When I first unboxed the SpeedARC Surge BOA, I wasn’t sure if I’d ordered hiking shoes or props from a sci-fi film. With their bulbous midsole, dual BOA dials, and futuristic Matryx upper, they looked like something designed for moonwalking. But after three months of real-world testing—from Birmingham’s canal paths to the shale trails of…
This isn’t just another Merino top—it’s a bit of a revelation. Fit & Feel Right out of the bag, the Flatiron 185 feels premium. The Nuyarn Merino blend is buttery soft, with none of that scratchy wool feel you sometimes get. It hugs the body without being restrictive—think second skin, not sausage casing. The stretch…
I bought the 5.11 Rush 72 2.0 with one goal in mind: to have a pack that could handle everything from weekend hikes in the Peak District to emergency bug-out scenarios. After six months of dragging it through rain, gravel, and the occasional airport terminal, here’s how it’s held up. First Impressions Right out of…
Nemo Disco 15F Down Sleeping Bag – A Side Sleeper’s Dream (and a Back Sleeper’s Secret Indulgence) I’ve tested my fair share of sleeping bags over the years—some that felt like straitjackets, others that rustled like crisp packets every time I moved. But the Nemo Disco 15F? It’s like someone finally asked, “What if a…
FORCLAZ MT500 Trekking Trousers – Rugged, Reliable, and Ridiculously Good Value I picked up the MT500s from Decathlon as a “see how they do” pair of trekking trousers — and they’ve since become my go-to for everything from misty ridge walks to muddy bikepacking weekends. For the price, they’re an absolute steal. Build & Materials…
RYET 3D Printed Ultralight Carbon Saddle – Featherweight Comfort or Just Fluff? I picked up the RYET 3D saddle out of sheer curiosity — could a £20–£30 3D printed saddle from AliExpress really compete with the big-name £300+ options? After 1,000+ km across tarmac, towpaths, and a few regrettable cobbled shortcuts, here’s the verdict. Build…
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 365 Organic Cotton Short – Laidback Comfort with a Conscience I picked up the 365 Shorts as a summer-ready alternative to my well-loved 365 Trousers, hoping for something that could handle everything from lazy Sunday strolls to impromptu paddleboard launches. After a few weeks of wear, I can safely say: these shorts are ridiculously…
Ultralight Shelter, Heavyweight Value I picked up the Lanshan 2 4-Season version as a budget-friendly way to dip into the world of ultralight trekking pole tents without sacrificing weather protection. After multiple nights out in the Peaks, Snowdonia, and a particularly soggy weekend in the Lakes, I can say this tent punches well above its…
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,…
The Columbia Crestwoods are a lightweight, affordable option for weekend hikes and everyday outdoor wear. After several months of use across varied terrain — from gravel tracks in the Peaks to damp woodland trails — I can say they’ve earned their keep. First Impressions Straight out of the box, they feel like a hybrid between…
