version and a non hooded version. I’m a little bit gutted to be honest as I was planning on getting another one as It’s been my favourite bit of kit for colder weather. The smoulder is made from Polartec Power Dry High Efficiency fabric which feels like microfleece but with a waffle pattern, making it light and warm whilst wicking moisture really well. Just like the Berghaus zip neck base layers the zip is a really good length to allow...

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Tested: Berghaus Long Sleeve Tech Tee Zip

Just before christmas Go Outdoors very kindly sent me a Berghaus Long Sleeve Tech Tee Zip which I gave my first impressions on here. Since writing that post I’ve pretty much lived in it, whether I’ve been nipping to the shops, trundling across the moors or hitting the X-trainer on a morning this top has been part of my kit, I’ve worn it as a t-shirt, under various jumpers and coats and really given it a good hammering. I’m pleased to report its every bit as good as my favoured old Berhaus X-staitc Tees. Berghaus’ new Argentium Tech T fabric uses silver-ion technology to keep sweat and smells at bay as well as offering permanent UV protection, I can’t comment on the UV protection as it’s not exactly bright sunshine here...

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Just In: Berghaus Long Sleeve Tech Tee Zip

I’ve been buying Berghaus base layers for a long while now, they’ve always offered great value for money, excellent performance and come in an array of retina burning colours.  I was gutted when they stopped producing my favourite versions,the ones with X-static silver fabric in, as they were brilliant for multi day trips as the silver stopped them getting stinky. So when Go Outdoors asked if I’d like to try one of the new base layers, I speedily took them up on their offer and ordered the aptly named Blaze Red. The new tops are made from Berghaus’ new Argentium Tech T fabric which sounds very similar to the old X-static fabric, using silver-ion technology to keep sweat and smells at bay as well as offering permanent UV...

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Garmin GPS60

I’m usually a big fan of technology, I was always worried about getting a GPS, firstly in case it took the fun out of navigating on the hill and secondly in case I started to rely on it and forgot how to read a map and thirdly I didn’t really see the point in getting one, I had always managed to get to where I had wanted to go without too many problems. This all changed on a misty day in December 2005, we had just climbed up Malham Cove in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and started off across the moorland when the mist descended and we couldn’t see our hand in front of our faces. This made navigation almost impossible, luckily the path was pretty clear and we managed to navigate our way safely below the mist and back to the campsite. I wont lie it...

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Rock + Run Kahtoola Microspikes bag

A couple of weeks ago, Rock + Run posted a competition on their Facebook wall offering the first few people to send them a pic of themselves wearing their Kahtoola Microspikes the chance to test on of their new Microspikes Bags. I was one of those lucky people to be sent a bag so thought I would post my first impressions on here, especially as I had been looking at getting something to keep my spikes in for the coming winter as the stuff sack I currently keep my spikes in is  a little bit thin and keeps ripping. The Rock + Run bag is made from what seems like pretty tough and abrasion resistent polyester, this pre production version has a press stud closure, hanging strap and a couple of drainage holes in the bottom of the bag. It weighs 57g and rolls up really...

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