Scramble News (August 2024)

2024 Kit Tests (Review & Preview) + Manufacturing Updates

In this post we're going to run through items lined up for the upcoming 2024 "summer" kit test and beyond, as well as mention some hits and misses from the spring wet weather test earlier this year. But before all that, we have some manufacturing updates.

UPDATE (26/08/24): Added to Upcoming Kit Test Items.

Contents

Manufacturing Updates: 11L Towers V2, Belts, Sleeping Mat Protectors
Upcoming Kit Test Items (Summer 2024, Winter 2025)
2024: Spring (Wet Weather) Kit Test Items Reviewed
2024 (so far): Some Near Misses & Items of Note
2024: Spring Kit Test Snaps

Manufacturing Updates

11L Towers (v.2)

We've given the new version of the 11L Tower a good work out and the EcoPak EPX200 ("Electric Peacock") high viz version performed as expected. The new v.2 11L Towers are now being manufactured and we hope to have the full range on SYSTEM in late September.

Below are some images that we'll likely include in the product pages to highlight the upgrades.

The v.2 Towers have an extended bottom loop to aid centering when horizontal.

They come with a new, more functional ultralight carabiner and we'll be offering the EcoPak EPX200 versions in a light and dark grey as well as the high viz "Electric Peacock" pictured here.

The v.2 Towers come with a better carabiner and elastic cord loop.

No other changes to the design, so dimensions and capacity are unaffected.

There's no change to the overall design so capacity and dimensions are the same as the originals.

Belts

We've been working on a padded belt to go with our Machine Belt Bags. The prototype for the Machine Padded Belt (MPB) which features a very nice AustriAlpin "Pro Style" Cobra buckle will be tested in the upcoming 2024 Summer Kit Test. The belt has three components (buckle, webbing belt and padded loop). The padded loop, which has a 1000D Cordura outer, is the part that will get all the wear, and so we're also going to make these available separately so people can get replacements / spares. The webbing section and the buckle we'd expect to last a lifetime (or at least 10 years+). Assuming all goes well and we go ahead, the loops will come in the same colours as the belt bags (blue-green, dark navy and grey).

We hope to release these at the same time as our trekking belts the TR25 and TR38.

Sleeping Mat Protector / Footprint / Changing Mat

We're testing the 5th version of our Tyvek Sleeping Mat Protector. We're pretty confident this will be the final version (but that's happened before). At present, as this is a niche item, we may decide to make these to order. The crazy thing about them is that the Tyvek is actually the cheapest element, it's the various tapes we use (to ensure there are no vulnerable edges that could initiate a tear) that are pricey.

So, the plan is to give the prototype a final test and if it works as expected, then we'll do a "review" of it. If anyone's interested in getting one, they can get in touch with us and we'll ask our manufacturing partners to make them on demand. They've okayed this idea in principle, so we might do something where for every order we get we'll make two and thus build a small stockpile as we go.

That's all on the manufacturing front.

Upcoming Kit Test Items

[ Lightweight (<400g) Insulated Jacket ] OMM Rotor Insulated Smock (Primaloft Gold Crosscore 2024, L)
After both Haglofs and Scott discontinued their perfectly excellent ultralight belay jackets, both utilising what we consider the future of synthetic insulation, namely Primaloft Gold Crosscore (Aerogel infused), we've turned to OMM and have had some lengthy discussions with them regarding the future of the OMM Rotor Smock. Our one major concern was with the sizing. OMM's target customers are fell, trail and ultra-marathon runners. Our worry was that the sizing of their Rotor would be too fitted for layering over a couple of light softshells in winter and their sizing only goes up to XL. However, we've now tested the OMM Smock over a winter baselayer and our two recommended softshells (Mountain Equipment Echo and Rab Borealis Tour) and the size Large fits my 42" chest and so that allows one size up and that should cater for most of Scramble's audience. The concern was that an XL may be necessary and that would leave no headroom for bulkier people than yours truly - and such people do exist. Ultimately, this looks like a very promising candidate for a slot in our catalogue that's remained empty for too long. Of the more traditional jackets, Patagonia have gone weird and decided to use polyester as an outer fabric for their new Nano Puff Jacket. Fine for the high street, not a mountain outer fabric in our opinion.
[ Midweight (~700g) Insulated Jacket ] Keela Belay Pro Jacket (Navy, M)
We'll be testing this jacket in the upcoming Winter Kit Test, not so much as a replacement for the Keela Belay Smock, but as a lighter alternative. We've come to the conclusion that for static use (which for us is what these jackets are for, as opposed to actually belaying) a hood isn't necessary (balaclava and beanie is sufficient). However, we feel the major determing factor here is body length. Our current view, is that for taller people the Belay Smock is the way to go, but for those under 6ft who want to save some weight the Belay Jacket may be a good alternative. That's what we'll be testing when it gets cold.
UPDATE [ Lightweight (Under 350g) Softshell Jacket ] Scott Explorair Softshell SL Jacket (L)
We're always looking at possible contenders in the softshell space, as manufacturers like to discontinue lines; it's useful to know if there are genuine contenders waiting in the wings. In terms of material mix the Explorair is somewhere between the ME Echo and the Rab Tour, but its weight is much closer to the lighter Tour.
[ Extremities / Accessories ]
[ Hot Weather Trekking Cap (<50g) ] Ronhill Air-Lite Split Cap (Nightshade, Spice, M/L)
Since Mountain Equipment chose the jockey route for the Aerofoil, we're going to look at Ronhill's offering. It looks well ventilated (more than the original Split Cap) and as long it's not too delicate, could well do the job. It's quite shocking how few outdoor manufacturers actually make split caps.
[ Light Trekking Sock ] Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew vs HJ Hall ProTrek HJ701 Adventure Walking Socks
We're continuing our battle between these two very evenly matched socks.
[ Modular Approach to a 4-Season Sleeping Mat ]
Exped FlexMat XS Sleeping Mat (130 x 50 x 1.8) - 228g + 2g strap + (replacing the Klymit - have had enough of ultralight leaks)
Gram Counter Gear Featherweight Evazote Foam Mat (XL, 90g + 4g strap) +
Multimat Superlite 25S Self-Inflating Mat (340g)
[ Sleeping Mat Protector / Changing Sit Mat ] Scramble Tyvek Hardstructure Sleeping Mat Protector (prototype v.5)
Hopefully this will be the last prototype, but you never know until you get out in the field and live with these things.
UPDATE [ Modular Sleeping Bag 1: ~500g 1 Season and Inner ] Cocoon Mountain Wanderer (Regular)
Since the Alpkit Cloud Cover has gained some weight (+80g) and some pounds in price point, the Cocoon Mountain Wanderer summer UL synthetic / HD liner bag looks like an interesting contender. It's warmer than the Cloud Cover by at least 2°C with an EN 13537 comfort limit rating of +8°C and as stated will add 12°C of warmth when used as a liner. So for example the Carinthia G90 + Mountain Wanderer will weigh ~1,240g and be good down to -6°C / -7°C. And when used with the Defence 4 will give you a comfort limit of -27°C with a total weight of ~2,200g. Plus, you can regularly pick these up for around £70 to £80 (we got our sample for £69 incl postage).
UPDATE [ Bivvy Bag ] Milo Bivvy
The Milo (aka "Milo of Climbing") Bivvy is not an item seeking attention. It's almost impossible to find anything about it online, except in old PDF catalogues and a single, gentle, Polish-only YouTube video. As far as we know they're still being made and wanted to take a look. The Milo bivvy is a little heavier than Alpkit's Hunka, largely due to its zips. The Hunka is a no-zip, corded affair, whereas the Milo uses a mid zip with two hood zips that all close at the centre. If one had no other shelter, the Milo looks like the one you'd want (as you can pretty much seal yourself in). But of course aside from being 15g heavier it's also more expensive. If it looks interesting, we'll contact Milo and see how we can make these available, because at present they're hard to come by.
[ Budget Solo Cooking Pot & Titanium Mug ] Tiartisans Titanium 900ml (Ta8316, 150g), Tomshoo Titanium Bowl With Folding Handles (450ml, 70g),
Having tested the Keith pot (our current recommendation) we'll be testing a heavier (+30g) but almost 40% cheaper Tiartisans Titanium 900ml (Ta8316, 150g). If we like it, we'll add it to the Keith review as a budget alternative, as everyone's tightening their belts these days (except for guys like this). To mitigate the additional weight, we're going to test a titanium mug/bowl with a wide base and use that instead of our beloved Tatonka Expedition Mug.
[ Lightweight (<400g) ~20L Pack (+ Side Pouch) ] Mountain Hardwear UL 20L Backpack
As we warned Blue Ice when they cost-cut the spine out of their Dragonfly packs, they were now competing against the big boys. Their packs have jumped in price and dropped in quality in our opinion. We'll be testing Mountain Hardwear's UL 20L pack as a potential replacement.

Note: There are a number of other items in circulation being re-tested that we haven't listed above.

2024: Spring (Wet Weather) Kit Test Items Reviewed

It's always nice when a good deal of initial research pays off. A number of the items we tested in early 2024 garnered reviews (either official or "special mentions"). The reviews are linked below:

[ Insulated Utility Mid-Layer (Static & Active) ] Marmot Alt HB Pullover (230g)
[ Headwear for Dynamic Activities - Beanie ] Brynje Super Thermo Helmet Hat
[ Headwear for Dynamic Activities - Balaclava ] Brubeck M-Pro Half Balaclava
[ Solo Cooking Pot ] Keith Titanium 900ml Single Walled Pot (Ti3209, 120g)
[ Flashlight ] Lumintop Tool AA 2.0 / 3.0
[ Chargers / Power Banks ] LiitoKala Lii-100C

2024 (so far): Some Near Misses and Items of Note

We don't normally go through all the kit we've tested that didn't make the grade, and we're not going to here either, but we will mention a few items that we felt worth discussing.

Softshells: Outdoor Research's Ferrosi Anorak Hoody & Mountain Equipment's Echo Vest

In our view, the gold medal for "the baselayer" goes to the Norwegians, but when it comes to softshells, at least for the moment, it's the Brits (specifically Rab and Mountain Equipment) that top the podium. This may have something to do with the softshell's aim of achieving compromise and the mixed conditions we face in the UK. Since Mountain Equipment with their Echo and Rab with their Borealis range have come reasonably close to perfection, it's a tough ask for any manufacturer to topple these mountain giants.

So, now we're going to completely trash the Outdoor Research's Ferrosi Anorak and then tell you why we like it.

I took the Ferrosi "Anorak", a hooded softshell smock, on the spring "wet weather" kit test. On initial inspection, my concern was that, if conditions got too wintery, it may require some reinforcement; so I also took Mountain Equipment's Echo Vest, and was glad I did.

Outdoor Research's utility softshell saved by ME's Echo Vest.

The Ferrosi Anorak's stated weight is 330g (no size mentioned). The size medium pictured here (which fits like a Mountain Equipment or Rab size large) weighs in at 370g. In many ways, the Ferrosi Anorak is a cross between Rab's Borealis Pull-On and ME's Echo Hooded Jacket. The softshell fabric is slanted more to Rab's light pull-on than ME's tougher Echo jacket.

The Ferrosi has a high degree of stretch and in terms of the ratio of polyamide (nylon) to elastane (PU), the OR Ferrosi = 86% / 14%, the Rab Borealis = 85% / 15% and the ME Echo Jacket = 94% / 6%. However, the Ferrosi (M) weighs 90g more than the Borealis (L) and around 45g more than Mountain Equipment's hardier Echo Hooded Jacket (L). It's hard to figure out where the weight gain comes from.

Aside from the weight, the Ferrosi is a pretty decent softshell, yet Outdoor Research seem to have hedged their bets, and unlike ME and Rab, who've clearly targeted mountain types, OR seem less faithful and appear to be flirting with those who'd like a tough, sporty, utility softshell for (adventure) travel, hanging at the ski lodge, sailing, general outdoorsy mischief and whatnot.

The Ferrosi Anorak has a central zip (pouch) pocket that one expects will be much larger than it is; it appears to be sized for the kind of large smartphone (pic #1 below) you wouldn't carry with you up a mountain. However, the strangest design choice is using snap fasteners instead of zips for the kangaroo hand pockets (see pic #4). This suggest the pockets are intended for hands and little else.

The features are pretty well implemented, but some design choices are questionable (at least from a mountain softshell perspective).

The hood on the Ferrosi is on the boxy side (common among US softshells, I have no idea why). The lycra binding on the hood and cuffs (pictured above, #2 and #3) is okay, but inferior to Rab's and Mountain Equipment's implementation.

All that said, I actually quite like the Ferrosi Anorak. In my view, it's just not designed specifically for mountain use. It's really an ideal utility jacket for someone who gets up to all sorts (mountain biking, trekking, canyoning, skiing, sailing, post-workout, adventure-travel and on and on). For that, it's a pretty nice piece, and if you need to use it in the mountains, it will do a job, and can be supplemented by something like Mountain Equipment's Echo Vest for a perfectly functional softshell for spring, autumn and perhaps even winter. This combination worked perfectly well in mixed and occasionally challenging conditions.

Pictured below (#1) is not me pissing on the Ferrosi, instead I'm contemplating its true nature and whether Mountain Equipment's excellent Echo Vest will get a "Special Mention" of its own. It won't. The reason it won't is because, in summer (where it would be a solo piece), we think you'd still want sleeves when scrambling up mountains and in winter, having a dual layer of light softshell sleevage is preferable to having cold arms.

Mountain Equipment's Echo Vest is a superb softshell gilet and pairs well with items like OR's Ferrosi.

However, if you have something like Outdoor Research's Ferrosi Anorak, the Echo Vest is a great partner and if you can find a use for such an item, the Echo Vest is a superb, tough, lightweight (225g) softshell gilet.

Item of Note: MASSA / GPN Media's Lens Hoods with Push Caps

Not going to say too much here, except thanks to GP-Net for getting me an early sample of their fantastic 37mm low profile wide angle lens hood and push cap. Now, people like me don't have to go scavenging for vintage push caps that may or may not fit their lens hoods. Push caps on lens hoods makes much more sense than pinch caps on lenses when the lens hood is a permanent fixture. Nice work !! Pictured below is my beloved GX1 with a Panasonic 12-32mm lens (24-64mm FF Equivalent) and a MASSA 37mm hood and cap.

A fantastic low profile lens hood and push cap combo from GPN Media and MASSA.

If you're interested in this kind of thing, GP-Net have a post on their collaboration with MASSA (the filter company). The MASSA hoods and push caps are available on the SYSTEM store.

That's all the important stuff out of the way, here's some pics from the last kit test ...

2024 Spring (Wet Weather) Kit Test Snaps

Horses, horses ... coming in, in all directions (well, not quite, instead a rather chilled bunch, just checking me out).

Dead fish made of stone, washed up on a beach.

A misty lake near Aran Fawddwy.

Many miles south of nowhere (or a place called Arenig).

A distinct lack of participants in this year's misty marsh goose-step marathon.

Retrieving another lost leg.

Pictured below (right) is a typical example of Welsh humour. Once upon a time (perhaps circa 1960), there may have actually been a path, but there certainly isn't one any more. Instead, what we have is a sign post pointing toward a rotten artifact (pictured left) representing "the idea of path".

It happens every time! Scramble's editor is leaving Wales - let's switch on the sun, it's rainbow time.

The End.

Last Updated: 06/08/24