The £60 layers challenge... clothes you never knew you needed.. or hated!

[MeetTheGeeks]

I heard that the fleece is a lot better, a scan on youtube shows that to be a bit hit and miss.. on the whole.. avoid it yes..

[Mr Happymoose]

Definitely thanks for this Ax. Later in the year I'm going to be in the market for a new big rucksack. I'd been considering Helikon, but after this I don't think I'll bother!!

Here's what I was wearing while drinking tea by the pond today while my mate waved a fishing rod around...

Hoody over the top:

Rather like the look of that Cave_Dweller.

[MeetTheGeeks]

The company should out cource to china it would be better quality. Ive got more bits on the way at the moment and more to review that is here already. Should keep me busy for a while. Got one of those fleeces on the way too..

Rucksacks are always try before you buy to see if you like it. The karimoor SF patrol 45 litre is my choice, not the civvie version. Hope that helps mate.

[Mr Happymoose]

The company should out cource to china it would be better quality. Ive got more bits on the way at the moment and more to review that is here already. Should keep me busy for a while. Got one of those fleeces on the way too..

Rucksacks are always try before you buy to see if you like it. The karimoor SF patrol 45 litre is my choice, not the civvie version. Hope that helps mate.

I know what you mean about try before you buy, not a lot of choice in the wilds of the Peak District though LOL!! I'll be needing something bigger than the Karrimor and was rather taken by the Tad Gear pack that Martyn posted the pic of in his Foliage Green thread but don't have anywhere near that kind of money Looking forward to seeing what you think about that hoody though.

[Gizmo]

Definitely thanks for this Ax. Later in the year I'm going to be in the market for a new big rucksack. I'd been considering Helikon, but after this I don't think I'll bother!!



Rather like the look of that Cave_Dweller.

+ 1, I've since ordered one!

.....the smock that is.

[MeetTheGeeks]

This one?
http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/w...mock-812-p.asp

[cave_dweller]

Rather like the look of that Cave_Dweller.

I realised after I posted that I didn't put a link in. Sorry about that! Click Me. It's windproof, reasonably warm and it seems to have some kind of DWR treatment - not waterproof though. I think it's good value for £33.

[MeetTheGeeks]

Thats the one I ordered too, with some wash in TX it would be waterproof

[Noddy]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extende...lothing_System Here's that link to ECWCS, I am going to invest in it some day. Tried bits of it in a shop near here. The jacket (a gen2) was good I thought for standing around in the cold and wet duties

I am just off up the mountain this morning. Trunks, NZ merino base layer and longs, thin socks, smartwools, Haglofs fleece, Ron Hill trackpants, MEC goretex trousers, Norrona jacket, red balaclava from Joe Browns, w/proof gloves.

[MeetTheGeeks]

Its without doubt a great system but the £1000 price tag for it makes it a bit extreme. How well can you move with all those layers

[Gizmo]

This one?
http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/w...mock-812-p.asp

Yep, that's the one. Looks really comfortable.

[Ru Titley]

If that bushcraft hoody already has a DWR treatment I dont think you make it any more waterproof .
but it looks good for the price and atleast has a proper hood , id like to see it when it arrives Man .

[MeetTheGeeks]

Of course you can have a look and try

[Noddy]

Sorry, MTG, I missed the posts in between where you'd already nixxed it

[Bluu]

Funnily enough, been on something of a similar quest myself. Plan was to replace my ancient camo gear: arctic windproof, trousers - combat (or a pair of lightweights in Summer), issue boots, various cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts, Berghaus Cyclops Roc and 58 Pattern Poncho.

Bought some kit when I was still losing weight which is now way too big so have been replacing the replacements as it were with, what in hindsight, I wish I’d bought in the first place. Here’s what I bought while still at the eat less pies end of the scale, price and vendor at the end:

Montane Dyno softshell jacket - Simple, light, comfortable. £80 Amazon
Gelert Rainpod waterproof jacket, cheap. not very breathable but if you don’t move about keeps you dry. In the car boot now (along with a hi-vis vest). £30 with matching trousers Amazon
Helikon Patriot fleece, Mine’s ok from a QC viewpoint - not brilliant but ok. A few errant stitches but nothing like the dog’s breakfast on MTG’s shell. Million pockets but stiff, heavy and too warm for me although pit zips help. Sleeves seem a bit short and the Velcro cuffs are hard plastic. £45 Helikon
Bam Bamboo Zipped Baselayer. Very soft and eco-friendly. If you can’t wear wool, this is an alternative to merino. This was a present but probably £45 from Bam Bamboo or Green By Nature

Since becoming somewhat smaller, I have mostly been trying:

Paramo Fuera Ascent windproof jacket. Very light, doesn‘t like rain much though. £65 direct from Paramo
Montane Lite-Speed H2O Jacket. Light as a feather, packs down to nothing. £80 Amazon
Norrona Lofoten Warm1 fleece. Very thin and light. No frills - perfect for me although normal humans may want something a bit thicker. £100 Tamarack Group
OMM Rapid Zip Top. Only just got this but feels good on - zip is longer than most similar tops. £35 Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Also got some Vertx and Arc’teryx trousers. Next clothing purchase will probably be some waterproof trousers to replace the Gelerts. Montbell, Highlander, Vaude and Mountain Hardwear in the running.