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Exceptional equipment doesn't just happen, its often the result of years of refinement and redesign, incorporation of new technologies and looking at problems in a new way. Before any product gets to launch it needs to be rigorously tested in the real world by real users. It needs to have durability built in and still function in severe conditions.Design, Manufacture, Test, Repeat.Here we take a l …

There are three main types of synthetic insulation and we discuss them here and give other advbice on choosing sythetic garments.

On first impressions the Nemo Riff 30 is certainly no ordinary bag. Once removed from its cotton storage bag it opens out and lofts easily with an appearance usually found with a sleeping blanket instead of a traditional mountain bag. Nemo claim the Riff 30 allows extra space for those who prefer to shift positions throughout the night and this is evident before getting into the bag.

15lbs or 6.8Kg is a magical figure – it’s about the base pack weight you can achieve for an extended three season backpacking trip without really compromising on comfort or sacrificing any of the key pieces of gear; such as tents, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and rucksack.

Carry Less. Do More.Engineered for endurance, performance and comfort. Montane's Rucksack range allows you to choose from a wide selection of lightweight backpacks, vest packs and waist packs designed for hiking, trail running, trekking and climbing. From your daily commute to long distance trail run, there's plenty of options from Montane to store and transport your kit safely.TrailblazerTrailbla …

Rab’s Guide Gloves are popular among winter mountaineers throughout the UK. When receiving the Guide 2 GTX we were obviously eager to see how this new model matched up against our trusted older pairs. Rab’s new partnership with Gore-Tex is the obvious stand out change, plus the use of their warm waterproof technology which claims to be highly insulated, waterproof, windproof, breathable, and guara …

The first point we need to raise for this review is that with receiving a prototype we can only write about the Ultra Mythic 180 in this current form. We would expect the final product to have slight differences in weight and design. Also, the EN temperature ratings are currently only estimates and taken using fill weight just below 180g.We had heard rumors that Rab were due to launch a new line o …

Here at Montbell, we want to match you with outdoor gear and apparel that will allow you to make adventure memories to last a lifetime! To help make that happen we’ve put together this guide to walk you through our diverse sleeping bag offerings and arm you with the knowledge necessary to pick a bag that’s going to meet your needs right off the bat. So…Step 1: Select your Temperature RangeMon …

Weighing in at a mere 58 grams the Ninjaclava packs some serious protection when the temps are low and stops any ice and snow penetrating the face and neck. The outer is a smooth-faced fabric whilst the inside is made up of a micro fleece which is warming, soft and comfortable against the face. The overlapping design covers everything but the eyes and although the overall design can be worn in a v …

The Micro Puff Hoody, in line with Patagonia’s ethical practices, is a Fair Trade sewn item using Bluesign Approved fabrics. The shell is made from nylon ripstop Pertex Quantum with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish and is filled with a PlumaFill synthetic down alternative.Notably light at just 227 grams, when first inspecting the jacket we weren’t entirely convinced by its promised “down-lik …

Walking poles are must have items for our days out in the hills and we are always keen to try out something that promises versatility, lightness, low pack volume, robustness and ease of use in a variety of condition.The first impression of the poles was in their collapsed state, allowing them to be stashed on the side of a pack easily or inside if needs be,as well as into hold luggage if flying. T …

When the OR Ascendant Hoody arrived we were very excited as OR have laid down a big claim saying this jacket would be “your new favourite layer for fall, winter and spring.” Active Insulation, Water-Resistant, Wind-Resistant, Breathable, Lightweight, Movement-Mirroring Stretch Fabric, Adjustable Helmet-Compatible Hood, are all qualities that sound like a winner but when it arrived we were a little …