Life's a journey... so why not take the scenic route?

Our Brands:

These pages provide information on each of our brands, including histories, fabrics used and special features. Please click on the brand name below to read more.

We also have a page dedicated to some of the fabrics used. Click here.

RAB

Helly Hansen

Sprayway

Montane

prAna

Teva

Scarpa

Aku

Red Chili

Osprey

Vango

Chaco

Cloudveil

Force Ten

RAB

In the early 1980's Rab Carrington, one of the UK 's leading climbers and mountaineers, started a small company in Sheffield manufacturing specialist down clothing and sleeping bags. Rab used his extensive experience gained on bold lightweight first ascents to design and manufacture down gear to the highest standards, working with cutting edge mountaineers to produce gear 'for the most extreme conditions in the world'.

To this day the RAB ethos remains unchanged. Their range of mountain clothing now includes all layers from the skin out, as well as down sleeping bags used on the most extreme expeditions. New fabric developments have enabled them to produce their lightest ever down sleeping bags and clothing as well as some of the world's most breathable waterproof shells, helping mountaineers push their limits in the most hostile of environments.

Expedition: The RAB Expedition range of clothing and sleeping bags is designed for use on 8000m peaks and polar travel, providing ultimate warmth, protection and durability.

Extreme: RAB extreme clothing includes down and shell designed to perform in the most extreme conditions in the world, whether that be Scottish winter climbing, Alpinism or 6 and 7000m Greater Range expedition climbing.

Quantum / Neutrino: Using only the very lightest fabrics and insulations the RAB quantum range is produced to meet the demands of backpackers, adventure racers, cycle tourers and light and fast Alpine climbers by providing some of the lightest fully protective mountain clothing available.

Active: The RAB active range is designed for the demanding outdoor enthusiast who ventures into the wild in all seasons, combining comfort and protection with minimum weight.

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Helly Hansen

The company originated in Norway in 1877 as the brainchild of Helly Juell Hansen. Mr Hansen was a Sea Captain and, having spent 20 years on the sea, braving the extreme weather he decided to create clothing whose purpose was to protect the wearer against all the elements could throw at them!

Thus the brand’s initial focus was on the water sports industry but more recently the realization that many of the technologies developed can be adapted to many land-based activities has lead Helly Hansen into the forefront of performance wear for all types of athletes, from windsurfers to rugby players and cricketers.

Helly Hansen’s prime focus when designing their product is performance and to this end they have developed a number of technologies suited to different arenas.

Helly Hansen’s groundbreaking LIFA technology.

LIFA base layer technology was developed on the principal that for the body to perform at it’s optimum it can neither be too hot, nor too cold. LIFA is a base-layer technology that has many constructions, each suited to different conditions. However the goal for each is the same: to keep the wearer dry and comfortable in any condition.

LIFA facts: LIFA retains 40% less moisture than the standard base layer fabric polyester. LIFA does not absorb moisture, it uses pressure from body heat to push it away from the skin to the next layer, thus the layer next to your skin remains dry. And best of all? LIFA has permanent natural resistance to microbial growth and odour retention.           

LIFA Versa: active single layer for high energy sports.

LIFA Sport: base layer with exceptional moisture control.

LIFA Active: base layer balancing moisture control and warmth.

LIFA Prowool: Thermal base layer for cold weather conditions. Combines LIFA and Merino wool.

In addition to the LIFA technology Helly Hansen have developed waterproof technologies in their Helly Tech and Helly Tech XP Watertight Technology. These focus on keeping the body dry whilst still allowing it to breathe.

InterFace offers adequate protection for all but the most extreme conditions whilst providing significantly higher levels of breathability than traditional waterproof / breathable fabrics. In addition it is light, unrestrictive and soft next to the skin.

ProStretch and ProFleece are thermal layer technologies. ProStretch is a low pile stretch micro fleece for active use in colder conditions. ProFleece is a mid-loft fleece providing thermal protection for less active use in colder conditions.

Features:

LIFA Sport: High energy base layer, offering exceptional moisture control. Used for all sports, year round.

• Fabric: 100% Polypropylene, eyelet knit construction, lightweight at 125g/m2

• Features: Close to body fit with low bulk flat lock seams and stretch.

• Benefits:  Rapid moisture transfer, dries fast and has permanent natural resistance to microbial growth and odour retention.

• Usage: High energy sports in warm to cool weather. Designed to be worn next to the skin as part of a layering system; also works well as a single layer.

LIFA PROWOOL: Thermal base layer for cold weather conditions. Provides both efficient moisture transfer and warmth.

• Fabric: 55% Polypropylene, 36% Merino Wool, 9% Nylon. Double face knit construction with polypropylene next to the skin and merino wool on the external face with nylon for durability. Thermal weight (200g/m2)

• Features: Close to body fit with low bulk flat lock seams.

• Benefits: Unique combination of thermal insulation and rapid moisture transfer. Moderate drying time and permanent natural resistance to microbial growth and odour retention.

• Usage: Variable stop-start activities in cool weather. Designed to be worn next to the skin as part of a layering system.

LIFA VERSA: The ultimate single layer for high energy sports. Versa has a high component knit to provide rapid moisture transfer in one layer.

• Fabrics: 53% Polyester, 47% Polypropylene (LIFA)

• Versa has dry ‘water-hating’ LIFA on the inside, next to the skin and absorbent polyester on the outside.

• LIFA pushes perspiration and moisture vapour to the outside – to the polyester. The absorbent polyester wicks away the moisture, keeping both skin and LIFA dry. The result is the two layers are effectively combined in one lightweight fabric, making Versa garments ideal for active use in warmer weather.

• Unlike other LIFA Sport, Active and Prowool, Versa is worn in a looser fit and has a looser knit construction to allow air to circulate.

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Sprayway

It has been over 30 years since Sprayway started making performance outdoor gear, and a lot has happened in that time! Through it all, using that 30 year's experience in the outdoors, alongside a team of supported athletes, instructors, field testers and dedicated staff, we have continued to make some of the finest outdoor clothing in the world.

Everyone in the Sprayway team contributes to the launch or improvement of a product, from the most technical mountain piece to the simplest travel shirt. Here we understand that not everyone will aim to summit unclimbed peaks or push themselves to the limit across the arctic, but it certainly helps to know that Sprayway has been tested and performed in that arena – the harshest of environments in the wildest and most remote corners of the world.

The Sprayway challenge is to take that experience and make outdoor clothing that keeps their customers warm, dry and comfortable in absolutely any extremes of weather they choose to go into – to guarantee a level of confidence and protection for all of them, while enjoying their adventure called life!

Ranges:

Mountain Lite
Lightweight and packable product for the mountain sports enthusiast. Streamlined design for multi-purpose use. 

Mountain Trek

A range of clothing with features for all year round trekking use, whether your favourite route in the Lakes, scrambling in the Highlands or more adventurous territory abroad. 

Mountain Peak

Mountain Peak is designed for serious lightweight mountain activists. It incorporates the very latest in advanced design techniques and fabrics for the most technically demanding mountaineer. Versatile performance products for extreme mountain environments.

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Montane

MONTANE specialize in super lightweight clothing for protection during fast paced activities. MONTANE was established in 1993 in the UK .

When on the move outdoors in extreme weather, whether mountain running, biking or climbing; high quality, comfortable clothing can massively enhance the experience and allow you to focus upon your sport and not what the weather is trying to do to you.

In all active-use outdoor situations the essential requirement of comfortable clothing is to prevent the weather from entering your clothing system and at the same time allow your sweat and excess body heat to escape easily.

In situations of intense cold weather or extreme exertion, removing sweat from your clothing system is not just the key to your comfort but to your very health and survival. By reducing the weight and pack size of all MONTANE clothing to the lowest achievable levels the outdoor experience is further enhanced. Less energy is wasted carrying your clothing and more space is available for other essential items like food or equipment.

All MONTANE products have been developed to be as lightweight and breathable as possible and have been tested by outdoor athletes in every corner of the globe.

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prAna

Clothing born from the experience.

prAna (ancient Sanskrit meaning "Life, energy, and vitality of the soul") clothing is the ultimate in high-performance active wear - inspired by the passions of the founders, who are avid yogis and climbers. prAna apparel has attracted many of the world's top outdoor athletes (Chris Sharma, Tiffany Campbell) and yogis (Baron Baptiste, Pattabhi Jois). This is an amazing company, filled with great people who believe in what they do.

PrAna were established in the US and have a firm commitment to the support of ecological and environmental protection causes both through their manufacturing processes and through their sponsorship of various organisations.

“From the inside out, and from the ground up prAna's aim has always been to promote balance and harmony between our inner and outer worlds. In so doing our clothes become and extension of the body, a vehicle for the spirit.

This is a natural by-product of good design; beyond the superficialities of trends are the essential qualities that make all the difference; the integrity of the materials, the refinements of construction, the inspiration of wit and imagination.

Continually turning to nature, we never find ourselves lacking. As we reach out, we also ground ourselves in our intention to celebrate the ethical and animating exchange of ideas and spirit, ideas such as sustainability and right action within our culture and with the world.

It is PrAna's hope to continue to remain reflective of and responsive to our membership in today's global consciousness.”

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Teva

In 1982 Mark Thatcher built his first sports sandal out of inspiration and a little ingenuity. It proved to be ideal for the rafts and rapids of the Colorado in the US . His creation combined the spirit of a sandal with the soul of a shoe.

The original and still the best sports sandal - as common in cities and on trains as they are in canoes and rivers. What has always distinguished Teva from the copies is a patented strapping system that holds the foot securely but without the heat and confinement of enclosed footwear. These versatile multi-sport sandals offer outstanding comfort and surprising performance even on difficult terrain. New innovations and materials ensure Teva’s position as the sandal Market leader is maintained. Once tried it is hard to resist having just one pair in your wardrobe!

From canyoneering and kayaking to trail running and trekking, Teva has also moved on-shore and up-range. With performance features, new technologies and improved functionality, Teva is the natural evolution in footwear for the outdoor athlete.

In 2005 their X1 Trail Running shoe became the official shoe of the US Mountain Running Team.

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Scarpa

Scarpa are industry leaders in the footwear arena. Scarpa’s reputation for fine craftsmanship goes back more than 50 years. Based in the foothills of the Italian Dolomites, Scarpa has integrated modern technologies into the manufacturing technique to produce carefully constructed footwear for climbers, mountaineers, hillwalkers and skiers.

Renowned the world over for quality Mountain Footwear, Scarpa have always held true to their traditions of sourcing the best materials and employing the most skilled artisans.  Today this combination of old world craftsmanship with modern materials and technology provide Mountaineers, Climbers and Trekkers with truly innovative footwear they can rely on to tackle the worlds most extreme environments.

For SCARPA the word 'Research' is a keyword. Their main concern is, in fact, the design and the development of their products and after, their production. They are very keen on the study of details – even the smallest ones – and this is the reason why they are able to offer a unique and unmistakable personality to their footwear.

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Aku

AKU's founder Galliano Bordin has over 50 years of experience in all aspects of footwear design. Shortly after WWII, this young man began to learn the traditional arts of shoe-making and leather tanning. By the early 1960s, Galliano opened his own welted boot factory, producing technical mountain footwear for some of the most important brand names in the region.

In 1990 the AKU brand made its debut and by the end of the decade had attained worldwide distribution. AKU is now an international company yet the Bordin family remains committed to research and investigation of new materials and innovative production methods.  This commitment allows AKU to keep up to date with the finest production names in the world without compromising the artisan quality on which the company is founded.

What makes an AKU boot so special is the attention given to each individual shoe. Due to many years of experience and testing, the current collection includes many exclusive proprietary techniques that allow AKU to offer some of the best fitting boots on the market.

AKU's dedication to constant enhancement of the quality of their product has proved a winning strategy over the years. This quality is expressed in the perfect relationship between research and development, innovative design and rigorous testing in the field. These three factors are the motivation of the company from Montebelluna, in their aim of offering all outdoor enthusiasts the ultimate guarantee of protection and security. AKU promotes constant and thorough scientific study into foot morphology; distinguishing between the anatomy of the male and female foot; and the specific needs of the mountaineer, the hiker and the outdoor enthusiast.

Features:

IMS (Internal Midsole System): AKU has developed the IMS technology to offer superior comfort with maximum performance. Thanks to this exclusive system, the foot is in direct contact with the mouldable surface of the internal midsole rather than the hard surface of the lasting board. IMS takes a dynamic copy of the foot, which enables movement within the shoe to be minimised, thus reducing friction and abrasion. This allows the wearer to react quickly to unpredictable changes in terrain.

Asymmetrical Closure: The AKU asymmetrical lacing system has been designed to reduce the pressure of extra material and stitching on sensitive areas of the foot, such as that produced by the gussets used in most hiking boots. Unlike other boots, which have two tongue gusstes, AKU eliminates the medial gusset to allow the important blood vessels in the navicular area of the foot to work naturally.

Gore-Tex: Gore-Tex is a breathable microporous yet completely waterproof membrane. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that each of it’s pores is 700 times bigger than a molecule of water vapour but 20,000 times smaller than the smallest possible drop of water. It’s chemical and physical qualities remain unchanged through time and render Gore-Tex biocompatible and immune to chemical and acid attacks.

Harmonic Lasting: Over time AKU has developed it’s own anatomical lasts, which are the result of years of testing and investigation into the bio-kinesiology of the foot. Harmonic lasting uses a lower-volume approach to the forefoot, arch and heel area. The harmonic lasting geometry provides a close and secure fit on traverses, ascents and descents.

Air 8000: During any kind of sport activity, the body removes the excess heat through perspiration. This happens also to the foot, particularly among the toes and through the sole. It is therefore very important for the comfort of the foot to remove this perspiration from the foot itself and drain it outside. To attain this goal AKU has created Air 8000. This is a fabric used in the construction of the uppers. It has been protected by an international patent and it has been specifically designed to guarantee perfect breathability. A high breathable performance level is very important for the health of the foot. If the foot is well aerated, it is not attacked by mycosis, skin inflammation and painful blisters. It is demonstrated by accurate laboratory tests that over a period of 24hrs, AKU Air 8000 transpires 8021 grams of vapour, while in other traditional fabrics, the transpiration is of 7000 grams over the same period. AKU is the only brand with this advantage.

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Red Chili

Red Chili are top suppliers of rock climbing shoes and accessories, including chalk bags, T shirts, rope and crag sacs. Established in Germany by two highly experienced rock climbers, the Red Chili brand has grown and flourished.

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Osprey

Osprey packs are one of the fastest growing brands in the US and Europe . Osprey were founded in the US in 1974 and have become one of the industry leaders in packs designed for all levels of activities from day sacks through climbing and weekend packs up to expedition packs in their Crescent and Luna ranges.

In that time they have come up with some groundbreaking innovations such as the Straitjacket compression system seen throughout their product line and more recently the Custom Molding pack hip belts.

Experience and specialization counts. Over the years they've learned a lot about what works on a pack and what doesn't! The entire company is totally focused on the art of carrying things on your back and instead of branching into other areas of equipment they prefer to stick to what they do best – designing and building great packs!

Osprey concentrate on making high quality, innovative, lightweight packs with all the features required for the specific activities whilst ensuring stability and fit to enable the wearer to carry out their chosen activity with minimal interference from their pack.

Features:

ReCurve: The ReCurve suspension is the deluxe load carrier. Twin 2024-T6 Aluminium stays, a Foam-X framesheet with cutouts for weight reduction and articulated aluminium ferrules anchor the 7075 aluminium ReCurve rod at the top and bottom of the pack frame.

IsoForm harness: IsoForm harness in multiple sizes and gender specific cuts features spacer mesh surface with no sewn seams for superb comfort and contoured fit.

Bioform CM™ Hipbelts provide custom, heat molded fit in multiple sizes and gender specific cuts.

AirScape suspension: AirScape backpanel with nubbed foam and grip mesh covering provides superior breathability and ultra-comfortable pack to body contact.

Straightjacket compression system for stabilisation of lighter loads and for storage.

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Vango

Vango offer high quality, technical tents, packs and sleeping bags. Andrew Mitchell Ltd (UK) had been involved in supplying materials to sail and tent manufacturers since 1841 and the decision to move into tent manufacture was made by Andrew Mitchell in 1963 when he acquired a highly successful tent making firm and founded Vango.

They primarily manufactured quality tents and were market leaders in this arena. In 1984 they branched out to manufacture collections of both sleeping bags and backpacks. Vango also manufacture Force Ten tents, launched in 1967.

The true aesthetics of the word ‘hardware’ tells the story of the function and performance with which Vango design and construct each and every one of their products. Designed to perform and bu ilt to last, every product feature introduced is inherited from over 40 years outdoor experience.

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Chaco

Fit. Function. Comfort. Quality. For the last 18 years, Chaco has been preoccupied with these concepts.
Their business remains a thoughtful process. From new style introductions to changes in tread pattern or glue formula, everything passes a litmus test to determine whether it's truly an improvement. Chaco don't believe in complicated footwear and hype. Instead, they want to inspire lifelong commitment from those who put our gear on their feet—whether they're resoling a favourite pair of old Zs or slipping into  new buttery-soft leather Flips.

We live in a world that makes faddish, non-recyclable and non-repairable products. In short, we make garbage. Since 1989, Chaco products have been the gold standard for durability and simplicity. 

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Cloudveil

Cloudveil took shape in the minds of Stephen Sullivan and Brian Cousins sometime during the winter of 1994, while the two were employed as outdoor retail store managers/buyers at Skinny Skis in Jackson , WY . After working, skiing and climbing together for two years they came to realize that they had more in common than just a shared passion for alpine pursuits. Both shared a profound belief that there was room in the mountain apparel market for a focused, performance-oriented, product offering that would dare to think "out of the box" when it came to functional design, fabrication, and innovation. Living in the alpine climbing and backcountry skiing playground of Jackson Hole, they decided that there was no better place to base the business; research and development right out the back door, definite marketing panache and with the advent of modern technology no need to pack up and move. 

In the year prior to starting the business, both Sullivan and Cousins took steps to help move Cloudveil from a dream into a reality. Cousins moved from Jackson to Boulder , Colorado to take a position with an apparel manufacturer in an effort to broaden his experience and gain insight into the manufacturing side of the apparel market. While he soaked up the experience he constantly searched for the answer to the question, "Can we possibly pull this off in Jackson ?"

Meanwhile, Sullivan quit his job at Skinny Skis in favour of a more flexible work schedule behind the bar at local Jackson watering hole, Calico Restaurant. The free time during his days, combined with the desire to learn more about textile and apparel design and manufacturing, resulted in hundreds of hours spent on the phone and in meetings, beginning to build the network of suppliers and production facilities that would be so critical to Cloudveil's successful launch in the Fall of 1997.

In addition to all the initial legwork completed within those days, both Cousins and Sullivan made plenty of time to head into the mountains to test proposed designs and materials, constantly refining concepts and discovering innovative new fabrications. Somehow, even with all of their time in the mountains that year, Sullivan made it back to the Calico Bar each night to mix up the meanest margarita in Teton County and Cousins managed to quickly move up the ladder to a management position.

Encouraged by their findings Cloudveil began to take on a more tangible reality. Now all that was left was that fateful decision to quit their jobs and make a go of it! That day came in early spring of 1997 as the first Cloudveil product line was already in mature prototype stages.

After constructing a tradeshow booth in a college friends backyard, they introduced eight products at their first Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City in the fall of 1997, including the now signature Serendipity Jacket, and most are still in the line. The Cloudveil line has grown dramatically, and though still totally focused, the 2006 collection now features over two hundred and fifty products - both Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer including both Men's and Women's apparel. Spring/Summer of 2006 marked a new category launch for Cloudveil with a complete new line of Fly-Fishing apparel and accessories. The new category is off to an auspicious start with over 140 Fly Fishing specialty retailers representing the line.

Cousins and Sullivan's discovery and extensive use of Schoeller stretch woven fabrics from Switzerland has ushered in a new era in outdoor clothing - the Soft Shell - creating a category for the true mountain athlete, and one that Cloudveil continues to expand and focus upon.

In 2002 Cloudveil took the next step in its evolution bringing in two new partners, Jon Boris and Michael McGregor, who added a significant capital infusion as well as tangible business acumen to the already strong management team. Boris and McGregor, stay focused on operational and financial management, and successfully opened a Cloudveil satellite Customer/Dealer Service office in Denver , Colorado in 2003. They ushered in a new era of operational and financial efficiency. They have also become good friends to all and have added a new and refreshing perspective to the growing brand.

2005 marked another milestone as Cloudveil was acquired by Sport Brands International, Inc. an international holding company of sports brands. Proving to be another positive step in the evolution of Cloudveil, the acquisition has left Cousins and Sullivan free to focus on building the Cloudveil brand and has bolstered the operational back-end efficiencies of the ever-growing business. It is developing into another great partnership.

The Cloudveil  brand is rooted in Jackson Hole and they take advantage of this prime alpine location to exhaustively put their gear to the test. From first sketch to refined form they sanction only clean, functional and focused designs that excel on their rugged Teton home turf. They utilize the most innovative textiles and inject each piece with expert adaptability for the shifting conditions experienced in the mountains. As a result, they certify each piece that earns the Cloudveil mark is a product of alpine toughness, active versatility and inspired style.

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Force Ten

Force Ten specialize in high altitude tents. Founded by Vango in 1967 Force Ten tents have been insisted on for more than 3000 expeditions due to their outstanding durability and legendary stability.

Top British mountaineer, Alan Hinkes chose to take a Force Ten Vortex with him on his latest and successful expedition to climb the north face of Annapurna .

Amongst other expeditions, home and abroad, Vango was selected as the official tent supplier for the 72-hour adventure challenge race - The Red Bull Northern Exposure in the Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland , where the Vango Force Ten Vortex tents were used at checkpoints throughout the course.

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