James Turner
Winner of the 2007 Polar Race
“March 2007 I participated in and won the Polar Race, a grueling two-person team endurance race from Resolute Bay in Canada to the Magnetic North Pole that is often dubbed ‘the world’s toughest race’. The Polar Race involved trekking across 560 kilometres (350 miles) of snow and ice in 14 days, 20 hours, 36 minutes and 53 seconds.
That meant for 13 nights my race partner and I slept in some of the most challenging climates. Initially we were issued a polyester fleece liner for us to use inside our sleeping bags during the race. However, prior to the event we were offered the Fells Mountain Sack, a 100% New Zealand Merino sleeping bag liner to trial.
We took the Fells Mountain Sacks on a training weekend along with our issued liners and it did not take us long to realise the benefit of the 100% Merino Mountain Sack over the fleece liner and hence, we made the decision to take them instead of the issued liners on the actual Polar Race.
We found the Mountain Sacks comfortable, flexible and lightweight as well as easy to keep dry and to pack. With temperatures as low as –50 Celsius they provided the extra warmth required without the bulkiness of other liners.
Although we found the lime green colour a little bright we understood the reason was to help be seen in a possible search and rescue situation (personally I found the red liner a nice colour and I use it as a sleeping bag when I sleep over at a friends place).”
Marcus Pinney
Thank you for the sleeping bag liner. Since purchasing last year, I have found the liner to be of much benefit. Working as a hunting guide and often camping in tents in sub zero temperatures, I have found the liner to add greatly to my warmth and comfort. Another thing I have noticed while using it is that will staying warm, I did not find myself sweating and over heating as is the case with some synthetic liners on the market.
Thanks again."
Rachael van Asch
"I just wanted to let you know how impressed I have been with the Merino blanket James was given as a baby. I tie it underneath James’ legs in the pushchair so he can’t kick it off. Even with tying, it hasn’t stretched and it is very light but very warm. There is a history of sensitivity to wool in our family but with Merino I have found James has not had any problems, even with it next to his skin. Thank you both for your wonderful blankets. Looking forward to buying a Merino sleeping bag liner when I start tramping again!
Regards and best wishes."
Ollie Strachan, London, England
"Just purchased one of your merino bennies (black / green). As you might have heard we have been having some inclement weather here in the UK and I went out for a pre-marathon training run (2.45 hrs) the other day.
The hat was fantastic - the sweat did not hang around, very light and smooth on my skin (no itching whatsoever) and my head just seemed to be kept at the right temperature.
Also back from a ski trip in Chamonix, France.
2.4 hour run in the snow and my head was a perfect temperature with the hat on. Up trails, cross-country ski tracks etc.
Actually, it's great to know I do not have to worry about my clothing.
Great product. Well done.
Gary Evans, UK
A cyclists dream! The hat is a perfect fit under my helmet – Guaranteed warmth without overheating.