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TRAIL MAGAZINE: ReviewThis certainly isn't a pack for the height of winter. In fact, it's probably a stretch to even call it a winter pack at all, due to the thinlish) materials used, ultralight construction and trail running-inspired design. But not all winter activities have to be slow and steady requiring maximum protection, particularly when much of December-March in the UK is snow-less withou …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINE These are spot on for comfort, fit, function and durability, the only downside being the price. However, they are by far the most hard-wearing of the models tested: after a summer of heavy use, there is no sign of wear and tear on these tough trousers. I would expect them to outlast many other models, and for this reason they are good value. Built from mixed fabrics, …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINE For more technical two-to-three season trips, these are my trousers of choice. The matrix fabricis exceptionally comfortable and stretchy, and seems to manage a wide range of temperatures, with the just the right amount of wind and weather resistance. They dry fast and the reinforced areas on the knee and ankle mean less worry about wear or tear. The slim fit feels 'j …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINEThis top is as basic as they come, with ultralight shell fabric, top-quality down filling, no hood and few'extras'. It's marketed as highly water-resistant, suitable for use as a mid-layer in cold conditions; and thanks to a good fit, big enough to fit over a thin fleece, superb freedom of movement, and no faffy external cords or toggles to snag inside your jacket, it c …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINE Rab's Microlight series has been a mainstay of our down jacket reviews for years now. This iteration is described as the 'most protective version' of the Microlight range, thanks to the use of a Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper outer shell. This is a highly windproof and breathable soft-touch fabric, although it didn't seem much more windproof than other jackets tested. …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINEThis is a classic down jacket with the contemporary twist of recycled fabric, and water resistance on both down fill and outer shell. The warmth-to-weight ratio is excellent: 120g of 750+ down fill gives generous insulation for a pack weight of just 377g. Micro baffle construction keeps down in the right places, with enough fill to prevent heat loss through seams. Lengt …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINE Patagonia has built a strong reputation for recycling and environmental awareness. This hoody is a continuation of that: entirely recycled polyester outer, with 800 fill power Global Traceable Down (goose down certified by NSF International to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live- plucked). The down is impressive: 800 fill is highly desirable …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review Though there's obviously more to a down jacket than big baffles alone, the Fitz Roy's boxy silhouette promises plenty of warmth.The 800 fill power down delivers in spades, but luckily its other features generally stack up too. We particularly like the no-fuss cuff design, which seals out draughts but also stretches easily over winter gloves. The long, adjustable hem offers …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review Boasting the best warmth for weight of any jacket here, this highly efficient layer would work well for winter camping, bothying and even ultralight backpacking, as well as Alpine-style mountaineering. It stuffs into its own inner pocket, and though cramming it in there is a bit of an art, oncecompressed it is so small that you could carry it almost anywhere. Wearing the Me …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINEThe Forge is one of two'true' liner gloves in my selection. This one is a mix of (non mulesed) merino wool and polyester, at a ratio of 46/54%, of which 35% of the polyester is recycled. As a result, it dries slightly more slowly than a fully synthetic equivalent but is much warmer for its weight. At any rate, it's so thin that it should dry in a sleeping bag or jacket …

This jacket is a maverick with a unique approach. The first time you pull it on, you're immediately struck by how different it feels to others. It has more of a fleece-like texture across the hood and arms. This comes from the use of 125g of PrimaLoft Active, an intricate mesh grid topped with fluffypolyester tufts - a special type of synthetic insulation that might polarise opinion. Personally I …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review Rab's new synthetic Xenair range features three models: the Xenair Alpine, Xenair and Xenair Light. The latter is the lightest (and cheapest) of the trio, and it works better as a streamlined mid layer than any others on test. This is because the synthetic fill is like a sheet of flat, low-profile, wadded insulation, rather than a plumper, loftier, cluster-like fill in baff …