An avowed Paramo fan here although it isn't for everyone. For people who have reservations of the 'traditional' Paramo fit, the newer stuff has addressed this and is bang up to date. I've just bought a new Alta 3 jacket and the fit is light years away from the Alta 2, which is why I bought one TBH.
Cheers, all good stuff.
Being a sweaty bugger, are the rucksacks with the mesh back panels and gap to the sack any good? Do they stop sweaty back syndrome?
I really like sitting mats - hardly a necessity but a great bit of kit which cost next to nothing - a few hiking buddies of mine poo pooed them initially but after trying out mine they've all bought one - A nice little luxury when one stops for a brew - you have to stop for brew ..
Mesh panelled rucksacks work well but aren't recommended for scrambling or climbing as they hold the weight too far from the body.
Things have come on since my earliest days on the hills - Aran jumper, cord breeches, wax jacket and, de riguer, red socks.
Modern kit, even the cheapest, is brilliant by comparison. My standard kit is
Helly Hansen vests
Light fleece
Rab softshell jacket
Mammut Basejump trousers
Cheap Pertex windsmock
Rab Event jacket
Arcteryx overtrousers
(or if it's really hot, Coolmax top and Rohan shorts)
Hat, gloves
Map, compass, headtorch, whistle (though on well known walks in good conditions I might not bother).
I've always preferred close fitting sacs, I think they carry better. Usually an Arcteryx Needle with a water proof inner bag.
Sigg bottles, Vango stainless steel flask.
In winter I add
North Face down vest or Mountain Equipment duvet depending on conditions
Extra hat and gloves (possibly Dachstein mitts)
Silk inner gloves
2 man bivi shelter
If it's really grim I might wear long johns, fleece salopettes, a heavier Berghaus Mera Peak jacket - or stay in!
Boots and socks
3 season - Scarpa SL, Coolmax inner socks and Bridgedale outers
Winter - Scarpa Manta, Coolmax inners and Thorlo mountaineering socks.
Axe and crampons if conditions require them.
If you want to get out in the snow it depends where you are going. Stomping around in soft snow on flat ground, or modest gradients, you'll be OK in boots alone. A pair of trekking poles can be useful. Once it starts getting steep, technical, exposed, hard snow/ice, that's when you'll be needing proper winter gear and the knowledge to use it without stabbing yourself.
Mesh panelled rucksacks work well
Not in my experience, waste of time you still get sweaty and they definitely mess with your center of gravity.
I really like sitting mats
+1 and they double up to provide lightweight rucksacks a bit of extra back padding.
Not in my experience, waste of time you still get sweaty and they definitely mess with your center of gravity.
I agree with that. Completely pointless and they make the pack an annoying shape to pack.
And another. I love my simple Lowe Alpine and Karrimor Alpiniste bags with flat, padded, simple backs.
Montane is probably my favourite kit manufacturer - very well designed IMO, especially their mountaineering / climbing gear. The featherlite smock is a great bit of kit that gets used all the time - weighs nothing, makes a great outer shell with just a base layer if very active or add over multiple layers if moving slower and not raining.
I've got some size 42 approach shoes for sale if anyone is interested? £35 posted. They're unused, just a bit big for me. Berg Serval - got them off Sports Pursuit. Don't know much about the brand, but look decent & have a 'climbing zone' on the toe so good for scrambling/standing on thin edges. Vibram sole.
I have both types of pack, I didn't buy the Lowe Alpine airzone based on its mesh back but simply based on comfort when trying on. Id agree when working hard in mild climates I struggle to feel any real benefit, I do however find it good in very cold conditions for helping regulate temps, odd I know but my experience.
Personally no issues when scrabbling with a mesh pack, but I travel light & I'm a big lad, personally I would go with comfort first & foremost.
On Karrimors - I got a pair and you get sweaty in them, not as breathable as they look but good for cooler weather. Sod wearing them in summer though. My 18+ yr old Merrell moon boots on the other hand are great in summer, go figure.
Might nab some of those Merrell Ridgepasses though, look identical to the Karrimors but not Tight Bastly made...
Just bought a new Paramo Helki which seems a fair bit lighter than my previous one, got £50 off as well for recycling my old one!
Pretty much any gear you buy from an outdoor retailer will suffice for hillwalking, however you can never stop the jeans and t-shirt brigade walking up the fan in December!!
@Loddrik - how are you getting on with the Alta 3 jacket?
I've been looking at one for winter walking
Love my mesh backed pack, Osprey Exos, really keeps my back dry, and really comfy.
A pair of wellies, a sheepdog and a dose of common sense. About all you need really 🙂
A pair of wellies, a sheepdog and a dose of common sense. About all you need really
only if you insist on going over-prepared!
Proper hill walkers do it in a pair of flip-flops and a copy of Pigeon Fancier's Monthly shoved up their string vest.
