Pack it in, MHW

In the space of a week we have lessons from Arc'teryx on how to do packs...

http://www.arcteryx.com/ac2/

... and from Mountain Hardwear on how not to do packs...

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/UAN/3768/v/1/sp/

What a stupidly over-complicated design.

Alpkit Cottons On

Intrigued to learn that up-and-coming UK gear maker Alpkit is planning a range of water-resistant denim clothing (http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/UAN/3758/v/1/sp/).

What a cool idea! How these underdogs continue to find this technology before the big guys is beyond me, but the thought of climbers balancing along Crib Goch in a full-on hoolie, whilst wearing their waterproof jeans, is hilarious.

Whilst we're on the subject, check out the same link for news of their titanium mug-with-coffee-plunger and planned £150 geodesic mountain tent. All of which go to show what a fresh set of marketing eyes can do.

Free advertising is not the point of this blog, but Alpkit really does deserve praise for challenging the overpriced monster brands of the kit world.