Thanks for all your help guys. Just to let you know I went for the following Kit: Montane Quickfire Jacket – bargain at 119 pounds OMM Kamleika Waterproof Pants – 59 pounds Scarpa Enigma XCR shoes – 76 pounds Please let me know what you think of my purchases! Thanks Dave
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You let us know what you think! Seems a nice set of lightweight kit, ideal for this time of year. One thing I might think of adding is something like these Integral Designs eVENT gaiters. These are worth having for days when it rains a lot so that you stop water running into your shoes from your waterproof trousers.
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 I'll second ALS on the ID gaiters. Excellent with shoes. Nice set of kit you bought. As ALS said, you tell us what you think of your gear after a few outings. 
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Yes I think I will defiantly go for the gaiters, they seem a really good idea. Do you think these are the best ones out there for the money? As for the kit so far I find the Montane jack excellent, it is by far the most breathable jacket I have ever worn. I think it will even do me in the really cold winter as I just don’t feel the cold at all. As for the shoes in went to Costworld outdoor today and tried a wide variety of shoes on, and the Scarpa Enigma XCR were the best fit / most comfortable of them all. I also tried a few traditional boots; however I am not used to these and found them too restrictive. I think the Enigma XCR will be just fine with the gaiters suggested. As I did my homework before I went into Costworld, I had a fair idea of the best internet prices and ask them to do a price match, which they did without any arguing! With regards to non waterproof shoes I found the Merrell Ventilator’s very comfortable, however I thought they lacked the build quality of the Scarpa Enigma. While on the subject of shoes / feet, does anyone know if you can buy Event socks? I have seen plenty of Gortex socks but not Event. Does anyone know if they are any good? Dave
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I've never heard of any E-vent socks. I've just bought a pair of Rocky goretex socks that get good reviews. They are close fitting and not 'flappy' and loose like some others. I'm about to test them over the next few days.
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 they look very interesting indeed mike. do you have any idea if they are designed "big" to go over other socks or do you have to order a size larger?
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 I got a pair of Rockys the other week too Parky. I bought my normal shoe size, UK 9, and they'll go snugly over a sock like the Smartwool Light Hiker or Adrenaline, but would struggle to fit over anything bulkier.
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I take a size 10 in a shoe, and ordered a size 10 sock. I can wear them over my normal Smartwool socks in my Inov8's without really noticing they are there. I haven't used them in 'anger' yet. I'm away tomorrow for a 4 day Cairngorm wander. The forecast is very wintry, so they will get a good test!
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The ID gaiters are probably the lightest gaiters out there, and, since they are eVENT, very breathable. They are also (unlike most gaiters) designed to be used with shoes. The downsides are that, being light, they will probably get shredded easily. And they can ride up at the back easily. And the elastic underfoot won't last very long (but you can replace it). Also, they have no zips so you can't put them on once your shoes are on, so either you put them on in advance if you reckon they'll be needed, or you have take your shoes off. But because they are so thin, you can put them on, but kind of roll them up above your ankle and tuck them into your socks until it rains or you need their warmth or protection. So you decide! But I don't think you need full socks, goretex or otherwise, with your Enigmas since they are lined already. But I reckon it is worth keeping lined shoes washed and well shaken out, so that bits of grit don't get a chance to get worked into the lining.
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thanks matt & mike. i feel a purchase coming on for a pair of these and the gaiters look good too.
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ooh. £5.95 p&p is rather steep for a pair of socks. edit: so bought the post free gaiters instead. more edit: doh! google is my friend. found rocky gore tex socks for a more sensible £2.50 postage.
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I use the ID event shortie gaiter and rate it highly. The shockcord under foot on mine has lasted an unexpectedly long time, and anyway's it can easily be replaced "in the field". They work well, mine have been abused for about a year now and they still look fairly fresh.
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 Is that Ben Donich/Beinn an Lochain you're at there?
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Aye ptc*, it's the carpark at the foot of Ben Donich just round from the "rest and be thankfull" carpark. I went up and over Ben Donich and then up The Brack then came back down and followed the forest track down to the campsite at Ardgaarten where there wis beer and stir fry for dinner. I raised a good few quid for "Macmillan cancer" that day and had a bloody good time doin it to
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reading the instructions to check you'd put them on correctly?
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LOL!
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