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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 …

The Montane Prism is a strange beast. In some ways, it's all a bit mid-range and underwhelming: at 385g it's the heaviest jacket in this review, the materials are good but not class-leading (PrimaLoft Silver rather than Gold), and it's certainly not super- technical. You don't get body mapping orstretch panels, and it's arguably too warm for higher-intensity activities. Yet there is something abou …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review The rise of ultralight backpacking has also created a new breed of 'trekking pole tents' which utilize one or two trekking poles to create the tent frame. This is a great weight-saver but does require a set of robust and reliable trekking poles - which is exactly what specialist tentmaker Hilleberg has produced here. If they seem a little over-built, that's because they're …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review Designed for travellers, hikers and backpackers, the Point Peak Trail pants are slim-fitting but stretchy soft shell trousers. Made from a midweight nylon-elastane blend they're burly enough for life on the trail, and don't feel too thick or heavy either. To further increase durability, the seat and front (from mid-thigh down) use ripstop panelling. Commendably, all the mat …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: ReviewThe latest addition to Montane's highly- regarded Terra pants range is the Terra Edge - a lighter, more streamlined version of the brand's ultra-rugged Super Terra trousers. These are made from the same hard- wearing 'GRANITE' nylon, but without the reinforced panels in the knee, seat and instep. There's some elastane in the fabric blend and they have a water-repellent finish …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: ReviewIn the competitive, crowded market of canister-top stoves, the Windmaster from Japanese brand SOTO stands out. Firstly, the burner head has a concave shape with a protective lip, providing better wind protection la common flaw of canister-top designs). Secondly, you get four-pot support arms - unlike most other three-pronged stoves - thus ensuring improved pot stability with …

This lightweight merino-blend top has the most athletic fit of all the garments I tested. So it's efficient at wicking moisture, and it's good at thermal regulation too, in a wide range of temperatures. However, I found the fit a little too snug. Amen's Medium usually fits me perfectly in most products but this was uncomfortably tight around the chest and upper arms. The fabric's stretchy, so it d …

Patagonia's Capilene base layers have been around for many years, through multiple redesigns and generations, and are available in a range of weights from light to heavy. The Capilene Midweight is, in my opinion, the Goldilocks base layer. Despite being a slightly thicker and heavier garment than the others tested, it's light enough to perform well in warmer conditions (although the black colour o …

The Dart Thermo is new from Montane this season. The fibre combination of nylon and spandex gives this fabric a denser feeling than polyester and a surprising degree of warmth given the low garment weight. It's close-fitting without being spray- on and has four-way stretch although less than I expected given 12% spandex (I could have done with slightly more on the forearms). The inner face feels b …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINEThe Dart Thermo is new from Montane this season. The fibre combination of nylon and spandex gives this fabric a denser feeling than polyester and a surprising degree of warmth given the low garment weight. It's close-fitting without being spray- on and has four-way stretch although less than I expected given 12% spandex (I could have done with slightly more on the forea …