In a world of bloated pack designs and endless attachment loops, the Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15 stands out as a streamlined, purpose-built alpine pack designed with precision. Originally released as a minimalist companion for multi-pitch climbing, it’s grown in popularity among alpine scramblers, fast-packers, and technical hikers seeking low-profile efficiency with reliable storage and…
A Minimalist’s Dream Shelter The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy is a top-tier ultralight shelter designed for fast-and-light backpackers, bikepackers, and alpine climbers. Weighing just 494g and packing down to the size of a water bottle, it’s one of the lightest hooped bivy sacks on the market. But does its minimalist design compromise comfort or protection?…
A Budget Chair That Overdelivers The Moon Lence Backpacking Chair has quietly become one of the most popular ultralight camp chairs on Amazon—and for good reason. With a sub-£40 price tag, a 900g weight, and a surprisingly comfortable bucket seat, it’s a compelling alternative to premium models from Helinox, Big Agnes, and REI. But is…
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,…
A True Winter Layer That Punches Above Its Weight The Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip isn’t your average base layer. It’s built from 100% Merino wool at 250 g/m², making it Smartwool’s warmest offering in the performance category. Rather than mimic synthetic technical layers with stretch panels and composite weaves, it sticks to its…
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…
