Clothing
Base Layers For a great all round base layer system Woolpower is best suited for all environments. Based on a Terry loop stitch and 70% Merino wool, it performs well and gives great breathability and moisture wicking, away from the skin. It comes in three weights 200g, 400g and 600g per square meter and has separate leggings and tops, with various configuration of zips, gilets, mitts and balaclavas.
"Mike says"
Woolpower has been a part of my kit for around 12 years now, and its an item I don’t leave home without. I generally wear a 200g top while moving around, but have a 400g gilet and 200g leggings in my pack. The advantage of using a high percentage of natural fibres within a garment proves well after long periods, as body odour is kept to a minimum, along with operating around fires. All Woolpower garments wash well around 30 degrees in a washing machine or hand wash. I am still wearing the original 200g top from 12 years ago.
Smartwool Mens Lightweight Tee
Redesigned for 2011, our Lightweight Tee features a drop-tail bottom hem for increased coverage and easier tuckability. Sculpted side panels eliminate side seams for reduced chafing.
" Mike says”
I have been trialing the Smartwool clothing over the winter, and I must say I am very impressed. The lightweight tee is great for coming into the Spring months now, it has good thermal qualities, washes well and stays in shape. I especially like the long length in the body. Great piece of clothing, look out for more garments in the Smartwool range in store, in the Autumn.
Smartwool Mens Lightweight Zip T  Redesignedfor 2011, this Zip T features a 14" front zipper and a drop-tail bottom hem for increased coverage and easier tuckability. Contoured sleeve cuff keeps sleeves in place. Flatlock seams eliminate chafing.
100%Merino Wool Form fit
Jersey and Rib knit; UPF 35
14"(35.5cm) center front zipper with semi-locking logo slider and chin guard
Sculpted side panel eliminates side seam for reduced chafing and body enhancing fit
Contoured sleeve cuff and drop tail bottom hem for increased coverage
Contrast colour stitching on interior flatlock seams
Heat transfer logo at left sleeve cuff "Mike says" Oh dear, Woolpower has a serious contender. Our Smartwool rep Steve thrust a garment under my nose a year or so ago and said "give it a try, let me know what you think". Well I am now placing the Zip T in the recommended section, so at least for me it is a winner. If you are like me and run hot, especially in the mountains, Smartwool fits the bill. Well made, comfortable, keeps its shape and washes well, and will give you years of service. Cheers Steve.
Smartwool Mens PhD HyFi Half Zip A must-have midlayer piece, essential for keeping your core warm. In coolweather, the layer offers you breathability with no bulk, and pulls away unwanted moisture and heat from your body. 64%Merino Wool, 36% Nylon Pocket
Bag: 100% Polyester Semi-Form Fit
HyFi Double Jersey knit
13"(34cm) center front zipper with semi-locking logo slider and chin guard
Secure zip chest pocket with Durawelt® finish
Articulated elbows with engineered thumb holes and clean finish binding at sleeve opening
Heat transfer logo at left sleeve cuff. "Mike says" As much as I love Woolpower, the Smartwool PhD HyFi Half Zip is hard to beat. I gave one of these a go all last winter working in the woods felling. I thought it was the best thing I have had on my back, and washes like new without losing its shape. Excellent.
Norrona Trollveggen Mens Warm 2 Stretch Pants 0955  Our warmest, most windproof and stretchy fleece tights. Insulating, comfortable and stretchy tights made to bring comfort and warmth to cold climbs. Worn as outerwear, they're excellent for scaling indoor walls or rock climbing in the mild season. Polartec® Power Stretch® panels to ensure best possible fit and comfort.
Key card pocket
Weight: 337g
warm™2 stretch Weighing between 200 and 300 grams/m², these stretch fleeces allow a good combination of warmth, moisture transportation and freedom of movement. They provide more bulk and trap more air than our warm™1 fabric. These fleeces are among the best in the market. Their unique constructions and structures are perfect for different types of activities, as they trap warm air without stopping moisture transport. "Mike says " Yes, I do look like Nacho Libre in these stretch tights! However, as time goes on and I get a little older, I'm not that bothered what I look like. I generally train in these - they are very warm and comfortable and, best of all, dry quickly. As usual, you get that well thought out and made garment from Norrona. Thankfully for passers by, these long winter nights are when I am found training out on the hill under the cloak of darkness.
Tilley Coolmax Travel Briefs
Tilley Coolmax Travel Briefs wick away moisture from the skin, are cooler to wear, odour resistant and dry fast.
" Mike says "
Our recent trip to Scotland proved these briefs to be a great piece of clothing. Underwear is generally over looked while on extended trips, with a lot of people wearing cotton. A lot of you who read this section know the disadvantages of cotton especially next to skin, add in poorly fitted underwear that could chafe, before you know it your trip becomes miserable.
The Tilley briefs were exceptional in all aspects, wicking away moisture, easy to wash and dry. I highly recommend these briefs, but don’t get white.
Trousers
Fjallraven Greenland Trousers
 Fjallraven utility trousers come in many shapes and configurations to suit the outdoors person. The material is a poly/cotton mix, which gives good abrasion value, quick drying and can be repaired while outdoors. They can be treated with Greenland wax to give them a shower proof coating if required.
"Mike says "
The Fjallraven trouser that I wear is the Greenland. Although quite expensive these days, I have a pair over 6 years old and they are still going strong - although they have been patched many times. The pocket configuration suits me as I carry my essential items on my person. The trousers take my folding saw, match vile and lighter, bandana, midge net, 2 strips of Magfire, headtorch, firesteel, penknife, midge repellent, mobile phone and a bar of chocolate.
Fjallraven Greenland Trousers
Bergans Venabu Trousers Wind resistant pant with front pockets, wallet pocket, zipped and poppererd right thigh cargo pocket, small poppered pocket on left thigh for phone/GPS etc. Reinforced sections on the in step with sprung buckle adjustment straps, articulated knees, belt hoops and internal brace attachments.The fabric has a water repellent effect that will eventually wash out, but can be reimpregnated. 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton."Mike says”I have been using the Venabu’s for some time and I love them. I even love them over my beloved Fjallraven Greenland’s, which is hard for me to admit. The Venabu’s have a great non-restrictive fit, zippered side pockets that keep all my tat in place when I take them off. I was a little unsure with the spring buckle around the ankle, but after testing these in the heather and woodland it has proved to be OK.One of the biggest differences though is price and availability. At £70.00 I can get two pairs for just one of the Greenlands, and Bergans have loads in stock. Result.
Norrona Svalbard Mid-Weight Trousers
 "Sally says "
I find these pants are a great weight all year round, not too light, good length with Velcro waist adjusters. They sit just below the waist on me, which I prefer rather than a low waist. The pockets are really well situated with thigh pockets having zips, the right thigh pocket has a secondary pocket inside ideal for a mobile phone. Very breathable and advertised as rain-repellent, which I didn't believe when looking at the fabric, but they are repellent in short light showers, but nothing heavier. Well positioned articulated knees.
Norrona Dovre Heavy Duty Hybrid Pant
Durable all purpose utility pant, highly breathable, water-resistant, built for trekking in rough terrain.
These trousers are that new from Norrona, I haven’t even got the material spec. I have had a pair for around a month  and the signs are really, really good. Dare I say it, possibly even better than Fjallraven Greenland trousers. You will see from the picture there are black knee pads - this material is also on the backside. It is a strange material which is quite water repellent. The rest of the pant material is a fairly heavy duty material that has good wind stopping capability.
As always with Norrona, the onus is on the detail - two well positioned cargo pockets positioned on top of the thigh can take those handy items you need in the day, mobile, GPS, map etc. The trousers have two pants pockets with zips, along with two rear pockets for your wallet etc. The venting zips on the outside of the leg are a bonus when working hard. One of the main features I really like is the Velcro fasteners around the bottom hem. This can be tightened even when wearing shorter boots to prevent any mud, grass, snow or whatever getting into the boots. The other great feature on the hem is a gaiter style hook that slips over the laces preventing the hem to ride above the top of the boot.
The knee and backside material is also quite elastic, so when climbing over stiles or rocky terrain where the knee is bent the trousers don’t stick to your legs and hinder articulation.
In essence, the quality and thought that has gone into these trousers is what is expected of Norrona.
Care PlusSimilajau CTT Mens Zip off Pants  Care Plushas developed UV protective clothing that is comfortable to wear, breathable,mosquito proof, and protects against the sun, in addition the shirts andtrousers are light, strong, durable and well fitting. The Adult ToughCollection consists of 70% cotton and 30% nylon, thanks to the weave densitythe fabric is 100% mosquito proof.
TheOptimum Collection is lighter weight and consists of 68% cotton and 32% nylon,thanks to the weave density the fabric is 90% mosquito proof. The Care Plusrange meets meets the European UV protection standards for clothing. Thisindicates that garments have a guaranteed minimum UPF factor of 40+ and is notchemically treated. UV-resistant(UPF 40+) Notchemically Treated 100%Mosquitoproof thanks to the weave density Humidity-regulating Comfortable ZipDetachable Legs Durableand snug fitting "Mike says " A great safari/trekking pant for the summer months. Light, fast drying cotton/ nylonmix material ensures quick drying, coupled with a comfortable fit. I will beusing these trousers on our Long Walk in April in the the Lakes, with the zip-off option if the weather is good and fair. Saves carrying a pair of pants along with wearing shorts when the weight is critical. Great gear from CarePlus.
Norrona Ladies /29 Warm 1 Fleece Zip Hoodie
" Sally says"
Lovely lightweight warm1/Polartec ThermalPro Eco-Engineering full zip fleece hoodie. The zip goes right to the top of the hood so you can zip as far as your neck / face as you want! Has thumb loops for comfort and contrast colour flat lock seams give a really smart finish. I find this fleece warmer than expected and very comfortable, great new colours for 2010 / 2011. I've got the diva blue with pink stitching a bit girlie but hey!
Noronna Trollvegan Dri 3 Jacket  Our most durable, weather protective and waterproof jacket with the dri3 fabric. This jacket has stretchy areas around the shoulders, elbows and on the back for increased flexibility. Large X-open under arm ventilation makes it easy to open and close from both sides. Technical details include drawcord waist, longer cut, storm hood fitted for helmet with internal collar, and asymmetric cuffs for increased protection.
Technical details: YKK® water resistant zippers
X-open ventilation zip with inside pocket access
Asymmetric sleeve end
Storm hood fitted for helmet with wired brim
Brushed fabric inside collar Inside pocket
"Mike say's "
I wanted a lightweight waterproof jacket for my trekking rigg. Being a massive fan of Norrona for many years, I started to study the form. After much deliberation I plumped for the Trollvegan Dri 3. The reasons for this are two fold. 1. I tend to wear a wind shirt over wool base layers, either the Bergans Microlight Anorak or the Bergans Morgedal Smock. The reason for this is that either theDri 3 or Gore- Tex clothing is expensive, so I only wear it when the weather is really bad, extending the life of my most expensive garment. 2. The fit of the Trollvegan suites me fine, wide in the shoulders, longer in the body and arms. The Trollvegan series is for mountaineers and rock climbers. As always, I am impressed with the construction of the product, which is the norm for Norrona. The Dri 3 fabric is proving very breathable and waterproof with the added advantage of not being as expensive as the Gore-Tex version. Brilliant. Noronna Trollvegan Dri 3 Jacket
Bergans Microlight Mens Anorak An ultra-light windproof anorak from 4-way stretch fabric.
Minimal pack volume
Fixed, adjustable hood
Large chest pocket with mesh liner to maximise ventilation
Drawcord at the hem
Weight size. L: 240 g "Mike says" If you run hot as I do and need a lightweight wind shirt for the winter, this is the answer. At a featherweight 240g, the Microlight Anorak takes a good shower and fits a camera, pair of gloves and an OS map in the chest pocket at the same time. The fabric breathes really well with the 4-way stretch being a massive bonus. On those dryish, cold windy days, this anorak is perfect. Excellent.
Bergans Morgedal Anorak
Made of 100% Epic Cotton, adjustable hood, large chest pocket, kangaroo pocket, elasticated waist and hem.
" Mike say’s"
Put it this way, after a long time wearing Ventile clothing and having a Bergans Morgedal for over 4 month’s, all my Ventile clothing is now hanging on the second hand rail in the shop with a swing ticket hanging off it. I love the Morgedal, it’s light, everything is in the right place, it’s windproof and takes a good shower (the material works the same as Ventile), when wet it dries quickly, it breathes better than Ventile and cost’s less. Not so keen on the badges but these can be cut off at some stage, not affecting the fabric. Bergans also produce Epic Cotton trousers, that I am busting to have a go at.
GREAT STUFF, WELL MADE.
Bergans Morgedal Anorak
Bergans Venabu Jacket
 Wind resistant jacket with two way zip, poppered storm flap, front pockets, Napoleon pockets, zippered chest pockets, inner pocket, elastic drawstring waist and zip off hood. The Venabu jacket is long in the body, a loose fit with extended back.
The fabric has a water repellent effect that will eventually wash out, but can be reimpregnated, 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton.
"Mike says”
Great all round jacket for hunting, camping and all outdoor activities. Particularly like the loose fit as I can layer up in the winter, great close too or working with fire and has a tonne of pockets for storing all those items a person needs while outdoors. Vandavidosi.
Bergans Nittedal Flame Resistant Jacket
 The Nittedal is made from flame retardant wool, it has a full front zip, a chest and front pockets with zips, elastic hem and cuffs with thumb loops.
" Mike says "
A great jacket around the fire in the colder month’s. I combine this jacket with a 200g Woolpower top which works well. The pockets are really handy for those need to have now items. Works brilliantly with the Bergans Morgedal Anorak
Stormy Kromer Twill Shirt
Tough, rugged 100% Cotton Twill shirt made in the USA. Reinforced elbows, two double button front pockets.
" Mike says "
Great tough shirt, loving it.
Stormy Kromer Flannel Shirt
 A classic flannel shirt is good on every guy, and this is the softest, beefiest shirt you’re bound to find. Featuring SK's unique yoke pattern, double-button front pockets, reinforced elbows and 100% cotton, this wear-it-anywhere wonder will make your man more manly, no matter what.
6.5oz 100% brushed cotton
2 double-button front pockets
Unique yoke pattern
Reinforced elbow patches
"Mike says”
Well, I don’t know about being more manly when I wear the Flannel Shirt, but I really like it. It is one of those rare things in life that is smart, casual and practical all in one. I like it while running courses or teaching, is great around the fire and tough enough to stand up to those riggers of the outdoors. Feeling more manly already.
Care Plus Sequoia CTO Mens Long Sleeve Shirt Care Plus has developed UV protective clothing that is comfortable to wear, breathable, mosquito proof, and protects against
the sun. In addition, the shirts and trousers are light, strong, durable and well fitting. The Adult Tough Collection consists of 70% cotton and 30% nylon - thanks to the weave density the fabric is 100% mosquito proof. The Optimum Collection is lighter weight and consists of 68% cotton and 32% nylon, thanks to the weave density the fabric is 90% mosquito proof. The Care Plus range meets meets the European UV protection standards for clothing. This indicates that garments have a guaranteed minimum UPF factor of 40+ and is not chemically treated. - Softer Fabric than the CTT shirt
- UV-resistant (UPF 40+)
- Not chemically Treated
- 90% Mosquito proof thanks to the weave density
- Humidity-regulating
- Comfortable
- Durable and snug fitting "Mike says " Really good shirts for the summer months in the UK or for travelling to hot or humid countries. I really like the fit, the pocket layout and especially like the extendable collar to protect the neck. Great tough shirt.
Snugpak Pile Shirt Elite
Paratex and pile fleece over-the-head shirt, with two detachable hoods and stuff sack.
" Mike says "
I have had something along these lines for many years. I tend to use this garment as a cold weather, static main camp overshirt. I find it bulky for backpacking, but great for just sitting around in.
Fjallraven Canvas Belt
4cm width canvas belt - 120cm long
" Mike says "
Great belt when using a backpack with hip belt.
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