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Big Agnes Copper Spur tents have been bestsellers at Ultralight since their introduction in 2008 and with good reason. For 2022, the Copper Spur received some new updates and the TGO Challenge was a great opportunity to put them to the test. The Copper Spur has evolved from the original design over the years with improvements and new features. Big Agnes works closely with Jake La …

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 …

The fabric being 100% recycled polyester isn't the softest base layer I've ever worn, but it definitely has the most stretch. I found it very comfortable nonetheless. The high wicking, good breathability & fast drying qualities make this ideal for intense activities or a great layering piece for cooler conditions. Another great feature of the fabric, especially with prolonged wear, is th …

The Women’s Dart XT Zip neck long sleeve base layer is the thickest of the Dart range and has a lovely thermal, brushed pile on the inside that is comfortable against the skin and a smooth tight-knit outer fabric. The 4-way stretch Polyester/Elastine blended fabric makes for a close-fitting technical garment that not only moves easily with the body but also takes moisture away leaving y …

The Women’s Montane Dart Lite long sleeve base layer is the lightest weight item in the Dart range and is perfect for warm weather activities, high exertion sports or as part of a layering system. The 100% recycled APEX PK Eco fabric doesn’t have much stretch and fits where it touches, so isn’t highly compliant with the movement of the body during activity. The plus side is that fabric …

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 …

Heading into Autumn, I was able to put the new Rab VR Ridgeline through its paces on Lakeland trail running adventure, testing out in the arena it was designed to excel in. What is Vapour-Rise™ Rab’s Vapour Rise (VR) range has been with us for some time now, designed as an ‘active insulation’ piece that can be worn through changing weather conditions. The original vision from Ra …

The new Vapour Rise Summit Jacket is an update on the classic series that has been a constant fixture in the multisport jacket category for years. The reason for this is the high level of versatility it offers not just in the activities that you can use it for but also the conditions that you can use it in. Making it one of the first things you will want to pop into your bag whatever …

After a couple of days spent in the Lake District, I was able to gain my first impressions of Enlightened Equipment’s Enigma Quilt (20F). My first impressions were that it seemed well-made with an interesting angular U-shaped baffle design and fully sewn in footbox. The 850 fill allowed the bag to loft with ease and the bag packed down smaller than expected. Whilst it comes with a stu …

When backpacking I want a very lightweight insulated windproof layer for daytime use and a down jacket for evening, with of course the flexibility to wear them both if it gets very cold. The insulation value I need for the down jacket depends on the temperatures I expect. I took the  Alpine 850 Lite Down Hoodie with me on a recent backpacking trip to the Scottish Highlands at the …

For me, a baselayer is all about comfort, and that means high wicking, odour control and those details that make a garment fit well. Montane’s  Dart series are great examples of an ideal baselayer, the fabric has 4-way stretch and flatlocked seams which means they can sit against your skin without feeling restrictive in any way, and without the irritation that a conventional se …

For me, a baselayer is all about comfort, and that means high wicking, odour control and those details that make a garment fit well. Montane’s  Dart series are great examples of an ideal baselayer, the fabric has 4-way stretch and flatlocked seams which means they can sit against your skin without feeling restrictive in any way, and without the irritation that a conventional se …