Sprayway Kit Scoop

We thought we'd take a quick peak into the future with the aid of the OM crystal ball and specifically at a couple of Sprayway products due out later this year.

The new Cloud Peak Paclite II is another hybrid mountaineering jacket using a combination of lightweight Gore-Tex Paclite in the less exposed parts of the jacket - front of sleeves and main front - and Gore-Tex XCR other higher wear areas.

It differs from the similar concept products from Arc'Teryx, already out, and Mountain Equipment, which again is due out later this year, by using more XCR and less Paclite. That may make it tougher overall, but claimed weight is still a very respectable 495 grammes for a full mountain shell - that's about half what shells used to weigh.

Other features on the jacket include Gore Microtape on the seams, which reduces the amount of tape used by the size of a sheet of A4 paper, it says here. Pockets are lazer cut for neatness and you get die-cut Sharkskion -styled Velcro cuffs, whatever they are.

More usefull the peak is a fixed one that will accommodate a full climbing helmet and has a stiffened peak and single-handed adjuster. Add in full venting chest pockets, a shock-corded hem and a setachable seat strap and the Cloud Peak looks like an interesting option. Price will be around £220 when it appears some time around September.

The company has also gone Gore-Tex Windstopper crazy with a big expansion of its range of Windstopper garments. There are eight of them in all including a pant, gilet, three new men's jackets, two women's jackets and a complete overhaul for the successful Dominator windproof fleece.

It's the season when Sprayway gets softshell. The new Monolith soft shell jacket is aimed - and we quote - at the 'top end mountain trekker' and is made from Gore Windstopper Scuba fabric in the main body areas and Jorasse material in abrasion prone parts.

You also get pit zips for ventilation plus adjustable collar, cuffs and hem. Should be windproof and very water resistant as well. Price will be £170 and you can get it in black or black.

Last but not least, there's something called Zone 2 deep pile fleece which uses Polartec Thermal Pro High Loft fleece in both men's and women's mid-ranges.

The super fluffy Thermal Pro fleece might look like a fashionista's dream and you might just write it off as a showy gimmick, but we've found that it gives great insulation with minimal bulk and, erm, okay, it does look good too.

The spec includes stretch panels at the sides, underarms, cuffs and hem, a full length front zip and a single zipped chest pocket.

Apparently the grey version - pictured - uses Polartec's new 'dappled heather look fabric'. So there you go. Reminds us of the MHW Monkey Man, which is our fave ever warm wear fleece. Price will be £80.

And yes, we are shameless furry fleece victims, but just bury your nose in that soft, plush, furry fibre and you'll feel just the same - trust us...