An Cosantóir

gadgets | 31 GADGETS T The North Face Point Five Shell Jacket Looking back to the early nineties I remember flicking through magazines and seeing hardcore alpinists wearing bright yellow TNF jackets with black sleeves; the almost mythical Mountain Guide Jacket. The Mountain Guide was recognised as the toughest and best performing shell out there at the time and the Point Five is the 2011 equivalent; Gore Tex Pro Shell, weath- erproof zips, athletic fit and all the bells and whistles that a ‘proper’ technical shell jacket should have. Combine that with damn good looks and you have one of the best multisport Gore Tex jackets, period. North Face Alteo he North Face (TNF) is a name that is synony- mous with all things adventure and all things outdoor; the company have been at the fore- front of innovation and exploration for 40 years, pro- ducing gear and clothing that has consistently taken people to the most extreme locations on the planet. The North Face Gold Kazoo Sleeping Bag If you like your sleeping bags down filled, warm, light and bright then the Gold Kazoo should fit your needs perfectly. Boasting three season warmth and 650 Hungarian goose down wrapped up in a water repel- lent nylon outer, the bag will perform perfectly for all but the toughest of expeditions while the 1 kilo weight and small pack size is excellent for travelling and back- packing. Although not a ‘feature’, the colour is like wrapping yourself up in a personal beam of sun- shine every night too... fantastic. The North Face Single Track Trail Runner Running on trails is one of the fastest growing activities in Europe, for the simple reason that it is an absolute blast. Good footwear is a must though and they don’t come much better than TNFs new shoe; the Single Track. The sole provides great traction in all conditions and gives the wearer peace of mind to concentrate on running fast and enjoying the scenery. Overall there is plenty of support where needed and superb venti- lation too. A men’s size 9 weighs in at a very re- spectable 326g which you will ap- preciate on those long uphill trails. 35 Backpack Definitely one of the hottest looking packs that I have set eyes on in the last few years and one that backs up the looks with brains and brawn. If ventilation is your thing then you will be glad to hear that even while car- rying the Alteo on day long hikes the system works like a personal AC system, genu- inely keeping your back cool and dry. The fit is exceptional while the multiple pockets and easy front zip entry means organising and access- ing your gear is a stress-free experience. One of the new next-generation packs from TNF and a genuine contender for my ‘Gear of the Year’ vote. products from their summer 2011 range and to also offer An Cosantóir readers the chance to enter this month’s fantastic competition to win a €150 voucher that can be used in The North Face Store Dublin. Never Stop Exploring. 1. Who is the New Publisher of An Cosantóir? 2. What store sponsors the Gadget Page? 3. What does TNF stand for? Competition closing date is the 19th August Send all entries with your name and address: July Competition An Cosantóir DFHQ, Block 5, Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, Ireland Or email to: subs@military.ie Padriac Hurley, Ballymote, Co. Sligo Ceannt Bks, DFTC, July’s winner of the Cascade Design prize pack worth €200 is: We have teamed up with The North Face Store Dublin to take a closer look at some brand new and exciting CAUGUST OMPETITION Untitled-2 1 THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE 13/06/2011 17:00:50

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