Gear Roundup: Winter Walking

Winter Mountain Walking — Essential Gear & Preparation

As the nights draw in and weather forecasters start talking about 'snow on the tops', the high country transforms into an entirely different realm. Winter strips away the forgiving nature of the hills: a gentle summer stroll can quickly morph into a serious alpine test where weather, terrain, and margin for error shift dramatically within minutes.

The most reliable winter hiking in the UK is found in Scotland, with snow guaranteed between January and March. However, navigating Scottish winter conditions is a skill unto its own—warranting dedicated training. Having completed a winter skills course at the Plas y Brenin National Mountain Centre, I would recommend it to anyone considering taking their fell-walking into the fourth season.

⏱️ Winter Kit Essentials at a Glance

• Pack: 35-45L capacity for extra bulk and fast packing in cold conditions
• Technical Tools: T-rated walking axe (ankle-length shaft) & C2/C1 crampons
• Footwear: Stiff B1 or B2 rated winter boots (essential for crampon safety)
• Navigation: Laminated OS map pre-marked with bearings & magnetic compass
• Warmth & Protection: 3-layer system, synthetic belay jacket, ski goggles & 3-4 pairs of gloves
• Safety: Whistle, high-output torch with reactive beam, and survival shelter bag

The dramatic, snow-dusted ridges of the Langdale Pikes

Pack & Navigation Strategy

I step up to a large 36-litre pack in the winter. Cold-weather gear is inherently bulkier, but there’s a vital practical reason for the extra volume: efficiency. A large pack means you can shove gear in quickly rather than fighting intricate packing arrangements—extremely useful when spindrift is flying and your fingers are cold.

Essential gear layout for a full day out in the mountains

Navigating in winter is a core element of staying safe. A map and compass are non-negotiable. Pre-calculating route bearings onto your map saves you from precise, fiddly work in harsh conditions. Laminated OS maps are ideal for this, as you can write directly on them in chinagraph pencil and wipe them clean afterwards.

Axes, Crampons & Boot Compatibility

Walking in winter almost instantly conjures up thoughts of specialist gear, and none are more iconic than an ice axe. They provide invaluable stability on steep ground and offer a vital line of defence should you slip.

My DMM Raptor ice axe

Ice axes come with a 'B' (Basic) or 'T' (Technical) rating stamped onto the shaft. Both are fine for general walking, but I carry a 'T' rated axe—the extra mass makes it much easier to drive the pick cleanly into frozen turf and hard-packed snow. Ensure you select a straight or slightly curved walking axe sized so the spike hangs near your ankle when held at your side; short, aggressive climbing axes are designed for vertical ice walls and are awkward for general walking support.

The golden rule in winter is simple: don't fall over. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using a pair of crampons combined with solid footwork. Crucially, crampons must be paired with suitably stiff mountaineering boots (B1 or B2 rated). Attempting to strap crampons onto flexible summer walking boots is dangerous—the boot will flex underneath the rigid crampon bar, risking metal fatigue, snapped linking bars, or the crampon popping off completely mid-slope.

Black Diamond Serac crampons paired with stiff winter boots

“

What may be a simple stroll in summer can become an absolute epic in winter.

Majestic views over Scafell and Scafell Pike in full winter coat

Layering Systems & Waterproof Protection

Managing body temperature and moisture control is the key to surviving winter walking. The standard 3-layer system remains the gold standard, though modern technical fabrics offer incredible versatility across mid-layers and active insulation:

1. Base Layer: Wicks sweat away from the skin immediately. High-grade synthetic active mesh or technical merino wool works best to prevent the rapid cooling that occurs when you stop moving.

2. Mid-Layers & Active Insulation: Gridded fleeces and highly breathable synthetic jackets allow moisture to pass through while trapping vital body heat.

3. Hard Shell Waterproofs: A robust, fully seam-sealed hardshell jacket and over-trousers form your windproof and rainproof fortress. Heavy-duty 3-layer Gore-Tex or equivalent membranes are necessary to withstand the punishing combination of gale-force winds, driven sleet, and sharp ice.

4. Stationary Belay Layer: Having a warm over-jacket stored right at the top of your pack is non-negotiable. While down offers impressive warmth-to-weight, UK winters are wet and maritime—the moment down gets saturated by driving sleet or spindrift, it completely collapses and loses all insulation. For British fell-walking, synthetic insulation (such as PrimaLoft) is vastly superior, as it continues to trap heat even when damp.

Spindrift whipping off the ridge at Helm Crag

Goggles might seem an odd addition at first, but when you're staring down 40-knot gusts of driving spindrift, you'll be glad you have them. I was once turned back from Helm Crag for precisely this reason. A basic pair around £20 is all it takes to keep you moving safely.

⚠️

Rule of Thumb: Glove Redundancy Always pack at least 3 to 4 pairs of gloves for an all-day winter walk. They get soaked quickly and can easily blow away in high winds. Carry thin liners, warm fleece mid-weights, heavy waterproof outers, and a dry spare set.

A typical layered array of gloves

With daylight fading early, a high-output headtorch is essential. I carry a Petzl Tikka RXP for its reactive lighting technology, which adjusts brightness automatically and saves battery life in freezing conditions.

Wide open winter views across Ribblesdale

Full Winter Gear List Breakdown

Category	Equipment Choice	Primary Function
Carrying	36L Mountaineering Pack	High volume for bulky cold layers
Footwear	B1 / B2 Rated Stiff Boots	Essential rigid platform for crampon safety
Hard Shell	Heavyweight 3-Layer Waterproofs	Full wind and driven rain shield
Insulation	Heavyweight Synthetic Belay Jacket	Stationary warmth (retains loft when wet)
Hardware	DMM Raptor Ice Axe (T-Rated)	Ankle-length walking axe for balance & self-arrest
Traction	Black Diamond Serac Crampons	Frozen turf & hard snow grip
Lighting	Petzl Tikka RXP + Alpkit Backup	Reactive lighting for dark descents
Safety	Blizzard Survival Bag & Whistle	Emergency shelter & signalling
Eyewear	Ventilated Ski Goggles	Spindrift & whiteout vision protection

The rewards for lugging this extra gear are immense. Frozen landscapes, crisp alpine air, and solitude offer a grandeur that summer walking simply can't match. Is there anything you think I've missed from this list or a piece of kit you never leave home without in winter? Let me know in the comments below!

First Look: Montane Quattro Fusion Jacket

'Fusion' and 'Hybrid' are becoming the current buzzwords of the outdoors industry, but what does it actually mean? The definition, according to the All the Gear dictionary, is "something having two kinds of components that produce the same or similar results". So how does this work with outdoor gear? Montane has decided to deliver a lesson.

New into All the Gear HQ is Montane's winter 2017 flagship jacket, the Quattro Fusion, a perfect example of hybrid construction powered by scientific thinking.

The Montane Quattro Fusion Jacket in Arbor

The jacket will set you back £225 when it hits the shops in the autumn, a high price to pay considering it is 'just' a jacket. But with the price comes an innovative insulation piece designed to deliver warmth and breathability exactly where it is needed.

The 'hybrid' aspect of the jacket are Montane's use of insulation materials; down and Polartec Alpha Direct, cleverly distributed around the jacket to maximise the benefits of both materials. The jacket has been developed using thermal imaging data stemming from research undertaken at Northumbria University. Body temperatures were tested in a range of simulated cold and wet conditions with the results being used to create the jacket’s hybrid fabric construction and body-mapped design. That places down against parts that need to be kept warm (the front, kidneys, upper arms and top of head) and the more breathable Polartec Alpha Direct on places where heat can be allowed to dissipate (shoulders, lower arms, underarms and back).

The result is a rather unique, futuristic-looking beast, so let's take a closer look.

Features:

• Water-resistant Pertex Quantum and Pertex Quantum Pro outer 
• 800+ fill HyperDRY Down 
• Polartec Alpha Direct fleece lining 
• Helmet-compatible, adjustable hood 
• High storm collar 
• Profiled sleeves 
• 3 pockets 
• Adjustable hem

As you can see from the photo above, the fit is nice and neat (I'm wearing a medium over just a t-shirt). This is to minimise the circulation of air around the jacket as you move around, preventing cold drafts from blowing in and out. It's also designed as a mid-layer, rather than a traditional down belay jacket. The Pertex fabric is lovely and smooth, and layers beneath a shell easily.

The Quattro Fusion layered beneath my ME Lhotse waterproof

Hybrid Construction
As I mentioned before, two types of insulation are present in this jacket; hydrophobic down where warmth is needed and Polartec Alpha Direct where breathability is needed. The down used in the jacket is responsible sourced (certified by the Responsible Down Standard) and is made water-resistant thanks to a fluorocarbon-free treatment. This means that the down shouldn't turn into a wet mess as soon as it's exposed to moisture.

The down is housed in narrow baffles, preventing it from migrating around the jacket

The more breathable areas are insulated using Polartec Alpha Direct, a variant of the excellent Polartec Alpha. Think of it as a modern take on pile-lining, though not as warm as its old school inspiration. It's designed to keep you warm while on the move while also retaining heat when you stop.

The furry Polartec Alpha Direct across the back of the jacket

Designing the location of the two insulation layers has been done in collaboration with Northumbria University and Montane's in-house extreme climber Andy Kirkpatrick. Using a climate chamber and thermal imaging, Montane have mapped which parts of the body are warmer and which are cooler. The only image I can find to express this is from UK based brand Berghaus who utilise the same technology on the Ulvetanna Hybrid Down jacket.

Location of the down and Polartec Alpha Direct

The Hood
The hood is designed to fit over a climbing helmet, however, thanks to the three adjusters, it fits rather well over a bare head as well. It features down across the top of the head to minimise heat loss and a modest visor to keep wind and snow (probably) out of your eyes.

Details
The cuffs are elasticated and are neat and tidy - they should layer beneath winter gloves well. They could prove troublesome if you like your jacket to fit over your gloves rather than underneath.

Elasticated cuff

Hem drawcords sit inside the hem on either side to help seal out any drafts. Again, these are nothing special but are neat and functional.

One of the hem adjusters

The jacket is finished off with two hand pockets, located to be compatible with a climbing harness, and a concealed chest pocket.

Verdict
Given that it's the summer, it's not been cold enough to put this jacket through its paces yet but I'm looking forward to giving it a go. Montane is well known for producing high-quality gear and this seems no exception, even if it is a sample. The fit is very nice - not too loose or tight and about the right length for me and, as demonstrated, it layers well beneath a shell. It's not bulky or restrictive in any way and, once it's on, you'll probably forget you're wearing it, which is usually the sign of an excellent jacket. Roll on winter.

Gear Review: Arc'teryx Atom SL Hoody

The Atom SL in fetching Genepi Green

Released in early 2016, the Atom SL Hoody is the lightest and least-insulating of the legendary Atom range that includes the LT, AR and SV flavours. It is designed as a summer insulating layer because we all know mountain weather can be unpredictable. But summer insulation? That was a new one for me. Having now owned this for nearly a year, it's clear that it is so much more and shouldn't be limited to just summer use.

It really comes into its own across the spring, summer and autumn seasons. It's a supremely versatile jacket thanks to the combination of fabrics used throughout. Firstly, being an insulated jacket, there is a thin layer of Coreloft (Arc'teryx's own take on Primaloft), a synthetic insulation layer that surrounds the torso. The arms and hood are not insulated, allowing for better temperature regulation while the side panels are made from thin, super stretchy fleece called Torrent. The main fabric of the jacket is a tightly weaved nylon shell which provides great protection from the wind while also being breathable. In essence, it could be thought of as an insulated wind shell.

Insulation is held in place by a sewn grid

The fit is incredible, I would say it's one of the best fitting jackets I own. For me, it's the perfect length and the perfect cut in the body and arms and is one of the main reasons why I love it so much.

Let's take a closer look:

The Atom SL

Features: 
A full rundown of the features of the Atom SL:

• Coreloft Compact insulation 
• Torrent stretch fleece side panels 
• Low profile Stormhood 
• 'No Slip Zip'
• Shaped cuffs
• Adjustable hem drawcord 
• Two zipped hand pockets

The Hood 
The hood is a simple affair made from the wind-resistant outer fabric and is designed to fit underneath a helmet (if you climb or ski). Good enough to keep a cold breeze at bay but certainly far from waterproof. Adjustments are provided by an excellent drawcord that runs around the base of the skull and the sides of the face, allowing you to pull the whole hood tightly around your head. There is also a modest visor to help keep any wind or rain out of your eyes.

The simple hood 

Details
There are numerous details that make this jacket a true Arc'teryx piece. Here are a few of them. As I mentioned, stretchy fleece panels run up either side of the jacket and down each arm to the cuffs. These help to better regulate temperature as they are more breathable than the main face fabric but they also provide a certain amount of warmth when it cools down. They are super soft and extremely comfortable.

The side panel that runs the length of the body and arm

Hand pockets sit clear of backpack straps and provide enough room for hands but not a lot else.

Aside from these obvious details, a few minor Arc'teryx flourishes are also thrown into the mix.

Firstly is the 'No Slip Zip', a clever feature that prevents the zip from opening on its own with irregularly shaped teeth in the top portion of the zip to prevent it from slipping, though this has never been a problem for me.

The shaping of the cuff is also really neat with an extended piece of fabric sitting across the back of the hand. This small detail is one of the things I really like.

The neat cuffs

In Action 
This jacket has been on numerous Lakeland trips over the last few months from early Spring, through summer and into autumn. It starred in the ascent of my final Wainwright which, despite being the middle of summer, took place under the shadow of a chilly wind. It really came into its own during a recent trip to Yosemite where valley temperatures could hit 35 degrees but summits on the valley rim were much cooler.

The Atom SL at Glacier Point

While I have found this jacket to be really useful, some will be put off by its high price and many would think it's not worth the money. That said, if you are happy to fork out the necessary cash, or can find it reduced, then it could well be the jacket you never knew you needed.

Gear Review: High UV Protection Buff

Sometimes an item is so successful or such a leader in its field that the brand name becomes synonymous with the product rather than the brand. Hoover is a good example or Jacuzzi perhaps. Gore-Tex may well fall into this bracket as well, though I'm not reviewing all-conquering suit of armour this time. A more humble but no less useful item has made its way to All the Gear HQ.

Imagine a garment that can be worn in several ways, can keep you cool in the heat of summer and warm in the depths of winter. Something that is the height of simplicity and technicality combined. An impossible creation? Not if we're discussing a Buff.

As I mentioned at the start, Buff has become a by-word for any multi-functional headwear and you can find many alternatives on the market though nothing quite beats the original. I'm sure you're all aware of what a Buff is or does but for those who don't, let me elaborate slightly.

In it's simplest form the Buff is a cylindrical piece of fabric, sewn on a special loom to negate the need for any seams. Generally, they are around 50cm long, which is enough length to get creative. In addition to this, the manufacture the Buff in a number of different fabrics and styles - this one in particular is a High UV Protection Buff, kindly sent to me by the guys at Kitshack.com.

Features:

• Coolmax Extreme fabric
• Seamless 
• Polygiene treatment
• Weight: 40g 

The High UV Protection Buff is designed for warmer weather, an all too rare occurrence in Great Britain. It is made from Coolmax Extreme, a fabric that actively moves perspiration away from the skin. More importantly for me, the High UV Protection blocks out at least 93% of UV rays. As I don't like wearing hats, this provides a perfect alternative to protect my head and neck from the sun.

As I mentioned earlier, there are number of ways that a Buff can be worn; around the neck or wrist (like a sweatband) are two favourites of mine. Worn round the neck, the Buff can be brought up over your nose to keep the cold at bay. My wife is a big fan of the Merino Buffs and often wears one as a headband while out walking. Other ways include as a beanie, a hairband and, everyone's favourite, a pirate.

Some of the many ways to wear a Buff

Some of the many ways a Buff can be worn

Buff have expanded massively since I bought my first one and now includes specialist pieces such as hoods and actual balaclavas - they even have a modest range of clothing as well.

In Action
I took the High UV Buff out for a test drive in the mountains of Cumbria - the Eskdale Round to be exact. The weather was a mix of sunshine, clouds and a cool breeze. Not ideal for the High UV aspect of the Buff but a perfect day for the the Buff's general functionality. It works really well as a wristband for sweaty climbs and as a traditional neckerchief for those colder moments when the wind is blowing which is how I tend to wear them. They are superb pieces for autumn and winter to keep the extreme cold out and they help to stop unwanted rain seeping in around the neck of your waterproof jacket.

Wristband mode for the sun

Neckerchief mode for times the weather was a bit cooler

It also came along to warmer climes during a trip to Yosemite in California. Though we only did a few modest hikes, the weather was hot and the sun was strong - ideal conditions for the UV Buff and i have to say, it performed very well. Keeping the sun off is really important for me so it was to reduce the amount of sunscreen that I needed to slather on.

The Buff in action in California

A Buff a must have for hiking, running, travel and more with its small size and versatility making it an ideal companion on any day out. I've own a few different designs, some are official Buffs, some are not but I would recommend it to anyone looking for versatility and value for money. You could spend a small fortune on hats, scarfs, hairbands, sweatbands or balaclavas or, you could reach for a Buff instead.

Gear Review: Mountain Equipment Frontier Softshell

Mountain Equipment introduced us to their Frontier range around this time in 2015, a modest collection of simple, functional softshells which included a hooded jacket, a hood-less jacket, an armless jacket (a gilet or vest) and a pair of trousers - not at all a jacket. After not much deliberation, I spent some of my own cash on the hooded jacket and, a year down the line, it is one of my absolute favourite items. Let's have a quick look and see why.

The first thing you may notice is the cut of the jacket which is fairly slim fitting. This is Mountain Equipment's Alpine fit which removes excess fabric but retains a full range of motion. For me, a medium is perfect over just a base layer and it can layer over a light mid-layer (something like the gridded Rab Baseline) but you may need to size up if you intend to layer over thicker items like an insulated jacket.

The second thing you'll see is the jacket's simplicity. Two hand pockets and a napoleon pocket, a large hood (with all the adjusters you'd come to expect) make up the Frontier. It is made from Mountain Equipment's own Exolite fabric, a stretchy, double-weave fabric that has abrasion and weather resistance. Like a lot of softshells, the weather resistance is provided by the tightness of the weave rather than a membrane so the breathability of the jacket is excellent.

Features:
The Frontier jacket has the following features:

• EXOLITE 210 double weave fabric
• Mountain HC hood
• 2-way YKK front zip
• 2 hand pockets
• Napoleon chest pocket
• Internal zipped pocket
• Adjustable cuffs
• Dual tether drawcords
• Weight - 580g

The Hood
The hood is classed as Mountain Equipment's HC Hood, meaning that it will accommodate a helmet but adjusts down well over a bare head. A wired visor keeps things nicely in shape. It's perhaps not as impressive as the hood found on the Lhotse waterproof but still, perfectly adequate to keep a stiff breeze at bay. There is some shape to the brim but I would have liked a stiffer wire.

Details
The dual tether drawcords are a small work of art. Instead of one continuous piece of elastic running around the hem of the jacket, the Frontier has three. Two between the front zip and the hips (on either side) and one longer one around the back. I like this for two reasons - you can adjust the front and the back of the jacket independently and there are no loops of elastic to get caught on errant tree branches or rocks.

Dual tether drawcords

The Napolean pocket is pretty small and fairly useless in my opinion; I can't recall a time where I have used it in anger. The handwarmer pockets on the other hand are suitably large enough for hands (obviously) but also stashing gloves or hats on colder days. They are even large enough to accommodate the UK yardstick of pocket design - the OS map.

Napolean pocket

The adjusters and subtle part-elastication of the wrists allow you to pull the sleeves up to your elbows - perfect for those hard-working moments.

Part-elasticated cuffs are neat and tidy

In Action
I have worn this jacket right through the spring and autumn and even on some winter outings in the mountains, such is its flexibility. It's a great all-rounder - a jack of all trades which makes it an extremely useful item for the outdoors wardrobe. My only minor quibble would be the face fabric has started to bobble on high wear areas such as the shoulders and hips though it doesn't affect the overall performance.

The Frontier jacket on Scafell Pike

Gear Review: Arc'teryx Gamma LT Hoody

The Gamma LT Hoody is Arc'teryx's no-frills softshell jacket, designed for year-round use across a wide range of activities. Unless it's pouring down, this jacket is one of the first out of the wardrobe, as it provides a barrier against wind, snow and even the odd light shower. It's incredibly versatile and, most importantly, fantastically comfortable. Looks pretty good too.

The Arc'teryx Gamma LT

Arc'teryx are well known for the quality of their products, and this jacket is no exception. The Gamma LT is made from a very tough-feeling fabric - Arc'teryx's own, called 'Burly'. The fabric uses a double weave to create a wicking layer on the inside and a weather-resistant one on the outside. It feels thicker and more durable than some similar fabrics from other brands and comes at a greater price, but the payoff is quality and longevity. This will still be performing when other jackets are past their best.

Let's look at this one in more detail:

Features
Here's the extensive list of features directly from the Arc'teryx website (even after I have removed some of the more trivial ones):

• DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) helps repel water from fabric surface 
• Mechanical stretch textile for unrestricted mobility
• Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility 
• Gusseted underarms 
• Stretch wrist gussets 
• Helmet compatible StormHood 
• Laminated brim 
• Adjustable hood drawcords 
• Full-length Vislon front zip with wind flap and chin guard
• Laminated cuffs and hem
• Adjustable hem drawcord
• Internal chest pocket with laminated zip 
• Two hand pockets with zippers 

You'll notice the word 'laminated' used a lot; this is one of Arc'teryx's party pieces. Lamination is the technique of manufacturing a material in multiple layers, usually permanently assembled by heat, pressure, welding, or adhesives. Lamination in clothing allows for seamless construction, which reduces weight and bulk. So there you are.

Arc'teryx are renowned for excellent-fitting items, and this is no different. Perfect length, perfect fit around the chest and perfect length in the arms. Arc'teryx has a range of cuts depending on the item's intended use; this one is the 'Athletic' fit meaning it is cut to reduce excess fabric but still have room for that all-important mid-layer should you need it.

The Hood
Not much to say about the hood, really. It's designed to fit over a helmet, as most softshell jackets are these days, but the drawcords allow a snug fit over a bare head. You'll most likely find yourself using the hood to keep the wind (rather than the rain) out and, to this end, it works well.

The hood on the Gamma LT

Details
The jacket is fairly stripped back in terms of detail; a couple of handwarmer pockets complete the set, alongside the usual adjusters.

One of the simple handwarmer pockets

One feature you may or may not like are the cuffs, which have a stretchy panel around the wrist rather than a traditional Velcro adjuster. This works well if you aren't wearing gloves but can be a bit of a faff if you want to layer it over bulkier gloves. That said, you would be more likely to tuck the sleeves into larger gloves than the other way around so I can see the logic. Personally, I would have preferred the tried and tested Velcro adjuster.

The stretchy cuffs

In Action
This jacket is truly versatile and can be used year-round given the right weather. It layers nicely beneath a waterproof and can happily accommodate a warmer mid-layer during the winter whilst providing superb resistance to wind. There are plenty of softshells on the market that will o doubt do a similar job but I see this one as an investment - the extra thought in the fit and materials along with the timeless design will keep this at the front of the queue for a good few years yet.

A casual day on Graystones

Gear Review: Scarpa R-Evo GTX Hiking Boots

Scarpa R-Evo GTX

The Scarpa R-Evos were the first everyday hiking boot to utilise Scarpa's 'Sock-Fit' technology, a boot building technique that has slowly been filtering down from their top-end mountaineering and ice climbing boots - more on that later. I bought my pair after a moment of weakness while trying them on in a shop. I was amazed at their instant comfort and parted with my hard-earned cash (plus a discount of course) in a flash. I think I'm quite lucky to have Scarpa shaped feet as they make some fine boots for all manner of walking, climbing and mountaineering.

Side view of the Scarpa R-Evo

I purchased them after getting fed up with two pairs of Salomon Cosmics which, despite their superlative fit, leaked badly after minimal wear (I bought one pair and subsequently had them replaced under warranty to no avail). Time to try another brand I thought. I had read good reviews of the R-Evos from other websites which prompted me to look at them in the first place. They are an extremely handsome looking boot with their two-tone grey-orange theme though the 'greyness' of mine has faded over time, becoming a sort of grey-brown colour which is a little disappointing.

As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, these fit me perfectly and were out walking almost directly from the box. One of their key features is the Sock-Fit, which I'll discuss in a moment but for now, here are their technical specs:

• Materials:
• Upper: Suede and Schoeller S-Tech fabric
• Lining: Gore-Tex Performance Comfort
• Insole: Comfort Flex
• Midsole: EVA
• Outsole: Vibram Fagus Lite
• Sock-Fit construction
• Speed Lacing System
• Ankle Padding System
• Heel Tension System
• Weight: 1.3kg (pair)

Sock Fit
So - the Sock-Fit. What's it all about? Instead of a traditional tongue that is created from the same fabric as the boot and floats separately from the uppers - the Sock-Fit tongue is made from one piece of softshell fabric which is attached to the boot at the lacing points. In practice, this makes the boot 'one piece' which has the necessary stretch to flex and move with your foot - very much like a sock. The fabric Scarpa has used is Schoeller S-Tech which looks and feels like most normal softshell fabrics though has a certain 'squishiness' to it and undoubtedly has Gore-Tex sandwiched within it.

The softshell tongue that forms the Sock Fit

This softshell fabric extends from the tongue to two triangular windows at the ankle which allows the boot to flex here as well. Overall, the fit of these boots on me is superb; close and supportive yet unrestrictive and, ultimately, there isn't a hint of movement of the foot in the boot which helps to eliminate blisters.

Sole
They have a specially designed Vibram sole that I've found to grip well to most surfaces - I've yet to have a serious slip in these other than the odd skid on steep, wet grass. 18 months worth of walking (averaging about 20-30 miles per month) has started to wear the tread a bit so I'm not sure exactly how long they will last before a re-sole or the bin beckons.

The Vibram sole on the R-Evos

Waterproofing
As will all fabric boots the waterproofing is provided by a Gore-Tex layer in the boot which is all that is keeping the elements at bay. Thus far, the boot has performed admirably in bad weather, save for one curious incident during their early days where I ended up with a wet foot having just walked through some long wet grass on the slopes of Place Fell. While I've yet to replicate this and have since worn the boots during some fairly poor weather with no issue, I can only assume that it was the result of wet trousers leading to wet socks and a wet foot. As with any lined boot, feet do get hot and sweaty on warm days which has caused some friction around my ankle.

Other features
These are listed straight from Scarpa and, in all honesty, I have no idea how significantly they contribute to the overall comfort. Memory foam padding is evident around the ankle, the Heel Tension System supports your heel and prevents torsional twisting, and the Speed Lacing System allows for speedy adjustment of the internal volumes of the boot. In other words, you can tie the laces which I think is a real must-have feature for any pair of walking boots. A robust toe rand wards off scuffs and abrasions at the front of the boot.

Conclusion
These are a well-made pair of boots that fit me very well indeed - they are very comfortable. Obviously, if they don't fit you then they are as good as useless. They are my go-to footwear generally between Spring and late Autumn. I believe that the Sock-Fit actually works well, creating a close, secure fit around the foot but with the necessary flex required to make them comfortable. They look to be handling the English mountains rather well with no obvious signs of damaging wear and they have retained their waterproofness well beyond the lifetime of the previous Salomons. Being over a year old now you can pick them up well under the RRP of £180 which makes them much more affordable. If you have a Scarpa shaped foot and are in the market for a new 3 season boot, I'd recommend giving these some consideration.

The R-Evos tackling the Bad Step