Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2015 i Trail

WATCH THIS... Great Walks short films The BMC has teamed up with TV presenter Mary-Ann Ochota in a film series documenting five of the best hillwalks in the Lake District. The routes include Great Gable, Scafell Pike, High Street, Cat Bells and Blencathra. Beautifully shot by film-maker Ben Winston, these short films are perfect for cramming into a lunch break at work. WATCH AT tv.thebmc.co.uk READ THESE... Trail digital special issues If you prefer your mountain inspiration in digital rather than paper format, download our app and treat yourself to one of our 100-page special issues. The Complete Guide to the Lake District, The Complete Guide to Snowdonia and Mountain Adventures Overseas are all now available from the App Store for a bargain £3.99 each. And don’t forget,…

Since 2003 the United Nations General Assembly has designated 11 December as International Mountain Day to create awareness about the importance of mountains to our lives. This year’s theme is ‘promoting mountain products’ – such as coffee, cocoa, honey, handicrafts and services such as skiing, walking and climbing – and the UN is encouraging people from all over the world to join in the celebrations. Find out how to get involved at tinyurl.com/mountainday15 New moon 11 December Full moon 25 December…

THE GHOSTS OF K2 Mick Conefrey £20 To this day, summiting K2 – the world’s second highest mountain at 8611m – is seen as the pinnacle of high-altitude mountaineering, due to its combination of extreme weather, unstable terrain and technical climbing; which makes the experience of tackling it in the early 20th century all the more difficult to imagine. In this brilliantly researched book, Mick Conefrey weaves together the stories of the early attempts to climb the ‘mountaineers’ mountain’ and the race for that elusive first ascent, which was won in 1953 by an Italian team who would spend the rest of their lives embroiled in a bitter controversy. A party co-led by famed occultist Aleister Crowley had reached 6525m in 1902, before the Duke of Abruzzi left K2 defeated…

This year’s summer holidays found our family staying in a flat near Bassenthwaite Lake. Our window looked out over Sale Fell, which my 9-year-old son Niall expressed a wish to sleep out on one night. Inspired by your ‘Stay out all night’ features [Jun15 issue], we discussed what option best suited us, reaching a decision based on finance and fancy. Next day we popped into Keswick, found two Snugpak sleeping bags for £14.99 each and rolls mats at £4.99 each. I already had a sail tarp. So for just £39.96 for equipment plus a couple of quid for Pringles (real mountain food) and some fizzy pop, we were ready for a night out on the fell. With the promise of good weather courtesy of the Met Office’s free app, and…

2 Number of names the mountain has. Now commonly referred to as Blencathra, for many years it was known as Saddleback on OS maps due to its shape when seen from the east. 868 Height of Blencathra in metres, making it the 14th tallest mountain in the Lake District. 36 Number of pages dedicated to Blencathra by author Alfred Wainwright in his Pictorial Guide to the Northern Fells . The most he wrote about any mountain. 2,676 Number of acres the mountain covers, all of it common grazing land. 1,750,000 Guide price when Blencathra was put up for sale by the Earl of Lonsdale in May 2014. 400 The number of years Blencathra has been owned by the Lowther family; although the Friends of Blencathra community group hopes to buy…

The 24th of April is an anniversary worthy of any walker’s respect. On this day in 1932, 400 members of the Lancashire branch of the Communist-inspired British Workers’ Sport Federation walked high onto the moors at Kinder to demand greater access to the countryside. Their way was blocked by gamekeepers from the Duke of Devonshire’s estate – sent to protect the grouse on the moor, scuffles ensued and the trespassers prevailed. Their protest saw five ramblers jailed, united the rambling cause and generated a powerful upsurge in public sympathy. A few weeks later 10,000 ramblers joined an access rally in Winnat’s Pass, just outside Castleton, and the campaign for a freedom to roam gathered momentum. The post-war Labour government of 1949 passed the legislation to create National Parks – the…

Winter boots I use fully rigid winter boots (B3 rated). I like the extra support in winter, and they make kicking steps on short snow patches much easier and far more stable. Crampons Must be compatible with the boots you use, and robust. A mountaineering crampon would be ideal for most journeys, and if using a B3 boot it will allow a ‘clip-in’ style that gives a snug and secure fit. Stash them in a crampon bag rather than using point protectors. Ice axe Essential kit for support when walking, cutting steps and ledges, aiding balance and arresting a slide should one occur. A longer axe will give more support when walking uphill, whereas a shorter axe will be more useful on steeper, rockier ground. A ’B’ (basic) axe is…

QUESTION What’s a good starter hill in Snowdonia for a first-time winter walker? Joanne Slaney, Dudley ANSWER Rob Johnson mic A qualified International Mountain Leader, Rob’s led groups all over the world via his company www.expeditionguide.com There are a number of lovely hills and mountains in Snowdonia that are ideal for someone looking to enjoy the delights of winter for the first time. The main thing you need is the flexibility to be opportunistic when the snow arrives, as it can soon be gone again and is far from predictable. One of my favourite mountains for a first-time winter outing is Moel Siabod. The slopes are never too steep, the views across the rest of the National Park are stunning, and it’s not too high – meaning it’s achievable for…

TESTER PROFILE Graham Thompson Technical editor Foot size UK11/Euro 46 Foot shape normal width, but bony ANKLE CUFF To reduce weight and price, the ankle cuff may be cut quite low in some boots. However this can be a false economy as a lower cuff more easily allows water, mud and debris to enter the boot while also providing less ankle support – which means your foot has to work harder on uneven ground. MIDSOLE FLEX Grab the boot by the toe and heel, and bend them together to test longitudinal stiffness; then twist the sole to test lateral stiffness. A more flexible sole is better for comfort on level ground, while a stiffer sole is more comfortable on rockier ground and also allows a more precise use of small…

ROUTE INFO Distance 22.4km (14 miles) Total ascent 1050m Time 9 hours Start Woolpack Inn, Eskdale (NY191009); finish Broughton in Furness Square (SD212875) Terrain some well-marked bridleways, tracks and paths; pathless grassy/ boggy moorland Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL6; OS Landranger (1:50,000) 90; Harvey Superwalker XT25 (1:25,000) Lake District West 1 NY191009 Leave the inn car park and retrace your steps from day 1 to Doctor’s Bridge. Cross the bridge, taking the bridle path marked ‘Penny Hill Farm’. Take the path through the gate marked 'alternative route avoiding main farmyard' before passing through another gate and joining the same bridle path after the farm. Here the path splits in two; bear right and zigzag up the slope before arriving at another gate. From here follow the well-defined path up until…

WHEN November 2004 WHERE Moelwyn Bach, north Wales PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Bailey TRAIL ISSUE April 2005, Do a First Ascent in Britain All routes on all UK mountains have been ascended, named, stamped onto history, right? Wrong: they haven’t – not even close. Actual summits may be an unlikely prize, but there are ribs and buttresses of rock on some of our most popular hills that have never felt the scratch of a boot or the tickle of a hand. As for the rest, the tendency of humans to stick to paths and well-travelled lines means the possibility to become a bona fide first ascender of your own little bit of history is almost boundless. Trail writer Will Cockrell found this out in 2004, when – in the company of scrambling…

Prior to the invention of GORE-TEX fabric, waterproof garments were often heavy and uncomfortable, with wearers as likely to get wet from perspiration as from the elements. Gore’s revolutionary patented membrane technology forever changed the standard of performance outerwear, resulting in fabrics that form an impenetrable barrier against wind and water while also maintaining breathability. This is the GORE-TEX story... 1976 The very first GORE-TEX rainwear goes on sale. 1998 Commercial introduction of GORE-TEX PacLite fabric. 2015 New 3-layer Gore C-Knit technology in action. FROM BASEMENT TO BIG-TIME 1958 On 1 January Wilbert L. (’Bill’) and Genevieve (’Vieve’) Gore launch WL Gore & Associates in the basement of their home in Delaware. Bill leaves his job at chemical giant DuPont to pursue his belief in the untapped potential of the…

Vango was founded in western Scotland in 1966, and for the past 50 years the company has pushed itself and its kit to the limits. By continuously investing time in innovation and development, Vango has produced a seemingly endless supply of quality outdoor kit used by everyone from festival-goers to Arctic explorers. Having been involved in historic expeditions such as the first British ascent of Everest in 1975, Vango remains committed to supporting anyone who chooses to face the toughest challenges in the world’s most extreme environments. THE VANGO STORY 1966 Vango is founded in western Scotland. Its name is an anagram of the Govan district of Glasgow where the production facility was based. 1967 The Vango Force Ten Classic tent is launched, with the first use of an integrated…

AKU is an Italian bootmaker that’s grown from a small workshop into a global brand, with more than 40 years’ experience in the design and production of high-quality outdoor footwear. From rugged mountaineering boots to lightweight trekking shoes, each model is designed and constructed with a genuine love for manufacturing built on the prestigious tradition of Italian workmanship. AKU prides itself on producing respectful, ethical products, built to withstand the test of time. FROM HUNTING BOOTS TO HIGH MOUNTAINS 1967 Italian boot company Dinsport Foundation is created by Galliano Bordin, with a strong focus on hunting and forest boots. 1980 Dinsport becomes one of the first brands to use Gore-Tex membranes in its footwear. 1984 Dinsport launches the lightweight, waterproof Slope GTX hiking boot. 1990 Air 8000 fabric is created…

Páramo was established in 1989, with a mission to improve people’s outdoor experience by developing clothing with superior performance levels. During the last 27 years, Páramo has led the way in ethical manufacture, sustainability and a commitment to reduce environmental impact within the outdoors. THE PÁRAMO STORY 1984 Founder Nick Brown observes the way mammals stay dry as their fur pumps water away faster than it can be pushed in. 1986 Early clothing prototypes are tested in the Páramo area of the Andes, with testers staying warm and dry at altitudes of 3800m. 1989 Páramo is founded. 1992 Production starts in Colombia, working with The Miquelina Foundation that helps vulnerable women learn a trade. 1997 Development of Páramo range continues to include the iconic Alta Jacket. 2003 Alta II Jacket…

Ben Weeks takes a paddle across the deepest lake and a wander up the highest mountain in England – all in one day! p24 Twitter@gingerheadben Oli Reed basks in the golden glow of sunset atop one of the Lake District's most famous mountains – then stays up there until the next day p34 Twitter@Olireedoutdoors Dan Aspel takes the steep way up a Lakeland icon by discovering the Climbers’ Traverse on Bowfell p38 Twitter@danaspel Graham Thompson gives the low-down on the very best 3-4 season boots you can buy before rounding up a clutch of 3-season boots for a range of budgets p82 Jeremy Ashcroft describes the single best day on the most famous mountain in the Scottish Highlands with a classic route on Buachaille Etive Mor p130…

Six months and thousands of votes later, the Trail Mountain Photo of the Year has been announced: this vision of Ben Nevis and the Carn Mor Dearg Arête (right), taken by Paul Brett. Paul, an Edinburgh resident working in digital and print design, shot the winning picture using a Canon 650D with “a borrowed wide-angle lens”. Paul remembers: “It was a perfect spring day with no wind. After cresting the summit Carn Dearg Meadhonach, you’re rewarded with this amazing view. My friend was already heading up Carn Mor Dearg, which really helped give an amazing sense of scale to the scene.” Conditions higher tested Paul’s skills to the limit: “I had to self-arrest on the push to the summit of Ben Nevis, which was very scary at the time –…

WALTER BONATTI Born 1930 Died 2011 Nationality Italian Beard? Sadly, mostly beardless Legend because… in a career that only lasted 17 years, Bonatti achieved more than most could dream of in a lifetime. Early successes on key routes secured his position among the Italian elite within two years of his first climb. His role in K2’s first ascent embroiled X Bonatti in a controversy that took 53 years to be cleared, with his version of events now generally being accepted as accurate (although there are further revelations in Mick Conefrey’s new book The Ghosts of K2 , reviewed on page 16). Following further pioneering climbs in Peru, Patagonia, the Alps and the Karakoram, and shortly after a solo ascent of a new direct route on the north face of the…

My partner Paul and I married on 5 September 2015, and I was insistent that (weather permitting) I would walk up ‘the Oven’ – a footpath in Macclesfield Forest that we walk and cycle frequently – to St Stephen’s Forest Chapel where the wedding was taking place. We thought you would appreciate the humour of some of the snapshots taken for us! Emma Smith (happily married wife of Paul Smith!), via email Snappy tip While going through October’s ‘In Box’ I noticed three people had lost cameras. Quick tip: take a picture with your contact details on. If someone finds your camera hopefully they will look through the photos and return it. Pete Burns, via email Cape crusader In my experience, even the best and most breathable waterproofs do not…

Oct15’s ‘Problem Panel’ had a Q&A about walking solo. If I were planning to walk alone I’d first complete a route card using the info given in your third Q&A about distance and time. When I was a scuba diver we were always taught to ‘plan the dive and dive the plan’. Perhaps that saying should be adapted for walks. If a well-worked-out route card is left behind with someone who can be trusted to respond in the case of possible emergency, it ought to be possible to use the timing on the plan to work out roughly where the walker might be at any given time within the walk. Having made a plan, this can also be transferred to a GPS for additional support. My reference was Pete Hawkins’…

In his daily life David Tait wakes at 5.10am and gets the 5.52am train to Waterloo. He wears a suit and works for financial services giant Credit Suisse. But that’s where normality ends. Because before he settles down at his desk, the 53-year-old does interval training on an exercise bike until he reaches the “puke point”. Then he slips on a full pack and walks hard on the step-up treadmill until it’s time to clock in. This is because David is a five-times Everest summiteer. This summer he attempted to climb K2, the world’s second highest mountain and the most objectively dangerous of the world’s fifteen 8000ers. He was forced back. He has also raised over one million pounds for children’s charity the NSPCC. The reasons why are as inspiring…

Trail’s photographer Tom Bailey covers more miles on the hill than most (if not all) walking gentlemen. Hence, so do his boots – and more often than not they’re transporting a fair weight of kit over difficult terrain. Correctly fitting boots are essential. Finding himself in the Lake District in need of a new pair at short notice, he drops in to the George Fisher store in Keswick to chat with John Owens about his requirements. John is highly experienced in all things outdoor and has fitted thousands of pairs of boots and shoes during his time. Tom’s feet are in good hands... 1 VISUAL INSPECTION John starts by taking a look at Tom’s feet to gauge their shape. Are they narrow or wide? What sort of arch do they…

ROUTE INFO Distance 19.5km (12 miles) Total ascent 800m Time 7 hours Start Broughton in Furness Square (SD212875); finish Woolpack Inn, Eskdale, (NY191009) – you can park here for the day for £10 and later use the money on refreshments Terrain tracks and paths; pathless grassy/ boggy moorland Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL6; OS Landranger (1:50,000) 90; Harvey Superwalker XT25 (1:25,000) Lake District West 1 SD212875 Leave Broughton Square by the main road next to the aptly named Square Café. Soon pick up a path on the right shortly after a door and stone archway, and pass through the gate leading across open pasture known as West Park. Pass through the parkland with the small pond on the left-hand side and continue northwards, crossing the Coniston Road (A593), where a…

Hello everyone – thanks for joining us to celebrate the many milestones, innovations and events that have shaped the history of outdoor walking gear. From the tweed jackets and paraffin stoves used on those legendary British Everest expeditions of the 1920s to the futuristic technologies and fabrics we see on the fells today, the kit we use to explore the great outdoors has transformed beyond all recognition. I’ve been working for Trail , or Trail Walker as it was known then, since its first issue in July 1990 and the level of change in the appearance and performance of outdoor gear in that time has been astonishing. What a difference 25 years makes! Gear is now lighter and generally better designed… or is it? The easiest way to compare the…

From humble beginnings in a Chorlton garage to kitting out Arctic explorers and National Park rangers, Sprayway has been keeping the British public warm, dry and comfortable since 1974. Inspired by the notoriously soggy Manchester climate, founders John Hunt and Simon Wright began by manufacturing coated waterproof jackets that eventually found their way to the top of the world. Over 40 years later Sprayway continues to pioneer innovative fabrics and cutting-edge outdoor clothing for all walks of life. A BRITISH ICON THROUGH THE AGES 1974 Sprayway is founded by John Hunt and Simon Wright, who create a range of waterproof jackets made from 4oz PU coated nylon. 1982 Sprayway’s first Gore-Tex jacket is launched; the Snipe jacket. 1987 The Torridon jacket is released in tough Taslan Gore-Tex material, and lasts…

Lowe Alpine was founded in 1967 by three brothers from Utah, USA, who were all fanatical climbers and mountaineers. Their first creation – The Expedition Pack – was developed in a Colorado workshed and went on to revolutionise backpack technology. With Lowe Alpine now approaching its 50th anniversary, we look back at what makes its packs so well loved by legions of loyal fans across the world. 1967 The Expedition Pack, complete with the first ever stablising straps, internal frame, side compression system and sternum strap. 2016 Lowe Alpine’s updated AirZone back system will be released in 2016. REVOLUTIONISING RUCKSACKS FOR HALF A CENTURY 1967 The Expedition Pack, the world’s first internal-framed backpack, revolutionises long distance walking by making lightweight expeditions possible for the first time. 1969 Lowe Alpine’s portaledge,…

Leki was the first brand to recognise the vital importance of poles to mountaineering, developing the world’s first trekking pole in 1974 that was used by legendary Italian climber Reinhold Messner. Over the following four decades Leki continually developed and remastered its poles, adding groundbreaking features such as anti-shock systems and swing optimisers. Today Leki remains at the forefront of trekking technology, with its poles used extensively on the world’s highest and most challenging peaks. LEKI THROUGH THE AGES: 67 YEARS OF INNOVATION 1948 Leki Lenhart GmbH is founded by Karl Leinhart, a keen skier aiming to develop more advanced equipment. He begins by making new grips and baskets for poles. 1970 Aluminium and composites are introduced to ski poles for the first time, thanks to Karl’s past experience in…

This same factory, with its years of knitting excellence, has manufactured Bridgedale socks since the early 1980s, keeping walkers' feet warm, dry and comfortable mile after mile. Originally launched in only three colours, there are now more than 75 styles of sock in the Bridgedale range, plus a selection of hats and gloves aimed at everyone from dog walkers and runners to skiers and mountaineers. A CENTURY OF HAPPY FEET 1914 John Black produces socks for WW1 troops, under the original name of Blaxnit. 1983 The first socks are sold under the Bridgedale brand. 1995 The first Trekker sock is developed – still a popular part of the Bridgedale range. 2002 Bridgedale develops its first Women’s Fit socks. 2004 Sir Ranulph Fiennes runs 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7…

People who love their coffee tend to really, really love their coffee. They tend to be fussy buggers too: the sort who would leave a first aid kit out of their rucksack to make room for a pack of their preferred blend. If this sounds like you, check out the Minipresso. To get your kick of caffeine on the move just add your choice of ground beans and some hot water, and get pumping. Designed to be as small (175mm long) and lightweight (360g) as possible, we still wouldn’t suggest you abandon any essentials in favour of the Minipresso; but if you’re a coffee-crazy camper who likes to leave space in their pack for a luxury or two, go for it. Order directly from www.thefowndry.com…

Robin Wallace Once wore a cotton T-shirt. Cotton... gets wet... gets cold... feels cold... stays cold... Brrr! Helen Howe Years ago I left the rubber bung on the pick of my ice axe while walking up the mountains to the snowline. Unfortunately it was raining and when I realised I needed to use the ice axe the bung was frozen to the metal and impossible to remove. Teresa Coles McGee Forgetting to put the rubber seal ring thingy back on the screw-top of the Thermos flask. It’s there for a reason it would seem... Jamie Bassnett Turned round once to see my mate using my Vaseline on his lips. I use it for my chafing areas. Philip Biggins Wild camp Back of Skiddaw. Next morning boot lace snapped in two.…

Guest expert Bryn Williams is executive officer for Mountain Training Cymru and an instructor at Plas y Brenin, the National Mountain Sports Centre. Autumn into winter is my favourite time of the year to start heading out to the hills, as the colours are changing and the end of the day is sometimes rewarded with stunning sunsets. The clothing and equipment choice become a vital part of venturing into the hills during the winter months, so here’s an idea of what I’ll be taking with me. Clothing Start cold and avoid getting too warm and sweaty early in the day. My choices would generally be: Start of the day: • Long-sleeved base layer with high neck• Light windproof layer• Insulated (synthetic) gilet/vest• Thin gloves, Buff, thin hat• Soft shell trousers• Gaiters As height is gained or…

9 The number of days it took to construct the original trig point in 1936, due to foul weather. Cadair Idris (2,930ft/893m) SH711130 As a madman or a poet – how legend says you will awake if you spend the night on the summit. FIRE AND ICE Cadair’s rock is volcanic and its shape sculpted by glaciers. 0% Likelihood that UK actor and Hollywood superstar Idris Elba took his name from the mountain. Translation: ‘Chair of Idris’ – Idris being a giant who is said to have sat on the mountain to gaze at the stars. Idris Drinks Company – founded by Thomas Howell Williams who changed his surname to Idris after being struck by the beauty of the Welsh mountain. Alternative translation: ‘Stronghold of Idris’ – Idris being a…

TESTER PROFILE Graham Thompson Technical editor Foot size UK11/Euro 46 Foot shape normal width, but bony ANKLE CUFF The ankle cuff helps prevent mud and grit from entering the boot. It also protects the ankle against being scraped on rocks. The stiffness in the ankle cuff reduces the strain on the ankle when traversing slopes and scrambling by giving extra support, which makes it less tiring to wear on rockier ground or on snow. But on easier ground, smooth paths and moorland, ankle support is less important. Some walkers also prefer the freedom and easier ankle movement of boots with lower or softer ankle cuffs. FIT No boot is worth having if it does not fit, and the inside of the boot should be around 13-15mm longer than your foot,…

Waterproof jacket We could be standing around for a while on the hill. As well as being waterproof it’s helpful if the jacket is warm, too. Harness, helmet and protection In dangerous or exposed positions we need to minimise our risk while we treat the casualty. Bivvy jacket This is a really good piece of kit. It’s light, compresses small in my pack, and is warm – really, really warm. Headtorch This lightweight, compact model lives in my pack with a spare set of batteries. For night rescues I’ll also carry a more powerful lamp. Survival bag The best way to use these is to cut a hole in the closed end and wear it like a long poncho. That way rescuers can still get to you to treat lower-leg…

Chiz Dakin Award-winning writer, photographer and filmmaker. Avid traveller. Ronald Turnbull Creator of a whopping 27 guidebooks and 18 unique coast-to-coasts. Richard Down If it's a knotty and wild bit of Cumbria you're after, just ask Rich. Peter Edwards Scottish Isles expert, and author of 3 Cicerone guides to the region. Steve Goodier Author of 7 walking guidebooks, Steve loves the UK hills. Dan Bailey Author of Scotland's Mountain Ridges, and a big fan of huge routes. Garry Smith Teaches mountain skills throughout the UK. Loves Scotland in winter. Jonathan Cook Has hiked and climbed all over, but his passion for the Lakes remains strong.…

ROUTE INFO Distance 18km (11 miles) Total ascent 500m Time 6 hours Start/finish Woolpack Inn, Eskdale (NY191009): you can park here for the day for £10 and later use the money on refreshments Terrain tracks and paths, pathless grassy/ boggy moorland Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL6; OS Landranger (1:50,000) 90; Harvey Superwalker XT25 (1:25,000) Lake District West 1 NY191009 Leave the car park at the Woolpack Inn and take the footpath marked ‘Wasdale Head and Brackenclose’ between the inn and the West Lakes Adventure Centre. Climb a small slope behind the centre and pass through a gate. The path rises, gently hugging the stone wall to the left, and passing through thick bracken in summer months. The path is soon joined by another from the left near the remains of…

WE SAY... This epic route will be right on the upper limit of comfort zones for many hillwalkers. Starting with a long walk-in from Sligachan then a rocky ascent up Sgurr nan Gillean’s immense eastern flank, the second you crest the south-east ridge your heart will start to flutter. The entire Black Cuillin range spreads out before you, and the terrain is demanding. The ridge begins with some enjoyable scrambling on large blocks, before a few committing moves up a narrow chimney lead to an incredibly narrow and exposed arête. The summit is only a few nervous footsteps away here – but if you aren’t rock-solid with heights it will feel like miles. And, to cap it all off, you have to return the same way! An experienced walking buddy,…

Fjällräven’s driving force is simple: to develop products that make it easier for people to enjoy the outdoors. Founded over 50 years ago, today Fjällräven’s products are sold all around the world – with products such as the Greenland jacket, Vidda trousers and Kånken backpack becoming all-time classics. As well as making durable and functional kit, Fjällräven is always looking for new ways to reduce its environmental impact. From its innovative fluorocarbon-free Eco-Shell range to its sustainable Solution Dyed fabrics and industry-leading Down Promise, the company strives to protect the nature that provides its inspiration. FROM GREENLAND TO ECO-SHELL – FIVE DECADES OF INNOVATION 1960 Åke Nordin founds Fjällräven in a basement in Örnsköldsvik,after designing a revolutionary aluminium backpack frame. 1964 The first condensation-free tent – the Termo – is…

With its synthetic insulations that match the thermal performance of goose down – including performance fleece and yarns that keep the wearer dry even when wet – PrimaLoft gives you the power to forget the forecast and enjoy outdoor adventures in any conditions. Having been originally developed for the US Army to use in harsh conditions such as heavy downpours and bitter cold, for over a quarter of a century PrimaLoft has consistently delivered in the development of comfort solutions and innovations that defy limitations. COMFORT SOLUTIONS FOR THREE DECADES 1983 The US Army asks PrimaLoft’s founders to develop a synthetic insulation with performance comparable to down, that will also keep troops warm when wet. 1986 A patent for synthetic down is approved, and the US Army starts using the…

Rewarding mountain views demand steep climbs – and generate perspiration. Páramo’s NEW Alta III Jacket uses uniquely directional Nikwax Analogy fabric to remove moisture more effectively, so you can take in the view without feeling clammy and chilled. Like its top-selling predecessors, the Alta III shrugs off the wildest weather. It provides ventilation options so you can control your temperature without taking layers on and off. The Alta III achieves this in a streamlined design which functions flawlessly on the hill. Engineered for challenging mountain treks, the Alta III name isn’t just given, it’s earned – just like your mountain view! Extend your comfort zone, visit: www.paramo.co.uk/alta…

Regatta’s adventure began in 1981. In an outdoor world dominated by intrepid explorers, they simply wanted to open their front door and have fun – and they wanted everyone else to join them. With a mission to get people out into the fresh air without worrying about the cost, Regatta has inspired everyone from rambers, amblers, bikers and hikers to campers, dog walkers and daily commuters to start their own adventure for over three decades. And they’re still doing it today. THE REGATTA STORY SO FAR 1956 The journey begins, as Regatta starts trading under its original name Risol. 1981 The Regatta Great Outdoors brand is launched with a team of just 12 people. 1987 The Stormbreak jacket receives ‘Best Buy Award’ from Which? magazine. 1999 Cricket legend Sir Ian…

IF YOU ARE only going to own one Fjällräven product, it has to be a Greenland Jacket . Our original outdoor jacket, the Greenland Jacket has remained unchanged since 1968 and continues to impress users with its combination of ruggedness, functionality and simplicity. Constructed from our durable and adaptable g-1000 fabric, the jacket was introduced following the Scandinavian expedition to Greenland in 1966. After long discussions with the members of the expedition about their clothing, Åke Nordin , Fjällräven’s founder, decided to manufacture a jacket and trousers for the outdoors. Launched two years later, the Greenland Jacket instantly proved popular and has since become an outdoor icon. Today, our Greenland series has grown to include a wide range of clothing and equipment all in-keeping with the original jacket’s functional and…