Blog

Live Competitions and Previous Winners

Nov 06, 2025

Live Competitions Enter our competition for your chance to win any item from the Montane Fortes range. Enter Here   Enter our competition for your chance to win a Rab Electron Pro Down Hoody. 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 Co …
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Rab Down Jacket Warmth Guide

Nov 05, 2025

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 …
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Rab's New 2025 Down Jacket Range Explained

Nov 03, 2025

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 …
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Outdoor Research Winter Hats & Gloves

Nov 03, 2025

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 …
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Suunto Tech and Navigation

Nov 03, 2025

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 …
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Montane's Fortes Range Explained

Nov 03, 2025

Montane described the Fortes XT to me as a Scottish belaying jacket. I've been using it since February, including as my stationary insulation on a March section of the Pennine Way, I would say it is a fair characterisation. At 588g (Medium), it is heavier than some insulation pieces, but that weight translates into real insulation. The PrimaLoft Gold Active Vent fill is body-mapped, with denser co …
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Big Agnes Upgraded Bikepacking Tents for 2025

Oct 22, 2025

Featuring upgraded stuff sacks with webbing loops and our proprietary ShortStik pole design, these bikepacking tents pack down into a shorter size, making them a breeze to attach to your bike's handlebars or frame. Optimized for bikepacking, and equipped with all of the great features you'd expect from a premium Big Agnes tent — with one of these in your gear closet, you won't need multiple …
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How to Wash and Care for Your Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag

Posted by Andy Neil on Oct 22, 2025

Washing a down jacket or sleeping bag can feel nerve-wracking, and with good reason. Many people are afraid that washing will cause down to clump and ruin their expensive gear. It’s a common fear, and one that’s kept plenty of jackets unwashed for far too long. But here’s the truth: regular cleaning is not only safe, it’s essential if you want your down to perform at its be …
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Caring for your ePE Gore-Tex

Posted by Andy Neil on Oct 01, 2025

Gore-Tex’s new ePE (expanded polyethene) membrane is the next generation of waterproof-breathable technology. It delivers the trusted protection Gore-Tex is known for, but with a lighter footprint on the planet, thanks to PFAS-free chemistry and a lower carbon impact. Taking care of your ePE jacket is essential: unlike older membranes, ePE relies more heavily on the user’s care to main …
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What is VerticalX ECO SR Insulation?

Oct 01, 2025

Built with lightweight, recycled bluesign® approved fabrics, the Vesper features VerticalX™ ECO SR insulation, which balances warmth, stretch, and breathability. Its wind- and water-resistant shell provides protection from unpredictable weather while maintaining comfort during high-output activities. Thoughtful design details like the insulated hood with brim, elastic cuffs, and adjustab …
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Rab's New Gore-Tex Technology Explained

Oct 01, 2025

When you need breathability, durability and protection in equal measure, this versatile GORE-TEX Shell offers all-round performance for year-round mountain adventures. Built using 3-layer GORE-TEX PRO Product Technology with an innovative fluorocarbon-free ePE membrane, it has tougher fabric across the shoulders and sleeves for abrasion resistance from the repetitive rub of bac …
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Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Bikepack Tent Review - ''This new version of the Copper Spur UL Bikepack tent has 2 significant differences to its predecessor.''

Posted by Lois Fife on Sep 29, 2025

The new Big Agnes Copper Spur Bikepack tent has all the key features that define a bikepacking tent, i.e. short pole length and an ability to attach the tent to the bike, whilst performing well in the environment it is intended. It has many additional features that make life on two wheels even more enjoyable! I used the 2-person version of this tent from mid-summer through to autumn for local ove …
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