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For the second outing I seemed to have improved my wrapping technique and managed to have at least 2 layers of wool over my whole body with one layer over my head. The temperature was quite low again, it was wet and it was quite windy. Again, it was very comfortable and I really enjoyed using...

No, mine is a cheap replica that was about 35quid. The liner doesn't have elastic on the cuffs either, so I have to tuck my gloves inside carefully.

I've a cheap one in black that I wear as my day-to-day coat. I do like it, but the cuff fastenings were originally very poor and almost all of the the buttons needed re-stitching shortly after buying it. The liner is useful in winter, but a bit sweaty and not *that* warm when very cold...

I did my first blanket camping at the weekend. My weapon was a 1960s-vintage 'guaranteed genuine wool' blanket in pinky red and the location was North Wales. On the first night the temperature was cool for August, possibly around 10deg. I loosely wrapped the blanket around myself and wore a T...

I've just tried on a few jackets. The Velez Adventure Light does, indeed, seem great, but it is quite expensive. the Montane Extreme does feel as if it will be too warm for most of my activities. The Vapour Rise seems to be a good, comfortable compromise. I'm interested in knowing about the...

thanks for that. It's helpful to have info and suggestions from somebody with experience of the equipment. I'm looking for something that will be useful for a wide range of conditions and that will allow me to remain comfortable when it is raining. I have always run a bit hot, although now in...

A Kinesis Crosslight that has gone from being a (pseudo) road race bike to a cyclocross racer, 'mountain bike' and is now a multi-terrain commuter that can perform child-carrying duties. A Kona Dawg, an 'all mountain' bike that is set up to biased towards handling and descending. A Kona Cinder...

That looks like a good deal and I'll have a think. It might be a bit warm though. What is the Montane Krypton jacket like?

I'm interested in moving away from the base-mid-membrane layerss for outdoor activities. I'm mostly a mountain biker these days, but enjoy mountaineering/walking and general outdoor/camping activities. I'm keen to get a jacket with a hood that can be used in a range of conditions and not...

Yes, really handy for someone who lives 220 miles away....

We're off on a road trip taking in NE France, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. Having found a superb place in Brittany a few years ago, I was wondering if I'd find anything similar on this trip. Does anybody know of any good surplus shops around Freiburg/Black Forest, Luxembourg, Koblenz...

I picked up a pair of surplus/used full Leather Matterhorn boots with Goretex lining. My comparisons are with my German (2000?, MkIV?) army boots with stitched sole that have never fitted me properly. First impressions are of well-made boots, but much less substantial than the Germans...

Or buy a cheap army field shirt and add some vents?

Am I the only person who finds that Para boots are far too big in internal volume? My feet may be slightly narrow (Italian motorbike and walking boots normally fit me the best), but I've never had any shoes quite so excessively spacious inside.

Be warned, those Gold Therabands don't last long at all.

I find that my 285/107 size ones have far too much internal volume for my average/slightly narrow feet and have to use 2 thick insoles to take up some of the space.

Update: the poor man's Tilley is going strong and has become my first choice headwear. The first dose of wax let in a bit in a downpour so I re-did it and it is now keeping out heavy rain.

I really rate the Tactical and lightweight ones

Something that holds your trousers up.You don't need a 'technical' belt!

I wore my new hat on a very windy and showery (rain and hailstones) scramble over the Carneddau yesterday. The hat worked really well and kept the rain out. I can thoroughly recommend waxing these hats.