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.

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