Silva Northern Traverse 2024
Posted by Chris Futers on May 07, 2024
The Silva Brand may be synonymous with navigation and in particular compasses, however, they also have a rich heritage in head torches with their first head torch coming to market in 1935 only 2 years after Silva started it all off with the first ever liquid-filled compass. Over the company's 90 year history, they have continued to develop and bring innovative solutions to outdoor adventure and more recently trail running…
With the ever-growing popularity of trail running and ultra marathons, events have become plentiful worldwide. One such event is the Silva Northern Traverse which follows Wainwright's 300 km Coast to Coast route beginning in St Bees, covering three National Parks in the north of England before finishing in Robin Hoods Bay. Aside from this multi-day race (5 days for competitors to complete), there are three other 1 day* events which are ‘run’ simultaneously, Lakes Traverse* (100km), Dales Traverse (55km) and Moors Traverse (80km). *Lakes Traverse, competitors have 30 hours to complete the course.
‘’The combination of self-navigation, overnight darkness and the arduous continuous racing format, perfectly complements the standout range of compasses, headtorches, rucksacks and poles from SILVA’’ - Shane Ohly, CEO of Ourea Events.
Silva now offers a wide range of head torches with specific application in trail running, several running packs and belts along with both adjustable and static running poles. Eager to see what Silva has to offer and with their support, I got my hands on some of their stand-out pieces from each of these categories and started putting them to the test in my training before taking on the Silva Moors Traverse.
Strive 10 Running Vest
The Strive Series consists of multiple vest and pack size options, belts and accessories that are packed full of features to assist on all trail running adventures.
We thought the Strive 10 Vest would be the best option for the Silva Moor Traverse. Offering plenty of pockets for all the necessary nutrition I’d be carrying throughout the 80 km of running. The two zipped side pockets were impressively large, wrapping around your waist and making them very deep, I kept my phone, a means of payment, compass, and Silva Chute (neck/head tube) amongst larger snack items such as bars and two packets of Jelly Babies, with ample room to spare. Other overlapping pockets were packed full of gels and items I wished easy access to. The multi-way stretch pockets, whilst they have no zip, were very secure thanks to the higher tensioned elastic hem, which kept everything in its place and at no point during the race or in training did anything jump out to be left on the trail.
One of my favourite features was the two front soft flask pockets which were easy to place in every shape bottle I tried up to 500ml. What impressed me was the securing elastic cord at the top of each of these pockets. On other running packs, when using soft bottles throughout a run, as you consume liquids the soft flask naturally starts to collapse and you find it falling to the bottom of the chest pocket and it is then an arduous task to get your next drink. With the addition of these elastic draw cords, you can cinch the cord around the top of the soft flask bottle, which holds the bottle up and where it should be until empty. A small thing which made a big difference during the race, one less thing to have to struggle with and think about
The main compartment does what you expect and I was able to fit the remaining mandatory race kit items (mainly the clothing) comfortably with room to spare, and the addition of the outer adjustable elastic allows you to compress the main compartment volume when the full 10L is not required.
The Silva Strive 10 Vest is easily the lightest weight running vest on the market at this capacity and the rest of the Strive range follows suit, offering highly featured packs for extremely little weight. With regards to fit/feel, the best thing to be said for any running vest and/or pack is that it is unnoticeable. This is the case with The Strive 10 Vest, in training and for every kilometre of the Moors 80 km my running was uninhibited by the pack and found no issues with breathability. Overall, It was like wearing nothing at all (a little Simpson’s quote for you all there).
Other features of note include;
● 4 additional movable and adjustable straps for securing running poles
● Elastic battery pocket in the back pocket with cable outlets on the shoulders
● Back pocket for hydration bladder with tube outlets on shoulder
● Connecting system for Silva Quiver
● Weights: S - 167g, M - 180g, L - 192g and XL - 205g
Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid Headtorch
Silva has a long history with head torches and their new running range is worth shouting about. With multiple lumen options, rechargeable hybrid batteries, modular setups, and integrated power cords, it's no wonder Silva has been receiving multiple industry awards in this category.
For the test I have been using the Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid, whilst not used during the race, it was invaluable during those late-night training runs and will for sure be utilised on longer (potential multi-day) ultra trail runs in the future. The Hybrid battery case can carry either the included Silva rechargeable Hybrid battery pack or 3 x AAA batteries (not included). This means you can use AAA batteries as a backup if you run out of power in the rechargeable one.
The immediate and most noticeable thing when wearing the Trail Runner Free 2 was how well balanced the torch is, whilst already relatively light, it feels even more so thanks to how the integrated cable connects to the battery at the rear to the headlamp. The flat battery pack on the rear sculpts well around your head allowing it to sit close. With the heavier component securely in situ at the rear, allows for a lighter lamp making for a much more comfortable experience on the trail. When I used this alongside the Strive 10, I was occasionally able to use the Trail Runner Free 2 Extension Cable to take the battery out of the headband and put it in the elastic battery pouch in the vest's back pocket.
Silva Intelligent Light is featured on all Silva head torches. Silva says - The unique combination of a long reach spotlight and a close flood-light results in less head movement, better control, improved balance, less fatigue and higher speed.
For all the running range Silva features their Flow Light system, which helps you optimise the beam dependent on speed helping keep you safe and increasing performance.
Other key features of note;
● 500 lumen output
● Weight excl. batt: 60g
● Weight incl. batt: 113g
● Red rear safety light built into the hybrid battery case
● Comfortable fit thanks to low weight and anti-slip headband
● Water resistant - both headlamp and battery meet IPX5 standard
● Red backlight when using a Hybrid battery
Carbon Adjust Running Poles
Brought into the running range in 2023, Silva’s Running Carbon Poles (available in Adjusted ranges and fixed length sizes) have been another welcome addition to their trial running range.
During training for the Moors traverse I took advantage of the Running Poles Carbon Adjust pole to explore what they have to offer... Doing away with the usual handle strap system Silva has embraced a more run-ready quick-release wrist glove, which is made from highly breathable materials. The wrist gloves greatly reduce the need to physically grip the handles by distributing the load across your hand in a more natural and relaxed position. This in turn reduces fatigue in your hands massively over longer distances compared to more traditional pole grip straps. The gloves are also easy to release with a press of a button and equally as easy to reattach via sliding back onto the pole handle.
The build quality is very good, using 100% 3K Carbon for all pole sections and the foam-formed handle feels good in hand. The adjustability of the poles is a great feature for those wanting to take advantage of changing terrain by shortening the poles for steep hills which allows you to place the poles and push through the handle in a more natural position. On the steeper hills, you can brace and place the poles more naturally by extending the poles.
Whilst not the lightest poles in this Z poles configuration for running, coming in at 204g per pole for the 100-120cm length, they are still very lightweight and certainly feel one of the most robust. For an RRP of £124.99 (UOG currently selling at £114.99) you’d be hard pushed to find a better spec and quality running pole for cheaper, on top of this Silva also includes for no extra cost; Interchangeable concave carbide tips, snow baskets and rubber paws (rubber tip covers).
Summary
Throughout training and in race all Silva equipment performed seamlessly assisting towards a top 5 finish on the inaugural Silva Moors Traverse. With many day trail races, ultra challenges and multi-day events Silva has a plethora of options that will for one cover you off against the mandatory kit list but also allow you to perform at your highest level without worrying about your kit choice.
Testing also saw me, colleague Mat and Keria from the Silva team take on a new challenge created by the Ultralight Outdoor Gear (UOG) team which allowed us to put Silva’s packs, poles and lighting to the test. The UOG Roseberry Dash will be coming soon for all to attempt and get on to our leader board…
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Chris Futers |
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About the author: Chris fully immerses himself in many outdoor sports and challenges. Whether it's Multi-day hikes, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Trail Running or Bikepacking, the allure of the outdoors is his true passion. Chris likes to test himself against the wilds, taking on multiple challenges/events such as the Lakes Travers Trail Race, TGO Challenge and Cycling the Coast to Cost (C2C) to name a few. Having worked and volunteered as a coach/instructor for multiple outdoor sports and pursuits, Chris likes to help others achieve and connect with the outdoors, always eager to pass on his knowledge and experience. Chris is our Customer Service Team Leader, joining the UOG team in 2020. |
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With the ever-growing popularity of trail running and ultra marathons, events have become plentiful worldwide. One such event is the Silva Northern Traverse which follows Wainwright's 300 km Coast to Coast route beginning in St Bees, covering three National Parks in the north of England before finishing in Robin Hoods Bay. Aside from this multi-day race (5 days for competitors to complete), there are three other 1 day* events which are ‘run’ simultaneously, Lakes Travers* (100km), Dales Traverse (55km) and Moors Traverse (80km).