Berghaus Akka Jacket - Part 2

Berghaus say the Akka is: Great when worn on its own or as part of your winter layering system and the temperature is hovering around freezing.

Since giving some details here the weather has mostly been very wet with occasional dry mild days so, as yet, I can't comment on the above claim*. However, there have been a few days best described as 'raw' - when the cold and damp gets into your bones even though the temperature is well above freezing. On these days, it's been lovely to slip on the Akka over a T-shirt and light fleece and immediately feel warm; I doubt I'll need to wear very much more underneath, even in lower temperatures, but I'll report on this when real winter arrives.

- looking again at the quality of construction (made in China) I have to say that the sewing is immaculate.

Inside pocket - takes small wallet, mobile 'phone (although I find the latter uncomfortable)

- The soft outer fabric is continued on the down-filled collar which I find very comfortable although, like similar jackets, there are no draw cords to enable a really snug fit around the neck; and I do wonder just how much wear and tear this outer fabric will take.
 
 

- I like the combination of velcro and elasticated cuffs which allows me put the jacket on and take it off without undoing the closure. Lazy, I know.

- the Akka is reasonably packable

It could probably be packed smaller

However, packability (and weight 645g) are really only important if you plan to use the Akka on the hills;

 - I see it primarily as a jacket for everyday use during the winter months for shopping, walking local tracks and so on;

- on that basis I can't fault it so far but, for the sake of completeness, I will also use it on the local hills and report back in due course.

Finally, just a point about the DWR coating and cleaning the garment:

- It says on the swing tickets that the DWR is durable to extensive home laundering, but personally I'd be more worried about the effect of home laundering on the down than on the DWR.

- professional cleaning by a down specialist is recommended but the label does also say that careful home laundering is possible. Take your pick but I'll stick with professional cleaning if needed.

* I have now used the jacket on a couple of low level walks in much lower temperatures than previously - around freezing - and as expected was as warm as toast.

- it's early days, but if I'd bought the Akka, I'd be happy with my purchase.

- there are other similar products on the market but since I haven't used them I obviously can't offer any opinion on their relative merits. I see this as a problem with nearly all gear reviews unless, of course, the item falls to bits, leaks etc.

- My two other down jackets are completely different so any comparisons would be meaningless.

Berghaus windshirt

There's an interesting discussion on windshirts on Martin Rye's blog and The Odyssee talks about an old jacket on his blog.

So here is a combination of both these things: a picture of my ancient Berghaus windshirt made from their own Airfoil fabric. It has survived some rough use rock climbing as well as during backpacking trips and is still perfectly serviceable. It's not very waterproof even when treated, a bit on the baggy side, weighs about 185g, is about 25 years old I guess, has a hood and packs into its own pocket which, incidentally, is just large enough for an OS Map.

I have trousers from the same material but hardly ever use them, mainly because the legs have no zips for easy on and off over boots or trail shoes.

Not bad gear for it's time I think - can't imagine it ever wearing out.

Zamberlan Ultralite GTX - First outing

There's not much to say really. We sploshed through water, mud and slush, over tussocky hillsides, old hard snow and descended steep slopes; even some pounding of tarmac was required. The boots didn't feel like 'old friends' of course, but they were comfortable and felt light on the feet and you can't ask more than that really. We'd want to have a few more days out in them before wearing on a long trip, but that's purely precautionary.

A Walk in Flyrocs

Tuesday 23 March

I bought a pair of Inov8 Flyroc 345 GTX on Monday. It was a bit of a risk since I have a metatarso-phalangeal joint  injury on my left foot and using lightweight footwear on the hill usually means pain, whereas I have had none at all this winter using my Meindl Borneos.

Yesterday I decided to take them on their first walk, an easy one from Castlehill Reservoir through to Castle Campbell via the old drove road. The morning's early promise vanished in thick cloud cover and a spritely breeze, but larks were rising, curlews were crying and around Glen Quey reservoir black-headed gulls congregated noisily.

Snapped trees and branches reminded of the severe winter just gone (almost) and frogspawn that spring was here (almost).

We passed Maiden's Well which is on record as early as the mid-1800s. Legend has it that the spirit of a young woman haunts the well and could be called forth at night by potential suitors. However, those who dared to do so were discovered dead in the morning.  

Records show that she was a princess held captive in Castle Campbell, known at that time as Castle Gloom, because she had dared to fall in love with a man below her station; sometimes her gaolers would allow her to walk to the well to drink its waters.

Full marks for the walk and so far for the Flyrocs, but to find out if the joint injury would remain pain free in these lightweights, some ascent over rougher ground was called for. Whitewisp Hill rose conveniently above us and by the time we reached the cairn I was fairly sure they would be fine. The rest of the walk over Innerdownie and down its steep slopes back to the car seemed to confirm they had been a good buy. Only longer and rougher walks will truly tell.

Their first summit!

Backpackinglight.co.uk

Last week we ordered two GoLite Quest packs from Bob and Rose at backpackinglight.  As usual the service was fantastic with a follow-up 'phone call from Rose to check all was well. If you haven't visited their web site, I recommend that you have a look.