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If you give a sock the name ‘Darn Tough’ then expectations are automatically high so our Lead Guide gave the Light Hiker socks a real beasting over nearly 500 miles of trekking, wearing them up to 5 days at a time. Ultimately, the material for any sock is key and the Light Hiker is a combination of Merino, Polymide and Spandex. The Merino element allows for non-itch comfort and provides …

Montane VIA Groove Gloves ReviewThe Montane VIA series are focused on fast and light with designs centred around trail running features. The VIA Groove Gloves fit this brief perfectly. Weighing in at just 40g for a large pair they certainly tick the lightweight box. The design seems simple enough with a thin layer providing the protection and the design across the palms in silicone for providing a …

The Rab Forge is a fairly ordinary looking tee with the long sleeved, crew neck version makes it look like a simple, casual top. However, I’m a big fan of the synthetic/merino blends for baselayers so I was eager to test this out. I’d not worn this tee before putting it on for the 53rd OMM in Largs, Scotland, so I knew it was going to get a baptism of fire across two hard days in the …

I’m a huge fan of  Mountain Equipment’s Comici pants. It was an easy decision to use them for the TGO Challenge because they tick every box as the perfect outdoor pants for everything other than winter conditions. The fit is superb and the fabric has plenty of stretch so you really don’t notice that you are wearing them. They are genuinely all day comfy. They have slim fitting legs w …

The Mammut Sertig shorts are a lightweight option for use during particularly warm spells. Perforated polyester-elastane stretch fabric is used in sections where a moisture build-up is most common, and we have to say it works fantastically and offers unrivalled breathability. Whilst working hard on steep ground or mountain biking, the Sertig offered great air flow and never felt restrict …

Weighing in at a miniscule 100 grams the Patagonia Houdini is a super lightweight/packable jacket. Although small in stature the Houdini has a lot of great features. Made entirely from 100% recycled rip stop nylon which, although very thin, is tougher than it first appears. The DWR finish surprised our guides as it holds up very well against light to moderate showers, although if caught …

The Rab Borealis is the lightest softshell jacket Rab have on offer. Weighing in at a minuscule 308grams in a medium size it has the weight and feel more associated with a base layer. Rab advertise the Borealis Jacket as wind resistant and highly breathable and state thatwhether your objective is climbing a big wall or a day cragging in the valley, it does everything you need it to in on …

Rab state the Xenon to be a superlight and packable insulated mitt and this certainly seems true when unpacking them. These are seriously small, almost fooling us into thinking we had been sent the wrong item until we pulled them out of the small bag to reveal a full-size pair of mitts.The outer shell is made up of two distinct materials. The first being a Pertex Quantum fabric which use …

The Rab Torque is said to be designed for summer alpine climbing and active mountain use, offering complete freedom of movement and breathability. We are big fans of the Torque Pants which are our ‘go-to’ choice for long days in the mountains where unrestricted movement, breathability, and comfort is of much importance, so we excited to try the jacket. As with the Torque pants it’s great …

The Chockstone Hoody is a lightweight softshell with a focus on unrestricted movement with the use of its 4-way stretch Chockstone fabric; a mix of 91% Nylon and 9% Elastane. To the touch, the double weave construction is certainly the most noticeable feature and it is obvious that Mountain Hardware’s concept for the Chockstone is for active adventures rather than for insulation. …

Used extensively by Cairngorm Treks throughout the Cairngorms, and surrounding areas, and also a recent multi-day expedition throughout Skye in Autumn and Winter 2017/18.The Marmot Preon is said to be an ideal first layer to ward off cool temps while keeping you comfortable and dry on a full-output day. It is made up as a modern fleece alternative with a smooth outer with the inner fabric a soft g …

It's hard to think of a piece of headwear that could divide opinions quite as much as the OR Seattle Sombrero. From first impressions, the actual shape and functionality of the hat is very different from what the name might suggest. Sombrero would propose this to be suited to warmer climates with a very wide brim to keep you cool and protected on very hot sunny days. Although the Sombrer …