Mountain Equipment have brought out an eye catching new range of women's crag clothes for 2019, which I've really enjoyed testing both at the wall and outdoors. I've been using the: Viper Pants; Bahia Vest; Rio Vest and Calico Hooded Jacket.

Viper Women's Pant - £70

I love the Viper climbing pants because of the pull up waist band and the fit. Once on they are so comfy and they stay put – important when trying to flash your routes, not your undies. The soft, low profile waist band is also perfect for under your harness.

The trousers feature handy pockets not just to keep your hands warm, but with the nice touch of a zipped one down the leg which I've used for a topo page (OK also a shopping list for after the bouldering wall too).

The recycled polyester / organic cotton fabric is quite thick, so not ideal when it's hot, but even at the wall when it's warmed up and everyone else has been in shorts I've still been able to move freely in them thanks to the ergonomic design and the slight give in the material.

There's a handy bungee for pulling in the ankles whilst climbing but I prefer to fold the bottoms up; I guess everyone has their own preference. I've got them in pumpkin spice colour which goes well with most of my tops in my cupboard.

Bahia Vest £30

The cropped top Bahia and strappy T-Shirt Rio worn together look great, and perform well. ME have called both a vest which is a bit confusing.

I wouldn't usually have chosen the jazzy geometric coloured design of the Bahia, but I really like it. There's no internal cup in this bra top, but it's supportive enough for me to have used it on a 10 mile run so don't worry about that (OK I'm an A cup so don't need too much support but it helps give you an idea of its snugness). I've also felt comfortable using the Bahia without a T-shirt over it, when it's got a little warm. The stretchy nylon fabric allows good freedom of movement, too.

Rio Vest - £30

The pool blue Rio Vest complements it well. Its stretchy 'drirelease' fabric is so soft, and the cut is quite baggy, so it allows a lot of movement and cooling air. It's breathable and dries quickly too. The material is "anti-smell" (Polygiene odor control) which definitely got tested on the run and I've also tried it on subsequent training sessions. Whilst my husband was horrified as he does the washing, even he agreed that it worked.

The Rio Vest is UPF 50+ which is handy for the areas it covers. All the clothes reviewed have been through the wash countless times now and they have remained as soft as when I first put them on. They are also colourfast which is reassuring when as I said before my husband does the washing and isn't so particular on separating out the whites wash!

Calico Hooded Women's Jacket - £90

When the temperature drops a bit, I've got this zipped hooded jacket to stick on over the top. With its brushed inner this has a fleece-like feel that's nice and snug when worn over one of the vests. The softness is always welcome when you put it on on a breezy belay, and it's kept me warmer than I thought it might. In recent weeks I've worn it home from the bouldering wall with no coat, but earlier in the year I'd have needed more.

In contrast to the thickness of the trousers, it feels more summer weight and baggy. I've climbed in it both at the wall whilst warming up and outside, and because it's tailored well it has done its job keeping me warm without me giving a moment's thought to it.

The hood keeps nicely out of the way when it's not needed, the simple elasticated sleeve cuffs keep the sleeves exactly where you want them and if you only push them up slightly they don't dig in either. It's a long fit, so sits happily under the harness without any question of it riding up when lifting your arms up, or of the pockets getting in the way of the harness.

The hood fits really well over a helmet for extra warmth when belaying, and was fine when I put the hood up sat around on a campsite and it wasn't breezy; but it is a loose fit around the head, with no means of tightening it, so it will be less suited to windy conditions.

I love the deep hand pockets, and the very practical hidden zipped pocket inside the right-hand main pocket, which I've used loads for keys or money whilst climbing. Overall it's a really versatile extra layer and the low weight and packability are handy when popping it in the rucksack as a "just in case" layer.

Summary

I generally buy clothes at a size 8 or 10 or small and the sizes I got here were 8 or XS for the pants, and 10 for the tops and I'm happy with the fit. I like the strappy vest and hoody fitting loose, but it's possible the smaller size would have been fine if you wanted a closer fit.

I'll be taking this lot to the Dolomites for my holidays this month, where they will be perfect, look great... and I think the Italian sun might bronze my shoulders, which will set the vest off even better.