Extremeoutdoorclothing

This is not about lightweight gear - it's about Classic gear

Extreme Pathfinder K2

Many years ago I bought an Extreme Pathfinder K2 top.

To this day I have yet to find any similar top that will beat it for comfort and value.

Extremeoutdoorclothing has now ceased as a business. It was just one man, Keith Howes,

who was very passionate about the gear he made.

The Pathfinder is a pullover top made with Karisma and Tactel (a heavier Pertex)

It is windproof, very breathable, and virtually waterproof .

It has heavy duty pit zips that go from under the arm to the bottom and it can be unzipped both ways.


It is reversable, but, I've only ever worn it with the Tactel on the outside.


It has two zipped hand warmer pockets inside - accessable only from the inside.


It also has a zipped kangaroo pocket, covered by a flap

This top is simply superb for cold conditions - think Buffalo, but, lighter.

The Pathfinder was made to measure.

I think it cost around £70.

This is classic gear.


Extreme Explorer

This is another classic piece of gear.

I looked recently at an ME Touchstone jacket. A good quality fleece with good materials. It

costs around £100.

But, ME used to use Karisma. And Karisma was ace fleece material.

I think it went off the radar when the softshell concept was more heavily pushed. There has

been softshell for ages - Buffalo, Montane, Driclime, etc., But fashion won over function


IMHO.

The Explorer is made to measure.


It has thumb loops, it has a good hood, it has a two way zip, it has 4 zipped pockets on the


outside and two mesh pockets on the inside. It will cope with wind well (depending on conditions, I wear a Montane slipstream vest to block all wind from my body)

The arms and shoulders are reinforced with Tactel. There is a waist draw and a hem draw.

Made to measure, it fits just so. I think it cost around £65.

This too is a classic piece of gear.


What's the point?

I look at all the new gear that's touted and can't help thinking: there really is nothing that

new any more.

Cleaver marketing will shift gear, but, get classic gear and it will work and last a lifetime.

Who cares if it doesn't comply with fashion. Function over fashion is the better way to go IMHO.

Sadly, Extremeoutdoorclothing is no more.