Chris' Adventure Kit List
Chris Hopwood's top kit picks from his outdoor adventures in North Wales.
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants
"I love these pants. They have a comfortable relaxed cut, and a perfect array of pockets. I make use of the knee pad pockets in my work pair, and the pair I use for camping and larking about in the woods. They are tough, with a high thread count and tight weave that keeps the wind out, and they are very breathable and dry quickly. I have a routine for re-waxing them after washing that gives me great protection in damp conditions and extends their life. I love the boot hooks and adjustable closures at the end of the leg - if you double wax them they work like light-weight gaiters and keep the ticks out. They're so good I keep a pair for 'Sunday Best'."
Montane Fireball Jacket
"This is such a versatile and comfortable layer. It stretches and moves freely, with a soft cuff and close-fitting hood. I was suspicious it would be too warm when on the move, even in cool & blustery conditions, but enough air can come through the outer layer to mitigate over-heating. As soon as I put a full windproof over the top, there's enough loft in the Primaloft insulation for it to act as a light duvet jacket during short stops. Like your baselayer, you put it on and you keep it on. How simple can it get?"
Montane Fleet Jacket
"I use this shell layered over a Fireball Jacket. It felt trim - perfectly tailored for me, with ease of movement, a simple pocket array that will suit many. A cuff cinch with enough of a flare to make room for a small glove gauntlet. The DWR is remarkable: shedding droplets of water like liquid mercury, it can’t take hold on the surface of the jacket. Though over time I will need to keep reproofing it regularly to maintain this performance, this is the best DWR I've ever seen."
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