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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 ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Sprayway Zao (2012)

£160.00

Of all the jackets on test, the Sprayway Zao is the only one to have a Gore-Tex outer shell, making it waterproof – rather than simply water-resistant. An insulating jacket suitable for use even in heavy rain or snow will keep you warm, and it means the insulation is well-protected against the wet too. But the problem for walkers is ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 3
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Mountain Equipment Alpamayo Jacket (2012)

£160.00

Designed primarily as a belay jacket to go over other layers, the Mountain Equipment Alpamayo is, as expected, generously sized as well as water- and wind-resistant. It’s very warm too – second warmest on test after the Páramo jacket – but then with extra warmth comes extra weight (526g, size 10 – third heaviest here) so it really depends on ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Páramo Torres Jacket (2012)

£140.00

When it comes to insulating layers, Páramo says: why put it on under your waterproof when you can simply throw it over everything? But the question for a walker who will only use a jacket like this ‘just in case’ or when they stop for lunch is this: is it really worth the extra weight and bulk in their backpack? ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Finisterre Sastruga III (2012)

£185.00

As with everything made by Finisterre, environmental concerns are high in the designers’ minds. The synthetic fill is PrimaLoft Eco, made from recycled plastic bottles and the face fabric is also made from recycled polyester. The jacket has a tight, long fit. Even in a large it’s quite a snug fit and won’t suit those who prefer a more relaxed ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Rab Double Pile (2012)

£60.00

A heavy fleece and therefore very warm. Double-pile fabric really traps the heat in. That also makes it bulky, however, and this certainly isn’t the kind of garment to tuck away in your pack for emergency use. Although it may not look like it, the face fabric has a water-repellent treatment which means that you can wear the top in ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Sprayway W.N.W (2012)

£110.00

This jacket is new for 2011, although it’s actually an update of a classic model from the Sprayway line. It’s a straightforward, midweight fleece with an added Windstopper membrane. This wind protection boosts the warmth rating of the top without adding to the bulk, in a similar way to many soft shells. That extra layer of material also makes it ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 5
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Sprayway Nyx/Eos 2010

£130.00

With my head down I battled into the wind and rain. Helvellyn’s summit was close, but the weather was doing its best to prevent me from taking another step forward. In these conditions, it is the hood of a jacket that really makes the difference. With a great hood you can continue more comfortably into the wind and rain, reach ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 3
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Berghaus Ossa

£120.00

The Ossa is a nice looking jacket with quite a relaxed fit, but the arms feel heavier and less comfortable than some because of the large underarm pit-zips (although these do provide a welcome flow of air). The fabric is soft and fleece-lined for warmth and there’s a deep collar to bury your face in. On the downside, the pockets ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Patagonia Guide

£120.00

The Guide offers good insulation and good weather resistance, too. Not quite as breathable as it might be when working hard, though. The pockets double as vents but the openings aren’t that big so don’t make as much difference as they might do. The zips are all DWR-treated so do a good job of keeping rain out, and the main ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Montane Sabretooth Jacket 2009

£150.00

The grey area between soft shell and fleece is spanned by the Montane Sabretooth, which is described as a ‘highly technical soft shell’ jacket as it is more wind- and water-resistant than other fleece mid layers. But most importantly it does not have a membrane so it is far more breathable than most soft shells. DesignThe Montane Sabretooth is a ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 0
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Berghaus Pro Rush Low XCR

£85.00

The Pro Rush’s soft mesh uppers ensure extreme comfort straight from the box and an excellent lacing system makes it really easy to get a good fit. They’re also wonderfully light. The Gore-Tex XCR lining will feel a little sweaty on really hot days, but it does mean you won’t get wet feet walking through long grass or shallow puddles. ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 5
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Scarpa Zen

£90.00

A fantastic looking shoe with a firm feel. An excellent lacing system ensures a good fit and keeps feet firmly in place, even on sloping ground. They breathe fairly well, with minimal padding and no waterproof lining. They performed well in the hills, and despite having no waterproof lining, the uppers shed water easily so you won’t get wet feet ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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La Sportiva Trango Light Low

£75.00

Will especially suit wide feet. Instantly comfortable, with soft uppers and a nice rolling action in the sole, which grips well too, especially on rock. Uppers offer a fair amount of water-resistance but no waterproof lining. There’s enough mesh in the uppers for some breathability, and a rubber bumper at the toe and heel will ensure feet stay protected from ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Hi-Tec V-Lite Eruption HPi

£80.00

A very lightweight and flexible shoe and instantly comfortable, but not enough support for really rugged terrain. A good lacing system will keep your feet firmly in place. Treated with ion-mask – a revolutionary new process that makes the actual fabric waterproof, although the upper of the Eruption is mesh so water can still get in if it rains or ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Trezeta Chinook Low

£85.00

A rather broad fit and also quite short so be prepared to go up a size. Quite heavy, with a tough Vibram sole that provides good shock absorption and grip. Out in the hills they performed well, keeping out water even in really wet grass, although they felt a bit hot and sweaty at times. The midsole is really stiff ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 2
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Brasher Helium X CR

£85.00

Amazingly light, especially for a shoe with a waterproof lining. But overall they feel more like a running shoe than a multi-activity shoe. For walking, this will suit those that are prepared to sacrifice comfort and support to save weight, but they are just a bit too flimsy for the really tough stuff unless you have very strong feet and ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 3
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Merrell Siren Ventilator Waterproof MID

£80.00

An incredibly soft, lightweight and comfortable boot that is really a mid-height multi-activity shoe. They flex easily and breathe exceptionally well, making them a good choice for casual summer walking. They’ll keep out water, too. A good lacing system ensures a snug enough fit, and the moulded heels help keep feet comfortably in place. The very low ankles don’t provide ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 2
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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AKU Ultra Light GTX

£145.00

A surprisingly narrow and unforgiving fit that will only suit women with narrow feet. They’re lightweight, though, with a soft, medium-high ankle cuff. The Gore-Tex lining will keep your feet dry, and the suede and mesh uppers are very breathable. But the very lightweight sole and narrow heel don’t provide much shock absorption, which doesn’t inspire confidence on rough terrain, ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 2
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Grisport Ascent

£57.50

The Ascents are soft and comfortable unisex boots that will especially suit walkers with wide feet. They’re best-suited to low-level terrain, as the soft uppers and flexible midsole don’t provide much support. However, they have a a chunky sole that grips well, especially on rock, and the heel and toe are reinforced to protect from knocks. They’re very lightweight, and ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 2
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Karrimor Aruba 2009

£35.00

The Karrimor Aruba is a good, robust sandal. The sole unit is well-padded to provide a comfortable ride on hard or rocky surfaces. There is a good outsole lug pattern that will bite into grassy campsites and muddy ground to allow you to keep moving. Some reasonable stiffness in the sole takes the worst of the strain out of uneven ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Source Gobi 2009

£55.00

The Source Gobi has proven itself for many years and remains a good general-purpose sandal. Its straps are synthetic, making them fast-drying and ideal for crossing rivers when backpacking. There is also good neoprene padding behind these straps, which adds extra comfort compared to more basic, lower-priced sandals. The ‘green spot’ on the sole is a measure of wear that ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Technicals Nimbus 2009

£65.00

The Technicals Nimbus multi-activity shoe weighs 884g (pair, size 11); mesh upper for maximum breathability; stiffened toe box; reinforcement around shoe for more durability. But no waterproof lining; outsole lug pattern is very shallow and easily clogged so not ideal for grip in mud; very bendy sole unit offers minimal support.

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 2
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Hi-Tec V Lite Trail Eruption 2009

£80.00

The Hi-Tec V Lite Trail Eruption multi-activity shoe weighs 812g (pair, size 11); good cushioning for road and hard tracks; good grip for tracks; very breathable upper ideal for running; good heel support; good sole flex for running. But a deeper lug pattern would be better for mud; non-runners would benefit from then being waterproof; stiffer sole better for climbers; ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 3
  • Owners' rating rating is 0
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Salomon Exit Sport 2 GTX 2009

£85.00

The Salomon Exit Sport 2 GTX is a well-proven multi-activity shoe that is a well-established modern classic. The Exit Sport has a stylish upper with suede leather overlaying textile that hides a Gore-Tex XCR waterproof lining to keep your feet dry. The toe is reasonably stiff for better foot protection when walking on rocky terrain. The heel cup is very ...

  • LFTO.com rating rating is 4
  • Owners' rating rating is 0

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