The Mountaineering Guide

The Mountaineering Guide

With our combined 150 years in the great outdoors, we’ve learned a few things along the way. Mountaineering especially requires some careful planning before setting off, deciding on your pack size, obsessively checking weather forecasts, weighing up warmth over weight. There’s a lot to prepare, so we’ve compiled this guide to help you discover what you need to support you beyond boundaries…

 

The Orkan Waterproof Shell Jacket

Perfect For

  • The worst alpine conditions
  • Big mountain ascents
  • Intense activities

The Orkan is the ultimate mountain jacket, boasting a waterproof rating of 20,000mm and Breathability of 26,000g/m2. Engineered for big adventures it’s one of our most technically capable pieces of kit. Taped seams, durable and lightweight 3 layer fabric with a sturdy nylon face and a DWR finish, this jacket’s waterproofing abilities are sure to keep you dry and comfortable in even the most dismal conditions.We’ve carefully considered what you need when your ascent gets steep, including no-lift gusseted underarms and articulated elbows for freedom of movement, meaning you can concentrate on what’s important. Fully adjustable helmet compatible hood with a laminated and wired brim, so you can keep the water and wind out with ease. The two large zipped hand warmer pockets have been positioned high enough to avoid harnesses and backpack straps so you can access them when you most need to get your hands warmed up quickly on the move. Every element has been carefully thought out and designed with a purpose. Packed with features and only weighing in at an average of 540gm this shell is a no brainer for any mountain enthusiast.

 

 

The Breen Insulated Jacket

Perfect For

  • Packable warmth
  • Versatile layering
  • Frigid conditions

When tackling mountains, big or small, you need your gear to perform, keeping you warm when you most need it. Opting for synthetic insulation is often a great choice if you want versatility on the move. Synthetic insulation performs better when wet, and tends to be more packable than down. The Breen is the perfect example of this, with a DWR coating on the ripstop Nylon outer fabric means it can handle light rain, snow or mist and is light enough to be worn under a waterproof shell if the rain turns heavier. This jacket is ideal for use in cold dry conditions on the slopes or as part of a layering system in wet or changeable conditions. The Breen weighs in at just 485gm on average and is easily packable, even coming with an inner mesh pocket which can be used to store the jacket when not in use or perfect for holding a map or gloves while wearing. An ideal jacket for when you need versatility and are looking to keep overall weight light.

 

 

The Vinter Trousers

Perfect For

  • The colder months
  • Freedom of movement
  • Alpine conditions

These trousers have been designed with mountaineering in mind. A versatile three-season trouser engineered from durable windproof, water-repellent and softshell fabric to keep you dry, warm and comfortable, all the while giving you options for when things heat up with ventilation zips along the thigh seams. A DWR coating further helps repel water from the surface allowing you to go further in damp conditions before requiring a waterproof layer. Keeping the wind out is really the key to staying comfortable while tackling frigid temperatures, these trousers do a great job of that while still providing complete freedom of movement with a diamond gusset and articulated knee panels. With a slim alpine fit you could wear them as a stand-alone piece in Autumn or Spring but they still leave room for a baselayer in the winter months. Really the only trousers you’ll need for any mountain adventure.

 

 

The Vandring Stretch Fleece Hoodie

Perfect For

  • Warmth and breathability
  • Comfort stretch fit
  • Alpine layering

This mid-weight technical fleece’s lightweight versatility is the perfect starting point for a technical layering system, ready to tackle any challenge. Handy thumb loops and a form fitting hood make this an easy item to put on and forget about, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. The nylon/polyester blend creates a beautifully smooth, pilling resistant finish, so you can reach for the Vandring again and again to handle the wear and tear of regular use. On average the fleece comes in at just 435gm so you won’t feel weighed down and it would easily slot into your pack for a longer expedition. Any mountaineer knows how important a comprehensive layering system is, but if you’re new to the community, top tips are to stay away from cotton in your system as it can retain moisture and draw heat away from the body. Instead Merino wool or synthetic fabrics are a much better choice - check out our merino blend baselayers for ideas.

 

VIEW THE MOUNTAINEERING COLLECTION HERE