FurTech Feedback

Claw2 Cycling - Roland, Germany

Hi Andy

 

it's been a while since i bought the claw 2 (2008) and i guess it was the first batch ever,

and i stil love it...especially in winter on my bike..

 

but

 

Did you change the designt of the jacket  a  bit in the meantime ??

 

i remember reading a blog about the claw 2 and the guy complained about

the cold spots on the shoulder

 

I am an XL person and the claw2 fits me perfect, except for the shoulder blades

where it is so tight that even with just a single merino baselayer i get cold shoulders..

 

so I wonder if more people had this issue ?

 

if you changed the design i would buy a new one...

cause "I Love it"

 

thanks and greetings from Germany..

 

Roland

Ron Bates - FurTech

Hi, I already have one of your excellent jackets - Claw 2 - but it is now a little tight as I have a 42.5" chest and wonder if you have a jacket to fit with space for appropriate underlayer/s? I'd be happy to buy a 'second' or prototype as mentioned in your site. I'm 63 so not scaling mountains anymore, partly due to a long-term back injury but do a lot of walking, hiking, cycling, foraging and would appreciate any advice on the availability of any of the previously mentioned items as a Claw2 or Claw1 jacket. Frankly I'd rather wait for one if available this year than buy any other jacket as they tick all the boxes with huge plusses and have proved to live well up to the claims and look good too as a bonus. Many thanks. Regards, Ron

Mike Mulligan - FurTech Claw

 

Hi Andy,

Tried the jacket again since it was re proofed. No leakage whatsoever. As promised here's my honest review of your jacket.

 

The Claw 2 from Furtech appears to be based on a non memebrane two layer system similar in many ways to Paramo products. However having used Paramo I find that the furtech is softer and feels lighter than a similar Paramo garment. The Claw2 is the warmest jacket I have ever owned, and after a minor glitch with the proofing of the jacket, which was sorted in a jiffy by Andy with no fuss whatsoever, I have found that I am dry and warm even in the foulest of Britisweather.

 

The jacket is a lovely fit on me, but some may find it a bit restrictive in a couple of areas. Firstly for people with larger stocky arms, the sleeves may be tighter than others, secondly I found that the jacket is snug across the back of the shoulders. I did not find this an issue as I have not had to wear a great deal under the jacket as it is so warm. Be warned this jacket is seriously warm. I usually feel cold even in numerous layers, but with just a merino base layer I managed to feel warm and cozy in minus 12 wind chill in the lake district recently.

 

The jacket has pocket space galore four in all, all easyily accessible, even with a harness and sack on, and all being fully lined not mesh lined. The front zipper is reversable, something that I don't particulally need as I find that they tend to start undoing from the bottom. It is supplemented by a two layer storm baffle which contains press studs to make sure that any water ingress via the zip runs off the jacket and not through it.

 

The hood is well fitting with a simple draw cord fitting to the rear so that there is no chanche of being slapped in the face in high winds, and is helmet compatible. On the front of the hood is a love it or hate it clear plastic visor the likes of which I have never seen on any other product. I have found that when the hood is properly fitted around the face, apart from moving with the head as a hood should, the visor has been an adavantage in snow and heavy rain as I could see where I was going easier than my companions. 

 

There is an elasticated draw cord that can be used to keep the jacket from riding up when climbing and for sealing it at the bottom in the worst weather, personally I find the jacket such a good design that I will never need it.

 

The jacket is the best design I've seen or purchased over the many many years I've been out there. It is quite frankly awesome, and rest assured that if you do have any problem no matter what Andy will show you just what customer satisfaction is all about.

 

My only suggestion for improvement is perhaps a slight more volume in the sleeves, and inch extra across the back of the shoulders, and maybe a fleecy chin guard as it would just make the chin area a tad more comfortable when the hood is cinched.

 

All in all a fantastic, well designed jacket that I wished I had known about years ago. Thanks Andy.

...forgot to say that the jacket had very long pit zips for venting which are long and easier to access than other products I have tried, and although I havn't tried it yet I have no doubt that I could get my arms out of the jacket completely without taking my rucksack off for further cooling.

 

lakesguidedwalks.co.uk FurTech Claw1

Just a quick thank you for the job on the jacket. I was at the MLTA conference last weekend and you may remember that the weather on Saturday was rather bad. I was out on the hill for a few hours and my top half was completely dry, which is more than I can say for the bottom half (roll on the new batch of Furtech trousers!). 

Regards
John

For www.lakesguidedwalks.co.uk please click here.

Scottish Hills Forum

Please follow this link for feedback on the Scottish Hills Forum.

Yvonne Wilding Claw2

 
Just returned from a fantastic weeks skiing in Morzine France, and wanted to congratulate you on the Furtech jacket. My 16 year old daughter used it for snowboarding and loved the lightness of it yet it was very warm and breathable. I now have a battle with her to get it back, as I only intended for her to try it for a day.... ho-hum ... So, key message is - it is great for snowboarding too....

FurTech Claw - Dan Whalley

... my jacket was great, climbed up some nice snow/ice in Crowden Clough on Sunday, taking my arms out was odd but really worked on cooling me down! Cheers Dan

FurTech Claw - Jasper

Hi Andy, just arrived: excellent! Love the fit, details and thought that has gone into this: the pit zips, massive collar and hood in particular are really well conceived. Keep up the good work/development! I just hope some filthy weather and the opportunity to exploit the jacket comes soon. Many thanks too for the excellent service (might hop onto a forum to sing your praises, as many have done before ...). best wishes, Jasper

FurTech Claw2 - Dan McDowell

Thanks for your Claw jacket. I have used it lots of times over winter and spring. It does seem remarkably waterproof considering there is no membrane. I skied on the back fields where I remained very confortable. This included lots of uphill walks carrying heavy skis. I would have worked up a sweat-out in a conventional gortex or Lowe Triple point with the pit zips open. [I expect at least another 5 years before I ski in the Pennines again.] I have used the jacket for walking in winter conditions in the dales and for cycling in cool damp condition when a waterproof (old karrimor event jacket) would be too much. It worked superbly. It got warmer as the evening wore on and it was a delight to open the side zips for the climbs. Taking the arm out of the sleeves 'gilet' mode realy does work, though it must look really odd on a pedal bike. I sometimes catch the rear hem cord loop on the nose of the saddle. This is the only issue I had with the jacket, otherwise it has been remarkable and exceeded expectations - most jackets have been a disappointment in the past.

FurTech in Greenland - Darren Davis

As part of the expedition I included the Furtech Claw jacket and trousers in my equipment list. I used both items regularly on the trip and were very happy with their performance. For the majority of the expedition the weather dealt us some bad cards including gale force winds, extreme temperatures and whiteouts. The trousers were used everyday apart from summit attempts where I did require expedition down trousers. I even slept in my furtech trousers during cold nights in my sleeping bag and felt so much warmer! On summit attempts I used the jacket with my down jacket on standby in my rucksack for break stops and summit climbs. I wore the EDZ merino wool baselayer top and bottom throughout journey. On the second summit attempt, I wore only the baselayer and the Furtech jacket. As we reached the top of the subsiderary ridge the weather became unbearable (as explained in the write up). I can honestly say that the jacket performed magnificent and thankfully protected me fully from the elements. I don't know exactly how cold it was up there but with the wind chill, the driven snow was instantly turning to ice on my colleagues faces. You've got to believe me the jacket was really a lifesaving piece of kit and would recommend it without a doubt if in repeated weather conditions.. I would like to thank you once again for your continued support and also your generous contribution towards Macmillan Cancer Support whilst on this pioneering expedition.

FurTech on Dartmoor - Liz Miall

Very pleased with my jacket, here it is in action on Dartmoor today: http://dartmoorcam.co.uk/CAM/previouswalks/2010-4-7_PewTor/pewtor.htm (i'm a guide).

I haven't come across any feedback from women yet but was encouraged to read that your wife wears one! I'm very pleased with mine and it looks like I've at last found a jacket which keeps my bum warm! Pit vents really work (unlike others I've tried) and yes, the map pockets do take a full sized laminated map. The visor, whilst being met with derision from my 4 children recieved a mixed reaction from my group of walkers but I don't care! It's been tested in wind, rain and hail and it works! I love the colour and the straightforward lack of faff. It's lighter than my Paramo, the only mod I've made is to colour code the cord that tightens the bum section so I can execute a speedy cinch when the wind gets up! Some comments about the front zips and requests from the men to warm their hands up - all duly ignored! Anyway, thanks for a great product. From reviews, I'm expecting some ingress of horizontal Dartmoor rain at some stage but anticipate this being 'magicked' away as I walk.

Best wishes and also thanks for the good cutomer service, Liz

Nick's FurTech Videos from Scotland

Thought you would like to see a couple of my video clips on you tube. I think this would be a great way of advertising your gear, and show how and what you have to offer.

 

I have used this jacket and trousers for my Scottish winter days and nights and out on the hills, and find it very good for the weather we get up in the Scottish mountains.

 

I like a challenge and like to go out when the weather is at its worst, and find where my limits are and when I have used the Furtech J&T it has been up to the job, and more. I would like to see more products brought out in the near future.

 

The only thing that I had to do, to the jacket was extend the G string as it was a bit tight, which was not a problem to do. This has been well used and abused, and is still like new.

 

Anyway, all I would like to say is Its  great for the Scottish weather conditions.

 

I`ve put a couple of You Tube clips below of the better days I`ve had on the hill.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNydQe3KTXM

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuU9YE1Qn28

Derek Graham - FurTech Claw 2

Just thought I’d drop you line after being up Ben Nevis yesterday. The jacket is a revelation! It has completely outdone my expectations and they were quite high!

Our route took us from shade to sunshine quite often and the swing in temperature was huge. My climbing buddy had to stop every time to take his hardshell jacket off and on again whereas popping my arms out of the pit zips worked a treat!

The breathability is superb, the higher pockets are actually perfect for me as well and the fit is great, even with a pack on.

The most impressive thing was after a rather large bum slide down the mountain. What started out as a nice slow pace soon turned into a massive high speed if slightly out of control slide (great fun) though I had forgotten to zip up the jacket and the pockets and my arms were out. When I eventually came to a stop after using my arms and legs to stop me I resembled a yeti! Covered in powder snow and snow now in every pocket as I had these open as well. My wool base layer was covered in snow and I was now a tad cold and wet. However brushing the worst of the snow off and out the pockets and putting the jacket on again and after about 40 mins or so my base layer was bone dry and so was the jacket! Unbelievable!

Can’t recommend it highly enough and I wish I’d found your clothing a couple of years ago!

Thanks again,

Derek

Ian Lawrence - FurTech

I promised you some feedback on the kit. The following is based on a week of snowshoeing in the Dolomites, with lots of snow, some still falling. Temperature from -12 -> ?+2 deg c.

I spent all week in the trousers and top, with a think thermal layer under the top, and underwear under the bottoms.

Snow, even with the snowshoes on, was from pisted, to ankle deep, to mid-chest deep. Weather from clear / sunny to light-steady snow (wet and dry). Winds light.

The temperature control was excellent, even on hard climbs breaking trail. Missing the  (underlying  and covered) trail and filling the trousers up with snow  via the side vents was only a temporary issue as they dried / pumped so well. In short I reckon they are pretty much perfect winter walking trousers, apart from the sizing (I could do with another 1/2" between crotch and waistband. My wife thinks they are very well cut. They actually don't feel or look like overtrousers - which is high praise, I think. I have also used them in very wet / windy UK conditions, where they have never let me down

BushcraftUK User Review

Please follow this link for a review on the BushcraftUK forum.

FurTech Trousers - Chris Gould

Hi
Went up Foel Fras last night starting from Llanfairfechan - conditions at the top were about minus 5 with a very strong wind.
The trousers were excellent - had no long johns on underneath and my legs stayed warm and dry. Amazingly, when I sat down in the snow, my bum stayed warm and dry! I really don't know how the trousers can insulate this well.
However, it was very icy and I put crampons on just below Drum, and I've now got a crampon rip in the bottom of the left leg! Do you do a repair service, the rip is about an inch long, outer layer only.
Ever thought of putting kevlar patches on the inside bottoms of the legs to crampon proof them, like on the Millet Summiter Pant?
Best Regards
Chris Gould

FurTech Trousers in Norway - Christian George

Dear all at Furtech

A few months back I started using a pair of your trousers here in the Lillehammer area of Norway.
Conditions have been mixed, ranging from plus 10c and rain to so far minus 12c and high wind.
They have been used for activities ranging from easy sledging with a three year old (good test for any clothing)to extended ski touring at over 1000m altitude.
From all this use I can only say that I havent noticed them!
 They have performed so well that apart from putting them on I havent had reason to think more about them. I have slid down wet snow on a sledge, crossed mountains on ski and stood around drinking tea in a snow drift at minus 12 ish. In all cases they have performed astonishingly, No moisture of any sort from sweat to my sons spilt cocoa have I noticed on my legs at any point in time.
I use thin merino wool base layers exclusivly under Furtech trousers and Rabs vapourise tops, and all I carry is a DAS park and 2 blizzard bags for prelonged stops.
Down to minus 20 I see no reason to carry puffy type trousers which has let me basicly not notice my legs as they are now sorted!

Thankyou for a great performing product.

Regards

Christian George

FurTech Claw 2 - James Tolan

Hi, Andy, just a few lines of review re the above jacket which I recently purchased from you.  This was my first trip using the jacket which was the 14th / 15th November (Saturday & Sunday ).  

I used the Claw 2 with a Montane Bionic long sleeved top and Marmot Softshell pants for a trip from Shap in the lakes, around the shore of Hawswater Reservoir, over Gatescarth Pass and then over Wetsleddale to Mosedale Cottage Bothy.  The weather to say the least was very wet and cold.  We departed Shap at 10.15 am and from then until 7.30 / 8.00 pm I can honestly say it did not stop raining at all. It was also very windy in places particularly over Gatescarth Pass. When the sun went down the temp dropped a few degrees but I felt warm and well protected. There was some ingress of rain down the front of the neck of the jacket as I was wearing a hat and not using the jackets hood. When we arrived at Mosedale and got inside, by the time I had boiled some water for a brew and started my boil in the bag meal off on the stove,  the base layer I had worn all day was bone dry. I am very please with the jacket and would recommend it to anyone.  

Best regards

James

FurTech Claw1 - James Evans

Hi Andy,
Thought i'd do a quick write up about the claw1 i bought from you.
After initial reservations about the fit i now think the claw has the best arm articulation and volume of any jacket i have used.  The reduced fatigue is especially noticeable when climbing 60 deg ice for 3-400 metres as on my last trip.  The thickness of material allows you to wear a much thinner base layer, and primarily just for wicking purposes.  The hood is brilliant and the clear visor makes ice belays a happy place as you can see your partner but no ice in the eyes. 
I have found i use the claw as a cold/ uber foul weather one piece item.  In warmer conditions a windproof is more appropriate.  On my recent alpine trip which included the Forbes arete on Aig Chardonet i tended to carry it as my spare layer along with a light primaloft gilet.  This was down to the low wind, good weather and the routes we did were all quite speedy.  On more technical, slower ground, such as scottish IV and up, and in bad weather i would expect this jacket to come into its own.

My only request is please make a redesigned Talon!  Scrap the handwarmer pockets and one of the chest pockets from the Claw1.  Redesign the waist section to be much trimmer for climber/biker shaped people and maybe some more colours? Orange and black?  i use my claw as part of my 'action suit' for winter climbing.  This means it stays on with a harness over the top.  At belays i stick a water resistant synth jacket over the top, which will have handwarmers (and a flask in the inside pocket).  Hence the pockets on the claw become redundant.  In the past i have ransacked a Paramo vasco by cutting out all the pockets but the insider and tailoring the fit by removing a triangle of material from the lower back.  The effect was marked, the weight was nearly halved at least, especially when wet, and the sail effect of baggy clothing in wind was removed aiding progress enormously especially when biking. 

Keep up the excellent products, lets have something even more technical!
Please feel free to use this on your site and the photo included.

Regards

James Evans

FurTech Claw 2 - Paul Bradbeer

Hi Andy,

My Claw2 arrived yesterday, thanks for the speedy service.  I hope to get out and use it in some wild weather soon but my initial reaction is that I’m very very pleased with it.   I know you’re keen to acquire and use customer feedback, so I hope you find the following useful (though I dare say, nothing that hasn’t already been noted):

Fit is excellent: I was expecting a slim ‘climbing’ cut, and that’s what I got.  Was a little worried about the longer length of the Claw2 (cos I liked the Claw1 length J ) but that seems fine too.

Hood is excellent: Just the one adjustment is better, face coverage is better, coverage over climbing helmet is excellent…by the way, I found that the best way is to get the hood over the front lip of the helmet and then tighten it up..maybe get a photo of this and other ‘usage’ tips on the website?

Storm flaps are excellent: and the poppers all the way up allow the jacket to be unzipped and venting yet closed to wind driven mizzle/sleet.

Pockets are fine: Gotta say I saw nothing wrong with access to the lower pockets on the Claw1 (even with a rucksack or harness on).  I think the new configuration clutters up fabric in the chest area a little bit…but I’m not going to let it bother me…it’s a pretty minor point.  I love the thought that’s gone in to the little strips of fabric behind the pocket zips…nice.

Hem drawcords/Snowseal..:  Hmm, used the ‘between the legs’ snowseal quite extensively on the Claw1 and loved it..the Claw2 implementation seems a bit more awkward (and a shade too tight)…but the hem drawcords are neater now so on balance it comes out as a positive.

Fabrics: Excellent, so glad you’re using heavier weight liner than Paramo…please resist any calls to use a lighter lining! J

Clear visor: Again, I think it’s good and certainly innovative but if there had been an option I may have chosen a more conventional wired peak.  I just hope it doesn’t put people off buying it (my climbing partners and other people in the Mountaineering Club are surprisingly ‘conservative’ sometimes,and I guess that is reflected up and down the country).  Ditching their Goretex and Event is a big enough step for some…but chuck in a clear visor and your probably only getting the most open-minded to ‘convert’.  Still Andy, I think you’re a genius, good on you for bringing in some innovation J.

Cuff closures are excellent: much simpler and neater that the Claw1.

Colours are just right: I think the limited range of classic uncomplicated colours such as Blue, Red and Black is a smart move, and my jacket looks the biz!  Though I don’t think you’re doing yourself any favours with the photo of the black jacket on the web shop page – it just doesn’t do the jacket justice, and although there are some quite decent ‘studio’ photos of the Claw1, there aren’t so many (any?) for the Claw2 which is a shame cos there are some significant improvements.

Anyway Andy, thanks again for your excellent service and personal attention.  I think you’ve done an excellent job with the Claw2 – it won’t suit everyone, but for people who love the Paramo ideology but hate the fit and unecessary items, it’s a godsend.

Best Regards

Paul Bradbeer

FurTech Claw2 - Trail Magazine

The FurTech Claw2 was a "Winter Jacket Finalist" in Trail Magazine's 2009 review. They said

"... condensation control tends to be good in this and you also get side venting for warmer weather. Te hood's fit and movement are superb, and it benefits from a clear visor that provides extra protection to the face without obscuring the view. Movement in the sleeves is good for climbing. This is an excelllent and unique solution to staying warm, dry and comfortable in the winter hills."

FurTech Trousers - Andy Hodges

Having used these trousers in a range of conditions I now find them pushing their way to the front of my gear cupboard as soon as it gets colder and wetter. That's most of the time on Dartmoor duirng typical rescue weather!
They (along with the jacket) have made my winter sack far lighter as I don't carry any separate waterproofs, they fulfil the job admirably as a warm layer and a waterproof layer. This means I can carry less kit, typically a thin fleece which when worn under the jacket equates to two thin-med fleeces and a Goretex shell. They are great ski touring trousers too as they are warm enough, have good venting and shed snow admirably.
Furtech's repair service is great - reasonably priced, quick turn around and waterproofing is not compromised. Essential when you tear the arse out of a pair sliding down snow!

Improvements? better pocket provision on trousers and tougher fabric on inner ankles and bum would tech them up. Arms are on the narrow side for the jacket. (Jury still out on Napolean pockets but they are debatable in mags all the time!)

Best wishes and thanks
Andy Hodges

FurTech Claw - Simon

Just to let you know that I have finally managed to put my jacket to a test.  I went out this last weekend and walked 40 miles across the Black Mountains starting in Pontypool to Crickhowell along what is called the Cumbrian Way.

During the Saturday I had what is commonly called wet rain, that's the kind that is a fine drizzle then its blown at you from one side this was then followed by nice sun to only be followed by a heavy downpour then dry strong wind.

Oh what a test.

Anyway, it kept me dry and comfortable.

Simon

 

There's more on Simon's blog, here.

FurTech Claw 2 - Bill Fryer

Just wanted to say how great the Furtech performed on my ascent of Mt Blanc earlier this year.

I did the climb in July and at 3300m it was pretty warm in the sun. At 4808 it was quite a bit colder, especially with windchill. I found the Furtech performed excellently. I was able to close it all down when it was cold and open it all up when it was warmer. Extremely adaptable. I wore a double base layer of t-shirt and LS t-shirt and did not even need a duvet jacket on the top.

I totally recommend it as about the most adaptable mountain soft and hard shell you can get.

Bill

FurTech Review From The PTC Blog

Please click hereto whisked away to PTC's blog where he writes a detailed review of the Claw2 and FurTech Trousers.

Feedback from Finland

Although Janne has been wet in his Claw2 he wrote "I really enjoy the soft breathable fabrics most of the time. The jacket feels comfortable as all day wear and can still cope with normal snow and rain. The best part is that you can pull it on over a wet layer and you don't have to care so much if some water and snow is getting inside the jacket. Keeps you more in touch with nature somehow.

"The windproofing on the jacket is good and better than on the Paramos i've tried, possibly because of the thicker lining. Not as windproof as membrane though. I like being able to open the zipper and still keep it shut with the poppers. Also really like the arms out pit zips!"

Janne Brunberg is a member of a wilderness guide training programme.

Very Wet Weather

 

After over a year of using my Talon in various weather conditions I do appear to have found its limit. After 3 hours of walking up the Ogwen valley last Friday in the sort of rain that requires you to walk with your head down to avoid actual physical pain to your face, I arrived at my destination with a wet baselayer and feeling rather cold and sorry for myself. I cannot honestly say I was surprised that the jacket had been overwhelmed in such conditions - my walking companion's eVent jacket had fared no better in the same conditions, my goretex socks had long since turned into water balloons, and even an exped drybag, which I had left open to the elements in a mesh pocket, had a considerable amount of condensation on the inside. I do realise that all waterproof clothing can be overwhelmed, nevertheless, it would ease my pain somewhat and satisfy the geek in me to know exactly what fails in those circumstances. Am I getting wet from condensation? (neither me or my colleague were generating much in the way of sweat, but then neither was the camera in the wet exped drybag), or is the rain actually getting in (down the collar? through the zip? or just insidiously through the material which is unable to dry off in such a bombardment?) I should also point out that there was not much beading going on on the jacket's surface, and a techwash would probably not have gone amiss (the same was also true of my colleague's eVent jacket). My experience suggests that a DWR coating provides minimal resistance in such conditions, but maybe it would have made a small but crucial difference? Your expert opinion would be much appreciated,

Yours, Tim Maple

Hi Tim Thanks for your email. Do you mind if I add it to the site? There are broadly three things that effect performance, which you quite rightly identified: wear and tear, rain impact and condensation. The effectiveness of the DWR is also dependent on the weave of the fabric and the type of yarn used. Waterproofness is usually measured in terms of hydrostatic head, which is a crude and often false measure, as the garments need to absorb the impacts of rain drops not constant pressure. Breathability tends to reduce with similar garments that are more waterproof, but it seems likely that in the sorts of conditions you describe the air will be completely saturated and there will be no opportunity for evaporation. When water is trapped within a conventional waterproof breathable layer it must convert to vapour to pass through. The outer fabric in our garments will saturate, switching from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, drawing liquid water from the inside where it can be evaporated by the wind, even in cold and damp conitions. So drying can be quicker. Interestingly, the air captured in the dry bag or sack, may become chilled by rain on the outside of the fabric and reach its dew point conditions, depositing condensation on the fabric. I find that my waterproof socks get condensation in them whenever the outer gets wet. However, it sounds like yours may have filled up with rain water. It's almost inevitable that we get wet in some conditions, although we are working to improve our system. I think the key thing is keeping warm, which is why I like having emergency insulation in the form of the ShellTA, Blizzard Kit and/or a Belay Jacket. I hope this answers your question and please let me know if you have more insight into what was going on.

Best regards, Andy.

Hi Andy, Thanks for the reply. You are more than welcome to use my comments on the site. I was originally drawn to your site by the combination of your expert knowledge on a subject that had always baffled me, and your honest evaluation of both your own products and those of other people. That you are happy to include both positive comments and those like mine that could be construed as negative (although, of course, that wasn't my intention) is testament to both your professional integrity and a genuine interest in your specialist subject. Interestingly, the inside of the Furtech jacket was relatively unscathed by the wet conditions - ranging from pretty clammy at the front to almost completely dry in other areas (amazingly the hood was one of these areas, to my memory). Certainly my baselayer was considerably damper than the inside of the jacket. (Not convinced slow-drying merino wool is actually the best choice of material in these circumstances). Thanks again for giving me the benefit of your experience and expertise.

Yours, Tim Maple

FurTech - Mark Banks

Thanks for swift postage. Fit and finish superb. Tried jacket in 10 mile walk in pouring rain, better than goretex and event jackets that I used to own. Many thanks Andy. Kind regards Mark.

FurTech Claw1 - Neil

 

Thanks for getting my jacket repaired. I'm definitely glad to get it back.

You asked some time ago about how I've found the performance. Generally very good with a few minor downsides.

 I was hillwalking recently using my old jacket a montane event shell. (this jacket has had relatively little use and is in good condition) Conditions were very severe a mix of horizontal rain and sleet similar to a day in october when I was wearing my furtech jacket. The difference in comfort levels between the two days was marked. While on both days I got wet while wearing the furtech jacket I stayed warm and comfortable throughout as it was shifting moisture outwards. When the rain stopped I then started to dry out. On the more recent day when the rain/sleet stopped the surface of my jacket dried out but moisture was left in my insulation layers leaving me slightly chilled and uncomfortable. With furtech you look wetter as the surface of the jacket is damp but you are dry where it counts on your inner layers.

 I've previously worn paramo salopettes for a long time so it was no surprise that a similar fabric also manages moisture very well. But I've never bought a Paramo jacket as I tend to run quite hot and have always been worried that Paramo would be too warm. However I was pleasantly surprised that I've not been too warm while wearing Furtech. I tend to use the underarm zips which work very well. Generally I've never found underarm venting to work well on jackets but with furtech it seems to really work probably as there are no stormflaps. I especially like the way the zips extend quite far down on your torso as this gives some core venting. (Montane use zips here on their superfly jacket that only vent the torso and it is very effective - perhaps you could even extend the underarm zips slightly to increase this effect?) Furtech does seem to manage to be comfortable through a broad temperature range. I frequently find while hillwalking you can wear it all day only needing to add hat and gloves as required.

The clear visor I was sceptical of when I first got the jacket but it makes a huge difference having a bit more daylight makes you feel less enclosed. (Lots of people have commented on it whether that is a good thing or not for helping to sell jackets I'm not sure. I hope its not one of those features that ends up being too innovative) The hood has a good fit and moves well with your head even works fine when wearing a helmet. But unfortunately the hood lacks a bit of coverage around your cheeks - in a side wind it just isn't really blizzard proof. I also find the toggles hard to adjust at times though they are in a good position to keep the cords away from your face. I've found the roll up collar handy when ice climbing to keep ice chips from going down your neck.

The cuffs in my opinion don't really work well. In a jacket that has an elegant simplicity about it I find the cuffs  awkward to adjust so that they sit neatly when fastened. It would also be good to have some system of stowing the hem drawcord as I have found it can get in the way of your belay plate etc when climbing.

Good Points.
Moisture management
temperature range
Underarm vents
Hood - visor and fit
Collar with hood rolled down

Bad points
Hood - lack of coverage
Cuffs
Hem drawcords

Overall the jacket is excellent the good points far exceeding the few minor inconveniences.

Neil

The Claw2 improves upon the criticisms that Neil mentions.

FurTech in Telemark, telemark in FurTech

I've now more or less been living in the trouser since Christmas.
As a base layer I've been using a medium weight merino long john.
Temp range: From 5 degrees above freezing to -25 degrees C.
From calm weather to winds so hard it was difficult to move.
 
Activities include walking the dog in loose thigh deep snow, cross country skiing in the mountains to powder skiing and ski-mountaineering.
 
I really like them. Keeps me comfortable, warm and dry. Which for me is rare.
If I get sweaty and a bit wet it's in the small of the back. And that only happens if the temp is close to zero C.
The fabric seems to be tough. I can see some wear on the knees. I use some kneepads while telemarking so that could be hard on the fabric.
 
Using the trouser from you but a jacket, softshell from another brand. I do have problems with the jacket in winter. There's not room enough for a woolnet shirt and a thin microfleece in the arms and shoulder area. I need that combo for staying warm in the winter temps.
 
While inactive in -25 degrees temps I put on a synthetic belay pant. A thicker base layer may do the trick but could be too warm while moving. We haven't had it any colder so far this winter so how the trouser performs in really cold weather I really don't know. On the other hand, being out in -20 C temps and hard wind could be like -40.... So the stuff performs!
 
Sometimes it could be nice with a higher waisted bib. But as an allround, do-anything pant they do what they should do, they work.
 
Today it's -14, a warm(!) day after several days with temps down to - 25. So It's sunny and calm. Me and my dog will get out and do some skiing, with the trousers on!

Anders Bentsen, Telemark, Norway

Download Anders B i Skrea 2

...Just came back from a short ski-trip, about 2 hours: wet sleet, 0 degrees and: Dry pants! At least on the inside. I AM impressed!

FurTech Trousers - Chris Gould

Hi Andy

I tried out the trousers for the first time last night, went up Snowdon.

First impressions are that they are EXCELLENT - a modern classic.

I didn't wear any long johns underneath but my legs were nice and warm throughout, and they seem to shed water/snow very well.

I really like the press studs at the ankles, make crampon snagging much less likely, also would be good when biking.

During the boring walk down I tried really hard to think of anything that was wrong with them, I could only come up with a couple of very minor points which I thought I would share with you in case they are of interest.

1, could be cut slightly higher at the back, they tend to expose a cool spot at the base of the spine

2 maybe a central belt loop at the back would also help

3 and also a strip of "sticky" material at the rear of the waist band to grip the tee shirt better, since the (excellent) expanding waistband is made of a smooth material.

 

So, 99 out of 100, I'll be ordering another pair next month.

 

Best Regards

 

Chris Gould.

FurTech Claw2 and Trousers - Nick Finnigan

Glencoe December 2008

Second review on the Claw 2 Jacket and Trousers.

Glencoe, December 21^st 2008  Beinn a` Bheithir (Sgorr Dhearg) & (Sgorr Dhonuill)

Good old Scottish day on the hill, WET & WINDY, what a great day to test my Jacket and Trousers. I think I was the only person on the hill that day, never seen anyone apart from the sheep, and even they were taken shelter!

Round trip took six hours including breaks, which about four hours was heavy rain and winds of 50 mph at the summits, with mist.

I wore a base layer and jacket, and trousers with pants for the trip, and never changed or took anything off. As far as the waterproofing goes, it does the trick. I sweat a lot and found that it draws the sweat away a lot better than any other materials that I have ever had before.

What I like more about this product, more than anything else that I`ve used, is you put it on at the start of the day and keep it on, without taking things off and putting things on. All you really need to do is open and close the vents when you get to hot or cold. It seems to work with your body heat very well, and as far as wind and rain that’s not a problem, it won’t get in.

You can put this jacket or trousers on when wet and don’t get cold, due to the warm inner, not like a cold GORE-TEX.

The hood stood up to more than I expected, summit wind was nearly 50 mph and the hood was fine. I sometimes fold back the clear visor when it’s not windy and raining, but just cold. I use to take two hats at all time, one as a spare, and one to wear, but only take one now, because the jacket hood is lined and nice and warm, not like GORE-TEX jacket that would be cold without wearing a hat.

Things I would maybe change?

G String on jacket would be good if it was adjustable maybe, don’t know if it was my Y fronts that were causing me a bit of an irritant, or the G Strap?

The other option would be it put clips or straps on the inside of the jacket at the hips then clip or strap on the trousers at the hips, that means there would be no reason for chaffing. Only problem is if you don’t buy the trousers to mach, you’ve  had it! Maybe all the more reason to do something like that.

Sorry, GORE-TEX, NO MORE!!!

Tried to take some pics, but the day was very miserable. I have attached a couple!

Andy, do you make custom made jackets? I would love more room under the arms and back, everywhere else is fine.

Here are some of my climbing pics. http://www.flickr.com/photos/nfinnigan/sets/72157604013600497

I will write a third review after I have used and abused the products after a few more months. In this I think I will put a You Tube clip on describing all the products I have used, and compare it.

Cheers

Nick Finnigan

FurTech Claw2 and Trousers - Ondrej Sabol

 

The Claw 2 and trousers arrived today. The trousers look great, long M fits me very well. I tried them on a short walk (no rain, no wind :((( ). It´s now 3°C here, a sunny day. They are very very comfortable. I also tried the venting zips and they really work. Overall they look great as the autumn/winter trousers I was waiting for.

The Claw 2 is fantastic. The torso is made from one layer of Furtech liner now, isn´t it? I think it´s a step forward. Sleeves and cuffs are much better in my opinion. I don´t like cuffs on Claw 1 too much. But cuffs on Claw 2 are a great improvement, I think. Hood - the best I´ve ever seen and tried on outdoor technical jacket. Hoods on hardshell jackets simply can´t compete with Furtech´s hood! Longer cut is great improvement too. And I also like your new logo more than the previous one. This is just a second generation of the Claw but you made so many improvements that I think it will be difficult to make the Claw even better in future. My father will love it. I will be trying to sell my Claw 1 and then I will buy the Claw 2 too :)))

FurTech - Nick Finnigan

FurTech in WINTER

This is my impressions of the Claw 2 Jacket and trousers.

Ordered a large size, which I would normally fit into a medium or large size, but found that under the arms were a bit snug and across the back sholders. Its fine if I open the under arm zip used for venting. I ordered the next size up, XL but was too baggy for my likening, but was just right under the arms. I stuck with the large size and tested it out.

Glen Etive, Stob Ghabhar & Stob a Choire Odhair 06/12/08 @  -7 without any wind chill. Base layer only, under the jacket and nothing under my trousers, except my Ys.

Seven hours later I never had to take the jacket off or change my base layer due to being normally cold and wet. I opened and closed vent zips and took arms out of the sleeves when was over heating. Hood used when needed and didn’t find use for my hat due hood being warm. 

Likes.

Very breathable and warm, with good vents when things get hot.

Warm hood with clear visor which I thought looked naff when I got the Jacket, but I wouldn’t change it now!

G String to secure the jacket down pass your waist, and stops trousers falling down.

Good size pockets for maps, gps, Ect

You can open vent zips, but keep the buttons closed inside to allow more venting.

Light and compact.

Waterproof under the tap, but not tested under Scottish rain yet? I’m sure this won’t take long to test out.

Things I would change.

 JACKET

More room under the arms and the back. (I maybe abnormal?)

Put hole on the sleeves for thumb to go through, instead of putting Velcro strap under thumb to secure jacket arms down.

Inside pockets, make with thin material so jacket is not so bulky at the front.

TROUSERS

Thicker/wider belt loops.

Winter Magic

A review of the FurTech Trousers  is available on Outdoors Magic.

FurTech Claw1 - Phil Shackleton

I only managed to get out in some proper wet weather a few weekends ago and it truly was wet. We went up to Sykeside campsite near Hart Crag, not too far from Fairfield, in the Lakes for a weekend of walking. The Friday night and Saturday saw 70 mph winds on the tops and continual driving rain.

Saturday morning we set off from the campsite for Hart Crag. I had the Furtec jacket over a lightweight base layer, and Mountain Equipment XCR over-trousers over Ron Hill Tracksters. On the ascent I recall feeling pretty wet, especially my back where my rucsac was in contact. At the time I couldn't tell if it was perspiration or ingress of rain - my brow is normally drenched at the first sight of hard work, so it was probably the former.
After the initial enthusiastic pace lessened and we'd stopped for a brew and some lunch I recall feeling quite comfortable and by the time we'd reached the summit I definitely felt dry (at least my top half did) The 70 mph winds were helping the Furtech jacket do its thing despite the driving rain.
When we returned to the campsite and the shelter of the shower block I found that my base layer was indeed bone dry, while my Tracksters were positively damp. The rain had not eased off at all on the descent. I've never been wet in a jacket before to later feel dry. The remarkable thing about the Furtech jacket isn't the way it keeps you dry, it's the way it gets you dry.

The Sunday saw a huge contrast in the weather. Cloudless skies gave a temperature of around 8 degrees, but an icy wind dropped that to -3 when exposed. The route that day took a good horseshoe route round the tops and as the route took us in and out of the wind we were continually experiencing both extremes of temperature. The versatility with the large under arm zips is fantastic, my arms were bobbing in and out of the sleaves all the time. The changes were so often that it would have been stupid to be continually donning and doffing layers to maintain comfort and you'd have to opt to be either too cold or too hot at times and live with the resulting discomfort. The ample under arm zips meant I could remain more comfortable for longer.

I've also managed to get out on the crags at Dovestones with the jacket. Again I was pretty impressed. November doesn't tend to offer the best climbing weather, and this trip was no exception. The wind-chill was incredible, but other than some occasional light mizzle it stayed mostly dry. With a light and mid base layer on under the claw jacket I was comfortable on the belays, and on the climbs. The close cut and soft fabric of the jacket meant I could wear my harness over the jacket without it billowing out hindering access to the belay device and gear when climbing. It didn't tend to ride up out of the harness waste strap either - without the crotch strap.
Due to the greasy rock we stuck to the easier grades which lead us into some thruchy chimneys. I was a bit reluctant to start slithering up in between the coarse gritstone for fear of damaging my still quite shiny jacket. However I need not have worried so much. Despite seriously chaffing some gear hanging on my harness the jacket escaped unscathed - I have only managed to spot one very small pull which is certainly nothing I'm going to worry about.
On a downside I did have trouble keeping the hood up over my helmet when facing into the wind. The helmet is one of the old Edelrid ones, not exactly compact... But I gave up in the end and just left it down.

...I meant to add that overall I'm very impressed with your jacket, and I think you've done a great job!

Phil is a member of Glossop Mountain Rescue Team. (The Claw2 has an improved hood which should address his last comment.)

 
Photo taken in the Pyrenees, looking towards Canigou (2785m)

FurTech - Drew Holmes

Thanks for that. The jacket arrived on Tuesday and
its a great fit. I've been wearing it for my 30min
walk to work instead of a shell and fleece and its
been grand, its been cold but not that wet - yet.
It feels like an upgraded version of my buffalo
mountain shirt as it has a similar feel and
pit zips for ventilation but the bonus of a
decent hood and hopefully a lot more waterproof
in heavy rain. One of the more regular hill walkers
in the office was comparing it with his paramo
cascada and he reckoned it was lighter, less
baggy and the hood toggles weren't at the
front to hit you in the face when its windy.

Thanks
       Andrew

FurTech - Matthew Smith query

"Hi Andy,

Am I imagining things, or did you used to sell Trousers too? I love my jacket so much I want to get the trousers, but they’re not on your site anymore?

Thanks a lot,

Matthew Smith"

3/10/08

We are expecting the shipment of the trousers very soon and I'll be updating the site with the details.

Thanks for your patience, Andy Davison.

FurTech - Joe Newson

Here are my thoughts on the Claw jacket, one year on, and a photo of it in action.

I bought this jacket about a year ago and, although I haven't used it over the summer, it has been worn in a variety of conditions through the rest of the year.  As someone who breaks into a sweat climbing a stile, I was interested to see if it was a viable alternative to a normal hard shell for the wet and windy west Highlands.

In the freezing cold - keeps me toasty warm, and I've only ever worn a regular base layer underneath.  The fabric feels warm as well, in contrast to shell jackets.  I definitely couldn't wear any more than a base layer underneath.

In heavy rain - I can see where it's getting wet as the fabric gets darker, but nothing has ever come through.  The other jacket I wear is a Rab Vapour Rise, and heavy rain can get through that pretty rapidly - not with the Claw jacket so far (and living in Glencoe it gets rained on a lot) - so I would say that it's significantly more waterproof than a 'normal' softshell. When I wear the baby carrier I haven't noticed any water come through where the straps are pressing down either.

On warmer days - still excellent.  However hard I am working I have stayed dry and comfortable (ie. not feeling damp, or clammy, or too hot).  On bright dry days this can means having the pit zips open all day, but that's what they're for.  I'm not sure how much difference this actually makes to my temperature, but I'm bothered about feeling comfortable not what temperature I actually am, and it's easy to get comfortable in this jacket.

Other things - the hood is great.  I can get it lovely and snug around my head, it moves very well, and the clear visor is the work of genius.  And for someone built for comfort it's nice to find a jacket that can zip right up without strangling me.  I like the flared cuffs too - I can get my hands right up inside them when it's cold, so less occasions when I stop to get gloves out.  All the pockets take a map.

Downsides - the arms are too tight around the shoulders, for me anyway.  That said, I'm not skinny, so it wouldn't be a problem for everyone.  And once I've set off I'm not aware of it so it can't be that bad.  Never used the under crotch strap thing, or the fancy thumb loop way either.  The velcro cuff tighteners seem a little flimsy compared to the rest of the jacket, but no problems with them.

It's a fantastic jacket, and even in the crappiest weather it's a pleasure being outside in it.

Regards

Joe

FurTech - Tommy Martin

"PS my furtech jacket is holding up brilliantly and is just fantastic 
in the horrible humid rainy summer that we're having." 5/09/08

See Tommy's outdoor photos here.

FurTech - Matthew Smith

Andy,

I just wanted to say thank you for a first class product and what must have been immediate dispatch! I bought my girlfriend a jacket a month or so ago and have been periodically borrowing it when she wasn’t looking J I’ve just got my own and couldn’t be happier! It will replace My Gore-Tex hardshell, e-vent cycling jacket on the daily commute and my softshell too!

I think I’ve managed to persuade someone else to buy one, so if you get an order from a lady called Tina Bennett it was on my recommendation – she was going to by my old North Face hardshell but I told her to buy furtech instead! I will also be buying my sister one too, as she’s an outdoor pusrsuits instructor and could use one!

Keep up the good work and I will continue to spread the word on what a great product you have J

Thanks again,

Matthew Smith

FurTech on Mont Blanc

This summer(08) Mark Southee climbed the Goutier Route on Mont Blanc in snowy conditions. He used his FurTech jacket and added a synthetic insulated top for the cold and windy summit. You can see his pictures here. There are some great shots of the grand couloir, ascent to the Goutier Hut and the Bossons ridge. Also, a nice picture of the Aig. de Bionnassay.

FurTech in the Summer

Hi Andy,

I am attaching a photo, which I promised you to accompany my review of the talon jacket, which I bought from you last November. As I am not a winter walker I haven't been able to take it on to the hills until this May, hence the delay. I have, however, used it extensively during the winter on my regular 25-mile cycle commute, and I have found its ability to keep me dry in all conditions really remarkable.

It was therefore with a sense of perverse disappointment that it hardly rained at all on my recent trip to Glencoe. Darn those crystal clear blue skies and shimmering sunsets! It was, however, a good opportunity to test out the Talon’s temperature-control credentials. The main reviews of the jacket seem to have labelled it as a winter jacket. They have completely ignored one of the jacket’s major design features, which is the ability to put the arms through the rain vents, effectively turning the jacket into a gillet. I used this feature extensively and it enabled me to keep the jacket on throughout warm days, while others in my group had to stop to add or remove layers.

The other thing I love about this kind of jacket is the fact that I can allow myself to get a little wet (let’s be honest, a bit of rain on the head on a warm day can be pleasurable) safe in the knowledge that the jacket will actually dry me off and stop me getting cold when I stop, rather than trapping the moisture under the garment, as a membrane would.

On the one day I decided it was too warm to wear the jacket I packed it instead, and while it is a little bulky compared to a membrane jacket, it actually saved me space and weight in the pack because it was the only garment I needed to carry – no need for additional insulation or waterproofing.

In summary, I would contest the opinion of anyone who regards this jacket as suitable for winter use only. It is simply the most versatile garment I own and keeps me dry and comfortable in British conditions. When it is hot and dry and no outer garment is required it is less heavy and bulky to pack than the combination of garments you would need to replace it.

All the best, Tim Maple

(bold emphasis added)

Tatras Tests

"When the Claw arrived I was really surprised by how soft the material was. I was surprised by its weight too. I expected a bit heavier jacket. The fit of the jacket is very good for me. When I tried the Claw a thought it could not be waterproof. So I decided to test it in very heavy summer rain. One of my softshells with NoWind membrane can cope with such a strong rain for about 2-3 minutes. After 5 minutes I am totaly wet in this softshell and then it is very uncomfortable to wear and dries very long time. In same conditions the Claw has no problems after 30 minutes of heavy rain. This is more than enough for me because such heavy rain we have max. 5-6 times a year and its duration is not more than one hour. Light and medium rain is absolutely no problem for Furtech jackets.
"The Claw also offers excellent wind protection for me. I think it is not totaly windproof but I can say it is highly wind resistant. My test of wind resistace was very crazy. I was travelling by train and I decided to test the Claw there. I leaned out my upper body from from the window for approximately 5 minutes. Speed of train was 110-120 km/h, air temperature 4-5 degrees of Celsius + light rain. The result - I felt only a slight chilling on the sleeves outer PES layer was wet but no water inside. Another great surprise for me :) Someone say that softshells are suitable for 80 percent of weather conditions. The Furtech jackets are in my opinion suitable for at least 95 percent of weather conditions. Maybe more :)
"The hood design is the best I have ever seen on jackets. Hood is softer than on hardshell jackets, jacket is much more quiet during walking than any hardshell I have. One of the best things on the hood is a transparent peak which I really like. Soft, very flexible and warm hood is great for winter use but not as good in summer. In summer it is a bit warm for me. But on the other hand it is very breathable. Breathability is one of things  I really love on this jacket. More breathable than for example my Montane Quickfire eVent jacket which is also great jacket but now I prefer Claw for hiking (it is more comfortable for me) and Quickfire for mountain biking or trail running in rain. Well, the Claw is a perfect jacket for me and I expect many years of fun with it."

Ondrej Sabol, Slovakia

Live for the Outdoors

On the Live for the Outdoors forum Chris Oats commented

"...it's a fine cold weather coat that is warm enough to drop a layer or two, superbly comfortable, huge pockets, long arms in case you forgot gloves, repairable, easily re-proofable.

Above all it's pretty cheap if you think of it as ' if I could only have  one coat and my life might depend on it'."

Live for the Outdoors

On the Live for the Outdoors forum travisb wrote

"I've used my Claw in both very wet, and blizzard conditions. I've been warm and dry in both conditions, and only having a Helly Hansen Lifa top on underneath. The pit vents really make a difference to regulating your temperature. The only minor fault is the location of the map pockets, as they are obstructed by my pack waist belt. I certainly won't be going back to a hardshell for winter."

I suspect the mention of pockets here refers to the hand pockets, which are big enough for a map. There are two other map sized napoleon pockets too.

"Just like the bears and wolves"

In the April issue of TGO Chris Townsend reviewed the FurTech Talon jacket he has had on test since May 2007. He wrote

"a waterproof garment that is extremely breathable (far more than any coated or membrane fabric) and that also has a degree of insulation, making it really a type of softshell... As well as greater breathability this type of garment has the advantage that it can be reproofed over and over again so has a longer life than a coated or membrane jacket.

"...the clear visor does give an amazing sense of freedom due to the extra visibility while still protecting the face.

"The Talon is far more comfortable to wear than any coated or membrane waterproof and far more waterproof than a softshell. In winter storms, both rain and snow, it has kept me dry and warm without any condensation problems."

Wild Weather in Glencoe

Enough wind to knock us over, enough snow to fill our tracks and lashings of rain (this was the week that most of Britain was storm damaged or flooded). On steep ascents with heavy sacks and slow, cold belays we wore the same thick base layers and FurTech jackets each day and they performed brilliantly, keeping us warm and dry. By the time we drove back to the B&B they had dried out. Here are a few pictures (though it was impossible to get the camera out in the worst of the weather).

Trail review the Blizzard Jacket

Trail reviewed various synthetic jackets in the February 2008 issue, including the Blizzard Jacket as a rank outsider. They praised it as an excellent lightweight survival jacket but it clearly isn't the same type of garment as the others tested.

The magazine included insulation tests at Leeds university which were interesting:-

1. Blizzard Jacket (reflexcell), £25, 250g, 4.8Togs, warmth:weight 19.2
2. Mountain Equipment Aplamayo (primaloft), £140, 535g, 2.7Togs, warmth:weight 5.0
3. Rab Neutrino Endurance (down), £200, 648g, 7.4Togs, warmth:weight 11.4

Contrary to some of the other information available about the Blizzard Reflexcell technology these tests show that the warmth to weight ratio doesn't quite double the performance of one of the best down jackets on the market. However, this is like trying to compare chalk, cheese and chips!

TGO Acclaim FurTech Breathability

In the February issue of The Great Outdoors magazine Chris Townsend writes about getting the most out of your outdoor clothing system. In particular he advises about making the most of an extended layering system and adjusting garments to avoid overheating and chilling - it's well worth a read.

Commenting on waterproofs he wrote "Another solution to the waterproof dilemma is the system - pioneered by Paramo and recently taken up by FurTech - of a windproof outer with a water repellent lining that moves moisture away from the body. This works well and is far more breathable than any conventional waterproof."