With warmer weather on the way, we take a look at some of the season’s best new products…
Petzl NAO RL
£150
The new NAO RL is an ergonomic, ultra-powerful, and rechargeable headlamp featuring Petzl’s REACTIVE LIGHTING technology. The NAO RL provides a massive 1500 lumens of brightness and weighs just 145g. Comfortably balanced, the headband is easily adjustable and maintains excellent support throughout long days in the mountains. With REACTIVE LIGHTING technology, the brightness automatically adapts to the ambient light; manual operations are reduced and burn time is optimised. Additionally, red lighting at the rear of the headlamp allows you to remain visible at night.
More info: www.petzl.com
Kelty Cosmic Down 20°F
£145-185
The Kelty Cosmic Down 20°F sleeping bag offers a buttery-soft and durable 20D Nylon shell together with cosy 550 fill down, which provides an ideal blend of warmth, light weight and compressibility. These combine to create a lightweight sleeping bag that’s environmentally and health friendly due to the use of CO and PFC-Free DWR Fabrics. The Cosmic Down 20°F is built using innovative trapezoidal baffles, which retain heat and improve thermal efficiency, and it incorporates a natural fit spacious footbox for more wriggle room, an anti-snag zipper with dual slider for ventilation, and a zippered internal stash pocket. The Cosmic Down 20°F is available in short, regular and long sizes in Lyons Blue colour, and in a women’s model in Deep Lake colour.
More info: www.kelty.com
Rab Latok Paclite Plus Jacket
£250
The ultimate packable shell for climbers, mountaineers and alpinists, the ultralight Latok Paclite Plus provides durable waterproof protection during unexpected downpours. The recycled GORE-TEX PACLITE Plus fabric will keep you dry through sleet, storms or showers, but can be easily compressed in a pack, making it an ideal back-up for a range of mountain adventures. The helmet-compatible hood features a stiffened peak to keep the elements away from your face, and can be easily adjusted with a single hand pull to ensure a secure fit. Pitzips combined with the breathable fabric provide the ventilation you need when tackling a steep ascent. Articulated sleeves have been designed to prevent the jacket riding up out of a harness while climbing, and a Napoleon-style front pocket gives you unhampered access to essentials while wearing a harness. When the temperature drops, the extended cuffs with hook-and-loop adjustment will fit with gloves or mitts.
More info: www.rab.equipment
Petzl Fly
£100
The FLY is an ultra-lightweight and adjustable harness for technical mountaineering and ski mountaineering. It has a modular design, with removable padding in the waistbelt and leg loops, so you can adapt the level of comfort and weight. Without the padding it weighs just 100g, making it the lightest ever Petzl harness! The FLY is easy to put on without removing your skis or crampons, and the buckle-free waistbelt allows quick adjustments to be made. Gear loops and ice screw retainers with silicone interiors allow you to keep your gear within reach.
More info: www.petzl.com
Silva Trekking Poles Carbon
£119.99
Silva’s sleek and well-designed trekking poles are made from ultra-strong lightweight carbon fibre, and adjustable up to 140cm using the aluminium ‘flick-lock’ system. The cork grips are comfortable in both warm and cold temperatures, while extended foam handles are useful crossing steep terrain or when you quickly want to change grip. Wrist straps are soft and easy to adjust. The poles fold down into three segments, so they’re compact enough to fit your backpack using the storage bag supplied. The poles come with interchangeable carbide tips, rubber ‘paws’ and snow baskets, so you can adapt them for use in any terrain.
More info: www.silvasweden.uk
Rab Stratosphere 4
£110-130
Lightweight and compact, the Stratosphere 4 featuring a recycled outer fabric finished with a fluorocarbon-free DWR boasts a superior warmth-to-weight ratio, making it a versatile all-mountain sleep mat which has a small enough pack size to take on all your trekking, climbing and backpacking adventures. The recycled Stratus R insulation is designed to trap air and reduce heat loss through convection, helping to maintain your temperature when the mercury drops and ensuring you recharge ready for tomorrow’s challenges. The mat features a low-profile two-way valve and comes with a handy pump sack, so it’s quick and easy to inflate when you’re ready to hunker down for the night. Oversized outer chambers keep you in the centre of the mat and stop you rolling off in your sleep, while the spacious rectangular shape will ensure a comfortable night’s rest whatever your preferred sleeping position.
More info: www.rab.equipment
Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60
£180
The Flex Capacitor 40-60 is a modern classic pack, renowned for its light weight, class-leading versatility, and innovative features, with its expandable volume making it the one-pack solution for any adventure in the great outdoors. The Flex Capacitor features a unique patent-pending gusset system, allowing the pack to quickly and easily expand from 40 to 60 litres by adjusting a few straps. Instead of expanding upwards like other packs, the circumference of the Flex expands, to provide a more stable and comfortable load carry. It’s constructed around a Y-Flex suspension system, is robust for its low weight, and has a padded lumbar support and wide hip belt to spread the load evenly. The Flex Capacitor is available in Birch, Peat or Bering Blue (pictured).
More info: www.sierradesigns.com
Alpkit Heiko
£93.99
The Heiko punches well above its weight on breezy belays, showery summit stops and chilly evenings around the tent. Windproof, water resistant and highly compressible, Heiko packs down into its own pocket. The Heiko’s outer fabric and inner liner are made from a super light and soft recycled polyester fabric. This fabric forms a fully windproof sandwich around the insulation, trapping vital body heat when you stop moving or the wind picks up. Not just a versatile outer jacket, the Heiko can also double up as a super warm midlayer in colder temperatures. Its hoodless design and low-profile 60gsm insulation fit neatly under outer shells. Using PrimaLoft® Silver Eco, a 100% recycled insulation, it has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Its water resistant too, repelling water and keeping its insulating ability even when wet. Combined with the fast-drying fabric (treated with a PFC-free DWR), this makes the Heiko ideal for changeable conditions.
More info: www.alpkit.com
Salewa Pedroc Pro 22
£130
Designed for stability while moving fast, the Pedroc Pro offers a lightweight, close-contact carry with excellent breathability and a wrapping fit; the anatomical hip belt hugs your body yet tucks away when not needed. Two features allow on-the-go use without removing the pack; large, accessible side pockets and Salewa’s one-hand compression system allowing the load to be stabilised by pulling a single cord. The Dry Back Contact back features a reduced surface contact area, with its ventilating design allowing greater airflow, while the split harness straps mould to your body to give a precise fit around the shoulders and better breathability. The pack body features a roll-top closure, plus front zip access. A new double-ripstop Duralite nylon fabric gives tough abrasion and tear resistance with very low weight; the Pedroc Pro weighs just 570g. The women’s specific version is the Pedroc Pro 20 W.
More info: www.salewa.com
Biolite HeadLamp 425
£64.99
BioLite’s 2nd generation range of HeadLamps redefines the rechargeable landscape. Exceptional lumen quality and USB rechargeable power are packed into compact and lightweight profiles with an unprecedented no-bounce fit. Designed for peak performance, their construction also delivers the best fit of any headlamp on the market. The range includes three new and improved models: HeadLamp 325, HeadLamp 425, and HeadLamp 800 Pro. Sitting mid-range, the HeadLamp 425, with an improved 425 lumens and 7 lighting modes, combines an ultra-thin 9mm front with balanced weight and moisture-wicking fabrics to create a fit so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing it. Go further and stay brighter with the benefit of five front modes, a rear red light, and a new 8-hour Reserve Mode. With a burn time of 60 hours on Low, and 3.5 hours on High, and a beam distance of 85m (Spotlight) and 15m (Flood light), the HeadLamp 425 is ready to illuminate your next adventure.
More info: www.blacks.co.uk
Alpkit Filoment Hoody
£99.99
The Filoment is a lightweight down jacket with an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. It excels on its own for those fresh autumn adventures and makes a great addition to the layering system on those winter epics. The outer is made from light, yet durable nylon fabric. It’s 100% recycled and treated with a PFC-free durable water repellent, keeping the moisture at bay and the down performing at its best. The 630-fill power down is fully recycled (RCS 100 certified), reducing the amount of down going into landfill.Narrow micro baffles give the Filoment an active, slim fit. It has a dropped, adjustable hem at the back and articulated arms that stop it from riding up when you’re reaching for that next hold or bending over to fit your snowshoes. The insulated zip baffle, chin guard and under-helmet hood keeps you well-defended against the cold.
More info: www.alpkit.com
Rab Kangri Paclite Plus Jacket
£270
Be prepared for the unexpected with the Kangri Paclite Plus waterproof jacket, a lightweight back-up shell made from 100% recycled fabric for mountain hikes and fast-changing weather. With a streamlined design which keeps bulk to a minimum, it’s perfect for stowing away in your pack and pulling on when a storm is threatening. The GORE-TEX PACLITE Plus material keeps you dry in a downpour, aided by the fully adjustable hood with a stiffened peak to help with visibility. Keep unwanted draughts and moisture at bay with the glove-friendly rear hem adjustment and adjustable cuffs. When the intensity ramps up, the breathable fabric helps to regulate your temperature and you can release additional heat using the underarm vents. Two zipped hand pockets are the perfect place to keep your snacks or a compass within easy reach.
More info: www.rab.equipment
La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT GTX
£330
A true all-rounder, the sort of boot you could use for a big mountain scramble when the approach itself is an hour or two; good on rock, but good on a full day’s trekking or backpacking as well. Its Double Heel sole construction, integrated into an exclusive Vibram design, has a very pronounced double-block rear geometry which increases the downhill braking effect and allows a more fluid roll, reducing muscle fatigue. It’s part of a new outsole/midsole package which combines an external Rubber Guard shell construction with internal EVA foam, improving cushioning and reducing weight. The uppers use a durable combination of Nubuk leather and abrasion-resistant nylon fabric inserts, with a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort insert. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) shells are integrated into the toe and heel to reinforce the upper, enabling use with semi-automatic crampons.
More info: www.lasportiva.com
Exped Dura 5R
£180
Exped’s mats are now carbon neutral and categorised by insulation value, the R-value, with the new Dura 5R offering an excellent R-Value of 4.8 (temp rated -20°C). Designed for demanding adventures, including expedition use, the recycled 75D polyester fabric is Oeko-Tex 100 certified, durable and robust. The bluesign-certified synthetic filling is laminated to both upper and lower sides of the mat, which features a deeper 7cm cushion and a ‘cradle comfort’ design with wider air chambers on each side. Includes the clever Schnozzel Pumpbag which allows you to inflate the mat quickly while preventing humidity from your breath affecting the insulation; it also doubles as an ultra-lightweight compression stuff sack.
More info: www.exped.com
Selk’bag Original Recycled
£139.99
Wearing a Selk’bag is like climbing into a cosy sleeping bag onesie and still being able to move around. It’s a full body sleeping bag with arms and legs. Your own personal duvet onesie. Providing maximum mobility, comfort, versatility and warmth, Selk’bags are ideal for use on camping trips, backpacking adventures, for stargazing and on road trips, as well as for lounging at home. The best-selling wearable sleeping bag is now 100% recycled. The Original Selk’bag has been redesigned to be better for the planet and better for your adventures. Being sustainable has never been so comfy and cosy! So go ahead – make some s’mores, play the guitar, or build a campfire – all while enjoying ultimate cosiness, sustainability and freedom of movement.
More info: www.selkbag.co.uk
Whitby Gear Binoculars
From £24.95
The Whitby Gear range of compact binoculars offers options to suit different outdoor activities and budgets. From the pocket-sized to the widest level of focus adjustment, there’s a pair for everything from bird and wildlife watching, to following the action at outdoor events, to scoping out the route ahead on an overseas trek. The smallest in the range are the 8×21 binoculars. At just 165g, these compact binoculars will easily fit into a pocket for quick access when on the move. The light weight and compact size of the 10×25 binocular make it highly popular for those on the move and is great for a multitude of uses. The eight times magnification and 42mm objective diameter lenses of the 8×42 Compact Binoculars make it easy to view long distance imagery in exceptional detail.
More info: www.whitbyandco.co.uk