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The Primus Micron III Piezo Stove and Trek Pot Set offer an appealing option for anyone wanting a compact setup that still lets you cook proper food in the hills. They sit in that interesting spot between ultra-minimal “boil water only” systems and heavier cookware that leans more towards basecamp or group cooking. Both items work perfectly well on their own, but I’ve been using …

The Montane Anti Freeze XT down hoodie is not only a highly practical jacket, providing excellent insulation for frosty mornings and cold clear days, but the technical materials and clever design features help the jacket adapt to more dynamic activities. With ExpeDry goose down and a PFC free DWR coated outer, it will cope with the unexpected changes in weather too. The warmth and fit of this jac …

Montane described this piece to me as a “Scottish belaying jacket”, and having used it since February, I’d say that’s pretty accurate. It’s been my go-to insulation piece on cold trips through the Highlands earlier in the year, and it came with me on a March section of the Pennine Way too, where nights were long, windy and properly cold. The Fortes XT’s real fo …

Live Competitions Enter our competition for your chance to win a Montane Kamen Hoodie or Kamen XT Hoodie! Enter Here   Previous Winners Congratulations to Sam! The Winner of our Montane Cetus Jacket Competition! Congratulations to Kate! The Winner of our Therm-a-rest NeoAir Sleeping Mat Competition! “I love the Thermarest brand and have had my trusty NeoAir Xlite for quite s …

Baffle construction plays a crucial role in how efficiently a down jacket traps and retains warmth while keeping weight to a minimum. Montane’s Kamen Hoodies use two specialised baffle designs: Offset Boxwall and Nip & Tuck (NAT), each engineered for distinct performance advantages. By improving loft, minimising cold spots, and staying warm without adding bulk, these construction methods …

When a jacket is advertised as offering “unflinching protection for mountain missions in any weather”, it sets some very high expectations. Over the past few months, I have had every opportunity to see whether the Rab Latok Mountain GTX Jacket lives up to that promise. I picked it up back in August and, thanks to an unseasonably mild autumn, I found myself actively chasing rain clouds …

New to the market this season is Montane’s Kamen range of Down Jackets. These come in two variations. The standard Kamen and its bigger brother, the Kamen XT which is being reviewed. They both feature 800 fill ExpeDRY Goose down, designed to resist water and moisture so it stays lofty even in damp conditions, but the XT version has a box wall construction. This means rather than the baffles …

When I heard that SamBob were releasing a 120gsm Alpha Direct version of their classic oversized thru-hiking hoodie, I was instantly interested. I’ve used a lot of Alpha 90 over the years and always loved how breathable and versatile it is, so the idea of a warmer, loftier 120gsm version immediately grabbed my attention. When the box arrived at the warehouse, I grabbed one immediately and h …

This guide breaks down the warmth levels and technical details of Rab’s current down range, helping you compare models at a glance. From ultralight options built for fast-moving alpine missions to fully waterproof expedition-grade insulation, we’ve listed key specs, including fill weight, fill power, and notable features, for each jacket. We’ll also explain the key factors that d …

You might have noticed a few subtle changes in the latest down range, not just the new additions to their winter range, but also the switch from Nikwax to Grangers for Rab’s hydrophobic down treatment. It’s part of a new partnership that brings Grangers’ Down Defend® Technology into the 2025 line-up, giving the down a more durable, water-repellent finish that helps …

Outdoor Research have long been one of my favourites for winter gear. Born in Seattle, they’ve perfected the art of keeping cold-weather comfort dialled in, whatever the conditions throw at you. But what I’ve always loved most is their eclectic extremities expertise, they really do know how to make exceptional hats and gloves. Every piece shows that blend of technical precision and out …

For over eight decades, Suunto has built a reputation for creating rugged, dependable gear trusted by adventurers, athletes, and explorers around the world. Their range now spans from advanced GPS watches to innovative outdoor audio equipment, all designed to perform in the most challenging conditions. From the Vertical to the Race series watches and their open-ear headphones, Suunto continues to …