clothing

The Integral Design thru-hiker jacket is my new shell of choice. I purchased it to save about 600 grams over my winter alpine shell, a MacPac Prophet.

After researching into the latest fabric advances and never being completely happy with the 'breathability' of Gore-tex XCR I decided to try out eVENT. The goals for the new jacket were:

1. Lighter weight
2. Greater breathability
3. Less pack spack

So the thru-hiker was chosen as one of the most likely candidates. I still had some questions that only using the rain jacket in the field would answer.

1. Would it be tough enough for off trail use (bush bashing)?
2. Would I miss the features of an alpine jacket (pit zips, better hood etc)?
3. Would the front zip without storm enclosure keep rain out?
4. Would it perform well enough for long extended rain on long remote trips where getting wet is a serious risk?

Use on track

Hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, bonfires, 4wding, river walks, beach combing, school shoe. We love the Dunlop Volley for the whole family, and are glad it has made a fighting comeback into market place. I'd say more than 'exceptionally average'.

They are light, multipurpose, hardwearing and inexpensive. The thin, flexible sole offers rows and rows of grip, the rubber sides adds to the traction capability. There are colour variations to suit all, while keeping to the trusted design.

The negatives, they take a while to dry after submersion and tend to suit a narrow foot.

Still to test drive: the Volley Steelcap and the Volley Thong.

Check out the dirtometer on the volley website,
go to: street menu; volley shoes
http://www.volleys.com.au/flash/street.html

Sick of a cold bottom? Well the advantages of wool are warmth, temperature regulation, less smell than other options and quick drying. It seems that icebreaker has got a perfect (albeit expensive) solution to underwear in the bush.

I took these backcountry on a recent winter snow trip. They were comfortable, warm but didn't overheat like polypropylene can.

I look forward to trying these out on a longer trip where I'll need to wash them and see how they go in varying conditions. So far though I'm very happy with them, if just Icebreaker would 'lend' me some more of their stuff to test out.