One of the most frequently asked questions we get asked is “Why call yourself 914 Outdoor?”

Pronounced nine one four outdoor, it is not only the fact that it rhymes but it also relates to the height of a Munro; a Munro being a Mountain in Scotland measuring 3,000 ft and higher, which also equates to 914 metres (well 914.4m to be precise), though 914.4 Outdoor doesn’t seem to have the same ring to it.


Other FAQs:

Why are mountains in Scotland over 914 m/3,000 ft known as Munro’s?

Sir Hugh Thomas Munro, born 1856, was the original tabulator of what  are now commonly known as Munros. Sir Hugh lived at the family owned Lindertis Estate, near Kirriemuir, although he was born in London England. He was a founder member of the Scottish Mountaineering Club (1889) and served as its President (1894-97) so Munro obviously became an experienced hill-walker in Scotland as well as travelling widely abroad not only from choice, but also as a King’s Messenger.    

Munro was the first person to systematically list all the Scottish mountains 3,000 ft/914m and his tables were first published in 1891.  He began a revision of the list in 1919, but died in France before this could be completed. Munro was never to climb all the mountains on his list.  Sadly, he had only two remaining when he died and the task of completing an ascent of every Munro fell to the Rev. A.E. Robertson (1870 – 1958)

Ever since Munro’s passing, the Scottish Mountaineering Club has maintained the list, regularly updating subsequent height adjustments. The current tables list 284 Munros. However, not all 3,000-foot peaks are classified as Munros; generally, it is the principal summit in a hill which is listed and the subsidiary summits are called ‘tops’.

The two peaks which Munro missed were the ‘Inaccessible Pinnacle’ of Sgurr Dearg (Skye), and Carn Cloich-Mhuillin in the Cairngorms.  He was keeping the latter peak as his last climb, but ironically it was demoted to a ‘top’ in the revision to the Tables carried out in 1981.


How do i care for my waterproof garments?

Typically, the performance of almost all waterproof materials will significantly deteriorate, often irreversibly, if they are washed in biological powders, detergents and fabric conditioners. If you're cleaning these garments using a washing machine or hand washing them, always use a dedicated wash-in soap liquid.  If re-proofing your garments (necessary from time to time), wash-in re-proofers are readily available, as are re-proofing aerosol sprays. If you choose to wash/proof your garments in a washing machine, beforehand, always remember to remove the powder tray and clean away any residue left by previous washes that used powders and conditioners. After replacing the clean tray, it's always worth putting your machine through a quick rinse cycle using just water to enable any further powder/conditioner residue to be removed from the machine, including the inside of the drum. This procedure may seem a hassle at first, but if you try to wash/proof your garments all together i.e. jacket, over-trousers, leg gaiters, headwear etc.,  then this should ease the burden whilst you consider the money you'd be flushing down the drain if you didn't.
As part of the drying/re-proofing process, it is possible to tumble dry and lighly iron a majority of waterproof garments, though always read the label to be sure.  
If cared for correctly, good quality waterproofs can save your life in certain situations, without you even realising it!


How do i care for my boots?

Coming soon!