We popped into sunny – ha, just kidding – Manchester last week to catch up with Patagonia’s latest kit and initiatives, notably the new Action Works campaign and drink coffee from a re-useable coffee mug…
Alpkit to donate 2% of Black Friday sales to good causes
Alpkit has announced that it will be doubling its donation to the Alpkit Foundation for the duration of the Black Friday sales period. All week, 2% of every sale will go towards helping as many people as possible get outdoors, to ‘go nice places, do good things’ whatever their circumstances.
How Green Is Your Gear? #1: VAUDE
Have your say…
The North Face launches super-breathable Futurelight waterproof range
Bang new from The North Face this October is a waterproof shell technology called Futurelight – or in TNF speak FUTURELIGHT™ fabric – which is claimed to be a ground-breaking material for waterproof jackets and other clothing that combines massive breathability with light weight and long-term durability.
Smartwool’s new merino/polyester mash-up
Merino specialist Smartwool’s new Merino Sport 150 Graphic Tees seem like a bit of a departure for the brand. The new tees, complete with graphic prints, are actually made from a blend of 56% merino wool and 44% polyester rather than pure merino wool.
Tecnica’s ‘world first’ custom-fit hiking boots
Jon Doran heads to Ellis Brigham in Manchester to try out a new custom-fit boot system from Tecnica…
Alpkit launches budget ‘lumen bazooka’
Alpkit’s original Gamma quickly became the quintessential budget headtorch – and is still going strong albeit with more power and some subtle changes – but the new Qark is in a different and much brighter league.
Hanwag upgrades its Ferrata boot with radical new sole technology
New this spring is Hanwag’s updated Ferrata II GTX boot complete with a radical new TubeTec Rock sole technology, which is claimed to be both lighter and more cushioned than before, but still capable of edging on the sort of holds found on alpine rock routes and, of course, via ferrata.
New Montane Trailblazer packs use running vest technology
Montane’s new for spring range of three lightweight Trailblazer packs look like an interesting mix of technology and features borrowed from vest-type running packs and more conventional designs…
Sprayway – What’s new for 2019
We’re just back from a flying visit to Sprayway HQ on the eastern fringes of Manchester. From the upstairs windows, you can see the foothills of the Peak District and in 15 minutes or so, you can be on the ground in the UK’s most popular National Park.