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.
New Bags
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...
New Clothes
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.
