Blog

Rab PrimaLoft Technology Explained

Nov 28, 2024

From active sheet insulation that responds to your output to loose fill insulation that mimics the structure of down, we use a variety of types of PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation in our gear. Each one has its unique benefits, tailored to particular conditions and activities. So how do we select which one to use in each product? Discover how these PrimaLoft® insulations work to provide you wi …
read more

Thermic™ Stretch Pro Fabric Explained

Nov 27, 2024

This warm, durable mid-layer built with durable Thermic™ Stretch Pro fabric, is a must-have for trekking and climbing in cold mountain conditions, which won't hold you back as you make vertical progress. Quick wicking and fast drying, this synthetic fleece fabric is highly efficient for intense mountain activities. The lightest in the Thermic™ family with alternating stripes of low an …
read more

Suunto Sonic Headphones Review - “The fact you can still hear people, vehicles and nature whilst wearing them makes them a great and safe way to listen to music.”

Posted by Bex Whelan on Nov 06, 2024

I should start this review by stating that I'm not a runner, so this did fill me with some slight trepidation that I wouldn't get the best out of these headphones. I needn't have worried though as I found myself using these whilst out walking, training and climbing. The fact you can still hear people, vehicles and nature whilst wearing them makes them a great and safe way to listen to music. …
read more

Montane's ExpeDRY™ Down Technology Explained

Oct 31, 2024

ExpeDRY™ is a new chemical free alternative to WR treated hydrophobic down that performs better in real world situations, assists in consumer care and uses 70% fewer resources to produce.The Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie is filled with 60g (Medium) of goose down, which has non-toxic gold particles bonded to it for fast-drying performance and industry-leading warmth. The inert, chemical-free t …
read more

Berghaus Ridge Roamer 3L Softshell Jacket

Oct 31, 2024

Rain, maybe hail, and a touch of sun in the forecast? Oh, we know what that’s like in North East England. That’s when we reach for the Ridge-Roamer Softshell Jacket. It’s comfy thanks to the four-way stretch and also highly breathable. Wind-resistance helps keep out the breeze. And we tackle moisture three ways: three layers of softshell fabric, taped seams, and waterproof zips. There’s also a hoo …
read more

Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie Review - “A highly technical, lightweight down hoodie, for active people with high demands for packable, performance”

Posted by Lois Fife on Oct 29, 2024

Montane Women’s Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie – with added GOLD!! Jacket tested in a UK12, (Eclipse Blue) weight: 196g The Montane Women’s Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie is a highly thermally efficient, technical down jacket. My first impression of this jacket is the weight - it is extremely light - weighing less than 200g. I have tested this jacket for six months, from late spring, throu …
read more

Montane Sirocco Lite Review - “A super comfortable jacket that truly does offer a great balance between warmth and breathability.”

Posted by Sam Naylor on Oct 23, 2024

Montane have designed this jacket to be a technical piece, versatile enough to wear for most activities throughout the year. The idea being to offer a warm yet breathable layer that also offers high wind resistance. This sounded perfect for me, so I decided to put one to the test on a three-day backpacking trip in Cumbria. As my trip was only for 3 days, I planned to pack as light as possibl …
read more

Suunto Sonic Headphones Review - “These headphones really shine on short trips or day hikes with its impressive sound quality, and its 8–10 hour battery life.”

Posted by Liam Hollinshead on Oct 22, 2024

When I started out using the Suunto Sonic Headphones, I never anticipated how impressive these headphones would perform. Tech and Specs: Starting off, connecting the headphones couldn't be easier. It's a simple process of connecting the headphones to your chosen device via Bluetooth. No proprietary apps, just connect and go! Included with the headphones is a charging cable (the headphones us …
read more

Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie Review - “I’ve loved this jacket since the moment I first tried it on. Super lightweight, really comfortable on and offering a lot of warmth for its weight.”

Posted by Rob Farquhar on Oct 22, 2024

Sometimes you get an item of clothing that as soon as you put it on it feels right. Montane’s Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie for me is one of these. A very lightweight down jacket that for dry days provides plenty of warmth as my outer layer and then gives me a lot of comfort as a middle layer when the rain is falling. As of October 2024, the  Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie is the second …
read more

Montane Dart Long Sleeve T-Shirt Review - “A great versatile baselayer and was my only choice for a recent multi-day hike.”

Posted by Rob Farquhar on Oct 22, 2024

If it helps, I’ll cut right to the chase, buy this baselayer. Not just one but a few of them. I’ve worn mine in single digit figure walks in the Yorkshire Moors through to 20°c sunny all-day mountain walks abroad, and on every occasion I’ve always felt comfortable. When it comes to sizing, stick with the size that you are if you want a proper fitted baselayer. I’m a Medium fit and the Med …
read more

Montane Cetus Lite Jacket Review - “The Cetus Lite jacket has become a firm favourite and I will grab it off the coat hooks on a regular basis.”

Posted by Danny Pearson on Oct 21, 2024

I was delighted when Montane offered an opportunity to test their Cetus Lite jacket several months before its official release. Since May it’s been put through its paces, and I’ve been impressed with the performance.The Cetus Lite is part of Montane’s new Petrichor range. Petrichor is Montane’s name for its own in-house fabric, which has been developed to minimise the fabric’s environment …
read more

Liteway Gramless 35L Review - ''The Gramless bag is an excellent choice and with the superior build quality and tough materials it has the durability to stand up any harsh conditions.''

Posted by Nick Brown on Oct 17, 2024

With the forecast showing a brief lull in the usual October wet weather pattern, a chance for a quick bash up a couple of the Mamores Munro mountains just near Kinlochleven was not to be missed. This also gave me an opportunity to try out the new Liteway Gramless 35 litre rucksack. This is an ultra lightweight day bag made from 70D Ripstop Recycled Polyester, which offers excellent …
read more