So it Tuesday and I have promise a blog about gear. Today I will talk a bit about Soft-Shell. Soft shell is what the name tell us, a soft shell. There can be different types of solution for this apparel. For me it should be some kind of just ”shell”. So at least some kind of wind-stopper, or water repellent function should be included. So lets begin with the jackets. From my point of view a Soft-shell jacket over 140 Euro I expect it should have ventilation zippers. Also at least two big pockets and one small, and also a hood.

(This jacket from Mountain Equipment lives up to my expectation)

This jacket have wind-stopper membrane, three pockets and a hood. It also got a draw string in the waist. If the price will be over 190 Euro I certainly expect some kind of water proof membrane.

And now over to trousers. Soft-Shell should be able to be used in spring, summer and autumn. Therefore a trouser shall have reinforcement over knees, in the buttocks and also in the ankle this to avoid the crampons to make damage out of it. A trouser over  120 Euro I expect to have reinforcement and at least three big pockets. Over 140 Euro I also expect ventilation zippers. And over 175 Euro there should be some kind of membrane.( it do not need to be Gore-Tex, it can be some kind of hybrid)

(Lundhags Makke pant may not be a unique Soft shell pant, but this is a example of the area)

So if you are going to buy a soft shell apparel, check the small details. That will make sure you will be satisfied with a gear and that  you can live with for at least a couple of years. (If you add a par of rain wear you will have the optimal hiking clothing for several of years.) The advantage of  Soft-shell is its way of become breathable. You also have a choice of choosing alpine fit or normal/loose fit. I prefer to have alpine fit, especially in spring, summer and autumn. This for the layer one to transpire the moister to the layer 2/3.

And over to some test of some gear. Today I will present the Norrona Falketind. and a…Soft-shell trouser as per order:-).  This one cost ~164 Euro, and I do have some expectation on this pant.

(Soft-Shell trouser Norrona Flex1 pant NNN)

This pant have some wind-stopper membrane but not the fully function. It got a lot of pockets and big zipper holder. So far so good. It is a light and flexible pant, so the name flex is correct. But this at expense of reinforcement and ventilation zippers. I also expect that a trouser in this price level shall have a Velcro at the ankle, it has a snap fastener. I want to have free choice of how much I want to tighten around the leg. So the grade will be NNN. Expensive with to few features made this. I still like it, but a bit cheaper had been better…

When it comes to harness we normally need to have some real well built up ones. Here I have tested one light and fast alpine harness. the Simond Edge. Normally I am against light and fast stuff, but when you need to have a harness that dont will take space or weight, this one is perfect for that type of use. Bring it with you everywhere and you can go alpine skiing or Via Ferrata in a easy way. I would not use this one  for challenging climbing..With the price of 55 Euro you got a good Alpine harness. But it never could not get any higher grade than NNN, because it is not for tough uses. But for its purpose it is perfect.

(Simond Edge, produce at Chamonix Mont Blanc NNN)

And last a book for the mountaineer. ”Klattring i Kebnekaise” This book describes a lot of routes in the Kebnekaise area. And even bad weather suggestions while being in the area. This is a treasure for the Kebnekaise lover, a must have. So I will give it NNNNN. Real nice one..

 

(The book, klättra i Kebnekaise)

See ya soon…