What are the things manufacturers sell you walking gear on? In my opinion after using all sorts of clothing, there are many things that are irrelevant or not really required. I am fed up with carrying clothing that weighs a ton, jackets that have useless flappy hoods, map pockets that you don’t need and vents that are neither use nor ornament - anyone who has a Gore Tex jacket will know what I am talking about!
My expensive 3 layer Gore Tex has lay unused in the back of a cupboard for 5 years. I have been a big Paramo fan since then but the usual problem with their stuff is that it often ends up being too warm for the conditions but it is better than Gore Tex as it never makes you cold when you are wet on the inside of the jacket as well as outside.
Even that gets a bit weighty when you carry it around so over the last 12 months or so, any new gear I have bought has had to be light and compact when carrying it around. First was the bag, downsized to a stripped down 25 litre OMM. As I got a smaller bag, I have to get gear small enough to fit in it. That is okay for the summer, but what about winter? My latest investment, tested on the Greenburn Round for the first time was a Hafglofs LIM Barrier jacket (LIM = Less Is More!). It is a primaloft synthetic down filled jacket which is wind and water resistant, weighs about the same as two feathers and a piece of cotton and packs down to the size of a fag packet. It is a simple design with one chest pocket and no hood – I never use a hood anyway, preferring to use my trusty LA Mountain cap.
First impressions were that it was really good, doing the same job as a bulky fleece jacket. It did get too warm at one point, the answer to that was to simply take it off – no need for zip, vents, hoods or other such paraphernalia. Coupled with a Rab Generator Vest (also primaloft and highly packable), a Paclite shell for heavy rain, a Paramo fleece, gloves and hat I reckon I am pretty well sorted for most conditions without the bulk that I previously carried around. Anyone else fancy getting stripped down?
Sean
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Hi Sean, I think you need a walking gear review page on your site, could save a lot of people a lot of money. I was talked into buying a Berghaus Mera Peak from Gaynors in Ambleside last year, even persuaded me to buy the fleece that zips into the jacket for cold days. My first outing in it can only be described as wearing a 15 tog quilt, far too warm for even the coldest winter days. Like yourself, never used the hood, vents or 20 pockets!!! Have been looking at the Rab Latok jacket, waterproof and only 450g,but does this justify the £200 price tag!!!!!. My last few outings i have used a Regatta pvc jacket for when it rains, packs into its own bag and weighs next to nothing, a bargain at £4.99. will keep reading reviews for now.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Shaun.
Hi Shaun,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments, I think sometimes they are selling stuff that is better suited to walking around the high street than at 3000'! Have a look at the Rab Generator jacket which I have as well (it's not saving me much money buying all this gear is it?). Last winter I used it to good effect by putting it over the Paramo smock, saving that horrible feeling of taking off layers to get more layers on and getting instant warmth.
Sean
Hi Sean,
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised you haven't had a few dodgy answers to that question! Joking aside, i'd love to strip down the weight of my pack & have done to some extent. I am slightly hampered by the amount of water i have to carry both for myself & the aquaphobic Bailey!! I know just what you mean about 3 layer Gore Tex, having recently given my expensive hardly worn jacket to my daughter. I too am a great fan of Paramo, but also often find mine too hot & very bulky to carry. Their windshell is excellent, but sometimes not warm enough ... oh the dilemma! Love Paclite too, but often find the jacket gets clammy inside although i can't praise the overtrousers enough when it's too warm for Cascades. The Haglofs LIM Barrier looks interesting & not as expensive as i would have thought ... could be tempted!
All the best, Angela
Hi Angela,
ReplyDeleteOne of those Rab Generator vests would probably be great with the paramo windshell. The Paramo Fuera trousers are good for Spring/Autumn conditions too. As for the water, teach Bailey to find his own, he will do if thirsty enough!
Sean
Hi Sean,
ReplyDeleteInteresting little article. I suspect that the LIM approach comes with experience and I am sure many novice walkers start off lugging all sorts of heavy clothing, packs, sandwiches, flasks and the like with them - I know I did! I've slowly reduced my pack to a very light, compact Mountain Equipment shell and then will normally have a light t-shirt/fleece combination. Warmth comes from momement after all and as you say there's nothing worse than being too hot.
I'd be interested in your views on the food/drink thing - in a search for the best energy/size ratio I've come down to chocolate and nut bars as ideal. And I seem to get by on one water bottle these days - I've never got into those backpack tube thingies.
My main weight issue is with camera gear and I have often wondered how you carry what is obviously a decent DSLR/zoom lens set up. I tackled Red Screes with a Canon camera bag in my pack last time I was in the Lakes and whilst comfortable I was conscious of the incongruity of lugging that extra weight up into the mists!
Best wishes,
Mark
Hi Mark,
ReplyDeleteIt is not a bad piece of advice to keep going to keep warm, especially on exposed tops. Much better to get down a bit and shelter somewhere a bit warmer for a stop.
As for food and drink, I generally don't stop for either and the most I take is a banana or two and eat on the hoof and have an energy drink in a hydration pack - I am into cycling as well so have a plentiful supply of isotonic energy drink powders and have tried and tested many of them.
The camera thing is a bit of a contradiction for me because the more money you pay for one, the heavier and bigger they become. I opted for Olympus early on because of this as they manage to pack more stuff into smaller bodies than either Canon or Nikon. The latest camera I have (the E30) may be a step too far as it is bulkier than my previous camera. We shall see...
Sean
Hi Sean
ReplyDeleteHaving been out with you in 'Stripped down' mode, it certainly does let you move a dam sight faster!! As you know I am now very much a Paramo fan, I rarely wear anything else other than my Velez smock, Cascada pants and a breathable T shirt, but the only issue is getting a bit too warm on occasions, so I do like the sound of the Haglofs jacket, I will let you do the field testing a bit longer!
I am interested on your thoughts on the OMM rucksack, meant to ask you when we were in Martindale the other week, I looked at one of these earlier this year in preparation for the later aborted Lakeland 3000ft challenge, and I was put off by the fact that there was not a lot to them, but as you have said you don't need all the pockets etc etc but it looks a lot lighter than my Dieter bag that I opted for as that was relatively light, but may look again in readiness for next years crack at the challenge.
What isotonic powder drinks do you use, I always use Lucozade Sport in my hydration pack, but it can be expensive, how do the powders compare?
Cheers
Gary
Hi Gary,
ReplyDeleteThe OMM packs are just the job for at least two thirds of the year. I think I may revert to my old rucksack for full winter gear though as there are crampons, ice axe etc to carry. The problem with the smaller packs is that they get a bit short on the back length for me. I originally had the 20l version but bottled out and took it back to get the 25l which was a safer and more useable option. In the height of summer there is virtually no gear to carry so I managed with a large bum bag on a good few walks, mainly just carrying a drink and a paclite shell.
Currently I use High 5 powder - I have tried the 2:1 and currently on the 4:1 but prefered the 2:1 as it seems to give more endurance so that's what I am back on. I am sure High 5 is the same as Power Bar as well, one that I used to use.
Sean
I am a recent convert to Paramo--Alta II Jacket and Mountain Pull on reversible top.
ReplyDeleteBeing of more senior years I do not walk as fast as I did and so don't find overheating a problem!!
Sounds like that system works well for you then. Those reversible tops are great, very versatile and you won't be disappointed with it.
ReplyDeleteSean
Hi Sean,
ReplyDeleteIs the blue top you are wearing in the photo of you and Casper on the Martindale walk (5 Oct) one of the items you mention, and if so which one is it?
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
ReplyDeleteThat is my trusty Paramo Velez Smock - great to wear and very versatile plus of course hardwearing. The problem comes when it has to be carried as it can be bulky but I will still be using it for sure, it's like putting on a comfortable old pair of slippers for me.
On the StridingEdge walk this year, there was me, Gary and Karl wearing one each the same colour. According to Karl I was letting the side down as mine was past looking its best. Oh well, good job it's not a fashion show.
Sean
Hi Sean
ReplyDeleteI was reading your post with interest and the comment by Mark Jones caught my eye. I have asked you about the camera in the past but would be interested to know how you carry yours. Is it on a strap around your neck (I find that most uncomfortable and always feel my camera will swing perilously until one day it'll hit a rock!)or do you stow it in your shrinking backpack (also not good as it's not as easily accessible) or do you have a case? What about lenses?
P.S. I wear a Berghaus tech tee, berghaus fleece, North Face paclite with a Tog 24 softshell for the winter - this is too bulky and am considering replacing it.
Hi Des,
ReplyDeleteI use a sling type toploading case which fits all the lenses, accessories etc and is easily accesible. Mine is a Tamrac but Lowepro etc do similar cases.
Sean
I wear merino base layers and micro fleece mid-layers pretty much all the time to work, so I’m using a standard issue layering system and it has to deal with standing around persuading money.
ReplyDeletehaglofs