Summer Trekking: Montane

By Austin Parker Published May 20, 2014

Whether you’re going for an afternoon stroll on your favorite local trail, or crazy enough to head out on an expedition along the Inca Trail or Annapurna Circuit, having the right gear makes the difference between an enjoyable hike, and a death march. Summer weight outerwear and packs need to balance being able to carry a serious load, combat the elements, and above all, stay comfortable during your travels. That’s where UK brand Montane comes in. Their ultralight packs and redesigned line of outer shells and hiking clothes are the perfect addition for your next high country adventure.

Featuring a roster of famous adventurers and athletes like famous polar explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes providing design input and feedback, Montane’s history is built on a serious mountaineering and expeditionary pedigree. It’s comforting to know that the shell jacket you’re about to spend a serious wad of cash on has been tested in the most extreme conditions imaginable. We’re not saying you have to take it up to high camp on Denali or into the Canadian Rockies for an extended survival trip, but you could.

Recommended Videos

Anchoring this summer’s new pack line up is the Dragon 20. Built around the concept of fitting more like a vest than a conventional pack, the Dragon allows your load to ride naturally close to your body, minimizing fatigue. Waterproof material, an innovative roll top closure, and 20 liters of space round it out as as one of the best daypacks of the year. Expect to see it in more than a few summit photos and on podium finishes at adventure races and ultra distance events.

Of course, keeping your gear dry while you soak to the bone when a storm rolls in isn’t exactly ideal. The all new Aero eVent Pullover is a unique anorak style mountain rain jacket that will not only keep the elements out, it won’t let you slowly cook yourself in your own sweat. The eVent 3-layer fabric it uses is the most breathable hardshell technology in the world, and combined with aqua guard zippers and full seam taping, it will stand up to the worst summer squalls with ease. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a week long expedition or a weekend hike with the kids, staying light and dry with Montane will allow you to go further, faster.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…

Fashion & Style

Why Aaron Taylor-Johnson may already be James Bond in everything but name

Luxury watches could reveal Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the next 007

Aaron Taylor Johnson attends the Madrid photocall for "ACQUA DI GIO" By Giorgio Armani at Matadero Madrid

Now that Daniel Craig has shaken and stirred his last martini as James Bond, the hunt for the next 007 has only intensified in recent months, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson emerging as a leading contender. With his movie star looks and commanding presence on screen in films both indie and blockbuster over the years, his recent appointment as an Omega brand ambassador might just be the biggest clue yet.

The British actor, whose career has quickly gone from indie to A-list, possesses all the traits necessary to front one of the industry’s longest franchises. Blending an understated sophistication, rugged charm, and casual cool that lies just below the surface, Taylor-Johnson has what it takes to step into Bond’s shoes as well as his wardrobe. Aside from his impressive filmography, however, lies a passion for luxury watches, and this is where the clues to the Bond legacy may be hiding in plain sight for all interested parties.

Fashion & Style

Tissot celebrates swiss heritage with Jungfraubahn Alpine railway collaboration

Alpine tribute: Tissot's jungfraubahn partnership celebrates swiss railway heritage

Tissot PR 100 Jungfraubahn

Tissot shows respect for Switzerland's mountain past by working with Jungfraubahn, a well-known cogwheel railway that takes people to the highest train station in the Bernese Alps. The partnership makes five special watches that show the blend of Swiss exact building, mountain grandeur, and watch skill.
The group of watches focuses on two models: the Tissot PR 100 Jungfraubahn and the T-Touch Connect Sport Jungfraubahn. Each watch shows different parts of the mountain railway trip. Snow-covered peaks, trains that run on time, and well-made watches show what Switzerland offers. This cooperation feels right for showing national identity.
The PR 100 Jungfraubahn comes in two sizes, with 40mm and 34mm cases—this makes them good for many wrist sizes while keeping the watch's usual shape. Two different color choices offer looks that show different mountain moods and train design elements.
One version has a dark blue face with nickel minute and hour hands, plus a yellow second hand that points to the Jungfraubahn train's distinct colors. That color mix makes a clear link to the railway trip while keeping the face easy to read—this is important for Swiss exact timekeeping.
The other design has a silver sun-ray face with blue hands. These colors aim to show the clear difference between clean mountain snow and bright mountain sky. This color scheme catches the look of high places and also makes sure you can read the watch in different light.
Both versions have fine Jungfrau mountain carvings right on the watch face. These turn mountain places into art on the watch. Such details add interesting textures and honor the specific mountain area that led to the teamwork.
The words "Jungfrau - Top of Europe" on the back of the case make the watches special. They connect the watches to this respected Swiss place. This writing changes each watch into a real tribute, not just a usual special edition.
The T-Touch Connect Sport Jungfraubahn extends the cooperation into smartwatches, though specific facts about it remain unclear. That addition shows that Tissot wants to respect old railway history through both classic and new watch styles.
The partnership shows how Swiss brands can work together well to celebrate shared culture. They also make products that sell and appeal to people in Switzerland and other countries. The railway is known for being exact and dependable, which fits well with Tissot's Swiss-made quality rules.
These special watches show the charm of mountain travel and respect the building success that makes Switzerland's mountain railways possible. This makes watches that show both nature's beauty and human cleverness.

Fashion & Style

LeBron James unveils $450,000 Richard Mille Lakers-inspired limited edition

Basketball royalty: LeBron James' Richard Miille collaboration celebrates Lakers heritage

LeBron James Drops Limited Edition Richard Mille

LeBron James shows a Richard Mille limited edition watch he helped design. The watch costs $450,000, and the company made only 150 of them. This item honors his time with the Los Angeles Lakers and combines Richard Mille's skill with basketball elements plus the Lakers' colors.
The watch honors the Lakers with a yellow rubber strap that lasts a long time and feels good when a person moves. James' personal logo sits at the 12 o'clock position in green with a yellow border, which makes the brand easy to see while keeping the watch looking good.
The watch case is black and has a rough feel. A yellow Quartz TPT middle case sits next to it, with green parts and a purple ring for the hour markers. This mix of colors puts the Lakers' purple and gold into a modern watch design.
Richard Mille makes sports watches, and this watch shows that focus. The company did not share specific details about the movement. The brand makes light and strong watches for athletes, which suggests that this watch uses advanced materials and building methods.
The yellow and green crown, along with the teal chronograph dials, add to the watch's look. These colors show the Lakers' identity and James' own taste that he developed from collecting luxury watches for many years.
James' signature appears on the case back, etched in purple. This makes the watch a collector's item, not just a regular luxury watch. The purple signature honors the Lakers' colors and helps identify this specific production run.
Richard Mille works with many good athletes—this collaboration comes after successful partnerships with Rafael Nadal and Bubba Watson. James helps the brand reach the basketball market and may cause younger people to like Swiss watches.
The $450,000 price puts this watch among Richard Mille's more costly items, but it costs less than the brand's most complex watches. The company only made 150 pieces, which means collectors will want it and its price might go up.
James showed the watch on social media, which gained much attention from watch fans and basketball fans. The broad appeal shows that famous people working with luxury brands can connect fine watches with popular sports.
This watch continues James' long connection with luxury timepieces—he owns watches from Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex. James helped design this Richard Mille watch, which sets it apart from simple endorsement deals and suggests a deeper connection with the brand.
The Lakers' look appeals to fans in Los Angeles and people who collect basketball items. The watch also keeps Richard Mille's good name for technical skill and exclusive nature.