SALEWA like to do things a little differently to most brands, frequently favouring a technical and tailored fit, and using a unique set of materials (their proprietary TirolWool being a good example). The Alpine Hemp collection continues this theme, with an innovative use of materials and a tailored cut that yields an exceptionally comfortable, yet technical range of clothes that's suitable for a wide range of activities, despite its focus being firmly on climbing. If there's a catch (and let's face it, there's always a catch) it's that it isn't cheap, but like I always say - if you want a premium product, then expect a premium price.

Why Alpine Hemp?

Before we look at the products themselves it's worth knowing a bit more about what Alpine Hemp actually is. The more astute members of the audience will notice that despite its name, it isn't grown in the Alps - it's made in China; however, Salewa's long term plan is very much on bringing things back to Europe, as they're investing 10% of their turnover from the Alpine Hemp range into growing their own hemp in Europe (in fact, their first Italian hemp crop is due to arrive next year).

Another thing to mention is that in spite of the collection being very firmly branded as hemp, in reality a number of fibres are used. Each brings its own benefits.

Alpine Hemp Light Pant - £115

The Alpine Hemp Light Pants were recently reviewed in our recent Climbing Trouser Group Test: 

To save either repeating or contradicting what we've said in that we've copied what we published there, here:

The Alpine Hemp Light Pant is probably the most technical pair of lightweight trousers I've ever owned. They're light, breathable and stretchy, with a close fitting cut and a fabric that feels absolutely divine. The freedom of movement in the Alpine Hemp Light Pant is excellent, with what feels like pretty much infinite amounts of stretch (and that's coming from someone with pretty big legs).

The Alpine Hemp Light Pant is definitely at the slimmer end of the spectrum, but the stretchiness of the materials mean that this isn't restrictive - even to those with larger legs. Their fit is also quite tapered, with a narrower fit to the calf than some on test. 

There's a lot going on here, with a blend of materials used throughout. The main body features 53% 205 g/sqm ripstop hemp, 44% polyester and 3% elastane - this is what gives it its stretch, its breathability, and its lovely feel. The knees feature a slightly different construction, with 85% polyamide (or DURASTRETCH 3D BICROMATIC ECO 146 BS to be precise) and 15% elastane, as the priority here is very much on freedom of movement.

Whilst the pants feature a blend of materials, they are PFC free. The fact their main ingredient is hemp is another benefit, as hemp is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics available, requiring a lot less water to grow than cotton. 

The Alpine Hemp Light Pant features a single button closure and fly on the front, with an internal elastic hem drawcord (which I've never had to use). They also have belt loops throughout, but much like the drawcord I've never had to use a belt, because they fit me well without.

Beyond that there are two hand pockets on the front and another two on the back, this time with zips - both of which are impressively deep.

If you're wearing the Alpine Hemp Light Pant it feels fairly inevitable that people will guess you're a climber, as their slim fitting composite appearance is definitely more 'technical'.

Alpine Hemp Cargo Shorts - £85

These shorts feature the same material as the Pants and share a lot in common in terms of fit and features. Their cut is similarly tailored, which is to say that they have a slimline fit and feel; however, much like the pants, this doesn't hinder freedom of movement - even to those with larger legs.

Much like the pants the shorts feature a single button fastener on the front, with an elasticated cord running throughout. There are belt straps if you need them, but again I haven't had to use either the cord or a belt as they fit really well. While the pants feature a different material around the knee, the shorts feature a different material across the back, giving you a bit of extra stretch and breathability where you need it most.

There is a pocket on either side of the leg, which initially I was unsure about, mostly because I'm used to hand pockets, but the reality was that I adapted quite quickly. One major benefit of them being where they are is that when you're climbing it isn't always possible to access a conventionally located hand pocket, particularly whilst you're wearing a harness, whereas these are better placed for convenient access.

Alpine Hemp Graphic Long Sleeve Tee Men - £95

Whilst the shorts and pants are both slimline in fit, the Alpine Hemp Graphic Long Sleeve Tee (which, because it's a really long name, I'll refer to as the LS Tee from now on) is even more so, fitting much more like a base layer than a t-shirt. Much like the others this snug fit is matched with an exceptionally stretchy, breathable garment which would be ideal either on its own or with a layer over the top of it.

Much like the shorts and trousers, this top uses different fabrics based around where they are and what is needed. Throughout the body it features a 55% cotton, 23% hemp, 22% polyester. I was surprised by the addition of cotton, as this has traditionally been something I've avoided, as it has the tendency of retaining moisture; however, I haven't found this to be too much a problem (although it's worth mentioning that I do wash base layers such as this with Nikwax Basewash).

On the shoulders SALEWA have reinforced the main body with their supremely soft and stretchy Durastretch fabric. This provides extra durability within a key wear area, and having used it over the last few months it appears to have done its job, as it's certainly far from wearing out. This material is also used throughout the cuff,  which - bearing in mind its been used whilst jamming on the Grit - is great, because it is that bit more able to take a battering.

Summary

The Alpine Hemp range is extremely wearable, not least because of its luxurious softness, which feels like a very definite step up from fully synthetic clothes. It's light, but not so light that it sacrifices on durability, and is clearly built to last. The fit is very much on the snug side, which may or may not be to people's preference. Either way, once on it's not only comfortable, but the freedom of movement is excellent. The fact it is both PFC free and made of more sustainable materials are plus points; however, this comes at a price. It's definitely not cheap, and I suspect some out there will baulk at the price. If this is you, my radical suggestion is this: don't buy it. If however you like the sound of it (and there is a lot going for it) my recommendation would be to try the range on, because it really does have to be worn to be fully appreciated.