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I’ll be honest; in researching this article I’ve been shocked at the potential issues from the reuse of PET bottles. What I’ve discovered will change my habits beyond just backpacking. For years, the Smartwater single use PET bottle has been synonymous with ultralight backpacking. Plenty of companies make rucksack shoulder pouches specifically to fit a Smartwater bottle. PET (pol …

The Nemo Eclipse All-Season Regular Wide is the comfiest sleeping mat I have used, which is why it has become my go-to choice for most of my recent trips. I was lucky enough to get hold of it in March before its release, so thanks to Nemo for the early sample. It has seen some proper use since then. I used it at the Outdoor And Social event, then took it on a 50-mile section of the Pennine Way. S …

Pictures: Looking back near the Bocca Palmentu (right) and Refuge d’E Capanelle (left). Day 1 – Vizzavona to (Gite d’Etape U Fugone) Refuge d’E Capanelle The first day is 9 miles and 5.5hrs and after staying in a hotel in Vizzavona I was able to get a great start, the route is easy to find and well way-marked and it was good to get going. I climbed the first section throug …

In 2013 I trekked the first half of the GR20 on Corsica between Calenzana and Vizzavona, (you can read about it here: GR20 - 2013 - Trip Report). This year I decided to complete the route. Commonly referred to as the ‘easier half’ the Southern section from Vizzavona to Conca is far from easy! Character The GR20 is affectionately known as the ‘Toughest trek in Europe’, …

Costs I took 300Euros travelling money but this wasn’t enough really. Campsite fees were generally 20Euros per night, a beer was 10Euros at the refuges and I bought one evening meal for 25Euros and one breakfast for 9Euros. A taxi on my first travel day cost 25 Euros and I bought food items along the way – all transactions that required cash. I returned with 50Euros+ which I’d k …

Outbound I flew from Manchester and booked the car into a long stay park, I usually use Drop&Go as this has always been convenient and hassle free. My flight was via Rome and there was a 3 hour transfer time, this seemed enough but I was worried about reported queues at the new Shengen terminals. As it was the machines were bi-passed at Rome in favour of the traditional booth and customs offi …

It is not often when you have a piece of clothing that really impresses you with not only looks but also its performance. The Norste XT 3L jacket is a simply stunning piece of kit. Rain? No problem. The main function of a waterproof jacket is that you want to remain dry, or in challenging weather conditions, as dry as possible. Keeping the water out is the outer fabric ‘Pertex Shield 3L&rsq …

Live Competitions Win an Exped Ultra 6.5R MW Sleeping Mat! .The winner will win an Ultra 6.5R MW Sleeping Mat. The competition starts on 1st July 2026 and ends on 3rd August 2026. All entrants between these dates will be entered into the draw. The winner will be drawn on 4th August 2026, and the winner will be notified via email.  Find Out More Here Previous Winners Congratul …

Nnormal wasn’t a brand that had been on my radar before but within a couple of miles of running in a pair of the Tomir 2.0 GTX I felt comfortable and confident that I would enjoy using these. I baptised the shoes quickly as I had to contend with some long stretches of wet, sloppy singletrack mud over some undulating ground. To begin with I did try avoiding getting the shoes submerged, mainl …

Exped’s Lightning rucksack has long been a favourite with backpackers who want a lighter pack without losing proper load control. The updated 2026 range keeps that ultralight heritage but adds a more supportive carry system, improved storage, and a choice of 40, 50, and 60-litre sizes. Alongside the new Lightning packs, Exped’s Ultra 6.5R mats show just how far lightweight sleeping kit …

The Montane Featherlite Hoodie became one of my most-used layers on this year’s TGO Challenge. It was a very windy crossing, and other than my baselayer and trousers, which I had to keep on or risk being arrested, this was probably the item I wore most. I have used lighter windproof layers before, but what I like about the Featherlite is that it does not feel too stripped back. At 115g (med …

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 …