Blog

Rab's Dryflo™ Technology Explained

May 01, 2026

A baselayer top is essential for any outdoor layering system. Opting for a wicking t-shirt made with Rab's Dryflo™ technology, rather than a cotton material, allows the shirt to better manage your body's moisture and sweat. This helps keep you comfortable during your hike. Designed for fast-moving pursuits in an alpine climate, Dryflo™ Air keeps you comfortable summit after summit with …
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Women’s Helium UL jacket Review - ''The perfect choice for fast moving activities and this breathable lightweight waterproof jacket will certainly be my waterproof jacket of choice in the coming months!''

Posted by Nicola Dickinson on Apr 29, 2026

I tested the women’s Outdoor Research Helium UL jacket during early spring and I was very impressed with its performance. It will be a firm staple in my backpack for hikes during spring to autumn months for showery spells. I chose a size small, which is the size I would usually choose in a waterproof jacket. The jacket has a trim, streamlined fit but was loose enough to fit a base layer and …
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The Ultimate Guide to Bivvy Bags

Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 28, 2026

Choosing a bivvy bag can seem simple at first glance, but there are several important factors depending on how and where you plan to use it. Bivvy bags are one of the lightest and most straightforward shelter options available. They are popular with long-distance runners, fastpackers, bikepackers, and minimalist wild campers who want reliable weather protection without the weight of a traditional …
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Tent Review - ''Storm worthy, spacious, truly ultralight, unbelievable quality but at a price.''

Posted by Danny Pearson on Apr 02, 2026

I have been a big fan of freestanding tents due to their stability, convenience and ease of pitching for years. I wasn’t too interested in trekking pole tents until the arrival of the Drop Durston X-Mid back in early 2019. Single skin tents were something I tended to avoid due to concerns about condensation, but the additional internal space was appealing. The main downside of double skin f …
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Outdoor Research Helium UL Technology Explained

Apr 01, 2026

The Helium UL Jacket is built for fast miles and weather that won’t make up its mind. Ultralight, waterproof, and easy to pack, it moves from trail running, hiking, or peak bagging to travel and daily wear without missing a beat. The next-generation Helium UL Jacket features Toray Dermizax™ 3D 2.75-layer waterproof protection for true ultralight performance, with improved breathability …
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Montane Down Ranges Explained

Jan 28, 2026

Discover our range of Montane's down insulated winter jackets, engineered to keep you warm in cold weather conditions. Created with outdoor activities in mind, we have a range of Montane down jackets that offer lightweight versatility, durability and warmth. Ideal for high-altitude adventures or cooler evenings at camp, our down jackets have been designed with exceptional warmth to weight rat …
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Montane Phase Lite Gore-Tex Jacket Review - ''For fast hikes through the hills, through later summer into autumn, the Phase Lite would be a more than capable companion.''

Posted by Mathew Garbutt on Dec 10, 2025

The Montane Phase Lite Gore-Tex Jacket is a high-performance, lightweight waterproof jacket built for fast-paced adventures, but is just as much suited for those that prefer long and slow exploits. It features a 40 Denier Gore-Tex performance shell, rated at 28,000 mm hydrostatic head with excellent breathability. Built with recycled nylon face and backer fabrics and Gore-Tex’s new ePE memb …
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Big Agnes Upgraded Bikepacking Tents for 2025

Oct 22, 2025

Featuring upgraded stuff sacks with webbing loops and our proprietary ShortStik pole design, these bikepacking tents pack down into a shorter size, making them a breeze to attach to your bike's handlebars or frame. Optimized for bikepacking, and equipped with all of the great features you'd expect from a premium Big Agnes tent — with one of these in your gear closet, you won't need multiple …
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What is VerticalX ECO SR Insulation?

Oct 01, 2025

Built with lightweight, recycled bluesign® approved fabrics, the Vesper features VerticalX™ ECO SR insulation, which balances warmth, stretch, and breathability. Its wind- and water-resistant shell provides protection from unpredictable weather while maintaining comfort during high-output activities. Thoughtful design details like the insulated hood with brim, elastic cuffs, and adjustab …
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Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Bikepack Tent Review - ''This new version of the Copper Spur UL Bikepack tent has 2 significant differences to its predecessor.''

Posted by Lois Fife on Sep 29, 2025

The new Big Agnes Copper Spur Bikepack tent has all the key features that define a bikepacking tent, i.e. short pole length and an ability to attach the tent to the bike, whilst performing well in the environment it is intended. It has many additional features that make life on two wheels even more enjoyable! I used the 2-person version of this tent from mid-summer through to autumn for local ove …
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Affordable Ultralight Gear: A Comprehensive Kit

Posted by Andy Neil on Jun 06, 2025

Ultralight backpacking doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or compromising on reliability. With some thoughtful planning, it’s possible to build a sub-4.5kg, three-season kit for well under a grand. It’s not the lightest or cheapest system out there, but it covers all the essentials with gear that lasts. Think of it as a flexible starting point. Your kit will evolve over time, …
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