Mountain Hardwear helps Fell Top Assessors reach their Peak Gear News

© Mountain Hardwear

Performance apparel and equipment brand Mountain Hardwear has ensured a safe Winter season for the Lake District Fell Top Assessors and the walkers and climbers they protect, continuing its three year partnership by equipping the experienced team of three with its latest range of clothing, accessories and equipment.

Fell Top Assessors l-r Jon Bennett, Graham Uney and Zac Poulton  © Mountain Hardwear
Fell Top Assessors l-r Jon Bennett, Graham Uney and Zac Poulton
© Mountain Hardwear

The role of the Fell Top Assessor is a vital one, keeping outdoor adventurers up-to-date on weather conditions on a daily basis via Weatherline, social media and one to one conversations with passing hillwalkers and climbers. The team also offers winter skills training courses to give outdoor enthusiasts better knowledge to enjoy the hills safely and responsibly all year round.

The team of three, who are mountaineers Zac Poulton, Jon Bennett and Graham Uney, rely on the unparalleled extreme weather performance of Mountain Hardwear's no compromise range, to help them reach the summit safely and comfortably.

Zac Poulton assessing conditions on Helvellyn  © Mountain Hardwear
Zac Poulton assessing conditions on Helvellyn
© Mountain Hardwear

Although this season has been mild in comparison to 2018, which saw the arrival of the 'Beast from the East', weather conditions can change in an instant on the Lake District fells and mountains, such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, and the Fell Top Assessors have to be prepared for any eventuality.

The rain in the Lake District can be a constant, which has been perfect for the team to experience the waterproof and moisture management benefits of Mountain Hardwear's new GORE-TEX® range, including Exposure/2™ GORE-TEX® Pro Jacket and Pant.

Fell Top Assessor Zac Poulton ascending Striding Edge  © Mountain Hardwear
Fell Top Assessor Zac Poulton ascending Striding Edge
© Mountain Hardwear

Long-time Lake District National Park Fell Top Assessor, Jon Bennett, commented: "During the winter period there's no let up on the number of visitors to the Lake District, who are drawn by the dramatic landscape and unbeatable views. However, the weather and ground conditions can change very quickly on the high fells and we need to communicate these conditions to the public in a timely manner. To do this, we need to be able to safely get to the top of Helvellyn every single day, often in harsh winter weather. We couldn't do this without being fully prepared and equipped in Mountain Hardwear products."

Rhys Henderson, from Mountain Hardwear UK, also commented: "Getting to the top of mountains like Helvellyn and assessing the risk on Striding Edge, often in arduous winter conditions, is what Mountain Hardwear products are made for. Climbers around the world rely on our ranges to achieve their mountaineering goals, from 8000m peaks to Scottish Winter climbing and scrambling in the Lake District. The incredible work the Fell Top Assessors carry out is no exception and we will continue to support the team with our latest garments and equipment, for many winter seasons to come."

Key Products:

Exposure/2 GORE TEX Pro Jacket - RRP £550

When serious weather threatens and there's nowhere to hide, you need uncompromising protection. We designed the Exposure/2™ GORE-TEX Pro Jacket to shield climbers and skiers from unrelenting rain, snow, and whatever other gnarly conditions the mountains throw your way. Our most durable, protective shell jacket built with industry-leading, bluesign®-approved GORE-TEX Pro shell fabric, the Exposure/2™ withstands Mother Nature's worst while remaining incredibly breathable—the most capable choice for big, technical alpine routes, deep, stormy ski tours, and other foul-weather mountain pursuits.

Exposure/2 GORE TEX Pro Bib - RRP £450

Skinning up exposed ridges, kicking up snowy couloirs, and tacking your way up vertical ice is hard enough when you're dry—the Exposure/2™ GORE-TEX Pro Bib ensures you stay that way so you can focus on the task at hand. Our most durable, protective shell pants for climbers and skiers, built with industry-leading, bluesign®-approved GORE-TEX Pro shell fabric, the Exposure/2™ Bib guards against blowing storms and deep powder while remaining incredibly breathable and allowing for full range of motion.

Both the Exposure/2 GORE TEX Pro Jacket and Exposure/2 GORE TEX Pro Bib are available in both Men's and Women's models


For more information Mountain Hardwear



For those, like me, who didn't know a great deal about the Fell Top Assessors here's a link to a page/video with a bit more information: https://www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk/about

4 Jun, 2019

It was a very disappointing winter season in the Lakes, particularly compared to the winter before, but Fell Top Assessors were a huge help for non-local climbers like myself trying to suss out the conditions, as well for walkers - keeping them informed so that they could be safe. I suspect their reports probably kept a fair few of the more enthusiastic but less experienced climbers off the cliff and particularly out of the gullies when they weren't in proper winter condition too.

It did feel this winter that conditions for winter pursuits in the hills of England and Wales have become even more marginal than perhaps they've always been.

On a totally different note, great of Mountain Hardware to sponsor them, but is their gear very available in the UK currently? I haven't seen many people wearing MH stuff in the last few years when I've been out and about in the UK hills, nor do I remember seeing it for sale in shops?

It's probably quite telling that I wasn't aware, given my shift in focus from winters being a season for ice axes (and all things pointy) to boulders (and all things chalky/rubbery).

When it comes to Mountain Hardwear, they've definitely had a challenging few years within the UK market but are making a very definite comeback. Things like the Fell Top Assessors are an indicator of the direction they're hoping to go too, with grass-roots support of actual 'real life' + on the mountain projects (i.e. NOT highstreet!!).

They've come back on board with us too, so expect to see some reviews later this year. I believe Dan has got (or is getting) one of the sleeping bags from their Lamina range, so watch this space...

With regards to shops/stock, I'm unsure but can certainly ask.


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