The Merrell SpeedARC Surge BOA Hiking Shoes are a bold entry into the growing category of fast-and-light hiking footwear that blends trail-runner agility with mountain-ready grip and durability. With a distinct rocker geometry, robust outsole, and dual BOA® Fit System dial closure, the SpeedARC Surge BOA promises a locked-in fit, adaptive support, and enough cushioning…
The Artilect Flatiron 185 Crew is one of the most advanced lightweight base layers in the merino category — built for active use across cold conditions, layered systems, and high-output movement. What sets it apart? It’s powered by Nuyarn® technology, a proprietary spinning technique that claims to deliver better warmth, faster drying, and stronger tensile…
The 5.11 Rush 72 Backpack is a rugged, feature-rich tactical pack designed for 72-hour missions, bug-out scenarios, and extended outdoor excursions. With a massive 55-litre capacity, water-resistant 1050D nylon construction, and a modular layout that supports customisation, it’s one of the most trusted packs in the tactical and adventure gear space. Whether you’re prepping for…
The NEMO Disco 15F Down Sleeping Bag is a three-season sleeping bag designed with one goal in mind: to help side sleepers get a better night’s rest outdoors. Featuring NEMO’s signature Classic Spoon™ shape, hydrophobic down insulation, and clever temperature regulation features, the Disco 15 strikes a balance between comfort, warmth, and sustainability. In this…
The FORCLAZ MT500 Trekking Trousers from Decathlon offer a compelling mix of rugged durability and price-point accessibility — ideal for anyone who wants reliable outdoor gear without blowing their budget. Designed for trekking, bikepacking, and scrambling, these trousers punch well above their £35 price tag and have earned their spot among serious 3-season staples. Build…
Introduction: A 3D-Printed Saddle for Under £30? The RYET 3D Printed Ultralight Carbon Saddle is one of the most intriguing cycling products to emerge from the budget end of the market. With a price tag hovering around £20–£30 on platforms like AliExpress, it promises features typically found on high-end saddles costing ten times as much:…
ASSOS EQUIPE R Bib Shorts S11 – Race-Ready Comfort Without the Bank-Breaking Guilt I picked up the EQUIPE R S11s as a more affordable way to tap into ASSOS’s legendary bib short tech without going full RS or RSR. After a few hundred kilometres of testing — from tempo sessions to all-day rides — I…
Passenger Clothing continues to refine its eco-conscious essentials with the 365 Organic Cotton Short — a year-round staple designed to blend casual comfort with practical utility. Whether you’re planning a low-key trail walk, camping weekend, or just need something breathable for warm-weather travel, these shorts deliver on simplicity, softness, and functionality. Built from a sustainable…
An ultralight shelter with surprising storm chops—can it truly handle UK weather? Overview The 3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 (4-Season version) is a trekking-pole-supported, double-wall shelter that offers true ultralight performance on a shoestring budget. For hikers, bikepackers, and wild campers looking for a sub-£200 shelter that doesn’t skimp on protection, it’s become a cult…
Fjällräven Vidda Pro Ventilated Pants – Built for the Long Haul I bought the Vidda Pro Ventilated Pants after one too many soggy, snag-filled hikes in trousers that promised “durability” and delivered disappointment. I wanted something that could handle dense brush, rocky scrambles, and sudden downpours — and these have delivered in spades. Build &…
Outdoor Research Apollo Rain Pants – Dependable Wet-Weather Armour The Apollo Rain Pants are a lightweight, packable solution for unpredictable UK weather — the kind where the forecast says “light drizzle” and you end up in a sideways monsoon. After months of use on muddy footpaths, misty bikepacking trips, and a particularly damp Dartmoor hike,…
A Budget Hiking Shoe That Punches Above Its Weight The Columbia Crestwood Hiking Shoe is a lightweight, low-cut trail shoe designed for day hikers, weekend walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want dependable performance without breaking the bank. Priced well under £100, the Crestwood is Columbia’s answer to the budget-conscious hiker who still demands comfort, grip,…
