Blog

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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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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Hoka Challenger ATR 7 GTX Review - ''They feel solid yet forgiving out of the box.''

Posted by Mark Richardson on Sep 10, 2025

I chose Hokas for my Chamonix to Zermatt trek because of their comfort, and I wasn’t disappointed, they feel solid yet forgiving out of the box. On reflection though these were the wrong choice for this trek, high altitude trekking is tough on shoes and the Hoka Challenger ATR 7 GTX weren’t up to the task. They immediately showed signs of wear and throughout the trek suffered from bei …
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2025 Phase Lite Gore-Tex Jacket

Aug 18, 2025

Combining lightweight Gore-Tex ePE performance shell with advanced construction techniques and essential feature set, the Phase lite ensures maximum wet weather protection and full garment breathability whilst minimising weight. BARRIER and STORMGUARD construction techniques enhance wet weather protection, and are engineered alongside our streamlined features set, including the PIVOT 2 fully adjus …
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Rab Sustainability and Responsibility

Nov 23, 2023

Our Mountain Manifesto is a set of shared commitments to help us all tread more lightly on the planet. Join us in creating positive change in our industry. Product: Prolong life and performance and minimise the impact of end-of-life. Planet: Drive more sustainable packaging solutions and highlight the environmental impact of air freight. Partner: Improve standards for workers and mi …
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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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Montbell Storm Cruiser Jacket Review - “It strikes the perfect balance of great features, lightweight and durability”

Posted by Danny Pearson on Nov 06, 2023

Picking a waterproof shell jacket can make your head spin. The lightest jackets will be ideal to keep pack weight at a minimum, but how will they hold up when used under a backpacking rucksack with several days of food? This was the conundrum when deciding on a jacket to use for the TGO Challenge. It needed to offer dependable protection for a crossing of the mountains of Scotland in May but also …
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Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Waterproof Jacket

Posted by Mark Richardson on Oct 16, 2023

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 of an in …
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Knowledgebase Page - Choosing a Shell Jacket

Oct 11, 2023

If you want a jacket to keep you dry when running, this will be a very different jacket to one suitable for backpacking or trekking. Waterproofs designed for RUNNING will be very lightweight so that they won't slow you down. It needs to pack very small so you can carry it when you don't need it, and the best examples will be highly breathable. Also consider a smock to save weight. A Bac …
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The Scarpa Rush Family

Sep 21, 2023

When you step into a Scarpa walking boot or shoe, you can be sure it has been carefully designed and tested to suit you and your activity. Designed to handle anything the UK hills, fells, and paths can throw at you, our range includes lightweight, synthetic and leather walking boots and shoes, including GORE-TEX and H-Dry waterproof membrane options. - The Rush Trek LT GTX is a lightweight ri …
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Hoka One One Kaha 2 Boots Review - ''I was delighted that Hoka have made significant changes to the design of the Kaha 2.''

Posted by Danny Pearson on Aug 21, 2023

I am a self-confessed Hoka fan. Most of my distance walking has been in Hoka since discovering their trail shoes back in 2018. Since 2018 I have used  Speedgoat, Speedgoat Mid, Sky Toa, Sky Kaha, Challenger, Trail Code and Stinson to cover 1000’s of miles. When the original Kaha boot launched back in 2019 I immediately bought a pair. They offered a great balanc …
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Mountain Equipment Firefly Gore-Tex Jacket Review - ''An excellent choice for anyone looking for a basic, lightweight, high performance shell''

Posted by Mathew Garbutt on Aug 21, 2023

Hailing from Cheshire, Mountain Equipment should know a thing or two about wet weather and protecting you from it – and they do. One of the pioneers of British outdoor manufacturing, Mountain Equipment were one of the first outdoor brands to experiment with a new fabric membrane - Gore-Tex. Quickly gaining cult status in the UK outdoor scene, M.E became known for their burly Gore-Tex sh …
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