GEAR talk n Recycling outdoor gear Recycle Outdoor Gear (ROG) is the first European reuse exchange for used outdoor gear - www.recycleoutdoorgear. com. It’s a free of charge, internetbased service dedicated to helping us all to find a solution to the huge amounts of used but serviceable outdoor gear taking up space in cupboards, lofts and garages by swapping, selling, buying or donating used outdoor gear. The UK is the second largest outdoor market in Europe with sales in excess of £1.46bn in 2010. ROG is also working hard to increase awareness and understanding of recycling and reuse outdoor gear initiatives by charities; donating unwanted outdoor gear to a particular charity is an excellent way to ensure its second life potential. Sarah Howcroft, founder of ROG, said, “I hope to develop ROG into a one-stop service for all activities relevant to recycling and the reuse of outdoor gear. If your organisation has a brand-specific recycling or reuse initiative, please let me know - sarahhowcroft@gmail.com - and I will make ensure it’s all on ROG.” The ROG blog is a great place to highlight what’s happening - the place to write about all the outdoor gear recycling and reuse stories, ‘what we recycled, how we did it, what we are reusing or donating’; companies and organisations can submit a blog post, photos and videos, etc. ROG is grateful to the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA) and Rohan for their support and encouragement. She added, “Their joint encouragement demonstrates that when members of the industry work together a great deal can be accomplished. In the current business climate maybe a more collaborative approach to some of the major issues could prove beneficial to everyone.” Andrew Denton, the OIA chief Exec, said, “The OIA welcomes, endorses and supports the launch of the Recycle Outdoor Gear initiative. We are the not-for-profit trade body that represents the outdoor trade in the UK and we are committed to improving the overall ecological and environmental impact of our industry. As well as being members of the European Outdoor Group, the Conservation Association and EOG Sustainability Working Group, we are actively working to find ways to provide leadership example for sustainability in the UK outdoor trade. The ROG website ensures our members and our members customers can make an active impact on the amount of product wasted or discarded, ensures best practice in repair, exchange and donation and will directly lead to less waste and better use of equipment’s lifetime value.” The OIA has launched a new opportunity for full membership – just £60 per year in the Independent Outdoor Professional (IOP) category. IOP members can access a wide range of OIA benefits and services, including the free use of meeting rooms at properties owned by OIA member HF Holidays; a legal and HR hotline run by Croner Consulting; member discounts for OIA events, such as the annual conference and other networking opportunities, plus access to the members’ section on the website which hosts valuable industry-related material. For more information and to find out details of how to join, visit www.theoia.co.uk or email andrew.denton@ theoia.co.uk p36 Horizons (58) Summer 2012 or hn Trayn o J y b n Petzl Nao New generation head torch. One of the big problems with head torches is the relationship between high-performance LED power consumption and battery capacity. The choices are limited - either unregulated light, giving rapidly diminishing light output, or regulated output where maximum power is only available for relatively short periods. The Nao uses Petzl’s innovative Reactive Lighting technology, providing light that automatically adapts to the environment. A sensor constantly monitors reflected light from the direction of vision and adapts the head torch output accordingly meaning there is no need to manually adjust brightness when switching between close or distant objects. An additional benefit is automatic optimisation of battery output, giving extended burn times - at least three times longer than it would do under constant full power (depending on ambient light and the pattern of usage). The Nao features a front headset with twin LEDs and sensor linked to the rear-mounted battery by the new Zephyr cord-lock headband. The battery is a 2300 mAh lithium-ion unit, rechargeable via an integrated USB plug; there is a belt kit version for the battery plus a detachable top strap for additional stability when running. Lighting is controlled via a large rotating on/off switch, which can be locked in the ‘off’ position. The switch allows the user to choose between Reactive Lighting or Static modes, with high/ low output options in each; static lighting gives a fixed output (non-reactive). In Reactive Lighting mode, the headset uses a single high-output LED in a wide-angled beam. In Static mode, the headset uses both the wide-angled beam and a second high-output LED configured for a focused beam. Maximum power output is 355 lumens. Performance profiles can be customised via Petzl’s OS 2.0 on a computer. For ‘emergency use’, the battery pack will accept 2 x conventional AAA batteries. UK rrp is around £135.00 and products will be available in retailers in July 2012. n P rimus Express Lander Stovet £100 Things are hotting up in the portable stove market with the launch of the Primus Express Lander Multi-Fuel Stove. At £100, this ultra-light (175g), super efficient, stable and durable stove works using a variety of fuels and is suitable for 1-4 people. It’s great for extended trips in the hills and quick brews on days out. Despite its size, this is a sturdy piece of kit thanks to intelligent design combined with Institute for Outdoor Learning GEAR talk also here: http://www.outdoor-learning.org/Default.aspx?tabid=173 solid steel and aluminium construction. It is stable enough to easily accommodate 2l pots and the steady base and serrated top mount help to prevent spills. The top mounted fuel line warms the fuel before it reaches the flame for optimum performance and the stove’s clever precision simmer control function allows close heat output control, saving fuel and avoiding burnt food. Plus, it’s easy to dismantle and clean in the field due to its simplicity of design. It comes with a heat reflector and a new quick release stuff bag. n S martWool SmartWool’s Lightweight Sleeveless + SmartWool Microweight Comfort and performance layers. Today’s baselayers are worlds apart from string vests in terms of technical input and style. SmartWool’s NTS Baselayers provide a high performance, light foundation for layering, whilst also being ideal pieces to wear alone on warmer days. 2012 seasonal highlights include the introduction of a new fabric, redesigned classic styles, and additions in the Next-To-Skin Microweight collection. Plus, new warm weather options have been added to the completely redesigned Nextto-Skin Lightweight Baselayer collection. Starting with the very first layer, SmartWool has used a new fabric, Pointelle, within its Microweight women’s ‘intimate’ (it is an American company) collection as the first layer for breathability, natural odour resistance, as well as moisture and temperature management where it’s needed most by allowing moisture vapour to pass through its super-fine Merino wool fibre. Thanks to new colours and feminine styling, women now have an even cooler option with a Microweight Pointelle thong, bikini or hip hugger underwear as the first layer for comfort and a Microweight cami, tank, tee, crew, v-neck for performance on top. All designs created use the SmartWool Fit, the outcome of two years of research, examining body types, baselayer fits and constructions, for a better fitting baselayer on more body types. Cutting edge designs for both men and women in the redesigned lightweight baselayer collection include the Lightweight Sleeveless, a form fit top, with details including sculpted side panels that eliminate side seams for reduced chafing and fit, drop tail bottom hems for increased coverage, and contrast flatlock interior seams. The Lightweight Sleeveless combines two NTS Lightweight materials - Jersey and Rib knit; both are 100% Merino, for body enhancing fit and optimal mobility. For the full SmartWool NTS collection go to www.smartwool.com and for stockiest enquiries call SmartWool on 01753 497190. n H elinox Chair One £69.99 This innovative chair can hold up to 160 times its weight, which is just 2lbs (940g) - and when packed up, it is the size of a shoe. Hailed as the world’s most compact folding chair, it certainly lives up to its name and is incredibly comfortable too. Just the job when you need to spend time hanging around outdoors rather than being active. The Helinox Chair One is literally small enough and light enough to pop into a rucksack and carry without hassle. Made by DAC, the leading manufacturer of tent poles, Helinox products incorporate many of the advanced features and quality found in the DAC tent poles. For further info, visit www.helinox.eu n Jetboil CrunchIt tool £5.99 Enjoy butane canister convenience without creating landfill waste, thanks to Jetboil’s CrunchIt™ tool. Known for innovation in outdoor cooking and committed to environmental concern, Jetboil’s tool safely vents and punctures Jetboil Jetpower or other threaded valve gas canisters, making it clear that they are empty, safe, and ready for recycling. It weighs just one ounce and easily clips onto a carabiner or key ring, and also includes a plastic safety cap, bottle opener, and orifice jet wrench for certain Jetboil cooking system models. n K arrimor Hydro II £60 From the Karrimor Travel Footwear range, the Men’s Hydro II sandals are a great choice for travelling and adventures in warmer climates. The hybrid design with open vents to the upper provides maximum ventilation and comfort with the additional protection of a walking shoe. Functional, practical and stylishly designed, the Hydro II is available in two colours and offers good traction with multi-directional grip to the Vibram outsole. n Osprey Viper 7 Supernova£60 A great compact men’s-specific hydration pack (women’s range – Verve) that’s comfortable to wear with organised gear storage inside and a bungee lacing system on the front panel for carrying an extra clothing layer. All prices quoted are the manufacturers’ ‘suggested retail price’; canny shopping should quickly reveal a wider range of options. Institute for Outdoor Learning Horizons (58) Summer 2012 p37