"90Rocks" aka Charlie Mccabe reviews Vango Day sack

                         

                                      Vango Boulder 3.5L Day Sack 

Having recently taken a somewhat heavy pounding from BLT on the much maligned choice of pantalones (the Jada Junkie Brand – aka JJB Sports deluxe selection), it was with somewhat great pleasure that I had the opportunity to regain some respect within my peer group by parading a newly aquired Rucky from the local Outdoor Powerhouse of innovative design, quality and fashion that is none other than Vango (for those not in the know Vango is an anagram for the birthplace of one of it’s founding members - Scotland’s very own fashion capital Govan).

The Boulder 35 is the perfect size of Rucky for those simple day trips where you find yourself needing to pack only a few basic provisions , however, there is ample size and internal frame structure to accommodate carriage of larger loads,  essentials for more challenging pursuits where it would be foolhardy not to ensure potential life saving items are not included, such as (but not exclusive to) :

-          Tesco’s Indian Cuisine meal deal for two

-          Half dozen cans of Charger Lager

-          40 Lambert n Butler (with flint lighter)

-          Half bottle of Scotsmac

-          An iPood and some XL babywipes.

There is an area to secure your walking poles in the event that you feel the need to use these pieces of equipment after demolishing the contents of the Rucky, but it can also be used to accommodate XL Glow sticks which, when used in conjunction with the emergency whistle attached to the sternum strap, comes in very handy in the event that you find yourself partaking in an impromptu rave with your fellow Slackers . Those design Teams at Vango, I tip my TitFerTat …with this particular piece of “fierce” equipment, you’ve ensured I can hold my head high amongst the Brand Bigots !

90Rocks.

BLT (aka Denny McCabe reviews: Paramo Pajaro waterproof trousers

BLT (aka Denny McCabe pictured left) reviews: Paramo Pajaro waterproof trousers in a muted shade Ideal for Country pursuits.

Price £120 retail

Having Previously never owned a true pair of Waterproof / Breathable pants, I decided to push the boat out on the purchase of these wee beauties.(readers Im of the opinion you get what you pay for) some of the team are using Dunlop over trousers from Sport Direct not recommended on long distance !! “90Rocks (pictured) take note”

The Paramo pants use the new improved analogy nikwax technology which mimics the actions of animal fur even in high humidity the outer soft shell exterior coating (made popular in the late 90s by some high profile criminal cases) provides and excellent outer skin and provides both warmth and waterproofing to the wearer in cold and wet environments  this also proves invaluable to the wearer for the Apres Walk in the event of Splash back in the pub toilets, a common occurrence when using the loo next to the Wilder Beasts that are my walking buddies.

I can honestly say that these trousers are by far the best outdoor purchase Ive made to date, they make a statement and define the wearer a serious about their hobby, the rain and inclement weather are no longer a problem when wearing my Paramo Pants…..

 BLT

The Follower (aka John McKellar pictured right) Reviews Paramo - Mountain Vent Pull-on Jacket.

To all reading our Blog...What can I say...I was stopped no less than four, yes four, times today on my walk with admirers catching no more than a fleeting glimpse of my 'Paramo Mountain Vent Pull-on'. As part of my 3 layered 'keep warm' system, developed on 'The Ben' last year when I was left stranded and dehydrated while BLT and 90Rocks were in the Rowardennan Hotel on the bevy.comments by BLT: 100% communication was maintained via txt and Mobile phone whilst we enjoyed our beers.

This garment is the cornerstone of my custom survival system. As soon as I pulled the 'Vent' on and felt the warm sensuous fibres against my skin, well nearly against my skin but not quite as I was sporting my merino wool base layer (to be reviewed on a later trek), I was nothing short of elated. To be honest I never really noticed the rigours of terrain and weather as most of my time was spent just thinking of how comfortable I was.
As soon as my finely tuned athletic body, see accompanying pictures, began to build heat I was able to engage the deep chest ventilation feature and the movement through elbow articulation worked just dandy after the team completed the trail and sampled a few pints of fine Irish ale in the Anchor bar...What can I say ! Go Paramo.

West Kilbride to Largs Training Walk (11miles) time approx 4hrs 30mins.

Let me start this blog entry by thanking both 90Rocks and The Follower, for a tremendous effort today, a credit to the team guys well done from BLT…

I’m sure the lads will agree the weather today was far from perfect but we could have had much worse, a few heavy showers early in the day set the tone, however we had prepared well with some top of the range wet weather gear (namely Vango and Paramo) but we will review the clothing in a separate blog entry (check back soon for those reviews readers).

Have added some pictures of today’s walk and as you can see we ended up in “Ye old Anchor Bar” were the lads were given a warm welcome by some of the friendly natives.

This walk has some splendid views however the route takes you Via Hunterston Power Station and this place does give you the Willies...

Between West Kilbride and Largs (via the Coast line)  lies the beautiful Coastal Village of Fairlie.. We took some pictures on the Shore with a old boat shed,which characterises Fairlie

After approx 4.5hrs (incl 30 mins lunch) we arrived in Largs in need of some refreshment.. ........“Ye Old Anchor Bar” provided the required Guinness (x4)..

some great shots Im sure you will agree, 90Rocks has the "ole see dog look to go with "Ye ole Anchor Bar"

wearin his North Face Top Layer Ron Hill Mid layer and Sports Direct Waterproof over pants (not ideal). The Follower is Wearing Paramo (nic Wax jacket) Top layer,Paramo Merino Wool Mid and Base layers..BLT has Berghaus Top Layer, Helly Hansen Mid and M&S base,the key piece of equipment for BLT this trip was the Paramo Pajero waterproof trousers(all to be reviewd in a later Blog entry (check Back readers)