ROCKY"S ARCHIVES

April 15th, 2010 - Montane Clothing

For those who are serious about their outdoor clothing, some things these days are a must in terms of design and features. We all want gear to be lightweight, hardwearing and actually perform likes it’s supposed to (i.e. a rain jacket that actually keeps you dry).

I would like to introduce to you Montane Clothing from the UK (where it is wet and cold most of the year). The brand Montane has been going now for about 17 years, they started off by making Pertex/pile garments for tramping round the Hills of North England and now have one of the best ranges of outdoor functional clothing you will find in the world today. Their range these days will keep you dry and warm whether you’re a Hiker, Biker or Adventure runner. They really put their design emphasis into function, using premium fabrics like eVent Waterproof Membrane on their Shell rainwear and Pertex Fabrics on their Windshells. They design some of the lightest gear around (checkout the Litespeed H20 Jacket Below, it weighs in at about 135 grams!!)

I personally have owned and used so much of their gear over the years, I can’t list it all, but it’s still going strong, and probably my favorite is my featherlite top made out of Pertex which must be about 7 years old which is great for biking and running. Next on my wish list is going to be the Atomic Dt Stretch Jacket - new for this season, using stretch Entrant Fabric. It has a really great fit and in the Black colourway looks “Lush”.

Over the next 6 months we will be stocking nearly the entire range in our Perth stores and it will be available to buy on the website. This gear is the way forward, lightweight, functional and good looking. Buy some, you won’t be disappointed.

March 19th, 2010 - Osprey Hydration Rucksacks

This weeks recommendation is the new hydraulics range of packs from Osprey. I have been using the Raptor 18 now for about 6 weeks and its seriously the best Hydration Rucksack I have used to date. I took it to New Zealand mountain biking for 2 weeks and I was great, it has a custom built bladder by Nalgene which sits securely and snug against the back in-side its own compartment. Theres no side to side motion of the bladder that you can find with other hydration Packs. The 18ltr size has more than enough room to store a jacket,food and a full bike tool kit. The back is using Ospreys new Airscape back system which I found to breath really well, other nice touches are a really clever Helmet Holder and the mouth piece has a small magnet attached to it, so when you are riding or running, the hydration tube attaches to the chest harness and stays put.

Awesome Kit, does the job well and that’s why its my recommendation of the week.

March 15th, 2010 - Patagonia Clothing

Hi, its been a long time coming, but we've finally got Patagonia clothing in stock. I've been a fan of this brand for over 20 years and have used and owned so much of it. (big fan of their AC Shirts!)

Originally beginning out of Ventura, California in the 60s. Patagonia started off by making Clothing for climbers and has grown from there, now they make clothing for whatever adventure your into.

We are stocking a range of their water sports clothing in our Paddle store here in Cott and their Travel/lifestyle wear in the outdoor store also down in Cott. Check out some of their new products below.

November 2nd, 2009 - Exped Backcountry Trekking Poles

This weeks recommendation is the Exped Backcountry Trekking Poles. I used to be quite cynical about using trekking poles but after doing the Tour Du Mont Blanc trek a few years back I soon became a convert, they really do take a massive weight off your knees going downhill. The reason I recommend these particular poles is if you need to take them abroad they do pack down tiny and weigh very little - great with the way Airlines are going today.

Click to view: Exped Backcountry Trekking Poles

October 12th, 2009 - Outdoor Research

This week's recommendation is more about a brand than one single piece of kit, as we have just received all the new Outdoor Research summer clothing in to our stores.

This gear is really hardwearing and fast drying, I have several pieces from last years collection which have been great. Some of the Stand out pieces for me were the Sodo Shirt and Equinox Pants. Also these guys make some of the best Summer headwear available, really lightweight with great Sun Protection built in. Check out the Sun Runner Cap which is great for Paddling as well as Bushwalking or trail running.

October 1st, 2009 - Salomon XT Wings Running Shoe

This week's recommendation again is footwear - the wife has got me on a running regime - and it’s the new Salomon XT Wings.

Over the years I have used various Salomon models from the XT range but I have to say if you are slightly heavier like my good self, this particular shoe offers a lot of cushioning and stability at the heel. I have had the new model now for about 3 weeks. They are being used for trail and tarmac running and I am finding them the best shoe I have used in a long time! So if you are after a good trail running shoe give them a look …

Click to view: Salomon XT Wings Running Shoe

September 7th, 2009 - Scarpa ZEN approach Shoes

This weeks bit of kit which has been getting used and abused by my good self are my Scarpa Zen approach shoes. I got them for a trip last year doing some high level walks in the Austrian Alps and they have been gracing my feet ever since.

Over the years I have used several styles of “approach Shoes” but the Scarpa Zens are by far the toughest that I have had. Back here in Perth they have been great for weekend walks on the Bibbulmun Track and I have been using them as my mountain bike shoes nearly every weekend. And they really are standing up to some serious abuse.

Click to view: Scarpa ZEN Approach Shoes

August 21st, 2009 - The North Face BASE CAMP MESSENGER Bag

This week’s recommendation has become another firm favorite of mine over the last year - The North Face messenger bag. I originally bought it for carrying my laptop around everywhere with me, which it does brilliantly. But it's amazing just how much kit you can cram into it! I have the size Large and have nicknamed it the "black hole". I recently managed a 5 days interstate trip with just this one bag, and its carry-on size so not waiting for your baggage is a definite plus. One of the big pluses is the fabric that The North Face have used. It’s the same that they use on their legendary Duffle Bags and the zips and buckles really are super strong. I would easily rate this as one of the best made messenger bags out there..

Click to view: The North Face BASE CAMP MESSENGER Bag

August 7th, 2009 - Mainpeak ROLLER BAG

I have been pretty much using the Mainpeak 90L Roller Bag non stop for 12 months now. It's been to Japan, Europe and all over Australia with me. The bag takes loads of gear and is easy to organise inside. To me this bag is really is a mobile house.

Click to view: Mainpeak ROLLER BAG

July 30th, 2009 - Icebreaker BODYFIT 200 OASIS Crewe

This is by far my fav bit of Ice Breaker Kit I have been wearing it now for the last 2 weeks nearly everyday , wearing it at work all day and mountain biking at the weekend as a base layer. This stuff just does not smell you can wear it for weeks on end (great if you don’t like washing clothes like myself). I took it to Japan snowboarding in Jan and used it under a heavier 260 Icebreaker Zip Neck and I was warm all the time if you have not tried it yet you have got to give it a go it really works well.

Click to view: Icebreaker BODYFIT 200 OASIS Crewe Men's
Icebreaker BODYFIT 200 OASIS Crewe Women's