Blog

It's turning dark, the winds 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 tr …

Mont-bell Seamless Down Hugger sleeping bags are cutting edge, eliminating relatively inefficient baffles from sleeping bag construction and incorporating stretch fabric to improve warmth without constricting the sleeper are two key technologies; on this page we explain those technologies. We asked ourselves, “Is there anything we can do to improve down's ability to insulate?” As ideas were b …

Blisters are usually caused by poorly fitting footwear, friction, warm or damp feet rubbing inside your shoes. If you are walking long distances then it’s likely that at some point you have experienced the discomfort of a blister. On multiday treks it can be a real problem not only due to the pain but also the risk of infection. Preventing blisters from forming in the first place is th …

Honouring our reputation as the masters of insulation, the new Mythic range have reached the next level. Achieving exceptional levels of warmth to weight and incorporating our cutting edge TILT technology for the first time, this collection features the lightest and warmest jackets we've ever made. Built for tackling high altitude ascents in sub zero temperatures. — What is TILT Technolo …

Seek new challenges this season. With cooler climates and challenging elements on the horizon, stay comfortable on the trails with Montane’s new Anti-Freeze down jackets and Phase Gore-Tex waterproof shells.The Anti-Freeze Lite hooded down jacket is a minimalist master of lightweight insulation. Weighing just 330g makes this down jacket ideal for fast paced activities, where low weight is critical …

The Phase Lite waterproof jacket has been designed for a wide range of fast and light adventures in the mountains. Whether you’re fell running in the Lake District, or planning a fastpacking adventure across the Scottish peaks, this lightweight and breathable GORE-TEX membrane provides the essential protection you need to help you go further, faster. The lightest and most breathable 3-layer f …

Fabrics used in Outdoor Clothing and Equipment are often described as 20D or 7D, this figure is known as the Denier of the fabric and is useful in determining the differences between some products. On this page, we explain what it means and how it can be used. Fabric is made by weaving together threads of various materials such as nylon, polyester, cotton or silk to produce a ‘mat’ of fabric. …

Since releasing their first shoe in 2012, Altras popularity has soared - much like the millions of customers who choose to use their products. Nowadays it’s rare for a seemingly unknown brand to enter the somewhat saturated footwear market and make a success of it. But just what were Altra doing that no-one else was? Quite simply, they were offering zero drop running shoes, with …

Combining the packability and lightweight design of a trekking pole tent with the durability and shear polish of a Hilleberg, the Anaris is a dream tent to some, myself included. I was an early adopter of the Anaris when it launched in 2020, and already familiar with  Hilleberg tents as, at the time, I was using a Soulo, so I could already attest to their craftsmanship. I had als …

Over the past 6 months, the Carbon Lite Trekking Poles have been through their paces in a variety of terrain and conditions from the English Lakes to rocky alpine trails in Mallorca. They have performed faultlessly throughout. Available in 2 lengths – 110cm and 120cm, they will work for a wide range of people but if you are particularly short or tall you might struggle. I usually …

I was contemplating a late season excursion and Scotland was beckoning, a high-level backpacking route would most likely avoid the tail end of midge season and I could extend my Munro tally before the poor autumn weather kicked in. It was settled then – I headed up to Morvich campsite near Shiel Bridge taking most of the day to get there, the campsite’s nice and only a short walk to t …