A Sidetracked Studios Production
Written by Daniel Neilson
Photography by Rachel Keenan
Design by John Summerton & Derek Stanley
© 2022 Sidetracked Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Sidetracked Studios Production
Written by Daniel Neilson
Photography by Rachel Keenan
Design by John Summerton & Derek Stanley
© 2022 Sidetracked Ltd. All rights reserved.
SIDETRACKED EQUIPPED // AUTUMN & WINTER 2023
Mountain Equipment is a company rooted in the mountains, and in the pure pursuit of climbing higher. It is unequivocal and unwavering. If you spend time walking in the mountains, clinging onto rock, or are pretty handy with an ice axe, you know Mountain Equipment. It’s a company that certainly has heritage, first hitting the mountaineering world in 1961. The gear has been to the highest and coldest points on earth. Yup, the designers at Mountain Equipment know their stuff. And they certainly live it.
How does this translate to the gear? ‘No nonsense’ is a plaudit often said about Mountain Equipment. This is gear that can be trusted and fits brilliantly. The Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket immediately feels different from many other jackets because of its tailoring. It’s satisfyingly snug around the core – this is a jacket that can’t get in the way of the project at hand. It has a good length too, for an Alpine jacket. The sleeves are long and wide but close easily with a Velcro fastening. There are three large pockets, all of which sit above a hip belt, and pit zips for extra ventilation. There’s also an inside pocket.
The helmet-compatible hood, as you’d expect from Mountain Equipment, is on another level. There’s a stiff wired peak and pull cords that are, thankfully, a long way from getting whipped up into your face. A key change in this season’s jacket is the use of Gore-Tex’s new PFC-free ePE membrane, which, as well as fewer chemicals, also has a lighter carbon footprint, according to the company.
A Mountain Equipment waterproof isn’t going to let you down, ever.
PRICE: £300
WEBSITE: mountain-equipment.co.uk
La Sportiva has been a mainstay for boots in the outdoors for decades. The company was started in 1928 making leather boots in the Dolomites for farmers and lumberjacks. Ninety-five years later, it's climbers, mountaineers and trail runners who swear by the fit and quality workmanship of the footwear.
The La Sportiva TX5 GTX is a mountain all-rounder. A boot that can be worn on long days trekking or backpacking, and sturdy enough for scrambling. It’s a boot that particularly shines when you’re carrying heavy loads for a few days, or lumping in ropes for a climb. The balance between sturdiness and comfort is one that La Sportiva tread well and that’s through the details of the midsole and footbed. La Sportiva use words like ‘underfoot stabilizer’ and ‘3D Flex System’, but we know having tested them in the hills of Scotland, that they remain comfortable all day. There’s a gentle roll to the walk, but the sole is tough enough to take on rocks.
The upper is Nubuck with a wide protective rubber rand with a Gore-Tex ‘Extended Comfort’ waterproof membrane. The Vibram MegaGrip outsole is aggressive enough to work on muddy banks as well as steep rocks, and there’s even a bit of a climbing zone at the front for approaching the steep bit of your day. These are just a brilliantly versatile pair of boots that you can use for most mountain activities. And that’s the be applauded.
PRICE: £205
WEBSITE: trekitt.co.uk
‘Our most reliable phone ever’ is how Bullitt describes the Cat S75. For a company that specialises in, well, rugged phones, that’s quite the claim. Even more impressive is that gone, thankfully, are the days when phones designed for tough conditions looked as though they were designed as a kid's army toy. No, the Cat S75 could pass off as any smartphone. The difference is in the materials and construction. It is protected against sand and dust, and works in extreme temperatures. It has a US military rating of MIL-STD-810, which means it can handle differences in temperature from -30ºC to 75ºC for up to 24 hours. Even on Munros on an autumnal Scottish day, you’ll notice your phone battery depleting quicker than usual. Not with the Cat S75. It can also handle being dropped on Cairngorm granite from 1.8 metres as you attempt a mid-scramble selfie.
However, the most important feature of the Cat S75 is the Bullitt Satellite Messenger Connect, which offers reception anywhere through GEO satellites. The Bullitt Satellite Messenger is a bundled app that, according to Bullitt, is the first, and currently only, app to send a text message through the GEO satellite network. Yep, you can send that ‘eeek’ emoji from anywhere on the planet, share your location as well as send an SOS in an emergency, handled through Bullitt’s Crisis Response Centre, FocusPoint International.
A smart-looking smartphone built to withstand pretty much any adventure (although if you find your phone attempting to withstand temperatures of 75ºC, you’ve probably got other worries).
PRICE: £500
WEBSITE: catphones.com
A wristwatch isn’t a luxury when you’re on the mountain, it’s a security measure. Time is the most important measurement you can take. More than miles and more than elevation. It’s the constant measurement of time that will keep you on track, keep you aware of your group’s speed, and whether you’ll make it to your destination. The accurate measurement of time is essential, and that big block of glass and plastic in your pocket can run out of battery. You’d struggle to navigate at night without one, as anyone who has done their mountain leader training will attest. Yep, a watch is essential.
Luminox has been making durable watches in Switzerland since 1989. The Luminox Chronograph that we tested in Scotland is part of the Pacific Diver range designed for general outdoor use, as well as, presumably, diving with dolphins in the Pacific. And it’s a thing of beauty: easy to read and easy to use. You’ll find a unidirectional bezel – again, a useful addition for measuring walking or running speed – against glow-in-the-dark markings around the face and on the arms.
Even more useful, it is a chronograph watch that offers a stopwatch. Guides will measure pace and, therefore, the destination by using a chronograph. The sub-dial complications include the chronograph, a second counter, and the day, as well as a date window. The case is 316L stainless steel, which is to say marine grade toughness and submersible to 200m. There are two large buttons for operating the chronograph and a screw-in-protected crown. The Luminox Pacific Diver Chronograph comes in a variety of straps (as well as non-chronograph versions), but our preference for the outdoors is the rubber strap.
Over our weekend, it did manage to get very wet and a little, er, dropped, but there’s no reason at all to doubt its durability or reliability. A tough watch for tough conditions.
PRICE: £660
WEBSITE: uk.luminox.com
Smartwool was an early pioneer in sourcing ethically produced merino, and this stance has developed over the years. Smartwool is now part of the ZQ wool certification, and of particular interest is ZQRX – a ‘Regenerative Index’ that helps producers measure and improve how much they give back as they ‘restore waterways, protect native species, offset carbon, and enhance local communities’. All this is a hugely worthwhile initiative that lifts the entire supply chain.
But what of the jacket? The Smartwool Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket blends merino wool with TENCEL, and by doing so elevates the wicking properties of merino, keeping the body dry. Merino is, of course, naturally odour resistant and warms even when wet. In short, it’s the perfect combination for an active midlayer of this kind. Another key component of the jacket is the wind-resistant recycled nylon front panel. The ‘Intraknit’ of the garment name refers to the largely seamless construction of the jacket and the zoning of lighter knit elements to offer more breathable areas.
Overall, this is an extremely comfortable top, especially when it’s pushed in active use. Versatile and ethically produced… exactly what we like.
PRICE: £150
WEBSITE: smartwool.co.uk
The ‘Earth’ in the name is significant for Osprey. The company describes it as their most sustainable pack yet. It’s blusesign certified, which scores the product on consumer safety, impact on people and the environment, and responsible use of resources.
The supply chain complexity in all the products we write about is immense, with parts coming from across the globe and often many, many suppliers. From the webbing to the labels, they are all recycled. About half the plastic bits are also bluesign approved. Tracing each aspect isn’t easy – of course, it should be done – but organisations, including bluesign, should be applauded for making it easy for consumers to make decisions when buying products.
Osprey makes it easy, too, by making brilliant backpacks. The Talon has been continuously improved since being launched in 2007 and quickly became one of the best-selling packs. The Talon 22 is a great day pack, still with the ‘AirScape’ back panel that offers some ventilation while being snugly fitted to the back (as we like it). The EVA foam, ‘Biostretch’ harness, and hipbelt make it a very comfortable carry. Features include an ice axe attachment, zipped hipbelt pockets, stretch mesh side pockets and a hydration sleeve for a reservoir. It’s versatile, too: you’ll find an internal padded laptop sleeve and a LidLock bicycle helmet attachment. And that really is a sign of sustainability; you only need one bag for all manner of activities.
PRICE: £160
WEBSITE: osprey.com
The snappily-named adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes are a slow burner – if you can refer to a shoe from one of the world’s biggest sports brands as such. But the Terrex collection of outdoor gear continues to gain fans in the walking world, and it’s no wonder with shoes like this. As the UTMB recently showed, Terrex is hugely popular among runners.
The Free Hiker brings together several elements of proven adidas tech, along with a rubber outsole from Continental – a brand more recognisable on Formula 1 tracks. We’ve been testing adidas Terrex shoes for a few years now and can vouch for the grip on these exceptional outsoles, particularly if your local patch is rocky.
The stable fit is another element we now associate with adidas hiking shoes. They feel solid, snug, and secure, eliminating any hotspots or blister potential. The cut around the ankle and the way the tongue is sewn in are also really good at keeping out water. The rest of the shoe has a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. The other proprietary technology is the Boost midsole, something you’ll recognise from other adidas shoes (it looks a bit like polystyrene!) that is designed to be very effective at returning energy.
The best way we can describe these shoes is ‘serious’. Clearly, huge amounts of thought have gone into making them as functional and effective as possible, and the result is a comfortable shoe that will as happily take you across the Cairngorms as along low-level forest trails.
The snappily-named adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes are a slow burner – if you can refer to a shoe from one of the world’s biggest sports brands as such. But the Terrex collection of outdoor gear continues to gain fans in the walking world, and it’s no wonder with shoes like this. As the UTMB recently showed, Terrex is hugely popular among runners.
The Free Hiker brings together several elements of proven adidas tech, along with a rubber outsole from Continental – a brand more recognisable on Formula 1 tracks. We’ve been testing adidas Terrex shoes for a few years now and can vouch for the grip on these exceptional outsoles, particularly if your local patch is rocky.
The stable fit is another element we now associate with adidas hiking shoes. They feel solid, snug, and secure, eliminating any hotspots or blister potential. The cut around the ankle and the way the tongue is sewn in are also really good at keeping out water. The rest of the shoe has a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. The other proprietary technology is the Boost midsole, something you’ll recognise from other adidas shoes (it looks a bit like polystyrene!) that is designed to be very effective at returning energy.
The best way we can describe these shoes is ‘serious’. Clearly, huge amounts of thought have gone into making them as functional and effective as possible, and the result is a comfortable shoe that will as happily take you across the Cairngorms as along low-level forest trails.
PRICE: £165
WEBSITE: adidas.co.uk
We all need a backpack. It is, briefly, the home on our back. Theoretically, it's a simple piece of equipment with a big bag and two straps. And as near as possible, that's all it should be. Over the years, designers have continued to iterate and add features for just about every possibility. Thankfully, we're beginning to see backpacks stripped back to the essentials again – we've all lost our rag about too many straps. All a hiking backpack needs is to be comfortable and afford easy access to essentials. Gregory Packs is an American company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the admirable strapline: 'Great packs should be worn, not carried'. Packs are all it does, and it does them very, very well.
The Zulu 30 is designed for long day hikes and keeps the features to a minimum while building on decades of experience doing one thing well. The clearest example is in the 'FreeFloat' back panel that sits close to the back and is comfortable even moving quickly. The hip belt is exceptionally comfortable, as much as you don't notice, but it happily takes the weight of even a small pack like this. The shoulder straps and hipbelt are both easy to adjust on the move. The opening is large, offering access at least halfway down. Inside, there's also a hydration bladder pocket. At the top of the pack is a zipped pocket and another security one inside. There are two mesh pockets on the side for water bottles and banana skins, plus a mesh pocket on the front for wet clothes. Add in a pole attachment, and that's about it – a quietly brilliant pack from a company that does one thing well.
PRICE: £165
WEBSITE: eu.gregorypacks.com
The Triolet Jacket is Patagonia’s Alpine all-rounder. Built from a recycled three-layer Gore-Tex fabric, it is designed to withstand spindrift, rain, and buffeting winds. All good Alpine jackets should be simple and well-fitting. Tailoring has long been one of Patagonia’s strengths and the Triolet fits snugly over a midlayer with nothing getting in the way – no flappy zips or cord pulls. There are two large chest pockets that don’t get in the way of a hip belt, and that’s it. And that’s exactly how it should be. There are also two pit zips for extra ventilation plus a concealed RECCO reflector. The hood is helmet-compatible, as you’d expect from an Alpine jacket, but also fits well when there’s no need for a lid.
This is a no-nonsense jacket that pares back on features in a good way. At 510g, it’s also light for a jacket with this fabric. Good gear that works well and, being Patagonia, it has impeccable eco-credentials. It’s made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, the 100 per cent recycled fabric is bluesign approved, and the company itself, as well as being heavily involved with activism, is part of the 1% For The Planet organisation. Plenty of reasons here to choose the Triolet Jacket.
The Triolet Jacket is Patagonia’s Alpine all-rounder. Built from a recycled three-layer Gore-Tex fabric, it is designed to withstand spindrift, rain, and buffeting winds. All good Alpine jackets should be simple and well-fitting. Tailoring has long been one of Patagonia’s strengths and the Triolet fits snugly over a midlayer with nothing getting in the way – no flappy zips or cord pulls. There are two large chest pockets that don’t get in the way of a hip belt, and that’s it. And that’s exactly how it should be. There are also two pit zips for extra ventilation plus a concealed RECCO reflector. The hood is helmet-compatible, as you’d expect from an Alpine jacket, but also fits well when there’s no need for a lid.
This is a no-nonsense jacket that pares back on features in a good way. At 510g, it’s also light for a jacket with this fabric. Good gear that works well and, being Patagonia, it has impeccable eco-credentials. It’s made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, the 100 per cent recycled fabric is bluesign approved, and the company itself, as well as being heavily involved with activism, is part of the 1% For The Planet organisation. Plenty of reasons here to choose the Triolet Jacket.
PRICE: £390
WEBSITE: eu.patagonia.com
Eddie Bauer has been around since the 1920s in the US, starting with a small stall in Seattle. The brand has had a notably diverse history, making fishing flies, shuttlecocks, and the first down suit for the US Army Air Force in World War II. By the 1950s, it was the Greater Ranges and the South Pole that the designers were asked to make clothing for.
The year 2017 was the first outing for ‘Evertherm’ down, a continual sheet of down that never bunches or encounters cold spots. The Eddie Bauer Evertherm Downdraft Hoodie uses this seamless technology in its ‘Thindown’ fabric made from 85 per cent down and 15 per cent polyester. This is why you won’t see any quilting on the jacket, similar to a synthetically insulated jacket.
Also key to note is that this is a fully-taped waterproof with a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) finishing; the water drips off. The jacket’s finish is streamlined, with a soft and stretchy waterproof shell fabric, all in an ultra-lightweight jacket that packs neatly into its own pocket. There are two zipped handwarmer pockets, a chest pocket and a helmet-compatible hood. Eddie Bauer has been enjoyed by our American friends for a very long time, and we welcome its expansion into the UK.
PRICE: £350
WEBSITE: eddiebauer.co.uk
Eddie Bauer has long been a favourite in its home country of America. But now the brand is expanding further into the UK market, and we welcome it. There’s more than 100 years of heritage behind them, starting off in the 1920s as an outfitter in Seattle. From the 1950s, they began to specialise in down and were used on iconic expeditions around the world from the first ascent of Gasherbrum I to a South Pole expedition, experiencing the coldest ever temperature. All this to say: the designers at Eddie Bauer know what they’re doing.
The Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants are a simple, lightweight pair of trousers designed for general outdoor wear, whether riding trails or hiking the hills of Scotland. Key to these being brilliant, however, is the fit. They are streamlined, but offer a good stretch, allowing freedom of movement good enough even to wear at the crag. The trousers have a DWR treatment, offering some protection against the weather. They also offer 50+ sun protection (you know, those Scottish summers), and the fabric is bluesign approved. They pack down into a tiny bundle too. We salute them for their fit and the fact they are designed to be as versatile as possible.
PRICE: £90
WEBSITE: eddiebauer.co.uk
If you don’t have a good waterproof bag in your collection, you need one now. Whether you’re on a climbing trip to Scotland or a hiking expedition in Iceland, the waterproof duffel is an essential purchase. Water, especially in Scotland, seems to arrive from all directions: the sky, the ground, somehow horizontally – and on our visit, all of these in one day. And that’s before you add paddling into the mix. As well as being waterproof, the bags also tend to be very durable, lasting for years, just developing a satisfying worn finish.
We took the Osprey Transporter Waterproof Duffel 40-litre pack with us, folding in dry clothing and a first aid kit. Adding to its Transporter range, Osprey has developed a full range of waterproof packs and duffels, from an 18-litre roll-top backpack to an enormous 100-litre duffel. The Transporter Waterproof Duffel comes in 40L, 70L and 100L. Each has an IPX7 waterproof submersible rating – that means it is tested by submerging the packs up to 1m of water for 30 minutes.
Our 40L duffel has several lash points, so can be easily attached to a kayak, paddleboard or roof rack. There are comfortable and adjustable backpack straps for carrying, though these can be fully removed. Two grab handles at either end, help with pulling the chunky, waterproof zip that extends the full length of the pack. Inside are two compression straps, and an internal removable mesh pocket designed for smaller items you don’t want swimming around in the pack.
The material itself is a thick 630-denier ripstop Nylon with a waterproof TPU coating. The fabric is recycled, bluesign-approved, and will last and last.
PRICE: £250
WEBSITE: ospreyeurope.com
If you don’t have a good waterproof bag in your collection, you need one now. Whether you’re on a climbing trip to Scotland or a hiking expedition in Iceland, the waterproof duffel is an essential purchase. Water, especially in Scotland, seems to arrive from all directions: the sky, the ground, somehow horizontally – and on our visit, all of these in one day. And that’s before you add paddling into the mix. As well as being waterproof, the bags also tend to be very durable, lasting for years, just developing a satisfying worn finish.
We took the Osprey Transporter Waterproof Duffel 40-litre pack with us, folding in dry clothing and a first aid kit. Adding to its Transporter range, Osprey has developed a full range of waterproof packs and duffels, from an 18-litre roll-top backpack to an enormous 100-litre duffel. The Transporter Waterproof Duffel comes in 40L, 70L and 100L. Each has an IPX7 waterproof submersible rating –
that means it is tested by submerging the packs up to 1m of water for 30 minutes.
Our 40L duffel has several lash points, so can be easily attached to a kayak, paddleboard or roof rack. There are comfortable and adjustable backpack straps for carrying, though these can be fully removed. Two grab handles at either end, help with pulling the chunky, waterproof zip that extends the full length of the pack. Inside are two compression straps, and an internal removable mesh pocket designed for smaller items you don’t want swimming around in the pack.
The material itself is a thick 630-denier ripstop Nylon with a waterproof TPU coating. The fabric is recycled, bluesign-approved, and will last and last.
Head into the hills of Scotland with a mountain guide and we’d place a (small) bet on them owning a Páramo Smock. ‘Bulletproof’ is a word that often accompanies reviews about Páramo clothing. And in Scotland in winter, that’s exactly what you need… figuratively.
Páramo does waterproofs differently to any other company. Completely differently. Their Velez Adventure Light Smock uses Nikwax® Analogy® Light fabric to make it completely waterproof. It does this by mimicking the action of animal fur to protect from rain. It manages the sweat by directing it away from skin. The idea is that it uses layers of fabric to move liquid water, not just vapour, away from your body, so you stay dry on the inside while the Nikwax treatment keeps the big drops from the sky out. This ‘Light’ version of Nikwax Analogy fabric is the company’s most compact version.
Another reason for the smock’s popularity is how it is built up against the elements, with only a half zip at the front and then a large ‘kangaroo’ pocket that happily swallows a Harvey Map, compass and a handful of trail mix. There’s another zipped pocket inside, also big enough for a map, plus two vents on either side of the garment for ventilation and access to mid-layer pockets. Páramo’s hoods are always excellent. They are wired, fully adjustable and in the case of the Velez Adventure Light Smock, roll away when not in use. Many users also like the shape of the jacket, particularly the scooped back that adds extra protection (and is great for cycling).
This is a jacket seemingly designed for big Scottish days out, when you’re going to get blasted by rain as well as, hopefully, get the beautiful views. No wonder you see so many of them on the top of a Munro.
PRICE: £250
WEBSITE: PARAMO-CLOTHING.COM
Ooooooooo this is very, very clever. We can see it, in time, becoming one of those items that all expedition leaders will carry as a matter of course. Simply put, the Bullitt motorola defy Ssatellite Llink connects any smartphone directly to a satellite system for text messaging, check-ins and SOS alerts. If you’re going anywhere on the globe* with sketchy reception or the possibility of a black spot (and let’s face it, who knows what you’ll get), this device adds a layer of safety that, for £160 with one year essentials coverage included, after which plus monthly charges of between £5 and £30, seems like a no-brainer.
This small hand-held device (85 x 62 x 11. 2mm) only weighs 70g. There are three buttons: power, an SOS key, and a check-in key that can send coordinates to anyone. It connects via bluetooth to your phone, and in conjunction with the Bullitt Satellite Messenger app allows you to send and receive messages via satellite.
The handset itself is resistant to thermal shocks between -30ºC and 55ºC, salt mist and humidity, and is waterproof for up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes. It’s also drop-tested onto steel from two metres. The battery life lasts up to four days and is charged with a USB-C. It’s a simple to use safety back up that for any reasonably sized expedition, even a few days in the remote Highlands, seems a very sensible idea.
* Check the Bullitt coverage map for full details. China and Russia, for example, are not currently covered, and more areas are being phased in throughout 2023.
PRICE: £160
WEBSITE: motorolarugged.com
The snappily-named adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes are a slow burner – if you can refer to a shoe from one of the world’s biggest sports brands as such. But the Terrex collection of outdoor gear continues to gain fans in the walking world, and it’s no wonder with shoes like this. As the UTMB recently showed, Terrex is hugely popular among runners.
The Free Hiker brings together several elements of proven adidas tech, along with a rubber outsole from Continental – a brand more recognisable on Formula 1 tracks. We’ve been testing adidas Terrex shoes for a few years now and can vouch for the grip on these exceptional outsoles, particularly if your local patch is rocky.
The stable fit is another element we now associate with adidas hiking shoes. They feel solid, snug, and secure, eliminating any hotspots or blister potential. The cut around the ankle and the way the tongue is sewn in are also really good at keeping out water. The rest of the shoe has a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. The other proprietary technology is the Boost midsole, something you’ll recognise from other adidas shoes (it looks a bit like polystyrene!) that is designed to be very effective at returning energy.
The best way we can describe these shoes is ‘serious’. Clearly, huge amounts of thought have gone into making them as functional and effective as possible, and the result is a comfortable shoe that will as happily take you across the Cairngorms as along low-level forest trails.
PRICE: £280
WEBSITE: aku.co.uk
The AKU Superalp GTX are the kind of boots that you put on and feel invincible. Falling rocks on toes? Pah! Scrambling scrapes along your heel? Not a chance! The Superalp offers serious protection for serious mountains. AKU is an Italian manufacturer that has more than 40 years of experience making shoes designed for the big, pointy mountains of the Dolomites… or, in our case, the Cairngorms.
The AKU Superalp GTX, as the name suggests, has a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. But, most noticeable out of the box is the exceptionally wide rubber rand around each shoe. The rand offers formidable foot protection but will also add to the lifetime of the boot.
There’s an aggressive Vibram outsole that is at home both on the rocks or in the bog. The women’s version is designed, especially we’re told, ‘to the specifics of female plantar anatomy’. The Superalp GTX is designed, in particular, for backpacking: long days in the mountains with heavy packs on. They are stable and feel secure, but with a wide toe box that allows the toes to swell and still remain comfortable. They’re also pretty light at around 700g a shoe.
It’s impossible to find fault with them to be honest. And it seems as though they’ll last and last and last.
Let’s be honest, a waterproof jacket only has one main job. But the details that go into keeping you dry are exceedingly complicated. It’s about the fit, the materials, the construction, the finer components such as the zip, the cuffs, and the hood. What Durable Water Resistant treatment does the fabric have? Only when all those elements come together does it really fulfil its function: keeping you dry. We tested women’s Mazama Trail Waterproof Jacket from Columbia and, as always, marked off the points against these criteria. Spoiler alert: it scored very well.
Columbia has long focussed on its own technologies for waterproofing, and we’ve found the Omni-Tech 3D material lovely and soft, even against the skin, but also effective at expelling moisture from the inside. This jacket, suitable for very wet Scottish days, also has underarm zips for extra ventilation.
The fit is exceptional, and that’s what really allows it to work well. From the hood to the hip, this jacket fits and, as a result, is much more efficient in wicking water away. The stretch in the jacket goes a long way to helping with the fit too. Yep, this does the job admirably.
Let’s be honest, a waterproof jacket only has one main job. But the details that go into keeping you dry are exceedingly complicated. It’s about the fit, the materials, the construction, the finer components such as the zip, the cuffs, and the hood. What Durable Water Resistant treatment does the fabric have? Only when all those elements come together does it really fulfil its function: keeping you dry. We tested women’s Mazama Trail Waterproof Jacket from Columbia and, as always, marked off the points against these criteria. Spoiler alert: it scored very well.
Columbia has long focussed on its own technologies for waterproofing, and we’ve found the Omni-Tech 3D material lovely and soft, even against the skin, but also effective at expelling moisture from the inside. This jacket, suitable for very wet Scottish days, also has underarm zips for extra ventilation.
The fit is exceptional, and that’s what really allows it to work well. From the hood to the hip, this jacket fits and, as a result, is much more efficient in wicking water away. The stretch in the jacket goes a long way to helping with the fit too. Yep, this does the job admirably.
PRICE: £210
WEBSITE: columbiasportswear.co.uk
Remember back when you had to put iodine tablets in your water? Bleurgh. Or perhaps you boiled everything? Then came the pump filters and the laser pens. None were very portable. Water filtration technology has, thankfully, developed quickly over the last few years. Now we can simply have a straw in a lightweight bottle that protects us from those nasties. And just to reiterate how important carrying something like this is in the backcountry, spelling out what this filter will remove helps: E. coli (99.9999%), parasitic cysts (99.999%), Giardia Lamblia, and microplastics (99.999%).
However, it is the design of the HydraPak Flux that makes it so useful. This is a very lightweight silicone bottle that folds down into a little bundle, but within it is an integrated filter that removes bacteria and protozoa. HydraPak suggests you can filter 1500 litres through the replaceable filter cap. Simply fill the water bottle and then roll or squeeze the water into a container or your mouth. The flow rate (at least 1 litre per minute) is excellent, and it opens with just a twist. Even the cap has been designed to keep dirt off the nozzle, and you can open it with one (clean) hand.
The HydraPak Flux is one of those small pieces of gear that could make a huge difference to your experience in the outdoors. We tried it first in Scotland, and then it went straight to off on an expedition to Mongolia as our principal means of filtration. An excellent piece of kit.
PRICE: £58
WEBSITE: climbers-shop.com
The sensations of swimming are immediate and consuming. We grin at each other, knowing that this was a moment to savour, to be present, not to think about the past or the future, but right now.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. In fact, we’re happy to stake our sock-knowledge on the statement that these are the best socks on the planet. Boom. We’ve just never tried a pair that are so comfortable and well-constructed. And well-built socks, as you’ll discover with these, actually last a very long time. We’re still wearing some from our first Equipped shoot back in 2019, and with very little wear despite an awful lot of wearing. We’ve never yet tested the unconditional guarantee (‘if these aren’t the longest-lasting socks you’ve ever owned, return them for another pair’).
For this journey, we tested the Darn Tough Sunset Ledge Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (pictured), and there's also the men's Darn Tough Sunset Ridge Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock available. The hiking sock is made from Nylon (52 per cent), merino wool (45 per cent) and 3 per cent Lycra. One of the qualities of merino is that it naturally pulls moisture away from the foot, keeping it dry. Meanwhile the Nylon offers a snug fit that stays snug for years. That means no bunching that might cause blisters. They’re also made with ‘True Seamless’ technology that is, well, exactly that. No hotspots here. On top of that, the Sunset Ridge Micro Crew has extra cushioning in the form of soft terry loops underfoot, plus around the toe and ankle – but remains lightweight and breathable. Just lovely to wear.
PRICE: £27
WEBSITE: darntough.uk
Can a waterproof jacket ever be regarded as a classic? Perhaps not, but it’s tempting to use alongside the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight jacket. Especially given that the original Beta was launched in 2000 and has been in the lineup ever since, continuously improving in fit, details and environmental credentials.
The new Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight jacket, launched in 2023, brings more than two decades of experience to the mountains - and is now even lighter. Admirably, this is designed as an all-rounder jacket to be worn in all seasons. One jacket to rule them all. The key is in the simplicity. It uses a lightweight, 40D Gore-Tex waterproof fabric with a C-KNIT laminate backer that allows the Gore-Tex fabric to be softer and lighter. It’s a trim fit, in the Alpine style, that allows easy movement and really impressive pattering offers full movement in the arms for climbing. Other features include underarm ventilation zips, two hand pockets and an internal pocket, plus an excellent helmet-compatible hood. The Beta is a jacket that simply works, almost imperceptibly… as it always has done. Faultless. Maybe we can call it a classic of the genre.
PRICE: £400
WEBSITE: arcteryx.com
Yep, that H&M. And why not? Not only is the company pretty experienced in making clothes, but the ambition in the mission is admirable, essential even: to make quality technical clothing at affordable prices. And clothing that can be used for a wide variety of activities, so you only need one piece. Argue with that. The H&M Move StormMove 3-layer Shell Jacket is part of a range that includes insulating layers, gilets and even a running vest.
The price doesn’t really matter if the gear doesn’t work... But it does. We took the StormMove 3-layer Shell Jacket on a very wet mountain and encountered exactly no problems with the jacket. The mostly recycled material is an effective waterproof shell and as breathable as many others on the market. You’ll find all the usual features too, including underarm ventilation zips and a large chest pocket. The adjustable hood works well too.
For £140, this is a brilliant lightweight budget jacket.
PRICE: £140
WEBSITE: hm.com
kora is a company founded to take yak wool’s uniquely warming properties and turn them into excellent apparel. Another critical reason behind starting Kora was to support the communities of the Kegawa Herders Cooperative – a collective of more than 90 families in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and area, situated above 4,500 metres. kora buy their yak wool directly. No middle men, a fair price (kora add a 10 per cent stipend), and consistent contracts.
To give its full title, the Xenolith Yak & Merino Wool Mountain Sweater 2.0 is a thick insulated midlayer, for cold conditions. This new version uses a blend of 70 per cent merino and 30 per cent yak wool, but is also backed with Polartec Alpha – an insulated fabric that is designed for warmth, but not at the expense of breathability. Polartec Alpha is brilliant at moving moisture away from the body. You can move fast, but it draws the sweat out.
As always with kora, this garment is fantastically comfortable and feels great against the skin. Features include a half-length zip, an inner pocket and thumb loops. This is a midlayer that you’ll want to be wearing no matter the activity.
PRICE: £226
WEBSITE: koraoutdoor.com
Sun shone through the trees, spraying sunlight across the undergrowth. We felt sealed off from the world, springing along the green tunnels of Tay Forest Park...No killer rabbits and no ghosts of soldiers, just joyous sunlight that reflected our spirits.
@sidetrackedmag // www.sidetracked.com