Can I use FurTech for...?

Can I Use FurTech for Ghyll Scrambling?

It may not be raining, but in the Ghylls you may be scrambling through pounding waterfalls and saturating spray. FurTech clothing keeps you dry and comfortable. These types of garments are particularly useful on the legs as you don't need to add waterproof trousers.

Can I use FurTech for Winter Alps?

Winter Alps requires more layers but the vents are still useful when FurTech is worn over air permeable base layers. Consider using FurTech with an OverShell.

In deep powder snow the crotch elastic is especially useful making the jacket and trousers work almost like a one piece suit.

Large insulated pockets are useful for bulky mitts and hats. They will not scratch goggles and on bivis, damp items stored in them overnight will usually dry.

The hood works well over a helmet and the visor/peak has been tested in extreme cold with rapid re-heat without cracking.

FurTech is a lightweight system, even when compared with ultra-light backpacking kit. Yet it is surprisingly durable and easily repaired.

FurTech for Backpacking: TGO May 2007

In the May 2007 issue of TGO Chris Townsend recommends clothing for 3 season backpacking. I thought I'd see how FurTech compares, even though our garments are designed for Scrambling and Mountaineering (helmet hood, pit zips, snow seal etc).

The TGO article shows each end of the ultra-light to lightweight spectrum of garments and Chris's balanced choice. A simplified version of the table is shown below, with the addition of a FurTech comparison:

	Ultra-Light	Light	Chris’s Choice	FurTech
Baselayer	90	260	260	140
Mid Layer	225	305	225	Integral to FurTech
Insulation	212	340	212	250
Windproof	71	292	166	110
Waterproof	220	377	278	730
Walking Trs.	334	463	463	610
Over Trs.	110	298	110	Not needed
Underpants	27	51	27	27
Total	1289	2386	1741	1887
Carried	838	1612	991	1430

Weights in grams

Carried weight is all except baselayers and trousers (or FurTech shorts)

The FurTech Talon at 730g (actually my small size is 665g) includes integral mid layer insulation, pit zips and helmet compatible hood. The FurTech 4 Season trousers also have integrated insulation but can be converted into shorts. Insulating the large surface area of the legs adds significantly to the overall warmth of the system... counterbalanced by the vents.

At 110g the Go-Lite C-Thru shirt is an appropriate base layer, though I often use a Go-Lite T-shirt.

If I am trying to reduce weight for Alpine mountaineering I generally ditch the windproof but at 110g the Golite Ether (with hood) can be useful to keep midges at bay and to use as an alternative baselayer when the C-thru is being washed. Two baselayers may offer more options (insulation, short sleeves) if, like me, you are happy using the FurTech Talon in breezy conditions... or just save 110g.

Chris selected a Mont Bell down jacket for extra insulation. I've entered 250g for the very different (maybe inappropriate) Blizzard Vest, used for emergencies. The weights aren't dissimilar, so you take your choice.

I've kept the same weight as Chris for the underpants.

This little exercise just goes to show how lightweight feather and fur garments are, but that's not the whole story: you will be far more comfortable in the FurTech system in prolonged wet, cold or changeable conditions. Use a thicker base layer or two, lose the windproof, and this system is suitable for full on winter conditions with better breathability and durability at little extra weight... though you may want to add thicker OverShell insulation.

The downside of the FurTech option is that in warm, midge infested conditions, your legs may be a little warm when they are zipped into the trousers. If conditions are midge free, then take the legs off and you'll be cooler than the TGO options.

Can I wear FurTech over wet kit?

Many years ago, walking in the NW of Scotland we reached a stunningly beautiful beach (I can't remember its name). It was raining but the blue sea was crashing into white breakers and I just couldn't resist going for a swim.

Afterwards my Paramo kit went straight back on without  me drying off, as I hadn't a towel. 15 minutes later I was completely dry again, despite the fact that we were walking along in persistent drizzle. FurTech works in exactly the same way.

More recently I've let my legs get wet in summer drizzle and then popped the trousers over the top when I've stopped. This provides incredible versatility for summer mountain weather!

Can I use FurTech for Summer Walks?

Use FurTech like a softshell, providing a little warmth and windproofing, and you will appreciate its comfort on blustery summits... safe in the knowledge that if the weather takes a turn for the worse, you'll be protected. (I've seen snow in the Brecons in September!)

On wet walks in summer rain open the rain vents for maximum cooling. Wear a thin T-shirt baselayer or vest beneath. At other times arms can be withdrawn through the sleeves for massive venting.

In very hot and wet conditions I sometimes wear shorts to keep cool. Legs soon dry when FurTech trousers are donned. In fact skin dries much faster than any lightweight fabric.

If you are working hard in mild conditions consider using a WindShell then adding FurTech over the top when you stop (or switching jackets). It will help dry your damp under layers.

(If you are fit (and fuelled) you will be able to generate plenty of heat. However, an individuals tolerance to temperature varies widely, as described in these comments and this link.)

Please see this customer review of using a FurTech Jacket in May.

....Climbing through a Waterfall?

With the hood up and the collar tightened beneath the chin the jacket copes with a small waterfall as demonstrated in the photo. However, water tends to run down the sleeves as you climb (or in this case, traverse).

A small amount of water was forced into the pockets and I'd recommend that sensitive items be wrapped in plastic. However, my bluetooth gps in the chest pocket (which I'd forgotten about) wasn't wet.

Can I use FurTech in a bucket seat belay?

Sitting in wet snow will not cause wetness inside FurTech trousers or jackets. However, sitting or kneeling in boggy ground or slush will force water through the fabrics. This isn't usually a problem and the fabrics dry rapidly. (Interestingly, a study on using Pertex for snowboarding showed no water ingress on that fabric either.)

Can I use FurTech on summer Via Ferrata?

While summer in the Dolomites can be very warm and pleasant these are big mountains creating their own changeable conditions. I pack my FurTech garments as standard kit for Via Ferrata and have been pleased for their comfort and protection on a number of occasions.

Can I use FurTech for Mountain Biking?

If you are struggling up steep single track it has to be cold to warrant using a FurTech jacket. My preference is for a windproof over a baselayer, which I find sufficient even in heavy rain if I'm generating lots of heat (I don't expect to stay dry). FurTech can be used fairly comfortably commuting or on long tours.

That said, this is a picture of a FurTech jacket on 1000m of lung bursting ascent above Zermat. (Click to enlarge.)

The pit zips work well on a bike because of the draft caused by your forward velocity.

Can I use FurTech garments for Fell Running?

FurTech garments aren't suitable for fell running because you will quickly become too warm in all but the harshest conditions.

My preference for winter fell running is to wear a quick drying base layer, windproof top with a hood, leggings, hat and gloves. I also carry super-light over trousers, but rarely use them. The Blizzard Jacket provides excellent emergency insulation and waterproofing. It will fit in a bum bag, only weighs 250g, offers as much insulation as most light duvet jackets and now has sleeves, so acts as a full on emergency waterproof that should comply with race rules.

(I've slept the Blizzard Jacket and Tube a number of times on the OMM, chosen for its warmth to weight ratio and its warmth when wet, however, they don't repack to fit in a bum bag so I have a separate one for emergencies.)