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TRAIL MAGAZINE: ReviewThere is a lot to love about this new-for-2022 tent. It weighs just 1242g (the second lightest on test) and boasts a spacious interior, steep wallarchitecture, good features, hassle-free inner- first pitching and solid all-round stability. The eco credentials are top-notch too, courtesy of a manufacturing process that reduces water consumption by 50% and both chemical and ene …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINEAt 490g, this is not something that most backpackers will want to carry on multi-day trips, but it has some unique features that make it superb at what it does. The purifier contains a large hollowfibre filter with a pore size of 0.02 microns, which means that it will filter out viruses. Instead of squeezing, there's a large handle that is used to pump water through the …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Gear of the year 2022If you're serious about wild camping and backpacking. you can't beat this sleeping bag. High quality, 900 fill power goose down delivers an EN/ISO comfort rating of 0°C, despite weighing just 580g-so the overall warmth-to-weight ratio is top-notch. This is aided by the zoned design, with 70% of insulation placed on the top and sides (where you need it most) and …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: New for 2022New for 2022, MSR has updated the FreeLite series of tents to make them even lighter. At just 1.06kg, the 2-person FreeLite is now 270g lighter than the previous model, and includes added features for ease-of-use and durability, including no-curve door zippers, extra storage pockets and reinforced tension points (for when the weather inevitably turns). The 1-person vers …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINEThe Katadyn Be Free came out several years ago, but is worth taking a look at again as in some respects it still hasn't been surpassed. This is a hollowfibre filter that screws into a standard softflask (600ml and 1 litre versions available). You fill up the flask from any water source, then either drink through the filter or squeeze into another container. The filter w …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINEThe Shape-Shift Reservoir is a practical and adaptable hydration system that ticks all the boxes. The design is tall and narrow - which helps it to fit in the hydration sleeves of most packs - and the entire top of the bladder opens for filling or cleaning. It's secured by folding over and sliding a separate piece across. I've found this closure method more foolproof th …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Best in testWith its generous headroom and floor space, plus twin doors and two spacious porches, the Dagger is great for weight-consciouscampers who appreciate plenty of room to spread out. It pitches inner-first but is super quick to set up. You also get great airflow that minimizes condensation, though this is a slight disadvantage in colder and breezier conditions.VERDICTNot qu …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINEI've used this jacket extensively since last autumn, and the more I've used it the morellike it. It's warm for the weight with an excellent wired hood and roomy pockets. The fill is soft and comfortable, and the shell is tough. Being synthetic, the jacket doesn't absorb much moisture and keeps its thickness when wet. This property wasn't needed on this dry trip, but it …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: light, durable, good gripAfter a year and half's use of these boots (except in summer, when they are a little warm) I'm still as impressed as I was when I reviewed them back in January 2021. Theyare lightweight, comfortable, supportive and have good cushioning and great grip. They're tough too, with little sign of wear. The graphene in the sole is there to enhancedurability, an …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: light, compact, efficientI've been using this stove and pot combination for over a year, and it's now a firm favorite. On this trip, it worked fine when the temperature was just below zero and it had been left on the ground on the open porch overnight. It's not very wind-resistant so I had a foil windscreen with me but I didn't need to use it as the porch door kept off the occa …

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: A fast-wicking warm technical fleece.The Montane Protium Fleece Jacket has a basic design and looks quite plain. The fabric is not so simple, however. It's smooth on the outside, but the brushed inner has a raised grid of tiny squares of fluffy fleece. This makes the jacket very breathable and warm for the thickness and the weight. As usual with fleece the fabric isn't windproo …

TRAIL MAGAZINE: A Latrine dreamAlatrine trowel for digging holes to do your business in isn't exactly a glamorous item of kit. But somehow The TentLab has brought some real design flair and creativity to this superb product. At just 17g, it's incredibly light and slim lideal for weight-conscious backpackers), and the aerospace-grade aluminium delivers superb digging power. Other options include Th …