Gossamer Gear’s updated Mariposa. What's changed?
Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 12, 2024
The latest iteration of their Mariposa 60 backpack exemplifies Gossamer Gear's “Take less, do more” ethos. It boasts a host of updates aimed at elevating durability, comfort, and versatility for backpackers of all stripes.
Montane Trailblazer 25 Rucksack Review - “A versatile, comfortable daypack; it's a fantastic choice for outdoor pursuits like day hiking and summer summit trips.”
Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 09, 2024
The Montane Trailblazer 25L is a meticulously crafted backpack to elevate your hiking experience. This innovative pack seamlessly blends comfort, functionality, and sustainability, making it an ideal companion for day hikes, gym sessions, and daily commutes.
With its 25-litre capacity, I found the Trailblazer 25L a perfect-sized day pack for hiking and hill walking. It was large enough to
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Lifesystems Venture Solo Hooped Bivi Review - “Its lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for solo expeditions or as a backup shelter in emergencies”
Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 09, 2024
Despite my fondness for extended week-long treks and cross-country journeys, I still cherish the simplicity of brief overnight adventures close to home. For me, the allure of minimalist camping, carrying only the necessities, is just as exhilarating as a week-long hike. So, I was thrilled when Lifesystems approached me to try out their innovative Venture Solo Hooped Bivi, which promised
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Ultralight Outdoor Gear Awards 2023
Posted by Andy Neil on Dec 22, 2023
2023 was an excellent year for new ultralight equipment and clothing, and we wanted to highlight some of our favourite gear that hit the market this year. Some pieces, like the Montbell Plasma 1000, pushed the limits of what it means to be ultralight even further. Others, like the Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions sleeping pad, showed real innovation by raising their R-value to an industry-leading 8.
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The Hiking Layered Glove System
Posted by Andy Neil on Dec 04, 2023
A hiking layered glove system
provides a variety of advantages, including increased comfort and functionality
during outdoor activities. The multi-layered design is adaptable to various
weather conditions and terrains. The glove system is comparable to the layering system
for the body. The base layer, or liner glove, is a thin, moisture-wicking glove
that promotes good movement and dexte
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Rab Winter Sleep System
Posted by Andy Neil on Nov 30, 2023
Winter camping enthusiasts understand the importance of a good night's
sleep in extreme conditions. When the temperatures drop and the elements become
more challenging, having the right gear makes all the difference. This article
explores the perfect winter camping sleep system that combines cutting-edge
technology, lightweight design, and unparalleled warmth.
Exped Ultra -5° Down Sleeping Bag Review - “The meticulous design and construction of the sleeping bag demonstrated exceptional insulation capabilities”
Posted by Andy Neil on Nov 24, 2023
Incredibly eager to start this
year's winter camping season, I headed to the Cairngorms for this year's first
glimpses of snow. I wasn't planning to camp on the plateau itself, and the
expected temperature was supposed to hover around 0° throughout the night. I
arrived at the Corrour Bothy at about 3, pitched my tent, The Hillerberg Soulo,
next to the river Dee, and settled in for
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Alpine 850 Down Hoodie Review - “High-performance winter insulation piece, offering a blend of warmth and functionality”
Posted by Andy Neil on Nov 15, 2023
I have to admit that this review is a tad late. In my defense, I
was waiting for some appropriately cold weather to test the jacket; thankfully,
November has arrived and brought some wintry conditions.
Montane has brought two new down jackets to
the market this season: the
Alpine 850 Lite Down Hoodie, and the jacket I have been testing the Alpine 850 Down Hoodie. The l
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Mastering Winter Hiking: A Layering Guide
Posted by Andy Neil on Nov 14, 2023
Hiking
in the winter can be a magical experience, with pristine, snow-covered
landscapes and crisp, invigorating air. However, it also comes with unique
challenges, including fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather
conditions. Mastering the art of layering your clothing is essential to ensure
you stay warm, comfortable, and safe during your winter hikes. In this
comprehensive guid
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Our Top 10 Winners In Our Taste Test
Posted by Andy Neil on Oct 27, 2023
We weigh everything we sell
so that our customers have the most accurate information possible, but did you
know we also taste every dehydrated meal we sell too? Over the last year, we
have tasted every meal we sell, scoring each out of 10. We know which meals
need more or less water, which need more time to hydrate, and which are best
avoided altogether. So, we have compiled this list of our
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Rab Vapour-Rise Alpine Light Jacket Review - “There is no better stand-alone outer layer when the wind whips around you on a cold, crisp mountain day.”
Posted by Andy Neil on Oct 04, 2023
I love September; moving from summer to autumn is
always my favourite time. The change in weather means it's the perfect time to
get out hiking and to test out some of this year's new Autumn and Winter range.
One of the first pieces I was keen to get my hands on was Rab’s latest
incarnation of the Vapour Rise Alpine Light Jacket, which has always been a
stand-out piece in Rab's ran
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The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Baselayers
Posted by Andy Neil on Oct 02, 2023
Arguably,
the most essential piece of outdoor clothing is your baselayer. The base layer is the layer that sits
closest to your skin and is the fundamental layer of the three-layer system,
baselayer, mid-layer and protective outer shell. The
baselayers move moisture away from the body, which helps with temperature
regulation. They tend to be made from synthetic
materials, usually polyester,
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