A roundup of interesting gear releases
Lightweight Alpine sacks from Berghaus
Berghaus Alpine 30 (£90 / 705g)
Berghaus Alpine 45 (£110 / 955g or 820g stripped)
Berghaus have released a pair of packs optimised for mountaineering and alpinism, developed with input from Mick Fowler and Leo Houlding. The brand say the new Alpine 45 and 30 rucksacks are “robust, lightweight and streamlined, designed to allow climbers to focus on their objective and move in comfort.”
Features include:
- A classic Alpine shape, narrowing at the base
- 210D ripstop nylon fabric for low weight and weather/abrasion resistance
- Roll-top closure for speedy access to essential kit
- Top strap for security and rope storage
- Adjustable elasticated front bungee
- Aluminium ice axe holders
- Side compression straps with side release opening for rope/ski carry
- Hip belt with gear loops that can be wrapped around the front of the pack
- Zipped stash pocket on the lid
- Removable spring steel frame (Alpine 45 only)
- Close-fitting low-profile EVA foam back system
Inov-8 Roclite graphene hiking boots
Inov-8 Roclite 335 (£150 / 335g)
Inov-8 Roclite 345 GTX men’s / women’s (£155 / 345g)
Inov-8 have announced the world’s first hiking boots to utilise graphene, the strongest material for its weight. The launch comes after earlier products incorporating graphene for the trail-running market.
Inov-8 say: “Just one atom thick and 200 times stronger than steel, wonder-material graphene has been infused into the rubber of inov-8’s new ROCLITE hiking boots, with the outsoles scientifically proven to be 50% stronger, 50% more elastic and 50% harder wearing.”
Key points:
- Graphene-enhanced rubber grip (G-GRIP) for improved strength, traction, flexibility and durability
- The Roclite 335 uses PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco for improved warmth in cold weather
- The Roclite 345 GTX has a waterproof Gore-Tex lining
- Both shoes have an 8mm drop and 6mm lugs
- POWERFLOW midsole for improved shock absorption
A spacious and durable two-person tent from Robens
Robens Verdin (£624.99 / 1.82kg)
The Robens Lite range has been expanded by the new Robens Verdin. This two-person tent features more living space thanks to a generous porch while still maintaining a respectable weight. It also looks pretty durable.
Robens say: “While space and features are pared to the minimum comfort and safety requirements needed for fast action adventures, the Verdin’s extended porch provides versatile space for when the weather turns.”
Features include:
- Unique Robens HydroTex AWT-LT 20D 400T ripstop polyester fabric with 2,000mm hydrostatic head, chosen instead of nylon because it does not absorb water
- 9kg+ flysheet tear strength
- Simple, fine-tuned pitching thanks to easy-to-adjust Clamcleats
- Three #7001 T6 aluminium alloy Yunan poles
- The longer centre pole provides sitting height at the inner door and enhances the aerodynamic design
- Outer D-shaped side door rolls to the centre pole and the inner tent door is mirrored by a mesh panel
A high-end carbon trekking pole from Leki
Leki Black Series trekking pole (£194.95 / 207g)
Leki’s new Black Series pole will be available from March 2019, and is designed to be one of the most lightweight and technical trekking poles available.
Recognised by the OutDoor Industry Awards 2018 in the climbing category for its innovative design, the jury commented, “A super-strong, super-light and comfortable carbon performance trekking pole. We particularly liked the new folding system and inner locking mechanism.”
Features include:
- 100 per cent carbon pole – one of the lightest yet most stable available
- Core Locking Device (CLD) technology, ensuring the pole is locked with a simple pull and click into place
- Edgeless Aergon grip, comfortable when both climbing and descending
- Breathable, lightweight Leki skin strap
- Speedlock 2 external adjustment system for length adjustment from 110cm to 130cm
- Packed up, each pole is 40cm long
