Blog

Winter Trail Running – A Buyers Guide

Posted by Chris Futers on Dec 04, 2024

It's turning dark, the winds are blowing and the temperature is certainly dropping, also it's wet! Welcome to winter in the UK. Fear not, we don’t have to hang our running shoes up until spring, the trails are still out there, even if they are hidden by a layer of snow. The same basic kit list will see us through most of the year; t-shirt, shorts, socks and trainers. …
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Live Competitions and Previous Winners

Dec 03, 2024

Live Competitions Previous WinnersCongratulations to Helen!The Winner of our Silva Running Bundle Competition!“So pleased to win these fabulous prizes to pass on to my Son Jack who is an Ultra Marathon runner. They will all be a very useful addition for his future races. Thanks so much for this opportunity to win, it was so easy to enter and all communication on sorting out the prize was 5 s …
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Altra Timp 5 Review - “The Timp 5 is extremely versatile, ideal for changeable terrain whether you're running or walking”

Posted by Chris Futers on Nov 29, 2024

Over the course of this year, I committed myself to a number of ultra marathon challenges and wanted to gear myself up with the best tools for the job. First on this list and most importantly was footwear… Considering plenty of options I wanted something that provided stability of changing terrain that prioritise comfort over long distances over some more rigid or minimalist. The key fe …
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Rab PrimaLoft Technology Explained

Nov 28, 2024

From active sheet insulation that responds to your output to loose fill insulation that mimics the structure of down, we use a variety of types of PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation in our gear. Each one has its unique benefits, tailored to particular conditions and activities. So how do we select which one to use in each product? Discover how these PrimaLoft® insulations work to provide you wi …
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Thermic™ Stretch Pro Fabric Explained

Nov 27, 2024

This warm, durable mid-layer built with durable Thermic™ Stretch Pro fabric, is a must-have for trekking and climbing in cold mountain conditions, which won't hold you back as you make vertical progress. Quick wicking and fast drying, this synthetic fleece fabric is highly efficient for intense mountain activities. The lightest in the Thermic™ family with alternating stripes of low an …
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Suunto Sonic Headphones Review - “The fact you can still hear people, vehicles and nature whilst wearing them makes them a great and safe way to listen to music.”

Posted by Bex Whelan on Nov 06, 2024

I should start this review by stating that I'm not a runner, so this did fill me with some slight trepidation that I wouldn't get the best out of these headphones. I needn't have worried though as I found myself using these whilst out walking, training and climbing. The fact you can still hear people, vehicles and nature whilst wearing them makes them a great and safe way to listen to mu …
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Montane's ExpeDRY™ Down Technology Explained

Oct 31, 2024

ExpeDRY™ is a new chemical free alternative to WR treated hydrophobic down that performs better in real world situations, assists in consumer care and uses 70% fewer resources to produce.The Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie is filled with 60g (Medium) of goose down, which has non-toxic gold particles bonded to it for fast-drying performance and industry-leading warmth. The inert, chemical-free t …
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Berghaus Ridge Roamer 3L Softshell Jacket

Oct 31, 2024

Rain, maybe hail, and a touch of sun in the forecast? Oh, we know what that’s like in North East England. That’s when we reach for the Ridge-Roamer Softshell Jacket. It’s comfy thanks to the four-way stretch and also highly breathable. Wind-resistance helps keep out the breeze. And we tackle moisture three ways: three layers of softshell fabric, taped seams, and waterproof zips. There’s also a hoo …
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Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie Review - “A highly technical, lightweight down hoodie, for active people with high demands for packable, performance”

Posted by Lois Fife on Oct 29, 2024

Montane Women’s Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie – with added GOLD!! Jacket tested in a UK12, (Eclipse Blue) weight: 196g The Montane Women’s Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie is a highly thermally efficient, technical down jacket. My first impression of this jacket is the weight - it is extremely light - weighing less than 200g. I have tested this jacket for six months, from late spring, throughout s …
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Montane Sirocco Lite Review - “A super comfortable jacket that truly does offer a great balance between warmth and breathability.”

Posted by Sam Naylor on Oct 23, 2024

Montane have designed this jacket to be a technical piece, versatile enough to wear for most activities throughout the year. The idea being to offer a warm yet breathable layer that also offers high wind resistance. This sounded perfect for me, so I decided to put one to the test on a three-day backpacking trip in Cumbria. As my trip was only for 3 days, I planned to pack as light as po …
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Montane Dart Long Sleeve T-Shirt Review - “A great versatile baselayer and was my only choice for a recent multi-day hike.”

Posted by Rob Farquhar on Oct 22, 2024

If it helps, I’ll cut right to the chase, buy this baselayer. Not just one but a few of them. I’ve worn mine in single digit figure walks in the Yorkshire Moors through to 20°c sunny all-day mountain walks abroad, and on every occasion I’ve always felt comfortable. When it comes to sizing, stick with the size that you are if you want a proper fitted baselayer. I’m a Medium fit and the …
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Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie Review - “I’ve loved this jacket since the moment I first tried it on. Super lightweight, really comfortable on and offering a lot of warmth for its weight.”

Posted by Rob Farquhar on Oct 22, 2024

Sometimes you get an item of clothing that as soon as you put it on it feels right. Montane’s Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie for me is one of these. A very lightweight down jacket that for dry days provides plenty of warmth as my outer layer and then gives me a lot of comfort as a middle layer when the rain is falling. As of October 2024, the Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie is the second li …
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