New 2004 Mountain Equipment Kit

We've already told you about Mountain Equipment's totally new range of 2004 packs - the details are here if you missed them - but there's some other new stuff in the pipeline from the Manchester-based company.

Arguably the most interesting of these is the introduction of a new range of 'Moonwalker' synthetic sleeping bags using Polarguard Delta which is claimed to be 'lighter, more durable and more thermally efficient than any Polarguard product ever produced'.

The new top of the range synthetics borrow features from ME's top-end down bags including the internally elasticated EXL system which 'hugs' the user and reduces cold spots, a 3D collar and anatomically- contoured hood and 'Shark's Toe' foot area with the upper bag 5cm longer than the lower bit for comfort. And who said sharks don't have toes?

We don't have details of temperature ratings, weights and prices yet, but there are four bags in the range numbered - doh - from one to four and the Moonwalker IV is rated down to approximately minus 25 C...

We liked the Mountain Equipment Firefly Paclite Jacket a lot and for next year, it's being joined by a more minimalist Smock version, the Firefly Pull-on. Like the jacket it has a full spec mountain hood for mountaineering use and has a deep main zip for extra venting. Claimed weight is just 300 grammes compared to 390 grammes for the full jacket version, so one for the weight conscious. Slightly heavier but more featured than the minimalist Berghaus Paclite Smock then.

The Firely(s), erm, Fireflies? are joined in the range by a women's specific Paclite Jacket, imaginatively called the Women's Paclite 3 Jacket.

On the softshell side of things, there's erm, movement, on the G2 Windstopper Pant front. The original G2 Mountain Pant, which we liked, gets the revisions we suggested in the form of a shorter, more breathable internal gaiter and adjustable, detachable braces to hold things up.

It's joined by a simpler 'G2 Pant' which uses the same Gore Windstopper N2S fabric but in a simpler version which does away with the gaiters altogether along with the rather sexy 'twisted-seam' construction. Should be an excellent UK hill and mountain walking pant, though not cheap at £125.

There's also, out about now, a new G2 Teclite Jacket - see pic - which is cut shorter than the original G2 Alpine Jacket and adds a handy hood for extra weather protection.

Last but not least, there are new additions to the 'Stretchlite' range. It's another Schoeller-type fabric and ME has used it to produce a spread of pants, shorts and shirts for all-round and climbing use. The guys at ME were raving about it, so it had better be good...

More ME information from their web site.