I'm quite a keen rock climber and so spend quite a portion of my free time out of doors, typically half way up a cliff face or mountain. Ideally I would prefer to do this in a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and get a chance to work on my tan but unfortunately the weather doesn't agree. With this in mind I need to pick my clothes so I can stay as warm as possible while being as mobile as possible on the rock. I can't remember the figure but I read at one point that we lose an obscene amount of body heat through our head and neck if they are uncovered. Enter the Berghaus Spectrum Neck Gaiter.

Berghaus is a quality mountaineering brand that has existed for as long as I've been climbing. Their items are typically expensive but you do get what you pay for. Fortunately I picked up this neck gaiter as a special offer when I was buying a new rope in my local adventure sports shop. At first I was suspicious of how a circular piece of fleece was going to change my climbing experience but the man in the shop was adamant I try.

On first inspection the gaiter is about 25cm long and about 15-20cm wide (it fits around my large head with a bit of a squeeze!) and is made of unremarkable black fleece. On the bottom edge is the iconic Berghaus logo, embroidered into the fleece in what appears to be quite a professional fashion. Along the top edge is a drawstring that when pulled and locked in place with the accompanying clip, turns this neck warmer into a make-do hat. The fleece itself seems quite hard wearing and I can attest that it has not torn or shredded in two years of solid use. Similarly the plastic clip to hold the drawstring in place has yet to show a single sign of failure. So top marks for construction and materials.

To use the neck warmer you simply pull it over your head until it sits at your neck. It feels quite soft against the skin but be warned that if you have a beard, or even long stubble that you will experience so mild pulling from time to time. I've found it to be a touch too warm when I'm actually climbing and have found myself pulling at it halfway up a pitch to cool off. Holding the rope for someone however and it is perfect. On a cold day I have the neck gaiter on as well as my trusty aran wool hat. When the weather gets a bit warmer I switch the neck gaiter to a cool cap with a quick pull on the drawstring. A quick note on the drawstring, when climbing this comes in great use as the neck gaiter can be clipped to my harness to keep it out of my way when I don't need it, a simple touch but it works wonderfully.

All in all this is a great little buy, or in my case a present. To be honest, at the time I wouldn't have spent £20 on it, but after all the experiences I've had with it and how well it's held together I would glady pay even more for a similar item now.