LONG-TERM TESTS

Used & abused

TRAIL’S GEAR, TESTED FOR YOU

Versatile mid layer

It’s taken me a while, but I’ve come to appreciate what others have known for some time: Patagonia’s Nano Puff is an exceptionally versatile layer. In warmer seasons it can be thrown on over a base layer or thin fleece for lunch breaks or campsites, and it takes up very little space in a pack when not required. But it’s during winter when it really comes into its own, functioning immaculately as an insulated mid layer, but with enough windproofing, water-resistance and toughness to be worn as an outer on days that don’t require a shell. And, being from Patagonia, it has excellent environmental credentials; the PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco is made from 100% recycled polyester with P.U.R.E. (Produced Using Reduced Emissions) technology, the outer fabric and lining are 100% recycled polyester, and the jacket (which is also available as a hoodie or a gilet) is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

An item which has deservedly become a near-permanent feature of my hiking and climbing gear, all year around.

USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail gear editor

USED FOR 2½ years

Veganism meets alpinism

Veganism doesn’t get in the way of alpinism, thanks to Scarpa. The Ribelle Lite HD is a B2-rated boot (C2 crampon compatible) for ‘fast moving mountain walking and via ferrata’. There’s nothing about the Ribelle Lite HD that suggests being vegan is one of its defining traits. It’s simply an extra plus point. Scarpa has poured a lot of clever engineering into this boot, and it really shows. The last (the boot’s foot shape) lets you walk with a more natural gait. Some mountain boots are almost like walking in snowboard boots, but the Ribelle Lite HD feels so much more natural in comparison without losing rigidity. Comfort is excellent, especially around the ankle cuff. As a result, it’s great for long mountain days. The waterproof membrane is genius too. Rather than Gore-Tex, this boot makes use of an HDry membrane. Instead of a separate Gore-Tex liner, HDry is laminated directly to the upper material, giving you better breathability and retaining top-notch waterproofing. You can, therefore, use the Ribelle Lite HD for alpine use all year round.

An awesome bit of footwear that almost scores top marks all round. Probably the most comfortable crampon-compatible boot I’ve ever used.

USED BY Chris Williams, LFTO gear tester

USED FOR 1 year

Trail pack

This is one clever pack, as it pulls off the trick of looking minimal while actually having lots of features. I’d never heard of Fohn when I got it and was a little sceptical. My first impression was that the build quality wouldn’t be up to heavy use. However, it show