CheapTents.com Outdoor Gear Blog

The Mountain Equipment Kongur is one of the best waterproof jackets for mountain use available. Fact!

A bargain too at: £233.99 (RRP £260)

The features of the Mountain Equipment Kongur are truly phenomenal. This jacket is made from the latest Pro Shell fabric from GORE, and designed based on  feedback from professional day-in-day-out tests.

The Mountain Equipment Kongur is perfect for the worst conditions imaginable, totally tough, totally weatherproof in the worst Cairngorm storm, at home or on any serious mountaineering trip, and the only waterproof jacket ever to win with a score of 50/50 in Trail Magazine’s famous Ultimate Waterproof test.

Mountain Equipment Kongur Specifications:

• The 3-Layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Ascender fabric gives great durability and breathability in the way it waterproofs.
• The superb longer cut waterproof jacket provides exceptional protection combined with total freedom of movement- this is one of the most underestimated aspects of most waterproof shells - good fit is vital.
• Award winning Stealth hood with laminated wired peak and hidden one pull adjusters, keeps you shut off from the elements and focussed on the job at hand, tackling that mountain.
• The Stealth hood and collar also features NEW larger bonded fleece chin guard, improved fit around the neck and one pull volume adjuster. Moves with the head whether or not the user is wearing a mountain or climbing helmet and provides total protection from the elements and maximum comfort.
• Slim double centre storm flaps to shut out the weather.
• Narrow water resistant pocket zips offer increased weather protection and resistance from abrasion - less there to catch on things.
• Underarm pit zips for total ventilation and comfort without over exposure to the elements.
• 2 large chest pockets can be used whilst wearing a rucksack or harness.
• 2 external map pockets allows hidden access to stored items.
• NEW dual hem shockcord system to prevent snagging, and allows versatile access to the jacket via the hem (for climbing chalk bags, belts or tools that are stored away under the hem, etc). Drawcords at waist and hem are tethered and concealed. The waist is pulled in by a half drawcord and gives the jacket a clean front.
• Adjust the cuff size perfectly to your wrist with the rubber cuff grabs to reduce exposure to the rain and loss of heat.

We have long advertised the quality of this jacket, highlighting it’s success in Trail Magazine:

The Kongur ProShell Fabric jacket is the only jacket ever to win with a score of 50/50 in Trail Magazine’s famous Ultimate Waterproof test, making this the closest thing yet to a perfect waterproof jacket.

But a recent Trail Verdict has continued to push this as the ultimate choice for mountain adventures, even challenging other manufacturers to step up to the mark:

The Mountain Equipment Kongur has been around for a few years now, and it regularly wins Trail’s winter jackets test as no-one has come up with anything better (come on, guys!).

Review by Graham Thompson

If I was going to suggest a challenger at this grade of winter waterproof jacket that sustains some serious level of outdoor sports or activity, I might go for the Lowe Alpine Chamonix (also in Gore-Tex Pro Shell) and a 2008 favourite, or the fantastically styled Berghaus Temperance waterproof jacket, also in Gore-Tex Pro Shell. I think these just might be good contenders…what do you think?

All waterproof jackets are currently have at least 10% off, making a £220 come in just under £198, quite a bargain for such quality! Men’s and women’s waterproofs available.

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• Waterproof Clothing Technology
• New Winter Waterproof Jackets now in stock!
• Gore-Tex Pro Shell Technology for Waterproof Clothing

I like Nikwax.  I really do.  I think it is really good value stuff, especially when you consider the value of the outdoor clothing and equipment it protects.

Every so often we like to do a little write-up about the manufacturers of outdoor equipment, simply to show you why we choose to sell the one’s that we do.  And this time, lucky Nikwax has hit the limelight.

Nikwax for Protecting your Gear and Outdoor Clothing

Nikwax helps ensure that your clothing continues to do what it was supposed to well after you bought it. Over time, and wear and tear,

Nikwax Direct

The item I like the most from the range of Nikwax Gear Care products is the Nikwax TX Direct Spray or Nikwax Wash-in.  There are a load of other gear care produts in the shape of wax, sprays, lofters, proofers, etc, etc, but these are the most used by me.

Like most, I’m a big fan of breathable waterproof jackets - got a couple for different outdoor sports - mountain biking, running and general/other use. I think this works best, but I have to say, it’s my mountain bike jacket that get’s put through the worst of it.  The biggest test is the abrasion from the dirt that sprays-up I find…this kind of abrasion can do some serious damage and reduces the water repellancy of my jacket.

How Nikwax Works

OK, the techy geeks are going to love this, hold on to your hats!  Here’s a bit of blurb on how Nikwax was developed and why it works:

Many years ago, Nick Brown the inventor of Nikwax, developed and patented the Nikwax TX.10i water-repellent elastomer. The TX.10i elastomer was based on EVA, the same material found in the flexible soles of footwear. The patent also involved altering the molecular structure of mineral wax which is typically brittle. This strengthens the molecule making it very elastic and resilient. This TX.10i polymer was the primary active ingredient in all Nikwax footwear and fabric treatments.

Nikwax treatments coat fabric and leather fibres with a network of elastic TX.10i water-repellent molecules. They bond to anything that is not water-repellent, but leave the spaces between fibres open and breathable. Nikwax treatments can flex and move with the fabric and leather fibres. That is why Nikwax treatments can withstand several washings and remain whereas the competitors must be re-applied after each wash.

The TX.10i elastomer adds tear strength to fabrics as well. Enhanced tear resistance is achieved through lubrication of the fabric which allows the fibres to slide easily over one another. the treatments also coat the fibres with the elastic polymer that is resilient and allows the fibres to flex a limited amount and return to their original position. This reduces the stress at the intersection of the fibres adding tear strength to the fabric.In 2004-5, Nikwax introduced a new and improved active elastomer. The culmination of several years research, these new class of formulations bring better value for money due to increased number of doses from one bottle and an even more durable finish. Unlike fluorocarbon products, you do not need to heat garments to activate the waterproofing treatment. This new class of formulations is being carried across the range so watch out for even greater performance from Nikwax in the future.

Now, I’m not a Scientist, but that makes Nikwax one tough cookie.

More reasons to love Nikwax

• As proofers go they are amongst the best in their field
• Safer to the environment so ticks lots of eco-boxes too
• Easy to use, just a few instructions - even I can follow them!

Nikwax’s environmental stance:

If Nikwax were manufacturing petroleum-based or aerosol products, there would be an additional 500 tons of organic solvents and propellant gases evaporated into the atmosphere. Nikwax’s commitment to WaterBased emulsions does a lot to reduce global warming and ozone depletion. The so-called ozone friendly solvents and propellants used in aerosols are very powerful greenhouse gases. Weight for weight, petroleum solvents contribute far more to global warming than carbon dioxide.

In addition, Nikwax improves the performance and extends the life of outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment, thereby reducing the consumption of materials and energy that would be needed to replace these items. Fewer things in land-fills too!

Nikwax also doesn’t use fluorocarbons either, and as some research has suggested that they are persistent chemicals (i.e. they do not break-down in the foodchain), then we think that this is a good thing.

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• Oxfam and Granger’s partner on Fabric4Life campaign
• Gore-Tex Pro Shell Technology for Waterproof Clothing
• Which Mid-layer Fleece is best?

Granger’s has partnered with Oxfam to promote the recycling of outdoor clothing and equipment through the Fabric4Life campaign.

Oxfam’s Fabric4Life Campaign

Whether a recreational or professional outdoor sports/activity enthusiast, everyone has an old mac or ten tucked in there cupboard not being used. Simply take any old fleece or waterproof garments into any Oxfam high street shop for it to be recycled.

It’s especially great, as something that does not hold much value to one person, hold’s a great deal to another.  Fabric4Life thereore has a great chance of raising a great deal of funds for Oxfam.  Do you have any fleeces, or waterproof jacket or trousers that you no longer use?

Brand Director, Don Gladstone, at Granger’s states:

People regularly replace outdoor gear, often because they think their old garments don’t work as they used to…However they can’t bring themselves to throw out old kit so perfectly good garments get left in the cupboard. This new initiative combines sustainability with raising money for charity. Cleaning and re-proofing with Granger’s restores garments to ‘as-new’ performance, extending their useful life, while providing an income stream for Oxfam.

About Granger’s

Granger’s specialise in waterproofing, cleaning  and protecting outdoor clothing and gear.

Established in 1937, Granger’s claim to have become the first company to produce environment-friendly water-based waterproofing. Their principle of producing ecologically sound, high performance treatments continues to this day.

About Oxfam

According to an Oxfam survey, 99% of British people have heard of Oxfam but here is what their 3 main goals are:

1. Oxfam campaigns hard, putting pressure on leaders for real lasting change to reduce poverty around the world.
2. Poor people can take control, solve their own problems, and rely on themselves – with the right support. Oxfam funds long-term devlopment worldwide to fight poverty.
3. Oxfam provides emergency relief for those who need it most.  Oxfam save lives, swiftly delivers aid, support and protection; in addition to helping people prepare for future crises.

The new campaign will be backed by specialist outdoor industry press, and we hope that other bloggers and people with media clout will follow this lead and help make this campaign a success.

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• Outdoor Industry News: Summer Wrap-up
• Why Nikwax is worth every penny…
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