Last Three Months | translate:/Global/SiteRating: 4

A traditional soft shell made from a relatively simple polyester material, with no membrane to complicate things The Patagonia is one of the lighter tops on test and as such works well in a range of conditions. There’s no windproof membrane, so it’s very breathable, meaning it doubles up well as a mid-layer under a shell when the heavens open. ...

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Mammut Ultimate Hoody (2012)

£200.00

This is a midweight jacket, yet still one of the most technical on the market. Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric has been used to block out the breeze, which really increases the warmth-to-weight ratio. With membrane technology, the fabric can get a little warm, but there are a couple of huge vents running right up the sides. The inside is mesh-lined, as ...

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Montane Dyno (2012)

£100.00

The fabric is less rubbery and less stretchy than some and there’s no fleecy lining. It’s also very thin, so it’s pleasingly lightweight. It’s not fully windproof, but general wind-resistance is good and breathability excellent. The tighter fit, coupled with this fabric construction, makes this one of the best jackets for removing moisture close to the skin. Adjustment is very ...

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Deuter ACT Lite 45+10 (2012)

£120.00

Let’s ignore the (removable) flower that singles this out as the woman’s version of the Deuter ACT Lite 45+10 and focus on the basics. Two compartments make this a good backpacking sack as you can zip the items you won’t need till the evening away from your walking staples. If you don’t want the feature, it’s easily unzipped to create ...

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Berghaus Bioflex 45 (2012)

£140.00

Prepare yourself for a totally different sensation when walking with this backpack, as Berghaus unleashes its BioFlex technology on the world. This unique back system sees the hipbelt pivot with you as you move, allowing you to bend forward and flex without being encumbered by your load. It does feel odd at first and takes some getting used to – ...

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Montane Atomic (2012)

£100.00

The Montane Atomic has been around for some years, but it is now made from Pertex Shield, a very thin and lightweight laminated fabric with a print finish on the inside. This jacket packs down small and is very light, but with the drawback of not being quite so comfy as one using 3-layer fabric such as the eVent used ...

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Keela Pinnacle (2012)

£100.00

Keela is well-known for producing fully featured, well-priced kit – and the Pinnacle is no exception. It’s made from a robust 3-layer fabric that is a bit stiff and noisy. Put the jacket on and you get a double stormflap over the front zip to keep the rain out with an extra map-sized pocket behind these flaps. There are two ...

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Sprayway Nyx/Eos 2012 (2012)

£125.00

From the word go the Sprayway Nyx / Eos is a very comfortable jacket thanks to the use of a mesh lining inside the Gore-Tex Performance Shell, which has higher waterproofness and breathability ratings than many materials featured here. Put it on and it has a relatively soft feel, although it is very short and exposes more of your waist ...

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Lowe Alpine Nanon ND 50:60 (2012)

£135.00

Though the Lowe Alpine Nanon ND 50:60 only has a single main compartment (as opposed to two) it certainly makes up for it with a massive front section that can take a whole wedge of extra kit if required. With two stretchy side panels and adjustable straps to make it go even further, it’s the perfect space to cram your ...

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Berghaus Vinson 2012 (2012)

£120.00

The Vinson is made from Berghaus’s AQ2 fabric, which is very soft and flexible. A mesh lining further adds to the comfort provided by this jacket. The fabric doesn’t boast the performance ratings of Gore-Tex Performance Shell for example, as featured in other Berghaus jackets, but it is a good low-priced option. There is slightly more length in this jacket ...

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Target Dry Pioneer/Odyssey (2012)

£95.00

The Pioneer/Odyssey forms part of Target Dry’s Xtreme range, and it is designed as a 4-season garment. It’s made from a very robust nylon fabric that feels quite capable of withstanding years of abuse in the mountains, and there is a mesh lining to increase comfort too. The drawback of this combination is that this is the heaviest jacket on ...

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Karrimor Lynx (2012)

£135.00

Traditionally when you needed a durable and roomy backpack you would automatically go for a Karrimor – and those characteristics still apply today, with the Lynx offering plenty of space for all your camping gear (and a fair bit more), a fantastically bombproof fabric and a build that’s certain to withstand everything you (and perhaps baggage handlers) throw at it. ...

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Columbia Mission Air II (2012)

£80.00

The Columbia Mission Air II is a soft and lightweight jacket that is also compact enough to stash in a rucksack, just in case it rains, while being comfortable enough to wear as a windcheater when there’s a breeze. It’s made from Columbia’s Omni-Tech fabric with a mesh lining for added comfort. The style is quite short, so like most ...

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Asolo Atlantis GTX (2012)

£140.00

A sturdy boot featuring Asolo’s Active Heel Support, which cradles the heel and offers great shock absorption. The toe box is a little on the narrow side, but an excellent lacing system should allow a comfortable fit for all but the widest feet. The well-placed locking eyelet also helps by keeping the tension where you want it, and the high, ...

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Brasher Kiso (2012)

£110.00

A relative newcomer to the Brasher range, the Kiso is their lighter model built for warmer days. The soft suede-and-fabric upper construction definitely helps with breathability and keeps the weight down too. Coupled with the medium flex of the sole, these boots are easy to break-in and comfortable right from the box. The flex in the sole means the boots ...

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Zamberlan 540w Rise GT (2012)

£150.00

A tough and sturdy boot and as a consequence, heavy. It doesn’t feel cumbersome, though, thanks to a great fit – with a narrow heel and wide forefoot – and a nice rolling action that seems to spur you forward. They’re well padded, which makes them feel very comfortable and supportive, but quite warm, too. An excellent lacing system spreads ...

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Mammut Teton GTX (2012)

£140.00

This is a well-padded yet stiff and protective boot suited to a wide range of terrain. The generous amount of space inside will suit those with slightly wider feet – there’s a bit more room around the heel especially – while generous amounts of foam extend up the ankle. The sole unit is fairly stiff and provides a stable platform ...

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Lowa Khumbu TC GTX (2012)

£170.00

The Lowa is a more rugged kind of boot than some of the multi-activity styles. It has a stiff sole unit that provides support on rougher terrain and a tough toe rand and heel counter to protect feet against wayward rocks and encounters with fence-posts. This stiffness is counteracted by the soft, mixed-material construction of the uppers, which makes the ...

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Scarpa Kailash GTX (2012)

£140.00

This is a snug-fitting boot, best-suited to those with a narrower foot. The narrow fit does mean a great heel hold and the feet sit securely in place within the boot – but it doesn’t allow for quite as much padding as some others on test, which means these take a little more breaking-in. The reduced padding means they work ...

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First test: Columbia Compounder Shell jacket

£195.00

Omni-Dry is Columbia’s latest waterproof and breathable fabric, and on paper it appears to stand beside the best that money can buy. With the proud claim that it is ‘more air-permeable than Gore-Tex’ and that it is ‘the ultimate in waterproof technology for the outdoors’, Columbia has clearly set out its stall. The question is, does it actually help hillwalkers ...

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Extremities Nova Gaiter(2012)

£45.00

The Extremities Nova Gaiter is a well-proven design made of Gore-Tex fabric with extra reinforcement around the ankle for added durability. Unlike many gaiters featured here, on this one you get a front zip and Velcro closure with press studs at the top and bottom. For me I find this slightly easier to fit than the Velcro-only designs, but I ...

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Páramo Long Gaiters (2012)

£52.00

Páramo Long Gaiters are very well-proven. Like Páramo waterproof clothing they benefit from a fabric that is extremely durable, and even if it does become torn it is more easily repaired than other waterproof fabrics. The fabric is slightly warmer than some others, but it’s also more breathable and controls condensation well. The gaiter is fitted with a zip that ...

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Rab Latok Alpine (2012)

£35.00

Designed for mountain walking and alpine climbing, Rab Latok Alpine gaiters feature a 3-layer stretch eVent fabric. The stretch element allows them to provide a snug fit, which is comfortable while not restricting calf muscle flex. The use of eVent limits condensation build-up well. There’s also a nice big chunk of Cordura on the ankle to prevent wear and tear ...

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Garmont Vetta Mnt GTX (2012)

£190.00

Garmont has done a great job with the Garmont Vetta Mnt GTX boot. In one package it has managed to pack in all the key scrambling features and yet still give a great level of walking comfort. What’s best though is that it manages to do this all for under £200. You wouldn’t really be able to stick a pair ...

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Mammut Mt Centry GTX (2012)

£180.00

Outwardly Mammut Mt Centry GTX scrambling boots have a strong walking pedigree with a good rolling flex, plenty of comfortable padding and quick-lacing hooks; but lurking beneath their soft Labrador exterior is a hyperactive Border Collie just dying to scamper up some rocks. The tell-tale signs of this dual personality are fairly well-disguised, and come in the form of a ...