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    Today's Weather

    Sutmae! A rather cloudy day with showers occasionally merging to longer periods of rain. Outbreaks most persistent and heavy overnight and again during the evening with best chance of limited brighter spells across the east of the Park. Maximum feel like temperatures 11c and 6C at 600m. Looks like we’re back to being soggy 🫤 #bbnpweather ... See MoreSee Less

    Latest News

    Seasonal Season

    Blimey…this weather is cold, but we’re loving the blue skies and sun! Not sure how long it’ll last so take advantage whilst you can.

    We have stock of insulated pieces which are a must during this cold snap so pop in and see us!

    The weather does make it a joy to get out and enjoy the hills, if you need new kit, or starting out, I’d encourage you to call in and chat with us about your needs. We’ll listen and help you make the right choices.

    Upcoming Events

    Mar
    23
    Sat
    all-day Element Active – Llanbedr to Bla... @ Llanbedr Hall
    Element Active – Llanbedr to Bla... @ Llanbedr Hall
    Mar 23 all-day
    A classic, tough A to B ‘grassroots’ fell race taking in three major peaks in the South Wales Black Mountains.
    Apr
    6
    Sat
    all-day Limitless Trails – Beast of the ... @ Llangynidr Village Hall
    Limitless Trails – Beast of the ... @ Llangynidr Village Hall
    Apr 6 all-day
    Back for its third year, and with a new distance option! The Beast of the Beacons 10, 20 & 40 is an exciting challenge set amongst some of the most spectacular, harsh but stimulating trails[...]
    Apr
    12
    Fri
    9:00 am Element Active – Ultra Running P... @ Llwyn Celyn
    Element Active – Ultra Running P... @ Llwyn Celyn
    Apr 12 @ 9:00 am – Apr 14 @ 5:00 pm
    For runners and fastpackers, this weekend covers what you need to know to put you confidently in control of being out in the mountains. You might be wanting to tackle longer days in the hills,[...]
    Apr
    20
    Sat
    all-day Black Dragon Challenge @ Llangorse Community Centre
    Black Dragon Challenge @ Llangorse Community Centre
    Apr 20 all-day
    The Black Dragon Challenge Walk (BDCW) event first took place in April 2019 and replaced the Black Mountains Roundabout (BMR) which had been running on an annual basis since 1982. The 2024 Black Dragon Challenge event[...]
    Apr
    27
    Sat
    11:00 am Element Active – The Cwmyoy Hors... @ Cwmyoy Village Hall
    Element Active – The Cwmyoy Hors... @ Cwmyoy Village Hall
    Apr 27 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
    5.6 miles/ 1257 feet ascent A classic ‘horseshoe’ fell race in the stunning Black Mountains overlooking the Llanthony Valley
    May
    4
    Sat
    9:00 am Element Active – Introduction to... @ Llwyn Celyn
    Element Active – Introduction to... @ Llwyn Celyn
    May 4 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
    If you’d love to be more proficient with a map but feel under-confident, then this one-day course is for you. Expect to become empowered. Your map will change from your sworn enemy to your new[...]
    May
    11
    Sat
    all-day Big Black Mountains Challenge @ Llanthony
    Big Black Mountains Challenge @ Llanthony
    May 11 all-day
    The Big Black Mountain Challenge returns for 2024 All funds go to keep Longtown Mountain Rescue Team going. They were originally formed in 1965 to help people in difficulties within the Black Mountains. The role of[...]
    May
    18
    Sat
    all-day Limitless Trails – Blacks to the... @ Perth y Pia
    Limitless Trails – Blacks to the... @ Perth y Pia
    May 18 all-day
    Limitless Trails are very excited to be offering our this unique Ultra-Marathon 50, 32 & Marathon – starting on the Beautiful Black Mountains and finishing deep in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National park.[...]
    Jun
    8
    Sat
    all-day Limitless Trails – Black Mountai... @ Llanbedr Village Hall
    Limitless Trails – Black Mountai... @ Llanbedr Village Hall
    Jun 8 all-day
    New to 2024! We have added a 32 mile ULTRA – allowing you to gain experience under the watchful eye of our team. However whilst we promote Navigation skills, these are marked routes. We have[...]
    Jul
    5
    Fri
    4:00 am Element Active – Fell Running, M... @ Llanbedr
    Element Active – Fell Running, M... @ Llanbedr
    Jul 5 @ 4:00 am – Jul 7 @ 4:00 pm
    This is a glorious inclusive weekend for women of all running abilities. You choose the level that you work at, and we provide a positive confidence-building environment for you. There’ll be supportive fell running input,[...]

    Hints & Tips

    How to buy a Waterproof

    Guide to buying a Waterproof jacket…

    Thinking of buying a waterproof jacket? Not sure what you’re looking for? Confused by all the tech speak?

    Hopefully this will help you make an informed decision when spending your pennies. Let’s be honest, there are so many options and price ranges so it helps to be sure you’re buying the right one.

    There are three things to know about waterproofs..Hydro static head, breathability and construction and layers.

    Not all waterproofs are equal!

    There is a laboratory test which measures how much pressure the fabric can withstand before letting water pass through..imagine a tall, open-ended test tube standing on the fabric and slowly being filled with water, the more water that is added the greater the pressure on the fabric. This is known as the hydrostatic head, the height of water before the fabric started to leak.

    When you’re out and about wearing the jacket, this pressure can be likened to rucksack straps, overfilled pocket or kneeling, these actions all increase the external pressure on the jacket and is likely where water will seep through, it not just the case of walking in driving rain!

    The higher the number the more waterproof the fabric will be.

    To give you an idea of the figures and how they relate to usage:

    5,000mm                                 Minimum for a jacket to be called waterproof

    10,000mm – 15,000mm    This jacket will cope with most downpours, but will eventually soak through if in heavy sustained rain.

    20,000mm upwards          If you plan to be out all day, in all conditions whilst wearing a pack, this is the jacket for you.

    The second thing to be aware of is the breathability of the jacket.

    The majority of jackets work by moving moisture at a molecular level and need a difference in humidity and pressure between the inside and the outside of the garment to work. If you happen to be out on a particularly pants day, then expect the jacket to be less efficient at moving sweat.

    There are figures which give an indication of just how breathable a garment can be. The greater the figure, the higher the breathability rate.

    Breathability Ratings:

    5,000 – 10,000g/m²:        This level of breathability is fine for urban travel or camping in the rain, but will get clammy for anything strenuous.

    10,000 – 15,000g/m²:      Jackets in this range are suited to more adventurous travel or low-level walking but anything fast moving, you’ll be back to feeling clammy.

    15,000 – 20,000g/m²      This level is perfect an all dayer, trekking in warm climates or otherwise working hard and perspiring heavily.

    This is where how the jacket is constructed can come into play and we talk about layers. 

    You’ve probably heard about 2, 2.5 and 3 layers, but what are they? Layers are membranes or fine films which are bonded to the back of the face fabric.

    2 layer is a membrane/coating that is without protection. Some products may have a drop liner or mesh to protect the membrane and keep it away from the user for comfort. Essentially keeping the user away from their own sweat on the inside of the jacket. This is not used on technical jackets as a general rule.

     

    2.5 layer will have a print or texture on the membrane/coating to help reduce the amount that the fabric stick to the user, rather than using a liner. This makes the construction light and quite packable, although it will still get visibly wet on the inside from sweat and does tend to be less durable.

     

    3 layer, the membrane is sandwiched between and outer fabric and an inner backer. Protecting the membrane and helping the move moisture away from the user on the  inside. Most comfortable against the skin and most durable, but heavier.

    All three could have the same Hydrostatic Head (waterproofness) but the breathability rate will vary.

     

    Did you notice that we started to mention weight and packability in that last section? This is where you need to decide when you want to use the jacket, summer or winter, what activity are you doing? Something fast and light, or out all day no matter what the weather.

    Balancing weight, waterproof, durability and breathability. When buying a jacket, it’s important to consider the trade-off between weight, waterproof durability, and breathability. If you’re travelling fast and light or only use your waterproof for occasional bursts of rain in warm weather, it can be worth investing in a lighter garment which will often pack down smaller and be more comfortable to wear. However, if you’re in the habit of really abusing your gear then it’s worth investing in a product that has a more durable face fabric that can take repeated punishment. These garments are often less breathable but will be durably waterproof for longer than their lighter weight counterparts.

    Whatever you decide, there will probably be a compromise to be made, it’s up to you to decide what is important.

    Finally….

    Whichever jacket you choose, remember they will need care and a wash to get rid of dirt and grease. All jackets have an external coating called DWR, or Durable Water Repellency. This is not the waterproofing magic, it makes water bead on the surface so rain just rolls off. This in turn helps with the breathability of the jacket. Don’t use normal detergent when washing though, use a specialist soap, like Grangers or Nikwax. The DWR doesn’t need refreshing after every wash though, just washing will be enough. 

    Come into the shop and Jane will be happy to give you demonstration of how DWR works…or watch this video..

    Hope this helps give a better idea of what all the figures and terms mean.

    We are always on hand to help if you need it.

    Latest Review

    MSR Trailshot

    Julie Bell and her faithful companion Lottie, from Simply Strolling tested it out whilst she was in Snowdownia for a couple of days last year…

    Review of MSR Trail Shot

    I was lucky enough to be bought a voucher for Crickhowell Adventure for Christmas which I’d earmarked for an MSR Trail Shot.

    This summer it has really come into its own when I’m wild camping. As I have a dog I have to carry extra kit anyway so any weight reduction is a boon. I am usually okay with drinking from high up streams but this summer has been so dry that even the rivers are more like trickles, water temps are rising and I just want the reassurance of knowing that I’m not going to get a dicky tum … or worse….. from being out and drinking from water sources. Add to that the fact you can see larvae etc in some of the smaller streams I don’t see the point in chancing it!

    That’s where the MSR Trail Shot comes in. You can either drink straight from the water source through the mouth piece using the hand pump or “pump” the water into whatever you are carrying your water in. I hate the taste of chlorine tablets so this is a happy middle ground for me and as I’ve been caught short with water in the baking temperatures this summer this has been fantastic just to have in my pack. The pic is me coming down after camping in the Carneddau in July. Why did I take it under Tryfan then? Cose it looks cooler than just taking a pic in a place that could be anywhere, and we were about 1.5km away from the car still, in need of a drink and somewhere to cool off our feet, and paws.

    Julie and Lottie