tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90920494109065983362024-02-19T06:03:33.690+00:00Trail Gear BlogThe latest gear news, views and videos from the UK's biggest-selling mountain magazine.Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-22411672853776089932008-01-03T14:27:00.000+00:002008-01-03T14:38:53.891+00:00NEWS: Trail Gear Blog has moved to LFTO.comWith the arrival of the LiveForTheOutdoors.com web site for Trail and Country Walking magazines, the Trail Gear Blog has also moved to higher ground.To stay in touch with the latest gear, the hottest new product and everything that makes it comfortable when you Live For The Outdoors, head to the new web site and discover what you have been missing!Follow this link to Live for the Outdoors.com Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com162tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-40072548667033179362007-12-10T10:06:00.000+00:002007-12-10T10:20:48.782+00:00NEWS: Keen rucksacks and luggageKeen footwear has taken the outdoor market by storm in recent years, but not content with their succcess, the brand are now releasing a range of rucksacks and luggage.As Keen have shown with their footwear, they are not a brand that simply repeats other people’s designs. Instead they have produced a progressive and ecological range of bags. The range utilises recycled materials throughout Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-75487822097778861462007-12-04T18:04:00.000+00:002007-12-04T18:54:50.795+00:00NEWS: Ortik Heat-It £45The UK's camping stove market is a hot bed of development at the moment and the pace of debate could be fired up even more by the arrival of a fresh new brand of stove products to our shores. The Heat-It stove adaptor by Ortik was developed to improve efficiency of stove performance by fitting over your existing stove and the adaptor is said to increase efficiency by over 40%. eThe Heat-It Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-66136242732167378122007-11-30T15:33:00.000+00:002007-11-30T16:34:34.820+00:00NEWS: PYXIS GPS watchIf you thought the Garmin Forerunner GPS Watch was good then you'll love this as it looks like it could be even better, as it also features a map display.Westech Korea has just launched its Pyxis GPS watch at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007. This comes complete with databases of different exercise routines such as marathons, hikes and walks. You'll be able to view these courses from your Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-89037961889704062912007-11-28T18:50:00.000+00:002007-11-30T15:27:57.951+00:00NEWS: Vango Force 10 Ultralite tentsThe Force 10 series of tents by by Vango continues to grow in 2008 with the introduction of the Force 10 Ultralite series, which comprises of four designs, each with its own unique features and benefits.The whole of the Force 10 range has been updated for 2008 which some new models being added to the range. The Vitesse (SRP £99) shown above is an ultra lightweight shelter for the extreme racer orTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-88855828333427615862007-11-28T09:20:00.000+00:002007-11-28T12:15:45.896+00:00NEWS: Hi-Tec Ion Mask Waterproof treatmentTired of having to reproof gear? Hi-Tec have announced the release of Ion-mask™ technology, a treatment that works at the molecular level, binding invisibly to the surfaces of products, giving them an extraordinary ability to repel most liquids. Ion-mask™ was originally developed for the military to protect soldiers from chemical attack. The benefits include minimal consumption and negligible Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-82061531264723281312007-11-22T11:42:00.000+00:002007-11-22T11:49:44.100+00:00ViDEO: Satmap Active 10 GPS ReceiverAt last! A GPS receiver that has all the features most walkers want in the countryside. Ordnance Survey quality mapping allows the user to see their location on a 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 scale map and move across the map in real time. A large screen makes the mapping easy to view, while large buttons allow use while wearing gloves. It's also waterproof and boasts a very long battery life compared toTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-68038946699563344202007-10-30T11:16:00.000+00:002007-10-30T11:22:53.413+00:00VIDEO: MSR Reactor stove £110It's been the most eagerly awaited stove this year and now it's performance is cooking up a storm, when backpackers debate which is the best stove for backpackers. According to the manufacturers, the MSR Reactor is the fastest and most fuel efficient stove system available. There is a full review of the MSR Reactor in the December issue of Trail. For a glimpse of what all the fuss is about, checkTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-88456326753802314542007-10-22T11:52:00.000+01:002007-10-22T12:10:17.674+01:00NEW: Jetboil frying panJetboil have added a frying pan to their unique cooking system. The Jetboil set new standards for cooking systems when it entered the UK market in 2004, with superb boil times coupled with unparalleled efficiency. The drawbacks of the system were that users had only one pan that was compatible with the burner. The latest addition to the range widens the appeal of the Jetboil, and should mean Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-64214550214088054762007-10-07T20:28:00.000+01:002007-10-07T20:57:37.569+01:00NEWS: Mallory clothing researchWhile Mallory's clothing was lighter than modern clothing it was not so good at providing protection against high winds and lowering temperatures according to scientists at Loughborough University.In a presentation at the Innovations for Extremes Conference held at Lancaster University in September, Dr. George Havenith, Professor of Environmental Physiology and Ergonomics at Loughborough Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-12554896691643259722007-10-04T09:50:00.000+01:002007-10-04T10:10:29.016+01:00NEWS: Balanced chest pouchKeeping access to cameras while backpacking has always been a problem with choices varying from chest mountain pouches that bounce around to hip belt mounted pouches that make it difficult to squeeze through cracks when scrambling. The innovative syncpack™ frontpack system could solve all these problems, as it is a chest mountain system that remains stable. The patent-pending syncpack frame has Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-26626890459356042352007-10-03T10:29:00.000+01:002007-10-05T16:36:33.164+01:00NEWS: The Greenest And Most Ethical Technical Product LineSurf brand Finisterre is launching the greenest and most ethical technical product line in the world. The range consists of an exclusive bio-mimetic waterproof fabric, that is more breathable and more comfortable than any other waterproof on the market, according to Finisterre. It is made from recycled polyester, with lightweight ribbed insulation, coupled with a polycotton jacket impregnated Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-45387205471094539582007-10-03T09:55:00.000+01:002007-10-05T16:38:35.338+01:00NEWS:World's first bicycle iPod speakerTired of the sound of the wind whistling through your ears when mountain biking? Then you could strap the cy.fi wireless iPod dock to your bike so you can listen to your music while you ride. Working with the iPod or iPod nano, it's a wireless speaker, using the Kleer Audio transmission that claims to be 10 times more energy efficient than Bluetooth.The Cy.Fi speaker is about the size of a deck Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-40243926295519171462007-10-02T10:16:00.000+01:002007-10-02T15:31:37.749+01:00NEWS: Petzl Signal £10Touting the headline "See me before I see you", the Petzl Signal red safety light is designed to complement the Petzl e+LITE head torch. The Signal is designed to be seen from 1000 metres, with 180 degrees of lightbeam. The Signal can be set to blink or burn on full beam mode. It weighs just 22grams, including batteries and is water resistant to 1 metre depth. The Signal can be attached to the Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-38190748591749883182007-09-30T12:35:00.000+01:002007-09-30T16:43:52.564+01:00NEWS: Scarpa heated footbedsFrozen out of winter walking by the fear of cold feat? Well the chill could be over, as Scarpa is launching the Grizu heated footbed system that heats up the front part of the foot and raising the temperature inside the boot to an extremely comfortable 38° C. The microprocessor inside the insole regulates the output based on the outside temperature making sure the foot is never too cold or Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-71086229191070087132007-09-30T12:02:00.001+01:002007-09-30T12:33:43.594+01:00NEWS: Vaude Versametric backsystemVaude's Versametric backsystem was designed for carrying heavyloads over long distances. The back system features a polycarbonate frame so that the back is stiff and supportive to reduce the energy use of the user. This frame is preshaped to follow the contours of the spine and pelvis. The backsystem consists of a pendulum hipbelt that pivots in the same place as your back twists, again to reduceTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-22863368967898351812007-08-29T08:57:00.001+01:002007-10-05T16:39:15.703+01:00NEWS: Viewranger GPS smartphone software upgradeViewranger have added more features to their GPS software that pinpoints your location on a mobile smartphone. Nokia have also introduced a firmwear update to improve the speed of a first time GPS fix when the software is used on their phones such as the N95.A new Trip Analysis Profile Graph provides a graph of the GPS tracklog recorded showing distance, altitude, gps altitude and speed (either Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-84527390339006180302007-08-24T11:16:00.000+01:002007-08-24T11:30:58.378+01:00NEWS: Anquet mapping software upgradeAnquet is releasing a new version of their digital mapping software tonight! Anquet version 6.2 takes into account feedback from people using the Download Service. The software is compatible with Windows Vista, 2000 or XP. Improvements include letting you know the maps are being downloaded rather than appearing to freeze as it did before. It’s now much faster to access the download service and Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-39561961311479904552007-08-23T12:08:00.000+01:002007-08-24T11:30:38.627+01:00NEWS: Vaude tent upgradeVaude tents have beefed up stability and venting for the 2008 season. The new Power Frame uses thinner poles with cross ties to enhance stability through the use of a triangulated design of the tensioning ties. The image above left show how the current Space III tent would flex under 80km/h winds, while the image above right, shows how the new Power Space III tent is able to withstand 80km/h Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-85026773399615901322007-08-21T16:53:00.000+01:002007-10-05T16:37:28.441+01:00REVIEW: Gregory Z30 rucksack £80The Gregory Z30 is part of the brand's Fast and Light range, designed to strike a balance between weight and durability without sacrificing performance. It has the new Jetstream air sprung back system with a capacity of around 30 litres, so it should be ideal for day trips as well as superlight overnights. Trail reviewed a bunch of these sacks in the August issue, but here's one that missed the Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-9193459643835048912007-08-17T10:27:00.000+01:002007-10-05T16:39:51.202+01:00VIDEO: Khul is cool!Tired of wearing surf gear when you are off the hill? Then check out Khul, the new brand that is hitting the UK. 'Follow no one, follow your dreams" is the brand's passion. Khul was born in the Wasatch mountains of Utah in the USA and they aim is to create original, unique products that will incite passion. What's more they appear to have a sence of humour too if the video below is anything to goTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-59468203819034741982007-08-17T09:50:00.000+01:002007-08-17T10:25:18.971+01:00NEWS: Inov8 Roclite 390This is probably the most eagerly awaited peice of footwear this Autumn. The Inov8 Roclite 390 weighs in at just 390g for a half pair size 8 and yet it retains ankle protection, a great grip and a protection from the wet. Following on from the success of their running shoes, Inov8 have added the Roclite 390. This waterproof and breathable boot was originally designed for ultralight paragliding. Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-33888894942992252172007-08-17T09:38:00.000+01:002007-08-17T09:50:39.408+01:00NEWS: Montrail Cirrus GTX bootMontrail have added a new lightweight waterproof boot to their range that looks ideal for anyone wanting to lighten the load on the feet. Following on from the Montrail Stratos GTX, the new Montrail Cirrus GTX adds a little extra grunt making it ideal for those heading to wetter and rougher terrain, yet still prefering to travel light.The Cirrus benefits from a Gore-Tex liner, like the Statos, Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-502651215601928092007-08-08T17:17:00.000+01:002007-08-10T12:43:53.797+01:00NEWS: Aarn Packs in UKBody centered load carrying systems specialist Aarn Packs will shortly be available in the UK through distributor Outdoor Elements. As reported in the September issue of Trail, a change in posture could be all you need to walk faster, for longer and with less fatigure according to scientists from Harvard University. Aarn Packs have incorporated this research and other similar research into their Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092049410906598336.post-65269115657651264352007-08-08T11:26:00.000+01:002007-08-08T12:22:30.565+01:00NEWS: Ooh! Ooh! Magellan turns GPS phone-sexyMagellan has announced a brand new range featuring touch-screens, digital cameras, topographical mapping capability and integration with a new desktop application called VantagePoint. As if to reverse the trend of top-end phones poaching GPS technology, the latest 'Triton' range steals ideas from the latest phones, bringing a 2.7-inch QVGA touch screen, built-in 2 megapixel camera, SD card slot Trailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527528752278015865noreply@blogger.com4