Blog

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 Ma …
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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 …
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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.

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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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 …
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Rab Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Range

Posted by Fran O'Donnell on May 03, 2023

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Being serious about your mountaineering adventure means carrying a back-up shell that’s exceptionally packable and lightweight, very breathable, and protects you with the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise. Proven to be abrasion resistant and very durable, with GORE‑TEX PACLITE® PLUS garments you are ready for unexpected adventures.

Montane's Lightest Running Kit

Posted by Fran O'Donnell on May 02, 2023

With nothing weighing you down, how far could you go? If you held nothing back, how fast could you be? We design running kit design to take you places you didn’t know you could go. Lung-busting climbs, blissfully peaceful summits and lyrically soaring descents…trail running allows you to really indulge in the effort of your goals. Resting in the heart of the Lake District National Park, the i …
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La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Review - “I’d be very happy to take these on a long trek, ideal for 3 season use”

Posted by Mark Richardson on Apr 24, 2023

I’ve used these a couple of times on backpacking trips and a day hike in the Lake District during February & March and can verify the comfort claims straight out of the box. La Sportiva explains that the extra volume in the front area of the boot is designed to deliver comfort and this is really apparent as soon as you put the boots on, furthermore, the rest of the boot seems to be …
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Montane Phase Nano Gore-Tex Jacket Review - “Ticked all the boxes, my top pick for the year so far!”

Posted by Chris Futers on Apr 17, 2023

High Street - Lake District Eastern Fells and my Border Collie Gaston The newest addition to the Phase range from Montane, the Phase Nano is the lightest and most breathable Gore-Tex Jacket from  Montane. Aimed at trail runners and anyone looking to move fast and light, the Phase Nano has a lot of features to offer, for such a lightweight jacket, two hand pockets, …
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Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Boot Review - “I would highly recommend these if you are looking for a lightweight, waterproof, versatile boot”

Posted by Lois Fife on Mar 13, 2023

I have been testing the Hoka Women’s Kaha 2 GTX Hiking boot for 4 months, walking regularly in my local woods and on the North York Moors in the depths of winter. They have stomped through mud, snow and ice, winched up steep grassy hillsides and explored rocky sandstone outcrops. The Vibram® Megagrip rubber with Traction Lug design combined with the broad foot print, provide excellent …
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