Why not put all that shiny new @arcteryx kit to the test this spring. The classic Arc’teryx Climb Lake District returns to the beautiful Langdale valley for the weekend of 25th-27th May 2024. We here at the CGR team have spent many (and I mean very many) years exploring the hiking and climbing and can confirm the fantastic variety of climbs and hikes. With a base camp at the iconic Sticklebarn pub, what’s not to like. With great camping and hostel options as well as brilliant pricing for the courses it looks to be another great initiative from Arc’teryx. Climb Lake District is an epic 3 ..read more

The all new, lightweight and fully featured day pack from Arc’teryx is perfect for hiking and fast-paced mountain adventures. PROS Robust for a lightweight pack Running style chest harness has great pockets Well sized for days out in all seasons. CONS Stowing poles will take a little experimentation. Lacks a front mesh style pocket. Legendary outdoor gear specialists Arc’teryx have pulled out all the stops to produce the new Aerios packs. Combining their expertise in hiking and trail running into a versatile hiking pack that should suit anyone who enjoys fast-moving mountain activities ..read more

default We’ve mentioned this in previous Patagonia reviews but we’ve decided to compile it into a Gear News piece to summarise all that Patagonia is doing this year in 2024. As Leonard Basse from Patagonia reminds us: “The vast majority of a product’s environmental impact is in the production and its supply chain. Repairing and reusing our gear is the most impactful action we can take to reduce the footprint of our clothing. Keeping a piece of clothing in play for just nine additional months can reduce that product’s associated CO2 emissions by 27%, its water use by 33% and its waste by 22 ..read more

News just in: Arc’teryx has just announced the return of the Arc’teryx Alpine Academy in Chamonix from 4th – 7th July! What is the Arc’teryx Alpine Academy? Alpine education, community, and a transformational experience immersed in mountain culture. This year the academy will be home to not just 80+ clinics, but also a fully stacked program of events throughout the weekend, including film p remieres, concerts and activities throughout the famous Arc’teryx academy village. There’s loads of clinic disciplines to choose from including: – Mountaineering ..read more

The new, indoor climbing specific shoe for beginners and intermediate climbers is spot on and suitable for outdoor climbing too. PROS Comfortable Well priced Suit a variety of foot shapes CONS Can lack precision in the toe The microfibre upper can feel hot on warm days. I’ve lost count of the variety of climbing shoes I have used over the years, I’ve also reviewed and used a fair number of Scarpa shoes and I go back as far as being sponsored by them (not that that influences my review).  The last pair of indoor-specific shoes we featured here on CGR were the excellent Veloce shoes ..read more

Ultralight and compact, this boost of warmth offers top of the range performance in a versatile package. It’s a great choice for cool, spring days out on the hill. PROS Featherlight Compressible – will fit into a pocket Core warmth is great CONS Pertex Quantum can be delicate for climbing. No chest pocket Rab are no strangers to insulation (they do call themselves the Masters of Insulation) and it is steeped in their heritage. So, it comes as no surprise that the insulation range is wide. A browse through the website will show they offer a high range of insulation for various adventures ..read more

The Latok 20L Mountain Pack from Rab is a good example of a big company being prepared to produce fairly specialised (though versatile) kit. In some ways it is just an updated version of the small day packs climbers have always used. However Rab have updated things for the modern fast and light brigade and incorporated design elements from their running range. The result is a day pack that transitions from rock to alpine and even quick hit winter routes whilst remaining super stable, comfortable and robust. Super comfortable and stable on multi pitch sport routes Features wise the Latok 20 ..read more

Ultralight and using innovative 3D printing tech, this Jack Wolfskin hiking pack is a sign of things to come. PROS Lightweight Very comfortable carry Good options on side compression cord CONS Very expensive Difficult to remove the floating lid. When the Jack Wolfskin 3D Aerorise 40 pack first arrived on the CGR adventure desk our first impressions were – WOW. A fully featured trekking/hiking 40L pack coming in at under 1 kg is worth a look at. Also, our interest was aroused by the innovative 3D-printed back and lumber panels, they looked cool. What shocked us was the price – £400, yes ..read more

Patagonia Alpine Suit Whilst the one piece Gore Tex suit is no new concept, there have been very few (if any) manufacturers who’ve had one in their line-up recently. However this season, Patagonia have put that right, with a modern take on what is actually a “bloody good idea!” Winter alpinism with a ski approach – the author guiding on the Blaitiere, Chamonix Aiguilles (photo Thomas Weber) I first remember seeing Scottish winter climbing legend Robin Clothier and his friend wearing Gore Tex onesies at the bottom of .5 Gully in the late 90s. I was pretty new to the winter game, maybe even st ..read more

The great looking Hudson Trail Vest is almost too good to take hiking. PROS Looks great Toasty warm Easy to care for CONS Welted pockets are not so good for hiking Bobbling needs occasional attention Bulky We recently featured the great performing Smartwool 1/4Zip Thermal Classic base layer – a great baselayer for winter and early spring. The Hudson Trail Fleece Vest is a great compliment and they work well as part of a layering system for hiking and general wear.  The Smartwool Hudson Trail Fleece Vest is part of the Hudson range of everyday wear that is mountain inspired. and inc ..read more