It's been a fairly settled few months in the gear cupboards at All the Gear HQ. There have been a few new additions to complement the existing collection and a few changes in colour here and there but everything I've mentioned in previous posts is still well in service. The main new addition, to which I have grown quite attached, is the excellent Arc'teryx Konseal Hoody, shown below.
The Arc'teryx Konseal Hoody
I'm a big fan of mid-layers and fleeces. Most are used largely for more day-to-day use as I find teaming a fleece with an outer too warm in most cases. That's why I like the Konseal so much and it's reserved solely for hiking; here's why.
The Konseal Hoody is a fairly minimal mid-layer or even a very heavyweight baselayer. It's made from the excellent Polartec Power Dry fabric which uses two different weaves to promote quicker wicking. In addition, the inner face has a voided fleece, much like the Rab Baseline which traps air in small channels that run throughout the top. What you get is a noticeably warm top with less bulk. In addition to this, it has a neat trick up its sleeve (or down its neck to be more precise). PowerDry is also chemically odour-resistant and contains 50% recycled material - nice.
A detailed photo of voided fleece inside the Konseal
The fit is close, as a base or mid-layer should be, allowing the fabric to work as intended, both wicking moisture and trapping the necessary air to create warmth. I had found a previous incarnation of the Konseal too small in this respect but the current model is almost perfect. I've either become smaller (unlikely) or it has been cut larger (likely).
Features
Here is a rundown of the main features of the Konseal Hoody:
Polartec Power Dry with moisture-resistant outer face fabric
ScubaHood
Integrated neck gaiter
Thumb loops
Laminated chest pocket
Details
Being a base layer / mid-layer there are not a huge number of details to mention though Arcteryx's quality is evident. The chest pocket is typically Arcteryx, laminated to the top rather than sewn, creating a seamless bond that is stronger than a traditional seam. That said, I rarely use chest pockets so this isn't big deal.
Chest pocket
Hood
The hood (Arcteryx's ScubaHood) fits close to the head like many mid-layers on the market, designed to be worn beneath a helmet but does stretch comfortably over a woolly hat.
Within the hood is hidden the excellent neck gaiter, made from Arcteryx's own Phasic fabric (this is the same fabric they use in their synthetic base layers). When not in use, the gaiter simply sits unnoticed around the back of the neck. Bring it into play (by pushing your head through it) and it acts almost like a buff and can be pulled right up over your nose.
The hidden neck gaiter
Sleeves
The sleeves are a nice length and have thumb loops that allow the sleeve to cover much of your hand though I've found they can be a little uncomfortable at times. Layered the sleeves over a thin pair of gloves creates a seamless barrier over which larger, more weather-resistant gloves can be worn. I like this approach and use it a lot.
Thumb loops if that's your thing
And that's your lot.
In Action
The Arc’teryx Konseal hoody is a great addition to a crowded market of fleeces and mid-layers. I think the concealed gaiter is perhaps its biggest selling point, and it really is a nice thing to be able to pop on. All of the features are well thought out and function perfectly, so it’s really up to the user to decide how much money to spend, how warm a fleece is needed and exactly what features will be most useful. But, as it stands, the Konseal has many charms and virtually no flaws.
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
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
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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!
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
I decided to write this review based on the number of times this jacket has made its way out of the wardrobe this winter. Once again, another sale purchase earlier in the year, this jacket has fulfilled the criteria of being technically very functional whilst also being very wearable off the hills as well.
The Rab PS Hardface Hoody
So, what is it? To put it simply, it's a fleece, but you get some extra features for your hard-earned cash. Firstly, it's made from the popular Polartec Power Stretch fabric, a warm, stretchy fabric that has become a mainstay of the outdoors industry. It stretches in four directions (imagine a compass face) which make it a comfortable fabric for base and mid-layers. The elastic fibres that provide that stretch are reinforced to ensure it retains its shape during its lifetime.
It also benefits from having an additional treatment to the face of the fabric, Polartec's Hardface technology. This is a method for fusing a polymer to the surface of Polartec's fleece fabric. This polymer creates a hard, smooth yet flexible surface that reduces friction between layers and creates a much more durable surface. It also improves the durable water repellency while maintaining the breathability of the original fleece fabric.
Technical stuff out of the way, let's look closer at the actual jacket itself:
Front and side views of the PS Hoody
Features:
Polartec Power Stretch fabric with Hardface Technology
Adjustable hood
Hem drawcord
Double fabric cuff
Flatlock seams
YKK front zip
Two zipped hand pockets
The fit is really nice, close but not restrictive or overly tight. Slim fitting garments help to trap more of that lovely warm air that is generated as you move around. Too loose and that precious heat is lost as the top billows around. The slim cut and the smooth face of the fabric mean that this layers effortlessly beneath waterproofs and softshells.
The Hood
As with most mid-layer hoods, this one is designed to go over your head like a beanie, rather than being sized to go over a helmet. This one, thanks to its adjusters, can be cinched in when the weather turns really cold and provides a much needed boost of warmth.
The jacket's hood
Details
There are two handwarmers pockets for, well, warming your hands and the zips run nice and smoothly if that's how you like your zips.
The double fabric cuffs are really nice and should add some extra durability around the hard-wearing areas. Unlike a lot of Rab jackets, the arms on this one aren't overly long which is a nice change.
Double fabric cuff
Hem adjusters allow you to seal out any nasty draughts though the close fit no doubt makes them almost redundant.
In Action
As I mentioned at the start, I've worn this jacket a lot this winter, usually layered beneath a softshell where it provides some awesome warmth without things getting too hot. They say the sign of a great piece of clothing is one that you don't notice is there and I think this falls into that category. I had been thinking there had been a lull in gear from Rab but this piece and some of 2016's spring items certainly have me interested again and if you're considering some new mid-layer warmth then I'd recommend giving this a go.
The PS Hardface Hoody doing its job on Scafell Pike
If you have any interest in the great outdoors you'll no doubt have come across Arc'teryx in your time, the gear engineers from Canada. They caused a bit of a stir a year or two ago by releasing their first pair of hiking boots and, Arc'teryx being Arc'teryx, these are a little bit different to others on the market. Now that they have been around for a while, it is possible to pick them up much cheaper than the RRP.
Side view of the futuristic Bora Mid GTX boots
One of the key features is how the waterproof membrane has been incorporated into the boot. Most moots have it sandwiched between the outer fabric and the inner, as you would expect, but Arc'teryx have done things a little differently - more about that later.
Spherical heel shape for stability and smooth stride
Weight: 1.24kg/pair
Arc'teryx Adaptive Fit
The water resistance of these boots is provided by a separate, stretchy liner made from air-permeable foam and stretch Gore-Tex. On the top-end Bora2 boot, the Gore-Tex liner boot is removable - on this pair, it is sewn in along the footbed. This bootie, being stretchy, forms around the shape of your foot to provide a satisfying, sock-like fit. Arc'teryx refers to this as 'Arc'teryx Adaptive Fit'.
The stretchy 'Adaptive Fit' liner
In addition to this, the liner construction only has one seam and also allows the Gore-Tex membrane to extend to the very top edge of the cuff, considerably higher than traditional constructions, further increasing waterproof/breathable protection. I have found that wearing normal hiking socks with this liner creates the best fit though some have reverted to thinner types to take into account the extra padding in the liner.
Upper Construction
These boots utilise advanced textiles and Arc'teryx's signature thermolaminated construction. The upper is a single, unified, seamless piece. Made from a PU coated nylon textile, it is air permeable for ventilation and hydrophobic decrease drying time.
Example of the one-piece upper used across Arc'teryx's range of footwear
Sole
The Bora Mids use a specially designed Vibram sole with a number of distinct zones. The toes have a flatter area designed for climbing with grooves for increased traction. Lugs down the centre and along the edges provide further traction while the heel features a "Y" groove to provide extra braking during descents. The heel is also curved to create a smoother ride.
View of the Bora Mid's Vibram sole
Curved heel with added braking grooves
Other Features
They include a number of additional features that you'd expect to find on a pair of hiking boots including locking lace hooks with added reinforcements for longevity. Something you don't find on many boots are added pull loops on the top of the liner. These help to get the boot on - a task that would be a challenge without them. They have to be pulled on like a pair of socks rather than the time old tradition of pushing your foot in. The liner also makes it a bit of a challenge to insert aftermarket insoles, but it can be done!
Branded pull loop at the top of the boot
First Impression
Technology is nothing unless the boots fit and, fortunately, I have found them very comfortable after a short period of wearing in. Their first proper outing was across the bogs of Bleaklow and they passed their first test with flying colours, including some brief bog submersions. They felt a little narrow, to begin with, but have started to give after a few miles and I can only see them getting more comfortable as time goes on. Their waterproofness and long term durability is yet to be tested but similar reviews have leant towards them being pretty sturdy and very waterproof, despite the unique design.
The Bora Mids on their inaugural day out on Bleaklow
