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New for the Autumn/winter season from Montane is the Khamsin Softshell. It is a lightly insulated, wind resistant, technical softshell that is perfect for those changeable windy autumn days on the hills. It is made from wind resistant Raptor Flex fabric that is 88% recycled and has excellent four way stretch, making it super comfortable to wear. On the inside it is lined with an Octa fl …

The Suunto Wing Bluetooth Headphones are a perfect way to listen to music or podcasts whilst out on a run or outdoor activity. Their bone conductive technology means they do not go in the ear, but rather conduct through the bone just at the front of the ear. This means you can still hear ambient sounds, such as cars or people, while still enjoying your music. This is a much safer option …

I took the Rab Muon 50 litre pack on a short backpacking trip to Scotland, grabbing 10 Munros in the process, new for Spring 2024 this was the first time I’d carried it. I was carrying about 11 kilos all in, so was travelling pretty light. The first thing to note is that a weight of 1062 grams for the men’s and 1036 grams for the women’s pack is pretty good. We always say a kilogram for …

When Black Diamond announced the Beta Light 45 backpack earlier this year, I was intrigued by its unique appearance and impressive stats. Black Diamond kindly provided the Beta Light 45 backpack and the Beta Light Pack Sattelite Bag for my upcoming TGO Challenge, a two-week coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. The Beta Light 45 and Beta Light Pack Sattelite Bag feature a sleek, modern de …

For this year's TGO challenge, a demanding two-week coast-to-coast journey across Scotland, I sought to reduce the weight of my pack without sacrificing the headroom, living space, and large vestibules I have come to enjoy with my trusty Hilleberg Anaris. Having traversed the country with the Anaris on four previous occasions, I decided to try a different trekking pole tent, Goss …

Hiking the TGO (The Great Outdoors Challenge) requires dependable equipment that can endure the rigors of long-distance trekking. During my journey, two standout pieces of gear were the Suunto Vertical watch and the Sunslice Fusion Flex 12 solar panel. Here’s my on-trail review of how these devices performed and why they are indispensable for any serious hiker. From the first day on the tr …

As I traverse the rugged and breathtaking landscape of Scotland on the TGO Challenge, the importance of reliable and lightweight gear becomes increasingly evident. After a long day of trekking through moors and over mountains, my MSR Titan Kettle 900ml, MSR Titanium Double Wall Mug, and MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove have proven to be indispensable cookware companions. The updated&nbs …

Extra consideration is often required when choosing a winter kit. Especially kit you wish to spend a night in below zero conditions with potentially a long walk away from the nearest road. How much each piece of gear weighs will be a factor, but more importantly, it needs to be up to the job. A sleep mat is a key item as it is the main barrier against the frozen ground, to help provide a w …

Keeping your hands warm, especially when winter walking or climbing, is crucial. Whilst away for multiple days we will regularly carry 2 winter gloves, and 1 pair of mitts, along with a light liner-type glove. Each one has a certain role, which is often dictated by the weather and activity. Obviously with this comes a high cost, especially winter kit, which is often a much higher price th …

A lightweight hip flask for keeping that all-important camp beverage safe in our pack. The SilverAnt Hip Flask is very lightweight at only 91 grams and with a capacity of 248ml, it’s the perfect size for sharing a couple of drams of an evening. It’s easy to open and importantly you cannot lose the lid due to the cap mechanism. The finish which we received was the very sleek-looking sa …

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 …

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 …