#craghopper

[willorng]

#hometime #works #xmas #meal #craghopper #thinsulate #penetrating #bloodyCold #damp #humidity #selfy (at Revolucion de Cuba Nottingham) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrjDAT0hqaJ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=kg2hivcmzqa6

[twistedcityphoto-blog]

When shooting water, I really love to get right into the middle of it. It usually involves spending 10 minutes looking for the perfect stone to perch on or finding a grass ledge that won't collapse underneath me. Most of the time I just end up stood in the water anyway, but I love it & i'd do anything for that perfect shot. #twistedcityphoto #twistedcitytraveller #england #beauty #trees #trek #walk #wild #water #waterfall #woods #pennineway #peakdistrict #photography #nikon #naturephotography #naturelovers #natural #wanderlust #uk #naturephotography #landscapephotography #nikonphotography #nikkor #oexoutdoors #gooutdoors #regatta #craghopper (at Bleaklow)

[luke-anderson-photography]

Every plateau we reached on our climb up @glencoemountain unleashed a view more stunning than the last so naturally as photographers this was when we stopped got our cameras out and took a photo from every angle possible and then just stared off into the distance taking it all in #photographer #landscape #nature #landscapephotography #adventure #wanderlust #walking #climb #hike #plateau #glencoe #adventurer #expedition #craghopper #trekmates #regatta #mountain #glencoe #scotland #snow #canon6d #vscofilm #lightroom (at Glencoe Mountain Resort)

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Review: Bear Core Fluffy Fleece Jacket

Way back in January (2013) I picked up a Bear Basecamp Hooded Fleece and it instantly became a hit. Over the course of the year the heavy usage started to show and it was retired to the position of home wear. This filled me with considerable sadness, so I was really excited to get hold of the updated version…

The Bear Core Fluffy Fleece Jacket (or Bear Grylls Polar Hooded Jacket as my version is called) is pretty similar, but with a few vitally important updates that address some issues and make this a must buy item.

If bright logos aren't your thing, the Bear Grylls logo would be easy subdued with a marker pen. I’m going to keep it bold as my 12 month old son loves it so much.

Warmth & weight: My number one complaint of the Bear Basecamp Hooded Fleece was the lining. While great for adding extra warmth, the fleece lining quickly stretched out of shape. This then sagged out of the cuffs and hem, as well as coming away from the outer pile fleece (below left).

The updated Polar Hooded Jacket (above right) does away with this less-desirable feature. Without the lining, the jacket becomes considerably less bulky and more lightweight compared to its older brother. Before this adjustment, the bulk was a serious consideration when it came to packing, or even wearing in weather where it might need stowing away (Spring/Autumn). Since the update it thrives in either situation.

The updated Bear Core Jacket (right) takes up nearly half the room of its predecessor.

So the question is, does the lack of lining detract from the warmth? The use of a 465g pile fleece polyester means the bulk often found in a standard fleece is reduced without sacrificing the heat-retention. But the lack of lining does allow more room for that wonderful eight letter word that is integral to almost any outdoor activity…

Layering:  Fleece is generally not windproof so, whenever you are likely to encounter more than a breeze, additional layers are definitely a consideration. The active fit and low profile hood of this fleece allows for a windproof or waterproof outer layer to be added, without creating uncomfortable lumps. It is also worth noting that this jacket will comfortably survive a light shower and dry quickly afterwards, making it great for the autumn and spring seasons. When using it as a ‘top layer’ it sits pleasantly over the top of a baselayer, tshirt, shirt or even a light midlayer. 

I’m a naturally warm person and if I wear this layer indoors the thick pile generates enough heat to simulate a slowly roasting joint on a medium heat. However, outside the ‘shag’ material provides just the right amount of insulation to keep you pleasantly warm. 

Arguably its natural environment is the outdoors and being outdoors often means strenuous activities. The lack of any kind of windproofing allows a level of breathability that enables sweat to wick away. There is also a panel of smooth polyester that covers the area where your arm would naturally rub against your body. This makes sense as a constant rubbing of the arm against the body would wear down the pile over time, it also provides a bit of extra ventilation.

The most current released (only a slightly updated version) loses this panel which probably reduces the amount of wind that can get in. I’m not sure this is an improvement on the design in my opinion as I like these panels, but I don’t think its a deal breaker. This is still an incredible jacket.

Durability: Fleece is often considered as a tougher replacement for wool. Despite being seriously lightweight, this jacket demonstrates that strength. The pile on my older jacket has visible flattening of certain high-wear areas. This jacket has seen a lot of use over the last eight months and only shows minimal flattening around the zip area, definitely no more than I’d expect.

The hemming on the cuffs, hood and bottom edge hold well when under stress. I often like to push sleeves up to my elbows and after repeatedly doing this the cuffs are still as fitted as ever, which is an improvement on the previous version.

Fit & features: I’ve got a size larger than I’d usually wear, but the athletic fit still hugs a little into my torso which gives an overall shaggy-but-not-baggy look. The larger size allows for more layering options, but I think going for my usual size wouldn’t have been a problem either.

The three panelled hood fits my head shape really well without much slack, making it really warm. The lightweight of the fabric allows for this hood to tuck subtly into a outer shell jackets hood too. 

There are two zipped pockets that are stitched down to stop them flapping. I rarely use the zips, but when I do it is because I want to secure something so I’m glad the feature is there. 

These zips and the main zips are a bit stiff for the lightness of the material and so mean that the top or bottom of the zip needs to be held to begin operating the zip. I have other Craghopper garments that have a better zip strength to material weight ratio, but this may be something that they’ve updated in the latest version.

Whenever I have zip issues, I know before checking that it isn’t a YKK zipper, as I’ve never had an issue with this widely used brand of zips. I always wonder why companies continue to get their own zips made instead of using YKK zippers; I guess the extra cost of using a branded zip isn’t so attractive, even if it means increased reliability. If I had to be picky, the zip would be the thing I’d change, but it is only a slight inconvenience rather than a serious issue. 

Summary: This jacket is a great all rounder, performing well as a standalone midlayer or as insulation underneath a hardshell. Despite its warmth, this fleece is compact making it perfect for stowing away inside your pack. For £40.00 (or $60.00) this quality Bear Core Fluffy Fleece Jacket is a great deal that is well worth picking up.

Special thanks to Tom Williams for his amazing photography.

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Operation Stagger: Clothing Loadout

• Craghopper Ionic Fleece • Craghopper Merino Half-Zip • Bamboo T-Shirt • 1000 Mile Fusion Walking socks • Injinji Toe socks • EDZ Merino Beanie • TAD Covert RS Pants • Oscar Delta Fire-retardant belt (unreleased - but this is similar) • TAD Force 10 RS Cargo Shorts • Arcade Belt (from Huckberry) • TAD Ranger Hoodie (review coming soon!) • ITS Tactical Logo Morale Patch

Check our other posts in the Stagger series: Camping Loadout  |  Bike Trail Loadout

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Review: Craghopper Merino Half Zip

Clothing is essential. When it comes to packing it needs to be light and condense down well. Warm weather? It needs to wick away your sweat. Cold weather? It needs to provide insulation. Outdoor activities? It needs to not cause friction and be relatively robust. I recently purchased a Craghopper Merino Half Zip layer, and I can truly say it does all these things.

I own a merino base layer that’s a small and it fits like a glove, so when I ordered this I decided to go for a medium with the intention that it would act as a mid layer. I’m so glad that I did as it means, whilst the fit is snug, I can still wear a layer underneath as well as over the top. I’ve also worn it on its own on a few warmer (albeit British ‘warmer’) days where it performed well too.

One thing that concerned me when I first received it was how thin it was. In ordering I must have miss that it said ‘Superfine Merino’– 173g, but despite that it has proven itself to be surprisingly robust so far.

One of the best features of Merino is its ability to wick away sweat without leaving any odour on the material. This means it needs washing far less than any cotton garment and won’t smell quite as quickly as polyester.

I’m the kind of guy that when buying an item will check that I’ve got the best conditioned one. Buying online doesn’t allow you this privilege and I when I found a large peanut sized flap of Merino outside of the stitching I was a little disappointed. I snipped this off no problem and I imagine it was a rogue anomaly; it has no affect on the garment (the stitching is holding no problem) so I’m not bothered now.

At the moment it is on sale as they’re technically out of season (although I personally can see myself wearing this all year round) and for a merino half-zip layer, it’s actually a great deal. It is also available in blue. I’ve been in contact with Craghopper and they said there won’t be any merino products restocked until the Autumn/Winter season, so grab one while you still can…

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Fast Pack Friday: Personal Pt.1

I decided to do a personal Fast Pack Friday this week. Here I am with my EDC on a family walk. I’m carrying the changing pod from our changing bag, some spare clothes, water, suncream (maybe a little too hopeful!). I kept the patch layout simple with the ‘All American’ 82nd Airborne Division style Motus patch. 

Most of the clothing I’m wearing is being field tested for some reviews. I chose to put on a TAD Field Cap, Craghopper Merino Half-Zip and Craghopper Kiwi Long Shorts. Each item working well for what was the warmest day we’ve had this year. 

Check out the other parts of today’s personal Fast Pack Friday here: • Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3

[theloneadventurersite]

Pack Outside: After by Nat Wagstaff on Flickr.