Mountain Equipment New Gear Scoop!

We dropped round to see the nice people at Mountain Equipment the other day and got a sneak preview both of their revolutionary kettle and, more interestingly, the new kit that will be coming your way later this year.

We'll give you full details later in the week, but one jacket we reckon a lot of you is going to be interested in is the new Kongur XCR, a jacket designed specifically to work specifically in British mountain conditions, but retain enough versatility to work in the Alps.

In a way, it's a return to the original Changabang, before that jacket became a more minimalist, shorter-cut, continental-style shell. The Kongur was designed with feedback from mountain rescue teams and professional guides, so it really ought to do the job.

It's cut significantly longer than the latest Changabang for added protection, but doesn't skimp on other features. That means you get 3-ply Gore-Tex XCR Ascender fabric for durability, double centre storm flaps across the main zip for water proofing and large chest and map pockets that are placed to be harness friendly. On top of that, the jacket has pit-zips.

Hood Updated...

Crucially you also get the latest version of ME's excellent Strealth Hood, which offers great facial protection,hidden adjuster cords and new for this autumn, a hood which combines both wiring and lamination to give the best of both worlds and improves wrap and fit in particular.

In common with other new ME shell jackets, it uses new construction techniques that give a seamless, welded look, but are actually stitched for greater strength and durability. ME is also taking advantage of new, softer lamination areas to avoid the stiffness that was a feature of some of its recent jackets. Weight is also saved by the use of Gore's microtape throughout.

The jacket may embrace traditional values, but it still looks good thanks to neat cut and two tone colours and at 710 grammes is respectably light for a longish jacket. Price should be around £250 when it appears in late summer this year.