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The  M30 map case is 295mm x 295mm viewable area which is basically A4 which fits with the size of Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure maps. It’s a welded construction with a double ‘zip-lok’ type seal at its opening, I’ve used quite a few of this type of map case over the years and the seal can sometimes be hard to close and very hard to open, especially in cold weather, and definitely …

Blisters are usually caused by poorly fitting footwear, friction, warm or damp feet rubbing inside your shoes. If you are walking long distances then it’s likely that at some point you have experienced the discomfort of a blister. On multiday treks it can be a real problem not only due to the pain but also the risk of infection. Preventing blisters from forming in the first place is th …

Since releasing their first shoe in 2012, Altras popularity has soared - much like the millions of customers who choose to use their products. Nowadays it’s rare for a seemingly unknown brand to enter the somewhat saturated footwear market and make a success of it. But just what were Altra doing that no-one else was? Quite simply, they were offering zero drop running shoes, with …

Combining the packability and lightweight design of a trekking pole tent with the durability and shear polish of a Hilleberg, the Anaris is a dream tent to some, myself included. I was an early adopter of the Anaris when it launched in 2020, and already familiar with  Hilleberg tents as, at the time, I was using a Soulo, so I could already attest to their craftsmanship. I had als …

The  Rab Torque Mountain Pants (TMP) are a lighter weight version of the Torque Pants (TP) but there’s not much in it – for a medium size the TMPs are 30grams lighter so you perhaps wouldn’t choose the TMP over the TP because of the weight saving. The main fabric for both pants is the same but the reinforcement panels on the TPs are burlier than on the TMPs. The other main …

This is one of the easiest reviews I’ve ever had to write,  MSR’s Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove does everything you could possibly ask of a humble gas stove. I used it first on a trip to Glen Shiel in Scotland and on the first night I camped on the Kintail ridge, it was windy and exposed but the Pocket Rocket Deluxe coped with it well, the concave burner head (while not an original …

A 60 litre rucksack with a decent harness and weighing around 1Kg is a key product for us, and in my experience Granite Gears ‘litres’ are a bit bigger than some other pack manufacturers, this manifests itself in the fact that the Crown 60 seems significantly bigger than some other 60 litre packs. I think this is because Granite Gear only count the main compartment when quoting the capa …

I used the 2p version of this tent on a recent trip to Scotland, camping on the Kintail ridge in some wet and windy weather. The Hornet Elite tents are Nemo’s lightest series and as such have been designed with every aspect examined for weight and function. The first thing that strikes you about the  Hornet Elite is the high cut flysheet at one end, and in fact the flysheet is …

There was a lot of excitement in the office when this tent was first seen on a computer screen. There are many 2 person tents on the market that boast the same qualities that differentiate a bikepacking tent from a regular backpacking tent. The main differences being shorter poles and the ability to attach the tent to the bike. What distinguishes the  Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Bike …

This is the third stove from Soto we have now had the pleasure of using, the Windmaster being a firm favourite of ours for lightweight solo adventures throughout the warmer months, whilst also spending much of last winter using the  Stormbreaker; a truly versatile multifuel option making for a reliable stove for group activities in remote and harsh conditions. The Fus …

When walking in hot and sunny conditions, a lightweight trekking shirt offers more comfort and sun protection than most baselayer tops and T-shirts. The collar helps to cover the neck and when using trekking poles long sleeves protect the arms from sun exposure. On a recent trip to Mallorca to trek the GR221, I used the Mammut Lenni Short-sleeve and Long-sleeve shirts in extremely hot and …

On a backpacking trip last year, I ended up hiking with an American trio, all ultra-lighters, all experienced “thru-hikers “and all wearing Altras, a brand that is now synonymous with the longer American hikes such as the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. As hikers do, we discussed gear, and they spoke incredibly highly about their footwear. I was keen to try out the Brand for …