Looking for the best walking shoes of 2025? Want to power walk the city, hike forest paths, or rack up steps on your daily commute? Here, we break down the best-selling walking shoes for men and women to meet a range of needs from joint-supporting cushioning to barefoot-like flexibility. Our picks focus on real-world performance—not…
The Aurora 2 is a spacious, durable, and comfort-focused tent that straddles the line between backpacking and basecamp. Build & Materials The tent comes with a footprint included, which is rare at this price point and adds value and longevity. The materials feel robust—more like a car camping tent than a fragile ultralight shelter. Setup…
I bought the Fidlock TWIST 590 after my partner bought an electric Mountain Bike with limited frame space. After a few months of use across road, gravel, and MTB trails, I can confidently say: this isn’t just a bottle—it’s a system. And it works. Magnetic Mounting System I’ve never lost a bottle, even on rooty…
A rugged, supportive approach shoe built for long days and rough terrain Build & Materials The Boulder X is built like a tank. The full rubber rand wraps the toe and sides, offering serious protection against rock strikes and abrasion. The board-lasted construction gives it a stiff, supportive feel—more akin to a light mountaineering boot…
Big Adventures, Small Prices In a world of carbon-titanium-this and Dyneema-that, it’s easy to assume quality outdoor gear must come with a premium price tag. But AliExpress has quietly become a goldmine for savvy adventurers hunting high-performance gear without the designer markup. Yes, there’s the occasional gamble—but if you know where to look, you can…
The Compact Hiker Trekking poles are a pragmatic blend of simplicity, durability, and trail-friendly packability, clearly geared toward hikers who value low bulk without compromising on strength. At just 275 g per pole and a collapsed length of 38 cm, they’re tailored for those who move fast and light—especially useful if you’re integrating them into…
Specs & Construction Comfort & Warmth This quilt punches well above its price point. I’ve used it down to 2°C with a decent pad (R-value 4.5) and a light puffy, and stayed warm all night. The loft is generous, and the down doesn’t migrate much thanks to the box baffle construction. The zippered footbox and…
I picked up the Rock Blitz 15 as a dedicated multi-pitch climbing pack, but it’s since become my go-to for everything from fast-and-light scrambles to gym days and even the odd gravel ride. It’s not trying to be a do-it-all pack—but what it does, it does brilliantly. Design & Build The design is minimalist but…
I picked up the Helium Bivy for solo bikepacking and fast-and-light hiking trips where weight and pack size matter more than sprawling luxury. After over 30 nights in it—from the Cairngorms to coastal cliffs—it’s become my go-to shelter when I want to disappear into the landscape without hauling a tent. First Impressions & Setup Materials…
The Moon Lence Backpacking Chair is a budget-friendly alternative to the Helinox Chair Zero. It’s light, compact, and comfy enough to make sitting on rocks a thing of the past. After a year of use—from Dartmoor to Dales—it’s earned its place in my pack. Setup & Portability Comfort & Design Stability & Durability Performance in…
Overview: The £60 Jacket That Punches Above Its Weight The MT100 is Decathlon’s entry-level down puffer, designed for cold, dry conditions and minimalist packers. It’s filled with RDS-certified 800 fill-power duck down (90/10) and weighs in at around 300g (size L), making it one of the lightest insulated jackets in its class. It’s not flashy,…
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip – A User’s Review After a Full Winter of Wear I picked up the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip as my primary base layer for cold-weather cycling, hiking, and general outdoor faffing about. After a full season of use—from frosty bivvies in the Peaks to misty dog walks…
