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We stock a full range of LEKI poles. Whilst they can be quite heavy compared with truly 'ultralight' trekking poles their design and build quality are exceptional, they build trekking and running poles that will not let you down, they are tough, reliable and will give years of service. In this post we look at our current stocks of LEKI trekking poles and give advice and our opinion so you can …

On this page we look at Rab's Xenair range of jackets and vests which are designed for active outdoor users explaining the function and features of the garments and pointing out the differences between them.

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 …

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 …

A Waterproof jacket that will cope with most conditions will have a Hydrostatic Head of 20,000mm and an MVTR (breathability) of 20,000g/m2. In both cases higher is better. 2 and 2.5 layer jackets are less durable than 3 layer jackets but tend to be lighter in overall weight and more packable. 2 and 2.5 layer can sometimes feel a bit clammy next to the skin because of the lack …

Single skin or Two skin? Most people choose a two skin tent because single skin tents suffer more from condensation Two skin tents tend to be warmer because of the air between the inner and outer Single skin tents tend to be lighter and more spacious 3 Season versus 4 Season? 4 Season tents handle wind and rain better and some are capable of handling snow 4 Se …

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 …

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 …

As the summer draws to a close and the cooler months start to creep in, we thought it would be a good time to look at some of the kit we’ve been using over this year’s spring and summer backpacking season. Not all of its brand-new kit, and not all of it is as ultralight as we could have gone, this is the gear that has worked for us on some of our most recent trips. We’ve been testing this gea …

Backpacking quilts are rapidly increasing in popularity especially amongst lightweight backpackers. So, what is a backpacking quilt? Essentially, it’s half a sleeping bag with no bottom layer (although there might be a footbox) and in most cases no zip or hood. The down in a sleeping bag gets compressed underneath you so do you really need it? So why would you choose a quilt over a …

About the author: I’m not a foot specialist or medical practitioner, but I have walked thousands of miles on some of the best hiking trails in the world, I know what works for me but we are all different – the aim of this article is to outline the choices you will be faced with when choosing your next hiking footwear, choices which you should make for yourself rather than accept what I do. …

Granite Gear: Crown2 vs BlazeHow do you decide between two award winning packs with seemingly similar stats?The Crown2 and the Blaze are both 60L multi-day backpacks and at first glance they appear to be the same. They have similar features and use similar materials so it can be a little confusing trying to work out which pack is best for you. However, once you can identify the differences they ap …