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Positive:LightweightFeatures - side pockets adequate size - cannot fit large bottle in though.Additional chest pocket - useful and recommended for extra space & easy accessCentral zip - good for access from top or bottom but need to pack organised for this to be effective.Negative:Not very durable - Alex's got a hole in itStraps - compromised comfort for lightweight - could have more padding and/o …

The Sea to Summit Air Chair Kit was worth its weight in gold...To be honest I've always avoided Chair kits because I didn't want to risk puncturing my sleeping mat - somehow it seemed a bit brutal to fold it up then sit on it and you can always sit on a rock - can't you? While preparing for my last trip though I was persuaded to take the Sea to Summit Air Chair Kit as a test item, I tried it befor …

A very comfortable jacket that allows easy movement when walkingI really loved this jacket with its ability to keep me warm, but it was breathable enough to ensure that I wasn’t sweating whilst walking.I took this piece of kit with me to Iceland as my primary jacket to use when trekking. It was perfect for when the conditions were a little cold and an extra layer was needed, usually around 10°C. H …

The Exped Mira 1P is a two skin tent for one person. It has a single hoop that runs the full length of the tent with a central cross pole to maximise head height. There's a smaller pole at the head end that adds stability, ensuring the tent doesn't flop around your head due to uneven ground; it has great internal space, head height and a decent porch.PitchingSome people won't use tents that pitch …

Selection: I've been using Montane's Minimus pants for a couple of years now and am really impressed. More recently I was off to Peru on a high level trek (abpve 4000m), during which I expected mainly good weather but with the possibility of rain. If I was heading off on a trek somewhere where I expected lot of rain I probably would choose to take a more durable pair of overtrousers, however on th …

I had the opportunity to do a few day's walks while on holiday in Tenerife, so I was looking for a hydration pack that would also swallow all my day gear as well. The Camelbak Volt 13 LR was my choice, and although it's designed as a bike pack the bike-specific features are fairly nominal - like the hooks for attaching a helmet - ideal for attaching other things.In use I loved the pack - the hip b …

Getting there and back.We were surprised to find that India is one of the cheaper long haul destinations, especially compared to North and South America. The obvious entry point for onward travel to Ladakh is Delhi International Airport, from here you can get an internal flight to Leh (the capital of Ladakh) or you can spend a bit of time here and get ground transport to Leh.The lure and mystery o …