Tales and adventures of a Belgian lady and her fourteen furry friends
The model reviewed in this article is the very first Essens model and is difficult to find in stock anywhere as Haglöfs has released several newer models, so the specs and features mentioned may differ from the newer models. Haglöfs described this jacket as following: "The L.I.M Essens Jacket is our premier down jacket when… Continue reading Haglöfs LIM Essens Down Jacket
Montbell is a Japanese brand which was founded by Isamu Tatsuno, a mountaineer, kayaker and an all-round outdoorsman, in 1975. I first heard of the brand Montbell many years back, but with the bigger and more famous (at least in Europe) brands such as The North Face, Fjellräven and Arc´teryx dominating the market I had… Continue reading Montbell U.L. Thermawrap Parka
"Agile, tought, and razor sharp. Snow is its natural habitat,"that is what Petzl announces in their informative video about their Leopard crampons, after having spent quite some time with this product on our feet we most certainly agree to that statement. Specifications Number of points: 10 Boot sizes: 36-46 Certification(s): CE EN 893, UIAA Material(s):… Continue reading Petzl Leopard crampons
Traversing the Nepali Himalayas in winter meant we were in for some really rough stretches where we would be at the end of our wits as fatigue struck us hard. In an expedition such as this it becomes imperative that we get a decent nights sleep to regain some strength. We would also encounter some… Continue reading Mountain Equipment Kryos sleeping bag
Seeing that we would most likely face quite some torrential rain while trekking at the end of the monsoon season in Nepal I was looking for a jacket that would be able to keep me dry, yet not add too much weight to my pack. Weighing in at a mere 243 grams while still offering… Continue reading Montbell Torrent Flier jacket
Our story with Aarn starts on Te Araroa in New Zealand. When we first started encountering these packs we frowned at them with great skepticism, wondering how awkward it must be walking with those pockets on the front of your body. We didn’t really understand the point of it, and we decided we did not… Continue reading Aarn Guiding Light Bodypack
It took me a long time to decide which backpack would accompany me along Te Araroa. I read, again and again, about all the different brands and models they had. I went from outdoor shop to outdoor shop to check out what was there and what seemed useful. In the end I had narrowed it… Continue reading Osprey Xena 85L Backpack
Soon after we arrived in New Zealand we laid eyes on the first hiker using an Aarn bodypack. We did not dare to ask him, Graeme/Graham he was called, if it wasn't very awkward and uncomfortable walking with those pockets in the front of the body. How could he manage all the scrambling without stumbling… Continue reading Aarn Peak Aspiration Bodypack
NeoAir X-Lite Large After spending approximately 7 months sleeping in a tent I have gained a new appreciation for beds, to quote Eef, " I love beds and sheets and pillows". Nonetheless, I must say that if I can't sleep in a bed my second choice would definitely be the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping mattress.… Continue reading Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Large and ProLite Plus Regular
Having walked Te Araroa in boots it was clear that I needed a lighter shoe to walk long-distances, unlike PJ who likes their support and sturdiness. I like more air, and less weight on my feet which also puts more strain on the back. I figured that a lighter shoe would make me more agile… Continue reading Salewa Women’s Mountain Trainer
Lost in the Hills 