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Made from Patagonia's proprietary H2NO fabric, the Dual Aspect is lighter-weight and less durable than some, but it does have plenty of winter-friendly features. Firstly, this is another jacket with a fabulous hood that includes both stiffening and a wire to the peak. The main pockets are waterproof with water-resistant zips, and just about roomy enough to take a laminated OS map. Underarm zips ar …

As a gear reviewer, I get to test some fantastic gear, but it's always very pleasing when the best item in the test is not the most expensive. Sure, £270is still a sizable wedge for quite a simple garment; but you do get a waterproof with tried and tested features plus strong build quality that means it should last several seasons. It's made with standard Gore-Tex - not the highest-specification f …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: ReviewBased on the same platform as Scarpa's Rush Trek boot, the low-cut Rush Trail is no flimsy trainer-style hiker. It has the same durable suede uppersand structured sole unit as the boot, and there's also some clever on-board tech aimed at alleviating foot fatigue. Foremost among these isa dual density midsole, which is firmer at the forefoot for added stability, and spongier i …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review With its quirky Back To The Future-inspired name, the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor is a suitably quirky backpack, with an innovative design and eye-catching look. Its USP is the use of a double fold of material on the front of the pack which - when combined with a series of cinch cords - enables the pack's circumference to expand or contract between 40L and 60L. Other pack …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: ReviewWe tested the Gregory Focal 48 on a three-day, 107km hike from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Flamborough Head on the Cleveland Way National Trail, and it performed admirably. It delivered a comfy carrying experience, providing top-notch suspension and load transfer. We'd credit this success to the huge amount of technology in the pack's FreeFloat harness: a ventilated mesh back pane …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: ReviewWhile other backpacks might polarise opinion, the Talon 55 feels like a really safe bet. Osprey's Talon range, which comes in a whopping nine sizes from 6L up to 55L, as well as several female-specific Tempest versions, is a long-standing and ever-popular product line, with a stellar reputation. The Talon 55 features an AirScape back system - a tight mesh web atop ridged EVA …

This long-sleeved base layer features a zip neck, making it easy to adjust the venting depending on the sleeves. The synthetic fabric is superbly wicking and has an antibacterial treatment for odor resistance.Material 100% polyester

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review Haglöfs has taken a very different approach with the Duality. The core concept, which gives the boot its name, is the ability to swap between two insoles, which changes the performance. The insoles incorporate the midsole cushioning that's normally part of the shoe, and whilst the two sets are identical in shape and size they are different in density.  They're colour-c …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINEThis mat is astonishingly light and packs down astonishingly small. Inflated it's quite thick and very comfortable. I find that not blowing it up really hard is best. A little 'give' means I'm less likely to roll off. Whilst not insulated, the UberLite has an internal construction of stacked triangular baffles that reduce heat loss, which is why it has a high R-value fo …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINE Blå Band is a stalwart Scandinavian brand that has been offering dehydrated backpacking meals for many years. One quirk - some might call it the brand's trademark - is that the packs are wider than they are tall, unlike the more typical vertical format used by almost every other brand. This doesn't make much difference when it comes to packing meals inside your rucksa …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINE Firepot specialises in a small range of meals hand-made from high-quality ingredients, cooked and then dehydrated after cooking. The entire range is free from artificial additives, flavourings and preservatives, as well as palm oil, making them worth a look if you value quality. Like many of their meals, the spicy pork noodles I tasted are available in both standard a …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINE This year Black Diamond has launched four new headlamps with rechargeable batteries, the R series. The Spot R 400 is the one of the more powerful models whilst being light and compact. You can't use standard batteries so on any long trip a battery pack is needed for recharging the headlamp. I carry one anyway for my phone and other items. Surprisingly the recharging p …