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There are three things you want from your trekking poles, useability, adaptability and great build quality. Well, it’s safe to say I found all three boxes ticked when using the Trail Vista Shock Poles by Black Diamond. I took these poles with me on an 8-day hike through Scotland where they battled in numerous ground and weather conditions. From boggy moors, rushing rivers and sand these tre …

The Outdoor Research Helium UL Bivy makes the most sense when you want the smallest possible weatherproof shelter, a quick pitch and a really low-profile camp. It is more livable than most bivy bags I’ve tried, thanks to the hoop, which elevates and provides welcome space, but it is still very much a bivy. That means limited living space, careful venting and being realistic about condensati …

This year's Great Outdoors Challenge (TGO) started a little differently from my previous crossings. I’d been hiking and camping on the Isle of Skye for the week building up to this year's crossing, with my partner Sacha, my American annual-adventure companion Brian, and his wife, Jackie. We hiked part of the Skye Trail, spotted minke whales, and made the most of the island’s food and …

My introduction to trekking poles came courtesy of Black Diamond a few years ago when completing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks so I was very interested in trying the new Pursuit Carbon FLZ, this time I put these to the test along the Cleveland Way. Having now used the poles over rolling hills, rocky uneven descents, open bridleways and steady inclines I have yet to find fault with them. The Pursuit serie …

Aarn backpacks feature ventilating back panels that prevent overheating. The pockets are equipped with bendable frames, minimising contact with the chest. By utilising Aarn backpacks in conjunction with Balance Pockets, weight is distributed evenly around the wearer's centre of gravity, eliminating the leverage effects caused by an offset load. This design ensures that posture and balance are main …

The Montane Featherlite Hoodie became one of my most-used layers during this year's TGO Challenge, where a windproof layer felt practically mandatory. Wind protection is its biggest strength, taking the edge off exposed coastal sections and higher ground without feeling stuffy when moving at a steady pace. The PERTEX Quantum Air fabric feels soft and quiet, with noticeably better breathability tha …

MSR’s backpacking tent range has been refreshed for 2026, with updates to the popular Elixir series and an all-new take on the legendary Hubba Hubba. Whether you're looking for a durable, comfort-focused shelter or a lightweight tent for fast-moving adventures, the latest range offers improved materials, refined features, and more choice than ever before. Take a closer look at what's new. …

Robust, lightweight, and fully featured, each Rab pack is designed to provide freedom of movement across any terrain. These packs are ready to be your lifelong companions, accompanying you from local peaks to remote adventures. Explore Rab's range of packs, including the Syclon XP series, which features waterproof packs rated to IP4 and a body-contouring AEROFIT™ carry system for enhanced ve …

Black Diamond’s trekking poles are thoughtfully designed to provide the maximum amount of stability and comfort while users explore. Built with durable, lightweight materials, they are ready to assist on the next adventure, whether on or off the trail. To ensure the best possible fit, many of the trekking poles feature FlickLock technology. FlickLock is a secure hiking pole adjustment mechan …

I have been using the OMM Trail shoe for a couple of months now and have found them a comfy and versatile running shoe. It is always interesting to see a predominantly clothing and equipment brand like OMM venturing into the shoe market. On the outset it’s a risky business as shoe brands can take years of refinement and design to perfect a running shoe which is why we get constant re-incarn …

A baselayer top is essential for any outdoor layering system. Opting for a wicking t-shirt made with Rab's Dryflo™ technology, rather than a cotton material, allows the shirt to better manage your body's moisture and sweat. This helps keep you comfortable during your hike. Designed for fast-moving pursuits in an alpine climate, Dryflo™ Air keeps you comfortable summit after summit with …

The Baltoro has been reimagined for 2026, delivering the refined fit, breathability, and stability that backpackers have been asking for. Built to handle heavy loads without holding you back, its FreeFloat suspension flexes with your natural movement, reducing fatigue and improving balance on technical terrain. Enhanced materials increase durability without adding weight, while an improved harness …