Sunday 20 February 2011

Finisterre Humboldt Mk II

As it's been a while, I thought my first post of 2011 should be gear related. And what a fine bit of gear it is; the Finisterre Humboldt Mk II.

Some folk will remember Finisterre from a couple of years back when they produced something that looked like a Paramo Velez, was made from the same material as a Paramo Velez, but was cut a tad more on the "athletic" side than anything Paramo produce.

Justifiably, they flew off the racks and quickly sold out. Happily, they're back, albeit in a slightly different form. Ah. Just checked and they're sold out again. Sorry about that. The Analogy fabric is gone and what we have now is something that looks like the bastard offspring of an unholy union between Buffalo and Paramo.

The similarity to the Velez is obvious but there are a few welcome refinements: the cut is oh-so much slimmer which suits me and my Racing Snake frame.

 Large Humboldt laid atop Large Velez Adventure for comparison

The sleeves are nice and long, something that Paramo never managed. The Humboldt has no internal, and frankly useless, handwarmer pocket. The hood volume adjuster runs up both sides of the head and works well.

The only niggle so far is the adjustable cuffs. I didn't know they made Velcro that wide.

 World's Widest Strip of Velcro

I've been kicking about in it and it's been great but I'll try and give it a proper outing soon.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Great minds and all that. One just landed on my doormat last week and I've been doing realy adventurous stuff like the shopping and tidying the garden in it. Working well so far. Time to use is in anger.

Big Kev said...

Good lad. I've liked nearly everything about the Velez for about 10 years now. The only downside, for me at least, is the fit. Way too baggy. Finisterre, bless them, have addressed that. Taking it out and getting it manky is my top priority :o)

AlanR said...

I wonder if it ever strikes Finisterre, Alpkit and others, considering how fast the products sell out, to actually increase the production batch size.
I can never understand company’s that this.
Shame, it looks good gear.

Unknown said...

I've just checked. They still have the Humbolt in black in all sizes up to XL and at half price. I guess they are clearing out 2010 stock and that there is a MKIII waiting in the wings?

Big Kev said...

Well spotted, Dave. New model coming or just getting rid of old stock? Anybody's guess. At half price tho', it's a steal.

Big Kev said...

@ The Odyssee - Alpkit only ever do limited production runs. It's a business model that works for them but ultimately leaves punters disappointed when they can't get their hands on the product.

phill said...

It looks like you'll be sticking to all sorts with that cuff.I was once slapped because my coat had stuck to a ladies jumper. lol very embaracing

Big Kev said...

Whoops! :o) Luckily it's the "hoop" side that's exposed. A month on and those wrist tabs are still the only niggle.

Smashin' bit of kit. The hood's one of the best I've ever used. Just magic.

Unknown said...

That is a great jacket! What a bargain at less than £100. Haven't heard of the brand before but I'll check it out now. Thanks for taking the time to do such good photos.
http://walksandwalking.com/

Unknown said...

Dave Hanlon put me onto this recently and there is something wonderfully Buffalo/Paramo about it and I like the fact it's a UK company. I don't need it at all but it looks like something I would love to use. Great review - thanks.

Big Kev said...

Ah, the old want versus need. Personally, I think everybody needs one of these in their lives :o)