08.01.24 - 12.01.24
SITUATION
The team tested and demonstrated real world capability of the current ThruDark alpine offering at Cairngorms, in particular Fiacaill Ridge. This location was selected for its variety of technical routes combined with challenging winter conditions. The itinerary included 4 days of climbing and winter mountaineering skills.
PRODUCTS TESTED
All ThruDark garments are subjected to rigorous real world testing by our former UK Special Forces co-founders.
FINDINGS
Aigis Jacket and Trousers
Aigis waterproofing setup fared well with the changing conditions, keeping the wearer warm and dry in heavy snowfall and remained breathable when between gaps in the snowfall.
Two way zip and press stud fastening worked well when roped up, enabling the climbing team to handle technical demands with ease.
Multiple hood adjustments accommodated helmets securely and minimised the effects of high winds on the ridge.
FINDINGS
Ithax Jacket
Proprietary micro-rip stop handled the abrasive demands of rope/harness setup and backpack over the multi day course.
PrimaLoft fill retained a high level of insulation despite damp conditions whilst remaining breathable enough for intense periods of activity.
Packability of jacket invaluable during changing conditions with garment easily capable of being stowed in backpack between tasks.
FINDINGS
Centurion Alpine Jacket
Through use of Polartec Power Air and Power Stretch, garment remained mobile yet durable enough to handle demands of winter mountaineering.
Water resistance provided by Polartec Hardface an additional benefit in lighter snowfall when deployed as an outer layer.
Cut away hood design worked well to provide enhanced peripheral vision when climbing alongside team members.
FINDINGS
Strike Pants
Schoeller® dryskin fabric provided excellent balance between range of movement and durability ideal for climbing in alpine conditions.
Ecorepel® fabric treatment kept snowfall and sleet at bay, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable during intermittent conditions.
Pocket placement worked well in tandem with climbing harness enabling access to expedition essentials whilst roped up.
OP Cairngorms Complete Kitlist
Utilising our knowledge, previous experience, and ambassador input we tested the following ThruDark kit in the most extreme conditions. This is to allow us to develop the next generation of technical outdoor clothing.
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OP CAIRNGORMS
Supporting Expertise
With nearly 30 years of experience between them, ThruDark co-founders Louis and Staz remain highly capable of operating in a variety of challenging environments and conditions. That being said, our expeditions will often make use of highly trained local experts who add immense value as additional hands on deck. Our recent trip to the Cairngorms involved the following to whom we owe a great deal of thanks; Jon Holliday, Scott Mcneish and John Lowther.
THE LOCAL EXPERTS
Jon Holliday has over 25 years of experience operating in alpine conditions, earning a host of internationally recognised qualifications during that time. Jon holds the IFMGA BMG International Mountain Guide qualifications as well as the WMCI Winter Mountaineering Climbing Instructor award - these are the highest international and national awards available.
Scott Mcneish is a former RAF Physical and Adventurous Training Instructor specialising in adventure outdoor resilience programmes. He holds an honours degree in Outdoor Leadership Studies and has completed the MIC and Joint Service Mountain Guide award with remits to instruct and guide on glacial alpine terrain. Scott has led expeditions to the Himalayas, Greenland, Canada, Spain, Norway and Sweden as well as his native Scotland. Currently employed as the Guide co-ordinator at Wilderness Scotland, Scott mixes his time as a member of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
John Lowther has been climbing for over 35 years across much of the UK’s richest, technical terrain. 26 of these years have been spent as a member of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team and John has also led adventure climbing expeditions to the Himalayas and Karakoram mountains. With a host of qualifications and mountaineering positions on his CV, John is one of the most experienced individuals around when it comes to navigating the Cairngorms.
We always say 'we don't just stand by our kit, we stand in it' and as brand co-founders Staz and I want to be at the forefront of product development. Getting the chance to put our designs to the test in places like the Cairngorms is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job - it's why we do what we do.
Louis | Co-Founder
With special thanks to...
PARTNERS
PETZL
Petzl is a French manufacturer of climbing gear based in Crolles, France. Founded in 1975 by the cave explorer Fernand Petzl, the brand is a leading manufacturer of equipment for mountaineering, climbing and caving.
SCARPA
With over 7 decades of history behind it, Scarpa is an Italian bootmaker producing high performance footwear for mountaineering, hiking and climbing. The brand is known for its innovation when it comes to precision and safety.
