The day was being run by Cliff Lowther of http://clifflowtherroxcoolblog.blogspot.co.uk/ Cliff runs a great company with courses to suit all needs within the outdoors. Contact Cliff for further information on up and coming courses, highly recommended.
So, bit the bullet and did my own bit of kit testing, yep I bought some KEELA kit.
I bought the Keela Cumulas jacket and the Monroe sellopets. So climbing in full winter kit you say, conditions dictate I am afraid.
The weather in North Yorkshire over the weekend was the worst I've seen, 50-60-70 mph winds, with lashing rain. So kitted out ready to climb,
WHATS THE VERDICT
Simply, dry. Is that an answer, well it's difficult. Being warm, wet free in such a hostile environment as we've seen this weekend is for me something unusual.
So starting at the beginning.
Arrive at the crag, early.
Get changed in the van, then go for a recky round the crag.
The guys arrive for the SPA assessment, time to put the kit through its paces.
First route, is Rough Crack. Jammin crack, not easy in winter kit. Well, actually it was. I was amazed at the amount of movement I had in the sellopets. The pants never hindered my progress, really pleased with the movement and articulation I could achieve.
Topping out on Rough Crack.
Next we spent some time running a crazy route inside a chimney. This I thought would be the stopper, no, not a problem. The kit didn't hinder me or stop progress through the tight corners.
Closing our day at Armscliffe we move up to Brimham rocks for the worst weather I've seen for along time.
A tad wet.
So arriving at Brimham rocks we encounter some of the worst weather we've seen all weekend.
How does the kit perform then.
Ok, good points.
Totally dry for the whole two days
Fantastic pocket arrangement.
Love the lanyard idea inside the main front pockets,great for keys or compass.
Skirt at the base of the jacket worked well with a harness, stayed dry throughout the day.
Mobile phone pocket, great. Ease of use, didn't get wet at all even thou the weather was foul.
This jacket has loads of great features, and without doubt the best jacket I've tried.
So, sellopets.
Simple, again, dry. Stayed dry all day. The pants fit well, don't prevent movement and feel great.
You just wouldn't think you had sellopets on.
Comfy to sit in, didn't feel constricted or tight around the harness all round winner.
Like to haves.
Would like to see a slightly bigger hood area, found this a bit tight whilst working.
Velcro, Velcro in between the main front poppers. Got a little bagging on the front of the jacket, Velcro strips would finish this off nicely.
So, other than that the kit met the standard. So, well done to KEELA fantastic well done guys.
Late entry, but here is a bit of video from the Cubic Block are at Brimham rocks. These were the type of condition we faced over the weekend.
Looking up to the heavens, what's the next step.
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