What have you bought yourselves for Christmas?
- Thread starter Beachlover
- Start date
Beachlover
Moderator
I have the Bentu with an Ostro fleece which should work in the same way, but I've only used it once in the rain, so hardly any sort of test but it did seem to work. I like the notion of the lightweight versatility of the duo.
From plural personal experiences, the Bentu combo rig works for me in persistent heavy rain. I don't know what the variables are going to be - metabolism/heat-output maybe - but obviously from the complaints on the internet, it doesn't work for everyone.
The reason for looking at the Bentu Plus fleece is the heavier weight and (from a theoretical point of view) the longer fibres. The lighter Bentu fleece isn't all that warm even with the windproof over it. I just wondered if the Plus might be a little clammy.
I like the cut on that Ostro. Been looking at the Enduro fleece too, but the Enduros jackets seem cut a bit long, I feel. (I should look up the measurements on the site)
Beachlover
Moderator
I was distracted by the dog-whisperer, who is anything but and tormented by a terrier that isn't a dopey Labrador and I missed the "plus" bit.
I think Paramo is a marmite thing for folks and also that complainers are statistically more likely to be moaning online as opposed to the happy folks who are out using the stuff. I run hot and the thinner Ostro under the Bentu works well for me. I also live in the southern softie lowlands.
Their Grid fleece baselayers are very good. I, erm, outgrew mine and passed them onto the eldest. I will at some point replace them, though. It is frequently -20C in Calgary during late Dec-April mornings. And hiking in that, especially if you gun it for a while and then slow down, you don't want any sweat on your skin or in your clothes creating unnecessary unpleasantness. Those Grids mop it up well. But, you can't wear them twice without washing them. Niffy.
What’s the run time like?It's surprisingly good for small stuff. With a 4" cut length it's never going to chop a tree down. You do need to be careful with it as it's pretty powerful and it can grab the wood, pulling itself away from you so a good firm grip is needed.
I always remember the YouTube guy AvE using one to open cardboard boxes
Beachlover
Moderator
Remember the pre-GoreTex days when we all wore nylon cagoules and when we wore plastic bags under our socks to lock the heat in? I clearly recall owning my first goretex jacket and being mortified (almost) in the Yorkshire Moors when after a bit of a climb with a big pack, I stopped for a brew and started shivering thanks to the goretex dumping not only my sweat, but a lot of my core heat. Something I'd not experienced before with the vapour lock stuff that was uncomfortable and wet, but warm.
I had the same experience the other day wearing my Velez smock ( I love the thing!) and a WoolPower 200 top at near zero and after deciding to dig over my brassica patch. I was nicely warm and just sweating when a mate came over I made us a brew. Felt mildly clammy but the warmth vanished and was replaced by shivering quite quickly.
Seems we have these wonder fabrics and I like them as much as anyone else, but I bet I'd not have been shivering if I'd replaced the Velez with my old Barbour.
With the added benefit of finding long lost torches, mints, gloves and various other sundries too.
BorderReiver
Moderator
That's why I like my merino bases and ventile as I sweat liberally on exertion.
While on this topic; over the years I have picked up a few merino and possum fur crew-neck sweaters. Got them shipped from NZ. They feel and work just the same as those comfy Mears beanies. Very warm, breathable, light, cozy, wicky. Nice for skiing and other high hill fuckerance.
Was just looking to see if I could find a cardy in same. I'd like to get some gloves along with it, maybe a hat too
Was just looking to see if I could find a cardy in same. I'd like to get some gloves along with it, maybe a hat too
MaC
Moderator
Third warmest fur on the planet after polar bears and arctic foxes. Hollow fibres......and New Zealand is infested by something like 50m of the blighters. They are literally a blight.
There's a huge amount of hunting/trapping and fur processing of possums in NZ. You'd think they'd really aim for a push to a market like Canada with such cold Winters.
There's a huge amount of hunting/trapping and fur processing of possums in NZ. You'd think they'd really aim for a push to a market like Canada with such cold Winters.
Not used it enough to find out, sorry.
Last year I was lucky to fine some Amazon goodthreads branded merino sweaters cheap. They were xxxl but that was ok as they shrink in the wash anyway and I wear them as a base layer. Very soft, non scratchy and warm. They are still available but priced at about £37 Now.
Ive not been close to cold enough for my mears beanie. It’s incredibly warm.
I haven’t found my thing yet. I usually buy a little something at this time of year.
Quarterstaff
VIP Member
A new to me used pair of Sorel boots in barely worn condition, at a bargain price!
I’ll now retire my 25 year old pair, they’ve been getting tired for a few years now and have had a few repairs using old inner tubes as patches!
I’ll now retire my 25 year old pair, they’ve been getting tired for a few years now and have had a few repairs using old inner tubes as patches!
A Pair of Xreal Air 2 ar glasses.
Basically smartglasses that project video so that it appears to be a huge flat screen in front of you. Took a while to get them to work and updated but I've managed to watch my first movie on a 100" screen 😁
Basically smartglasses that project video so that it appears to be a huge flat screen in front of you. Took a while to get them to work and updated but I've managed to watch my first movie on a 100" screen 😁
Ah I've looked at those. Let us know how you get on.
Quarterstaff
VIP Member
A bargain post Christmas purchase for Rufus….
Not many left, size L
SCRUFFS EXPEDITION BED L 75x60cm RRP £64.99 54% DISCOUNT OUR PRICE £29.99 | eBay
It is a great choice for pet owners who want a functional and stylish bed for their furry friends. Give your furry friend a comfortable place to rest with the Scruffs Expedition Bed. This deluxe nesting bed is designed to provide orthopedic support and is made with machine-washable polyester...
www.ebay.co.uk
Not many left, size L
Beachlover
Moderator
A bargain post Christmas purchase for Rufus….
SCRUFFS EXPEDITION BED L 75x60cm RRP £64.99 54% DISCOUNT OUR PRICE £29.99 | eBay
It is a great choice for pet owners who want a functional and stylish bed for their furry friends. Give your furry friend a comfortable place to rest with the Scruffs Expedition Bed. This deluxe nesting bed is designed to provide orthopedic support and is made with machine-washable polyester...www.ebay.co.uk
Not many left, size L
Sadly too big for my little pal, but that said, she already has beds in each of the vehicles, a dog bed on the sofa that she only uses when prompted by Herself, preferring an old towel on the radiator behind the sofa, the sofa, my bed, a couple of my old pillows covered with a blanket in her cage at night and in my car prefers my jacket to her bed, so I suspect it would wasted on her.
OK, New Year, not Christmas but I couldn't resist
heinnie.com
Kizer Vagnino Zipslip Heinnie® Exclusive Folding Knife
The world renowned Kizer Vagnino Zipslip is now available as a Heinnie® Exclusive. In collaboration with the designer Michael Vagnino and Kizer we have added some new features to create this exciting new UK friendly folder.
heinnie.com
