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Tents, along with everything else, have been getting lighter and lighter for years and a sub-1kg weight is no longer that groundbreaking for a 1-person backpacking tent - but is there a limit to how low you can go while still making a usable and vaguely durable product? Today's tent fabrics are incredibly thin/light while still offering decent durability, and carbon poles and pegs keep the overall …

Tights or leggings are an increasingly popular choice for women's outdoor legwear. They're normally our reviewer Ellie's preferred option in the hills for comfort and flexibility. However, most are less well suited to colder conditions. But the Abisko Varm offer additional weather protection. The front and side panels feature a wind-blocking fabric backed with a waterproof membrane, and they also …

This is the lightest jacket that I tried, and I had some doubts as to whether it could be classed as an all-season waterproof; but having had it on extended test all through the winter season, I'm happy that it is more than substantial and waterproof enough for the job. Made from 100% recycled Gore-Tex Paclite Plus, it's tough and packable, whilst being fairly breathable. The hood is well shaped a …

Montane seems to introduce a new type of Terra trousers every month. The latest addition is the Terra Mission for both men and women, which are technical mountaineering pants for cold conditions' - out just in time for autumn and winter adventures. As you might expect, they're warm and tough, being made from densely woven soft shell fabric with reinforced Cordura nylon. panels at the knees and in …

Mountain Equipment's Ibex pants have long been a Trail favourite, but we've still moaned about their small pockets, lack of thigh vents and limited ankle adjustment. Happily, the brand has fixed all those niggles with the release of the new Ibex Pro. The fabric is burlier too. It's still a double-weave stretch soft shell, but in a heavier weight that makes these trousers slightly warmer and tough …

This is a technical, premium, ultralight jacket with a standout design. Unlike classic soft shells which all have that distinctive soft shell outer material, made from a stretchy, sturdy and wind-resistant nylon or polyester - the Vapour-Rise Summit does things differently. The outer is constructed from Pertex Quantum Air, a highly breathable, open woven fabric which prioritises air permeability a …

Montane's Dyno and Krypton ranges are classic soft shells - you'd pick them off the shelf and immediately think "this is a soft shell". There's none of that identity-crisis confusion you get with some of the hybrid crossover styles. While the Dyno is slightly tougher and beefier, the Krypton still feels mountain-ready, striking a nice balance between durability, flex, comfort and weather-resistanc …

The Arc Eco won Gold in last year's TGO awards in the sustainability category, and it is the standout jacket in that capacity here, too. The jacket's face fabric, membrane and backer are all made up of a single polymer, which makes it much easier to recycle at the end of its life, whilst the impacts of production are also reduced. I've been using it since that initial test in autumn last year, and …

Made from Patagonia's proprietary H2NO fabric, the Dual Aspect is lighter-weight and less durable than some, but it does have plenty of winter-friendly features. Firstly, this is another jacket with a fabulous hood that includes both stiffening and a wire to the peak. The main pockets are waterproof with water-resistant zips, and just about roomy enough to take a laminated OS map. Underarm zips ar …

As a gear reviewer, I get to test some fantastic gear, but it's always very pleasing when the best item in the test is not the most expensive. Sure, £270is still a sizable wedge for quite a simple garment; but you do get a waterproof with tried and tested features plus strong build quality that means it should last several seasons. It's made with standard Gore-Tex - not the highest-specification f …

Seek new challenges this season. With cooler climates and challenging elements on the horizon, stay comfortable on the trails with Montane’s new autumn winter range.Stay well protected with our new season layers, whether it’s walking, running or ski touring. From warm, packable down jackets, to protective GORE-TEX waterproof jackets and technical fleeces, these outer layers and breathable layerin …

One of the more technical jackets we have used over the past 6 months, the Axis Alpha Down jacket on first appearance is similar in design to the Montane Quattro Fusion, a jacket we very much enjoyed testing and reviewing and have continued to use over the past few years. Montane has a great reputation for creating some very innovative clothing, with a wide mix of materials to produce …