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The Hilleberg Soulo is well known for being a tough dependable tent able to withstand harsh weather conditions throughout all seasons. Although the Soulo has been around for quite a while now this is our first time using this shelter. Weight and the obviously high price tag have always been a reason for us to choose elsewhere. Although, from what we have been told from those who o …

New for 2022 and made using 65% recycled content, this is a lightweight, flexible walking design. The upper with its 3D Flex System ankle uses an abrasion-resistant recycled mesh with the new bluesign-certified Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining, made with end-of-lifecycle plastics. The laces and Otholite footbed are made using recycled material, while the EVA compression midsole with support for cu …

Men's underwear specialist SAXX has a new collaboration with Plastic Bank, helping stop ocean plastic and improving lives. Plastic Bank works with coastal communities around the world to incentivise local recycling systems. Stopping ocean plastic, while improving the lives of those who help collect it. Over 20,000 collectors across South America, Egypt, the Philippines and Indonesia have so far re …

The SS22 Dart T-Shirt range uses 100% APEX ECO (a recycled polyester). To create this fabric, plastic bottles are cleaned, before being chopped and flaked into small pieces, and melted to produce plastic pellets. These pellets are then melted and extruded into yarns; picture melted plastic being pushed through a shower head. Finally, these yarns are dyed to add the colour, and knitted into the Dar …

Exped's sleeping mats are now carbon neutral and categorised by insulation value, the R-value, with the new Ultra 3R offering unmatched comfort and warmth at a minimal weight and packed size. Size M (183 x 52x7cm) weighs only 465g and offers an excellent R-Value of 2.9 (temp rated -5°C). All this in the packed size of a half-litre bottle. The bluesign-certified synthetic filling is laminated to bo …

Rab has taken everything they know about lower impact design and applied it to what they do best. The Solar Eco synthetic bags for men and women are filled with 100% recycled StratusTM insulation arranged in a concertina structure to trap warm air, and lined and covered with a tough, 20D, recycled AtmosTM fabric with ripstop. Hardwearing, warm, and dependable, they are perfect for three season cli …

The last couple of packs we've reviewed from Utah-based outdoor company Gregory (including the Alpinisto 28 LT in this very issue, p69) have really impressed us, so we were looking forward to putting this hiking pack through its paces. The Focal comes in two sizes, 48L and 58L, and with two back sizes - Medium and Large. Both are extremely light, weighing in at not much more than a kilo, yet offer …

Montane are involved with a number of trail and ultra running races as a sponsor, and one benefit of this seems to be that they get to name their products after the races! Their latest lightweight waterproof jacket is named after one such race - the Spine - which since 2012 has been beasting entrants who attempt to run its course along the length of the Pennine Way. Naturally this jacket is aimed …

We've said it before, but any layer that allows you to spend less time stopping to adjust your clothing is a good thing in our books, and this Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket from Rab is a great example of this. It uses two weights of Primaloft Gold Insulation Active+ - 60gsmthrough the back, front, top of the sleeves and collar, and 40gsm through the sides. under arms, middle of the back and …

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 …