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Mountain Equipment - Dragonfly 2 - Our Price £255.00 (Free Delivery)
The back-bone of Mountain Equipment's tent range. The award winning Dragonfly 2 is the first choice for those who need the lightest possible tent that still offers genuine all-season functionality.
WEIGHT: 2370g SIZES: 2 PersonSPECIFICATION: * 40D rip-stop nylon flysheet with silicone elastomer coating and 3500mm HH * 40D rip-stop nylon inner tent with DWR coating * 30D N6.6 nylon groundsheet with 8000 HH polyurethane / silicone coating * Duraflex buckles and rings * DAC Featherlite NSL Reverse Combi polesDeuter Futura 32 rucksack - Our price £59.99(Free Delivery)
The Futura 32 from Deuter is a compactly proportioned pack, perfect for weekend outings.
Updated for 2008 with rain cover and lighter weight. Deuter have used quality fabrics, useful features, and an improved AirComfort backsystem which helps air circulate to your back, the Futura series now features even more comfortable and supportive shoulder straps and waist belt.Mountain Equipment - Astron Hooded Jacket - Our Price £110.50 (Free Delivery)
Constructed to find off inclement weather, remain highly breathable and offer an unrestricted fit, the Astron jacket from Mountain Equipment is a highly adaptable jacket for nearly any climate or season. Powershield© fabric is at the more breathable end of the softshell spectrum. The close weave outer face fabric make it excellent at deflecting cold winds and light showers but because there is no membrane invloved it's excellent at releasing heat and body vapour. Combined the Astron hooded with a wool or synthetic base layer and a lightweight membrane outer and you have a very versatile clothing system and you don't even need a hat.
Deuter Womens Aircontact SL 40+10 - Our Price £90(Free Delivery)
For journeys into the unknown, the Aircontact 40+10 SL from Deuter doubles as a comfortable transporter, supplies pack or gear store. The sturdy hip fins, Vari Quick system and X-frame combine to create a carry system that provides stability, flexibility and perfect load transfer for medium to heavy loads. The durable 3D Air-Mesh enhances the excellent all-round Aircontact ventilation. The SL features like the conically formed hip belt, narrower soft-edged shoulder straps and shorter back length all spell trekking bliss for women.
Petzl e+lite - Our Price £22.50
Petzl e+LITE® emergency headlamp, long-term dependability, even when kept for years in harsh conditions.
* always ready for use: can be stored with batteries for up to 10 years and still be operational,* waterproof down to -1 m, * compact and ultra-lightweight (27 g), there's no excuse not to carry it where ever you go,* Shines enough light to allow easy movement in the dark: shines up to 19 m,* provides up to 4 consecutive nights of lighting (45 hours),10-year guarantee.Meindl - Vakuum - Our Price £140 (Free Delivery)
Upper Material: Nubuck leather Lining: GORE-TEX Footbed: Air-Active Sole: Meindl Multigrip 2 by Vibram Weight approx: 800g (size 8) Sizes: 6 - 12
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Mountain Equipment - Xero 150 - Our Price £127.50(Free Delivery)
Mountain Equipment's lightest and most compressible sub-zero bags ever. The new Xero Range offers the highest warmth to weight ratio possible for those indulging in ultra-light ventures. The Xero 150 is the lightest of the light range, less that half a kilo in weight but with a sleep range down to only +5°
The Xero 150 does not have a hood or a 3D neck collar. ME recommended sleep zone: +25 to +5°CExtreme sleep zone: -5°CDown Fill Weight: 150gTotal Weight: 450gExternal body length: 200cmShoulder Width: 74cmMountain Equipment - Womens Seraph Jacket - Our price £170.00(Free Delivery)
Using the latest Gore-Tex Pro Shell technology to great effect, Mountain Equipment have designed the Seraph jacket to provide uncluttered functionality for female mountaineers and hill walkers.
WEIGHT: 385g SPECIFICATION:Bound to become a favourite jacket for a wide variety of users. The Seraph jacket is designed as a lightweight but full spec mountain walking and climbing jacket. The simple construction and new hard wearing, but light Gore-Tex fabrics make it our lightest jacket in it's class.Mountain Equipment - Firewalker III - Our price £72.00(Free Delivery)
Representing great value for money and perfect for the occasional backpacker or outdoor enthusiast; the Firewalker III sleeping bag from Mountain Equipment
WEIGHT: 1660g SPECIFICATION: ME Rec. Sleepzone - +10 to -12, EN Extreme -22, EN Comfort Limit -5, EN Comfort +1, Polarloft® insulation, Diamond Ripstop Nylon outer.
Expert GuidesHere at Onward and Outward, we've compiled a few articles on commonly asked questions about outdoor activities. Here you can find some of those articles. If you have a question, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us about any aspect of outdoor activities. |
10 Tips for taking a bearing1. Identify on the map where you are and where you are heading to - points A and B. 2. Estimate the bearing before measuring with the compass.3. Place the compass on a flat and uncreased map.4. Using one of the coloured lines on the baseplate for clarity, rather than the edge of the compass, link points A and B ensuring that the direction of travel arrow is pointing from A to B.5. Whilst ensuring that the compass remains in position, turn the compass housing so that the lines in the housing line up with the grid lines on the map. Make sure that the arrow in the housing is pointing Northwards on the map.6. Check that the coloured line on the base plate is still through points A and B and that the compass housing lines are parallel with the grid lines on the map. Make any minor adjustments.7. Where the numbers on the rotating housing meet the index line (or the direction of travel line) is your grid bearing. Does it tie in with your original estimate? If not check whether the compass is facing from B to A or that the arrow in the housing is facing South instead of North by mistake.8. Add the magnetic variation (this is true for the UK and Europe but there are countries around the world where the magnetic variation is subtracted). The information you will need is usually at the top of the map or will be somewhere in the legend. Always use a current map.9. Remove the compass from the map and turn yourself around until the north end of the floating needle lines up with the arrow in the compass housing (not with the direction of travel arrow on the base plate or else you will always be walking northwards).10. Use the direction of travel arrow on the base plate to sight ahead to a suitable feature for you to walk to. |
Basic map readingMap Reading - A Brief Guide Reading the map might seem difficult at first, but like everything practice makes perfect. Types of Map.You are strongly advised to go out and buy anOS map of the area, either Landranger (1:50000 scale), or Pathfinder or Explorer 1:25000 (more detailed). The ride details you receive will usually tell you which Landranger map(s) covers the ride route. Pathfinder maps are currently being updated to Explorer, which are the same scale but cover larger areas, and may be double sided.Contour lines.Every 10 metres on 1:50000 maps and 5 metres on 1:25000. Learn to recognise the shape of hills - is it a steep slope (lines close together), or shallow one (lines far apart), is it a round hill with an obvious summit or a plateau. Don't forget hills restrict your sight - you can't see a church on the far side of a hill! The picture shows the contour lines for two hills and how the hills appear viewed from x.Symbols.All maps have a key down one side - make sure you know what all the symbols stand for. Some of the most useful are: churches - with a tower (top), spire (middle). Churches without either (bottom) can be harder to spot, as they can just look like normal buildings. pylons (1:50000 top, 1:25000 bottom) are a great way to navigate. They are easy to see from a distance and run in straight lines so you can get some idea of direction. rights of way (red 1:50000, green 1:25000) should be signposted on the ground, so look out for them, particularly when you are on the road. Forests can be very hard to map read through. In plantations, forestry tracks tend to move, so don't expect them all to be marked on the map, or all the ones on the map to exist. Look out for any streams, lakes or houses you may pass or any pylons you can see. Schools are usually marked as Sch, and in rural areas telephones and pubs (PH) may also be marked. Single farms often have their names on the maps - a good way to pinpoint your location exactly. When on a road, is it straight, or does it have any sharp bends on, to the left or right, are there any junctions you have to cross? |
Beginners guide to hill walkingWe all know we are meant to be taking more exercise, but frankly, incarcerating yourself in the gym on a lovely spring morning and fighting through hoards of children at the local swimming baths are not always attractive options. What's needed is a simple but effective exercise that fits easily into your daily life and a brisk walk fits the bill perfectly, says personal trainer Joanna Hall. 'When it comes to improving overall health, walking every day is far more use than going to the gym a couple of times a week,' she says. 'It is the cornerstone of the more-active lifestyle which will result in a higher level of fitness and reduced risk of disease or injury and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.' Indeed, figures from the Department of Health suggest that walking reduces the risk of cardiovascular illness by 50%; bones become more resilient to osteoporosis and injuries such as hip fractures; and a better range of movement and joint function is maintained. It can help you get a better night's sleep and, of course, control body weight. Walking just one mile a day will burn off the equivalent of two biscuits! The benefits extend to your mind, too. Moderate aerobic exercise such as walking relieves anxiety and depression, even replacing drugs in some cases. With the latest American studies showing that over 25% of the population are chronically stressed,anything which gives us a natural boost is worth a try. Getting started.Even if you plan to walk only locally, a map is a good start. It will show you public rights of way, longer routes and public 'green' areas. The OS 1:50,000, the Landranger 1:25,000 Outdoor Leisure series and the Harvey's 1:40,000 are highly recommended and widely available from bookshops. While you're there, have a look at the guide book section which should include details on everything from easy walks suitable for families to several days on heritage trails.But don't think that only those with Scout badges qualify! Any nearby park, woodland, nature reserve, waterway or forestry usually offers safe and convenient walking and many now have signed routes and trails. Local councils are usually responsible for parks and footpaths in the area and can give more information, or head for the visitor centre in designated areas of natural beauty.What to wear.Times have changed! While a tweed suit and stout brogues were once considered adequate for climbing Everest, the huge range of light- weight, high-performance gear now available guarantees comfort in all weathers. Boots: For shorter walks and day hiking, you may not need a serious hiking boot, unless you're going to be carrying a heavy backpack or tramping over ankle-bending terrain. A lightweight trail shoe should do the job and you should find a wide selection at outdoor clothing retailers. Women DO need to go for a women's boot rather than just a smaller version of the man's model, however, since these are specially designed for the female foot and different biomechanical needs. Clothing: Comfort means layering your clothes from the inside out. Avoid cotton and wear lightweight synthetic fabrics designed to trap the air warmed by your body heat while letting moisture evaporate to prevent you getting damp and chilly. Go for three layers - a thin undergarment next to your skin, then a fleece layer for warmth and a weather-proof outer made from a breathable fabric (such as Gore-Tex) to protect you from the elements. Back packs: the smaller version known as a day sack is a good idea if you are planning to be out for more than a couple of hours. It's by far the most comfortable way to carry the minimal hiking essentials of a map in a waterproof cover, compass, water, food, extra clothing and a small first aid kit. Alternatively a waist pouch is easy to carry and leaves hands free.Stay safe.Many thousands of visitors enjoy walking around Britain every year and you can enjoy the hills in safety as long as you follow a few simple rules,' says Matthew Ellis, from Outward Bound in Ullswater. 'First check the weather forecast and make sure you are suitably dressed for the conditions. Choose routes that are appropriate to your experience, fitness and ability. Let someone know your planned route and expected time of return and consider possible shorter options if the weather deteriorates. Be sure to take a map and compass, and know how to use them! A basic first aid kit, including a blister kit, is essential along with some spare food and drink in case you get caught out. Sunscreen is also important in summer. Mobile phone reception is still very patchy in areas such as the Lake District, so carry a whistle and torch to attract attention if you get into difficulty.'Stay healthy.Studies show that around 82% of hikers have had one or more health problems whilst out walking at some point, mostly avoidable; the top three are:Musculoskeletal problems, including leg and joint pain. Avoid these with well-fitting boots suited to the terrain (and your sex - see above), walking poles to relieve knee strain, a well-packed rucksack and a route appropriate to your fitness level. Blisters. Double-check boot fit and wear in new ones well before heading off on a longer walk - experts suggest amassing a total of around 50 miles in shorter walks before hitting the trail in new boots. Proper walking socks are designed to pad tender areas and 'wick' moisture away from the skin. Stop walking at the slightest hint of a 'hot spot' and deal with it before a blister develops fully. Hikers report a high incidence of diarrhoea. Carry plenty of your own water or at least a means of it water from a natural source. |
Caring for waterproof clothingAll our waterproofs are machine washable. Please follow the instructions given on the garment. Do not use modern detergents, conditioners or softeners, as these can affect the performance of your garment. You can wash your garment in pure soap or one of the specialist cleaning products available at many outdoor stores. Before washing your garment check that you have no residue of old detergent, conditioners or softeners in your machine. Wash your jacket with the appropriate cleaning product, at the temperature indicated on the care label. Once the spin cycle on your machine has finished allow the garment to drip dry. Over time you may find that the water does not run off the surface of the jacket as freely as it once did (this is also known as 'wetting out'). This is due to wear and dirt affecting the water-repellent treatment that is applied to the outer to maintain a high level of breathability. This treatment can be reactivated by applying heat to the surface of the garment with a cool iron or in a tumble dryer. However make sure that you first check the care label of your garment to make sure this is appropriate.Eventually you will find that you will not be able to reactivate the treatment effectively. When this occurs you will need to treat your garment with a reproofing product available from most outdoor stores. As with all cleaners and treatments, read the instructions before use. click here to see our listing of proofing products. |
Caring for your ropeNikwax RopeProof can substantially reduce water absorption in climbing ropes (dynamic and static). We have been successful at maintaining strength, impact force, fall ratings, static elongation, sheath slippage and knotability within UIAA and the manufacturer's allowable limits. How RopeProof Works.RopeProof is a WaterBase emulsion of our patented TX.10i elastomer . It is based upon EVA which gives it elastic properties that enhance the durability during flexing. It also adds abrasion resistance. During the application process, the water-repellent molecule is dispersed across the sheath and core fibers of the rope. As the water (carrier) is removed during the drying process, the molecules link together (polymerize) wrapping the fiber with the water-repellent elastomer.Water Absorption.Tests performed on 10.5 mm and 11 mm standard ropes treated with RopeProof reduced water absorption from 20-50% to 3.2-4.6%. The test measured percentage of weight gain after 60 minutes submersion in 2" of water. Even treating a new 11 mm 'Dry' rope showed a reduction in absorption from 7.78-7.95% down to 4.26%.Clean the rope by rinsing in cold water to remove dirt. Treat the rope as follows: Use one bottle of RopeProof to treat one 60m rope. Shake the bottle. Mix one bottle of RopeProof with 10 bottles of warm water, soak for 2 hours, mixing/agitating every 15 minutes. This redistributes the active ingredients throughout the solution as well as removing air that is trapped within the rope. To prevent tangling, place rope in a pillow case or similar porous sack. Place the rope and solution in a washing machine, set at low water setting, warm water, and heavy soil cycle. Allow machine to run all cycles including rinses. Remove rope from pillow case and allow to thoroughly dry in a ventilated area before use or storing. Maintain by rinsing the rope regularly with water. If the rope is heavily soiled, wash in a non-detergent soap like Nikwax Tech-Wash. |
CARING FOR SLEEPING BAGSNik wax Non-detergent soaps clean without harming water-repellency and help to restore the bag's loft. Nikwax waterproofing treatments are made from breathable elastic water-repellent elastomer called TX.10 that bonds to the fibers of the fabric and fill material. Treating sleeping bags with Nikwax makes them less susceptible to humidity and allows them to stay drier longer. Down-Filled Sleeping Bags Clean with Nikwax Down Wash Waterproof both down and shell fabric with Nikwax Downproof Wash-In For Waterproof / Breathable outer shell fabrics - Waterproof outer shell fabric only with Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On)Synthetic-Filled Sleeping BagsClean with Nikwax Tech Wash Waterproof both insulation and shell fabric with Nikwax Polarproof Wash-In For Waterproof/Breathable outer shell fabrics - Waterproof outer shell fabric only with Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On)1) Use In A Front Loading Washing Machine for best results. Machine application provides an even distribution of the active ingredients. Use a large capacity (30 or 50 lb. load) commercial, front load machine. Top loading machines can cause damage to the bag. Set water Temperature to WARM.2) Pre-Wash with the appropriate Nikwax non-detergent soap to remove dirt, water-attracting detergent residue and contaminants. Rinse the bag thoroughly. Apply the appropriate Nikwax waterproofing treatment to the clean, wet bag.3) Add The Water-Repellent Treatment to the wash cycle soap dispenser after loading the bag into the machine (do not add to the pre-wash soap dispenser).4) Tumble Dry the bag at the heat recommended on the CARE TAG. Large bags will require several hours of tumble drying. Make sure the bag is completely dry before storing. TECH TIP Use of a sleeping bag liner will help keep your bag clean. Make sure that your bag is thoroughly dry before storing in a loosely packed oversized stuff sack or sleeping bag storage sack.Special consideration for sleeping bags with waterproof/breathable shells. Apply Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On according to the directions on the bottle if all you want to do is add repellency to a bag that has a waterproof/breathable shell. Downproof and Polarproof can be used on bags with waterproof/breathable shell fabric, although they will slightly reduce breathability.Nikwax Volume Guide for Sleeping BagsSEASON RATING 1 2-3 4-4 (Expedition Bag) TOTAL BAG WEIGHT 1lb.12oz.- 3 lb. 3 lb. - 4 lb. 8oz. 4lbs. 8 oz. - 5lbs. 8 oz. CLEANING Down Wash (down-filled) 3 oz. (2 caps) 5 oz. (3 caps) 5 oz. (3 caps) Tech Wash (synthetic-filled) 3 oz. (2 caps) 5 oz. (3 caps) 5 oz. (3 caps) WATERPROOFING DownProof (down-filled) 10 oz. (1 bottle) 15 oz. (1.5 bottles) 20 oz. (2 bottles) PolarProof (synthetic-filled) 10 oz. (1 bottle) 15 oz. (1.5 bottles) 20 oz. (2 bottles) TX-Direct Spray-On (outer shell fabric only) 14 oz. 15 oz. 16 oz. |
Day Sac Buying GuideDaysac, the name's self explanatory really, it's a pack that's big enough to carry everything you need for the course of a day in the hills. There are a lot out there though, we will try to help you decide which one is for you - follow our advice and it'll slip on like Cinderella's slipper... What Capacity?Sounds obvious, but the size of the pack you choose depends on what you're going to carrying and what activities you're into. As a basic starting point, we'd suggest around 30 litres for summer mountain use and 40 or 45 litres for winter, when you'll be carrying spare clothes and maybe a thermos flask of hot soup.That's just a general average sort of guide though. If you carry less than average or have ultra-lightweight waterproofs and other kit, then you may be able to make do with less. If you're a kitchen sink-style gear junkie, then you may need more.One word of warning though, a lot of sub-30 litre pacs are scaled down and feel like toys with a very short back length, so it may be worth starting with 30 litres anyway. And just to make life more complicated, different manufacturers measure capacity differently, so don't just rely on specifications. If the pack looks small, it probably is.Fit And ForgetYou'll be carrying lighter loads with a daysac, so fit isn't quite as vital as with a backpacking sac. For starters, most day sacs will have thin waist belts to help keep the pack from swinging around rather than hip-belts to transfer weight through to the hips so length is less crucial.As with bigger packs though, properly designed and proportioned back systems and straps will make a big difference. We look for curved, ergonomic shoulder straps usually with denser, thinner foam than you might expect. Soft, thick foam padding may feel nice in the shop, but on the hill it compresses and fat straps are more likely to move around or even roll over.Back systems are usually more basic than with bigger packs. Climbing day sacs may have a malleable alloy stave or two to support more load, but most walking sacs make do with a combination of wicking, air-permeable foam - often this is useless once it's pressed agains the back - and some sort of stiff polythene sheet to prevent the contents from pressing uncomfortably into your back. If you're a master of the careless packing frenzy, it's worth seeking out one of these.As with bigger packs, get the shop to load it up and try it on. Make sure the shoulder straps aren't too narrow or widely spaced at the top and look for general comfort and support. It should feel 'right' with no uncomfortable pressure points. Shoulder top adjustmesnt straps allow you to pull the top of the pack in for a better fit.People with a long back length may need to look for a pack brand with a range of back lengths, Macpac for example, or an adjustable back system like Vango's Super Canyon. Unfortunately these refinements are more common among larger packs.Women OnlyIf you're a lass, it's well worth taking the time to seek out a women's specific pack. The range isn't as wide as it might be, but women have narrower shoulders, shorter backs and wider hips, so something like one of Lowe Alpine's Nanda Devi, women's specific range is more likely to give an inch-perfect fit.Air Gap Back SystemsThe bane of packs, particularly in summer, is wet, cold back syndrome. Not surprising really. Virtually all pack makers now use wicking fabrics and reticulated - air porous - foams for the areas that contact your back, however very few conventional back systems make a significant impact on your sweaty spinal regions...If you're after a hot weather pack then, it's worth considering one of the many options with a nylon trampolene style arrangement leaving a real air gap between pack and back, for example, the Berghaus Freeflo, though there are lots of others. These work really well in summer, though in winter you may find your back is cooler than you'd like.Princess and pea types may also notice that the gap moves the centre of gravity outwards from the body slightly, but with lightish loads, it's not really an issue.Shape and DesignIf you're a pure walker then pretty much any design that feels comfortable to you is fine and fair enough. If you plan to do some scrambling or mountaineering in the future though, then check out some of the more technical, climbing-orientated packs.These are deliberately designed to be long and slim with no side pockets both to hold any weight in closer to the back for added stability - compression straps help here too - and to avoid the pack catching if you have to move through a narrow gap like a chimney.Fast Moving PacksAnother option is one of the growing number of lightweight adventure race packs on the market. Classics like the KIMM sack, Berghaus 64zer0 and Lowe Alpine's Contour Event actually work well for general use too, though the light fabrics may mean they're not as durable as more robust, general walking sacks.Race packs fit closely with soft body-hugging minimalist back systems, effective belts and chest straps that hold the sac stable for running. They may be a little sweatier in general use, but ideal if you're the sort of person who bounds around like a frenzied gazelle.Other handy refinements include belt pockets, which are ideal for stowing food and stuff you need easy access to, like small cameras. Most are also hydration system compatible and many have stretchy mesh stuff pockets that are great for storing wet clothing, hats, glove, food, banana skins and so on.Ye Olde Hydration SystemUnless you're a hard-core water bottle user, we'd suggest you look for a pack which is hydration-system specific. Usually that means an internal pocket for the bladder, plus one or more exit points for the drinking tube as well as something to secure it to the shoulder strap.Points to check are what size bladder it'll handle. Most will take two litres without a problem, but if you use a three-litre bladder, you'll find that some packs simply won't take it. Check too that the exit point for the tube is either central or on the side you prefer.Finally, bear in mind that a full three-litre bladder will eat space inside the pack, at least at the beginning of the day, so you may actually need a slightly larger pack than you thought to compensate.Pockets and StoragePockets are a personal thing. At the very least though, we'd look for a zipped lid pocket, preferably with a key clip. You'll find it's invaluable for storing stuff like wallets, gloves, hats, sun cream, compass, the odd snack and so on. An internal lid pocket is also handy and arguably more secure.Beyond that, it's personal taste. Big side pockets are great if you carry a water bottle there, but can catch on rocky outcrops and if scrambling in confined spaces. Ditto pockets on the back of the pack.Stretch mesh pockets, as used on many race sacs, are dead handy. Look for ones with an angled entry so you can use them without taking off the pack - very few actually have this - and be aware that it's possible to lose stuff from mesh if you're careless about stowage.WaterproofingVery few packs are waterproof - Craghoppers Dri Packs incorporate a dry bag arrangement which effectively means the main body of the pack is water tight, while both Berghaus and Force Ten have packs with taped and / or welded seams on the way.For the rest though, water will find its way through untaped, stitched seams, which are - after all - a series of holes. You have two options, either use a good pack liner - we like the latest dry bag-style ones from Berghaus - or buy a pack with an integral pack cover that you can pull out and use if it starts to rain.Both options have pros and cons. A cover will keep the outside of the pack dry, but has to be removed for access to pockets and won't save your kit if, say, you fall in a pond or stream. Liners allow the outside of your pack to get soaked, but decent ones are totally watertight and will survive complete immersion.It's your call...Pole CarriersCarrying trekking poles easily is the last great unsolved problem of pack design. Ice axe loops and refinements of them featuring plastic rings for the tips of the poles are fiddly and slow to use, but there are few other options.One we do like is the little clamp Haglofs uses on some of its packs. Neat and effective, it lets you take poles on and off much more quickly and with far less hassle.Urban PacksStreetwise, urban packs are the latest wheeze - expect laptop sleeves, mobile phone holders, lots of internal dividers and things to slot pens into. You can use one on the hills, but they tend to place aesthetics over practicality, weigh more than they need to and offer very limited space for things you might actually need, like a spare fleece or a waterproof.We're not saying don't get one, but be aware that you might be better off with a pack designed specifically for hill walking rather than commuting...Build QualityGood materials and top level construction is the extra you should get when you buy a specialist outdoor sac from a top brand. They might not be immediately obvious, but stuff like top quality fabrics and proper stitching will mean you pack is still going strong several years down the line.So what should you be looking for? Unfortunately it's not all immediately obvious, but watch for tough-feeling, high quality buckles and cord grips, thick cord in any closures, tough zips, reinforced base areas on heavier sacs and quality stitching.The stitching should look neat and even, main seams should be double or triple stitched for toughness. Look inside the pack, the main body seams should be protected internally by another layer of fabric to prevent abrasion damage from the contents. The attachment points for things like haul loops and handles should be either bar tacked or use serious reinforced stitching for added strength.Buying from a specialist brand should guarantee all this, but if in doubt, have a good rummage and trust your instincts. |
Onward and Outward are the premier stockists of outdoor gear, climbing and camping equipment in Clitheroe, Lancashire. To see our full range be sure to call into our shop. If you need help or assistance, please call our shop on 01200 429977