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TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review This hybrid design is halfway between a single-skin shelter and a conventional double-wall tent. Like many ultralight shelters, it uses trekking poles instead of standard tent poles, but unlike most, it is very easy to pitch. The weight and pack size are both impressive, but when set up it isexceptionally roomy. An integrated spreader bar adds headroom, ensuring even the ta …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review This unusual tent also lacks conventional poles, instead using a pair of trekking poles, placed at opposite corners, to create the structure. Again, this makes for a very light and packable design. It does require a little practice to get a consistent pitch, since the asymmetric offset configurationis a bit of a headscratcher on initial set-up. But despite the strange looks …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review An impressive 28,000mm hydrostatic head (HH) courtesy of the 3-layer construction and Gore-Tex membrane effectively keeps you dry, while the 70-denier materials feel reassuringly hard-wearing. The adjustable hood has a wired and laminated peak and large two- way pit zips ensure good breathability. Wrist cuffs can be sealed via Velcro straps, and waist and hem drawcords enab …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: ReviewNamed after a peak in the Indian Garwhal Himalaya, this do-it-all down jacket has been created to be as suitable for winter walking in the Lakeland fells as it is for belaying on a frozen rockface in Scotland. The high-quality 650+ fill power fluorocarbon- free HyperDRY down is wrapped in Pertex Quantum Pro fabric, providing high levels of water resistance.VERDICTAdaptable ve …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review Not everyone has the inclination, or budget, to own both a technical winter pack and an everyday hillwalking pack. If that's the case, you need a versatile product that can double up as both. The Osprey Tempest 50 women's pack (or the men's equivalent, the Talon 44 or 55) fits that bill nicely.Compressed down, it feels petite and sleek enough to be a comfy daypack, yet the …

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 …