Sharkey's Dream


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Hats and Gloves

Extremities Windstopper Glove

I've had a pair of Winstopper gloves for as long as I can remember and although they are not waterproof they are water repellent and keep the wind out incredibly well.

Rab Phantom Fit Windproof Glove

I purchased the Rab Phantom glove during Autumn 2013 to replace my ever trust worthy Extremities Windstoppers. They are in every way a technical glove that are windproof rather than a windproof glove that is technical too if that makes sense. As useful as they are while using maps and gadgets on the mountain, getting a firm grip over wet rock whilst wearing them, unlike the Extremities, is almost suicidal, as I found out for myself out in the field.

The gel pads are useful leaving that technical touch to most things, but as stated they are not to be trusted in wet, add to this during some extreme buffering experienced I found the wind had somehow pierced the soft shell and the chill was soon felt, something that I never experienced with the cheaper Extremities Windstoppers.

Mountain Equipment GTX Winter Glove

I purchased these Mountain Equipment Winter gloves over two years ago and I can probably count on one hand (no pun intended!) the amount of times I have actually used them. The GTX glove offers full Winter protection including breathability together with cowhide palms and a warm fleece lining plus draw loops.

Sealskinz Helvellyn Glove

The Sealskinz Helvellyn glove came with a waterproof guarantee which was put to test on their maiden walk during prolonged heavy rainfall in the dead of Winter. The glove held out the water keeping my hands warm and toasty for around three hours but after that the tips of the fingers started to fill with water leaving my hands painfully cold, a decent glove but not fully waterproof as Sealskinz would like you to think.

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Montane Prism Glove

A lightweight, breathable, windproof water resistant glove the Prism feels like little down jackets for your hands. A superb piece of kit.

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Graninge G6030 Thermal Winter Hunting Gloves

The Graninge Winter Thermal mitt are the perfect combination for cold winter days when you need to operate tech such as camera's or mobile phones I picked up my first pair for just £15.00 The mitt folds back neatly and is secured with a Velcro tab and elastic strap. The gloves themselves are thermal and are to some extent, waterproof during light to mediate showers. For just £15.00 the Graninge G6030 but gloves are as competitive as the high end brands at sometimes triple the cost.

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Buff Dryflex Buff

How I did without my trusty dryflex buff I don't know. A breathable lightweight thin layer acts doubles as a neck gaiter, head band and in summer I tend to wrap it around my wrist to wipe any sweat away from my forehead. In hot conditions dip in a nearby stream then wrap it around your head, neck or wrist. A real game changer for less than a tenner.

Karrimor Phantom Windproof Beanie

The Karrimor Phantom beanie is one of my best beanies which after two years of wearing and washing still keeps the wind and rain out. Bought for less than £10.00 it's far better than some of the premium brands hats that I've paid up to three times as much for.

Mammut Tweak Beanie

A great snug fit and reasonably priced but lacks in windproof-ness, still a great design which I tend to use when on dog walks instead of the Lakeland fells.

Mountain Equipment Plain Knitted Beanie

I've had this particular beanie for some years and usually switch it between my Karrimor Phantom depending on my mood.

Mountain Equipment Raven Beanie

This beanie dates as far back as 2011 and I wore it the day I completed my first tour of the Wainwrights. I tend to keep it as a spare these days.

Mountain Equipment Flash Beanie

Tried and tested Mountain Equipment beanies don't stretch, keep their shape and keep your head warm and snug during the Winter months.

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Rab Logo Beanie

I'm a huge fan of the logo beanie which is available in four different colour combinations, the light Khaki is just one two I own and are ideal for those Winter excursions when the weather isn't too extreme.

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Napapijri Semiury Marine Wool Beanie Hat

I keep my Napapijri Semiury hat for those extreme winter days, not only is it exceptionally warm but it also fits secure and snug.

Trekmates Dry Trapper Hat

A waterproof and breathable trapper hat that I'm yet to wear.

North Face Distressed Baseball Cap

Base ball caps are a part of my walking kit as my backpack is these days, they are great for keeping the wind out of your eyes and the sweat on a sunny day from running down the front of your face, unfortunately the latter tends to ruin the cap after a few weeks especially through the Summer months and I found that North Face brand tends to last me the longest. This particular cap is sadly no longer available but I still wear it anyway in its faded, sweaty state...apparently the look gives me character or so I've been told!

Jack Wolfskin Baseball Cap

A great looking cap which would be ideal for use around town but sadly that is were it ends. After just a few wears the colour fades really quickly and for someone who tends to sweat a lot in heat this cap, despite its good looks, wasn't the best of purchases.