Richard Gear's Latest Answers

Q: I am trying to find a good wind /waterproof softshell jacket for my girlfriend what are the differences between a normal softshell jacket and a technical shell jacket? .

A: The name is Gear, Richard 'Sofshell Spectrum' Gear and I'm as confused as you are... The whole soft shell concept has become quite confused with the term covering a really wide spread of fabrics from stuff that's effectively waterproof at one end of the spectrum through to those that are just wind and water resistant at the other.

In very simple terms, the more protective the garment, the less breathable it tends to be and conversely, fabrics which are less protective, tend to be more breathable, which was the original idea behind soft shell...
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Q: What's the best way to look after a down jacket?

A: Gear here, Richard 'Insulated' Gear, friend of feathered warmth and duke of duvet jackets. That didn't really work, did it. Anyway, down jackets offer better warmth to weight ratios than the alternatives and looking after them properly should guarantee years of faithful service.

One key is to keep down as dry as possible. Once down does get thoroughly wet, the filling clumps together and the down loses its ability to loft and trap air. Airing a damp jacket is often enough, but if your down jacket does get really soaked.....
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Q: How good is the Satmap Active 10?

A: Gear here, Richard 'Lost as Usual' Gear, a man in search of a navigation solution. There will be a full test of the Active 10 on the site shortly, but in short, the answer to your question is very good indeed - probably the best outdoors GPS unit on the market in fact.

Why is it so good? Well, while previous GPS units have been quite fiddly in use, the Active 10 goes back to first principles and is designed specifically for use in the hills.

What you get essentially is a screen with a proper OS map showing a red dot which marks your position and ...
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