Gear Guide
We put the latest outdoor clothing and equipment to the test
1. Teva Arrowood Utility Mid Boots, £140
TWO successful outings with this pair – one on the flat, one in the hills – proved that they are excellent dual-purpose boots. An outing on the Pentlands was the toughest test, with thick mud and extremely wet underfoot conditions. The boots passed this test with flying colours, both for grip and for waterproofing. Add close comfort to that and you have the full package. Two things, however. They’re marketed as being for downtown leisure use too, but I think I’ll keep them for more robust occasions. Secondly, a size 11 fitted me perfectly compared to my usual size 10. Quite an unusual fit, and something to bear in mind.
2. Keela Ladies’ Liberty Softshell, £79.95
KEELA are fast becoming my favourite outdoor kit specialist. Their Scruffer trousers, which I reviewed in the November 2018 issue, are still my favourite hiking trousers, and this softshell is now my go-to when I need a light outer layer. It’s wind-resistant and water repellent, but fully breathable in durable stretch-tec fabric. Side zips for ventilation make it perfect for more strenuous exercise in cool conditions, and the hi-vis yellow is great for running at night, or in bad weather. I wore it on a traverse of the Aonach Eagach ridge and became the rallying point when the mist came down – I was the only one visible through the fog!
3. Quechua MH500 Men’s Waterproof, £59.99
IT’S great reviewing outdoor gear for The Scots Magazine. But when the Ed asks you to review a waterproof jacket, then you have to check it’s – well – waterproof. And so, on a very wet afternoon, I took to a 16-km (10-mile) hike around Castle Semple near Lochwinnoch, expecting to come back a little damp. However, I needn’t have worried as the latest lightweight jacket from Quechua kept me dry throughout. The rain ran off the breathable material and plenty of ventilation meant I didn’t overheat when the jacket was zipped up. Even better, the visor around the hood kept any drips away from my nose. And look at the price! Quite simply outstanding value for money.
4. Black Diamond Distance Z Poles, £100
IALWAYS carry one pole on the hill. Sometimes it sits in my pack, but it’s there for steep ground or support if I twist an ankle. I use two for heavy backpacking loads. Normally, I use telescopic ones costing about £5 – why pay more for a stick? At £100, these are Black Diamond’s cheapest Z poles – no kidding! Aluminium, they are feather-light, making my normal poles feel like lead. Slidelock technology means they click into shape very easily – no faff and no danger of collapse like regular screw-to-tighten telescopic poles. For ultra-runners, where every gram is vital, I see the sense of splashing out. Don’t get me wrong, they’re amazing items of kit, but most walkers will be just as happy with cheaper versions.