Walking
21st Nov 2019 Leki Micro Vario Ti System Walking Poles
We were originally attracted by these poles because of their compactness, observing that there would be no problem in packing them for a flight when taking hand luggage only. Measuring less than...
26th Sep 2019 Komperdell Trailstick Carbon C4 Vario Compact Walking Poles
I've used plenty of sticks over the years, primarily whilst walking, and often in the snow. One of the main issues with them is that if you are out with a small bag, whilst running or on a day...
31st Jan 2018 Walks & Treks In The Maritime Alps
Another pocket sized guide from Cicerone who have definitely cornered the market when it comes to continental Europe. This guide features 220 pages (that's 18 walks of between 6km and 20km as...
4th Oct 2017 100 Hut Walks In The Alps - Cicerone
Cicerone have an army of guidebooks to adventurous stuff in Europe (they do cover other parts of the world too, but Europe is their main focus). This guide is a welcome addition to our...
3rd Aug 2017 Carbon Ultralite Vario 4 Compact Walking Poles from Komperdell
Having reviewed a few sets of walking poles over the years it's always interesting when a new design comes along. The Ultralite Vario, which weigh an impressively light 181g each, comprise...
12th Jun 2017 Berghaus Fastpacking Extrem Shell
Part of Berghaus's Extrem lightweight range the Fastpacking Shell retails at £170 and weighs 250g. 250g for a fully waterproof jacket suitable for extreme mountain weather is impressive. It...
16th May 2017 Montane Featherlite 30 Rucksack
I own a very snazzy backpack and also a bum bag for racing and can't really fault them. However I was after something a little bigger that is still designed for running with. Enter the...
5th May 2017 VauDe Men's Larice Jacket
Weighing in at just 270g this isn’t the lightest fully waterproof jacket on the market, but it's a decent contender. It has been designed for ski touring, but obviously will work for any...
23rd Mar 2017 Komperdell Explorer Contour Walking Pole
I've had a few walking poles over the years, but this one stands out as different thanks to the locking mechanisms. All my previous poles have featured the standard twist-to-lock which are...
11th May 2016 Montane Minimus Hybrid Jacket
I sadly left my last winter jacket at a service station and it has not been since. My requirements in a winter jacket are as follows: first and foremost it needs to be warm and waterproof; it...
14th Oct 2015 Berghaus Vapour Claw Running Shoes
The Berghaus Vapour Light Claw is a running shoe aimed at trail and long distance runners. I have worked them hard by running in all weathers and over some distances, used them as approach shoes...
18th Apr 2016 Salomon Fast Wing Hoodie
I recently arrived at my folks house after a long bike ride. My Dad asked where my waterproof was so I tossed him the little tennis ball sized stuff-sack that contained the Salomon Fast Wing...
13th Oct 2015 Alpkit Brukit Stove & Billy System
Alpkit Brukit Review I already own a number of stoves so felt a little indulgent getting this one, but a) it's inexpensive, and b) it fills a very useful gap. Retailing at £35 for both the...
23rd Sep 2015 VauDe Power Lizard Lightweight Tent
VauDe Power Lizard Review Before starting on the review I have to say that I love the name. Power Lizard! Tents seem to have a long history of cool names. Perhaps it's a factor of them having...
23rd Jul 2015 Osprey Jet 18 Kids Rucksack
There comes a time in a kids' life when he or she needs to start carrying their own kit when out walking and camping. Personally I've been keen not to start this too early, preferring instead, to...
21st Jul 2015 Five Ten Tennie Approach Shoe
I was 13 in 1985. It was a formative time for me. Lots of fairly major things in my life happened around that time, but sadly my parents didn't buy me a pair of the world's first approach shoes,...
15th Jul 2015 Rab 406 Person Bothy (Group Shelter)
Rab Goup Shelter (Bothy) 4-6 Writing a review for a bothy was always going to be a bit of a weird one, as generally it's a piece of kit that you'll hopefully rarely use. However, whilst this is...
30th Jun 2015 LED Lenser NEO Headtorch
This isn't a torch to run or cycle with, but it's one I often take running and cycling, as well as camping, and most other occasions when I know a torch is going to come in handy. Why? Because...
28th Apr 2015 Zamberlan Lady Lite GTX RR Walkng Boots
I’ve only ever owned one pair of walking boots prior to these (I was late to the game) and they lasted for 15 years and gave me everything I asked of them, so my next pair had a lot to live up...
28th Apr 2015 Terra Nova Ultralight Bothy 4
Essentially an emergency shelter this bothy is one of those bits of kit that you may well never use, and you certainly won't want to, but it's useful to have one in your pack if you are out in...
21st Apr 2015 Scarpa Zen Pro Approach Shoes
Almost my favourite Approach Shoes ever. But not quite. I don't usually start a review with a summary, but they are that good that I thought they deserved it. In essence they have everything an...
1st Apr 2015 The North Face Paramount Convertible Trousers
OK so convertible trousers may not be hip, but they are just the ticket when going light is important and the weather is mixed. I've had a few pairs of convertibles before - convertible, if you're...
20th Oct 2014 Rab Boreas Pull-on Jacket
Introduction If you've read any of my other reviews you'll know that I am a keen advocate of lightweight kit. The Boreas Pull-on is just that. Weighing just 259g and packing down into a fist...
16th Oct 2014 Quickhiker Ultralight 4 Tent - Decathlon
Introduction It came as something of a surprise to discover that very few tent manufacturers make a lightweight 4 person tent. I discovered this ahead of a recent cycle touring trip to Denmark....
15th Jul 2014 Rab Neutrino 400 Sleeping Bag
Introduction It seems fitting that after writing a Blog piece on supporting local businesses I should now be writing a review of a company who, as one of their selling points, point out that...
10th Jul 2014 Berghaus Vapour Shell Goretex Trousers
Introduction Also known as the Vapour Shell Pant (I still find it strange adopting this Americanism and like to call trousers trousers, and not pants!). Features It's pretty tricky writing in...
3rd Jul 2014 VR Lite Alpine Maya Jacket - RAB
Introduction I have two young boys so whenever we are out and about I am invariably carrying my kit and theirs, be it spare jackets on a day-walk, or full camping gear if out overnight. It means...
13th Jun 2014 Paclite Inflatable Kayak Review - Advanced Elements
I watch a large number of adventure films in my line of work and I've noticed an increasing number of expeditioners travelling on foot to remote parts of the world now carry lightweight kayaks...
12th Jun 2014 Smart Wool Merino NTS Baselayer
A Rambling Introduction on brand loyalty As event organisers Matt Heason and I spend oodles of time designing eye-catching documents to woo potential sponsors. We have solid stats on ticket...
16th May 2014 Didriksons Donau Pants - Waterproof Trousers Review
Who Are Didriksons? I'd not come across the brand Didriksons before, but they are apparently pretty big in their native country of Sweden where they've been going for 101 years! These Donau Pants...
12th May 2014 Men's Aiglun Stretch Climbing Trousers - Berghaus
I'd been in need of some new climbing trousers for a while, something I can climb and walk comfortably in. Enter the Aigluns. First off they look nice. In recent times Berghaus seem to have...
28th Feb 2014 Berghaus Men's Cuesta Approach Shoe Review
A good solid pair of approach shoes that I have worn virtually every day since getting them and are showing very little signs of wear. They retail at £85. Approach shoes generally fit into two...
20th Sep 2013 Magicshine MJ886 Headtorch
A while back I tested a Magic Shine MJ880 bike light. I was impressed. It was very bright, well made, light weight and affordable to boot. So I had high expectations of this head torch. First off...
11th Sep 2013 Zamberlan Crosser Approach Shoe
Many moons ago my first ever pair of proper walking boots were a par of Zamberlans. I can't recall the actual model, but the brand name has stuck in my memory for nearly three decades! I remember...