Friday, March 26, 2010

Norway calling...

In a week I will be leaving Finland behind, literally and metaphorically. I'll be off for a week's holiday in Northern Norway - ski mountaineering and ice climbing hopefully - that's the literal half. I'm also making the final changes (hopefully) to my PhD thesis on Finnish security policy, and before I go on holiday I plan to hand that in. Hence I'll also be leaving Finland behind metaphorically - as a subject of study, at least for some time. But anyway, you'll have to excuse the minimalist blogging for another few weeks.

I got big parcel through the post today - RAB have sent me a bunch of interesting items to review for UKClimbing whilst I'm in Norway. The kit include one of the new Podsacs and the Alpine Pull On - something halfway between a windproof and a softshell - both of which are new products so I'll be really interested to see how they work. Opening the box with childish glee just made me even more excited to be heading off to the big hills in seven days time.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Nice variety of kit you got there, curious to see how you like the Podsacs and the Alpine Pull-On. Personally I dislike Softshells, I prefer layering, but I know they work for many people.

Toby - Northern Light Blog said...

The Alpine pull on is closer to a Pertex windproof than it is to a softshell I think. The Shadow Hoody seems really nice as well, and I've never tested this "windpro" fleece so it will be interesting to see how much wind it takes before I pull the Pull On on!

Anonymous said...

So far as the literal, are you going to return to Finland after Norway or are you returning to the UK?

Good luck with putting the finishing touches on the thesis.

IK

Toby - Northern Light Blog said...

No, back home to Helsinki after - it's just a holiday - maybe I made it sound more dramatic than it need to! But finishing the thesis will be a big thing!

Unknown said...

Have you really finished your thesis ?

If you're in Helsinki at the end of April I'll buy you a pint :-)

Jo said...

I'll be extremely interested in your review of the Alpine Pull On..

Have a great time in Norway

d said...

Hi Toby, what is sizing/fit like of alpine pull on? im medium in patagonia gear, is large gonna be enough? it's to be worn over baselayer or powerstrech top. No Rab stockist anywhere near me.. Thanks!

Toby - Northern Light Blog said...

Damian - Patagonia and Marmot medium fit me very well. The Alpine Pull On I got was in medium - it is very slightly too tight across my chest when I'm wearing the shadow hoody under it. I can feel the tightness but it's not enough to a be problem even when ice climbing. To compare, I bought a medium Patagonia Speed Ascent this winter and that is meant to be their "slim fit" but there is still plenty of space across the chest for me. You might want to go up to a large in the RAB but then you might well find the arms and the body length isn't perfect. According to my own measurements I'm a 40 inch chest. If you are that or any smaller - I'd go for the medium in the Alpine Pull-on.

Hope that helps.

Toby - Northern Light Blog said...

BTW, there should be a full review of the Alpine Pull On up on UKClimbing.com in the not too distant future.