Jon Duran tests a new jacket from Patagonia that combines the warmth-to-weight ratio of high-loft down, but the water-resistance of heavier synthetic filled jackets…
The Big Question: Has Synthetic Insulation finally caught up with Down?
It was a sort of outdoor industry pipe-dream: a synthetic fill that was a light and warm and compressible as down, but didn’t collapse in the face of rain. Is that dream finally a reality, asks Jon Doran?
First look: Rab Ladakh GTX Jacket review
Jon Doran tries out an all-round waterproof mountain shell with helmet hood that’ll cope with anything from UK mountain walking through to the Alps and beyond…
First Look: Leki Black Series Micro Vario Carbon trekking poles £194.95
The new for spring 2019 Leki Black Series Micro Vario Carbon trekking poles, MVC for short, cost almost £200 per pair. That’s a cool £50 than the standard version of the pole and well over twice as expensive as a lightweight Leki alloy pole that weighs only slightly more…
The Big Question: How many pockets do you (really) need?
How many pockets – and what kind – do you need on your hardshell jacket? Jon Doran gives the lowdown on this important yet seldom discussed aspect of clothing design…
The Big Question: What’s fit got to do with it?
The fit of outdoor clothing, and jackets in particular, varies hugely from brand to brand – Jon Doran discusses the differences and explains how getting the right fit is as important as fabrics and features
Petzl SWIFT RL Headtorch review
Jon Doran tests a new rechargeable all-round headtorch that uses Petzl’s Reactive Lighting technology…
Keen Karraig Women’s boot review
Amanda Travis tests Keen’s new, more technical women’s trekking boots…
The Big Question: How do I choose the right headtorch?
How bright does your headtorch need to be? USB rechargeable or normal batteries? What about beam patterns? How much burn time do you really need?
Alpkit Balance waterproof jacket review
The Alpkit Balance is an excellent, middle-ground walking and trekking shell at a very competitive price. Jon Doran gives the low down…