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companion on almost every walking trip for the last couple of years (including the coast to coast), it seems to have been replaced by a jacket version and a non hooded version.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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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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Montane Terra Convert Pants

Over the years I’ve tried out loads of different walking trousers, just about everything from cheap polyester trousers to Kevlar reinforced soft shell ones, but there’s one type that I now own no less that 4 pairs of, these are the Montane Terra Convert Pant. I bought my first pair a few years back while looking for a pair of lightweight uncomplicated pair of zip-off trousers to replace my North Face Paramount Convertible…which I love for general use but just don’t get on with for walking. I had often thought about buying the standard Terra pant but I love walking in shorts so prefer to have the option of zipping the legs off or on depending on how the weather changes during the walk, the Terra Converts were just what I was looking...

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