Cranborne Chase Dorset Winter Static

As the coordinator of the Dorset group of the Backpackers Club I am hoping to put on at least three Dorset events a year. A Winter Static,A Spring Weekend Backpack and an Autumn Weekend Backpack all within the County of Dorset.

I am also looking at the possibility of reviving the "Dorset Round" a summer week long backpack which was first arranged by Trevor Woodford. I would like to find a network of small campsites and friendly farmers which we could use. After a peaceful day walking in the Dorset countryside we don't want to be camping amongst hordes of screaming kids! If you have any sites in mind please do get in touch with me.

These are the details of Dorset Winter Static 2012 

January 13-15 2012 Cranborne Chase Dorset Winter Static

Maps: LR 184 or EX 118

Pitch: ST996173 
Church Farm,Sixpenny Handley,Nr Salisbury,Wiltshire SP5 5ND 

Tel: 01725 552563  www.churchfarmcandcpark.co.uk

Pitch fee £7 per person per night 

Saturday: Walk via Penbury Knoll and Woodyates 16km (10 miles) led by John Yale

Gareth from the Dorset based online outdoor retailer Webtogs will be joining us and he will be bringing along some new kit to show us including an inflatable tent by Nemo.

Berghaus Arisdale Jacket

I have been sent the new Berghaus Arisdale 3 in 1 Jacket  from their range of  Waterproof Jackets to review. Berghaus offers a range of men’s, women’s and children’s outdoor clothing and equipment including: waterproof jackets, fleeces, baselayers and legwear. They also produce a selection of outdoor specific accessories and footwear.

"The Berghaus Arisdale 3-in-1 Jacket is new for this season. It uses Gore's tried and tested 2-Layer Performance Shell for waterproof, breathable and windproof protection. The inner jacker has been made with an AT Classic fleece for excellent warmth and heat retention. The Arisdale features a roll away hood with peak and volume adjuster. It also features Pit Zip ventilation for optimum breathability. Theres also ample room to store smaller accessories and essentials with an external chest pocket, two zipped hand pockets, internal security pocket and two zipped hand pockets in the inner jacket. The inner jacker also includes stretch bound cuffs for extra comfort. The Berghaus Men's Arisdale 3-in-1 Jacket comes in three colours; Thunder, Extrem Blue and Olive Tree."  from Berghaus


When I opened the package my first thoughts were that this was a heavy jacket. The website says its 1216g for jacket and fleece. As you can see Its a very contemporary looking jacket and would look great around town. I see that it is being stocked by  Next.
I was surprised to find that the sleeves of the removable fleece were lined and felt rather restrictive.The fleece appears to be a 200 weight fleece and  Berghaus refer to it as AT-Classic. It has bound cuffs and neck and two hand warmer pockets.As you can see below it is a smart looking jacket which could be worn on its own.

The main outer jacket has a mesh lining and a large inner mesh pocket large enough to store a OS map but this pocket is not assessable when the fleece is zipped in.There are two lower hand warming pockets and a small chest pocket.The hood is the fold away type with a laminated peak. there is hook and loop cuffs and elastic hem adjustment. But the main feature in my eyes is the pit zips to help keep you at a comfortable temperature.

My Opinion
The high tech Berghaus Arisdale jacket is a functional and stylish jacket for about town and would also be suitable for serious outdoor action.So if you are looking to buy just one jacket this could be the one for you.

Dorset Backpackers

As you may already be aware I have taken over as co-ordinator for the Dorset group of the Backpackers Club.

To help us in planning events I have decided to have a regular pub meet.

The second thursday of the month is our regular "Gear and Beer" night. We meet at 8pm at the Horse and Jockey 1118 Wimborne Road Muscliffe Bournemouth BH10 7AA The Cotswold Outdoor store is just at the other side of the traffic lights and has late night opening every thursday evening until 8pm so make the most of your Backpackers Club members discount and then join us in the pub! All are very welcome to join us especially new or prospective members.