Reviews - July 2009
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Fri 31st Jul 09 Top: Sprayway Torino Zipped
My immediate reaction to the Sprayway Torino zipped top was how light it was. There’s a helluva lot of performance packed into 200grams. The bamboo material is soft on the skin and not at all restrictive. Comfort is also added to by the lack of internal labels and by the comfy hems. The top’s wicking ability is great, and the material doesn’t hold odour (up to a point!).
I have worn this top as everyday wear and it seems to withstand a lot of use, although the design is very simple and looks more appropriate for sport. I have been out running in it in wind, rain and sun (don’t you just love British weather!) and arrived home in a top that is dry and didn’t look or smell very different from when I left. As a base layer it works very well also. So really I don’t have much to say against the Torino zipped top and plenty for it as a good top for a base layer or to throw on when you are going for some sweaty exercise.
More Sprayway Bamboo Clothes Reviewed:
Men's:
Women's
Fri 31st Jul 09 Trousers: Srayway Torino Pant
I have been reviewing a few of Sprayway’s new Bamboo range so was expecting something quite different from the Torino Pant when they arrived. At first I returned them for a larger pair as the material felt quite restrictive, but when the next size up arrived I realised that these trousers are just not as soft or elastic as other items in the range and the restricted feeling was not to do with the size. Luckily the trousers are quite adjustable with a popper alteration on the waistband so off I went to review.
I have worn these trousers a lot for everyday use and more strenuous activity and have been pretty impressed by the high wicking, quick drying material. The trousers are certainly well made and durable and hold their shape well. There are also quality features such as the button being attached by a short tape, which keeps the line of the trouser cut and is easier to fasten. However, I have found them restrictive, and often have to pull the knees up when I bend over. I can’t imagine riding a bike in them. The problem might just be that the Torino pant and I are incompatible shapes but it could also be the material. Also, I am sure the Torino pant will look good on someone, but that person is not me.
More Sprayway Bamboo Clothes Reviewed
Men's:
Women's
Fri 31st Jul 09 Walking Boots: Scarpa Ladies Manta
The Scarpa Manta Boots are recommended for up to Grade 3 winter climbing and I would fully back that up. They felt amazingly light for the amount of support they provided for my ankle and certainly were comfortable straight away and needed no wearing in. Having said that, the boot is restrictive enough for me to not contemplate them for summer walking; this is definitely designed for the more serious walker and less serious winter conditions- something between the hiking boot and plastics.
The Vibram M4 technical sole is tried and tested and did exactly as well as I expected, it gave plenty of grip in all conditions. The leather upper is thick enough to provide warmth, wear and tear has not been a problem and I don’t expect it to be for a long time. There was, however, some moisture build up and at the end of the day my socks were damp, but there was no odour and my feet were still toasty warm in the snow. The boots need a water repellent applying.
The Mantas are compatible with Air Tech GSB compatible Crampon. Their Italian design certainly shows in their appearance, and their simplicity in use. These boots are good technical boots for someone who takes their walking seriously and to more severe conditions.
Fri 31st Jul 09 Trousers: Sprayway Mori Combi Pant
Here's a dilemma: do you wear trousers that look great and carry a pair of shorts in your bag, or do you sacrifice a bit of the style to wear a pair of trousers with legs that zip off to leave a pair of shorts? Personally I'd go for the latter every time. The number of occasions I've been caught out in trousers, but felt the need to don shorts with a change in the weather is numerous. In the Mori Combi, Sprayway have even made the main pockets plenty big enough to stow the zipped off leg sections if you are out without a bag to put them in. The zips are cleverly directional so that each leg section will only fit one of the two opposing zips on the shorts. Sounds simple, but with my last pair you had to squint your eyes (the zips are generally tiny on such trousers to lessen interference in use) to read an 'L' or an 'R' on a hidden label in order to pair them up.
What else is there about the Mori Combi? Made from bamboo they are lightweight (370g), quick drying, and environmentally friendly to boot. There are six pockets - 2 main, 2 on the bum, and 2 fastenable square ones on the front, lower than the main ones. My one complaint would be that there could do with being a couple more belt loops. It's At £40 they are not inexpensive, but when you consider that you get a pair of trousers and a pair of shorts for the money I'd say it was money well spent.
More Sprayway Bamboo Clothes Reviewed
Men's:
Women's
Fri 31st Jul 09 Thermal: Sprayway Mori Zipped Top
Weighing just 239g and made of bamboo the Mori Zipped Top is part of a large range of lightweight, high wicking, odourless and environmentally friendly clothing from Sprayway. It' is close fitting as a base-layer should be. The neck zip is unobtrusive and runs smoothly with one hand. To date it's been hammered during a very changeable weather British summer, with no sign of wear or, more importantly for a thermal, of any lingering smell! It does indeed dry incredibly quickly, and feels comfortable on all occasions. Bamboo is the way forward!
More Sprayway Bamboo Clothes Reviewed
Men's:
Women's
