Right, picked up some gear from www.ALPKIT.com at the weekend and here's my take on what I got:

[b:864268f859]Down Jacket " FILO " (£60)[/b:864268f859]
This has got to be the warmest and lightest thing I have ever worn. At just over 650g and 650+ fill power, this thing is just the bee's-knees! I have to say I was a doubter, always loving my Buffallo over pretty much anything else - but as they say, "Once you go Down..." etc etc. How did I exist before I got this jacket???
I have 2 small things that I would like to see on future models. The current zip is in the American style (ie does up the UK ladies way). This is no problem, but it's there. I would also like to see a more durable shoulder fabric for when carrying heavy bags - but for £60, YOU JUST CAN'T GO WRONG. Maybe this could be on a different model...
I'm reliably informed that it's the same spec as an equivalent North Face model, but a quarter of the price. BUY ONE!

[b:864268f859]Sleeping Bag " ALPINEDREAM 900 " (£120)[/b:864268f859]
Now this is just ridiculous. So warm you would not believe. I encourage you to look at the specs and understand why I never even stirred at the Tyne Tour this weekend just gone. The thing will trap so much air that I got it to stand up vertical on its toe-end. Amazing! Further, it compresses down smaller than my cheapo old bag (feels like the best teddy-bear you never owned) and weighs considerably less. Bonza!
I thought when it arrived I should have got a righty zip so I can pair it with my old bag for "spread", but now I'm convinced I'll just get another ALPINEDREAM - it really is that comfortable.
Once you try a down bag like this you'll understand - when you try to buy one at a better price, you'll go back to Alpkit.com

[b:864268f859]Trekking Poles " CARBONLITE [i:864268f859]EVA[/i:864268f859] " (£35/pair)[/b:864268f859]
Substantially lighter and (if the tests are to be believed) substantially stronger than any pole I've had before. Just recently snapped an Ally pole doing 'nothing' and was pleased to find the Alpkit ones much lighter and feeling much more comfortable. I'm gonna lob up a hill at the weekend so I'll do a full test then, but I'm sure they will more than adequately do the job - and at a fraction of the price of a similar pole from Blacks or wherever...
The one issue I had was the need to take the locking mechanism apart to trim off some moulding plastic burrs. These burrs were making the device bind just a little too much whentrying to extend. Otherwise, they lock firm (before and after the cleaning of the edges). I'm sure you'll agree this is a tiny problem, easily solved.


I really must encourage people to have a look at this ALPKIT outfit. They have some great (tried and tested) gear at ludicrously cheap prices. I've used the airbeds too and they are well worth a look. At least as good as a ThermaRest and costing pennies in comparison.

Have a good winter.

MattD