Berghaus Freeflow 25 + 5 Pack

I've had a freeflow pack for a long time. In fact it was one of the first generation versions and I used it for a long time. It's still in the gear cupboard it's just been superseded by my gear obsession.

The current version has changed slightly but the concept hasn't changed. The mesh grid along with the curved panel allows the ''free flow" of air to the back meaning less material pressing on the back whilst you get hot during activity. 

 

The 25 + 5 version you see here has a lot of nice additions - netted pockets, vented "EVABREATHE" shoulder straps and a hydration pocket to name a few. 

The pocket on the flap has a bigger opening with a curved zip opening.

The biggest addition I can see is the BIOFIT system which is an adjustable back height. It has 5 settings from XS to XL allowing it to sit correctly around the waist which it does. It sits comfortably over the shoulders and around the waist. I did find the waist belt loosened off a bit but nothing too serious.

I find that between the mesh and the curved panel is good for stashing my map whilst walking.

The additional features do add to the weight of what is an already weighty system. Granted its not the lightest but it carries well, so a balance is struck.

There are walking pole attachments which can be bastardised to accommodate an ice axe.

I was a bit concerned about the white straps getting filthy but after several lanes on the hill it has returned still white. Obviously just aesthetics.

There's also a rain cover, which I always completely forget about.

I do have difficulty with the volume of the pack. the knock on effect of the curved panel is the main area has to curve too. lt doesn't however have an adverse effect on the packs centre of gravity. What it does affect though is how the pack holds its contents. To me it feels restrictive, the curve seems to impair access to the depths of the sack. Not majorly but enough. And it doesn't feel like it's the full 25 litres.

It doesn't make it a bad pack. Actually its very comfortable which is the main thing. It makes a good summer and pre-winter pack.The side pockets, which I assume are the + 5, are really handy. Normally I keep a water bottle in one and water proof trousers in the other so they're handy.

This model isn't in production anymore it seems. There is a 25 litre and a 30 litre version on Berghaus's site along with all their other products here www.berghaus.com

Osprey Everyday Use Packs

This is not something I am known for but the commuter/biking series from Osprey has been very useful to me over the last couple of years. I have had to do a bit of travelling in the UK and internationally for work. Living out of a bag and keeping things constantly packed, it's like camping, everything needs to have its place so you know where it is when you need it and you can make sure you haven't left anything behind.

For me Osprey are known for their functionality and these packs are no different. The Momentum has features to the extent of Alpine climbing packs! The Flapjack is simple and functional. That’s not a criticism, it's what makes it brilliant.

Momentum 30

Osprey says this pack is "born to commute". I tend to agree. lt has 30 litres of volume, it feels like it swallows double that! It has enough space for a long weekend in Holland or filing cabinet for a travelling consultant. It comes under the biking series on Ospreys site, truth be known I've never had it on whilst cycling. However I have used it in several guises. It has never let we down.

I’m not going to list its features, it has already been listed here ..... It has enough nooks and cranny's to tuck away all sorts of bits and bobs.

The laptop sleeve has a top opening has a water resistant zip. I wouldn't necessarily trust it to keep persistent rain out but it’ll defend the enclosed tech well enough in the short term. When there is a laptop in the sleeve, the back panel is obviously very flat and rigid. The Airscape system is not very thick so the comfort factor drops. Accepting this the shoulder straps, sternum strap and the minimal waist belt, which is removable, allows the pack to sit comfortably whilst carried. In with the sleeve there is a secondary pouch that will hold a 10 inch tablet.

The main compartment is cavernous and neat at the same time. There is a document sleeve, individual netted pocket along with the main void. On the outside near the bottom there are two pockets for small items, they have net barriers to catch/hold the items in. The issue I have with these pockets is when the main compartment is jammed full (which has happened) these pockets become redundant as they are squeezed shut.

 
There is a small organiser pocket on the front which is good for storing keys and other handy bits. Just above the zip of the pocket is Ospreys Lidlock bike helmet attachment, as I said this hasn't been involved in any 2 wheeled activity but with its elastic pull cord I'm sure it works just fine.

Stitched to the front is an elastic stretch panel, it’s good for stuffing a jumper or lightweight jacket in when it’s not needed.

Last but not least there is a highly visible rain cover tucked in the bottom of the pack - glowing! 

Does yellow and orange not clash?

Flap Jack

I have used this bag for nearly 2 years, it is with me every day with varying uses. Each time it's done what I have required of it. On a daily basis it carries useful stuff: chargers, note pad, tablet, water, a magazine, head torch, earphones.... The list could go on for the full blog. This should also give an indication of its carrying capabilities, Ospreys site doesn't give a volume but I'd estimate 18/20 litres with the usual Osprey doocots to keep everything separate but still together.

It could have many descriptors too: courier, messenger, laptop, go or man bag. Me, I just call it my bag. The colour of this pack is specced as black, well it’s not is it? Its graphite or grey. It was a bit of a sticking point when I was buying it but I'm not fussed now, well, I say that I would prefer it to be black!

Anyway, the shoulder strap has a padded slider on it which is obviously essential when the weight of the bag mounts up, the downside of it is there is a grippy rubber section that spells ‘Osprey’ on the underside. It's designed to help keep the slider in place whilst walking. It does this, what it also did was pull at the nylon shell of a down jacket completely ruining the shoulder. Fortunately now the rubber has pulled off with use, so no more destruction. My advice pick it off when you buy it.

The waist strap is useful for keeping the bag behind you. I've used it a couple of times when I've had to move hastily somewhere. Late for a train! It's removable but I've never felt the need as it doesn't cause any discomfort.

The flap has a little pocket which is useful for stashing small items quickly. The flap is mainly held down with the velcro panel and its strong! It hasn't failed to hold even at its heaviest when lifted by the carry handle. The clips, which are interchangeable with different colours provided, I only use when I've stuffed so much in that it's the only way to keep the lid down.

Once the lid is open the first thing that stands out is the green interior. At first it seems a bit garish, eventually it dies down, probably due to dirt but alongside this the light colour becomes a benefit. The depths of the bag don't seem so dark and it makes stuff easier to find. I don't think the underside of the flap needs to be green but it’s nothing major.

The main compartment is split into three. The rear slot will take a smaller lap top, mine has a travel wallet and a notepad with Sidetrack magazine for inspiration. The centre divider is a padded pocket which is padded with a zip closure. My 7in tablet lives in here on its end with room to spare. It's designed for 10in versions. The front part is the largest portion and holds all the bigger items.

The larger zip pocket has individual slots. I use these for earphones, usb sticks, a torch and a multi tool. There is plenty of room at the bottom of the pocket for dropping other nick nacks in to.

The front pocket is quite thin so it’s quite limiting to what you can put in here. It has the key clip which I use regularly. The pocket is however useful.

On the side there is a dedicated water bottle pocket, it fits my Camelbak Eddy bottle perfectly. Another casualty of time has been the zip pull loop snapping, I've replaced it with a bit of string which gets me by.

So, a different element to my gear closet. Both very useful bags, as a duo and individually. The Flap Jack is a great carry-on luggage bag but it just works for me every day. The Momentum could do a day hike and be very comfortable, without a laptop being pressed up against your back. For a daily cycle commute, even with a laptop, it would carry everything you need comfortably with the usual robust quality of Osprey.

Unfortunately I don’t spend the majority of my time in the outdoors, so this kind of kit is something I use regularly. I will continue to use the Flap Jack daily and the Momentum will be in support of it when required. So let’s go to work…

The full range of all Osprey's packs can be found at www.ospreyeurope.com There are a lot of new packs and updates to the existing range.

Bergans of Norway Sauda Down Jacket

If there's a country who knows about the cold and the requirement for warm clothes it's Norway! I have been there a couple of times and as well as it being a beautiful country it can be bitterly cold. Bergans Of Norway holds a heavy tradition of quality outdoor clothing and gear. They are now heading full steam towards the UK and I can't think of a better brand to have available to outdoor folks.

I've been using this Sauda down jacket over the winter and with the sub zero temperatures it has come in very handy. It arrived just before I went on a summit wild camp. It was the most welcome piece of kit I could of asked for. The summit of Stuc a Chroin was a very cold and windy evening. When I was out wandering taking in the sunset dropping and the sunrise emerging the next morning all I wore was a base layer and I felt no effects of cold on my upper half. If I could of squeezed my legs in it would of.

It has a 90/10 fill and a Pertex Shield outer. The box construction means that theres no issues with wind penetrating the seams. With the hood up and the zip done up to the chin it is the warmest jacket I have ever had the pleasure to experience. Using the single males hot drinks previous marketing line, it is like a big warm hug! I just doesn't come from a mug.

When you put it on, personally, I feels like it's a bit of a blimp. I'm not really into puffa type jackets. Although, I very quickly got used to it and as I mentioned the warmth is exceptional. People have commented, when I mentioned the blimp comparison, that it doesn't look massive when worn.

This is also the most technical down jacket I think I've ever seen. The hood has drawcords around the face and a cinch cord at the rear, it will swallow up a climbing helmet although I don't think that it's the jacket to be hauling up on to a belay. If you did though, you would "feel the benefit" as Peter Kay would say.

There are even pit zips! I have never felt the need to use them but I can imagine them being useful for preventing overheating if there was a small increase in temperature. I preferred to keep the heat in.

There are 2 chest pockets, one of which has an eyelet to feed through earphones to the inside. 

There are 2 hand pockets which have a layer of insulation on the inside and the outside layer making for a warm nook for each of the front paws. There are a couple of things that might improve the hand pockets. There is a potential cold spot at the bottom of the pocket where the bottom baffle on the outside has a lesser amount of insulation and cold wind highlights this. The other thing is to keep the Sauda's furnace mantel to its maximum would be to fleece line the pockets, that would be bliss!

There is another small pocket near the cuff of the left sleeve. Maybe for ski lift passes or a little stock of snacks? I have never felt the need to use it.

The highlight of all the features on the Sauda is the thumb loop/hand warmers. They are basically a mini Buff for the wrist and palm of the hand. They are great for doing things in the cold without gloves and the overlap when gloves go back on eradicates any heat loss at the wrist. When you don't want them they just push back in behind the elastic cuff and go unnoticed. In my opinion every jacket should have these.

The large inside pocket doubles as a compression pouch. This is where the size of the jacket starts to highlight itself. Trying to find a corner of a pack big enough to accommodate this on a wild camp can be challenging. I have put it in a different stuff sack and it will go slightly smaller. When it comes out to play it lofts quickly, can be used immediately and warmth is instantaneous.

Compared against a 1 litre Sigg bottle

This is a very high specced jacket, all its features amount to a technical, warm and well constructed garment. I have been trying to balance up the 1035g weight penalty against how good an insulating layer it is. It definitely has a place in extreme cold weather environments where weight can be dragged in a sled or as a luxury item on a camp where carting it across hilltops isn't an issue.

If this jacket was streamlined sacrificing some of the insulation qualities, reducing its weight, it would be a very attractive jacket for back packers and climbers a like. For now, until the winter comes back in a couple of months the Sauda has been shelved. It will see next winter, in what guise I'm not sure but I am looking at more Bergans of Norway gear for next year from Nordic Life. The build quality is first class!

Picture courtesy of Michael Thomson

Ssshhhh! It's Top Secret...

A couple of weeks ago I noticed that Cotswolds put a post on their site asking for people to apply for a Gore Tex workshop and obviously, being the gear freak I am, I was quick to respond. Quite quickly I got a response with a couple of email addresses for a German based market research/innovation company called HYVE (pronounced Hive) who were running the workshop. They were looking for people interested in gear (check) and people who were out in all types of weather especially wet weather (check). After a couple of emails and a bit of a phone interview I received my official invitation. 

The workshop was held in Gores Livingston office, a recently modernised building which has been there for 20 years plus. The area that was used for the workshop was what I can only describe as a break out area. They look after themselves there too, coffee making machine (I assume for the long hours spent developing the shells we wear), soft drinks, bowls of fruit, biscuits and a later in the day plates full of muffins. On top of that lunch was provided in the canteen facilities with good old fashioned lentil soup and in honour of Burns night there was haggis, neeps and tatties. There was pasta for people not keen on the traditional dish. 

I arrived at Gore and was signed in and given my visitors pass. As I passed down the halls of the newly refurbished building I noticed the glass fronted cabinets containing examples of garments made from Gore fabrics from various well-known brands such as Norrana and The North Face also there is some water proof lumberjack looking, but probably trendy, jackets made for the Chinese market. 

Once I was in the main workshop arena the documents we were emailed which basically give the hosts the right to record both video and audio everything the participants of the workshop do and say. Also anything we all came up with was then theirs to do with as they wish and also we are not allowed to divulge anything that was discussed or written down on the day. The Gore Official Secrets Act is probably what it should be known as. I need to be careful what I include in this post or I fear a team of waterproof suited special force bursts in my house and drag me off to a really dry interrogation. 

There were 7 participants in the work shop, four members of staff from Gore and 6 from the market research company Hyve. There was quite an influx of people as the Hyve team had travelled from Munich, Germany. Also the Gore project leader, Birgit, had flown in from there too. Mary, originally from America, had come over from China. There was a broad range of experience and interests from the participants, fell runners, climbers, cyclists and hillwalkers. A couple of the guys take some of their experience from when they are walking their dogs in the adverse weather, something I never really considered but a very valid perspective I think. 

We had an informal introduction between ourselves and had a quick chat with the hosts and managed to break the ice before we moved to what would be our conference table for parts of the day. Obviously I topped up my Gore mug with my first caffeine charge. 

With everybody now around the table, and the safety exits and toilets pointed out, everyone from the Gore and Hyve team introduced themselves and the role they play in the workshop. Then it was the participants turn to do an official introduction. We were asked to bring our favourite jacket when we were given the invitation so included in our introduction we were to talk about the features and draw backs. The conclusion that I took from it was people just want their jacket to keep them dry and last a long time. One of the guys I think had the first Gore Tex jacket ever made! 

We headed back downstairs for another refreshment and we were split into groups to go through different stances where we chose what was important to us about fabric, make-up of jackets and cosmetics amongst other things. It was all recorded and there was a camera clicking over our shoulders throughout. 

After our Burns influenced lunch, the plan was to get back around the conference table and put pen to paper coming up with how we would see our perfect jackets would be put together. Our visions were captured by Sebastion from the Hyve team, who was a very talented sketch artist. When we were happy with the features we stood up in front of the group and presented our master pieces. There was a wide range of feature requirements. My idea was for a technical mountain jacket with a solid hood and features which revolved around long days on the hill and climbing. Everyone else had a hood but they preferred it to be stowed away in the collar predominantly. The features were all practical to the pursuits each of us undertakes. There were some similar ideas and a bit of design envy amongst participants. Maybe some of the ideas will end up on the market. 

With the factors each of us required from a jacket we were split up into small groups with participants of similar thoughts on outdoor gear. The big thing for me is functionality and ability to move in the garment. I was paired up with Gabriel, young climber, who had a similar thought process. The task was to take our prominent requirements and come up with a fictional individual who would also want the same characteristics and dream up a life surrounding it. All very Weird Science! There were no bras on our heads to make it clear! Each group did the same and each character seemed to evolve from someone or from similarities made to ourselves. All the other tasks I could see there benefit of taking information from but this one baffled me a little. I sure someone much smarter than me will take something productive from it. 

That brought the end of the workshop and as I am a gear geek I have to say I enjoyed it. The project, we were told, is in the very initial parts and the outcome will not be for a while, a couple of years probably. Between the Gore employees, the Hyve team and the participants I think I managed to speak to everyone. All were passionate to be involved in something that will aid outdoors people in the future.

This workshop reinforced to me why the variety of garments, not just jackets, exist on the market. There will never be one overriding jacket that will cover every activity and suit every consumer. Whether it is new ideas or new technologies in fabric, companies are trying to meet our requirements and needs. That may be to sell products and make money but they are going to do it anyway why shouldn't the Joe Bloggs end user be involved in the process. It will be us at the end of the day who will buy it. 

Before I post this I am looking out of my window to check for waterproof warriors. 

It's all clear!   *post* 

Edelrid McLane Softshell Jacket

A softshell jacket from Edelrids clothing line, I think it is safe to say it is aimed at the climbing fraternity. It's quite techy as softshells go, a lot of features for the vertically inclined. I have had this a while and I've used it at every opportunity as a mid and outer layer. When I was in Chamonix it was never off my back when I was acclimatising and on summit day. 

It does well in windy situations although the stretch panel under the arms is permeable to a bit of a breeze. I wouldn't change them though, the dexterity offered by the black panels gives the jacket extra freedom of movement which I think climbers will appreciate. As well as that the venting in the clammy armpit area is a huge bonus. The main fabric of the jacket does fend off heavy gusts of wind comfortably.

The cuffs are interesting, they are not elastic but as the main sleeve finishes there is an inner cuff which seals it around the wrist. It's effective I think, as the arm length suits me the cuff sits nicely and is unrestrictive when outdoors and also when putting it on and taking off. Inside is a little loop for a thumb to prevent the sleeve riding up when over stretching. I haven't felt the need to use it and its not for keeping the seal for gloves in tact as there's too much material to get gloves over. 

As you would expect the pockets sit high for harness use. The zips are long so getting a folded up map will fit in nicely. The sizes of the pockets differ slightly as the main zip runs off at a small tangent as it gets to the top. I have a hardshell that does this and when fully zipped it stops the zip end irritating the chin, which is a good idea and works quite well. I think it looks cool too. What it does also do though, is when its not quite fully zipped it leaves one large flap which tends to flap around more than two even sides when the wind blows.

The inner backing to the face material is a fixed mesh mesh which encourages the wicking process really well and I haven't had a real issue with the material getting overly damp even on hard working days out. 

The hood isn't big enough to go over a helmet but will obviously go underneath if required. The peak has a thin wire which is handy but isn't significant enough to sculpt the hood like some hardshells I know. Not a bad thing. The hood has one adjustment point which is a clinch drawcord at the back of the head. Its position is a little awkward for helmets but it can be negotiated into a nook so its not pressed into the back of the head. The cord runs from the back of the head around the middle to the front of the hood then down to the top of the zip. So when it's pulled in it forces the outside edge of the opening back around the head. For me this doesn't work, it looses the effectiveness of the hood when it's pulled back uncovering my ears. I understand why it's been designed like this to eliminate the need for pullcords flapping about around the face but I don't think it has been a good idea. What it means is I don't have the hood snugly fitted making it baggy and it doesn't move with my head. 

It is an otherwise comfortable and well fitted jacket. The branding on the arm and the general style of the jacket is pretty cool, it raises my street cred from non existent to minuscule and for that to happen it would need to have extra cool points. 

I will continue to use this jacket on hill days and climbing adventures. The hood thing is a bit of a niggle but the fit of the jacket suits me and is well cut.

Picture courtesy of Richard Flint

The jacket retails at £130 which is probably the high end of the scale but it is a contender in the softshell market. The Mclane and I will see a lot more mountains in the future.