Richard Gear's Latest Answers

Q: What should I do if I have already washed my waterproof ski trousers in detergent, before realising that this ruins the waterproofing? Is there a reproofer I can use to make them waterproof again?

A: Gear here, Richard 'Salvage'Gear and my advice is not to panic, you haven't permanently damaged your trousers.

When waterproof and soft shell clothing is made, the surface is treated with a water repellant treatment - DWR - which is what makes water bead and run off. If you wash using normal detergents, agents in the detergent will stick to the molecules of the DWR treatment and stop if from working.

The good news is that washing again ..'
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Q: Can you recommend suitable gear, especially boots, for an eight-day walking holiday in the Pyrenees in June (luggage transported by car to & from hotels)? All my current gear is designed for slogging through Peak bogs?

A: Gear here, Richard 'Pyreneean' Gear - it's the way I tell them... Anyway, I like the idea of my kit being transported between hotels, I call it slackpacking, and bloody brilliant it is too...

As far as what you need for the Pyrenees as opposed to Peak District bogs, it may not be as different as you might think. Starting with your feet, I'd suggest a pair of lightweight walking boots, the sort of things that ...'
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Q: I am thinking about purchasing a Mountain Equipment Changabang jacket - sale price £232. Is there anything better on the market that is within that price and should i be overly concerned about the length of the jacket too?

A: The name is Gear, Richard 'Highly Technical' Gear. I mention that because the Changabang is intended as a techical mountaineering jacket, so whether it suits you, depends very much on what you intend to use it for.

First, Mountain Equipment makes excellent, functional mountain jackets and the Changabang is no exception. Generally we've found the hoods to work very well and most of the details to be well thought out - that means you should be able to adjust the jacket with gloves on and access to the ..
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