My top five bits of kit

By LFTO Gear Team

Gear news

20 February 2008 10:17

LFTO's Nick Hallissey lifts the lid on his current gear faves...

It’s kind of a fantastically frustrating February, wouldn’t you say?

Bright, crisp, gorgeous sunshine and frosty fields one minute, impenetrable murk and a “stay-in-bed” sort of outlook the next. It also means that if you are venturing out, you’re having to throw everything in the rucksack with that “just-in-case” mentality.

Here’s what I’m throwing in mine to make sure this weird month can’t get the better of me...

Osprey Kestrel 38 rucksack

This one’s new this year, and it’s a real treat for a day-hiker or overnighter.
Apart from looking classier than Ralph Fiennes sipping a Bellini in Harry’s Bar, it’s packed with features which mean you can just cram anything in, and go.
The central section takes my big X-ert jacket (see below) as well as enough sarnies and cereal bars to get me over Suilven, and there’s room for a sizeable litre-flask too.

It has stretch lycra-mesh front and side pockets – in fact it’s one of those where you’re still discovering new hidey-holes on your second trip out. There’s even a zip to access the bottom of the bag, handy for all those really useful things you decide to bury under the yoghurts.

It’ll take a Platypus-style hydration bladder easily, and the hip-belt is sturdy enough to take all the weight off my dodgy shoulder, while the adjustable torso size means it can accommodate my ample waist with ease. The flexible Airscape back panel means it keeps that unholy trio of weight, sweat and pressure away too.

I’m still not a pole-owner, but the Stow-on-the-Go attachment means that when I do invest, I’ll be able to tack them on with no problems. I presume Stow-on-the-Go is somewhere near Stow-on-the-Wold, but I could be wrong.

It should be in the shops by early March, retailing for around £75. For stockists, call 01202 572775.
Click here for more.

Regatta X-ert Series Arete 3-in-1 waterproof jacket

I’m not the only one loving this: it’s a big hit with the blokes taking part in Country Walking’s Peak Fitness challenge.

Putting it on, it feels like a bit of a tent, but when you’re out and about, all worries about shape are forgotten. It’s warm as toast, it keeps out the water and it compresses pretty easily.

It’s all down to the waterproof, breathable Isotex pyramid fabric with ATL durable water-repellent fabric, working in tandem with a microwarmth inner to keep out the Ural winds as they blast their way into the Peak District.

Sells for £125.
Click here for more.




Underwater Kinetics Vizion LED Headlamp

This did well in Country Walking’s recent Six of the Best test. It’s a bit off-the-wall, as it was originally designed with divers in mind but has been carefully adapted for hiking.

The lamp is a circular, barrel-type arrangement which detaches to serve as a camping light. It has a burn time of 120 hours and it was bright enough to get me round some impenetrable Cambridgeshire woodland in pitch darkness.

It also has a big and chunky on/off button – meaning you can operate it with gloves, and it won’t turn itself on by accident while nestling in your rucksack.
Yours for £24.95.
Click here for more.

Aladdin Challenger 1-litre stainless steel vacuum flask

Bulkier than your average 1 litre flask due to those big handles, but absolutely ideal for walks with a friend or partner when two of you can share the load. Comes with two capacious and sturdy cups built into the lid.

Saw me and Mrs LFTO through a lovely winter walk round Rutland Water, keeping our Malteser hot chocolate wonderfully warm, well into the early evening.
Also has a storage cup underneath to throw in sachets of salt or the odd boiled sweet (but maybe don’t forget you put it in there).
Get it for £12.79.
Click here for more.

Berghaus Mountain Hat

A unisex number combining Windstopper and Polartec fabrics, meaning the old loaf – and especially those poor little ears – stay snug even when it’s biting out there.
Moulds nicely to the shape of the head, too, so you don’t look like some sort of Egyptian Pharaoh.
Goes for £18.
Click here for more.