Gear Guide
We put the latest outdoor clothing and equipment to the test
1. Lowa Locarno GTX® LO Shoe, £140
ONCE upon a time, people used to wear outdoor shoes or boots for hillwalking and trekking, and in the town or city something more formal. Now, hill wear is seen in all aspects of life, and Lowa have grabbed this concept with their Locarno “hybrid” shoes which are smart enough to put on for a meeting but tough enough to take up the glens. On a test in the Trossachs, the nubuck and fabric upper was water and mudproof and easily cleaned once off the hill. Meanwhile the sole, which at first appeared thin and rigid, was surprisingly flexible, offering all the support I required. These will save wear and tear on bigger boots, as well as looking good.
2. Helly Hansen Scout Profleece Jacket, £150
ALTHOUGH classed as a midlayer, there’s more to this jacket than a tough and toasty fleece. Rolled up in a pouch on the back of the neck is an outer shell a bit like an old-school cagoule. With this in action, the worst of the weather stays well and truly on the outside, helped by long sleeves and enough length to overlap trouser waistlines. It’s not a posh fabric dependent on coatings to perform, just a solid windproof and waterproof layer that won’t lose effectiveness over time or through washes. Ideal for keeping warm while still, in light movement or after sports, but not an active jacket – it gets hot fast if you’re generating your own celsius.
3. Bridgedale Storm Waterproof Socks £32-£45
ONE thing’s guaranteed if you’re a Scottish hillwalker – you’ll get wet feet. Or at least it was guaranteed... waterproof socks have been around for a while but I’ve never been convinced. Maybe it’s just my sweaty tootsies but even the most “breathable” versions leave feet a bit clammy – making them puffy and wrinkly, as if you’d been in the bath too long. These are Bridgedale’s first 100% waterproof sock and they’re certainly among the best I’ve tried. No ingress and even in high summer, they did a decent job of wicking sweat away. They’re comfy with no irritating seams. They come in a variety of weights, lengths and prices. A good option with lighter fabric boots that are no longer water tight.
4. Salomon Intensity Long Tight, £75
IUSED to turn my nose up at hikers or trail runners who take to the hills in tights, but I’m really starting to see the appeal. They’re a lot more supportive than shorts or long trousers, and remain comfortable after miles of repetitive movement. This pair from Salomon is about as supportive as you can get. The fabric and seams were designed for long days when even the slightest friction can cause considerable discomfort. Mesh behind the knees provides extra ease of movement, while the print above the knee doesn’t just look good, it’s anti-slip too for hand placement on challenging ascents. Surprisingly, it has two pockets – one for your keys and so on, and one big enough for a small flask. Men’s sizes also available.