Gear
On test: Rab Mythic Ultra sleeping bag reviewed
This recently introduced ultralight sleeping bag from Rab is ideal for fast-and-light travellers; with lockdown easing and camping on the horizon, we offer our thoughts.
On test: walkers' ice-axes reviewed
An ice-axe is an essential piece of safety equipment for anyone wanting to walk during winter conditions on the UK’s mountains.
On test: walking trousers reviewed
Choosing the right pair of trousers for your jaunts in the great outdoors will enhance your days out.
On test: Leatherman Free P2 multitool reviewed
Price: £164.95 Weight: 250g Country of manufacture: USA This Leatherman multitool is part of the Free range the USA brand unveiled this year.
On test: Osprey Katari 7 backpack reviewed
Price: £70 Weight: 534g Colour: grey/green Rated capacity: 7 litres Country of manufacture: Vietnam The Katari 7 is a slimline pack aimed at mountain bikers, cyclists and runners.
On test: headtorches reviewed
A headtorch should be in every outdoor enthusiast’s kit. The ability to light your way when it gets dark could mean the difference between gettin...
Bridgedale launches Polarity Fusion science to end mystery of socks lost in wash
Leading brand Bridgedale has come up with a technical solution to that age-old problem faced by walkers: losing a sock in the wash.
On test: Danner Mountain 600 Weatherized insulated boot reviewed
Price: £178.89 Weight: 1,208g/pair Construction: full-grain leather uppers Country of manufacture: Vietnam Waterproofing: Danner Dry Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold 200g Sole stiffness: 5/10 Women’s version: yes, one width only Sizes: men’s medium width 7-14; wide 7-13; women’s medium width 3-8½ When we tested the version of Danner’s 600 boot without insulation, we were impressed by the performance of footwear that doesn’t look that technical but actually worked really well on the hill.
New Houdini fleece is first to use Polartec's biodegradable Power Air fabric
Swedish outdoors brand Houdini has revealed its first garment using the innovative Polartec insulation.
On test: AKU Serai mountaineering boots reviewed
Price: £380 Country of manufacture: Italy Weight: 1,862g a pair (size 44/9½) Colour: black/grey/silver Construction: Kevlar/nylon/microfibre uppers plus Liba Smart PU Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Insulated Comfort Sole stiffness: 10/10 Women’s version: no Sizes: 5-13 (38-47½) Crampon compatible: yes, with automatic locking models, B3 These mountaineering boots from AKU are designed for full-on Alpine and altitude use.
Gold award for Houdini jacket that uses innovative Polartec eco-friendly fabric
A jacket that uses an eco-friendly fabric developed by Polartec has won a gold award at a major European trade show.
On test: 40-70 litre rucksacks reviewed
If you’re heading out on a multi-day walking trip or wild camping on the hills, you’ll need a rucksack that’s big enough to take all the necessary gear.
On test: lightweight backpacking tents reviewed
Our tent test was for lightweight models capable of being carried on a backpacking or multi-day trekking trip.
On test: two- to three-season walking boots reviewed
The boots we’ve put to the test for this review are suitable for use outside of the winter months, in more benign weather.
Kathmandu's Gore-Tex wedding dress takes away the worry from outdoor brides' big day
Brides who want to celebrate in the great outdoors on their big day can now keep dry if the weather turns, with the launch of a wedding gown featuring waterproof Gore-Tex fabric.
Bird charity benefits from sales of Country Innovation Avocet jacket
The founder of a West Country brand has pledged to donate £10 to a bird conservation charity from each sale of a jacket aimed at birdwatchers and photographers.
On test: Teva Arrowood 2 Mid WP boots reviewed
Price: £130 Colour: blue/tan Weight: 764g/pair Construction: leather and suede uppers with fabric ankle cuffs Country of manufacture: Vietnam Sole stiffness: 2/10 Women’s version: yes Sizes: men’s 6-13; women’s 3-9 The Arrowood 2 Mid WP is the mid-height boot version of Teva’s lightweight shoe of the same name.
On test: Hanwag Tatra II GTX boots reviewed
Price: £230 Colour: grey Weight: 1,664g/pair (size 9½) Construction: Nubuck leather uppers Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Country of manufacture: Croatia Sole stiffness: 7/10 Women’s version: yes Sizes: men’s 6-13 (half sizes); women’s 3½-9 (half sizes) The Tatra II GTX is the updated version of the Bavarian boot brand’s best-selling model.