Review: Hydro Flask 32oz Wide Mouth Flask

- Product provided for the purpose of review - 

A large insulated flask with a wide mouth opening to help keep you hydrated all day long.

Features:

• Wide mouth opening
• TempShield Protected
• Keeps hot up to 6 hours
• Keeps cold up to 24 hours
• BPA-free and Phthalate-free
• Durable, sweat-free powder coat finish
• 18/8 Grade Stainless Steel
• Lifetime Warranty

Feature breakdown: 

A large flask designed for use all day whilst walking, travelling or spending a day on the beach. It'll keep hot things hot and the cold things cold for even longer. The construction method uses high quality components, free from nasties and the outside is coated with a nicely textured powder coat finish, to top it off, Hydro Flask offer a lifetime warranty.

Out and about:

Testing for this flask took place through summer and into the beginning of winter, from keeping my cold drinks hot while the flask was left in a car in the sun through to wild camping and keeping coffee warm in the winter.

Throughout the summer I regularly left the flask in my car so it could get nice and warm and in winter leaving the flask on the ground where any weakness in the insulation properties of the flask would quickly show - none did for either test. Ice cubes in the summer and beautiful steaming hot coffee in the winter!

Once again Hydro Flask have exceeded my expections, not only does this flask work every time, it does so while looking good. The finish and styling of the bottle is great and it's available in a huge range of colours to suit every taste.

As with all flasks please remember to not screw the lid on with boiling or near boiling water in there! All that steam can cause issues when you try to the lid off. Instead leave for a little while so the liquid cools then tighten the lid and rest assured knowing the Hydro Flask has it covered.

If 32oz is a bit much for you check out a review of the Hydro Flask 21oz Standard Mouth flask by clicking here.

Want more information or decided Hydro Flask is for you? Check out George Fisher who stock loads of them by clicking here.

Questions? Feel free to use Twitter or Facebook.

Review: Corrymoor Socks

- The kind folks at Corrymoor provided socks for the purpose of review -

Socks, socks, socks... Where to begin? The importance of finding the correct sock is just as important as the shoe, boot or sandal you're choosing to wear outside. It has the power to keep your foot cool, comfortable and ready to be walked on the next day. There's a couple of big brands in the outdoor world who seem to have a vice like grip on socks, great if you're happy with the socks they make but I'm always on the look out for something new, something different and something a little more local.

I read about Corrymoor in a news article recently; a company from Devon making socks that never smell with a type of wool I'd never heard of, I had to reach out to them to see what they were all about. They were kind enough to send me a couple of pairs, 1 for hillwalking and use with a boot and another for running in. Here's how I got on with them...

First impressions were good, there's a whole range of colours and types to choose from on the website, I went with the Companion for walking and the Sprint for running. 

Size wise they're pretty true to the website description, I wear a 10.5 shoe or boot and went with size medium, better to have them snug then extra fabric bunching around the toes. 

For the first few hours of use I was aware I had them on, not uncomfortable but noticeable enough. After softening up with a bit of use this feeling passed and they became comfortable. After walking 18 miles in my running shoes (no waterproof lining) with the Sprint sock I didn't notice any moisture at the end of the day, a great sign of a sock that can wick it away and keep the foot dry.

For the Companion I decided a stretch of the South West Coast Path would be a good a test as any and they handled it well, a similar start in terms of comfort and needing to soften slightly but after that they were great. 

A big part of the Corrymoor sock promise is that they don't smell, I decided to put trust in their claim and get up close and personal with my socks after a few days use in a row.. I'm happy to say that while they didn't smell of roses they certainly didn't smell bad!

I've been happy with how the socks have performed and they've been out and about with me regularly over the past couple of months. There's no signs of wear and tear and they're still a great fit even after a few washes. Great stuff!

For more information check out their website by clicking here.

Review: Salomon X-Ultra Mid 2 GTX

- product provided for the purpose of review, with thanks to Salomon -

Manufacturer's Description: Updated with sleek, athletic design details, X-Ultra Mid 2 GTX® provides stability, mid height support and the year round climate comfort of GORE-TEX®

Features:

• Breathable and lightweight stretch fabric uppers
• Gore-Tex membrane
• Mid cut ankle for support
• Gusseted tongue
• Protective rubber toe cap
• Sensifit system works to cradle the foot providing a precise and secure fit.
• An abrasion resistant lining that allows for excellent breathability and quick drying
• Non marking Contagrip sole
• Advanced Chassis
• Molded EVA provides excellent next to foot cushioning and anatomical support
• EVA shaped footbed
• OrthoLite insole
• Heel foam for cushioning
• 565g (per boot, size 10.5)

Feature Breakdown:

A Gore-Tex lined, mid-height boot for those looking for something lighter and more sporty than a traditional leather boot. Stretch fabric uppers along with the EVA shaped footbed and OrthoLite insole all provide great comfort while the sole and advanced chassis give support and strength. Plenty of technology crammed into a boot that weighs 565g!

Field Testing:

We've had a fair bit of rain in the south west over the past few months so putting on a mid-cut fabric boot while leaving my trusty leather boots behind wasn't the easiest thing to do... Since getting in to walking I've always had leather boots, something instilled in me by the walkers in my family, for the past few months though I've been looking for something more from my walking footwear, wondering if lightweight and sporty is the way forward. 

My first impressions were positive, the boots are seriously light but still feel well made. Fit obviously varies from brand to brand so I made sure to try some on in a my local outdoor store, never buy boots online without trying them on! 

On doing them up I was a bit frustrated with the tongue, it doesn't seem to wrap the ankle nicely and I found my trousers kept catching it and riding up, not a massive issue but if lightweight and streamlined is what Salomon is going for then it's not in keeping with the rest of the boot.

The Contagrip sole is up there with Vibram in my eyes, it provided good grip on a mix of terrain including loose mud and wet rock, I didn't notice any clumping of mud or dirt in the sole either.  

Out on the moor with bogs, wet grass and rain I found the boot kept water out nicely, there's no insulation so while my foot occasionally felt cold my sock was never damp when taking the boots off. This is also a sign of the boot breathing well, GoreTex can easily cause moisture build up as dirt clogs the membrane but I didn't have this issue, the outer fabric and lower cut help keep the foot cool and mean less sweat. 



Long-term use:

Over the past few months I've kept coming back to these boots, they're comfortable and light, perfect when the weather's improving and less layers means you can move a bit faster.

The build quality is great, as with most Salomon product, the boots are still going well and seem to be in top condition even after use on Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor through winter and spring. 

If you're looking for a lightweight option for big days out then this is a great choice, I'm very nearly a full convert to the mid, fabric boot! Never thought I'd say it.

Thanks again to Salomon for providing the boots to test. Thanks for reading! Paul.

Review: Lowe Alpine Eclipse 35 Rucksack

A new and improved Eclipse from Lowe Alpine, they’ve updated the looks and functionality of their multi-activity day pack and were kind enough to send me one to test out. Over the past couple of weeks it’s joined me while I’ve gone climbing, walking and commuting!

A quick look at the features… There’s no lid on the Eclipse, instead there’s a zip which covers three quarters of the pack and gives easy access to the whole of the rucksack. Stretch pockets on the front and sides provide space for a jacket and drinks bottles. On the outside there’s attachment loops as well as compression straps to keep the pack streamlined. On the hip belt there’s another 2 pockets, both zipped which provide room for a small snack and compass.

There are plenty of subtle features to make life easier while using the Eclipse, a small whistle on the sternum strap, an SOS guide printed on the inside and a built in raincover too.

There’s no frame within the pack so to give it some strength they’ve put a cut out moulded back panel on which provides some air ventilation and some rigidity. The previous version of the Eclipse had a fixed back system, on the new one there’s a velcro attachment between the rucksack and shoulder straps so there’s some flexibility to get the fit just right.

That's the features of the Eclipse 35 on paper, now let's see how it handled some real world use...

 

While climbing, the zip entry system helps make the Eclipse a great cragging bag, you can lie it on the floor and easily get to gear without digging around from the top wondering where that no. 7 nut has got to! From the outside the bag doesn't seem as big as other mid-30L packs but once you start throwing gear in there seems to be plenty of room, I think Lowe Alpine have achieved this by shaping the Eclipse like a pear with a subtly big bottom half which keeps the design smaller but the volume high.

As a walking pack the eclipse can become a little sweaty, the foam backpanel provides a small amount of ventilation but when the pack’s loaded up it tends to sit quite close to the back, the result is a definite lack of airflow - to be fair to the Eclipse the majority of daypacks suffer from this. Again, the shape of the pack allows for a lot of storage, I easily fit my waterproofs, lunch, mountain first aid kit and more lunch in with some room to spare!

On the commute the Eclipse is comfortable and reliable, the build quality is high and is backed up by Lowe Alpine's Lifetime Warranty, a sure sign from any manufacturer that they believe in the product they're making. When it's not fully loaded there's no ventilation issues so my back stays comfortable, the hip and shoulder straps are both wide and sit right so there's no digging or cutting in anywhere.

 

Overall I've been impressed with the Eclipse, the changes Lowe Alpine have made are good and well thought out. This pack has gone from one I wouldn't consider to one that I'm happy to use day in, day out. It's comfortable and functional. 

The design won't please everyone and lack of lid could be an issue for some but for plenty of people out there this pack will be a refreshing change in the multi-activity rucksack world.

7/10.

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.

-----

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

Review: Hydro Flask 21oz Standard Mouth Flask

- Product provided for the purpose of review -

An insulated, 21oz flask designed to keep hot for up to 6 hours and cold up to 24. 

Manufacturer's Description: "Our 21 oz is the perfect go-anywhere companion on your busiest days. It stashes easily in a small shoulder bag, your pack’s side pocket or your car cup holder, and holds enough to keep you going for hours without weighing you down."

Features: 

• Medium Standard Mouth opening
• TempShield Protected
• Keeps Hot up to 6 Hours
• Keeps Cold up to 24 Hours
• BPA-Free
• Durable, sweat-free powder coat finish
• 18/8 Stainless Steel
• Lifetime Warranty
• Capacity: 621ml

Feature Breakdown: 

This is Hydro Flask's flagship flask, their do anything, go anywhere piece of kit. Designed with maximum functionality in mind it's not too big or too small, it comes with a standard loop cap but a sports cap will also fit. It quotes pretty standard times for a flask like this, 6 hours for hot liquids and 24 hours for cold, having seen past reviews of these flasks though, I'm tempted to say these times are modest. The finish is nice, it gives the bottle some friction which is great when the rain's pouring or you're using this flask during water sports.

Field testing:

What better way to test a flask than to brew some coffee and head out for a walk. The standard mouth size is a good size, not so big that you'll find yourself with a messy front but big enough that making hot drinks in the flask isn't a pain. 

For my test I made coffee at 9.30 in the morning and headed out the door about 10. While out and about I made sure to open the flask a few times, have a couple of blows on the coffee and a sip or two before closing. Sometimes the tests manufacturers put flasks through don't mimic real life where the flask will open and close often throughout a day. 

The coffee was still too hot to drink quickly at 12.30, 3 hours after it went in. At 15.30 this was still the case, with the flask fulfilling its promise to keep hot for 6 hours, that means hot, not warm!

After 8 hours the coffee was just beginning to show signs of cooling down, not necessarily cold but definitely no longer hot. 8 hours from a simple flask which you can drink straight out of is a good amount of time, especially with a few openings here and there. Personally, all I'm looking for in a flask in the ability to keep a drink hot for a day on the hill and after 8 hours I tend to be on the homeward stretch or have the necessary equipment with me to make another hot drink so it ticks all the boxes for me. 

With this style of flask something to think about is the temperature of the liquid going in, boiling water will continue to steam inside the flask and cause the pressure to build. This can be dangerous so it's best to fill the flask and give the contents a chance to cool before putting the lid on. This is what I did for my test and it didn't cause me any problems with the coffee maintaining that slightly cooler temperature.

For the cold test I decided to keep it simple and fill the flask with ice to see how long it would keep rattling it for, once again it surpassed the time stated and there were still ice cubes 33 hours after putting them in.

Long-term use:

This flask has quickly become part of my trusted outdoor kit, the need to stay warm when out and about is huge and anything that's going to keep fluids nice and hot is always welcome in my rucksack, especially as we move into winter. 

The quality of the materials that have gone into making this flask is a clear sign that Hydro Flask want to create a brilliant product, the lifetime warranty just confirms it. 

In summary, I've been very happy with my Hydro Flask product, it serves its purpose and does so with good features and nice styling. I'd definitely recommend it to a friend.

The Hydro Flask certainly gets a thumbs up from me.

Hydro Flask are a relatively new brand, started in America back in 2009 but they're quickly becoming more widely available in the UK. If you'd like to find one for yourself please check out Tiso. If you'd like some more information about Hydro Flask please check out their website by clicking here.

Thank you for reading, please don't hesitate to get in contact with me if you've got any questions about Hydro Flask.