Gear
New Climescape fleeces claim four-hour protection against constant rain
Canadian brand Climescape is about to introduce a range of water-repellent fleeces to the British market.
On test: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir All Season sleep mat and Antares 20 sleeping bag
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir All Season sleeping mat Country of manufacture: Ireland Weight: 540g Price: £125 Colour: green Material: top: 75 denier polyester; bottom 70 denier nylon; inner: nylon Size (R) 51 x 183 cm (20 x 72 inches) Therm-a-Rest Antares 20 down sleeping bag Country of manufacture: China Weight: 890g Price: £250 Colour: orange/grey Material: outer, 30 denier nylon with durable water repellent treatment; lining, 30 denier nylon; filling, 750+ goose down Size (R) 198 cm length x 158 cm circumference at shoulder Temperature rating: EN comfort 1C; EN limit –5C; EN extreme –22C Therm-a-Rest became a by-word for the self-inflating sleeping mat, though they always benefited from a little help from the lungs.
Hubba Hubba: MSR's best-selling lighweight tents get a facelift
Ok, you’re going to have to suppress the snigger reflex for this, because there are some very silly names coming up.
Falke's new compression walking socks claim to reduce cramp and fatigue
Compression clothing is widely used by sports enthusiasts, with various claims of enhanced performance and reduced fatigue.
Petzl extends NAO reactive lighting system to two Tikka headtorches
The introduction by French brand Petzl last year of its NAO model turned a few heads, with an innovative reactive lighting technology that automatically adjusted the light output of the headtorch according to need.
The Shark surfaces: Edelrid's crampon for all boots
It may still be the height of summer but gear manufacturers’ thoughts are already turning to winter.
On test: Therm-a-Rest LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot
Therm-a-Rest LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot Country of manufacture: Ireland Weight: 1247g Price: £190 Colour: grey/black/gold Material: laminated nylon cover; aluminium poles; nylon feet So you thought a cot was what a baby threw its dummy out of.
Zamberlan boots up with new Fitzroy and Trek Magic models
It may be warm in the great outdoors but gear manufacturers are already looking to winter with their latest offerings.
Platypus Big Zip Reservoir gains slimmed-down look for 2014
Hydration specialists Platypus unveiled a slimmed-down version of one of its favourite products at the Friedrichshafen trade show OutDoor.
Hydrogen-powered outdoors charger wins trade show Novel prize for Brunton
One of America’s oldest outdoor companies scooped the top award at a British trade show for its innovative gadget that uses hydrogen to recharge walkers’ electronic gear.
Rab adds water-resistant down to sleeping bag range
Sleeping bags using down for their insulation are unbeatable for their lightweight warmth, but their Achilles heel has always been the sharp dip in performance if they get wet.
Mammut's new Realization Pants feature built-in climbing harness
This year Swiss brand Mammut introduced its integrated Realization Shorts for climbers, featuring a built-in climbing harness.
sugru: the colourful little bit of kit that could get you out of a fix
Our eye was caught by a different outdoor product at the recent Reliable Outdoor Kit Show at Kendal. One stand had a collection of gear with bright...
Zamberlan steps up for showtime with new boot models
It’s showtime in the outdoors world, with the giant Friedrichshafen gearfest followed by the smaller but equally goody-laden Kendal Outdoor Retail Show and the Reliable Outdoor Kit Show.
On test: midlayers
Midlayers are those vital pieces of clothing that are there to keep you warm on the hill, whether it’s as the main item or part of a layering system under a waterproof.
On test: waterproof trousers
This green and pleasant land owes its verdant nature mainly to one thing: rain. But it’s not so pleasant if you’re out on the hills and get cau...
Edelrid Satellite 20 UL: the rucksack that weighs less than a jacket
Climbing brand Edelrid has introduced a featherweight daysack weighing less than many waterproof jackets.
Fjӓllrӓven extends Keb clothing collection and Kånken backpack range
Europe’s outdoor manufacturers are gathering at the annual gearfest that is OutDoor at the moment – the venue where brands reveal what’s going to appear in the shops next year.