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,…
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip – A User’s Review After a Full Winter of Wear I picked up the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip as my primary base layer for cold-weather cycling, hiking, and general outdoor faffing about. After a full season of use—from frosty bivvies in the Peaks to misty dog walks…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
I picked up the Coldfront LT Hoodie looking for a packable, do-it-all insulator that could handle shoulder-season hikes, cold-weather layering, and the odd pub garden chill. After a few months of real-world use, I can confidently say: this thing punches above its weight. Build & Materials The jacket combines 130g of 700-fill RDS-certified down in…
I picked up the Micro D® Fleece Jacket looking for a light, breathable layer that could handle everything from brisk dog walks to layering under a shell on weekend hikes. After a few months of wear, here’s the verdict: it’s not flashy, but it’s fantastically functional. Comfort & Fit The first thing you notice is…
First Impressions First impressions, the Arc’teryx Gamma Pants are a sleek and minimalist design. They felt robust yet light, with craftsmanship oozing from every stitch – just what you’d expect from Arc’teryx. Fit and Comfort The moment I slipped them on, I knew the fit was a winner. Cut with an athletic cut, providing comfort…
The Sorel Caribou Winter Boots were designed as unassuming work boots with only one clear purpose in mind: to serve people living out harsh winters needing warm, surefooted shoes. Features The Sorel Caribou Winter Boots feature nubuck leather softness, paired with the waterproof protection of a rubber shell. Fitted inside is 9mm removable felt lining…
The Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket is a high end waterproof jackets designed to serve serious outdoor enthusiasts with the highest performance waterproof jacket. Following are the key review details regarding features, pros, and cons of the jacket. Features The Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket is made from Gore-Tex’s new ePE membrane, which is lighter, more resilient,…
