"As experienced Telemark and ski mountaineers we find we are testing equipment to the limit all the time. Based in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park we have a great playground to put our skills and our equipment through their paces in what ever the Scottish weather can throw at us.
Specialist skis, boots and bindings aside, our clothing is an integral part of our safety kit list for the mountains of Scotland. The Spitz jacket has been our staff uniform for a couple of years now and I’m still on the first one! This should be testimonial enough as we are working (or playing) 5-7 days a week on the hill throughout the winter season.
First of all has to be the durability of this jacket. Regardless of teaching ice axe arrest, waist belay techniques or avalanche search training, they still look like new and are still keeping the water out. The cut is just long enough to catch a harness but not too long to interfere with freedom of leg movement when skiing up the hills. Even if it does the return zip can be used to free you up. The hood is big enough to get a helmet under and still have good head articulation. Without a helmet the hood can be pulled in tight from a number of directions to keep the weather out.
Pockets on the chest are plenty big enough for the A4 printed then laminated map. Ideal for ski mountaineering as you don’t need to take those massive folded maps and waterproof cases. Even if you do you’ll just about have enough space for that. The durability carries through across the back, ideal as we live and work in Scotland and are always carrying a rucksack and skis for hours on end.
All in all a great bit of kit if battling against the elements is what you after. If not try the Couloir jacket. We have them also!"
Nick Etheridge – G2 Outdoor
G2 are based in Aviemore and offer a whole variety of outdoor activities such as alpine/telemark skiing, winter walking, rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking and snow/ice climbing. www.g2outdoor.co.uk
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