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also be worn under waterproof membrane hard shells in
severe weather, still allowing easy access to your essential
equipment.
Whilst not exactly cheap at UK£199.95 the MML6 Softie
Smock should be viewed as a long term investment,
especially if you act as a RO as well as shooting; whilst
trainees can easily head back inside to warm up a RO needs
to be out at all times that any training is in progress. The
MML6 easily lets you do this so in my mind is an invaluable
addition to your kit locker.
Wild Things Tactical
Low Loft Jacket
(UK£139.95) www.
tactical-kit.co.uk
US manufacturer Wild
Things Tactical (WTT)
have taken a bit of a back
seat recently which is a
sad thing, as they really
understand layering
systems; working
with the ultimate in
breathable technologies
they understand the “heat dump” and this was taken into
account with their system from the word go; enter stage
right the WTT Low Loft Jacket!
For many moons in winter climbing circles it’s been quite
the norm to carry what is known as a “belay vest or jacket” in
the top of your ruc. Once upon a time this would have been
just a simple down vest but as technologies have moved
on, most garments of this type make use of a synthetic fill
which retains insulative properties even when wet. The
idea is a simple one; when you’re climbing you are kicking
out serious amounts of moisture (sweat) and heat so you
need something über breathable. When you stop, set your
stance and prepare to belay for your partner you’re going to
be immobile and body heat will dissipate fast. By throwing
on an insulating garment over everything else you retain
warmth in your system, which in turn lets you stay switched
on and alert.
In the Wild Things Tactical Low Loft the body of the jacket
is made of 70 denier textured nylon fabric, keeping the
weight of the garment down without reducing protection
from the elements. The nylon rip stop lining is quilted to 2oz
PrimaLoft synthetic insulation, keeping you warm without
the bulk. Hand warmer pockets are sewn directly into the
seam for a clean-finished look. It also features abrasion
resistant panels from the elbow to the cuff; these are
extremely durable with plenty of stretch, and this styling will
allow you to get down on your elbows frequently without
wearing through the sleeve. Bicep pockets have 7″ zippers
for secure storage. The shoulder seams are eliminated to
reduce chafing, and the dropped tail covers the back even
when kneeling. The back portion of the jackets hem is
elasticated to enhance fit and to prevent core-chilling wind
from coming up through the hem.
Weighing in at a meagre 510g/18oz the Low Loft is really
not going to add a huge amount to a winter load, and it
crushes down small so as not to take up space in the top of
your ruc. Its light weight might make you think it’s not going
to give you the insulation your need, but the PrimaLoft is so
effective you’ll be amazed at how warm this jacket gets.
Add this over the top of your hard-shell and gear (ensure
you buy a size large enough to do this!) when you come
to rest in cold conditions, and you’re going to stay more
comfortable and therefore more alert. For this reason alone
the WTT Low Loft Jacket gets my complete recommendation
if you can still find one!
Carinthia MIG 2.0 Jacket
(UK£220.00) www.heinnie.
com
When it comes to cold weather
performance one brand that’s
caught my eye over the past
couple of years, but that I’ve
not had a chance to try until
recently is Carinthia. For over 60
years Carinthia, a trademark of
the Gold Eck Textile Corporation,
has devoted itself to insulation
technology using both natural
as well as synthetic fibres for use in most extreme conditions.
For the last 25 years, they have concentrated on the
development of Technical Polyester Insulation for demanding
conditions. Their aim? To achieve maximum efficiency with
an optimal warmth to weight ratio for specialist end users.
If you’re at all interested in performance clothing and gear
then you’ll probably be no stranger to the Carinthia brand;
at shows I always make a point of stopping at their stand to
check out their latest offerings and I’m rarely disappointed!
Thanks to www.heinnie.com Carinthia products are now a
whole lot easier to get hold of in the UK. The G-LOFT MIG