GH Institute

All Outdoors

• 
  Review of Thermos Thermax Ultralite flask

  Features

  1 litre stainless steel flask. 550g. Detachable shoulder strap. Retractable handle.

  Comments

  Good Points: Hot liquid stayed above 85° for over 8 hours and chilled water 10° after 24 hours. Easy to open and close. Cup also had a handle.

  Rating: 81/100

  Price: £24.99

  Stockist: 0113 276 345 - http://www.thermos.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

  
  

• 
  Review of Thermos Active 1000 vacuum flask

  Features

  1 litre stainless steel flask. Colour: midlight blue. 522g. leak proof auto-stopper.

  Comments

  Good points: This slim flask was excellent at retaining heat, keeping hot water above 80° for over 8 hours and chilled water only gained 3°C over 24hours. The leak proof stopper had a small aperture so it poured well without spilling.

  Drawbacks: Awkward to remove lid because of shiny finish especially if hands are wet.

  Rating: 81/100

  Price: £29.99

  Stockist: 0113 276 345 - http://www.thermos.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

  
  

• 
  Review of Thermos Thermax Light and Compact

  Features

  500ml stainless steel flask. Colour: midnight blue.  342g. Push-button stopper

  Comments

  Good points: This compact flask kept water over 70°C after 8 hours and chilled water at 12°C.

  Drawbacks: Sleek and shiny finish may make removing lid awkward if hands are wet and slippery.

  Rating: 79/100

  Price: £19.99

  Stockist: 0113 276 345 - http://www.thermos.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Lifeventure TIV vacuum flask

  Features

  750ml stainless steel. Colour: black. 470g. 2 stoppers – one-touch and screw top.

  Comments

  Good points: This sleek flask kept water above 70°C for 8 hours and chilled water at 11°C. Flask has a textured finish so is easier to grip.

  Rating: 72/100

  Price: £14.95

  Stockist: 0845 100 1000 - http://www.snowandrock.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Stanley Food Flask

  Features

  480ml stainless flask. 511g.

  Comments

  Good points: This chunky flask kept food at 68°C after 8 hours and chilled food at 12°C.

  Rating: 67/100

  Price: £17.99

  Stockist: 015394 88100 - http://www.lakeland.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Thermos Originals vacuum flask

  Features

  800ml stainless flask. 653g. Detachable strap. Retractable handle. Extra cup supplied.

  Comments

  Good points: This chunky flask kept food at 68° C after 8 hours and chilled food at 13°C.

  Rating: 65/100

  Price: £18.99

  Stockist: 0113 276 345 - http://www.thermos.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Sprayway Zodiac 1907 waterproof jacket

  Features

  Sizes 8-18. weight 533g. Colours:  sunset/black, amethyst/black, marine/black, black/black. Foldaway hood with stiffened peak. 2-way front zip with storm flap. Elasticated cuff with Velcro adjustment. Map pocket.

  Comments

  Good points: Stylish and comfortabl;e to wear. Soft fleece-lined collar. Hood fits well. Jacket is longer at the back to cover the bottom. Good range of inside and outside pockets.

  Drawbacks: felt damp on the outside after a heavy downpour.

  Rating: 90/100

  Price: £130

  Stockist: 0161366 5020 - http://www.sprayway.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

  
  

• 
  Review of Wynnster vacuum flask

  Features

  500ml stainless steel flask. 293g. Twist and pour stopper.

  Comments

  Good points: Convenient to use as you don't need to remove the stopper to pour.

  Drawbacks: Water remained above 65° for 8 hours and chilled water around 13°C.

  Rating: 62/100

  Price: £7

  Stockist: 01922 628554 - http://www.wynnster.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Berghaus Paclite Trek jacket

  Features

  Sizes 8-20. Weight 410g. Colours:  dazzle blue, blueberry, Capri blue or black. Foldaway hood  with stiffened peak. 2-way  front zip with storm flap. Adjustable cuffs. Stuff bag.

  Comments

  Good points: Lightweight and easy to pack, folding into its own mesh bag. Comfortable to wear and a flattering fit. Good sized outside pockets

  Drawbacks: No inside or map pockets.

  Rating: 89/100

  Price: £160

  Stockist: 0191 516 5700 - http://www.berghaus.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Rohan Mountain Pass waterproof jacket

  Features

  SIzes WXS-WL. Weight 765g. Colours: dark denim, loden, titanium, raspberry. Foldaway hood with stiffened peak. 2-way front zip with storm flap. Adjustable cuffs. Map pocket. Storm skirt.

   

  Comments

  Good points: Provides good all-round protection against the elements. An inside storm skirt with drawcord will keep out the snow. Hood can be adjusted with one hand and it has fleecy ear warmer panels. Generous fit and good length. Fleecy lined outside pockets and good size map pocket.

  Rating: 87/100

  Price: £149

  Stockist: 0870 601 2244 - http://www.rohan.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Regatta Maeve jacket

  Features

  Size 8-20. 681g. Colours: pepper/red, black/granite. Detachable hood with stiffened peak. 2-way front zip with storm flap. Adjustable cuffs. Map pocket. Underarm ventilation zips.

  Comments

  Good points: Comfortable and cosy jacket with fleecy collar. Hood was a good secure fit.  Good range of inside and outside pockets. 

  Drawbacks: Small fit particularly in the length could be a few centimetres longer. When opening and closing the zip the back fabric occasionally got caught.

  Rating: 82/100

  Price: £90

  Stockist: 0161 749 1313 - http://www.regatta.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Lakeland Foodflask

  Features

  750ml stainless flask. 536g. 2 stoppers for either food or pouring liquid.                         
  

  Comments

  Good points: Food remained just below 70°Cafter 8 hours and chilled food at 12°C.

   Drawbacks: Wide shape to grip so a handle would be useful.

  Rating: 62/100

  Price: £11.99

  Stockist: 015394 88100 - http://www.lakeland.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Montane Venture jacket

  Features

  Size 8-18. 399g. Colours: steel, alpine red, azure. Foldaway hood with stiffened peak. 2-way front zip with storm flap. Adjustable cuffs

  Comments

  Good Points: Flattering lightweight jacket although would have been better a bit longer. The front collar had water-resistant microfleece and shoulds and hip were reinforced for comfort.

  Drawbacks: The hood didn't fit well despite the stiffened peak  and drawcords.  

  Rating: 78/100

  Price: £160

  Stockist: 01670 522 300 - http://www.montane.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of The North Face Resolve jacket

  Features

  Sizes XS, S,M,L., XL . Weight 470g. Colours: Igneous purple, black. Foldaway hood. Storm flap. Elasticated cuffs.

  Comments

  Good points: This jacket is lightweight and comfy to wear. Cosy fleecy collar.  Water beaded and rolled off the surface and fabric felt quite dry even after a heavy downpour. 

  Drawbacks: Short in the arms and body and  hood doesn’t fit around the face well. No inside pockets.

  Rating: 77/100

  Price: £70

  Stockist: 0844 557 7755 - http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Regatta Octavia waterproof jacket

  Features

  Size 8-20. 515g. Colours: ice-cream/platinum, black, pepper/red. Foldaway hood with stiffened peak. Adjustable cuffs. Map pocket.

  Comments

  Good points: Flattering shape.  Warm fleecy lined pockets and good fitting hood.  Good range of  pockets inside.

  Drawbacks: A small fit and too short in the body. Fabric became very wet on the outside after a downpour and took a long time to dry.  No flaps over the zips.

  Rating: 77/100

  Price: £65

  Stockist: 0161 749 1313 - http://www.regatta.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of the V and A vacuum flask

  Features

  500ml stainless steel flask available in 3 William Morris designs. 360g. push button stopper.

  Comments

  Good points: Pretty and unique designed flasks.

  Drawbacks: Not effective at keeping water hot for long. Water was 59°C after 8 hours and chilled water 15°C.

  Rating: 55/100

  Price: £14.99

  Stockist: 0207 942 2696 - http://www.vandashop.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Wynnster Stowaway jacket

  Features

  Size 10-18. 435g. Colours:  navy blue, thistle. Foldaway hood. Storm flap. Adjustable cuffs. Map pocket. Stuff bag.

  Comments

  Good points: Generous fitting jacket but quite masculine in style. Long arms and large hood. Good performance for the price.

  Drawbacks: Hood needed support in the peak. Fabric felt scratchy around the neck. 

  Rating: 72/100

  Price: £35

  Stockist: 01922 628554 - http://www.wynnster.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Thermos Work Thermax Food flask

  Features

   

  470ml stainless flask with rubber bumper and non-slip base. 646g. Folding spoon and compartment for condiments.

  Comments

  Good points: Good features.

  Drawbacks:Not very efficient at keeping food hot – 46°C after 8 hours and chilled food at 16°C.

  Rating: 53/100

  Price: £19.99

  Stockist: 0113 276 345 - http://www.thermos.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Blacks TEC Wmns Lite jacket

  Features

  Size 8-18. 407g. Colours: plum, black. Fixed hood. Storm flap. Adjustable cuffs. Map pocket. Stuff bag.

  Comments

  Good points: Compact to carry it folds into its own pocket.

  Drawbacks: This jacket was a snug fit and felt tight across the back. Small pockets and flimsy zip covered by a narrow storm flap.  Fabric felt wet on outside and took a long time to dry.

  Rating: 68/100

  Price: £49.99

  Stockist: http://www.blacks.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Regatta Adventure - Tech daypack

  This review is now out of date.

  Please see:

  10 top hand luggage bags
  Travel in style: top luggage accessories
  10 of the best suitcases
  Know your airline's baggage allowance
  Lots more travel advice

  
  

  Features

  Capacity 25 litres. Weight 700g.  600D polyester ripstop. Flaps for walking poles. Chest strap. Waist strap. Solid back support. Mesh pockets. Compression straps. 3 outside pockets. Rain cover.

  Comments

  Good points: Lightweight considering it has solid back support. Its sophisticated air flow system and frame kept back cool even after a strenuous walk on a warm day. Shoulder straps were comfy and adjustable chest and waist straps helped spread the weight of the load evenly keeping the bag well-balanced. Rain cover in base pocket is easy to pull out and fit.

  Rating: 90/100

  Price: £35

  Stockist: 0161 749 1313 - http://www.regatta.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

  
  

• 
  Review of Vaude SoMoTriset 24+4 daypack

  This review is now out of date.

  Please see:

  10 top hand luggage bags
  Travel in style: top luggage accessories
  10 of the best suitcases
  Know your airline's baggage allowance
  Lots more travel advice

  
  

  Features

  Capacity 29 litres. Weight 856g.Polyester. Expandable sides. Flaps for walking poles. Lacing. Chest strap. Waist strap. Solid back support. Mesh pockets. Ventilation channels. Drainage holes. Compression straps. 5 outside pockets. Rain cover.

  Comments

  Good points: This roomy high tech bag is ideal for the serious walker. Its padded waist straps are well positioned. Good back ventilation and support. Good range of expandable pockets at sides and in the hood. Rain cover in the base pocket is easy to pull out and fit.

  Rating: 87/100

  Price: £40

  Stockist: 01665 510660 - http://www.vaude.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Deuter Futura daypack

  This review is now out of date.

  Please see:

  10 top hand luggage bags
  Travel in style: top luggage accessories
  10 of the best suitcases
  Know your airline's baggage allowance
  Lots more travel advice

  
  

  Features

  Capacity 22 litres. Weight  1143g. Expandible sides. Chest strap. Waist strap. Solid back support. Mesh pockets. Ventilation channel. Drainage holes. Compression straps. 2 large outside pockets. Rain cover.

  Comments

  Good points: Good ventilation at the back. Sturdy and well-made with comfortable waist strap. Bag stays securely on shoulders. Good selection of internal pockets. Easy to fit rain cover.

   Drawbacks:This daypack has a large frame which impacts on the available space. Slightly unbalanced as you feel you are tipping back slightly.

  Rating: 81/100

  Price: £50

  Stockist: 0844 557 7755 - http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Berghaus twentyfourseven 18 daypack

  This review is now out of date.

  Please see:

  10 top hand luggage bags
  Travel in style: top luggage accessories
  10 of the best suitcases
  Know your airline's baggage allowance
  Lots more travel advice

  
  

  Features

  Capacity 18 litres. Weight 455g. Expandible sides. Detachable waist strap. Padded back. Ventilation channels. 2 outside pockets. MP3 pouch.

  Comments

  GH GOOD DEAL 

  Good points: This simple and uncluttered 18 litre daysack is sturdy and well made. It is compact to store and very light weight. It’s very comfortable to use for short trips. It has several small pockets including an organizer section and pouch for an MP3 player

  Drawbacks: The detachable waist strap isn’t padded and there’s no chest strap.

  Rating: 77/100

  Price: £20

  Stockist: 0191 516 5700 - http://www.berghaus.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009

• 
  Review of Karrimor Zodiak 20 daypack

  This review is now out of date.

  Please see:

  10 top hand luggage bags
  Travel in style: top luggage accessories
  10 of the best suitcases
  Know your airline's baggage allowance
  Lots more travel advice

  
  

  Features

  Capacity 20 litres. Weight 519g. Expandible sides. Lacing. Chest strap. Waist strap. Padded back. Mesh pockets. Ventilation channels. Compression straps. 2 outside pockets.

  Comments

  Good points: Good selection of internal pockets. 

   Drawbacks: Despite its padded back, this bag felt lumpy against the spine and uncomfortable. Slight leakage around the top when sprayed with water. 

  Rating: 77/100

  Price: £25

  Stockist: 01254 8930000 - http://www.karrimor.com

  GHI Test Report - January 2009