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You only have to go outside for ten minutes in cold weather to realise how important a decent pair of gloves is, if you go outside on a mountain for a full day out then your choice of glove could make or break your enjoyment of the day!Windy and wet conditions further exacerbate the problem of keeping your hands warm and comfortable because they rob your hands of heat.We look at the consider …

The  M30 map case is 295mm x 295mm viewable area which is basically A4 which fits with the size of Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure maps. It’s a welded construction with a double ‘zip-lok’ type seal at its opening, I’ve used quite a few of this type of map case over the years and the seal can sometimes be hard to close and very hard to open, especially in cold weather, and definitely …

Outdoor Research's VerticalX SuperStrand Synthetic Insulation is built to deliver exceptional warmth to weight ratio, it compares to 700-800 Fill Power down in terms of its softness, weight and lofting ability. On this page we explain how it works. — VerticalX SuperStrand is the lightest, softest, most compressible synthetic insulation available taking the best qualities of down and improving …

Mont-bell's Plasma series are highly advanced ultra-lightweight garments, on this page we explain the three key technologies used to achieve their amazing warmth to weight ratios. —  In simple terms, the benefits of our patented quilting pattern are straightforward construction, reduced seam weight, and improved thermal efficiency. By not forming traditional rectangular boxes or “skippin …

It's turning dark, the winds blowing and the temperature is certainly dropping, also it's wet! Welcome to winter in the UK. Fear not, we don’t have to hang our running shoes up until spring, the trails are still out there, even if they are hidden by a layer of snow.  The same basic kit list will see us through most of the year; t-shirt, shorts, socks and tr …

Mont-bell Seamless Down Hugger sleeping bags are cutting edge, eliminating relatively inefficient baffles from sleeping bag construction and incorporating stretch fabric to improve warmth without constricting the sleeper are two key technologies; on this page we explain those technologies. We asked ourselves, “Is there anything we can do to improve down's ability to insulate?” As ideas were b …

Blisters are usually caused by poorly fitting footwear, friction, warm or damp feet rubbing inside your shoes. If you are walking long distances then it’s likely that at some point you have experienced the discomfort of a blister. On multiday treks it can be a real problem not only due to the pain but also the risk of infection. Preventing blisters from forming in the first place is th …

Honouring our reputation as the masters of insulation, the new Mythic range have reached the next level. Achieving exceptional levels of warmth to weight and incorporating our cutting edge TILT technology for the first time, this collection features the lightest and warmest jackets we've ever made. Built for tackling high altitude ascents in sub zero temperatures. — What is TILT Technolo …

Seek new challenges this season. With cooler climates and challenging elements on the horizon, stay comfortable on the trails with Montane’s new Anti-Freeze down jackets and Phase Gore-Tex waterproof shells.The Anti-Freeze Lite hooded down jacket is a minimalist master of lightweight insulation. Weighing just 330g makes this down jacket ideal for fast paced activities, where low weight is critical …

The Phase Lite waterproof jacket has been designed for a wide range of fast and light adventures in the mountains. Whether you’re fell running in the Lake District, or planning a fastpacking adventure across the Scottish peaks, this lightweight and breathable GORE-TEX membrane provides the essential protection you need to help you go further, faster. The lightest and most breathable 3-layer f …

Fabrics used in Outdoor Clothing and Equipment are often described as 20D or 7D, this figure is known as the Denier of the fabric and is useful in determining the differences between some products. On this page, we explain what it means and how it can be used. Fabric is made by weaving together threads of various materials such as nylon, polyester, cotton or silk to produce a ‘mat’ of fabric. …