
For the third consecutive year, outdoor brand Mountain Hardwear is equipping the experienced team of three Lake District Fell Top Assessors with its latest range of clothing and equipment for their daily work climbing Helvellyn, including Christmas Day.
The role of the Fell Top Assessors helps in keeping outdoor enthusiasts posted on weather conditions on a daily basis, via the Weatherline website, social media and one-to-one conversations with passing walkers and climbers. The team – mountaineers Zac Poulton, Jon Bennett and new recruit Wes Hunter – also offers winter skills training courses to provide better knowledge on how to enjoy the hills safely and responsibly all year round.

The team of three – mountaineers Zac Poulton, Jon Bennett and new recruit Wes Hunter – rely on the extreme weather performance of Mountain Hardwear’s no compromise range, so they’re fully prepared and equipped to reach the summit safely, on a daily basis.
Winter weather conditions can change rapidly on the Lake District fells and mountains, such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, and the Fell Top Assessors must be prepared for any eventuality. Among the Mountain Hardwear products the team will be relying on this winter season, is the Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Pro Jacket and Pant which guarantee maximum waterproof and breathable performance, even during the heaviest downpours. The team will also be carrying their supplies in the Alpine Light backpack, designed to meet the needs of climbers and mountaineers.
Long-time Lake District National Park Fell Top Assessor, Jon Bennett, said, “The winter months, especially during the school holidays, can attract almost as many visitors as during the summer and our job is to give them up-to-date, accurate information to keep every one of them safe in the mountains and on the fells. We have to climb Helvellyn every single day and couldn’t do this without Mountain Hardwear’s durable, high performance clothing and equipment, which keeps us safe, warm and protected during the often arduous winter climbs.”
Rhys Henderson, from Mountain Hardwear UK, added, “Our partnership is now in its third year and, as our range of apparel and equipment continues to develop, we can provide the team with new products using the latest performance fabrics and design technology. On behalf of everyone at Mountain Hardwear, we’d like to wish Zac, Jon and Wes a safe and successful winter season.”