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,…
The Outdoor Research Coldfront Lt Hoodie is a lightweight insulated jacket designed for active use in cold, damp environments. Blending 700-fill RDS-certified down with moisture-resistant VerticalX™ synthetic insulation, it offers a hybrid approach to warmth: lofty insulation where it counts, and fast-drying performance in moisture-prone zones. Ideal for hillwalkers, alpine scramblers, climbers, and winter trail…
Overview The Patagonia Micro D Fleece Jacket is a minimalist midlayer engineered for everyday warmth, light layering, and travel-friendly versatility. Weighing just under 200g, it’s one of the lightest full-zip fleece jackets on the market. Its soft microdenier construction makes it ideal as a light insulator or standalone layer for spring hikes, cool evenings, and…
Diamond-rated security in a wearable, commuter-friendly form The Hiplok DX is a compact, high-security U-lock designed for cyclists who want maximum protection without the bulk of traditional D-locks. Built around a 14mm hardened steel shackle with dual locking bolts, it’s rated Sold Secure Diamond—the highest level of bicycle lock certification in the UK. Where it…
The Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Jacket stands as one of the most recognisable insulated pieces in the outdoor apparel world. Originally designed as a technical mid-layer for climbers and alpine adventurers, it has since earned acclaim as a go-to jacket for cold commutes, shoulder-season hikes, and minimalist packing strategies. In this review, we take a…
If you’re looking for a waterproof shell that’s rugged, reliable, and ethically made, the Patagonia Women’s Triolet Jacket is one of the best options available. Built with GORE-TEX ePE, Patagonia’s newest sustainable membrane, and a recycled polyester outer, this jacket delivers excellent protection in harsh conditions—from winter hiking in the Lake District to backcountry adventures…
First Impressions The sleek and sturdy Ortlieb Gravel Pack Pannier Bags are made of a lightweight yet durable material, giving you the confidence they can withstand the rough trails and keep you gear dry. Fit and Installation Installing the Gravel Pack Pannier Bags was a breeze thanks to the QL2.1 mounting system. The additional mounting…
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Mat is the latest evolution of one of the most iconic ultralight sleeping mats on the market. Beloved by thru-hikers, minimalist campers, and fastpackers, it aims to improve upon its predecessor by boosting comfort, cutting noise, and delivering trustworthy insulation—all while staying incredibly light and compact. In this in-depth…
First Impressions When I first got my hands on the Kahtoola Microspikes, I was immediately impressed by their compact and lightweight design. The stainless steel spikes and durable harness gave me confidence on icy and snowy terrain. Fit and Comfort The Microspikes are incredibly easy to put on and take off, even with cold hands…
The Arc’teryx Gamma Pants are part of the brand’s iconic softshell line, refined over years to meet the demands of climbers, trekkers, alpine scramblers, and technical hikers. Designed with rugged mobility and weather resistance at their core, the latest Gamma iteration combines breathable Fortius™ DW 2.0 fabric, articulated patterning, and minimalist features for a streamlined…
A Handlebar Bag That Does It All The Restrap Bar Pack is a 10-litre, fully waterproof handlebar bag designed for bikepacking, gravel touring, and long-distance cycling. Handmade in Yorkshire, UK, it combines rugged construction, clever storage features, and ride-ready stability in a compact, self-contained package. Unlike traditional harness-and-drybag systems, the Bar Pack is a standalone…
