Blimey, the gear news is coming thick and fast at the moment as
the new spring / summer '05 ranges filter into the shops. And yes, we
know it's snowing out there.
One company that's producing some kicking outdoors clothing at the
moment is Montane. Their eVENT Superfly Jacket was voted last
year's best new product in the OM
Reader Awards and their new spring / summer range keeps the
Northumberland flag flying high.
For starters they've got a new superlightweight eVENT jacket and
pants, a waterproof, breathable smock that weighs in at just 180
grammes and the new Vapour, a windproof gilet that weighs less than a
Twix.
Anyway, here are few hightlights that might be worth a look. More
info once we've got some on test soon.
The 180 Smock
The new 180 does what it says on the label - it's a
waterproof, breathable smock that weighs a ridiculous 180 grammes
complete with a roll-away but still adjustable hood. The fabric is
Freeflow Light and you get a drdopped tail for active use,
elasticated cuffs with reflective dots and a zipped chest pocket.
It's about the same weight and size as a medium-sized apple, which
can't be bad, though it won't taste as nice. Price is £90 and
it's probably the lightest waterproof top out there.
Air Jacket And Pants
The new Air jacket and matching pants use a new, super
lightweight (85g/m2) version of the excellent eVENT waterproof /
breathable fabric to create lightweight and very breathable shell
clothing.
Stretch panels at the side and insdie of the arms should make for
a neat fit and there's no shortage of features including a roll-away,
adjustable hood, beardguard lined collar, full-length, two-way
water-resistant main zip, hook and loop adjustable cuffs and more.
Seams are taped with 15mm Microtape as well, as per the latest
Gore-Tex garments.
Montane reckon that at 300 grammes it's the lightest eVENT
jacket in the world and should be ideal for both lightweight
day-hiking and biking as well as being highly breathable. Price for
the Air Jacket is £175.
The matching Air Pants are a simple matching pant with
Freeflow stretch reinforcement to knee, seat and inner ankle for ease
of movement and long-ish ankle zips to make them easier to don over
boots. Weight is claimed to be around 250 grammes and the
price is £140. Not cheap then, but a few years back, a
totally waterproof and very breathable jacket and pants combo
weighing 550 grammes, or a little over a pound, was a total pipe
dream.
Vapour Gilet
Windproof gilets are fantastic for fast moving stuff like running
and biking on days when it's too windy for just a baselayer, but a
full top is over kill. Leaving your arms exposed lets you dissipate
heat, but keep your core protected.
The new Vapour must be one of the lightest windproofs in
the world. Made from Pertex Quantum with Shield technology, it weighs
in at a ridiculous 55 grammes - that's about the same as a
Twix choclate bar, which is just crazy. It's a simple garment, but
still gets elasticated arm holes and hem, reflective dots and a deep
front zip for ventilation. It also has a separate pocket / wearable
stuff sac for easy carriage.
Price for the Vapour is £50.
Other Stuff
There's plenty of other neat stuff in the new range, but those are
the real standouts and it's great to see a small, specialist British
company producing innovative new kit.
You can find more information about Montane from their web
site., though the latest kit isn't yet up.
