Four outdoor items put through their paces by The Journey team.
La Sportiva Cyklon with Boa FIt
The pleasingly named Cyklon trail running shoe is a fascinating collaboration between La Sportiva and BOA. Skiers and cyclists will recognise BOA’s circular dial that draws in laces. With La Sportiva, BOA has deployed the technology on a pair of shoes. Now, this is a system that could scream gimmick, but after spending a wet summer running in them, be assured it’s not. For me, there are three main advantages. Firstly, the micro-adjustment it affords for a precise fit. Secondly, there’s very little give, so they’ll stay secured. Finally, they can be adjusted for up and downhills.
By Daniel Neilson
+ Stable, secure shoes
+ Impressive lacing (obviously)
+ Great traction
– La Sportiva often come out small
Finisterre Etobicoke Insulated Jacket
Using a fabric made from regenerated plastics – therefore offering durability without plundering a finite resource – this stylish new insulated jacket serves as a great alternative to a traditional down layer. It makes use of FEI, Finisterre’s own synthetic insulation, which retains 75% of its warmth when wet compared to down and gives ample warmth without being too bulky. It’s lightweight, so easy to pack, and the slightly retro design was a hit with this reviewer. A further plus: it’s as comfortable to wear to the shops as it is on the slopes.
By Tom Rhys
+ Warm synthetic insulation
+ Good-looking lightweight jacket
+ Recycled materials
– None
Sherpa Machuva Beanie
Sherpa’s hats are hand-knitted in villages in Nepal, directly benefiting the women who make them, which not only means they’re exceptionally warm (sub-zero? Not a problem) but ethical as well. The newest of its many hat designs is the Machuva, a reassuringly chunky unisex beanie with subtle branding, a cableknit upper section and a ribbed lower section. It stood up well in our test, and although it might not be an especially technical piece of kit, it’s eminently practical, looks good and – most importantly of all – keeps your head toasty.
By Francine Morgan
+ Very warm
+ Made in Himalayan climate
+ Supports Nepalese workers
– Thicker than some walking hats
Fjällräven Tree-Kånken
Did you know Fjällräven was an official ‘Purveyor to the Royal Court of Sweden’? It says plenty about the quality of this 50-year-old brand which, in true Scandinavian style, is also working to stay one step ahead of the sustainability curve. This new backpack – the latest addition to its time-honoured Kånken range – is a case in point, making use of an innovative tree-based fabric called Pine Weave (in essence, wood-pulp from Swedish forests). The pack itself not only looks good but feels sturdy, robust, and beautifully put together. Everything, in short, that you’d expect.
By Louisa Williams
+ Very well made
+ Eco-friendly material
+ Comes in four colours
– Pricier than some rival packs
Did you know?
All YHA members receive discounts at gear stores including Cotswold Outdoor, GO Outdoors, Snow+Rock, Runners Need and Cycle Surgery.
