Safe to say that this was a great first outing for the jacket since purchasing from yourselves. Best to compare with my Alta II Jacket, which has given great service and would be a worthy comparative jacket in terms of performance. The best things are the totally reduced flapping from the “athletic fit”  and the front hand pockets are nicely positioned. The lining and outer stretch fabric are superb. This picture is taken with roughly 40m.p.h. winds and wind chill well into sub zero territory, I felt like an oven ready chicken! Only thing is the arm length of the jacket which is not a problem but if it was possible to alter this I would given the years of service anticipated. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of buying this to go for it, the price is perhaps comparative with high end “designer” Pro Shell Goretex etc. But I would say it outperform easily in all aspects, including looking like a real “bling” piece of kit.

Steve Tait

Customised Braemar Single Ventile Smock with chest bellow pockets, double Ventile in hood and shoulders, snow cuffs, waist drawcord etc

I just wanted to drop you a quick line to thank you for making and sending my Foinaven smock in time for Christmas – as you promised. And also to compliment you on an outstanding jacket.

While I very much appreciated the bespoke service and hand making of your products, I also needed to view, try and get one before departing on a walking trip – not easy when I live 400 miles away – and you brilliantly managed to meet all these requirements. But as well as the service, I am thrilled at the quality and workmanship of the jacket. It’s more money than I have ever spent on any item of outdoor clothing, but I now cannot believe that you can make and sell at this price. Before alighting at your door, I was looking at  a *****  but was worried about its ruggedness. Instead I now have a similar jacket, as well as a quality Ventile jacket, handmade, in the UK for only £20 more! Far from being expensive, this is a bargain!

I will certainly be promoting your company and products to everyone and look forward to coming back to you for all my future outdoor clothing requirements.

Daniel

I bought a pair of Enduro trousers from you a few weeks ago, and I said at the time that I would report back once I had used them a bit in tough conditions. I’ve worn them on three bad weather days now, two cold, one warmer and wet, all with 50mph+ wind. I’ve been wearing them with home made elastic braces, powerstretch tights for cold high mountain days and thin 3/4 length tights for wet days and the temperature regulation has been great. I was up Lochnagar yesterday in high winds and whiteout at times, temperature around freezing and verglas forming all over us; there is certainly enough warmth in them as long as you are not standing around in the open doing nothing for extended periods, which is as much as you can realistically ask. We had a 5-10 minute stop in the lee of a boulder at the summit and I didn’t need to layer up at all. So, up to the usual Paramo high standards, and sufficient for fairly full on Scottish winter conditions. I expect them to be great for ski touring as well.

My only other comments are that a long leg option would be good for taller folk; I’m 6’2″ and the built in gaiters are just ok with high winter boots, but they don’t overlap properly with lower summer boots. Not a big problem though, as that’s not really the intended use. Also, if you’re tall then the stirrup loops are vital, but the way the loop on one side is stitched in facing upwards means the gaiter always sits a bit oddly. Anyway, only minor points, and outweighed by the well thought out simplicity of everything else.

We were inspired to support French explorer Vincent Cochin in his daring solo ski crossing of the Canadian Arctic.

Departing in February from Kugaaruk, a small Inuit community on the Northern coast of Canada, he will travel by ski, pulling a sledge loaded with equipment and food, going from village to village, until reaching the Greenland community of Qaanaaq,2300 km (1400 miles) further, on Greenland’s Northwest coast.  During the journey he will be accompanied with film production company  Moosestash Films, based in Vancouver, who will  make a documentary film about the real-life adventure.

Vincent will be wearing a Hilltrek Liathach Extreme Cotton Analogy Smock on the journey.

Cotton Analogy is well proven in Arctic conditions  due to its breathability in cold conditions.

Vincent will encounter many dangers in his trip including polar bears, extreme cold and the unpredictability of ice.

You can follow his adventure on his blog http://nanookexpedition.blogspot.fr/

Customisation of  outdoor clothing is one of the services we offer to customers.  We receive many questions on the topic of customisation so we asked our designer Susan Griffiths  to explain.

Tell us about customisation Susan

‘We are often asked to customise outdoor clothing. This ranges from questions such as ‘can you make a copy of this old favourite jacket which I can’t get anymore’  to can you leave the chest pocket off the Braemar Ventile Smock etc. Well, the simple answer is that we don’t copy jackets but we do customise clothing’

Whats does that mean?

‘Customisation involves the modification of our standard garments to add or remove features specified by the customer.’

Can this mean any feature specified by the customer?

‘Not really, we offer several standard modifications on our base designs.  We call standard modifications  ’options’.' These are well proven modifications which have been tested in the field and do not impact the performance of the garment in any way. Occasionally a customer may ask for a modification which we have not done before.  We will look at the design implications both for the ability to manufacture and for the integrity of the garment. We don’t want our customers comfort  or safety compromised by a modification. ‘

How does the customer know which customisation options are available?

‘We offer several customisation options on our website. For example the Braemar Ventile Smock can currently be ordered with extra pockets, side zips, made to measure and in double ventile. We have many more options available for the Braemar Smock and several other garments and our plan is to make these options available on our website in the near future. It is difficult to display all the options available on the website and still make it clear and not confusing to the customer because for example not all options are possible at the same time. ‘

What about the cost of options?

‘The cost is published on our website and if it is not on the website we have a price list available-just ask.  The cost of a non-standard modification depends on the time taken to design and complexity of manufacture. We have to take it on a case by case basis.’

What new options will be available for the Braemar Smock?

‘They are not necessarily new options. If you look at our blog and Facebook page you will see customised Braemar Smocks with options which have not yet been published.  Options include  Double Ventile hood, reinforced shoulders, snow skirt, snow cuffs, chest bellow pockets, waist drawcords etc. In fact you can build your own Braemar to get a unique garment’

Any final comments Susan?

Our customers are the source of inspiration for our clothing range and for the modifications we offer as standard options.  We have been designing and manufacturing outdoor clothing for over 35 years and Ventile Clothing has been our core clothing range for a significant period. In this time we have built up expertise in customisation initially through local outdoor users and then in the last few years from users around the world.

Thank you Susan.

Vincent Cochin is about to start his ground breaking polar expedition. Here is his update

‘ I’ve been in Yellowknife (Northwest Territories, Canada) for the last 10 days, finishing preparing and packing up, and I’ve had an idea that kept growing: attempting the beat the record fro the longest unassisted and unsupported polar journey (no resupply, no engine, no wind-kite, no sled-dogs). The actual record is 2275km, made in 2011 on a return journey to the South Pole.
My route will be a bit longer, around 2400km, and because it’s not a return journey, I’ll not be able to lay some food cache on my way up to retrieve on my way down, a system used by the current holders of the record to lighten the sled faster.
Every day now, i’m training to pull an heavy sled, loaded of 110kg (I will have a total load of 140kg). I believe I can do it and I’m going for it. Therefore, I wont stop in the 3 Inuit communities on my route, but I’ll still film the life of the locals in Kugaaruk (Canada), the starting point, and in Qaanaaq (Greenland), the arrival. Showing the Inuits’s life remain an important part of the project.
I apologize for not updating yet my blogs http://nanookexpedition.blogspot.ca/ andhttp://cochinvincent.blogspot.ca/ , I have a problem with the computer. But it will be done shortly.’

See us at the  RSPB Birdfair  Scotland’s BIG #nature festival on 10-11 May at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh.

We will be showing our own Ventile and Cotton Analogy clothingas well as Naturally Páramo.

Naturally there will be deals available.

This award-winning event has gone from strength to strength,  boasting an excellent range of walks, talks, workshops and entertainment. Celebrate the fascinating nature of Scotland – from the wildlife on your doorstop to the latest discoveries from remote landscapes. Identify tricky bird calls, learn the secrets of expert wildlife photography, put your nature knowledge to the test, brush up on survival skills and sample life behind the scenes at the BBC Natural History Unit.  This year there is a new events space and special events including a seabird cruise, whisky tasting, dawn chorus walks, moth trapping and a live bird ringing demonstration, to name just a few.

The featured bird this year is the kittiwake – a subject of intrigue for birders and conservationists alike. Hear the latest from experts working on the mammoth projects to save this and other threatened species.

Top quality exhibitors, including Hilltrek, offer you the latest wildlife-related technology, optics, art, literature and of course clothing from Hilltrek.

Refuel in the forest cafe and soak up the festival feel with live entertainment while you take the opportunity to sample some of Scotland’s finest whisky and real ale.

Adult £12 (concessions £10) Children (under 16) FREE.

Full programme and tickets: www.scottishbirdfair.org.uk

Positive feedback from some of our Braemar Ventile Smock customers around the world

Ethan from London UK:

‘Just a quick note to say that my gear arrived this morning,  I raced downstairs to collect and tried it all on immediately. Well chuffed with everything, looks and feels awesome.

In fact it feels better than the first kiss on a first date I have to say!

Look forward to doing business with you again.

Bring on the rain!’

Leo from New Mexico USA:

‘Your delivery showed up on the perfect day as the badly needed precipitation is coming down in today!

I know it will work well, but first a note about the quality of your product.

I was delighted to see how well made your product still is and how the changes have improved the product since 2009.

This smock I can use all year long with a variety of gear and it all fits perfectly.

I am pleased with the purchase.

You have done well!’

Rob from UK:

‘Just a quick note to say I received my smock safely and thank you very much for undertaking the work so promptly.

As expected, the quality of workman (woman)ship is very high and I look forward to many more years of use from my smock.

Thanks again for all your help.’

Visit our stand at the Scottish Game Fair in the wonderful surroundings of Scone Palace in Perthshire from July 4th to 6th.
We are in Duck Row just at the entrance.

On our stand we will be displaying our own Ventile and Cotton Analogy ranges, Naturally Paramo and much more.

We will also have some  great deals on Paramo and our own garments.

To mark our participation in the Game Fair we are offering 20% off our Dee Cotton Analogy Wading Jacket and our range of Ventile and Cotton Analogy breeches in Olive throughout July.

See our Game Fair Offer page

We have just taken delivery of the latest new products from Paramo.

Cascada 2 Trousers are the latest version of the well proven and loved Cascada Waterproof Trousers.

Many find the originals too bagging especially on a windy day however the new version has a better fit. We are finding however that some of our customers are having to go up a size.

Both men’s and ladies versions have a fly zip and popper making it easier to pull on and take off the trousers.

There is additional protection from a double layer of Pump Liner in seat, thigh and knee areas. The new Cascada 2 Trousers are also lighter than the original version however a little more expensive – well only £10.

Men’s versions are in Dark Grey and Ladies in  Black  and are priced £135.

Order them on our website Cascada 2 Trousers

Paramo have produced clothing which can be used for  cycling including the Velez Smock, Quito Jacket, Pasco Jacket etc.

The new Ciclo Jacket is their first venture into cycling specific clothing.

It has many features which make it ideal for cycling particularly commuting in the cold and wet winter months.  Features include long arm lengths, single hand ventilation adjustment and the unique adjustable hood which can be worn under or over a helmet.

Paramo’s attention for detail is evident with well though out features for the cyclist.

It is available in Hi Viz yellow and Reef Blue however we think that Hi Viz is perfect for cycling in our neck of the woods.

For more information and pricing see our website Ciclo Jacket

Cameron Clouston is a 16 year old outdoor enthusiast with a passion for bushcraft, canoeing and many other outdoor pursuits.

He recently tested one of our Braemar Ventile Smocks and published a review in Bushcraft UK.

Here is an extract:

‘A short while ago I received a Braemar smock, made by Hilltrek, for review. The jacket is made from Ventile, a high performance fabric made from cotton.  The fabric is highly breathable so you do not overheat when hiking or working, yet the dense weave means the cotton fibres keep you dry in all but the very worst of rainstorms, as the fibres swell to help prevent any water ingress. The fabric provides good protection from the wind and is also very quiet in comparison to membrane fabrics like Gore-Tex, making it a good choice for a hunting garment.

The smock is hand made in Scotland, by Hilltrek’s own in house seamstresses, in Ventile and is available in a range of colours. You can order it made to measure or choose standardised sizing, you can also choose to add on a number of optional extras, or have the smock made from double layer Ventile.  My smock is made from single layer olive Ventile, with the 8”X8” compass pocket and ‘kangaroo’ style pocket with hand warmer flaps, an optional extra available on Hilltrek’s website.  It is competitively priced at £160 for a ‘no frills’ single Ventile version to  £375 for a Double Ventile made to measure version.

When I first received the smock I was impressed by the quality of the product that had been very well executed and was in immaculate condition.

The smock features Velcro adjustable wrist straps, a drawstring hem, a large adjustable hood, a map pocket on the front, chest zip with a Velcro baffle and on this specific smock the 8”X8” compass pocket and ‘kangaroo’ style pocket with hand warmer flaps.

The smock has clearly been designed well and has been thought through to make it a comfortable and hardwearing garment. I tested the jacket in many different conditions from sleet, snow and rain to comparatively warm conditions and it performed well in them all. I have not had any leaks at all and I have been kept dry in some pretty severe weather with driving wind and rain- yet I have not overheated in warmer conditions. I found the smock to be tough too, and not getting snagged on brambles and thorns when moving through thick terrain, which to me is very important.

I have used the smock for some time now and from the day it came to now it has quickly become one of my favourite pieces of outdoor clothing.  The smock is cut well and allows a great freedom of movement, making pursuits from canoeing to shooting easy without the smock falling short and leaving you exposed.  I also like the fact you change your layers underneath according to the temperatures rather than needing another jacket- because the Ventile fabric is so breathable it will keep you dry in a summer shower with a t-shirt underneath but it will also keep you warm in the winter with snow underfoot.

A great passion of mine is bushcraft and spending nights out around a campfire. With synthetic fibre jackets you often suffer from holes in the coat because of the sparks from the fire- however I have not had any appear in the smock, much to my delight. I also enjoy some fine days fishing and used the smock as a wading jacket and I felt it performed great.

It is refreshing to have a high performance piece of clothing made so close home in Aboyne, Royal Deeside- in Scotland! The smock even had the seamstress’s name that made it on the label which I think is a really nice touch and gives you more of a connection to the jacket and where it’s come from.  This is, to me, an obvious link to the quality- which is far easier to control and maintain when made in house. This ultimately provides us the consumer with a higher quality product- which is always a welcome sight.

What are my favourite things about the smock?

The Ventile fabric, which I think is one of the most versatile on the market. The design and layout which I think make the smock highly utilitarian and most importantly of all- the quality, which is second to none and means the Braemar is a garment for life.

What would I change?

In short, very little. I think the drawstring hem would be better elasticated rather than with just normal cord but apart from that I find it hard to fault it at all.

In conclusion I think the Hilltrek Braemar Smock is a proper outdoorsman’s jacket which is suitable for all manner of tasks that come its way. It passes the ultimate test for anything- would you get another one if you lost it? I know I would without hesitation and I am sure I will get many happy years of use from this one’

For more information please see Cameron’s post in Bushcraft UK

A Belgian customer sent us very nice comments:

I’ve just received my Braemar smock. It is perfect. Every details scream
quality. All the small alterations I requested are perfectly executed.
The hood especially exceeds my expectations. You even managed to get it
to my door a week ahead of schedule. I’m very pleased and I thank you
for the whole process of buying from Hilltrek. You deserve your reputation.

My new Hilltrek Askival Cotton Analogy jacket was delivered on the morning of 13 June 2015. I chose to have the jacket with some modifications – Karisma fleece lining for the handwarmer pockets and L19 Ventile. I also needed a slightly longer version than the standard sizing. Cotton analogy is basically a Ventile shell with a Paramo directional ‘pump’ liner. I won’t go into the background to these fabrics because so much has been written about them elsewhere. I had done a fair amount of research into suppliers and concluded that Hilltrek of Aboyne, Scotland, seemed to provide the jacket and customer service I was looking for. I bought this new addition to my outdoor gear with a view to it coming in to its own in deep winter conditions – low temperatures, wind, snow and ice. However, the first test was to be in summer – luckily it was raining quite hard when the postman delivered it, so it was out of the packaging and onto my back pretty much straight away! My walking companion was Charlie – a very energetic Scottish Deerhound who had no qualms about the weather as he is already kitted out with his own 100% weatherproof coat.

Charlie and I walked for 2 hours along Curbar and Froggat Edges, Derbyshire, in continuous rain and a temperature of 14C. The rain was not a problem at all. The Ventile shell all but laughed at it. The velcro adjustable cuffs kept the wind and rain out without me having to suffer from ‘soggy wrist’. The hood gives good protection and has a storm peak which can easily be folded back if you want it out of the way. From what I’d read, wearing Ventile in 14C could prove to be uncomfortable from a condensation point of view. I can honestly say that this was not an issue. I had a short but fairly steep, brisk walk up from the road to the top of Curbar edge (Charlie doesn’t hang about!). The walk thereafter was moderately energetic and I had the hood up for most of the way. The combination of breathable Ventile and Paramo liner kept the inside of the jacket uncannily free from the dreaded condensation. Under the jacket I was wearing a Paramo Cambia base layer, so this particular combination of fabrics seems to work fine for me. I had read a lot about Ventile clothing being too heavy but I have to say I didn’t really notice the extra weight of the jacket and as I mentioned earlier, this purchase was really intended for completely different weather conditions. It is a testament to the versatility of the fabric that, for me at least, it remained perfectly comfortablein a warm, June downpour in Derbyshire.

As far as quality and appearances go, this jacket is first class and the workmanship is superb. These jackets do not come in the latest dayglow colours and designs of some manufacturers but they have a classic, timeless appearance that gives them an unmistakable style all of their own. That, and the toughness and versatility of the fabrics used, I’d put money on my HilltrekAskival still going strong in a couple of decades.