Review: 66 North Egill Baselayer

- Product provided for the purpose of review, with thanks -

Lightweight baselayer featured Polartec Power Wool, a unique hybrid of natural and synthetic fibres.

Manufacturer's Description: "Athletic-shaped long sleeved turtle neck fabricated in Polartec® Power Wool® that evaporates moisture away from the body to keep it dry and comfortable. The Egill Powerwool Zip Neck is a light base layer top. It is our lightest style made in Powerwool fabric. It has grid backing to help regulate the body temperature. The Egill is perfect for running outside in moderate temperatures."

Features: 

• Polartec Power Wool
• Grid Backing
• Athletic Fit
• High wicking properties
• Naturally odour resistant

How the Power Wool works...

Feature Breakdown:

A lightweight, hybrid baselayer designed to bring the best of both worlds when it comes to the argument between natural & synthetic fibres in outdoor equipment. There's no glue involved with Polartec Power Wool, just clever weaving and the end result is a wool inner and synthetic outer. Benefits of wool include its anti-odour resistance and breathability while the positives of a synthetic layer include shape consistency, quick dry time and toughness. Together, in theory they should create the perfect balance, let's see how the Egill performed...

Field Testing: 

The first test, a cool but rainy December day... Hardshell on along with t-shirt and the Egill, plenty of layers on a mild day but I wanted to see how well the baselayer wicked sweat away from me during periods of activity, as well as the comfort it provided while stationary.

The first thing I noticed was the cut of the Egill, shorter than most baselayers I've used which caused some comfort issues, I prefer a longer cut so there's no chance of it riding up while bending down. 

From a technical perspective the baselayer exceeded expectations, I felt comfortable all day with little to no moisture build up under my shell. The hybrid of materials works well with the inner of the Egill very comfortable against the skin while the outer is tough and durable - good to know when using with a rucksack which can easily wear through 100% wool layers.

The wrist cuffs are nice and large, roomy enough to slide easily over a technical watch but with some stretch in them to keep them close to the skin and keep the draft out.

Another feature of the Egill is the front quarter zip, with a very minimalist design it almost disappears when fully done up but slides smoothly if a bit of extra breathability is needed. A simple feature but one that many baselayers would benefit from having.












The next big test for the Egill was a chilly January morning, I was heading off climbing and needed a layer to keep me warm while belaying and regulate my temperature while climbing. 

Once again the Egill performed well, I didn't notice any build up of sweat and certainly didn't find myself shivering while standing around belaying. The cut of the baselayer wasn't as much of an issue as I thought it might be while climbing, it stayed in a similar place even while reaching above and to the left and right. 

My third test for the Egill, a run on a cold, winter evening. The combination of sweat and low temperature would test the hardiest of baselayers, with the need for breathability high as well as the need for the baselayer to dry quickly.

The Egill performed well, throughout my run I was a comfortable temperature without overheating and while cooling down I found my temperature stayed pretty constant. The baselayer quickly dried off, even in the moist atmosphere we're experiencing at the moment. 

Long-term Use:

Over the past few weeks I've grown to really appreciate the Egill and what it offers in terms of comfort and performance when out and about. The new technology, Power Wool (by Polartec) works well and is something I'm going to keep my eye on over the coming years.

Hybrid baselayers are growing in popularity and I can see why. The best of both worlds makes this style of baselayer more versatile than fully synthetic or natural products.

Overall I'd recommend the Egill by 66 North to a friend.

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If you're interested in checking out more of what 66 North offer than check out their website.

Review: Haglofs Salo III LS Shirt

- Product provided for the purpose of review, thanks to outdoorkit.co.uk -

A long sleeved, lightweight shirt for general outdoor use. Made with a quick drying combination of Polyamide and Elastene, Climatic is a durable fabric with a little bit of stretch for comfort.

Manufacturer's Description:

• "Tough yet lightweight, fully featured shirt made with bluesign nylon stretch fabric with quick drying time."

Features:

• Fabric: 93% Polyamide 7% elastane
• Mesh lined rear vents across upper part
• Ventilation holes under arms
• Offset shoulder and side seams for less chafing
• Two chest pockets
• One zippered chest pocket
• Sleeve roll up straps and buttoned cuffs
• Classic two piece stand up collar

Feature Breakdown:

To me, this shirt comes across as a trekking shirt, designed for trips away over a couple of nights with plenty of features which help for high intensity periods and others which are convenient all the time. The fabric, known as Climatic is a fast drying but durable material which should be able to handle sweat, rain, wind and sunshine as well as being bashed around while out and about. The mesh panel on the back and ventilation holes in the armpit help with high intensity periods where heat output will grow, they allow more air to circulate keeping the space between body and shirt fresher and less moist. Three buttoned pockets and 1 zipped pocket keep items close to hand and safe. Comfort features include offset seams, sleeve roll up straps and stand up collar, all are subtle features but noticeable when out on the hill. 

Field Testing:

Comfortable on the skin, light and a good cut, it's immediately apparent that the Salo is a quality, well thought-out product. 

Armpit ventilation.

In the sun the shirt kept me cool with all the ventilation, a refreshing breeze through the back and armpits is great when the sun is beating down, the features work well - I'm not sure if the armpit holes would stand up to the job on their own but I feel they contribute when partnered with the back mesh panel. The shirt is almost like a high-wicking baselayer in its ability to remove moisture build up, the lightness partnered with the ventilation features meant it was hard to feel uncomfortable in the Salo.

Sleeve pocket and strap.

The pockets work well, it's hard to fit much more than a compass or phone into any of the pockets and anything bulkier would be uncomfortable anyway. They're a handy edition to the shirt definitely. The comfort features are all noticeable when thought about, there's no chaffing on the inside of the sleeve or side of the shirt, for the warmer months the sleeve roll up straps are brilliant and make this a really versatile piece of clothing. 

Quality stitching all round.

Build quality is great, there's no loose stitching after a bit of use and abuse, a sign of the longevity in this product. The fit and cut of the shirt is pleasant, longer than a t-shirt, it covers the bum nicely with plenty of material available to get tucked into trousers but not too much that it's a problem if you don't. 








Long-Term Use:

As we move into summer, the Salo III continues to impress. With the shirt sleeves rolled up it's pleasant as a stand alone piece in the sunshine and when the rain does move in the quick drying fabric handles it with ease, I've been out in some heavy rains and the shirt is yet to become saturated. 

The quality of the product is still there after lots of use, there's no sign of wear and tear or any faults I can see.

I'd definitely recommend the Haglofs Salo III to friend.

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Thanks for checking out my review of the Haglofs Salo III Shirt, if you'd like any more information about the shirt please feel free to ask me or you can contact outdoorkit.co.uk through their Facebook and Twitter.

Review: Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers

- Product provided for the purpose of review, with thanks to outdoorkit.co.uk -

A heavy trouser designed for trekking, bushcraft and general outdoor use. Made with Fjallraven's legendary G-1000 fabric, these trousers should stand up to the gnarly Dartmoor weather with ease. Fjallraven have been very busy for the past 50 years, developing some of the toughest gear in the outdoor market and it all started with a 14 year old who didn't like his backpack! 

The Vidda Pro trousers have plenty of pockets for anything from maps to axes, buttoned leg endings and reinforced knees and bum to keep the trousers performing for longer. They're a no-nonsense trouser, tough and heavy; weighing in at 567g - a couple of hundred grams heavier than the Montane Terra Pants. 

Manufacturer's Description: 

• Durable trekking trousers for many adventures in the mountains and forests. Made from durable, wind and water resistant G-1000 with double reinforcements over the rear and knees. Mid waist and classic fit with pre-shaped knees. 7 pockets, including a map pocket, axe pocket and inner safety pocket. Elastic, buttoned leg endings.

Technical Features:

• Fabric: G-1000, 65% polyester, 35% cotton.
• Mid-waist and regular fit with pre-shaped knees.
• Reinforced bum & knees
• Hand pocket, map pocket, multi-tool pocket and internal phone pocket.
• Pocket in knee for kneepad.
• Adjustable leg bottom.
• Leather details.

Feature Breakdown:

The G-1000 fabric as a material for clothing came about after the Fjallraven founder discovered it was too heavy to be turned into tents. After treating the fabric with Greenland Wax, a combination of paraffin and beeswax, it took on brilliant waterproof and breathable qualities. From there multiple types of the fabric have been created suited to different uses, these trousers are made with the standard G-1000 fabric. The cut of the trousers is great, longer than most but they're designed with kneeling and flexibility in mind. Plenty of pockets on the sides and front of the trouser, great for bushcraft and camping when you can never have too many pockets. 

Simple, practical and strong.

Field Testing:

The buttoned leg bottom stops the trouser dragging on the floor.

I really love the fit of these trousers, even with trainers or shoes on, the extra length is nice and while there's some baggy bits around the ankle, generally it's difficult to pick any fault with Fjallraven's decision to make them longer. When pottering around the campsite or doing some bushcraft the position of the trousers while sitting and kneeling is great, they don't ride up around the crotch or let your ankles feel the weather, subtle but it makes them that little bit more comfy. 

The fabric is seriously strong, partnered with the build quality of Fjallraven, these are very trustworthy trousers. They're heavy enough so you feel them but I prefer that compared to a pair of trousers with billow around when the wind picks up.  

Something to remember with the G-1000 fabric is that you can wax it to increase its waterproof properties, as we move into summer I'm going to hold back on waxing mine as it's also increases the insulation they provide. It's great to have a product which you can adapt to different environments, it helps makes the Vidda Pro trouser a true all-rounder. 

So many pockets! Two hand pockets, 3 side pockets including a mobile phone pocket and a tool pocket, great for an axe or saw. These aren't quite so necessary for walkers but for those who enjoy camping or spending time in the woods these pockets are great, easily accessible and well positioned too. 

Extra material around the knees and bum, very important areas.

Long-Term Use:

As time goes on with the Vidda Pro Pants I'm becoming a real fan of Fjallraven. These pants are tough, well thought out and reliable in the foulest of weather, they're a little warm in the sun but when stationary or in the shade the G-1000 material kept me the perfect temperature. 

I'd recommend trying some on if you're thinking of getting a pair, the Fjallraven cut is longer than most and their sizing can be confusing: I wore a size 54 in review which translates to 37 inches.

I'd definitely recommend the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants to a friend. 

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Once again, I'd like to thank outdoorkit.co.uk for the opportunity to review the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants, if you'd like more information please click here.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to tweet me or message me on Facebook.

Review: Mountain Equipment Integrity Hooded Zip-T

- Product provided for the purpose of review, thanks to Cotswold Outdoor -

I don't know about you but I love wearing a hoodie, they're warm, comfortable and casual but they're also bulky and come with a low warmth-to-weight ratio. The Integrity Hooded Zip-T aims to dispel the negatives and offer a warm, low weight option for use out in the hills. 

Coming in with an RRP of £90, this jacket offers something between a fleece, softshell and baselayer - taking the best of each and combining to create a great all rounder. 

The Jacket: 

• The Men's Integrity Hooded Zip-T from Mountain Equipment is a close fitting, super stretchy, low bulk hoodie that will keep you feeling comfortable and dry for longer during your favourite activities.

Features:

• 100% Polyester
• Delta high density stretch knit fabric
• Low bulk
• Rapid moisture transfer
• Excellent abrasion resistance 
• Low profile relaxed hood
• Zipped chest pocket
• Flat locked seams throughout 
• Lycra bound hood, hems and cuffs
• Active fit

Breakdown: 

A hoodie made entirely from man-made materials, with lycra around the wrists and hood to stop any wind getting in. Similar to a baselayer in terms of rapid moisture transfer, low bulk and the flat locked seams but the hood, chest pocket and high density fabric make this a much warmer, standalone piece of equipment for dry, cool days or part of a layering system when the temperature drops or the weather moves in. 

Field Testing:

As winter (slowly) becomes spring, the need for a jacket like the Integrity becomes greater. A few climbing trips and some walking on the South West Coast Path meant excuses to use the hoodie came thick and fast, intense hill sections on the coast and belaying on Dartmoor gave me a good scope of what the Integrity can do. 

The lycra cuffs help keep the sleeves in a comfortable position.

I'll start with the performance while climbing. Long periods of being stationary then bursts of energy, sweat and movement can push top of the range jackets but the Integrity handled it well, the close fitting aspect of the hoodie helps with heat retention, the high density fabric provides some great insulation for its weight and the rapid moisture transfer handled my sweaty climbing with ease. The length of the arms stop the jacket from riding up, although they seem long to begin with the lycra cuffs keep the sleeves from covering my hands, they also help keep the wind out by keeping the Integrity tight to my skin. A mix of features makes this a really useful piece of kit for climbing in - very impressive stuff.

The chest pocket - perfect for a compass or snack while walking.

Over to the South West Coast Path, I tend to generate a lot of warmth when walking which can cause problems with kit that isn't breathable enough. The Integrity however did well, as a midlayer it could have easily picked up a lot of moisture but it shifted it well and kept me dry under my hardshell. The comfort of the hoodie was great, along with the fit and cut too - things which can cause issues over a full day of walking. 







Each feature of the jacket works well, from the subtle zip guard on the chin to the fabric and how soft it is next to my skin. I really liked how tight fitting the jacket was while still keeping true to its sizing. By having the fabric come right next to my skin it minimises big pockets of air which can keep you colder for longer. 

The bottom hem of the Integrity is stitched with lycra too, this works with the extra length they've put in the back to keep the Integrity down around the bum, stopping it from riding up and letting wind or rain in. I like the yellow line detail too, it's a small way of keeping a clean theme throughout the Integrity. 

Long-term use:

As time wearing the Integrity goes on I've begun to really fall in love with this piece of kit, it's comfortable and warm, lightweight and packable, it's become a go-to piece of kit for the majority of the activities I do. 

The perfect mix of style and efficiency - Mountain Equipment have ticked all the boxes with the Integrity.

I'd definitely recommend the Integrity Hooded Zipped-T to a friend!

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I'd like to thank Cotswold Outdoor once again for providing the Integrity for review, to check out the product on their website click here. 
If you've got any questions about the Mountain Equipment Integrity Hooded Zipped-T then please feel free to ask me or contact Cotswold Outdoor through their Twitter or Facebook.

Review: Rab Boreas Pull-on

- product provided by OutdoorKit.co.uk for the purpose of review - 

The basics:

• RRP - £50
• Weight - 259g
• Fabric - Matrix Stretch Softshell Fabric

Manufacturer's Description: "The Boreas Pull-on is a lightweight stretch pull-on designed to offer protection from the sun and the elements when in the mountains."

First impression:

This shirt is designed to work best when worn as your baselayer but can also be used as midlayer with great breathabilty and wind resistance. 

The Stay Fresh odour control element of this shirt is a great, while most synthetic layers quickly get a certain smell to them the Boreas seemed to handle my smelliness well and there were no complaints from my fellow walkers.

Smartphone and (empty;)) wallet in chest pocket, you can really feel when this pocket has too much stuff in it.

A handy chest pocket provides room for things that need to be kept close at hand, the size of the pocket limits its use though, perfect for things like smartphones and wallets but you wouldn't be able to get a map in there. 

The under-helmet hood came in handy when climbing on Dartmoor, keeping my neck and ears warm while keeping safe. The softness of the material really helps with this as the slightest irritant would be multiplied by the helmet.  

A very long chest zip helps with ventilation and helps get the chest hair out! Flat zip keeps it from being irritating and in the way. I found this really handy for when the wind picked up slightly or the sun came back out, it only takes that little change and saves you removing/adding a layer.

Field Use:

Straight away this shirt feels comfortable to the touch and is very light, 2 great indicators straight away for how well a product will perform. I went for the XL (I'm 6'3" and a large build) and it seemed like a perfect fit, plenty of room in the sleeve for reaching above my head and a little extra at the back to cover the builder's bum. 

Warm ears with the under-helmet compatible hood.

On a particularly blowy day I decided to test the shirt with wind and plenty of sweat to see how well it handled breathing and maintaining my warmth. I'm happy to say the shirt performed well and even when stopped in the wind I still felt warm and cosy with the Boreas. This is a great element of the shirt and saved me a lot of time, with other baselayers/1st layers I find myself having to switch jackets and shirts to keep me the right temperature. 

While climbing the shirt kept me covered, the articulated sleeves working perfectly to stop the shirt riding up and popping over the harness. As I mentioned before the under-helmet hood was handy for keeping my neck and ears warm, just providing that vital barrier to the wind. 

Still plenty of sleeve even with a fully extended arm.

Great all round wind protection with the hood up.

Positive points:

• Soft and smell resistant fabric,
• under-helmet compatible hood,
• Big zip helps ventilation,
• Doesn't ride up when reaching,
• Great lightweight but solid construction.

Not-so-positive points:

• Small chest pocket.

Summary:

This shirt deserves all the praise it receives; lightweight, strong and smell proof means it can worn over multi-day trips without upsetting you or your traveling companions. The multiple uses of this shirt make it a real bargain too; walking, mountaineering or climbing, this shirt's got it covered. 

Thanks for reading, please check out my other reviews on the blog and feel free to ask any questions about this review on Twitter.

Thanks again to OutdoorKit, if you're interested in buying the Boreas it's got 10% off on there!

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