Blog

Rab Vapour Rise Summit Jacket Review - ''The lighter fabric still offers a high level of wind resistance and the breathability was excellent''

Posted by Jamie Mantle on Sep 27, 2023

The new Vapour Rise Summit Jacket is an update on the classic series that has been a constant fixture in the multisport jacket category for years. The reason for this is the high level of versatility it offers not just in the activities that you can use it for but also the conditions that you can use it in. Making it one of the first things you will want to pop into your bag whatever …
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The Scarpa Rush Family

Sep 21, 2023

When you step into a Scarpa walking boot or shoe, you can be sure it has been carefully designed and tested to suit you and your activity. Designed to handle anything the UK hills, fells, and paths can throw at you, our range includes lightweight, synthetic and leather walking boots and shoes, including GORE-TEX and H-Dry waterproof membrane options. - The Rush Trek LT GTX is a lightweight ri …
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Exped Winter Kit List

Posted by Andy Neil on Sep 19, 2023

As the nights are drawing in and the temperature is starting to dip, we are excited about the prospect of the upcoming winter camping season. Winter camping can be more challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Cosy nights curled up in the tents, crisp frosty mornings, and dark star-filled skies are all only a few months away. So, we have teamed up with our friends at EXPED to de …
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Enlightened Equipment Enigma 850FP 20F Down Quilt Review - ''The Enigma from Enlightened Equipment, will be my choice for 80% wild camp adventures''

Posted by Chris Futers on Sep 11, 2023

After a couple of days spent in the Lake District, I was able to gain my first impressions of Enlightened Equipment’s Enigma Quilt (20F). My first impressions were that it seemed well-made with an interesting angular U-shaped baffle design and fully sewn in footbox. The 850 fill allowed the bag to loft with ease and the bag packed down smaller than expected. Whilst it comes with a stu …
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Montane Alpine 850 Lite Down Hoodie Review - ''It is well made and offers leading edge warmth to weight ratio''

Posted by Mark Richardson on Sep 07, 2023

When backpacking I want a very lightweight insulated windproof layer for daytime use and a down jacket for evening, with of course the flexibility to wear them both if it gets very cold. The insulation value I need for the down jacket depends on the temperatures I expect. I took the  Alpine 850 Lite Down Hoodie with me on a recent backpacking trip to the Scottish Highlands at the …
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Montane Dart XT Zip Neck Review - ''I tested mine during an August Munro bagging backpacking trip and was comfortable all day''

Posted by Mark Richardson on Sep 07, 2023

For me, a baselayer is all about comfort, and that means high wicking, odour control and those details that make a garment fit well. Montane’s  Dart series are great examples of an ideal baselayer, the fabric has 4-way stretch and flatlocked seams which means they can sit against your skin without feeling restrictive in any way, and without the irritation that a conventional se …
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Montane Dart Zip Neck Review - ''A close fit is essential for wicking of sweat away from the skin, and Dart does this really well''

Posted by Mark Richardson on Sep 07, 2023

For me, a baselayer is all about comfort, and that means high wicking, odour control and those details that make a garment fit well. Montane’s  Dart series are great examples of an ideal baselayer, the fabric has 4-way stretch and flatlocked seams which means they can sit against your skin without feeling restrictive in any way, and without the irritation that a conventional se …
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Montane Dynamic Nano Pants Review - ''An excellent pair of no-frills hiking pants that should last a long time''

Posted by Joel Brennan on Sep 07, 2023

The first thing to notice on the Montane Dynamic Nano Pants is their slim fit design, making them super versatile, as they can be used for walking or running. They fit well, hugging the legs without being too tight and the Raptor 4-way stretch fabric seems really durable and offers some protection in light rain too. The design is simple, but extremely effective. The slim, tapered fit …
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Montane's New Season: Autumn Collection

Aug 24, 2023

We know plans can change in the mountains, just as the weather can. Our new season gear has adaptability built in, so you’ll be prepared, no matter whatever you encounter. Discover lightweight, breathable clothing and equipment that doesn’t compromise on protection. From protective waterproof jackets to warm, down jackets, technical fleeces and durable legwear – our technical layers are designed t …
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Rab VR Summit Jacket Review - ''This is now my go-to as an active mid-layer replacing my poor battered fleece''

Posted by Jamie Mantle on Aug 21, 2023

The VR Summit jacket from Rab is a true all-in-one multi-sport jacket that can take also a lot of punishment and is perfect for a number of different weather conditions. This is a Jacket that you will find yourself using a lot due to the versatility that it offers. Firstly, it is a very lightweight jacket so it is a simple one to just pop on without having to worry about extra pack we …
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Mountain Equipment Firefly Gore-Tex Jacket Review - ''An excellent choice for anyone looking for a basic, lightweight, high performance shell''

Posted by Mathew Garbutt on Aug 21, 2023

Hailing from Cheshire, Mountain Equipment should know a thing or two about wet weather and protecting you from it – and they do. One of the pioneers of British outdoor manufacturing, Mountain Equipment were one of the first outdoor brands to experiment with a new fabric membrane - Gore-Tex. Quickly gaining cult status in the UK outdoor scene, M.E became known for their burly Gore-Tex sh …
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GSI Outdoors Microlite 500 Twist Vacuum Bottle Review - ''It really is great having an instantly hot or cold drink straight from your backpack''

Posted by Trek Scotland on Aug 21, 2023

The GSI Microlite 500 Twist Vacuum Bottle is one of those items you might consider as a bit of a luxury, especially when going ultralight. Many will opt to carry a filter system over carrying liquid, so why do you need an insulated flask? The first thing to note is that the Microlite Twist can keep liquid cold for 20 hours and hot for 10 hours, so is suitable for both winter and summe …
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