Blog

Fjallraven Abisko Lite Half Zip Fleece Review - “An extremely versatile mid-layer equally at home on a Munro summit or in the pub”

Posted by Danny Pearson on Nov 07, 2023

The popularity of fleeces seems to come and go. Sometimes they are everyone’s go to mid-layer and other times lightweight synthetic insulated jackets become the trend. Ultimately though, everyone has at least one fleece in their outdoor wardrobe because of their versatility. The Abisko Lite fleece uses Fjallraven’s own grid-backed fleece fabric. Being made from 100% recycled polye …
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Montane Dart Lite Long Sleeve T-shirt Review - “The Dart Lite kept me comfortable and warm when tested down to low single figure °C temperatures”

Posted by Danny Pearson on Oct 27, 2023

Surprisingly, Montane’s new Dart Lite T’s are made from recycled plastic bottles so are helping to reuse plastic waste. The resulting polyester fabric is quick drying as polyester doesn’t absorb water so is perfect for wicking away moisture. I have used the standard Dart long sleeve base layer before and prefer this new Lite version. I tend to get quite hot when hiking especially up hill …
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Rab Vapour-Rise Alpine Light Jacket Review - “There is no better stand-alone outer layer when the wind whips around you on a cold, crisp mountain day.”

Posted by Andy Neil on Oct 04, 2023

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 …
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Montane Dart Zip Neck Review - “Good breathability & fast drying qualities make this ideal for intense activities”

Posted by Charlotte Arnold on Oct 02, 2023

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 …
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Montane Dart XT Zip Neck Review - “The thickest of the Dart range and has a lovely thermal, brushed pile on the inside that is comfortable against the skin”

Posted by Lois Fife on Oct 02, 2023

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 …
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Rab Vapour-Rise Ridgeline Jacket Review - “The fabric technology in Rab VR Ridgeline truly makes this jacket a performance piece.”

Posted by Chris Futers on Sep 29, 2023

Heading into the Autumn season 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 fr …
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Montane Dart XT Zip Neck Review - ''I tested mine during an August Munro bagging backpacking trip and was comfortable all day''

Posted by Mark Richardson on Sep 07, 2023

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 …
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Montane Dart Zip Neck Review - ''A close fit is essential for wicking of sweat away from the skin, and Dart does this really well''

Posted by Mark Richardson on Sep 07, 2023

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 …
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Montane Dynamic Nano Pants Review - ''An excellent pair of no-frills hiking pants that should last a long time''

Posted by Joel Brennan on Sep 07, 2023

The first thing to notice on the Montane Dynamic Nano Pants is their slim fit design, making them super versatile, as they can be used for walking or running. They fit well, hugging the legs without being too tight and the Raptor 4-way stretch fabric seems really durable and offers some protection in light rain too. The design is simple, but extremely effective. The slim, tapered fit …
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Rab VR Summit Jacket Review - ''This is now my go-to as an active mid-layer replacing my poor battered fleece''

Posted by Jamie Mantle on Aug 21, 2023

The VR Summit jacket from Rab is a true all-in-one multi-sport jacket that can take also a lot of punishment and is perfect for a number of different weather conditions. This is a Jacket that you will find yourself using a lot due to the versatility that it offers. Firstly, it is a very lightweight jacket so it is a simple one to just pop on without having to worry about extra pack we …
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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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Exped Camp Slipper Review - “The Exped Camp Slipper fits a great balance between weight, comfort, and insulation”

Posted by Trek Scotland on Apr 11, 2023

For longer journeys an extra pair of footwear can come in very handy. This will often be a super light option to wear around camp after a long day in the hills. Letting your feet relax, breathe, and recover is not only for comfort but also helps prevent foot niggles and injuries. This is all part of self-management on route and will ultimately make your overall journey as easy as possib …
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