Blog

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. The trifecta of the Neutrino 800 Down …
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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 defence, 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 lat …
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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, merino …
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Berghaus Extrem MTN Guide MW Technical Pant Review - “After extensive use, I have found them to be some of the most unrestrictive and hard-wearing trousers I have used.”

Posted by Andy Neil on Sep 29, 2023

At the beginning of March this year, I was fortunate enough to be invited onto a winter skill course by Berghaus. Berghaus were keen to hear our opinions on their new EXTREM clothing range. The EXTREM Range was launched in 1986 and was designed to be used in the World's most extreme conditions, and for nearly four decades the line has advanced and evolved into the brand-new range we ha …
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Exped Winter Kit List

Posted by Andy Neil on Sep 19, 2023

As the nights are drawing in and the temperature is starting to dip, we are excited about the prospect of the upcoming winter camping season. Winter camping can be more challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Cosy nights curled up in the tents, crisp frosty mornings, and dark star-filled skies are all only a few months away. So, we have teamed up with our friends at EXPED to de …
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Andy's 2023 TGO Challenge

Posted by Andy Neil on Jul 27, 2023

Intro The Great Outdoor Challenge (TGO challenge) is an annual communal coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland; each year, 400 “challengers” set off from one of 14 different start points located on the west coast of Scotland, aiming for the east coast. Some will head to the hills and attempt to bag as many Munros as possible, shunning small towns and villages and choosing to stay in t …
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The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Sleeping Bags

Posted by Andy Neil on Jul 24, 2023

Choosing a sleeping bag can be a daunting task. Getting started with so many different options and variations can be difficult. This will be one of the biggest investments, along with your tent, for backpacking, so it's important that you make the right choice for what you need. We want you to pick the best sleeping bag for your adventures, so we've compiled this guide to help you narrow your sear …
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Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles Review - "Versatile, packable and have even given consideration to on trail maintenance''

Posted by Andy Neil on Jul 19, 2023

I converted to hiking poles in 2017 when I completed Wainwright’s coast-to-coast. They help you power up hills, take pressure off your knees, and stay balanced on uneven terrain. A mountain lead I know says, “There are two types of people who hike with poles, those with bad knees and those that don't want bad knees”. I use trekking poles to erect my tent, so they support me and my shelt …
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