The Outdoor Research Helium Gaiter has built a reputation for being one of the lightest waterproof gaiters available, and after spending a significant amount of time using them across mixed terrain, wet weather, and long days on the trail, I’ve formed a clear and honest view of how they perform. This review digs into the…
The Wild Country Flow Backpack is one of those pieces of gear that doesn’t shout for attention but gradually earns its place through consistent performance. After spending considerable time with it across varied terrain, mixed weather, and different loadouts, I’ve formed a clear picture of where it excels, where it could improve, and who will…
The Mountain Equipment Men’s Ibex Mountain Pants have developed a strong following among climbers and mountaineers who value versatile, comfortable, and reliable softshell trousers. After wearing these constantly on climbs, long ridge walks, scrambles, and belays, it’s easy to see why they keep appearing on kit lists. They aren’t the flashiest or lightest trousers on…
If you spend enough time climbing in cold conditions, you eventually realise that most insulation jackets are designed for movement, not for standing still. The Patagonia DAS Parka sits firmly on the other side of that divide. This is a jacket made for belays, long stances, cold descents, and those drawn-out pauses where the temperature…
Some waterproof jackets feel like they were designed in a lab, not in the wild. They promise technical excellence but struggle when real rain, wind, sweat, and movement come into play. The Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket is not one of those. It is a jacket that clearly comes from a brand that actually spends time…
The Gorewear CONCURVE Windbreaker is designed for people who run, hike, or train outdoors and want reliable protection from wind without the bulk of a traditional shell. Gorewear has a long history of performance fabrics, and the CONCURVE Windbreaker sits firmly in the brand’s lightweight, movement-focused category. After spending extended time wearing it in varied…
The Tierra Belay 90 Sweater has become one of those garments I reach for without overthinking. It strikes a balance between warmth, comfort, simplicity and thoughtful design that makes it useful in a wide range of situations. After wearing it through chilly mornings, cold evenings, travel days, and layered winter activity, I’ve come to appreciate…
The Fjällräven Expedition Mid Winter Jacket is not a casual winter layer. It is a jacket designed for cold conditions where warmth, protection, and reliability matter more than trends or minimal weight. After wearing it through long, cold days, early mornings, and extended time outdoors, it becomes clear that this jacket is built with a…
The Scarpa Rapid XT walking shoe quickly became one of those footwear choices I reach for without much thought. After months of daily use, varied terrain, and long-distance walks, this shoe has proven to be a reliable companion. Scarpa is a brand often associated with rugged mountain footwear, but the Rapid XT sits in a…
The Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker Jacket is one of those pieces of kit that quietly earns its place. It does not shout about technical features or bold design. Instead, it focuses on doing one job extremely well. After using it across hiking trips, everyday walks, travel days, and unexpected weather changes, it has become clear why…
The Thermarest Parsec 20F / -6C sleeping bag is designed for people who want reliable warmth, low weight, and a comfortable night’s sleep across most of the year. It sits firmly in the three-season category, with enough insulation for cold spring and autumn nights, while still working well during cooler summer trips. Rather than chasing…
The Alpkit Nanolite Pole Twins are designed for people who want a pair of trekking poles that are extremely light, compact and reliable on long days in the hills. They aim to offer the stability of a full‑strength pole while keeping weight to a minimum. This makes them appealing to fastpackers, trail runners and hikers…
