Discover trail-tested gear reviews, expert tips, and destination guides for hikers of all levels. From boots to backpacks and navigation tools, Adventure Media helps you hike smarter, lighter, and further.
A Minimalist Insulated Vest with Maximum Versatility The Arc’teryx Atom Vest is a lightweight, synthetically insulated gilet designed for high-output activities like hiking, climbing, biking, and ski touring. It’s part of Arc’teryx’s Atom series—renowned for its balance of breathability, mobility, and warmth—and sits between the ultralight Atom SL and the heavier Atom AR in terms…
The YETI Hopper M12 Soft Backpack Cooler is the latest addition to YETI’s premium soft cooler lineup, designed for those who want hands-free portability without sacrificing cooling performance. With a 20-can capacity, MagShield™ magnetic closure, and IP65-rated durability, the M12 is built for everything from beach days and fishing trips to backcountry picnics and urban…
The La Sportiva TX2 Evo Women’s is the lightest and most agile member of La Sportiva’s Traverse X approach shoe family. Designed for climbers, scramblers, and alpine minimalists, it’s a shoe that prioritizes sensitivity, grip, and packability over brute durability. With a sock-like fit, sticky Vibram Idrogrip outsole, and resoleable construction, the TX2 Evo is…
Breathable softshell protection for high-output adventures in cold weather Overview The Patagonia Wind Shield Pants are a hybrid softshell designed for high-aerobic activities in cold, windy, and variable conditions. Built with a mix of windproof panels and breathable stretch zones, they’re engineered to balance weather protection, moisture management, and mobility—making them a go-to for trail…
A rugged, supportive approach shoe built for long days and rough terrain Build & Materials The Boulder X is built like a tank. The full rubber rand wraps the toe and sides, offering serious protection against rock strikes and abrasion. The board-lasted construction gives it a stiff, supportive feel—more akin to a light mountaineering boot…
The Compact Hiker Trekking poles are a pragmatic blend of simplicity, durability, and trail-friendly packability, clearly geared toward hikers who value low bulk without compromising on strength. At just 275 g per pole and a collapsed length of 38 cm, they’re tailored for those who move fast and light—especially useful if you’re integrating them into…
I picked up the Rock Blitz 15 as a dedicated multi-pitch climbing pack, but it’s since become my go-to for everything from fast-and-light scrambles to gym days and even the odd gravel ride. It’s not trying to be a do-it-all pack—but what it does, it does brilliantly. Design & Build The design is minimalist but…
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,…
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…
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…
