LONG-TERM TESTS

Used & abused

TRAIL'S GEAR, TESTED FOR YOU

Versatile layer

When it comes to staying comfortable and dry in the hills, layering is key – but the array of choice for everything between your base layer and a waterproof shell means that choosing the right layers can be a bit bewildering. Is it a mid layer, or can it be worn as an outer layer? Is it a soft shell, a fleece, or an insulating jacket? The reality is, the lines are blurred and there’s a different layer for every eventuality! The key is choosing versatile ones to mix and match. This offering from Inov-8 is called a jacket, but in the cooler months falls perfectly into the mid layer category for hillwalkers. First of all, it’s super comfy and light (just 315g for a women’s size 14), but it packs some serious technical capability. The fluffy body-mapped insulation made from Primaloft Evolve (58% recycled) is just

the right thickness and warmth for a mid layer that keeps me warm – but not too warm when working hard up those hills on cool days. For the coldest days I’ve found you’ll need to team it up with warmer layers, but in summer the body-mapped Pertex Quantum Air water-resistant shell means it will make a great outer layer too, with the stretchy air under arm panels maximising breathability.

Verdict

Endlessly wearable jacket/mid layer that you’ll wear both at home and on the hill, all year round.

USED BY Jenna Maryniak, Trail deputy editor USED FOR 3 months

Drizzle busters

I always keep a lightweight pair of gloves in my pockets throughout winter, preferably ones that can also be worn underneath heavy-duty gloves on big mountain trips. Important to note the Acle isn’t waterproof like many Sealskinz products, but the glove’s nano technology is designed to bead water, so the fabric won’t get saturated at the first sign of a shower. The ‘S’ print you can see on the palm and fingers (right) gives good grip, and the index finger has a patch at the tip which is touchscreen compatible, so you can still use your phone without taking them off. Overall, an excellent package.

Verdict Don’t wear them in a downpour, but they’re great for hillwalking on cool winter days. USED BY Oli Reed, Trail Editor USED FOR 3 months

Big-up your down

Washing my down gear, be that a sleeping bag or jacket, terrifies me. Down is notoriously opposed to getting wet, so I only ever wash my down-filled kit if it really, really needs it. Most down clothing and equipment now comes with hydrophobic down, so when I eventually resign myself to washing my kit, it’s also important that I give its water-fighting powers a top-up. But what to u