Gear Review: Arc'teryx Konseal Hoody

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.

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 pay-off 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 have a range of cuts depending on the items intended use; this one is the 'Athletic' fit meaning it is cut to reduce excess fabric but still real 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: Mountain Equipment G2 Ultimate Mountain Pant

Ultimate
NOUN

1. (the ultimate)

   
   

   the best achievable or imaginable of its kind:

   "the ultimate in decorative luxury"

The name suggests that these are the best things going - time to delve in a little deeper to find out whether they match up to it.

Mountain Equipment G2 Ultimate Mountain Pant

I bought a pair of these a while ago from an eBay seller who consistently sells ME seconds and samples. I suspect they work for the company but, suspicions aside, these were a bargain at £75, given the fact that their RRP is £180. £180 is a lot for a pair of trousers that are not waterproof but there is a lot going on that does justify some of it.

Firstly, they are made entirely for Gore Windstopper fabric which is 100% windproof, a godsend in the winter, as they help to reduce the chill of a January northerly. That fabric is actually constructed in the same way as Gore-Tex with a waterproof membrane sandwiched between two fabric layers. The difference here is that the outer fabric is a softshell material and the seams aren't taped. What you are buying is a non-waterproof waterproof. If that makes sense. The trade here is vastly increased breathability.

Secondly, a lot of thought has gone into these trousers, as is the case with many of the pieces from ME in the last couple of years. The legs are shaped and articulated in a way that gives you unrestricted freedom, enabling you to easily make those high strides on many a Lakeland scramble. The seams that form the articulation in the knee panels are finished off with laminated plastic that maintains the trousers windproofness. There are other details that I like which I'll mention a bit further down.

Knee articulation and wind-proof seams

Here's the technical spec from Mountain Equipment:

• Windstopper soft shell fabric
• 2 zipped hand pockets and 2 thigh vents
• Removable and fully adjustable braces
• Integrated belt with double press-stud waist closure
• Reinforced kick strips and bonded hem for durability
• Internal gaiters
• Ankle zips with internal gusset panel to accommodate larger mountain boots

The Fit
I wear a large pair which equate to a 34" waist and they are very comfortable - not too tight and not too loose. A real Goldilocks pair of trousers.

The G2 Pants in the tame surroundings of our house

The Details
There are a few details that I really like on these trousers, the first being the zipped thigh vents. Despite their subtle differences to waterproof materials, an additional membrane will always decrease breathability and lead to heat build-up when you're working hard. The thigh vents go some way to help alleviate this and they work really well. The only criticism is they could be a bit longer - like the ones on the Montane Terra trousers.

Thigh vents with mesh-backers

These trousers are designed to stay in place all day thanks to the double snap closure, integrated belt and - if you are that way inclined - removable braces. I, personally, really like the braces as they prevent the trousers from slowly sliding down as the day passes. Despite initial appearances, the braces fit comfortably over a baselayer and underneath the rest of your gear.

Braces in-situ

Double snap closure and integrated belt

Down at the bottom of each leg are a couple of useful additions; the first of which is the ankle zip. This allows you to increase the volume of the lower leg to accommodate larger footwear, such as winter climbing boots. In addition to this are reinforced insteps to protect against crampon spikes and the internal gaiters which have lace hooks to seal out the elements; snow in particular. If you've ever stepped into a deep drift and felt a cold, snowy embrace at the top of your boot, you'll know why these are useful.

The adjustable lower legs

Conclusion:

There are a superb pair of trousers suited to the colder months of the year thanks to their windproof material. Over the last year, they've been my go-to trousers for any time the forecast is looking cold, windy or rainy which, in the UK, is most of the time. Pick them out on a warmer day and you may find your legs getting a bit sweaty. The thigh vents work to a point but they are fairly small.

The fit and freedom of movement are second to none thanks to some clever stitching and those articulated knees. They're pretty tough as well; a fair bit of use to date has yet to tarnish them in any shape or form. Word is that the seam tape on the knees has a tendency to peel off over time but I haven't experienced this yet. The current incarnation of these pants has done away with it altogether.

If you're reading this and considering buying a pair, I would say go for it - you won't be disappointed.

The G2's on their way up Pike O'Blisco

Gear Review: Mountain Equipment Lhotse Waterproof Jacket

I thought I'd start off my foray into reviewing gear by having a look at one of my favourite pieces for the great outdoors; the Mountain Equipment Lhotse jacket. I have to say, I do have a soft spot for the kit that appears from the Manchester-based brands HQ and this is no exception.

The Lhotse sits towards the top end of ME's jacket spectrum - a few rungs down the ladder from the 'hard as nails' Tupilak jacket. This makes it quite expensive (the RRP is around £300) though I did get mine for around £250 after a bit of shopping around. For that money you are getting some premium materials, attention to detail and a jacket that will serve you well, whether it's as an everyday waterproof that lives in your pack during spring and summer or for keeping the elements at bay during autumn and winter. This is courtesy of the Gore-Tex Pro fabric that is used throughout the jacket.

The Lhotse uses two flavours of the fabric, a 40 denier face fabric for the majority, with an 80 denier fabric for the shoulders and arms which provides extra abrasion resistance when wearing a pack. I would have liked to have seen some reinforcement around the hips as well but that starts to push the jacket into Tupilak territory (which is 80D throughout). The fabric is a bit noisy but this doesn't detract from its use.

Let's look at my particular one in a bit more detail:

Front and side view

Features
After parting with your hard-earned cash you get the following features:

• 3 Layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric
• A helmet-compatible hood
• Pre-shaped arms
• 3 large pockets
• Moulded YKK Aquaguard zips
• Two-way underarm pit zips with YKK Water Resistance zips
• Adjustable cuffs and hem
• ME's storm construction
• Weight - 530g

As you can see from the photo above, the fit is quite flattering (I'm wearing a medium over just a t-shirt). ME have spent a great deal of time refining the fit of their current range of jackets and long gone are the days of boxy and baggy waterproofs. This has a nice tailored fit with room underneath for mid-layers if required but doesn't feel overly roomy if put on over just a baselayer. The body is perhaps a touch longer than I would have liked but it does provide a greater overlap if you're wearing waterproof trousers as well. Adjustability is provided by a hem drawcord and sturdy cuff adjusters that allow you to seal out the elements.

The Hood
This is perhaps ME's pièce de résistance. The hood on this jacket is arguably the best I've come across in terms of fit and protectiveness. While designed to fit over a helmet it is unlikely that I will ever use it as such but it is adjustable to give a snug, protective fit over a helmetless head. The brim (or visor) is nice and solid and is un-phased by anything but the strongest of winds. It is 'grown on' and therefore offers the greatest protection against wind and rain.

The hood in action

Details
There are a few clever details that I like hidden within this jacket. The first are the dual tether drawcords. Instead, on one continuous piece of elastic running around the hem of the jacket, this actually 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.

Those clever dual drawcords

The pockets are massive and can easily store gloves, hats and snacks with ease as well as the eponymous OS map if you so choose. I find the Aquaguard zips are a bit stiff but they are heavy duty and provide a weatherproof seal though strictly speaking, they are not waterproof. If you want waterproof zips you'll have to look at the Tupilak Ultra and forking out few extra pounds.

Those chunky YKK Aquaguard zips

The chest pocket easily fits an OS map

In Action
This is my go-to jacket if the forecast is looking questionable or downright foul and often comes along 'just in case'. While all modern jackets like to boast about breathability, they will always be overwhelmed if you're slogging up a mountainside and this jacket is no different though the pit zips help a lot. There are more breathable fabrics available but increased breathability often comes at the cost of durability. I'd rather have a tough jacket like this that will keep me warm and dry when the British weather turns nasty.

The combination of a great fit, an unrivalled hood and the tough Gore-Tex fabric make this a highly recommended jacket, despite its high price. It also comes in the startling Citronelle colourway that appeals to my sense of style - keep an eye out for a running theme.

The Lhotse in full protection mode on Bessyboot

An Icelandic trial for the Lhotse