Blog

Montane Womens Torren Petrichor 3L Jacket Review - ''Excels when it comes to waterproofing and breathability.''

Posted by Charlotte Arnold on May 27, 2025

I was looking for a replacement for my 3-layer waterproof. I needed a lightweight, packable jacket, that is still durable enough to withstand severe winter conditions. Although not essential, I do like to have many features on a jacket, and this jacket has them all; a fully adjustable hood with a stiffened peak, pit zips, Velcro closures on the cuffs and a cinchable hem. The first thing I noticed …
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Montane Women’s Protium Lite Hoodie Review - ''This has been the mid-layer I have turned to over the last few months whilst training for a coast-to-coast walk in May''

Posted by Lois Fife on May 06, 2025

This is an extremely comfortable and versatile zipped hoodie. The close-fitting design and 4-way stretch fabric help it move with the body. This has been the mid-layer I have turned to over the last few months whilst training for a coast-to-coast walk in May, coupled with a long or short sleeved base-layer and a waterproof when an outer layer is required. The gridded ‘Thermo-grid’ bru …
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VAGA Feather Racing Cap Review - ''Incredibly light and well fitting, the material is soft to the touch but nice and stretchy.''

Posted by Nick Brown on May 06, 2025

Having relatively recently got into ultra running my experience of running caps was usually whatever hat came to hand when leaving the house, so upgrading to a Vaga Feather Racing cap was a bit of a revelation. Incredibly light and well fitting, the material is soft to the touch but nice and stretchy. Whether it is scrunched up in your running pack or nestled on your head, it doesn’t seem t …
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Montane Sirocco Lite Hoodie Review - ''Sirocco Lite is a very versatile, lightweight, midlayer that is very comfortable and snug without restricting movement.''

Posted by Nick Brown on May 01, 2025

The new Sirocco Lite insulated hoodie is a midlayer with some extra warmth where you need it. I got to use it on a recent trip to the highlands in April when the weather can drastically change the higher you go. It is not unusual to be in a short sleeve shirt at the bottom only to find yourself scrabbling for your warmer layers as you pass snow patches at the tops. The Sirocco Lite is a great lig …
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Altra Lone Peak 9+ Review - ''I recently took them on a quick ascent of Ben Lomond via the Ptarmigan ridge and they offered great comfort and support throughout whilst being very light on the feet.''

Posted by Nick Brown on May 01, 2025

The new Altra Lone Peak 9+ trail shoes have been my first zero drop shoes. This means the height difference between the toe and the heel is zero – they offer a flat more natural position for your feet to be in. I was a bit apprehensive about using these as they can add strain to the Achilles especially if there has been a previous injury which is what I have had on and off over the last yea …
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Nemo Pulse UL Down Quilt Review - ''It’s a solid choice for those who prioritise insulation quality, environmental impact, and adaptable comfort over chasing the absolute lowest weight.''

Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 23, 2025

The NEMO Pulse quilt offers standout cold-weather performance in a refined ultralight design. With 1,000 fill power, a sculpted cut, and a snug, enclosed footbox, it's an ideal companion for early spring, late autumn, and fast and light long-distance trips throughout the year. I had the chance to put the NEMO Pulse quilt through its paces during a week of mixed camping in March—first at a f …
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Montane Women's Tenacity Nano Hoodie Review - ''It’s super light, super packable and super comfortable. This is now one of my staple summer pieces.''

Posted by Sam Naylor on Apr 02, 2025

I was recently given the opportunity to test the new Tenacity Nano Hoodie from montane. I was excited and intrigued as Montane describe it as their “lightest ever softshell hooded jacket, tough enough for any challenge”. Well I already love the versatility of a softshell jacket as you can use them for just about any activity. They’re breathable enough for fast moving activi …
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Big Agnes Fly Creek UL Review - ''I was very impressed with the Fly Creek and I would highly recommend it as a versatile, compact, super lightweight, well ventilated, 3 season tent for one person.''

Posted by Lois Fife on Mar 24, 2025

In September 2024 I took the new Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 on the Fjallraven Classic, a 3 day back-packing event in Lake District with 2 overnight camps. The weather was remarkable for the time of year, with daytime temperatures pushing into the mid-20s, so the benefit of having light kit made for easy hiking. Weighing in at just over 900g and with a slim pack-size of around 12cm diameter, the …
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Silva Aluminium Cork Trekking Poles Review - ''A workhorse piece of equipment, not the lightest, but strong and highly reliable and offer very good value for money.''

Posted by Lois Fife on Feb 13, 2025

I have been rigorously testing these Silva Trekking Poles Aluminium Cork over the past 12 months. They have joined me on numerous multi-day hikes in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Scotland and whilst on regular long day walks on the North York Moors. They have never let me down, adding confidence to steep descents, taken the load off the body when packed up and provided stabil …
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Whisperlite Universal Multifuel Stove with Fuel Bottle Review - ''It really was impressively quick.''

Posted by Lois Fife on Feb 12, 2025

  My first MSR Whisperlite was purchased around 25 years ago whilst on a bike-packing trip to Austria, where access to fuel canisters proved impossible outside of major towns. This hybrid-fuel stove has many familiar features to my original stove but with the added capability to connect a gas canister as well as burning white gas, Kerosene and unleaded fuel. On my recent outing the temperatu …
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Scarpa Rapid XT GTX Review - ''They have maintained the quality, sturdy build quality that you come to expect from a leather Scarpa shoe whilst making them lighter''

Posted by Nick Brown on Feb 12, 2025

With the autumn and winter weather bringing wetter ground underfoot it was time to give the new Scarpa Rapid XT GTX hiking shoes a go out. Having used them on a mixture of terrain on my local walks for a few weeks now, from slightly boggy sheep fields to good but uneven paths they have performed very well. As with most new leather shoes they were initially quite unforgiving but have now bedded in …
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Montane Respond Dry Line Gloves Review - ''Combining PrimaLoft insulation, a Pertex outer and a brushed micro fleece lining makes these gloves ideal for long days in cold conditions.''

Posted by Liam Hollinshead on Jan 29, 2025

Comfort and Warmth Wrapped up in one lightweight package. Heading out on be it a day hike or a multi-day trek, gloves are something that can be easily overlooked. I myself, have fell foul of this oversight. Keeping your hands warm is rather important, but in cold and damp climates it makes this task especially difficult. A good pair of gloves can make or break a day out. With snow and cold weathe …
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