Within the ‘shoulder seasons’ of spring and autum, climate can differ wildly, and choosing the right clothes will be difficult. Right here Alex Roddie provides some normal ideas, and walks us via the Haglöfs L.I.M Collection Z|T, which is constructed to deal with extremes…
This can be a sponsored article in partnership with our buddies at Haglöfs
When hillwalking and backpacking within the Scottish Highlands (and Britain’s mountains usually), an enormous number of situations will be encountered at any time of yr, however the shoulder seasons – spring and autumn – will be most difficult of all.
Barring just a few surprises, you just about know what you’re going to get in summer season or winter should you’ve been listening to the forecast. Issues generally is a lot extra unsure within the in-between seasons, although, and this will actually take a look at your data and tools.
Atlantic storms are widespread in autumn; within the spring, temperatures and precipitation can fluctuate quickly, defying predictions. To remain on prime of this it’s worthwhile to be adaptable.
However there is no such thing as a have to concern the shoulder seasons. In truth, I believe that is the place the magic occurs! In all my years of wandering the Scottish hills, a lot of my most memorable journeys have taken place in spring and autumn.
Spring generally is a significantly superb time of yr, particularly in distant elements of the Highlands and on the larger peaks. The snow recedes, however stays on these excessive north faces, lending a cold Arctic vibe to the panorama.
Temperatures climb excessive sufficient to allow you to go away many of the winter gear behind, however not so excessive you can comfortably go ultralight. It’s a time of yr for greater routes as soon as once more – however with a flavour of ruggedness and exploration.
Though I don’t at all times plan my routes meticulously, I do put lots of thought into my gear at the moment of yr, as a result of I do know what it’s prefer to be caught out. In Could 2016, strolling throughout Scotland, I wasn’t adequately outfitted for a savage snowstorm when crossing the Ben Alder Munros, and descended to the bothy with ice in my beard, feeling as if I’d simply crossed a struggle zone.
Being ready doesn’t imply it’s important to pack the kitchen sink. Light-weight backpacking continues to be fairly simple in spring, however I’ll normally err on the facet of warning and my pack will weigh 1-2kg greater than it could in excessive summer season. On the plus facet, you received’t have midges to fret about!
Shelter: Until there’s an ideal forecast with excessive confidence, I like a shelter that may stand as much as excessive winds and heavy rain – both a pyramid tarp with internal/bivvybag or a light-weight one-person tent. Excessive-quality tent pegs are essential too.
Hat/gloves: In summer season I can typically get away with only a solar hat, however in spring I’ll at all times carry not less than one pair of heat gloves, a Buff, woolly hat, and a solar hat –and I’ll typically use all of them on the identical day.
Pack: I’ll carry a much bigger pack in spring to accommodate extra layers and bulkier gear. Everybody’s completely different, however I discover {that a} 40-50L pack is usually greatest for overnighters, or as much as 60L if tackling an extended journey.
Winter {hardware}: It may be a difficult name to make. Ice axe and crampons, and the data to make use of them safely, are sometimes wanted properly into spring on the very best peaks. Use on-line assets such because the Scottish Avalanche Info Service (sais.gov.uk) to evaluate present situations. I’ll typically convey very light-weight alloy axe and crampons alongside in spring, as I received’t anticipate to make use of them for lengthy durations.
The beginning of a cold night time and wild camp by Loch na Barrack.
The gear: Haglöfs L.I.M Collection Z|T
Alex lately backpacked a spectacular circuit in Scotland’s wild Assynt area, together with a climb of Suilven, arguably the most stunning mountain in Britain. Right here’s what Alex wore on the journey…
1. Waterproof shell: L.I.M Z|T Mountain GTX PRO Jacket
After I’m unsure in regards to the climate, I choose to not depend on an ultralight waterproof. A burlier shell produced from three-layer Gore-Tex provides higher safety in surprising storms, however I’ll hardly ever want a winter jacket.
Distinctive breathability is essential, too, in quickly altering situations. I’ll typically discover myself working exhausting uphill in heat sunshine while nonetheless carrying my shell, ready for the subsequent squall.
The L.I.M Z|T Mountain GTX Professional Jacket does all this with aplomb. Regardless of providing a reassuring stage of safety due to 40D Gore-Tex Professional stretch 3-layer cloth, I discovered breathability nothing lower than exceptional (RET <13), which means much less faffing about with layers and extra time having fun with the mountains.
The hood on the Haglofs L.I.M ZT Mountain GTX PRO Jacket.
2. Waterproof trousers: L.I.M Z|T Shell GTX PRO Pant
These waterproof trousers coupled a tremendous diploma of flexibility with the breathability benefits of the Mountain GTX Professional Jacket (they’re produced from the identical Gore-Tex cloth). Lengthy facet zips made it simple to rapidly pull them on over massive mountain boots.
Sturdy patches on the insides of the decrease legs would provide glorious safety in opposition to crampon harm, ought to crampons be wanted, and the material had simply sufficient stretch to make them comfy on the scrambly rock steps.
3. Midlayer: Haglöfs L.I.M Z|T Sync 1 Mid Hood
I might by no means go backpacking in spring with out each a heat midlayer and an insulated jacket. The midlayer is, arguably, an important piece, as you’ll be carrying it way more typically than you’d in summer season.
The Sync 1 Mid Hood has just a few fascinating qualities that made it preferrred for the situations we discovered on Suilven. It’s produced from a combo of Polartec Energy Air and Polartec Energy Dry (each 100% recycled polyester), and the ensuing open-mesh weave meant that moisture build-up was by no means an issue.
The close-fitting hood felt heat and cushty too.
Haglofs L.I.M ZT Sync 1 Mid Hood
4. Baselayer: Haglöfs L.I.M Z|T Base
This was my favorite piece within the set. Stretchy Polartec Energy Grid cloth for moisture transport, and a design lengthy sufficient to tuck into your trousers – preferrred for cooler situations.
It labored completely with the Sync 1 Mid Hood to maintain me dry and comfy.
The Haglofs L.I.M ZT Base layer.
