Trail Gear Guide 2022

GEAR GUIDE 

FROM THE MAKERS OF THE UK’S BEST-SELLING HILLWALKING MAGAZINE 

2022 

222 

TRAIL-TESTED 

PRODUCTS 

INCLUDING 

Hiking boots 

Waterproofs 

Camping stoves 

Rucksacks 

Trekking poles 

Tents & bivvies 

Sleeping bags 

Mountain tech 

& MUCH MORE! 

Your definitive 

100-page guide 

to the very 

best hiking kit 

money can buy 

MAGAZINE 

GEAR GUIDE 2022 TRAIL 

1 

Hottest new 

releases for 

spring and 

summer 2022 

Long-term 

tests & expert 

reviews you 

can trust 

+ 

GEAR OF 

THE YEAR 

2022

HIKER BEYOND 

THE ORDINARY. 

isthenewbenchmarkforalldayhikes.Abootmadeinthe 

name of comfort and technologies, with IKS system on the sole that helps 

to reduce foot fatigue during hiking. 

SCARPA.CO.UK

GEAR GUIDE 2022 

222 

TRAIL-TESTED 

PRODUCTS 

06 Waterproof jackets 

12 Waterproof trousers 

15 Insulated jackets 

18 Soft shells 

19 F leece s 

20 Base layers 

22 Mountain boots 

32 Trail shoes 

37 G aiter s 

39 S ock s 

41 Trousers & shorts 

44 Gloves 

46 Rucksacks 

55 H ydr ation 

58 Trekking poles 

60 Headtorches 

64 Tech 

66 Hiking accessories 

68 Tent s 

74 Bivvies & tarps 

76 Sleeping bags 

83 Sleeping mats 

85 Stoves 

88 Camping accessories 

93 Gear for dogs 

96 Kit for kids 

98 Competition 

TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2022 

EDITOR Oli Reed 

DEPUTY EDITOR Jenna Maryniak 

TRAIL GEAR TESTERS 

Matt Jones, James Forrest, Ben Weeks, 

Jenna Maryniak, Oli Reed, Sarah Ryan, Tom Bailey 

PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Bailey 

ART EDITORS Louise Parker, Caroline Glynne-Jones 

PRODUCTION EDITORS Shane Collins, Marie Marsh 

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Caroline Barrett 

COMMERCIAL MANAGER Anna Skuse 

KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Joe Sheehan 

PROJECT MANAGERS Katie Kerry, Angele Karsan 

Look for this logo 

throughout the guide 

to see TRAIL’s pick of 

the very best kit for 2022. 

WIN 

£1991 

OF OUTDOOR KIT 

PAGE 98 

GEAR OF 

THE YEAR 


TOM BAILEY 


3

TESTING TEAM 

TRAIL 

AWARDS 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

IN TEST 

Top-scoring product 

in comparative 

Trail tests 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

Best overall 

package of price 

and performance 

in Trail tests 

Celebrating 

sustainable and 

ethical gear 

releases 

OPINIONS YOU CAN TRUST 

There’s a lot of very useful info about buying outdoor gear on the internet, 

but for every reliable article you’ll find about 1000 rubbish ones. Which is 

why we’re so proud to keep bashing out the Trail Gear Guide every year – 

100 pages crammed with advice on the very best kit for hillwalkers of all ages 

and ability. If you read this magazine regularly you’ll probably recognise a 

few of the faces on this page, and we’d like to think you’ll trust their opinions 

too. We’ve been publishing Trail for over 30 years and many of us have been 

working here for a large chunk of those three decades, walking all over the 

UK hills and mountains in everything the weather can throw at us. We’re 

all very particular and shamelessly geeky about the kit we like to use (what 

walker isn’t it?), which means the products we choose to showcase in our 

annual gear bible are often the subject of fierce debate. Some of the kit in here 

is brand new, some of it we’ve been using for years, and all of it is excellent. 

Matt Jones 

One of our 

regular gear 

testers and a selfconfessed 

outdoor 

kit geek, 

Matt is based in 

Snowdonia. 

Sarah Ryan 

Mountain Leader, 

outdoor writer and 

founder of The Wild 

Walk Home, Sarah’s 

turned her passion 

for wild places into 

a career. 

Tom Bailey 

Trail’s photographer 

of more than 

20 years has tested 

more mountain 

kit to destruction 

than he can 

remember. 

Ben Weeks 

Mountain Leader 

and Trail’s 

long-serving senior 

writer Ben is 

a huge fan of gnarly, 

rocky mountain 

routes. 

James Forrest 

Trail gear tester 

and peak-bagger 

who spends more 

time sleeping in 

the mountains than 

he does in his own 

house! 

Oli Reed 

Trail’s editor is a 

lifelong walker and 

scrambler, who these 

days is often spotted 

on the hills with 

two noisy young 

boys in tow. 

Jenna Maryniak 

Trail’s deputy 

editor is happiest 

when walking 

and camping 

in the Lake 

District with 

her dog. 


4

Head for 

the hills 

SHOP OUR FULL CAMPING RANGE AT REGATTA.COM 

AND IN STORES NATIONWIDE 

@regattaoutdoors

WATERPROOFS 

BUYING GUIDE 

Good old British weather means that even in the height of summer you 

could well get cold and wet in the mountains if you’re not prepared with 

a good set of waterproofs. Here’s what to look for when investing 

in one of the most important pieces of hillwalking kit. 

1 

WHAT WILL L YOU USE 

YOUR JACKET FOR? 

If you’ve stared at the endless 

options for waterproof jackets in gear 

shops, you’ll know there are loads of 

different styles depending on the 

kind of mountain adventure 

you’re planning. You get 

specific hillwalking 

options, lightweight 

summer shells, 

heavy-duty winter 

jackets, and high- 

spec designs built for 

high mountains and 

alpine terrain. The key 

is to find one or two that 

will work across all of 

your mountain trips. 

2 

KNOW YOUR 

GEAR JARGON 

Water-resistant or 

water-repellent isn’t the same 

thing as waterproof. The vast 

majority of waterproof jackets 

are based on the ‘hard shell’ 

concept, using a face fabric 

bonded to a waterproofbreathable 

membrane or 

laminate. The most famous 

example is Gore-Tex, but it’s 

far from the only technology 

out there – many brands use 

their own membranes, which 

can bring the price of the jacket 

down quite a lot. 

3 

EASY ACCESS 

C S 

TO POCKETS 

When you try on a 

waterproof jacket in the shop you 

probably won’t have your rucksack with 

you, so grab one off the shelf and buckle 

it up. What you’ll often realise is that the 

pockets can get obstructed by rucksack 

FEATURED 

PRODUCT 

MONTANE SPINE 

£250 

Lightweight and breathable waterproof 

protection for fast and light activities, 

the Spine Jacket uses Gore-Tex 

Active shell to provide reliable 

weather protection, however 

hard you are working. 


6

WATERPROOFS 

MONTANE’S SELECTION 

straps, meaning you have to take off your 

whole pack to access what’s in them. 

Look for jackets with chest pockets or 

hand pockets placed higher up, as these 

allow you to easily get to your gloves, 

snacks and maps as you walk. 

4 

TWEAKING THE FIT 

The most common places for 

a waterproof jacket to leak are 

at the hood, hem and cuffs. You want a 

good range of adjustment to ensure a 

good weatherproof seal and stop water 

getting in. This is usually achieved 

through a variety of drawstrings, 

cordlocks and Velcro tabs. 

5 

STAYING DRY FROM 

THE INSIDE OUT 

It’s common for people to feel 

damp inside their waterproof jacket and 

assume it must be leaking, when often 

that moisture build-up is a result of you 

getting too hot and sweaty. Waterproof 

fabrics are breathable, but only to a 

limited extent, so its useful to be able 

to dump excess heat and moisture by 

venting the jacket. See if you can push 

up the sleeves and check for vents, 

like mesh pockets and pit zips. 

6 

FIND THE RIGHT FIT 

Waterproof jackets come in 

all shapes and sizes – long 

ones, short ones, loose ones, tight 

ones. Some like the full coverage of a 

longer hemline, others like the added 

mobility of a hip-length cut. A looser 

fit allows more layers underneath, 

while a trimmer fit eliminates excess 

fabric that might otherwise flap around, 

bunch up or billow in the wind. Try a few 

jackets on and go for the one that feels 

the most comfortable – but also check 

you can move your arms easily, and that 

your wrists and lower back are covered 

even when you bend over or stretch 

upwards, with no tightness across 

the chest or shoulders. 

7 

ZIP UP, HOOD UP 

Zips often leak, so look for 

water-resistant types. They’ll 

either be laminated with a waterproof 

coating, or a reverse coil design (with 

the teeth on the inside). The best jackets 

also have a storm flap placed behind the 

zip or over the top for extra protection. 

Ensure the main zip comes right up to 

the chin or even the nose. When it comes 

to hoods, ensure it adjusts for a close fit 

around the head and face, ideally with 

a stiffened brim or peak to deflect wind 

and rain. Check you can move your head 

easily and that you have a good range 

of visibility so you can still see where 

you’re going. 

8 

DON’T FORGET THE 

BOTTOM HALF! 

As well as a good waterproof 

jacket, for full waterproof protection 

you’ll also need a pair of waterproof 

overtrousers (see page 12). Look for a 

pair with long side zips, so you can put 

them on without taking your boots off. 

ADVERTISEMENT PROMOTION 

LITE-SPEED E E TRAIL 

PULL-ON (MALE ONLY) £80 

Using a supremely lightweight 

PERTEX QUANTUM ECO, which 

is 100% recycled, the Lite-Speed 

Trail Pull-On is one of the lightest 

wind shirts in its class. 

METEOR E JACKET £130 

Designed with PERTEX SHIELD fabric 

with improved breathability, and all 

the essential features required to 

make it the go-to shell for mountain 

walking and everyday general use. 

MINIMUS I M STRETCH 

T ULTRA WATERPROOF 

JACKET £175 

Using a super breathable 

20-denier PERTEX SHIELD 2.5 

layer waterproof fabric with taped 

seams, combined with a minimalist 

features, the Minimus Stretch Ultra 

Jacket is lightweight and packable 

with added stretch for a close fit. 


7

GEAR OF 

THE YEAR 


NEW 

FOR 


MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

MONTANE 

PAC PLUS XT £250 

Boasting the latest Gore-Tex 

Paclite Plus fabric, which now 

has a dry-touch backer for 

improved comfort, this is a great 

technical 3-season shell for 

hillwalking, scrambling and 

full-on mountaineering use. 

It’s got a cracking helmet-friendly 

hood, pit zips for easy venting, 

well-placed pockets and a trimfitting 

yet full-coverage cut that 

offers excellent mobility. 100% 

recycled too! 

VERDICT A mountain-ready shell 

with a great fit. Still lightweight 

and packable yet robust and well 

equipped, this is a worthwhile 

upgrade for those in search of a 

technical 3-season waterproof. 

TOM BAILEY 


8

WATERPROOF JACKETS 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

NEW 

FOR 


BERGHAUS PACLITE DYNAK £160 

Employing the latest generation Gore-Tex 

Paclite fabric in a 2-layer construction 

that dispenses with clingy drop liners 

or clammy printed backers, this shell 

offers not just reliable waterproofbreathable 

performance but also a good 

level of wearable, on-the-hill comfort. 

It’s surprisingly light and packable for 

such a sturdy jacket too. 

VERDICT A no-nonsense, reasonably 

priced and eminently practical hillwalking 

waterproof from one of the best-loved 

British outdoor brands. The perfect 

packable shell for your rucksack. 

HAGLOFS L.I.M. £230 

Ultra-light, supremely packable, protective and supercomfortable, 

the L.I.M (Less Is More) jacket features the 

Gore-Tex Paclite Plus fabric, with an impressive 28,000mm 

hydrostatic head and RET breathability rating of

NEW 

FOR 


BLACK DIAMOND HIGHLINE STRETCH SHELL £270 

If your waterproof jacket always seems to wet out despite regular 

reproofing – or if you’re just not great at giving your outdoor gear 

regular TLC – this could be just the shell for you. It’s treated with 

a super long-lasting durable water repellent finish, ensuring that 

rain will just roll right off, from one adventure to the next. 

VERDICT A premium 3-layer shell with a stretchy and 

comfortable waterproof fabric, mega pit zips and an innovative 

‘super DWR’ for superior long-term breathable performance. 

PATAGONIA GRANITE CREST £235 

With a Fairtrade certified, 3-layer fabric made from discarded 

fishing nets that is also completely PFC-free, this jacket is 

commendably eco-friendly. But it’s also a good performer on 

the hill, with plenty of practical features allied with dependable 

real-world waterproofing. It’s light and packable enough to stow 

away when not required too, stuffing into its own pocket. 

VERDICT Solid wet weather performance, a good range of 

features and impeccable sustainability credentials make 

this an attractive option as a versatile 3-season shell. 

LONG-TERM TESTS 

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR 

EXPOSURE 2 £300 

When it comes to spending £300 on a 

waterproof jacket, you really want one jacket that 

does it all, and for me this jacket really stands out. 

The fit from hood to tail is superb, with a flattering 

and protective cut, which is still roomy for layers 

underneath to make it useable year-round. Made 

from GoreTex Paclite, there are more robust 

options, but waterproofing is excellent in a 

lightweight package. Long pit zips and big 

mesh-lined pockets aid ventilation 

for warmer conditions. 

VERDICT Lovable, lightweight 

all-rounder. 

USED BY Jenna Maryniak, 

Trail deputy editor 

USED FOR 8 months 

HELLY HANSEN ODIN 9 

WORLDS 2.0 £360 

This jacket has the best pockets of any 

shell I’ve ever used. They’ll easily swallow OS maps 

or bulky gloves and have two-way zips, so you can 

access them from the bottom or the top. Inside, 

stretch inserts stop essentials (like my phone or car 

keys) from getting lost in their depths. The rest of 

the jacket is just as good too, with a robust fabric, 

a cracking hood and top-notch build quality. 

VERDICT The latest version of 

this shell is just as robust and 

practical as the previous model, 

which did four years of sterling 

service before I passed 

it on to a mate – and as 

far as I know, it’s still 

going strong. 

USED BY 

Matt Jones, 

Trail 

contributor 


(but also owned the 

previous version 

for 4 years) 


10

WATERPROOF JACKETS 

MONTANE ALPINE RESOLVE £360 

Montane’s latest flagship waterproof jacket is a rugged 

Gore-Tex Pro shell primarily designed for alpine adventures 

and winter mountaineering – but that also makes it a solid 

option for committed outdoorsy types who are particularly 

hard on their kit. In terms of fit, features and functionality, 

this jacket is up there with the best, including many top-end 

shells in the £400-£500 price range. 

VERDICT A premium-quality jacket that feels rugged and 

protective, while also managing to save a few grams over 

most comparable 4-season rivals. 

KLATTERMUSEN ASYNJA £330 

This classy shell from the cult Swedish climbing specialists 

combines distinctive looks with impressive eco-credentials. 

It does have a couple of eccentric details that 

you’ll probably either love or hate, but 

it is extremely well-built, whilst 

also being lighter and more 

packable than most 3-layer 

jackets. As a result, 

you get great comfort 

plus reliable springthru-summer 

rain 

protection. 

VERDICT A stylish 

and sustainable 

shell from the 

Swedish brand 

that is lightweight, 

packable, very 

comfortable and 

commendably 

eco-friendly too. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

ADIDAS TERREX 

TECHROCK GTX PRO £450 

Bold, brash and burly, this premium 

all-season mountain waterproof 

boasts plenty of technical features, 

plus class-leading Gore-Tex Pro 

fabric, suitable for adventures 

in the worst weather and the 

toughest terrain. The cut 

is roomy, and our tester 

ended up sizing down, 

which transformed the 

Techrock from a somewhat 

loose and baggy outer 

layer to a streamlined, 

stylish shell. 

VERDICT 

Get the fit 

right and this is a superb 

technical mountain jacket 

with all the features you 

need and nothing you 

don’t, which also makes it 

one of the lightest Gore- 

Tex Pro shells around. 


11 

JÖTTNAR HODR £535 

A technical tour de force, the Hodr is one of the most robust, wellbuilt 

and fully-featured mountain shells we’ve ever tested. From 

its ergonomically patterned, helmet-friendly hood to its split tether 

embedded hem drawcords, every component has been meticulously 

considered. It’s a truly impressive jacket for those who want 

guaranteed protection in the most formidable conditions. 

VERDICT A true workhorse, this ultra-rugged jacket will 

stand up to punishment that would shred lighter shells. 

If you can afford to splurge, you won’t regret it.

BERGHAUS DELUGE 2.0 PANT £60 

A well-priced pair of waterproofs that use Berghaus’ 

proprietary 2-layer Hydroshell fabric. They have a 

comfortable elasticated waist with draw cord adjustment 

and ¾ length zips to help get them on and snap closures 

for venting. Available in three trouser lengths for men 

and two for women, and a range of waist sizes, you can 

be sure to get a pair that fit you properly. 

VERDICT A solid and protective pair of hard shell 

trousers at an affordable price. 

KEELA MUNRO SALOPETTES £145 

Created for the toughest conditions in the UK hills 

– and around the world – these salopettes offer 

two-way full-length leg zippers, reinforcement 

in high-wear areas, and an adjustable fit. Their 

solid construction and dependable stormproof 

weather repellence makes them a popular choice 

for those who make the toughest demands from 

their gear, including Mountain Rescue Teams and 

Tactical Forces. 

VERDICT When the going – and conditions – get 

tough, these are waterproofs you can rely on. 

ROHAN DRY FRONTIER 

WATERPROOF TROUSERS £130 

Rather than overtrousers, the Dry Frontier 

(and women’s Dry Roamers II £120) 

trousers are regular walking trousers that 

have Rohan’s waterproof, windproof and 

breathable Barricade lining and a durable 

water repellent coating. Their Dynamic 

Moisture Control means they can be worn 

year-round in any conditions, and their 

styling means they’re more flattering than 

the average pair of baggy waterproofs. 

VERDICT A do-it-all pair of trousers that 

offer both comfort and reliable weather 

protection. 


MONTANE MINIMUS PANTS £100 

I don’t think this is the first time 

I’ve written about the Minimus 

Pants in a Trail Gear Guide, but 

their light weight (around 150g for 

men’s medium) and tiny pack size (about the 

size of an apple) means they remain my first 

choice on trips when the weather looks warm 

and likely to be dry (although if it does rain 

the pants are reliably waterproof). My only 

niggle is that the short ¼ length zip makes 

pulling them on over boots a struggle, 

but other than that they’re superb. 

VERDICT Still my go-to summer 

waterproofs, and I see no reason for 

that to change any time soon. 

USED BY Ben Weeks, 

Trail senior writer 

USED FOR Several (I forget 

exactly how many) years 


12

WATERPROOF TROUSERS 

NEW 

FOR 


PÁRAMO CASCADA II 

TROUSERS £155 

Designed to be worn in place of 

regular walking trousers, the 

Cascadas offer superb breathability, 

great venting, and a different take 

on waterproofing. Rather than using 

a waterproof membrane, Páramo’s 

proprietary Analogy fabric actively 

moves water away from the skin, 

offering a softer, more comfortable, 

and more easily repairable alternative 

to typical hardshell trousers. 

VERDICT Páramo’s unique 

waterproofing system makes these 

one of the most comfortable pairs of 

waterproof trousers available. 

ADIDAS TERREX TECHROCK GORE-TEX 

PRO TRACKSUIT BOTTOMS £350 

Described as “rugged with a functional and 

stylish fit”, these waterproof trousers feature an 

integrated gaiter, waterproof zippers, reinforced 

kicker patches at the cuffs, side zip ventilation, 

adjustable waist with belt, and a zippered pocket at 

the thigh. The fabric is the premium 3-layer Gore- 

Tex Pro shell. 

VERDICT A waterproof, windproof and fullyfeatured 

pair of overtrousers, with some added 

style (but a hefty price tag). 


ARC’TERYX BETA PANT £270 

There’s a lot to love about 

these waterproof trousers. 

First, they’re made from 

premium Gore-Tex with 

Gore C-Knit backer technology 

(Blue Sign approved), making them 

light, very waterproof and 

breathable, with sustainability 

credentials. The full-length 

zip extends right to the top, 

although this does mean that 

you can’t unzip from the top for 

venting. The cut is articulated 

for good freedom of movement 

and tapered at the ankle. They come in 

three different lengths, which is good 

news, as the regular was too long for 

me (5ft 4in). 

VERDICT Built to last and keep you 

dependably dry – check sizing though. 




NEW 

FOR 


RAB FIRE WALL 

TROUSERS £140 

I’ve had these 

overtrousers since 2017. 

They get chucked in my 

pack for everything except 

full-on winter stuff, when I switch to 

salopettes. They have extended threeway 

side zips for great ventilation, 

which also makes them easy to get 

on and off. They also have a grippy 

waistband lining, which stops them 

from slipping down. I just wish they 

came in a long leg, which would 

make them pretty much perfect. 

VERDICT Nobody likes wearing 

waterproof overtrousers, but if 

you really have to put a pair on, 

these have proved to be more 

practical and durable than 

most others I’ve tried. 

USED BY Matt Jones, 

Trail contributor 

USED FOR 5 years 


13

MID LAYERS 

BUYING GUIDE 

A mid layer sits between a skin-hugging base layer and a waterproof outer layer. 

Here’s our guide to the best options you can buy for going out on the trails. 

1 2 

F L E E C E S 

For versatile all-round 

performance, fleece is still 

the most popular mid layer. Warm, 

comfortable and breathable, polyester 

fleece comes in multiple variations; 

from lightweight, breathable gridded 

microfleece tops to uber-cosy, high-loft 

fleece hoodies. Its main drawback is 

environmental: polyester is a synthetic 

fabric made from petrochemicals, which 

is not great for the planet. Many fleeces 

are now made from recycled polyester, 

which partly addresses this issue. But 

disturbing research has also shown that 

fleece’s fluffy fibres can also release 

tiny strands and particles – called 

microplastics – into the environment, 

especially during the washing process. 

The outdoor industry is trying to find 

solutions to this serious issue. 

INSULATED JACKETS 

If you’re looking for optimum 

warmth for weight, a synthetic 

or down insulated ‘puffer’ jacket is 

the obvious choice. They’re often too 

warm for active use, though hybrid 

insulated mid layers, incorporating 

more breathable fleece panels, help 

to overcome this limitation. Choosing 

between down or synthetic fill can be 

tricky. Down jackets are lightweight, 

packable and very warm, while synthetic 

jackets are usually cheaper and more 

resistant to moisture. If you plan to use 

your insulated jacket as an extra throwon 

layer for rest stops and chilly wild 

camps, go for one with a hood. If you’ll 

primarily be using it as a mid layer, 

then a hood might not be so essential. 

3 

SOFT SHELLS 

Soft shell jackets are versatile 

layers that are more windproof 

and protective than a fleece and more 

comfortable and breathable than a 

waterproof hard shell. They can be used 

as mid layers or outer layers, though 

they aren’t a substitute for a waterproof 

jacket in heavy rain. Soft shells come 

in many different variants – some are 

light, stretchy and breathable, others are 

heavier, warmer and more protective. 

They’ll typically have more technical 

features than most fleeces or puffers, 

with multiple pockets, adjustable cuffs 

and hem, and a fully adjustable hood. 

4 

ACTIVE INSULATION 

The latest breed of insulated 

mid layers are ‘active insulation’ 

pieces, designed to provide superior 

warmth to weight compared to fleece, 

while still being breathable enough to 

wear all day, unlike conventional down or 

synthetic puffers. These usually consist 

of a tightly-woven nylon or polyester 

face fabric combined with a fluffy, openweave 

insulation as an inner lining. 


14


RAB INFINITY 

MICROLIGHT £240 

NEW 

FOR 


If there is such a thing as a modern 

classic in outdoor kit, Rab’s Microlight 

jackets have a good claim to the title. 

We reckon the new Infinity Microlight 

is probably the best one yet, featuring 

a Gore-Tex Infinium face fabric and 700 

fill power recycled hydrophobic down 

insulation. It’s a consummate all-rounder 

for the hills and mountains, being warm, 

packable and more weatherproof than 

most down puffers. 

VERDICT The newest version of a 

longstanding Trail favourite, this is a 

warm, cosy and well-cut puffer that won’t 

collapse into a soggy mess even if you 

need to stick it on in clag or light drizzle. 

GEAR OF 

THE YEAR 


TOM BAILEY 


15

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

JACK WOLFSKIN JWP DOWN £135 

If you’re looking for good warmth at a low weight and an 

affordable price, this jacket ticks all of the boxes. Wide baffles 

are filled with 110g of 700 fill power duck down, providing a 

plump, lofty feel to the jacket, but the overall weigh is just 266g 

with a super-comfy fit and minimalist design. You also get a 

PFC-free DWR coating and a Stormlock windproof shell. 

VERDICT A fluffy, cosy down jacket 

with a good warmth-to-weight ratio. 

MONTANE PRISM £130 

The Primaloft-insulated Montane Prism strikes a lovely 

balance between weight, warmth, features and performance. 

The adjustable, peaked hood is excellent, the dropped hem 

adds warmth and coverage, and the relaxed fit (neither loose 

nor athletic) is just right. The 30-denier, windproof Pertex 

Quantum shell feels tougher than many others too. 

VERDICT An excellent and fairly-priced synthetic jacket. 


BAM 73 ZERO INSULATED JACKET £165 

For me this jacket feels more ‘lifestyle-y’ than 

technical, but it’s still comfy, warm and well-made. 

Yet it is the eco story that shines through. The jacket 

is not only made from 100% recycled materials, 

but it’s also 100% recyclable – at the end of its 

life, simply return it for free to BAM, who 

(in partnership with specialist textile 

recycler Project Plan B) will return 

it into fibre grade polyester and 

knit it into a new garment. 

VERDICT An insulated jacket 

made from 100% recycled 

materials, with an innovative 

process for recycling it at 

the end of its life. 

USED BY James Forrest, 



FJÄLLRÄVEN KEB TOURING DOWN JACKET £415 

So far this jacket hasn’t failed me. In winter you need 

quality, and this is it. Every part of the design, from 

the hood adjustments, through to the 

press-studs behind the zip, to the 

two-way zip itself, mean this item is going to 

do its job. It’s warm, yet the down seems to 

squash easily when packing it away. 

It’s recycled and ethically 

sourced too. Great, but 

at a price. 

VERDICT It’s a jacket 

for life if you look 

after it. 

USED BY 

Tom Bailey, 


photographer 

& writer 

USED FOR 

3 years 


16


MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

ALPKIT 0HIRO £160 

Though it might not compete with the chunkiest belay 

parkas or puffiest down jackets in the warmth stakes, 

this is still a practical and cosy synthetic layer that will 

outperform plenty of pricier rivals on a cold and wet 

mountainside. It’s also well-equipped, with numerous 

pockets, stretchy cuffs, a two-way main zip and a fully 

adjustable, helmet-friendly hood with a protective wired peak. 

VERDICT A solid addition to any hillwalker’s cold weather 

kit, this versatile synthetic jacket is weatherproof, warm 

and well-priced. A great extra layer to stash in your pack. 

RAB GENERATOR ALPINE £250 

If you’re looking for all-weather warmth without too much 

bulk, this technically advanced belay parka is where it’s at. 

The space-age synthetic PrimaLoft Gold with Crosscore fill 

delivers near-instant cosiness, and the oversized fit means 

you can chuck it on over all your other layers for excellent 

all-round protection and coverage. 

VERDICT A protective but impressively packable belay 

parka that is perfectly equipped to deal with exposed 

summits and windswept mountainsides. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 


MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT 

ALPAMAYO £330 

Despite carrying a hefty 

price tag for a synthetic 

jacket, it was hard not 

to be won over after 

I ended up spending most of a 

Snowdonia winter in the Alpamayo. 

It’s so warm and protective that it 

soon became the first thing I pulled 

out of my pack, time and time again. 

Admittedly, the Gore-Tex shell is a bit 

crinkly, but it’s a minor drawback for 

such impressive weatherproofing. 

VERDICT A high-performance insulating overlayer 

that shrugged off wind, rain and snow, the Alpamayo [or 

men’s Fitzroy] earned my respect after a North Wales winter. 

USED BY Ellie Clewlow, Trail contributor 


NEW 

FOR 



TRAIL 

17 

BLACK DIAMOND VISION 

DOWN PARKA £380 

There are two types 

of insulated jacket: 

the lightweight, 

wear-all-day kind 

and those which are like 

a sleeping bag. This is the 

second, stuffed with 800-fill, 

RDS-certified, HyperDRY goose 

down and silky soft inside with 

massive pockets for storing 

headtorch, phone, map and all 

sorts. You’ll never want to take it off. 

VERDICT One of the warmest, softest 

things I’ve ever worn, it will come with me 

on every single wild camping expedition. 

USED BY Sarah Ryan, Trail contributor 

USED FOR 1 month

SOFT SHELLS 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

MONTANE DYNO LT £120 

One of the stretchiest and most comfortable soft shells we tested last 

year, this jacket is great for ridge and gully scrambles, or high-tempo hill 

days in changeable weather, when you still need a windproof layer to take 

the chill off, or if there’s a good chance of drizzle. It’ll happily shrug off 

either, allowing you to leave the waterproof in your pack – or even at 

home on mostly dry days. 

VERDICT A fully featured soft shell that offers superb all-day comfort. 

Its only real drawback is that it is a little heavier than comparable 

midweight rivals, despite not boasting the toughest fabric. 

ARC’TERYX GAMMA 

SL HOODY £140 

At 290g, this soft shell 

is ultralight and packs 

down compactly to the 

size of a Coke can. The 

Fortius 1.0 double weave 

materials ensure excellent 

breathability and block 

wind impressively, while 

the DWR-coating sheds 

water effectively in light 

showers. It feels more like 

a lightweight waterproof 

jacket than a traditional 

soft shell, albeit with 

more stretch for bendy 

activities. 

VERDICT An ultralight, 

breathable, windproof 

and stretchy jacket for 

fast adventures – but 

it’s not that warm. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT FRONTIER £140 

Soft shells are all about comfort and versatility, and thanks to a 

great cut and a weatherproof four-way stretch fabric, the Frontier 

delivers on both counts. But while 

the inner lining feels soft even 

against bare skin, the outer face is 

pretty tough. The double-weave 

nylon fends off breezes and 

light precipitation, but 

wicks well too, so you 

rarely get too clammy. 

VERDICT Pretty 

much the ideal allround 

mountain 

soft shell, this 

midweight jacket 

is well-cut and 

comfortable 

yet protective, 

durable and 

fully equipped 

for long hill 

days. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

RAB VAPOUR-RISE 

ALPINE LIGHT £145 

The Alpine Light is a super 

lightweight soft shell (just 312g 

in a men’s medium) which has 

good airflow and breathability to 

keep you cool, dry and comfortable 

across a broad temperature 

range, but also staves off 

windchill effectively with 

its wind and waterresistant 

Pertex outer 

combined with a fastwicking 

liner. The fit 

is relatively roomy, 

and there are two 

mesh-lined chest 

pockets, but no 

handwarmer pockets. 

VERDICT A proven 

‘put it on, leave it 

on’ layer that fends 

off the wind and 

provides a little 

insulation. 


18

CRAGHOPPERS WHITLAW £70 

FLEECES 

Less a technical mountain layer and more a lifestyle-y fashion 

statement, this well-priced fleece from Craghoppers features 

bold colour-block styling, vintage vibes and a touch of style 

flair. It has good eco credentials (24 recycled plastic bottles 

are used in each fleece) and provides a good warmth boost, 

courtesy of the cosy micro-fleece panels. 

VERDICT A good-looking fleece with 

retro styling and eye-catching colours. 

PÁRAMO BENTU PLUS 

£125 

The Bentu Plus has been designed with 

careful tailoring, a contoured fit and a 

light stretch for ease of movement. 

You get plenty of easy-to-access 

pockets, including a map-sized 

chest pocket, while the curved hem 

at the back of the fleece keeps the 

lower back protected. The fleece is 

water-repellent, warm, breathable 

and pairs with a Páramo Duology 

Windproof to create a 

fully waterproof system. 

VERDICT A well-designed, warm 

fleece designed to be used as part 

of a Páramo layering system. 

NEW 

FOR 


DYNAFIT FREE ALPHA DIRECT 

£190 

Featuring Polartec’s Alpha Direct 

Active fabric, a complex mesh of 

zig-zagging fibres and fluffy tufts of 

synthetic insulation, this fleece jacket 

is super-comfy and lightly insulating 

with superb breathability. The fit is 

athletic, the weight is ultralight at 

just 308g (men’s small), and you also 

get three pockets and a good hood. 

VERDICT A new type of fleece 

which is ideal for dynamic, 

high-intensity activities. 

BERGHAUS 

CARNOT HOODED JACKET 

£120 

Billed as a “high performance 

and versatile mid layer”, the 

Carnot Hooded Jacket is made 

of Polartec Power Stretch – 

a fabric with four-way stretch 

for “outstanding freedom 

of movement”, as well as 

providing effective insulation 

and good wicking. The Carnot 

also includes a snug hood with 

chinguard, an adjustable waist 

and three pockets. 

VERDICT A warm fleece 

for colder days, with a 

comfy fit and excellent 

four-way stretch. 


19 

NEW 

FOR 

2022

NEW 

FOR 


BERGHAUS 24/7 LS ZIP & LS CREW £25-£35 

A longstanding classic from Berghaus, the 24/7 tee now 

comes in long-sleeve versions with and without a zip 

collar. It’s still made from its Argentium fabric, which is 

breathable, odour resistant and wicks away sweat with 

four-way stretch for freedom of movement on the most 

gymnastic scrambles. The longer sleeves now make it 

warmer with a zip for easy venting. 

VERDICT A classic base layer tee now with longer 

sleeves giving it year-round capability. 

SAXX HOT SHOT TECH TEE £40 

Men’s underwear brand Saxx was founded with the intention to 

reduce sweat and clamminess down south, and now it is moving 

that expertise north, to a base layer tee. Made from its proprietary 

DropTemp quick-drying fabric the tee is designed for hot weather 

activity with exceptional wicking and evaporative cooling, 

and mesh inserts at the sides to vent heat fast. 

VERDICT This tee is designed to keep you cool on hot days – there’s 

no women’s specific version so the fit may not work for everyone. 

NEW 

FOR 



ZEROFIT HEATRUB ULTIMATE £60 

A disclaimer: wear this for normal hiking 

and you’ll bake. But when the mercury 

plummets, the Heatrub Ultimate has a 

trick up its thermal sleeves. The ‘doubleloop’ 

barrel fabric provides both heat insulation 

and ‘friction heating’. Extra-long bristles ensure 

a layer of warm air is retained around the 

body, while even a little movement of these 

bristles causes friction which generates 

heat and warms the wearer. I’ve worn the 

Heatrub Ultimate for winter camping, winter 

mountaineering and skiing, and in those 

coldest of conditions it takes some beating. 

VERDICT If the temperature is low enough 

to warrant it, the Heatrub Ultimate is the 

warmest base layer you can get. 

USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail senior writer 


CROSSFLY MEN’S BOXERS PRO 7” £25 

These technical boxers are comfy, supportive, 

sporty and fast-wicking – everything you need 

from your underwear when exercising. Made 

from 85% polyester and 15% spandex, you 

get a lot of stretch, meaning they “work with your every 

movement”, while the Coccoon 

holds men’s anatomy neatly in 

place for less chafing. The clever 

X-Fly tab also enables quick and 

easy access if you get caught 

short along the trail. 

VERDICT With a sporty fit 

and excellent features, these 

boxers are well-suited to 

outdoors adventures. 





20

BASE LAYERS 

WOOLPOWER 200 CREW £80 

This is the lightest layer from Swedish brand Woolpower, 

made with its longstanding Ullfrotté 200 merino blend 

fabric which features terry loops on the inside and a 

circular knit eliminating seams at the torso. This, plus 

a bit of stretch, makes it uniquely soft and comfortable 

while still being naturally breathable, wicking and 

temperature regulating. 

VERDICT This unique design has remained all but 

unchanged for years and for good reason: it’s supremely 

soft and comfortable, simple and functional. 

ICEBREAKER MERINO TECH LITE II TEE £65 

Knitted from 100% pure merino wool, this base layer has several 

benefits. It’s naturally temperature regulating for all conditions, 

while being comfortable, stretchy and breathable for summer. The 

wool is naturally antimicrobial, and because it’s the bacteria on 

your skin that causes sweat to smell this keeps you fresh for days. 

VERDICT Made from naturally temperature regulating 

and anti-stink merino wool, this is a base layer you 

can wear for days – perfect for multi-day treks. 


THRUDARK SIEGE HOODED BASE LAYER £125 

Warm yet cool, this garment looks great and feels 

even better. I started using it at the tail end of last 

summer and through into this winter. The long zip at 

the front makes temperature regulation easy, thumb 

loops make the sleeves snug and that hood is slim enough to 

go under that of a shell. It has gone bobbly quite quickly, which 

isn’t great. Other than that, I’ll 

be using it for a long time. 

VERDICT Start 

saving now if you 

want to buy one… 

USED BY Tom Bailey, 

Trail photographer 

and writer 

USED FOR 

8 months 

FINDRA IONA 

MERINO-LITE ZIP 

NECK £84 

With 150g 

lightweight 

technical 

merino, this is 

a top that can be worn in 

the mountains in all but the 

warmest weather, either alone 

or as a base layer. The material is 

lovely, with no itch, and it washes well. 

The wrists are stretchy enough to be rolled up 

and a concealed pocket is great for valuables. 

Best of all, you can wear it day after day with no smell! 

VERDICT 

So versatile and lightweight,it’s one for on and off the hill. 

USED BY 

Jenna Maryniak, Trail deputy editor 

USED FOR 

10 months 


21

MOUNTAIN BOOTS 

BUYING GUIDE 

Buying the right walking boot is all about finding one that suits your 

feet and choice of activities best. Here’s our guide to finding your ideal 

match for many years of happy hillwalking adventures together. 

1 

WHEN ARE YOU 

WALKING? 

The prime hillwalking seasons 

run from spring through to autumn, hence 

the popularity of so-called ‘3-season’ 

boots. These boots are generally ideal for 

variable conditions and mixed terrain with 

the exception of full-on winter hillwalking 

and mountaineering in snow and ice. For 

such frozen adventures you’ll need a 

4-season boot which will be warmer, more 

robust and stiffer underfoot, enabling use 

with a pair of crampons. 

2 

WHERE ARE YOU 

WALKING? 

Well-trodden mountain tracks 

require different footwear from pathless 

heather moorland or rocky scree chutes, 

gullies and ridge scrambles. Different 

boots are built for different terrain. Some 

prioritise lightweight flexibility, while 

others focus on stability and protection. The 

level of ankle support, traction provided 

underfoot, and upper construction vary 

wildly depending on the intended use. 

3 

LEATHER OR 

SYNTHETIC? 

Traditional leather hillwalking 

boots are still very popular, since they 

generally offer superior durability and 

protection for the foot. On the other hand, 

they tend to be heavier and less forgiving, 

requiring more time to break in. Those 

seeking instant out-of-the-box comfort, 

trainer-like flexibility and low weight might 

prefer synthetic boots. 

4 

FIND I N D THE RIGHT FIT 

Everybody’s feet are different, 

which is why it’s vital to try on 

walking boots or shoes before 

you buy a pair. If you can, 

visit a good outdoor 

shop for advice, a 

proper fitting and the 

chance to try multiple 

pairs from different 

brands. Take a 

pair of 

FEATURED 

PRODUCT 

MEINDL BHUTAN MFS 

£250 

3-season trekking boot, made with 

Nubuck hydrophobic leather combined 

with a Gore-Tex lining, and a full 

protective rubber rand. Meindl’s 

Memory Foam System offers 

supreme fit and comfort. 

Sizes 6-12 (inc half sizes) 

plus 13 & 14. 


22

BOOTS 

BHUTAN LADY MFS 

£250 

The women’s fit comes 

in sizes 3.5-9 (inc half sizes). 

MEINDL SELECTION 

walking socks with you too. If you have to 

buy online, wear your new boots indoors 

for a week or so to check the sizing and fit 

before you head for the hills. 

5 

ONE SIZE DOESN’T 

FIT ALL 

Don’t necessarily assume that 

your size in walking boots will match 

your street shoe size. Sizes vary between 

brands, which is why it’s worth getting 

properly measured and trying on multiple 

pairs. Don’t forget that your feet will swell 

over the course of a long hill day, especially 

in warmer conditions. Many walkers opt 

to go a half size or even a full size up from 

their street shoe size. 

6 

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO? 

If you’re looking for maximum 

protection and support, a high 

boot with an extended ankle cuff is likely 

to be the best option. If you want optimum 

freedom of movement, try a low-cut trail 

shoe. Mid boots are somewhere between 

the two, offering a good compromise. In all 

cases, ensure the ankle cuff feels padded 

and comfortable, with no rubbing around 

the ankle bone or Achilles tendon. 

7 

STAYING COOL VS 

STAYING DRY 

If you’re walking in the UK, it 

might seem obvious to go for a boot with a 

waterproof-breathable membrane such as 

Gore-Tex. This will certainly enable you to 

splash through puddles, but remember that 

lined boots will never keep your feet as cool 

as a non-waterproof fabric boot. Consider 

your intended use – will you be crossing 

boggy ground or sticking to dry trails? 

8 

WIDTH AND VOLUME 

Walkers with wide feet or high 

arches need more space inside 

their boots than those with narrow or low 

volume feet. Too little room will cause 

pinching, although too much allows the 

boot to roll around your foot on uneven 

ground. Remember that volume can be 

reduced by adding a thicker insole. Many 

boot brands now offer specific models in 

both standard and wide fits too. Some even 

offer multiple widths for narrower feet 

as well as broad feet, while others do a 

specialist bunion fit. 

9 

GET A GRIP 

The outsole provides traction 

via a tread pattern made up 

of rubber lugs. Some bootmakers use 

branded outsoles such as Vibram, others 

use their own patterns. Different rubber 

compounds are employed too. Softer 

compounds offer better grip, but harder 

compounds tend to wear better. In general, 

deep and widely spaced lugs offer greater 

traction and are less likely to clog. Also 

look for a pronounced heel breast or heel 

brake – the cutaway section between the 

heel and midfoot – which will offer more 

control on descents. 

10 

LACE ’EM PROPERLY 

Lacing your boots or shoes 

correctly will obviously make a 

huge difference to the fit. The best boots 

feature locking lace hooks that allow you 

to adjust the tension across different parts 

of the foot. 


WWW.MEINDL.CO.UK 


23 

RESPOND MID II GTX 

£167.50 

A suede and mesh upper is complemented 

by a recycled rubber sole, with excellent 

grip and stability. 

JOURNEY MID GTX £197.50 

Made with nubuck and Air Stream mesh 

and a Gore-Tex lining. Available in both 

men’s and women’s fit. 

PERU GTX £200 

A leather boot with Anatomic design with 

Air Active ventilation and a Gore-Tex liner. 

Available in both men’s and women’s fit.

AIRZONE ACTIVE 

Feel the breeze 

www.rab.equipment 

Looking for cool mountain comfort on fast, agile day 

hikes? With capacities from 18 to 22 litres, the new 

AirZone Active range is our lightest ever collection of fully 

ventilated backpacks.


GEAR OF 

THE YEAR 


LA SPORTIVA TRANGO TECH LEATHER GTX £255 

This boot is one of the best we’ve tested in many years. The Trango Tech is protective 

and supportive, yet surprisingly comfortable. It features a single-piece nubuck 

leather upper with minimal stitching, high-ankled cut, soft tongue, and rubber 

protection at the heel and toe. Waterproofing is via a Gore-Tex lining and a rubber 

Vibram outsole provides slip-free traction with a front climbing zone for edging. 

VERDICT A fully-featured, durable, leather boot that’s ideal for big mountain days. 

As far as an all-round hiking boot goes, you’ll struggle to find anything better. 

TOM BAILEY 


25

ZAMBERLAN 996 VIOZ GTX £220 

With their traditional looks and Gore-Tex lined, full-grain leather uppers, these boots 

are built for the long haul, just like all boots used to be. They’re reliably waterproof, 

extremely durable and reassuringly stable, inspiring confidence over the rockiest 

terrain. Downsides? They take a little while to break in and aren’t the lightest. 

VERDICT So-called ‘fast and light’ hikers might find these boots too 

heavy and stiff, but others will appreciate their superb build quality – 

which also means they’ll undoubtedly outlast flimsier rivals. 

ALTBERG DALESWAY VEGAN BOOT £195 

The ethical and environmental benefits of a plant-based 

lifestyle have meant that veganism has gained huge traction 

in recent years – but the outdoor industry seems to be lagging 

behind. There is Altberg’s Dalesway though: a vegan-friendly 

hillwalking boot with uppers made from lorica, a man-made 

microporous alternative to leather. Sturdy and waterproof, 

they’re also available in five widths. 

VERDICT Choices are fairly limited if you’re looking 

for high-quality, vegan-friendly hillwalking boots, but 

Altberg’s Dalesway is one of the most well-made and 

robust options out there. 

NEW 

FOR 



ADIDAS TERREX 

EASTRAIL MID GTX £100 

Budget boots usually come 

with a few compromises, but 

I can honestly say that these 

lightweight hikers aren’t 

just great value: these are great boots, 

full-stop. You get reliable Gore-Tex 

waterproofing, running shoe cushioning 

and solid build quality. I’ve worn them 

regularly over the past 6 months, yomping 

all over Snowdonia. They’ve performed 

brilliantly and still look like new. 

VERDICT A stylish, comfortable, 

lightweight and waterproof mid-cut hiker 

at a great price. Why pay more? 

USED BY Matt Jones, Trail contributor 


MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

DANNER MOUNTAIN 600 £200 

The Mountain 600’s hybrid style, combining a traditional full-grain leather upper with a 

cushioned trainer-like midsole, looks striking. The springy-feeling midsole is the pièce de 

résistance, delivering top-notch rebound, cushioning and support in a really responsive, 

agile unit. You also get a leather upper, Danner Dry membrane and a Vibram Fuga outsole. 

VERDICT A full-grain leather boot with a plush, springy midsole. 


26


NEW 

FOR 


ALTBERG TETHERA 

£245 

Built from one piece of 2.6mm thick 

Anfibio leather with minimal stitching, 

the Altberg Tethera is extremely 

durable and weather-resistant. 

You get a Sympatex waterproof lining, 

360˚ rubber rand, deeply-lugged 

Vibram outsole and lots of stiffness. 

The bellows tongue is excellent, with 

a very high flood level, and the ankle 

cuff provides good cushioning. 

VERDICT Our pick for dry feet. 

A top quality leather boot that’s 

extremely durable and waterproof 

– but it’s very heavy and stiff. 

NEW 

FOR 


HANWAG BLUERIDGE £170 

The Blueridge’s upper is a mix of Perwanger leather 

and polyamide fabric, the Terragrip outsole features 

15% recycled rubber and a 4mm-deep tread, and 

waterproofing is via Hanwag’s PFC-free Eco-shell. 

But the real star of the show is the humongous, 

stretchy, padded tongue, which hugs the 

shape of the foot wonderfully for a 

close-knit, bespoke fit to 

your shape. 

VERDICT 

A lightweight 

and flexible, yet 

protective, boot 

with a comfy fit. 


KEEN NXIS EVO MID £145 

KEEN boots have a great reputation for comfort, but 

they’re perhaps not the nimblest of footwear. The NXIS 

Evo is different though. New for 2022, this lightweight 

hiker offers stability and cushioning with added 

flexibility. Visually, the most striking feature is a 

split toe design that provides enhanced splay and 

flex without sacrificing the brand’s signature 

protective toe bumper. 

VERDICT Though it shares many of 

the distinctive traits of a KEEN boot, 

this is something of a new departure 

for the brand that will undoubtedly 

appeal to ‘fast and light’ hikers. 

INOV8 ROCFLY G390 £175 

For hiking on trails and long distances, I’m a big fan of 

comfort. The G390s are super lightweight, have trainerlevel 

comfort and bounce, paired with a low ankle, and are 

perfect for summer adventures on non-technical 

terrain. They aren’t waterproof, which some 

may prefer for breathability in summer. 

The sole is grippy, with graphene 

technology to avoid the age-old 

issue of a compromise in 

durability for comfort. 

VERDICT Trainer-level comfort 

built for the hills. 





27

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

SALEWA RAPACE GTX £240 

This all-rounder is stiff enough to take a C2 crampon yet on-foot 

doesn’t feel a million miles away from a standard 3-season 

boot, with good cushioning (courtesy of a Bilight TPU midsole), 

flexible ankle cuff and comfy fit. You also get a waterproofbreathable 

Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining, a full 

rubber rand for protection against rock and scree, 

and a hard-wearing nubuck and fabric upper. 

VERDICT A lightweight B2-rated boot with a technical design, 

lightweight construction and comfy design. Some key features 

are weighted towards winter, but it can be worn all year. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

AKU TENGU LITE GTX £215 

This is a boot that imbues you with confidence over scrambly 

ground thanks to just enough lateral and heel-to-toe stiffness, 

but still feels comfy and cushioned enough for big mileage days. 

It’s a great balance. You also get a Gore-Tex liner, practical 

Vibram Curcuma outsole, and an upper made from suede 

and AKU’s air8000 fabric. 

VERDICT A well-made, technical, waterproof 

hiking boot with a comfy sock-like ankle cuff. 

BERGHAUS SUPALITE II GTX £155 

A one-piece leather construction with minimal stitching and 

a Gore-Tex liner ensure the Supalite II is very waterproof, but 

without the rigidity of a heavy leather boot. Instead it’s light and 

comfortable, thanks to the soft, supple leather and the ankle 

cuff’s memory foam padding. Underfoot you get a Vibram 

sole unit with deep, well-spaced lugs for excellent grip. 

VERDICT A lightweight full-leather boot that hits 

the sweet spot between weight and reliability – 

and all at a competitive price. 


28

MOUNTAIN N BOOTS 

O MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

LA SPORTIVA ULTRA RAPTOR II MID GTX £155 

Based on the legendary Ultra Raptor mountain running shoe, 

this is a lightweight but structured and supportive mid-cut boot, 

perfect for moving fast on technical terrain. The soft, tacky 

outsole also provides outstanding grip on wet and greasy rock. 

Just bear in mind that the precision fit might not suit those who 

are broader of hoof (but do try the wide version for size). 

VERDICT A lightweight boot that still provides enough 

protection and support to be reassuringly stable on 

technical terrain. As ever, try before you buy, since 

the fit won’t suit everyone. 

BERGHAUS HILLWALKER II GTX £130 

While other leather boots are stiff and clunky, requiring 

significant breaking-in, this pair is comfy from the get-go. 

These boots are lighter, softer and more forgiving, with comfy 

memory foam at the heel and tongue and a cushioned EVA 

midsole underfoot. You also get an Opti-Stud outsole and a 

Gore-Tex liner, all at an affordable price. 

VERDICT A well-priced, lightweight leather 

boot that delivers excellent comfort. 

MEINDL TONALE LADY GTX £225 

These boots feel sturdy and robust, with technical features 

and confidence-giving all-round support, yet light and comfy 

enough for regular use without pinch-points or rubbing – it’s 

the best of both worlds. You get a full wraparound rubber rand, 

Gore-Tex membrane, gusseted tongue, EVA foam midsole, 

Vibram outsole, and uppers made from 

suede leather and mesh. 

VERDICT Best buy 

for big mountain days. 

A fully-featured boot that 

strikes a good balance 

between weight and 

sturdiness. 


SALEWA ALP TRAINER 2 MID GTX £190 

This isn’t the first pair of Salewa scrambling boots I’ve 

owned and once again I’ve made an excellent choice. 

They’re flexible enough to be very comfortable when 

scrambling or walking (although ‘Trainer’ might be 

pushing it) and both reassuringly grippy and precise due to the 

Vibram Alpine Hiking outsole which is unique to Salewa. In an 

ideal world I’d like a full rand, but these feel pretty tough as it is. 

VERDICT Superb 

scrambling 

boots for 

everything bar 

the absolute 

toughest, 

most technical 

mountain 

routes. 

USED BY Ben 

Weeks, Trail 

senior writer 

USED FOR 1 year 

SCARPA 

R-EVO GTX 

£210 

For 3- 

season 

use in 

gnarly 

weather or on technical 

rocky terrain, the Scarpa 

R-Evo GTX is a dependable choice. 

It has a reassuringly solid and sturdy feel, 

with a strong toe cap, rigid heel counter, 

moderately stiff midsole and rugged Vibram 

Biometric Trek outsole featuring deep, mud- 

shedding lugs and an undercut heel for great grip. 

VERDICT 

Reassuringly sturdy yet delightfully 

comfortable, the R-Evo strikes a great balance. 

USED BY 

James Forrest, Trail contributor 

USED FOR 

1 year 


29

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ADVERTISING FEATURE 

50 YEARS 

of innovation 

Therm-a-Rest have been the leaders in outdoor sleep comfort since their founders 

created the world’s first self-inflating sleeping pad in 1972. To celebrate a very special 

50 th anniversary, they’re looking back over half a century of iconic releases and 

endless innovation that changed the way people approach overnight adventure. 

One of the earliest slogans used on 

Therm-a-Rest print adverts was 

“for the rest of your life.” And 

while the slogan primarily called out the 

superior sleep one could achieve with a 

newly invented self-inflating mat, there are 

adventurers out there who have spent their 

entire outdoor-pursuing lives sleeping on 

Therm-a-Rest products. 

A lot has happened in the past 50 years, 

but Therm-a-Rest’s core mission has 

remained the same: to help customers get 

a better sleep outdoors. “We got started 

because I wanted a better mattress,” 

says John Burroughs, 

co-founder of 

Therm-a-Rest. As 

an experienced 

mountaineer, John knew the thin 

foam mats of the early ’70s left a giant 

opportunity for greater sleep comfort. 

And when friend and fellow Boeing 

employee Jim Lea discovered a way 

of enhancing them with air-tight 

fabric and a regulated airway, the 

self-inflating mattress was born. 

In 1972, the friends filed for a patent for 

the ‘Therm-a-Rest’, and a year later the 

very first mattress was produced in Seattle. 

From the outset, John and the small team 

in Seattle knew their invention would 

revolutionise the way people enjoyed 

the outdoors. And as manufacturing 

capabilities grew in the ’70s and ’80s, so 

did their ability to expand the mattress 

range, which included favourites such as 

the UltraLite® and RidgeRest®. 

The latter would reach near-iconic 

status and has been a staple for novices 

and experts in the outdoors ever since. 

In 1985, due to increasing demand 

in Europe, a second factory was opened 

in County Cork, Ireland. To this day it 

delivers 95% of Therm-a-Rest mattresses 

for European customers, and is the hub 

of Cascade Designs in Europe. 

Looking back over 50 years of 

innovations, the brand continues 

its unwavering commitment to 

customers. And with more people 

enjoying the outdoors than ever before, 

the Therm-a-Rest team across the 

world look forward to the next 50! 

■ www.thermarest.com 

One of the biggest Therm-a-Rest launches 

was NeoAir® – a range of air-filled and 

super-compact mattresses which raised 

the bar yet again. It continues to set the 

standard for innovative, lightweight design, 

as seen in today’s NeoAir UberLite (right). 


31

HIKING SHOES 

BUYING GUIDE 

One of the most important bits of kit to get right, your shoes can make or break 

a day in the hills. Here’s what to consider when you make your choice. 

1 

THINK ABOUT END USE 

Do you want a technical 

scrambling shoe that is precise, 

stiff and grippy for small footholds, or is allday 

comfort more important to you? There 

is a shoe designed for every type of activity! 

2 

PRIORITISE 

PROTECTION 

For rough ground or scrambling 

routes, a rubber toe or heel cap (or 

‘rand’) will be extremely valuable for both 

protection and durability. 

3 

CHOOSE YOUR 

MATERIAL CAREFULLY 

Shoes made from suede and 

mesh materials will often be light, flexible 

and breathable; whereas leather tends 

to be more durable and protective. The 

choice is yours! 

FEATURED 

PRODUCT 

SCARPA RUSH 

TRAIL GTX 

£165 

The Rush Trail GTX is a walking shoe 

made in the name of comfort, 

designed to reduce foot 

fatigue, providing agility 

and protection. 

4 

DO YOU NEED THEM TO 

BE WATERPROOF? 

Many trail shoes come with their 

own waterproof linings, although water 

can still come over the top of a shoe more 

easily than with a boot. Shoes without 

a waterproof lining are generally more 

breathable. 

5 

GET SOME GRIP 

As a general rule the more 

aggressive and deeper the 

tread (or ‘lugs’), the better the resulting 

grip will be. And while grippy rubber 

soles can have superb traction, they may 

be less durable for heavy use. 

6 

ALWAYS CHECK THE 

W E I G H T 

Just because a trail shoe looks 

lighter than a walking boot, that doesn’t 

mean it will be. Always do your research 

– and try them on before you buy. 


SCARPA SELECTION 

RUSH GTX 

£150 

MOJITO 

O 

TRAIL GTX 

£165 

MESCALITO 

£170 


32

SHOP THE NEW SEASON COLLECTION 

THE UK’S NO 1 ONLINE RETAILER FOR RUN.GYM.HIKE.

HIKING SHOES 

GEAR OF 

THE YEAR 


NEW 

FOR 


DANNER TRAIL 

2650 CAMPO GTX £190 

We loved the sock-like fit of these trail 

shoes, which makes for good comfort 

while also reducing the chance of 

grit and debris finding its way in. You 

have the choice of the new waterproof 

Gore-Tex lined version (pictured), or 

the original (£160), which is cooler and 

more breathable for summer than the 

GTX version and most of its rivals. The 

lightweight uppers help you pick up 

the pace, while a grippy Vibram sole 

delivers solid performance underfoot. 

VERDICT Extremely light and 

breathable trail hiking shoes with 

stylish looks, superb comfort and 

good traction underfoot. 

TOM BAILEY 


34

HIKING I SHOES 

S 

MERRELL MOAB SPEED GTX £125 

For a decade Merrell’s Moab range has 

been the boot of choice for 20 million walkers 

– and the US firm has now created a 

modern reincarnation of its iconic boot. 

The Moab Speed is a lighter, lower-cut, 

trainer-style version, with a mesh and 

TPU upper, FloatPro Foam midsole for a 

“lightweight ride”, Gore-Tex membrane 

and Vibram Ecodura rubber outsole. 

VERDICT A lightweight, trainer-like 

shoe with out-of-the-box comfort. 

SALEWA WILDFIRE 2 £140 

One of the most innovative approach shoes 

we’ve tested in recent years, the Wildfire 

has a Switchfit adjustable lacing system that 

enables you to get a close, precision fit for 

trickier scrambling sections, or a more relaxed 

fit for added comfort on gentler terrain. A stiffer 

‘edging plate’ under the toes, a grippy outsole 

and lacing that extends all the way to the toes 

further boost technical performance. 

VERDICT A close and precise-feeling approach 

shoe with an adaptable fit that provides good 

walking comfort on mountain tracks, as well as 

the capability to perform on graded scrambles. 

MAMMUT DUCAN LOW GTX £150 

This low-cut hiker from Mammut has striking 

looks, with an unusual mono tongue and offset 

lacing. It gets more than just style points though, 

since this design makes for a close fit with little 

slippage and nowhere for debris to find its way in. 

The broad forefoot is very comfortable and the 

toe box is slightly asymmetric for more precise 

footwork, with a grippy Vibram outsole. 

VERDICT A comfortable low-cut hiker with some 

clever features that make it pretty capable over 

varied terrain. A good choice for long day hikes or 

summit-bagging missions with a light pack. 


INOV-8 ROCLITE G 315 GTX £145 

Each shoe is ultralight (315g, men’s size 8) yet features 

a protective toe cap, sturdy heel counter and meta-plate 

shank for surprisingly good support, as well as a Gore-Tex 

waterproof membrane. But the star of the show has to be 

the hard-as-nails outsole with 6mm claw-shaped cleats. 

It’s infused with graphene – the world’s 

strongest material apparently – thus 

delivering super-grippy traction. 

VERDICT A technical hiking or 

trail running shoe with graphene 

grip and a Gore-Tex membrane. 

USED BY 




35

NEW 

FOR 


SCARPA RUSH TRAIL GTX £165 

The Rush Trail GTX is a shoe version of 

the Rush TRK lightweight boot introduced 

last year. The upper features scratchresistant 

leather for waterproofing, 

breathability and durability, and is 

matched with a PFC Free Gore-Tex lining. 

The Presa Supergum sole – created by 

Scarpa’s in-house development team – 

has trekking-oriented lugs with different 

thicknesses to aid downhill braking 

and provide grip on slopes. 

VERDICT Like its boot big brother, the 

Rush Trail offers durability, stability 

and grip for maximum comfort over 

long distances and varied terrain. 

DYNAFIT TRANSALPER GTX £170 

Alpine brand Dynafit are best known for their ski 

touring boots and trail running shoes, but the new 

Transalper GTX is a step in a different direction. 

It’s a fast-and-light approach shoe equipped 

with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, 

a precision lacing system and a Vibram 

Megagrip outsole, which incorporates 

a smooth ‘climbing zone’ at the toe 

for edging on steeper ground. 

VERDICT Unlike many approach shoes that 

feel heavy and unforgiving underfoot, this 

is a lightweight and streamlined mountain 

shoe that combines agility with durability. 

NEW 

FOR 



HOKA ANACAPA ACAPA LOW GTX £135 

For comfort levels and 

bounce, it’s hard to beat 

this range. The deep sole 

seems to divide opinion, 

but for me it moulds around uneven 

ground providing superb traction and 

cushioning. The latest addition is the 

Anacapa with a Vibram Megagrip 

sole of 5mm lugs, a Gore-Tex liner 

and a combination of leather 

and recycled polyester. 

VERDICT Supreme cushioning 

and comfort, it’s the 

armchair of trail shoes. 

USED BY Jenna 

Maryniak, Trail 

deputy editor 

USED FOR 

2 months 

AKU ROCK DFS GTX £165 

The Aku Rock’s DFS (Dual Fit System) lacing offers 

both the easy-going fit of a walking shoe and the snug 

foot-hugging ability of more climbing focused 

footwear. How? Well, traditional laces 

provide a standard fit for general walking, 

while a second fast lacing system can be 

used to pull the shoe in snug around the 

sides and top of the foot to “increase 

sensitivity and security” for climbing 

or scrambling. The system works 

well. It’s simple and effective. 

VERDICT Although the mixture 

of lacing makes the upper 

a little busy, the DFS 

system works a treat. 

USED BY 

Ben Weeks, 


senior writer 

USED FOR 

1 year 


36

GAITERS 

When walking on wet or boggy terrain, this simple but very effective 

bit of hillwalking kit will help keep your feet and lower legs dry. 

TREKMATES CAIRNGORM 

GTX GAITER £35 

If you’re looking for a reliably waterproof 

and breathable pair of gaiters at a decent 

price, the Trekmates Cairngorms are 

a good choice. The Gore-Tex fabric 

keeps feet dry without getting too 

hot and sweaty, and though they 

perhaps aren’t quite as tough 

as premium rivals, they’ll still 

fend off any of the debris 

you’re likely to encounter 

on mountain tracks and 

upland terrain. 

VERDICT Lightweight 

and reasonably priced 

Gore-Tex gaiters that are 

great for day hikes 

and longer treks. 

OUTDOOR RESEARCH CROCODILE GTX £65 

Gaiters were the first product that US brand Outdoor Research ever 

made, and it is still turning out tough, top-quality models today. 

The Crocodiles are a case in point – another candidate for the 

‘ultimate gaiter’ award, these offer robust, heavy-duty 

protection in mud, snow and almost anything else. 

VERDICT Reliably rugged, well-built gaiters made from 

heavy-duty Gore-Tex fabric. Available in a wide range 

of colours and sizes to ensure a great fit and style. 

RAB MUZTAG GORE-TEX PRO 

GAITER £60 

Described as Rab’s “most technical 

protective gaiter”, the Muztag is 

made from 40-denier Gore-Tex Pro 

for maximum waterproofing. It also 

features super-tough 300-denier nylon 

ankle reinforcements, an elasticated 

ankle, zipless hook-and-loop front 

closure, rubberised underfoot strap, 

and single-handed drawcord upper 

hem adjustment. Or, in other words, 

it’s an all-singing, all-dancing, 

protective gaiter. 

VERDICT A hard-as-nails 

waterproof gaiter with 

premium features. 

BERGHAUS 

YETI ATTAK £95 

The Yetis first established their 

reputation during the 1982 Falklands 

War, when they were used by Royal 

Marines yomping across the islands’ 

rugged terrain. Although it requires 

a fair bit of muscle to actually fit 

them to footwear, once they’re on, 

they stay on, offering uber-tough 

protection for the boggiest walks 

and fully encasing your lower 

legs almost up to the knee. 

VERDICT A tried and tested, 

old school Gore-Tex gaiter best 

used with traditional stiff-soled 

leather boots, but ideal for 

keeping feet dry in the deepest 

bogs and stickiest mud. 


37

“The best socks I have ever 

hiked in. Bridgedales are 

totally awesome.” 

Mark Shore 

LITTLE THINGS MATTER 

Design, knit and quality control in UK 

Nylon structure gives durability 

Tested around the world 

LYCRA® structure allows stretch and recovery 

Recommended Sock for The Duke of 

Edinburgh’s Expedition 

Perfect fit everytime 

www.lycra.com 

LYCRA® DRY TECHNOLOGY 

www.bridgedale.com

WALKING SOCKS 

BUYING GUIDE 

Not items that usually warrant much attention – unless they’re the cause of sore 

feet – but there are some key considerations when choosing walking socks. 

1 

WHICH WEIGHT? 

Socks are normally classed 

as lightweight, midweight or 

heavyweight, offering different levels 

of warmth and cushioning for different 

seasons, conditions and activities. Wear 

lightweight socks for summer walks, 

midweight socks for outings from spring 

through to autumn, and heavyweight 

socks for winter – though if you suffer 

from cold feet, wear thicker socks. 

2 

PAIR YOUR SOCKS 

WITH YOUR BOOTS 

Your footwear and socks 

should work together to deliver walking 

comfort. Heavy-duty mountain boots are 

usually built to accommodate walking 

socks, whereas lightweight trail shoes 

may not be. It’s good practice to try 

on your socks with your mountain 

footwear before you buy them. 

3 

CHOOSE THE 

RIGHT LENGTH 

The most popular style of 

hillwalking sock is mid-length, which 

usually sits just below the calf. This is 

sometimes called a crew length sock. 

Mountaineering socks often extend 

up to knee-length for extra warmth, 

while ankle socks are ideal for walking 

in hotter conditions. 

4 

MATERIALS MATTER 

Most hiking socks are made 

from a fabric blend, harnessing 

the qualities of different fibres. Polyester 

is soft, comfortable and provides wicking 

performance; nylon or polypropylene 

ensures good durability; and wool – 

especially merino wool – is temperatureregulating, 

moisture-wicking and 

very good at managing odour. You’ll 

also typically find some elastane (also 

called Lycra or spandex) in the blend to 

ensure a foot-hugging fit and keep your 

socks securely in place, which helps to 

prevent blisters. 

5 

STITCHING & SEAMS 

The best hiking socks have 

a seamless construction or 

low-profile seams, especially at the heel 

and toe, to minimise hot spots, irritation 

and rubbing – the first signs of blisters. 

Turn the sock inside out and inspect the 

stitching. Loose threads, untidy finishing 

or bulky seams are a warning sign. 

6 

WATERPROOF? 

Though most socks aren’t 

waterproof, they do exist if 

that’s what you’re looking for. These 

typically have a waterproof membrane 

sandwiched between a hard-wearing 

outer and a soft, warm liner. 


39

SOCKS 

BRIDGEDALE MIDWEIGHT 

MERINO PERFORMANCE BOOT 

£19.50 

Once dubbed the iconic ‘Trekker’, 

this classic walking sock is made 

with a blend of wool for comfort 

and odour-resistance, nylon for 

durability and Endurofil yarn which 

– with low thermal conductivity – 

helps keep the warmth in your feet. 

Meanwhile, zonal padding and flat 

toe seams reduce the chance of 

chafing and blisters. A classic, 

go-anywhere, mountain sock. 

VERDICT One to note for those 

with cold toes: this classic, 

year-round walking sock wicks 

moisture but retains warmth. 

NEW 

FOR 


1000 MILE APPROACH 

CREW SOCK £14 

Fresh to the market in April 

2022, this sock is part of 

1000 Mile’s recycled range, 

featuring 71% recycled 

content. Described as “the 

perfect warmer weather 

outdoor activity sock to 

wear with lightweight 

boots or trail shoes”, 

this crew-length 

sock features 

an inner layer 

for effective 

moisture 

wicking 

and an 

outer 

layer for 

reducing 

friction 

and preventing 

blisters. 

VERDICT A technical 

walking sock featuring 

71% recycled fabrics. 

NEW 

FOR 


DARN TOUGH RANGER 

MICRO CREW £26 

Darn Tough got its mileage in 

designing socks for thru-hikes in 

the US, many of which are over 

3000km. The new midweight 

walking sock uses a blend of 

merino for softness and odourresistance, 

nylon for durability, 

and a bit of stretch for comfort, 

with terry loop cushioning 

underfoot to give a soft landing. 

Perfect for big weekends. 

VERDICT Soft, comfortable, 

durable and naturally odourresistant, 

perfectly suited for 

your next big multi-day trip. 

LORPEN T3 WOMEN’S LIGHT HIKER £19 

With a medium-to-light thickness and cushioning 

on the sole, the Light Hiker is designed for 

thermoregulation in the warmer months. 

T3 technology uses three layers that combine 

hydrophobic wicking properties next to the skin 

and a fast-drying middle layer for moisture 

management without overheating the foot, 

while the nylon outer is friction resistant. 

VERDICT A sock that uses unique technology 

to keep your feet cool in the heat of the summer. 


40

TROUSERS 

BUYING GUIDE 

If your only requirement for mountain trousers is that they cover your legs, you’ll be 

amazed at the difference finding the right pair could make to your comfort levels. 

1 

FINDING THE 

RIGHT FABRIC 

Unlike denim jeans or cotton 

joggers, hillwalking trousers are made 

from quick-drying performance fabrics to 

provide durability, breathability, weatherresistance 

and comfort. Most are made 

from tightly-woven nylon or polyester soft 

shell, often with elastane for stretch. They 

usually have a durable water repellent 

(DWR) treatment for added waterresistance. 

Other outdoor trousers are 

made from polycotton, which can often be 

waxed for additional weather protection. 

2 

CUT, COMFORT 

& FIT 

You’ll spend a lot of 

time and cover a lot of miles in 

your trousers, so comfort is key. 

You need a pair that feel good when 

you first put them on, and also 

while you’re moving around on 

steep and rocky terrain. Cut is down 

to personal preference, but your 

trousers should offer good freedom of 

movement. Features such as knee darts 

and a gusseted crotch improve overall 

mobility and articulation. A closer fit is 

generally preferable to anything that 

is too baggy or flappy. 

3 

STAYING COOL & DRY 

Most walking trousers are 

water-resistant but not fully 

waterproof, which ensures they remain 

cool and breathable. However, this does 

mean pulling on waterproof overtrousers 

when it rains (see page 12). 

Fortunately, the DWR finish applied 

to the fabric of most walking 

trousers means they can generally 

withstand light showers and 

contact with wet grass or rock. 

4 

TOUGH ENOUGH FOR 

THE ROUGH STUFF 

Walking trousers are vulnerable 

to wear and tear. Look for thicker fabrics 

or reinforced panels in high-stress areas 

like the knees, seat and instep. Double 

or even triple stitched main seams also 

add durability. 

5 

DON’T SWEAT IT 

Many walking trousers are 

equipped with thigh vents, which 

can help to dump heat and can also be 

unzipped for better temperature regulation 

if you’re forced to put on overtrousers. 

6 

THE PERFECT POCKETS 

As with a lot of outdoor clothing, 

the type, size and placement 

of pockets on walking trousers is very 

important. Zipped pockets keep items safe. 

Large pockets that will accommodate a 

map are particularly practical, but make 

sure they are sensibly placed so as not to 

affect leg movement. 

7 

F E AT U R E S & 

FUNCTIONALITY 

There are lots of smaller 

features to look for in trousers, 

including belt loops, ankle 

adjustment, zip-off legs to 

convert them into shorts, 

lace or boot hooks and more. 


41

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

NEW 

FOR 


ALPKIT ARDENT £95 

The Ardent trousers deliver great practical performance at a pleasantly affordable 

price. Made from a double-weave soft shell material (92% nylon, 8% spandex) with 

a water-repellent coating, they are protective and tough, with a tight weave that 

withstands wind and a light shower very well. Reinforcements at the knee, 

instep and rear add further sturdiness. 

VERDICT Warm, weatherproof and comfortable soft shell trousers 

at a superb price, but they may be too toasty for spring and summer. 

SALOMON WAYFARER TROUSERS £80 

Comfortable, stretchy, nicely cut and quick 

drying too, these practical outdoor trousers 

are ideal for 3-season hiking and hillwalking, 

whether you’re a recent mountain convert or a 

seasoned summit-bagger. The nylon-elastane 

soft shell fabric offers decent durability, while 

the durable water-repellent finish will fend off 

light drizzle. 

VERDICT With practical features and 

a technical fabric but understated looks, 

these are versatile walking trousers that 

don’t scream ‘hardcore mountaineer’ – 

ideal for use from peak to pub. 


MAIER SPORTS KLUANE 

3/4 PANTS £80 

It turns out German 

brand Maier Sports is 

rather good at making 

walking trousers. In 

fact it’s Maier's speciality. I have 

to say that I don't own better 

fitting leg-wear than these 

Kluane shorts. It’s not just the 

fit that’s great either – they're 

lightweight and quick-drying, 

plus they're super flexible and 

comfy with their four-way stretch 

material. There are two main 

zipped pockets, although these 

could be a little larger, and 

a small zipped inner pocket. 

VERDICT So comfy, I’ve been 

living in these, on and off the hill! 



MONTANE 

NE 

TERR A 

STRETCH 

TCH 

PANTS £100 

I’ve 

used 

these 

every 

week for 4 years, 

all year round, and 

they’re still going 

strong. Leg vents mean 

they're nice and cool in the 

summer. The stretchy material 

makes them super flexible when 

you're scrambling. I find them a 

slightly strange cut at the top of the legs, 

but other than that they’re money well spent. 

VERDICT Even comfy enough to sleep in. 

USED BY Tom Bailey, Trail photographer & writer 



TRAIL 

42

TROUSERS & SHORTS 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

NEW 

FOR 


BERGHAUS SENKE STRETCH SHORT £50 

Described by Berghaus as “go anywhere, do anything shorts”, 

the Senke Stretch are lightweight, comfortable, fast-drying and 

feature a DWR water-resistant coating. As the name suggests, 

you get plenty of stretch for good freedom of movement, while 

features include two handwarmer pockets, a rear zippered pocket 

and an elasticated waist with drawcord adjustment. 

VERDICT A lightweight, comfortable and fast-wicking pair of 

shorts for summer hiking adventures. 

SALEWA PUEZ HEMP 

CARGO PANT £125 

Hemp isn’t really a fabric 

that has been embraced 

by the outdoor industry 

until now, but it has many 

advantages. As well as 

being one of the most 

sustainable natural fibres, 

it’s also lightweight, 

durable and breathable. 

These practical cargo 

trousers use a hempcotton 

blend with stretch 

panels to deliver flexibility 

and comfort while keeping 

you cool – ideal for warm 

weather hikes. 

NEW 

FOR 


VERDICT It’s good to 

see more brands moving 

away from petrochemical- 

based synthetics to natural 

fibres, especially when 

the end results are as 

functional and comfortable 

as these lightweight pants. 

FJÄLLRÄVEN KEB TROUSERS CURVED W £205 

Undeniably Scandinavian in their toughness, materials and styling, 

these technical trekking pants employ a hybrid construction of 

weatherproof G-1000 Eco and four-way stretch fabric panels. 

This offers good durability yet top-notch freedom. Features 

include large thigh and ankle vents, belt loops, distinctive 

front leg pockets, lace hooks, and ankle cuff adjustment. 

A lighter 3-season version – the Keb Agile – is new for 2022. 

VERDICT Fully-featured and superbly-engineered, 

these rugged Scandinavian trousers are good for 

year-round use including winter. 


FJÄLLRÄVEN ABISKO 

TREKKING TIGHTS £155 

Like everything Fjällräven 

does, the updated Abisko 

tights look great and 

are made to last. The 

update includes a new doubleknitted, 

moisture-wicking stretch 

fabric with recycled polyester, 

which feels durable and supportive. 

Reinforcements on the knees are 

a stretchy Cordura material that 

offers extra protection from 

moisture and rough terrain. You 

get two phone-sized thigh pockets 

too. Also available in a cheaper 

(£100) non-reinforced version. 

VERDICT Comfy, practical 

and ready for adventure. 





43

MOUNTAIN GLOVES 

In all but the warmest weather it’s sensible to have a good pair of gloves in 

your pack to be prepared for whatever the mountain weather throws at you! 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

MONTANE 

SUPERCELL 

TOUGH WP £65 

These warm, tough 

and waterproof 

mountaineering 

gloves have a 

nylon outer shell 

with goatskin 

reinforcements 

on palms, fingers 

and thumbs. Inside, 

a thick pile lining wicks 

superbly, keeping hands 

dry and comfortable. 

Extended cuffs with a 

drawcord closure ensure 

a good seal, while wrist 

leashes help to prevent 

losing one in the hills. 

VERDICT Warm, 

well-built gloves that 

are cracking value too. 

More than worthy of a 

place in your hillwalking 

or mountaineering kit. 

HESTRA CZONE CONTACT GAUNTLET £60 

These gloves are made of stretch nylon soft shell fabric, 

with a tacky patterned grip and conductive tips on the index 

fingers and thumbs so you can use them 

with touchscreen devices. The fit is 

close and precise, offering excellent 

dexterity. Lightweight, waterproof and 

breathable, they’re a versatile option. 

VERDICT 

Lightweight 

and close- 

fitting gloves 

with useful 

touchscreen 

compatibility 

and excellent 

grip. Combine 

them with a 

liner glove for 

extra warmth. 


INOV-8 TRAIN ELITE GLOVE £15 

You don’t always need thick 

gloves. Sometimes you just need 

something to take the edge off. 

For this purpose, the superthin 

Inov-8 Train Elite gloves hit the mark 

perfectly – they are ultra-light (34g), comfy, 

stretchy, retain finger dexterity and keep 

your hands warm. Everything I want from a 

lightweight glove. 

VERDICT Very thin gloves for when you 

need just a touch of warmth – and all at a 

good price. 




EXTREMITIES TORRES PEAK £70 

Slide your hands into the Extremities 

Torres Peak gloves and the 

warmth is instantaneous. 

This comes from a 

luxuriously high-loft 

fleece lining and an 

opulently generous 

helping of Primaloft 

insulation. A long 

cuff extends this 

cosiness over 

the wrist, while 

Extremities’ in-house 

X Dry technology ensures 

the gloves are waterproof, 

windproof and breathable. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

VERDICT A warm, cosy and thickly- 

padded glove at a decent price. 


44

GLOVES 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

BLACK DIAMOND PURSUIT £100 

The cosy, fleece-lined interior is suitable down to -12˚C, 

while the outer shell is a light, stretchy and abrasion 

resistant Pertex Shield material with a waterproof and 

breathable BD.dry insert. The palm is made from strong, 

premium-feeling goat leather that also stretches over the 

roll-top fingers. You also get wrist and hem cinching straps, 

thumb nose wipe and excellent wrist coverage. 

VERDICT A warm, weatherproof and sturdily-built 

mountain glove with good features. 

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT COULOIR £100 

This is a waterproof and breathable glove with a Gore-Tex insert 

that offers reasonable dexterity, toasty warmth and impressive 

toughness. The palms, thumbs, knuckles and all the fingers are 

made from goatskin, which gives great protection and excellent 

grip, ideal for technical mountaineering. The pre-curved shape 

and rollover fingertips further enhance overall 

durability and tactility. 

VERDICT Our current favourite glove for technical 

mountaineering, offering outstanding toughness and good 

warmth without sacrificing too much dexterity. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 


PATAGONIA BETTER SWEATER GLOVES £40 

I get about 70% success with gloves that claim to 

work with touchscreens, frequently having to take 

them off to use my phone. Fingerless gloves solve 

that problem and allow you to do fiddly tasks without 

removing (and possibly losing) the glove. These aren’t 

waterproof but, made from 100% recycled polyester 

fleece, they stay warm when wet so I don’t mind. 

VERDICT Warm, 

practical and much 

less likely to get 

lost, this fingerless 

glove/mitten 

combo suits me 

for anything other 

than truly gnarly 

conditions. 

USED BY 

Sarah Ryan, 


USED FOR 

1 month 

SEALSKINZ 

ALL WEATHER 

MULTI-ACTIVITY GLOVE 

WITH FUSION CONTROL 

£65 

Forget the lengthy 

and overly 

complex title – this 

is the key thing: you 

know that really annoying thing 

that gloves do when you have 

slightly damp hands, when the lining 

begins to turn inside-out so that 

when you go to put the gloves back on 

it’s a real battle and your pinky finger gets 

stuck? Thanks to the liner being fused to the 

outer, these don’t do that. They’re also waterproof, 

windproof, warm, and highly dexterous. 

VERDICT The best-behaved gloves I’ve ever owned and my current 

favourites. 

USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail senior writer USED FOR 1 year 


45

RUCKSACKS 

BUYING GUIDE 

There’s more to buying hillwalking packs then picking the right size and weight, 

so here’s all the key considerations to make sure you spend your money wisely. 

1 

CHOOSE O BY ACTIVITY 

I T Walking rucksack categories are 

often split into trekking, backpacking 

and mountaineering. Trekking daypacks 

vary in size from around 15-45 litres and are 

designed for everything from summer hikes to 

scrambling routes and winter mountain days. 

Backpacking and expedition bags have a large 

capacity, plus lots of features to help you 

carry and access everything you need 

for multi-day trips. Mountaineering 

packs tend to be more stripped 

back in terms of features to 

keep them light and simple. 

2 

M E A S U R E 

YOURSELF 

As well as different 

capacity sizes, some packs also 

come in different fit sizes or back 

lengths. We’re all different, and 

although many packs come with 

adjustable back lengths, start by 

measuring yourself and make sure you try 

it on when you buy. 

3 

BACK SYSTEMS 

S S 

You’ve got a few options with back 

systems. Either go for a padded 

foam-type design that fits snugly against 

your back, a channelled back system 

that ventilates hot air away from your 

back, or a suspended mesh system that 

lifts the whole bag clean away from your 

back. This is purely personal choice, so 

try a few and see what works best for you. 

FEATURED 

PRODUCT 

DEUTER GUIDE 34+ 

£145 

The Guide is a mountaineering 

pack which is slim and lightweight. 

Its Alpine back system provides a 

snug fit, giving you maximum 

control at all times. Made 

using 100% PFC 

materials. 


46

RUCKSACKS 

PICK THE RIGHT SIZE 

DEUTER SELECTION 

What capacity do you really need? 

Buy too big and you’ll fill it with 

unnecessary junk. Go too small and 

you’ll end up leaving stuff behind. 

Here’s a rough guide to the size you 

need for specific types of walk… 

15-25 LITRES 

Fast or superlight hillwalk. 

25-35 LITRES 

Shorter hikes in spring, 

summer or autumn. 

35-45 5 LITRES 

Longer mountain walks, 

scrambling and mountaineering. 

45-55 5 5 LITRES 

Winter mountains, lightweight 

wild camps, hut-to-hut trips. 

55-75 5 5 LITRES 

Camping expeditions, 

long-distance trails. 

75+ LITRES 

Epic expeditions! 

4 

GET ORGANISED 

The choices are almost endless 

when it comes to different types 

of pack openings, compartments and 

pockets. If you just want to chuck all 

your gear inside and forget about it while 

you walk, go for a single compartment 

with a drawstring and buckled closure. 

But if you like dividing your kit up and 

accessing it on the go, look for a pack 

with multiple compartments, pockets 

and zipped entry points. You can get 

them on the front or side of the pack, 

and sometimes even at the rear. 

5 

WEATHERPROOFING 

Very few hiking rucksacks are 

fully waterproof, which means 

they’ll withstand a bit of rain but 

when it’s really chucking down the 

water will get through. Some packs 

come with a detachable raincover 

(often stashed in a small pocket 

at the base of the pack), but to 

keep kit completely dry, use good 

waterproof dry-bags inside. 

6 

S T O W I N G & 

STASHING 

Big side pockets, 

compression straps, trekking 

pole loops and ice axe attachments 

are great if you like stowing gear 

on the outside of your pack to 

access in transit. Hipbelt pockets 

are also useful for stashing things 

so you can grab them without taking 

the rucksack off, but check you can 

actually reach them. 

7 

COMFORT IS KEY 

You’ll be carrying your pack 

a long way and filling it with 

a lot of weight, so it needs to be comfy. 

Look for padded shoulder straps that 

fit snugly, and a hipbelt that sits on 

your hips (not waist) to take most of 

the weight. Before you buy, load it up 

with weight in the shop and walk around 

with it to make sure you’re happy. 


FUTURA PRO 34 SL £145 

TRAIL PRO 36 £135 

SPEEDLITE 24 SL £100 


47

DEUTER 

IS FOR 

LEADING LIGHTS 

#deuterforever 

FUTURA 25 SL 

deutergb.co.uk

RUCKSACKS 

GEAR OF 

THE YEAR 


RAB AEON 35 £120 

The Aeon 35 is our top all-round 

large daypack. Roomy and capable, 

it’s versatile enough to cope with 

all sorts of outdoor adventures, 

from long hillwalking days to 

more technical scrambling routes. 

It’s even big enough to pack for 

a cheeky overnighter in a hut or 

bothy. Formerly branded as Lowe 

Alpine, it’s now part of sister 

company Rab’s range for 2022 – 

so it’ll match your jacket too. 

VERDICT Whether it says Lowe 

Alpine or Rab on the lid, this large 

daypack delivers impressive 

versatility and practicality, 

along with a tough build and 

a comfortable carry. 

NEW 

FOR 


TOM BAILEY 


49

DEUTER 

SPEED LITE 24 £85 

This is an unashamed 

summer pack, even offering a 

dedicated sunglasses holder 

on the left shoulder strap! Its 

V-shaped athletic design with 

a mesh back panel sits close 

to the body while allowing air 

circulation. Two stretchy side 

pockets, a zipped pocket on 

each hip fin, an expandable 

stretch pouch and webbing 

loops and bungee cords offer 

further exterior kit carrying 

options, along with a zipped 

pocket for valuables and an 

internal hydration pouch. 

VERDICT A great pack 

for summer scrambles 

and lightweight walking, 

offering a good balance 

between capacity, weight 

and toughness. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

DECATHLON MH100 20L £25 

This 20-litre backpack is ridiculously good 

value for money. The padded back system 

isn’t the most technically advanced, but you 

do get amazing bang for your buck with the 

MH100. It features a padded hipbelt, stretchy 

wand pockets for your water bottles, comfy 

shoulder straps, zippered lid, webbing loops, 

and several clips and compartments. 

VERDICT A basic but superbly-priced 

daypack with good features. 

NEW 

FOR 


BERGHAUS 

REMOTE HIKE 35 £95 

This large daypack has a 

roomy main compartment 

with an unusual lid that 

unbuckles from the rear, 

plus a side zip for quick 

access if required. Other 

trail-friendly features 

include a vented back panel, 

front stretch pocket and two 

zipped hipbelt pockets. You 

should get a great fit too, 

since it comes in men’s and 

women’s versions, both with 

adjustable harnesses to fit 

different torso lengths. 

VERDICT New for 2022, this 

roomy daypack looks ideal 

for the biggest hill days, with 

a gender-specific fit and a 

range of features to ensure a 

comfortable carry and ample 

storage space for all your kit. 

GOSSAMER GEAR KUMO 36 $180 (+ SHIPPING & CUSTOMS CHARGES) 

Ultralight gurus Gossamer Gear make world-class frameless backpacks 

at the lowest weight possible. The Kumo 36 is no exception, offering a 36-litre 

capacity at just 580g (medium). It features huge mesh pockets, padded shoulder 

straps, durable robic nylon fabrics, water bottle pockets, lashing loops and 

everything else you could need. It’s a great carry and a gram-saving revelation. 

VERDICT An ultralight frameless backpack for long-distance 

walkers looking to reduce their pack weight. 


50

OSPREY SPORTLITE 30 £100 

New for 2022, the Sportlite comes in four sizes from 15 (£60) 

to 30 litres, with recycled and Bluesign approved fabrics. 

The 30-litre option is great balance between a light weight, 

stripped back design, and all the features a hillwalker could 

want. A neat, slimline design allows full range of movement, 

and there is a good range of spacious pockets, but no raincover. 

VERDICT Lightweight affordable pack well suited to 

mountainous summer adventures. 

NEW 

FOR 


NEW 

FOR 


DAYPACKS 

SALEWA 

ORTLES GUIDE 35 £160 

A good mountain pack 

should be close-fitting 

and stable, even when 

fully loaded. This 

usually requires a 

back-hugging design 

that can be a little 

sweaty. But Salewa’s 

nifty Contact Flow 

back system and split 

shoulder straps manage 

to keep everything 

dialled in while giving 

good airflow. The 

rest of the pack is 

as considered, with 

innovative features, 

tough fabrics and a 

strippable design to 

keep weight down. 

VERDICT 

An innovative 

pack that is light, 

tough and stable, 

yet fully featured 

and well ventilated too. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

BLACK DIAMOND 

SPEED 40 £140 

Technical, versatile 

and high-performing, 

this pack is a 

superb all-rounder. 

It has a classic 

mountaineering pack 

shape – tall, thin and 

streamlined – and 

a no-nonsense 

yet elegant design. 

Winter-ready 

attributes include 

crampon straps, 

ice axe attachments, 

and a tuck-away rope 

strap, but this pack 

works excellently for 

hillwalking as well as 

gnarly alpine exploits. 

VERDICT A versatile, 

technical and premium 

quality all-rounder 

at an excellent price, 

possibly best suited 

to winter adventures. 

OSPREY TALON 22 £130 

There’s pretty much everything a walker could want on this pack. It’s 

available in two adjustable sizes, so you’re guaranteed the perfect fit. 

There’s a stretch panel with a buckle closure, two stretch side pockets, 

internal and external zipped pockets, two waistbelt pockets and a pocket 

on one shoulder strap for sunglasses or a compass. There’s a typical loop 

and bungee pole attachment, plus Osprey’s Stow on the Go system which 

allows you to tuck your poles away without having to take the pack off. 

VERDICT A well featured pack that offers the perfect 

fit and almost every function a walker could want. 


51


EXPED CORE 25 £95 

For summer in 

the mountains on 

the days I’m not 

carrying camera 

kit, this is my perfect bag. 

Hard-wearing and stripped 

down to the basics (a bit like 

its owner!). For light loads, 

I detach the waistbelt. You 

couldn’t begin to imagine 

how much I love the large 

haul loop. Even the zip 

on the top compartment 

seems to be holding up. 

VERDICT Bag perfection. 

USED BY Tom Bailey, Trail 

photographer & writer 


ZPACKS NERO 38L $249 (+ SHIPPING & CUSTOMS CHARGES) 

I used this frameless backpack from niche US brand 

Zpacks for a 500-mile walk between Ben Nevis and 

Snowdon last summer. The cons? It was sweaty on my 

back and required careful packing. But the pros were 

incredible... It weighs an insane 375g (including hipbelt), meaning 

I was as light and fast as possible on the trail, while the pack itself 

proved durable, weatherproof, comfy, spacious and fully-featured. 

VERDICT Amazing pack for super light walking. 

USED BY James Forrest, Trail contributor 


FJÄLLRÄVEN ÄV KAIPAK K 28 £140 

Let’s cut straight to the important bit – 

this is a great looking pack. Made from 

Fjällräven’s tough G1000 fabric (the 

modern incarnation uses HeavyDuty 

Eco material), this is a simple but very impressive 

bag with a roomy main chamber, plus a big zipped 

pocket right down the front that’s 

handy for stashing waterproofs 

and maps. The shoulder 

straps are nicely padded but 

the hipbelt isn’t much more 

than a removable thin strap, 

so consider how much you 

value good hip support 

from your packs. 

VERDICT Superb 

option for day 

hikes with a 

light load, and 

looks as good 

off the hill as 

it does on it. 

USED BY 

Oli Reed, 

Trail editor 

USED FOR 

4 years 

GREGORY SALVO 24 £90 

Despite its relatively small 24-litre capacity, the Salvo still feels 

roomy with easy access thanks to the large entry zip around the top. 

It isn’t particularly light, but makes up for that with an excellently 

designed VaporSpan ventilated back system that lifts the pack well 

clear of your body. It also has a nice lower-back cushion, making this 

one of the most comfortable daypacks I’ve tested. The Salvo has been 

updated to the Citro 24 (£115) in the Gregory range for 2022, with the 

addition of a big stretchy mesh pocket on the front for stashing things 

like waterproofs. 

VERDICT Superb back panel and very comfy, with all 

the features and pockets you’d want in a hiking pack. 

And the new Citro version looks even better. 

USED BY Oli Reed, Trail editor 



52

BACKPACKING PACKS 

LOWE ALPINE 

CHOLATSE ND50:55 £155 

This women’s-specific trekking pack is 

extremely comfortable to carry, balancing 

good back ventilation with excellent load 

stability. It doesn’t skimp on storage, yet it 

is tough and weatherproof too, with burly 

fabrics and a stowaway raincover. In fact, 

you get an impressive amount of pack for 

your money here, making it cracking value. 

VERDICT A versatile beast at a competitive 

price, this is the ideal all-purpose women’s 

pack for mixed multi-day backpacking 

adventures. The men’s Cholatse 52:57 is 

just as good too. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

SIERRA DESIGNS FLEX 

CAPACITOR 60-75 £185 

Extendable packs usually gain 

space vertically, but this isn’t ideal. 

Not only can the pack become 

unwieldingly tall, but any gear 

stowed at the base is then even 

more difficult to access. The Flex 

Capacitor rucksack solves both 

these problems. Rather than 

extending upwards, it uses a double 

fold of material on the front and a 

series of cinch cords to expand or 

contract the circumference of the 

pack, making it possible to increase 

the volume without the height. 

VERDICT With its light weight, 

multiple pockets and a clever 

design that solves an old problem, 

this is a great load hauler. 

GREGORY KATMAI 55 £215 

This capacious pack handles 

heavy loads with ease, offering 

plenty of support and stability 

with plush padding to eliminate 

pressure points. The trampolinestyle 

back panel feels airy and 

well-ventilated too. It’s also more 

eco-friendly than most packs, 

since it uses a PFC-free DWR and 

recycled fabrics. If your 

top priorities are plenty of 

storage and optimum carrying 

comfort, you’ll love it. 

VERDICT A great choice for 

extended trekking trips, this 

deluxe gear-hauler is welladapted 

to warm climates, 

big days and heavy loads. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

IN TEST 

NEW 

FOR 



OSPREY STRATOS 44 £185 

Although only released this 

Spring, I’ve had the Stratos 

44 on test for 6 months, and I 

like what I’m finding. The size 

is perfect for summer wild camping trips 

(although it works well as a winter daypack 

too) which require more volume than a 

daypack but less than a full backpacking 

rucksack. The back system manages to keep 

the Stratos reasonably close to my body for 


53 

stability on trickier ground, but also provides 

a good amount of ventilation. And there are so 

many storage options that my biggest problem 

is remembering which pocket I’ve put what in! 

VERDICT A great summer wild 

camping pack that perfectly balances 

performance, comfort and capacity. 


USED FOR 6 months

OSPREY ATMOS AG 65 £220 

The definition of the deluxe gearhauler, 

the Atmos – or women’s 

Aura – employs Osprey’s suspended 

mesh AG (‘anti-gravity’) back system 

to deliver an extremely comfortable 

carry with superior ventilation. 

The wraparound hipbelt transfers 

load extremely well, yet doesn’t 

chafe or feel too sticky even 

after long miles on the trail. 

VERDICT A top choice for any 

long-distance route that entails 

carrying a lot of kit, this proven 

pack is an exceptional load-lugger, 

engineered with airflow and 

carrying comfort in mind. 

ATOM PACKS MO EP50 £265 

The Mo is an ultralight, built-to-order pack made in the Lake District 

that allows you to select your preferred back length, hipbelt size, 

materials, pocket configuration and even colours. It’s rugged and roomy, 

with a handy stretch shoulder pocket and a top Y-strap for stowing a 

sleeping mat or tent. The simple but effective harness and back panel 

balance low weight with comfort and load stability. 

VERDICT Pound-for-pound, this has to be the toughest pack around. 

A great choice for fast and light backpackers, offering far more than 

most ultralight rivals in terms of practicality and durability. 


FJÄLLRÄVEN ABISKO 75 £260 

You would not believe how 

much stuff this sack can 

take. The solid base 

gives great protection 

considering how much weight 

it can carry, while the big, comfy 

shoulder straps and waistbelt 

cope well with big loads. The 

front zip pocket is very useful 

for wet waterproofs. Big and 

brilliant. The Abisko 75 has 

now been discontinued, but the 

Keb 72 (£300) is very similar, 

with great eco credentials. 

VERDICT A big bag 

for big adventures! 




GREGORY 55L MAVEN BACKPACK £190 

Gregory isn’t a brand I’d heard of until recently, although 

is well established in the States. The Maven takes 55 litres 

of gear, and very unusually for my 5ft 4in frame there is 

no restriction in the 

movement of my head. It comes 

in two adjustable back lengths, in 

three sizes – 45, 55 and 65 litres. 

It has a moulded hipbelt, a sturdy 

construction made for carrying 

heavy weight and a full-length 

side zip for easy access. A fullyfeatured 

pack that’s made to last. 

VERDICT 

A quality backpacking 

rucksack with full-length side 

access, that doesn’t restrict 

head movement. 

USED BY 

Jenna Maryniak, 


deputy editor 

USED FOR 

5 months 


TRAIL 

54

HYDRATION 

BUYING GUIDE 

Whether you want to pack a flask, carry 

a hydration system, or filter your water 

on-the-go, there are thirst-quenching 

options available for all tastes. 

1 

HOW TO BUY 

Needless to say, staying 

adequately hydrated in the 

mountains is very important and you’ll 

want to carry at least a litre or two of 

water at all times, depending on the 

length of your hike. Your bottle or bottles 

should be strong and durable (to cope 

with rocky terrain), fit securely in your 

backpack’s pockets, and have a good 

capacity. A 1L Nalgene bottle with a wide 

mouth is a good choice, for example. 

2 RESERVOIRS 

If you don’t want to carry around 

multiple bottles, a reservoir 

– also commonly known as a hydration 

pack or bladder – is an excellent 

alternative. This flexible water container 

will commonly hold 2L or 3L of water, 

and is housed inside your backpack while 

a hose enables you to drink from the 

reservoir on-the-go. Some backpacks 

are hydration-compatible, with a special 

sleeve to house the reservoir and a hole 

for threading the hose through. Better 

quality reservoirs will have clip closure 

or a magnetic system for securing the 

hose to your backpack’s shoulder straps. 

3 FILTERS 

To avoid carrying too much 

heavy water, you can filter water 

as you go. There are a myriad of water 

filter products available on the market. 

Perhaps the most popular are water 

bottles with in-built filters. They are the 

simplest to use: fill up in a stream and 

start drinking, that’s it. The only flaw 

is that the flow-rate from the bottle 

can be quite slow, meaning you can’t 

guzzle water properly and it takes ages 

to drink even just 500ml. Other more 

complicated and heavy filters – often 

featuring hoses and a handheld pump 

– enable you to pre-filter as much 

water as you want. This clean 

water can then be stored 

in your reservoir or 

bottles, and consumed 

at your leisure. 

4 FLASKS 

A high-quality flask will have 

good hot and cold performance, 

with the ability to keep your drink nicely 

chilled or adequately hot, depending on 

whether you’ve packed lemonade or hot 

chocolate. The other critical feature is a 

secure cap, so that even if your flask gets 

knocked around or accidentally 

up-ended in a rucksack 

it won’t leak. 


55

LIFESAVER WAYFARER £90 

New for 2022, hydration expert LifeSaver 

is releasing a new water filter – the 

Wayfarer. It is operated using a handheld 

pump, which draws ‘dirty’ water from 

a scavenger in-hose (placed in a water 

source), runs it through a replaceable 

filtration cartridge, and then transforms 

it into clean water outputted through the 

out-hose. This enables you to filter water 

quickly and safely, cutting out 99.99% 

of viruses, bacteria and cysts. 

VERDICT A handheld pump filtration 

system with good features. 

NEW 

FOR 


LIFESTRAW GO £50 

With a water bottle and filter in one, keeping a 

steady supply of clean, fresh water is rarely more 

straightforward. The filter removes 99.999999% 

of bacteria, 99.999% of parasites, and 99.999% of 

microplastics and sediment. Just fill the bottle and 

away you go. Plus, for every bottle you buy, Lifestraw 

provides filters to developing nations. 

VERDICT One of the simplest filters out there and 

perfect for day walks – potentially negating the 

need to carry anything more. 


SIGG HERITAGE BOTTLE 1LTR £18 

I’ve used Sigg bottles for 25+ years, as I’ve found they 

last for ages. The stoppers tend to need replacing fairly 

regularly (once every 5 years for me), as the plastic 

thread wears out on the metal thread of the bottle, but 

these are available to buy separately, and you can tie the lid to the 

bottle so you don’t lose it. I think Sigg has stopped making this exact 

model, so buy it while you can. I love them. 

VERDICT A classic bottle that’s almost as old 

as hillwalking itself. 


photographer 

& writer 

USED FOR 5 

years+ 

VAPUR 

ANTI- 

BOTTLE TLE £14 

I used 

this 

bottle on 

several long- 

distance walks in 2021, including 

the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, 

Wainwright’s Coast to Coast, Hadrian’s Wall Path and Dales High 

Way, and it never let me down. I chose it because of its ultra-light 

and minimalist design (only 41g per 1L bottle) and for the useful 

carabiner clip – handy to ensure you never accidentally dropped 

it on the trail. 

VERDICT 

A lightweight, foldable bottle 

for minimalist backpackers. 

USED BY 


USED FOR 

1 year 


56

HYDRATION 

NEW 

FOR 


HYDRAPAK ULTRAFLASK 

SPEED 500ML BOTTLE £26 

The thing about water bottles is they take 

up a fair amount of space. Not so the 

Ultraflask, which is made from a soft, 

flexible material and can simply be rolled 

away when empty. It’s also incredibly 

light, weighing just 41g. You can even 

freeze it, so on really hot days you’ve 

got a supply of slowly thawing icy water. 

VERDICT Designed for trail runners, 

excellent for hillwalkers, this ultralight, 

flexible bottle saves space and weight. 

SAWYER MINI WATER 

FILTRATION SYSTEM £35 

The Sawyer Mini water filter is versatile, 

weighs just 65g and is guaranteed to filter 100,000 

litres of water. Screw it to the top of the 16oz (455ml) 

pouch included or onto any standard water bottle to drink 

directly, use the removable straw to drink straight from the 

source, or connect it to your hydration bladder. 

VERDICT Small, light and incredibly versatile, this stalwart 

removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, 99.9999% of all protozoa and 

100% of microplastics. 


PLATYPUS QUICKDRAW £35 

Water sanitation comes in all 

shapes and sizes these days, 

but I love the simplicity and 

portability of this superlightweight 

filter. It weighs just 95g and 

the reservoir just wraps around the 

filter, taking no space in your rucksack. 

It works quickly and effortlessly, to 

decant clean water, free from particles, 

bacteria and protozoa into whatever 

container you want (including straight 

into your mouth). 

VERDICT Great value bit of kit 

for back country explorations. 




NEW 

FOR 


MSR TRAILSHOT 

MICRO FILTER 

£60 

I’ve used this 

for multiple wild 

camping and hiking 

trips, and although the 

effort of hand pumping the numerous 

litres of water over the years has given me 

a forearm like Popeye, it’s proved to be a reliable trail 

friend. It removes bacteria and protozoa from wild water (to be 

sure its virus free you need to treat it with sterilising tablets or 

boil it), enabling all but the most untrustworthy water to be drunk 

directly from source or used to top up a bottle. 

VERDICT A great little device that’s easy and convenient 

to use, offering handy hydration and a lighter pack. 

USED BY 

Ben Weeks, Trail senior writer 

USED FOR 

3 years 


57

TREKKING POLES 

BUYING GUIDE 

Poles will power you through the hills, taking the strain off tired limbs and 

providing security on steep and uneven ground. Here’s how to find the perfect pair. 

1 

WHY USE 

POLES? 

Poles are 

useful when carrying 

loads or on steep slopes, 

reducing wear and fatigue 

on your knees and hips. Stand 

on some scales and watch 

the dial when you rest a pair 

either side, and you’ll see how 

drastic this effect can be! They can 

also offer stability in bad weather, on 

unstable ground or when crossing water. 

2 HANDLE 

The handle should fit 

snug in your hand and feel 

comfortable. On higher-priced poles 

these are well-padded and may have a 

forward angle for a more natural grip. 

3 

WRIST LOOP 

When used properly, the wrist 

loop takes most of the load, 

so you don’t have to grip the handle as 

tightly. It’s also useful to ensure you don’t 

drop the pole down the mountainside. 

Higher-priced poles offer adjustable 

straps for a perfect fit. 

4 

GET THE 

LENGTH RIGHT 

Buying the correct pole length is 

important, because it ensures you’re able 

to use the right technique, avoid falls, 

FEATURED 

PRODUCT 

LEKI MAKALU A CARBON 

FX £190 

Lightweight trekking poles with 

LEKI’s Aergon Air grip for ergonomic 

comfort and control, and Speed 

Lock 2 Plus for quick 

adjustment and setting. 

and provides optimal power transfer. 

Your elbow should be bent at 90°, with the 

forearm parallel to the ground. You may 

want to adjust the pole’s height slightly – 

making it shorter or longer – depending 

on the length of your stride. 

5 PACKABILITY 

When not in use, you will 

need to collapse your poles 

to strap them to your rucksack. If the 

packed size is too long it will project 

from your rucksack and can get caught 

on branches or rocks, or poke your mate 

in the eye! 

6 SHAFTS 

S 

Walking poles are usually 

made from alloy tubing. To 

save weight, some tubing is thinner but 

this may make them bendier and less 

secure on uneven ground. Some poles 

are made with carbon or carbon 

composite to make them lighter. 

Care is needed with these though, 

as if over-stressed they can 

shatter rather than bend. 

7 

T I P S & 

BASKETS 

Poles have a 

metal tip to provide grip. If you 

need to use the poles on hard surfaces 

you can buy rubber tips to stop clicking 

noises, while a basket stops the tip 

sinking too deeply into soft terrain. 

8 

LOCKING SYSTEM 

Length is usually adjusted by 

an external lever that operates 

a clamping mechanism, or by a twistlock 

system. The latter doesn’t catch on 

rocks/undergrowth. Both need drying 

after use to prevent corrosion. The lever 

mechanism is quick and easy to use, 

but it can snag on undergrowth. 


LEKI SELECTION 

CROSS S TRAIL 

FX.ONE SUPERLITE 

E 

£180 

CRESSIDA £110 

KHUMBU LITE £80 


58

TREKKING POLES 

TREKOLOGY TREK-Z 2.0 CORK £33 

These aluminium poles from ‘challenger’ 

brand Trekology are remarkably wellpriced, 

but the materials and construction are 

also high-quality, while the design is perfectly 

functional. Like most other compact Z-folding 

poles on the market, they use a four-piece 

construction with a top lever lock that 

enables a good range of adjustment. They’re 

comfortable to hold and sturdy to use. 

VERDICT Compact, robust and functional, 

these are excellent all-round trekking poles 

for the price. Their only real drawback is 

a little extra weight and complexity. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

NEW 

FOR 


CIMALP DISTANCE CARBON £140 

These Z-folding carbon fibre trekking poles 

from French brand CimAlp tick all the boxes 

for trail use: they’re stiff, lightweight and 

easy to assemble or collapse, with a compact 

folded length. They also have a wide range 

of adjustment (from 110 to 130cm) thanks to 

a robust lever lock, which sits just below an 

extended and very comfortable foam grip. 

VERDICT If you’re planning a long-distance walk 

this summer, it’s worth thinking about taking a pair 

of poles – your knees will thank you for it – and these 

light and compact carbon poles are a great option. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

NEW 

FOR 


LEKI CROSS TRAIL 

LITE CARBON £160 

Designed for speed hiking, these 

high-end, carbon poles are tailormade 

for big summit rounds, 

whether you’re aiming to bag 

multiple Munros, Wainwrights 

or other peaks. Equipped with a 

unique Cross Shark grip system, 

they offer security and comfort 

during fast-paced mountain 

hikes. Leki’s latest Speed Lock 2 

Plus levers also offer rapid, onthe-fly 

pole adjustment. 

VERDICT Premium, ultralight 

carbon fibre trekking poles 

that are ideal for tackling 

long-distance challenge 

walks and demanding 

summit-bagging missions. 

KOMPERDELL CARBON FXP.4 

APPROACH VARIO COMPACT £137 

These four-piece carbon fibre folding 

poles weigh only 251g per pole and have 

a folded length of just 38cm. They also 

have a rapid self-deployment system 

that is effective and easy to use. It’s 

an exceptionally well-engineered and 

durable design, with an ergonomic, 

extended handle and a large, flexible 

basket to stop the pole from plugging in 

soft ground. 

VERDICT Superbly engineered carbon fibre 

trekking poles, with a compact folded length, 

extended ergonomic grips, practical baskets 

and a brilliant self-deployment system. 


59

HEADTORCHES 

BUYING GUIDE 

Even on summer hikes, it’s much better to carry a headtorch and not need it 

than suffer the consequences if you get caught out. Here’s what to look for. 

FEATURED 

PRODUCT 

BIOLITE 

HEADLAMP 750 

£100 

Utilising SlimFit construction and weighing 

only 150g, with a 750-lumen Burst Mode 

this hands-free headtorch packs 

serious lumens into a compact 

profile with a no-bounce fit, 

with rechargeable 

power. 

1 BATTERIES 

Most modern headtorches 

use rechargeable lithium-ion 

batteries, while others use AA or AAA 

batteries. Consider how easy it will be to 

change the batteries, possibly in the dark 

with cold/wet hands and away from an 

electrical supply to recharge them. 

2 

TILT FUNCTION 

This will allow you to direct the 

beam of light – for example to 

the ground ahead of you, a map, or to the 

tent guy line you’re adjusting. This needs 

to be easily adjustable, but not so loose 

and floppy that it fails to stay in place. 

3 

LIGHT OUTPUT 

Light output is measured in 

lumens – up to 200 lumens is 

ideal for camping and general walking, 

200+ lumens for navigating open hillsides. 

Higher powers are useful for terrain 

with few features, and activities such 

as mountain biking, running or skiing. 

4 

BURN TIME 

The light output will dim 

over time as the batteries 

run down. The burn times provided by 

manufacturers are not always based 

on the same criteria, and they will vary 

with temperature and function settings, 

so can’t always be trusted. Packing a 

spare headtorch or batteries is always 

wise, and longer burn times are often 

a worthwhile benefit. 

5 OPERATION 

Buttons or dials are used to 

operate light output. The two 

important points to consider are: can 

the torch be operated with cold, wet and 

gloved hands in the dark; and could it turn 

on by itself in a rucksack pocket, leading 

to flat batteries? 

6 

COLOUR OF LIGHT 

Most headtorches have 

standard white LEDs, which 

are adequate for most purposes. 

However red LEDs are handy when you 

want to preserve your own night vision. 

7 HEADSTRAPS 

The headtorch is attached to 

a headband that needs to be 

adjustable for a secure, comfortable fit. 


BIOLITE SELECTION 

HEADLAMP 200 £50 HEADTORCH 330 £60 

ALPENGLOW L 250 £60 


60

HEADTORCHES 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

PETZL SWIFT RL £97 

The Petzl Swift RL is one 

headtorch for all your needs. 

It’s light (102g), compact, comfy, 

splash-proof, rechargeable, and 

powerful (550 lumens for 2 hours). 

But the real star is the reactive 

lighting technology, a sensor which 

analyses the ambient light and 

automatically adjusts brightness to 

your needs. This preserves battery 

life and provides an excellent 

experience out on the hill. 

VERDICT A superb, premiumstandard, 

all-rounder headtorch 

that ticks all the boxes. Not the 

cheapest, but money well spent. 

GEAR OF 

THE YEAR 


TOM BAILEY 


61

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

PRINCETON TEC 

SNAP SOLO LED £30 

This no-nonsense headtorch keeps 

things simple, delivering an intuitive user 

experience at an affordable price. You 

get a maximum output of 300 lumens, 

a whopping 155-hour burn time at 10 

lumens and a 50m beam distance. Three 

AAA batteries provide the power, a single 

button toggles between modes, and the 

magnetic head unit can be detached from 

its base to use as a handheld flashlight. 

VERDICT A simple, no-nonsense 

headtorch at a great price – 

but it’s also a bit basic. 

BLACK DIAMOND ONSIGHT 375 £84 (INCLUDING BATTERY) 

The design is simple yet robust, with a rear battery pack linked to a front 

headlamp via a partly-coiled cable. Power is ‘dual fuel’ via either the BD1800 

rechargeable lithium-ion battery or three AAAs. The lithium-ion gives the best 

output: 400 lumens for 5 hours in max, 200 lumens for 13 hours in medium, 

and 8 lumens for 110 hours in low. You also get a fully waterproof IP67 rating. 

VERDICT A well-designed, waterproof headtorch 

with some nifty features – but it’s a tad over-priced. 


SILVA 4RC £60 

It was the three colours that caught my eye, because as well as your 

standard bright white light the 4RC offers red to preserve night vision 

and orange for clear map reading. But there are other things I love 

too: its chunky button, comfort on my head, and the fact that I can 

also attach it to my bike helmet with the included clip. 

VERDICT This is a comfortable, easy-to-use headtorch with useful bulb 

colours and mounting options that seems far more pricey than it is. 


USED FOR 1 month 

BIOLITE 

HEADLAMP A 750 

£100 

Lots of headtorches do ‘bright’ but few do 

it with this level of comfort. Put simply, this 

is the most comfortable headtorch I’ve ever 

used. It weighs just 150g, and the 3D SlimFit 

construction integrates the lamp and cable into the 

headband for a low profile. It provides a maximum light 

output of 750 lumens and run time can be conveniently 

boosted by connecting an external power source. 

VERDICT Bright, long-running, and impressively 

comfortable. Plus it offers eight different modes 

– most illuminating. 




62

HEADTORCHES 

ALPKIT GAMMA III £26 

It’s far from the best designed or most 

powerful, but for this price you can’t 

complain. You get a maximum output 

of 150 lumens for 7 hours, 70 lumens 

for 18 hours in low, and then up to 45 

hours of burn time in the white LED (10 

lumens), green LED (7 lumens) and red 

LED (5 lumens) modes. The rear battery 

pack takes three AAAs and features a 

red LED so you can be seen from behind. 

VERDICT A decent headtorch for basic 

tasks, at a very affordable price-point – 

but it’s not very powerful. 

PETZL IKO CORE £75 

With its space age frame that looks a bit like 

a crown or tiara, this is an unusual looking 

headtorch. But the design means there’s 

no bulky light unit at the front, no overhead 

strap and no tight elastic headband. The 

result is an ergonomic and comfortable 

lamp that packs a capable 500-lumen light 

output when powered with one of Petzl’s 

rechargeable Core battery packs. 

VERDICT Lightweight, compact, bright and 

extremely comfortable to wear, this is an 

innovative bit of kit that works well for night 

hikes, alpine starts and wild camping trips. 

LEDLENSER MH8 £90 

This muscular headlamp delivers powerful illumination, up to 600 lumens and 

200m in the boost mode. A single rubberised button toggles between the main 

power levels (20, 170 and 400 lumens), and the quoted burn times range from 

7 to 60 hours, while the beam distance varies from 40m to 180m. Power is via 

a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, or two AA alkaline batteries. 

VERDICT A powerful, fully-featured headtorch 

at a decent price – but it’s quite bulky and heavy. 


63

MOUNTAIN TECH 

While it’s best not to be totally reliant on electronics in the mountains, 

they can be a very useful addition to your hillwalking kit. Here’s our 

selection of the new, the handy and a few old favourites. 

OS MAPS APP £29 PER YEAR 

For less than the price of three paper maps, 

the OS maps app gives you full and unlimited 

GB coverage at 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 scale. You 

can plot and record your own routes or access a 

massive selection (including Trail’s monthly guides) 

and download areas to your phone to use offline. 

VERDICT Augmented reality which identifies key 

features in the landscape makes this more than 

just great mapping software – but it is that too. 

OS LOCATE £FREE 

The OS Locate app converts your phone’s location readings to grid 

references and lat/long, to provide pinpoint location information, 

including bearing and altitude. Open the app and you’ll see a digital 

compass with clear data readings or use it in combination with OS 

maps to see your precise location on the map – no signal required. 

VERDICT A great free app that (when used with OS maps) turns your 

phone to a fully-mapped GPS device – but be warned, it’s power hungry. 

GOAL ZERO GUIDE 12 + NOMAD 5 KIT £90 

Propping up on an integrated kickstand, the 

Nomad 5 solar panel is about the size 

of a large notebook but weighs 

only 360g. It connects to the 

Guide 12 battery pack via a 

USB-A to C cable, providing 

one full smartphone recharge 

or 2.5 headtorch recharges. 

It also comes with four 

rechargeable AA batteries, 

very handy for some headtorches. 

VERDICT Portable power with 

a combination of both powerbank 

and battery sources to keep you 

going for several days off grid. 

GARMIN INREACH MINI 2 £350 

The new iteration of Garmin’s long-standing 

emergency satellite communicator provides masses 

more functionality. As well as requesting emergency 

assistance at the press of a button, it allows you to 

exchange messages, post to social media, share your 

location via map or coordinates, receive weather 

updates and loads more. It’s also waterproof, 

rugged, and tiny, weighing just 100g. 

VERDICT Not just an emergency locator, 

this satellite communication device is ideal 

for remote treks and long-distance solo routes. 

NEW 

FOR 


BIOLITE CHARGE 20 PD £35 

At about the same size as a small smartphone 

and weighing only 165g, the Charge 20 PD is a 

truly portable, handy little powerbank. It’ll give 

your phone approximately 1.5 charges and 

a headlamp about five. If that’s not enough, 

it also comes in 40 and 80 sizes, with the 

latter giving you enough to power a 13in laptop. 

VERDICT A portable, durable powerbank that will 

ensure you never run out of charge on the hill. 


64

TECHNOLOGY 

G-SHOCK 

MUDMASTER GG-B100 £325 

More than a watch, this G-Shock is a 

genuinely rugged and robust outdoor 

tool. Equipped with an altimeter, 

barometer, compass, thermometer, 

timer, stopwatch, alarm, step 

counter and more, it’s almost as 

smart as a true smartwatch – but 

with much longer battery life, thanks 

to an ana-digi quartz movement 

that doesn’t need recharging. 

VERDICT An uber-tough 

outdoor watch with lots of 

useful on-the-hill functionality 

and a shock-proof, mud- and 

water- resistant design that 

will take plenty of use and abuse. 

GARMIN FĒNIX 7 

SOLAR EDITION £780 

New to the best-selling fēnix family of GPS 

smartwatches, the 7 series gives users the choice 

between touchscreen and buttons, and delivers 

up to 263 hours of life in max battery mode and up 

to 41 days in smartwatch mode (with solar). The 

premium watch also features all of the navigation, 

mapping and sports functionality you’d expect 

from a first-rate Garmin product. 

VERDICT A premium sports and GPS smartwatch 

with all the functionality you could possibly need. 

NEW 

FOR 


GARMIN 

INSTINCT 2 £300 

The second iteration of Garmin’s long-standing lower cost 

(still not cheap) GPS watch is jammed with features. For nav, 

you get Tracbac routing, altimeter, barometer, electronic 

compass and GPS, GLONASS and Galileo location seeking. 

But you also get tools like heart rate, step counter, oxygen 

levels and preloaded activity profiles. The battery lasts weeks. 

VERDICT With more apps and functions than we can list here, 

the updated Instinct 2 is feature-packed and durable. 

NEW 

FOR 



65

HIKING 

ACCESSORIES 

Don’t forget the little things that make trips to the 

mountains much easier and more enjoyable. 

SHAVEN RASPBERRY REFERENCE CARDS £1.99 

Calculating precise route times isn’t always easy when you’re 

out on the hills with the wind howling in your ears. Using a 

reference card, though, can make the job quicker, easier 

and more precise. Shaven Raspberry do several including 

a Navigators’ Timing card with distances, timings and 

adjustments for slope, pack weight and time of day. 

VERDICT A simple, handy tool which saves time 

and helps ensure precise route timings. 

SMIDGE HEADNET £5.50 

Midges can make even the most spectacular view 

impossible to enjoy when they’re out in force – unless you 

have a midge net. This one from Smidge is small enough to 

keep crammed in your pocket, weighs about as much as a midge 

and is pale green, so doesn’t obstruct the view as much as darker ones. 

VERDICT Between June and September, a midge net is all but 

essential for most hill areas. This one doesn’t ruin the view! 

SMIDGE 

QUICK UNTICK HOOKS £5.50 

Slide this hook under the tick right 

above your skin, twist, pull and you’ve 

safely extracted an otherwise very 

embedded little beastie. There are a 

few ways to get rid of ticks – tweezers 

and tick cards being some – and this 

is one of the safest and most reliable. 

A recommended addition to your first 

aid kit in the summer months. 

VERDICT It’s essential to remove 

Lyme-disease carrying ticks as soon 

as you find them, without killing 

them – these little hooks make 

that blessedly straightforward. 


ROBENS ZIGZAG SEAT £5 

I’d always mocked the users of sit-mats, regarding such things 

as unnecessary and the reserve of soft-bummed wimps. But 

after numerous occasions where my posterior had to suffer 

jagged edged rocks or damp hummocks while my hiking 

buddies’ remained comfortable and dry on their mats, I added this to 

my pack. It’s light, folds pretty small, and has the power to transform an 

on-the-hill lunch stop from something to be endured into a pleasurable al 

fresco dining experience. 

VERDICT Why shirk 

comfort for the sake of it? 

Grab yourself one of 

these – your backside 

will thank you for it. 




BUFF POLAR £27 

I had the 

reversible 

version of 

this buff 

for years before this 

one, and even though it’s 

become irretrievably worn 

out I still have it. This one is 

similar, with a microfibre tube 

sewn to a soft fleece tube. 

This keeps your neck warm but is 

easier to breathe through and more 

comfortable when pulled up over the face. 

VERDICT Might be called polar but our mountain tops can 

be baltic at any time of year, making this an essential. 



TOM BAILEY 

TOM BAILEY 


66

ACCESSORIES 

NIKWAX TX.DIRECT/TECH 

WASH DUO £12.25 

The best waterproof jacket in the world 

will eventually clog with sweat and 

dirt, lose its DWR coating and start 

to wet-out. That doesn’t mean it’s 

knackered – it means it needs a wash. 

This twinpack safely and effectively 

sorts that out. Tech Wash cleans and 

refreshes waterproof fabrics while 

TX.Direct adds and renews water 

repellency and revives breathability. 

VERDICT The essential kit care 

duo to keep your waterproof 

clothing going for years. 

ORTLIEB MAP-CASE £19.50 

As well as keeping your map dry, this 

waterproof case also keeps it secure, tying to your 

pack or jacket via a long lanyard. Made of soft, UV 

resistant plastic, it also allows you to roll or fold 

your map so you can make it small enough to stuff 

in your pocket. 

VERDICT It’s the soft light plastic that marks this 

map case out as being not only waterproof and 

secure but also potentially pocket-sized. 

OUTDOOR RESEARCH RADAR 

POCKET CAP £23 

Useful for keeping both sun and 

rain out of your eyes, a cap is 

a summer essential. This one 

has UPF 50+ protection and 

is breathable and moisture 

wicking to reduce sweatinduced 

discomfort; waterresistant 

and quickdrying 

for wearing in 

the wet. It also has 

a foldable brim so 

it packs easily away 

in your pocket. 

VERDICT Breathable, packable, quick-drying and designed for outdoor living. 

NEW 

FOR 


HYDRO FLASK 

20OZ INSULATED FOOD JAR £40 

What’s better than a limp, soggy sandwich at lunch? 

Almost anything but certainly something hot. The Hydro Flask 

food jar has double-wall vacuum insulation to keep food hot 

or cold for hours with a wide mouth and leakproof, rubberised 

lid that’s easy to open even with cold fingers. 

Just don’t forget your spork. 

VERDICT A bombproof, leakproof 

little food jar for hot meals on a hilltop. 

SILVA EXPEDITION 4 COMPASS £36 

This traditional baseplate compass is the industry standard for 

mountaineering in this country. With a chunky, easy-to-use dial; 

sticky rubber feet; 1:25,000, 1:40,000 and 1:50,000 romer scales; 

luminous markings; magnifying glass and a clinometer for measuring 

slope angle, it has all the tools you need for precise navigation. 

VERDICT A professional level compass with all the tools 

you need for accurate location finding and map reading. 


67

Marmot Tungsten UL 2P tent. 

TENTS 

BUYING GUIDE 

You need your tent to be up to the task of providing expert, reassuring 

shelter on the UK’s hills and mountains. Here’s what to look out for. 


68

TENTS 

1 

WHAT KIND OF 

CAMPER ARE YOU? 

If you go out in all seasons and 

all weathers, choose an all-season tent. 

If you only go out when you don’t expect 

snow, a 3-season tent will be fine. Make 

sure the tent will handle all conditions, 

has enough space for you and your gear, 

and offers the comfort you want. 

2 

MATERIALS MATTER 

Tents with 100% silicone-coated 

outer fabrics are typically 

stronger than those with polyurethanecoated 

ones. Check for the tear strength 

of the fabrics: the higher the better. 

For poles, most backpacking tents use 

aluminium, which offers an excellent 

balance of high strength and durability, 

plus low weight. Cheaper tents might 

use fibreglass poles, while some ultralight 

tents employ carbon fibre poles, 

both of which can be more delicate 

than aluminium. 

3 

KNOW YOUR 

TENT SHAPES 

Different tent designs have 

different advantages, so you need to 

understand their differences to pick 

the one that’s right for you. 

■ TUNNEL – Offers the best space-toweight 

ratio, and often has the maximum 

useable space. Great for backpacking. 

FEATURED 

PRODUCT 

MARMOT SUPERALLOY 2P 

£550 

The Superalloy 2P (left) is a superlight, 

comfortable 2-person tent weighing just 

1070g. With a small pack size, it’s ideal 

for wilderness camping when every 

gram counts. Whether you are racing, 

training or just keeping the weight 

down, you will barely notice 

this tent in your pack. 

■ DOME/GEODESIC – True domes have all 

poles crossing at the centre peak, while 

geodesic poles have multiple crossing 

points. Both are good all-rounders with 

excellent strength. They’re good choices 

for mountains, but they can be heavier 

and less spacious than tunnel models. 

■ RIDGE – The classic pointed tent 

design. Those pitching with trekking 

poles are very light and a fine choice 

for backpackers who prefer a more 

minimalist, closer-to-nature feel. 

4 

DOUBLE OR SINGLE 

WALL CONSTRUCTION? 

Double wall tent constructions 

give you an inner canopy to sleep inside, 

plus a waterproof outer layer to keep the 

weather out. They’re drier and generally 

provide better ventilation. Single skin 

designs have a single layer of waterproof 

fabric, so can be very light, but can also 

suffer more from condensation. 

5 

HOW MANY PEOPLE? 

Tents range from one-person 

designs to huge base camp tents 

with multiple bedrooms. We’ve focused 

on one- or two-person options, as they’re 

best for mountain use. Note, smaller 

two-person tents are also good for 

single use as they offer more comfort 

and more space for your gear. 

6 

MAKE SURE OF THE FIT 

Check the floor space is at least 

as long as your body, but don’t 

forget you need to sit up too. Measure your 

height when sitting, then compare this to 

the maximum internal height of the tent. 

Also, if you’re going to be carrying your 

tent on your back, check that it packs down 

small enough to fit in your rucksack. 

7 

PERSONAL 

PREFERENCE 

Comfort is an essential part 

of choosing the right tent. Do you want 

a space of your own, or do you prefer to 

share your shelter? Do you want a porch 

for storing gear or would you rather have 

everything inside? Do you prefer one or 

two doors (a big advantage of two doors 

is that one is always out of the wind)? 


WWW.MARMOT.COM 

MARMOT SELECTION 

MARMOT TUNGSTEN UL 2P 

£500 

The Tungsten UL 2P is great for escaping to 

the wilderness without additional weight, 

weighing 1340 grams. Great for you and 

a friend to camp out in the wilderness 

in comfort. 

MARMOT ALVAR UL 2P 

£450 

With external poles this tent is great 

for a quick and easy pitch in bad weather. 

Perfect for regular campers who need 

a little more durability than some 

of the Ultralight options. 

MARMOT VAPOR 2P 

£350 

A long-standing Marmot tent, designed for 

durability. With all the features you would 

expect and available in a choice of 2 colours. 


69

TENTS 

GEAR OF 

THE YEAR 


SEA TO SUMMIT ALTO TR1 PLUS £425 

With wild camping and backpacking going mainstream, cutting 

through the noise to pick out the best tents is getting trickier. 

But the Alto TR1 Plus (1228g) is amazingly roomy – with what must 

be best-in-class headroom, liveability and all-round spaciousness. 

This is achieved via a rather ingenious skeletal, all-in-one pole 

structure featuring the ‘Tension Ridge’ – a cross pole that widens 

the peak and creates near-perpendicular walls, angling upwards 

like a wingspan to maximise head and shoulder room. 

VERDICT A tent notable for its roomy interior and amazing 

headroom, making it our pick of the bunch for 2022. 

LACHLAN GARDINER 


71

NEMO DAGGER 2P £450 

With its generous headroom and floor space, 

plus twin doors and two spacious porches, 

the Dagger is great for weight-conscious 

campers who appreciate plenty of room to 

spread out. It pitches inner-first but is super 

quick to set up. You also get great airflow that 

minimises condensation, though this is a slight 

disadvantage in colder and breezier conditions. 

VERDICT Not quite the perfect tent, but 

one that offers exceptional space-to-weight, 

making it roomier and more liveable than most 

rivals, while still weighing well under 2kg. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

NEW 

FOR 


EXPED LYRA II £290 

Well-made and easy to pitch with a straightforward design and 

a hubbed pole set that maximises interior space, the Lyra II 

is a no-nonsense 3-season backpacking tent. You also get 

excellent headroom and ample ventilation throughout. 

Two doors and twin porches offer plenty of gear 

storage and easy entry/exit, without you having 

to clamber over your partner to get out. 

VERDICT The quality materials, practical 

design and airy, spacious interior of this 

two-person backpacking tent promise easy 

and breezy camping for you and a partner. 


GOSSAMER GEAR THE ONE £275 

For just 505g, this single-skin trekking pole tent is really 

spacious. The two-pole structure creates a high peak and 

near vertical walls, while the sewn-in mesh keeps the 

midges at bay. It is draughty and prone to condensation, but 

all-round liveability is 

amazing considering 

the low weight. 

I absolutely love it. 

VERDICT An 

incredibly 

lightweight, singleskin 

tent erected with 

trekking poles. 

USED BY 

James Forrest, 



NORDISK 

OPPERMAN 

3 SI £595 

The space you 

get in this 3-man 

tent for just 3.6kg is 

quite incredible. With a 

footprint of 430x210cm, you get a huge 

porch for all your kit or sheltering from the rain, 

and a spacious sleeping area which was ideal for three people 

– or two people and a spaniel that likes to stretch out. We loved 

it for multi-day backpacking when space and comfort becomes 

more important. A LW version is also available (1446g / £880), 

but when carried between two or three we’re not complaining. 

VERDICT 

Comfy camping in this spacious 

tent for three with a huge porch. 

USED BY 

Jenna Maryniak, Trail deputy editor 

USED FOR 

7 months 


72

TENTS 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

MSR HUBBA NX SOLO £435 

A cleverly-designed skeletal pole creates 

near-vertical walls and maximum head room 

in this palatial tent for one (1.29kg). A goodsized 

side porch and a non-tapered floor 

add to the sense of spaciousness. The inner, 

which is pitched first, is freestanding with a 

bathtub-style floor and mesh upper for good 

ventilation, while the Durashield-coated 

flysheet provides 3-season rated protection. 

VERDICT A superb 3-season tent with 

great features and excellent liveability. 

ROBENS PIONEER 2EX £245 

A 2-person tunnel tent with a generous and well-protected 

porch area, the Pioneer 2EX is a very practical 

campsite shelter. Big enough to sit, cook or relax 

in, it’s a welcoming home from home to return 

to after a day in the hills – especially if it’s 

raining. Front and rear vents also create 

good airflow, so it suffers less from 

condensation compared to most 

tunnel designs. 

VERDICT If you’re going 

camping in Snowdonia, 

the Lake District or Scotland this summer 

but don’t want to take a monster family tent, this 

roomy 2-person shelter fits the bill perfectly. 

NEW 

FOR 


TENTBOX LITE £995 

Just when you think you’ve seen it all in outdoor gear 

design, along comes a big box that secures to the top of your 

car, then folds open to reveal a quite lovely 2-person tent 

complete with a memory foam mattress. This is the Tentbox 

Lite, which has been designed to effectively turn your car 

into a campervan. It attaches to any vehicle with roof bars, 

comes with a telescopic ladder for quick access, and folds 

out so easily that once you’ve found your camping spot 

you’ll be set up in less than 5 minutes. There are also 

doors at both ends, windows on both sides for ventilation, 

and even a skylight on the roof for stargazing. 

VERDICT It certainly isn’t cheap so you 

really need to buy into the roof tent concept, 

but if you do this is a very cool bit of kit. 


73

TENTS, BIVVIES & TARPS 

WILD COUNTRY ZEPHYROS COMPACT 1 V3 £200 

For this very affordable price, you get a 4000mm-rated flysheet 

and 5000mm groundsheet, simple all-in-one pitching, a goodsized 

inner, compact pack-away and a low-profile for ‘shedding’ 

wind. The inner’s door has a huge 180˚ opening for ease 

of entry and exit, and its mesh upper section improves 

ventilation alongside two further vents at each end. 

The weight is 1570g. 

VERDICT A great all-round tent at a great 

price – but it’s heavier than ideal. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

NEW 

FOR 


OUTDOOR RESEARCH 

HELIUM BIVVY £225 

Updated for 2022 with even lighter and Bluesign 

approved material, the Helium is a great option 

for lightweight backpacking. With a hooped 

head, incorporating a fly mesh, or a fully 

waterproof opening, it weighs less than 500g. 

The groundsheet is made of more waterproof 

material and a sleepmat fits inside, with room 

still for kit inside if you’re not too tall. 

VERDICT A great bivvy bag with 

the comfort of headroom. 

MSR FREELITE 2 £475 

New for 2022, MSR has updated the FreeLite series of tents 

to make them even lighter. At just 1.06kg, the 2-person 

FreeLite is now 270g lighter than the previous model, 

and includes added features for ease-of-use and 

durability, including no-curve door zippers, 

extra storage pockets and reinforced tension 

points (for when the weather inevitably 

turns). The 1-person version weighs just 890g. 

VERDICT An ultralight, spacious tent for two with a 

truly rectangular floor and near-vertical walls. 

NEW 

FOR 



TARPTENT SCARP 2 £395 

This US-made tent has become my go-to for wild 

camps and backpacking trips in all seasons. It 

pitches all-in-one, is super roomy inside and 

has excellent headroom (essential when you’re 

6ft+). It can be purchased with an upgraded fabric inner 

and additional crossing poles to turn it into a true 4-season 

mountain tent too – both of which are well worth adding for 

UK use. 

VERDICT I’ve pitched this tent all over the place, in sun, 

rain and snow, and it’s 

never let me down. 

Roomy for two, sturdy and 

lightweight, it ticks all the 

boxes as a dependable 

adventure tent. 

USED BY Matt Jones, 



RAB RIDGE RAIDER 

BIVI I £350 

I’ve always loved the 

Ridge Raider, if only 

for the name alone. 

But this updated 

version from Rab takes what 

was already a great compromise 

between a body-bag style bivvy and 

an actual tent and makes it better. 

The Pertex Shield Air (replacing eVent 

in the old Raider) waterproof fabric offers 

impressive condensation control, while the addition of a pole at 

the foot end provides more space. And because it’s still just 890g 

NEW 

FOR 


it’s now an even better alternative to a tent for go-light backpackers. 

VERDICT A great update that makes one of the best poled bivvies even better. 




75

SLEEPING BAGS 

BUYING GUIDE 

Finding the right sleeping bag depends on lots of different factors, so 

here’s our guide to help you make the best purchase for a restful night. 

1 

WHAT TIME OF YEAR 

ARE YOU CAMPING? 

Sleeping bags tend to be broken into 

three categories: summer, 3-season and winter. 

All three types are pretty self-explanatory, 

with summer bags lighter and less insulated; 

3-season bags slightly thicker to keep you warm 

through spring, summer and autumn; and winter 

bags bigger and bulkier to cope with serious 

sub-zero mountain conditions. 

2 

TEMPERATURE RATINGS 

EXPLAINED 

Sleeping bags are commonly 

graded by the EN/ISO standard, stating 

temperature ratings as ‘comfort’ (warm 

enough for the average female), ‘comfort 

limit’ (warm enough for the average male), 

and ‘extreme’ (you won’t die, but it’ll be very 

uncomfortable). To confuse matters, some 

brands publish their own in-house temperature 

ratings (eg the ‘Rab Sleep Limit’). 

3 

WHAT 

TYPE OF 

INSULATION DO 

YOU WANT? 

This really comes down to a simple choice 

between down or synthetic. Here are the 

pros and cons of both... 

■ DOWN INSULATION 

Made from goose or duck plumage – the lofty, 

fluffy stuff underneath the feathers – down 

is the lightest and most efficient form of 

insulation, and also the most compressible 

(so is great for stuffing into your backpack). 

The drawbacks are that down is more expensive 

and loses its insulating qualities when wet. 

■ SYNTHETIC INSULATION 

Synthetic bags are typically bulkier and heavier, 

but they’re also usually cheaper and don’t 

absorb water, which makes them a good choice 

for the wet conditions usually found in Britain. 

4 

DOWN FILL POWER 

& FILL WEIGHT 

Fill power is a rating system for 

down that measures compressibility and loft 

(fluffiness) – and gives an indication of its insulating 

properties. A higher fill power indicates better 

quality down and a greater warmth-to-weight ratio. 

Fill weight is the amount of down in a bag, measured 

in grams. The higher the fill weight, the warmer a 

bag will be. This means that it’s important to check 

both the fill weight and fill power. A sleeping bag 

with only 650 fill power down can still be as warm as 

a bag with 900 fill power down, for example, if it has 

a higher fill weight (ie more down) inside the bag. 

5 

CONSTRUCTION IS KEY 

The better the construction 

method of your sleeping bag, 

the less opportunity there will be for 

the insulation to migrate and leave cold 

spots. Down bags use internal fabric 

baffles (dividing walls between the 

insulation) of various shapes and 

sizes to trap the down where it 

is needed most. Larger baffles 

give more space for insulation 

to loft, smaller baffles help 

stop the fill from spreading 

out. Synthetic bags are 

usually made from one 

or two layers of insulation 

attached to the inner and 

outer materials. 


76

SLEEPING E BAGS 

THERM-A-REST EST SELECTION 

S A R O S 

20F/-6C 

£180 

FEATURED 

PRODUCT 

T H E R M - A - R E S T 

HYPERION 20F/-6C 

£415 

Built to provide featherlight pack weight 

and high-performance warmth, the 

Hyperion 20F/-6C sleeping bag is 

among the lightest in its class. 


6 

KEY FEATURES 

TO CONSIDER 

■ ZIPS 

A full-length zip allows you to 

vent heat and makes getting 

in and out easier, though a 

shorter zip saves weight. 

■ FABRIC 

Shells and linings are usually 

made from nylon, though 

cheaper bags use polyester. 

■ CUT 

Most sleeping bags are available 

in different lengths or widths, 

as well as women’s specific fit. 

■ SHOULDER BAFFLE 

An extra neck or shoulder baffle 

helps to lock heat inside the bag. 

■ HOOD 

An insulated and close-fitting hood 

makes a big difference in cold 

conditions. Look for a sleeping 

bag with hood drawcords 

so you can adjust the fit. 

VESPER 

E 3 2 F / 0 C 

£315 

P A R S E C 

20F/-6C 

£380 


77

SLEEPING BAGS 

GEAR OF 

THE YEAR 


THERM-A-REST 

HYPERION 20˚F/-6˚C £415 

If you’re serious about wild camping and 

backpacking, you can’t beat this sleeping 

bag. High quality, 900 fill power goose down 

delivers an EN/ISO comfort rating of 0˚C, 

despite weighing just 580g –so the overall 

warmth-to-weight ratio is top-notch. This 

is aided by the zoned design, with 70% of 

insulation placed on the top and sides (where 

you need it most) and 30% on the underside, 

while the box baffled construction further 

boosts loft and minimises cold spots. 

VERDICT An excellent mummy-style sleeping 

bag and delivered at a superb weight. 

TOM BAILEY 


78

ROBENS MORAINE III £115 

This well-priced bag looks ideal for wild 

camps and backpacking trips from late 

spring through to early autumn. With a 

comfort rating of 3°C and a lower limit 

of -2°C, you should stay warm even if 

temperatures drop to single digits. It’s 

comfortable and versatile too, since 

an L-shaped zip means it opens out 

flat for use as a duvet. It also has an 

impressively small pack size for a 

synthetic bag. 

VERDICT A well-made and great 

value sleeping bag with hard-wearing 

synthetic fill, a small pack size and 

plenty of practical features. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

ROBENS ICEFALL PRO 900 £187 

Rated 0˚C for comfort, the MicroThermo Ball synthetic 

insulation in this bag mimics the performance of 

down superbly, puffing out into a plump and supercosy 

haven. The interior is luxurious, courtesy of a 

whopping 900g fill of polyester clusters, and all-round 

warmth is further enhanced by a good hood, wellpadded 

neck baffle, two thick tube-like zipper baffles, 

and the box-wall construction. 

VERDICT A super-fluffy, cosily-insulated synthetic 

sleeping bag at a great price. 


SELK’BAG LITE 6G £100 

Somewhere between a synthetic sleeping bag 

and a high-altitude suit, the summer-focused 

Selk’bag Lite offers a near-perfect combination of cosy comfort 

and mobility. The feet are reinforced but can be zipped off to wear 

the Selk’bag with regular shoes, and the sleeves have 

built-in mitts to fully enclose your hands. Add in 

the drawstring hood and I felt as snug as a bug 

in a rug. People will stare. They may laugh. 

But on the inside, they’re seething with 

jealousy. 

VERDICT It might look daft, but it’s 

comfortable, convenient, and warm 

enough for summer camps (thicker 

Selk’bags are available for other 

seasons). 




ALPKIT PIPEDREAM 400 £200 

The Pipedream pops up in almost every Trail 

sleeping bag test for good reason. Price, low 

weight and decent packed size, mean it’s my 

bag of choice for summer sleep-outs. The 750 

fill power goose down offers good warmth for its 865g. 

It’s also hydrophobic and housed in a moisture-resistant 

shell, improving damp-weather performance. 

VERDICT Superbly priced down bag 

for lightweight 3-season backpacking. 

USED BY Jenna Maryniak, Trail deputy editor 



80

SLEEPING E BAGS 

BIG AGNES 

SIDEWINDER SL35 

£250 

If you’re a side sleeper 

or tend to toss and turn 

in your tent, you’ll love 

this clever 650FP down 

bag. The design moves 

with you as you roll over, 

with a specially shaped 

footbox and hood, plus 

zoned fill with synthetic 

inserts to alleviate 

pressure points at the hips. 

Warm enough to take you 

down to single digit temps 

and with a competitive weight 

and pack size, 

it’s a great option for 

2-season use. 

VERDICT One of the most 

innovative sleeping bags 

we’ve tested in recent 

years, this down bag 

is the perfect camp 

companion for side 

sleepers who are sick 

of getting twisted and 

tangled up at night. 

RAB ASCENT 

700 £270 

The down’s fill 

power is only 650, 

but there’s a lot 

of it – 700g to be 

precise, which 

ensures a solid 

comfort rating 

of -2˚C. The 

adjustable hood is 

well-shaped with 

good coverage, 

there’s a thick and 

close-fitting neck 

baffle for sealing 

out the cold, and 

the Pertex Quantum 

outer fabric is more 

durable and tougher 

than the shells of 

many other bags. The 

overall weight 

is 1290g. 

VERDICT A mid- 

range, affordable 

down sleeping bag 

that’s reliably warm. 

EXPED COMFORT -5° £285 

This light and compact 3-season down sleeping bag has a comfort range 

from 2°C to -4°C. It boasts an ergonomic mummy hood and trapezoidal 

footbox, plus a side arm zipper so you can poke both arms out (ideal for 

sipping morning coffee). It unzips fully into a duvet and has extra strong 

double tuck-stitch seams that also prevent down loss and limit moisture 

ingress in damp conditions. 

VERDICT With its small packsize, competitive weight and lofty 700FP 

down, this is a well-designed sleeping bag with plenty of practical features 

that add both functionality and durability for tent life. 

NEW 

FOR 



81

SIERRA DESIGNS CLOUD 800 20° £335 

This sleeping bag is a maverick. There’s no zip, but 

it still opens wide thanks to a curved, wraparound 

‘comforter’ – a duvet-like flap that pulls over your 

upper body. This delivers a sensation far more 

akin to your beloved bed at home than any other 

sleeping bag. With 419g of 800 fill power down 

and a -3˚C comfort rating, warmth is pretty 

impressive for the price too. 

VERDICT A versatile, warm and extremely 

comfy sleeping bag with an innovative design – 

but the quilt-like approach won’t suit everyone. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT FIRELITE £500 

Securing an EN/ISO comfort rating of -2˚C but weighing 

in at just 770g, the Firelite is warmer than many bags 

over 1kg. This is achieved through a healthy 469g portion 

of 800 fill power goose down, which feels reassuringly 

thick and should perform to the quoted temperature 

ratings. You also get an ultralight Plasma 10-denier 

shell, a full-length zipper, and an adjustable hood. 

VERDICT A reliable sleeping bag with premium 

features and insulation – but it’s rather pricey. 

THERM-A-REST PARSEC 

20F/-6C £360 

With premium 800FP moistureresistant 

down, durable fabrics and 

some innovative features, this is a 

warm and well-built bag designed to 

keep you warm down to 0°C. Unusual 

design elements include zoned fill, 

an unusual ‘foot warmer’ flap in the 

toe-box, a thermal lining designed to 

trap radiant body heat and nifty straps 

that attach the bag securely to your 

sleeping mat. 

VERDICT A luxurious 3-season 

sleeping bag made from robust 

fabrics, with high-end down fill plus 

a few unique and innovative features 

that set it apart from most rivals. 


RAB NEUTRINO 600 £440 

A bag that’ll cope with most 

British winters, plus very cold 

spring and autumn wild camps. I 

used it recently on a windy (-17°C 

wind chill) summit camp in a tent that wasn’t 

really up to it. This bag was though. With 800 

fill power goose down, it’s rated to -12°C. 

From warm feet to a snug head, this bag 

does its job over your whole body, without 

being too restrictive if you’re a lively 

sleeper (which I am!). One I’m 

going to cherish. 

VERDICT Packable warmth for the 

colder months and shoulder season 

summits if you feel the cold. 





82

SLEEPING MATS 

BUYING GUIDE 

Essential for a good night’s rest, sleep mats come in three varieties. 

Here’s Trail’s guide to finding the best one for you. 

1 

WHICH DESIGN? 

Sleeping mats come in three 

primary designs. The lowestpriced 

type is the closed-cell foam 

mat, which is durable and surprisingly 

lightweight, but quite bulky to carry and the 

least comfortable option. Next up the price 

scale is the self-inflating mat, which has 

a layer of foam sandwiched between two 

layers of material; which provide air pockets 

for more comfort. They’re more compact 

than closed-cell foam mats, but heavier. 

Finally, the air mat, which has baffles inside 

to trap air once inflated. These are very 

lightweight and compact but tend to be a 

little bouncy and not generally very warm, 

unless they have additional insulation inside, 

which some do (but they cost more). 

2 

WATCH 

YOUR WEIGHT 

The lighter the mat, the lighter 

your rucksack when backpacking. 

If you’re camping near the car this weight is 

likely to be of little concern. But the focus 

for Trail readers is often low weight with 

comfort – so we’ve focused on mats that 

are good for wild camping when the mat 

has to be carried for a few hours at least. 

3 

SIZE MATTERS 

Most mats we test are around 

180cm long and 50cm wide, which 

is the standard size; but you can get shorter 

and longer options either to save weight or 

to fit your body size better. The thickness of 

mats varies greatly, and this is important 

to note as it will affect comfort, as well 

as price, weight and packed size. 

4 

MATERIAL DURABILITY 

Closed-cell foam mats can 

be punctured with no loss of 

performance, but this is not the case with 

an air mat or a self-inflating mat. Some 

lighter mats may need more care in use 

than heavier mats that use harder-wearing 

and more puncture-resistant materials. 

Some mats come with a puncture repair kit. 

5 

HEAT RETENTION 

A mat will insulate you from 

the ground below. Its ability to 

prevent heat loss is important, so some 

manufacturers provide an R value, which is 

a measure of the heat resistance. A rating 

of 2 is good for summer and 6 for winter. 

Thicker pads generally offer higher R values. 

6 

PACK IT DOWN 

When backpacking you’ll need 

to carry the mat in or on your 

rucksack. The smaller it is when deflated 

and rolled, the easier it is to carry. Closedcell 

foam mats often need strapping to 

the outside of a rucksack. Compact selfinflating 

and air mats will fit in a pack. 


83

SLEEPING MATS 

ROBENS TRAILGUARD 50 £85 

One of the most comfortable self-inflating 

sleeping mats we’ve tested, the hybrid design 

of the TrailGuard combines a foam core 

with inflatable edge tubes. With 5cm of 

insulated cushioning and an insulation 

R-value of 5.3 it provides enough 

warmth for winter use too, yet 

thanks to the lightweight but 

durable fabrics used it weighs 

just 925g. 

VERDICT The unique 

combination of foam and 

air mat construction 

provides an impressive 

insulation at 

a relatively low 

weight. 

THERM-A-REST 

NEOAIR UBERLITE 

£190 

Weighing a featherlight 

250g, this is one of the 

lightest insulated air mats 

on the market. It also 

packs down to just 15x9cm, 

meaning it occupies minimal 

space in your pack. Pair it 

with an ultralight down 

bag/quilt and you’ll have an 

efficient sleep system for long 

distance hikes or minimalist 

mountain missions. 

VERDICT With its light weight 

and small pack size this is the 

ideal mat for fast and light 

adventures. 

EXPED ULTRA 3R £150-165 

Exped’s new lightweight, compact sleeping 

mat range gives you three choices of insulation: 

air, synthetic or down depending on the ‘R’ rating, 

from R1 (10˚C min) to R8 (-40˚C min). All come in 

mummy or rectangle shapes and 1-4 also have a double 

option. That’s a lot of choices but we reckon the -5˚C rated 

3R is best for hillwalking. 

VERDICT With so many options it’s practically customisable, this 

light, compact sleeping mat also utilises the Schnozzel Pumpbag so 

you don’t need to blow it up. 

NEW 

FOR 


NEW 

FOR 


ROBENS POLARSHIELD 80 £177 

More mattress than mat, the Polarshield 

is 200cm (6ft 6in) long and puffs up to a 

chunky 8cm thick. Weighing 1.6kg it’s not 

the lightest but this is still a self-inflating 

backpacking mat, not a car camper, 

and it packs down to a very reasonable 

34x20cm. A good night’s sleep may be 

worth those extra grams. 

VERDICT Thick, long and temperature 

rated to -12°C, this is a sleeping mat 

for people who like their comfort. 


84

STOVES 

BUYING GUIDE 

Whether it’s a warming brew at the start of the day or a hearty meal at the end, 

you’ll need a compact and practical backpacking stove to serve you well. 

1 

WHAT TYPE OF STOVE 

DO YOU NEED? 

■ INTEGRATED, all-in-one, 

tower-style cooking systems are simple 

to use, compact, lightweight, fast, and 

perfect for solo walkers and short trips. 

The burner screws directly on top of the 

gas canister, and the whole things packs 

into its own pot. Many 

feature a corrugated 

heat exchanger 

and a wind 

shield, both of 

which help 

to increase 

speed and 

efficiency. 

■ INDIVIDUAL CANISTER-TOP BURNERS 

are the simplest and smallest iteration of 

a camp stove, screwing directly on top of 

a gas canister. You’ll need to buy your own 

cookware, though, so the overall weight 

depends on the choice you make here. 

Some stoves also connect to the canister 

remotely via an insulated hose. 

2 

FUEL CHOICES 

Most camping/hiking stoves 

run on canister gas, usually a 

mix of isopropane and butane. Integrated 

cooking systems and canister stoves are 

designed to house a gas canister when 

packed. Upsides to this include light 

weight, low maintenance and simplicity 

of transport. Liquid fuel stoves tend to 

burn more readily at higher altitudes and 

lower temperatures, but often require 

priming and some maintenance. 

3 

BURNER AND 

IGNITION 

Standalone stoves tend to 

be more powerful, but susceptible to 

wind. Integrated burners tend to be 

less powerful but have better wind 

resistance. Piezo igniters are common 

but can be fault-prone, so always bring 

another source of ignition with you, 

such as matches. 

4 

DOES IT COME WITH 

A REGULATOR? 

This compensates for the loss 

of pressure in a gas canister caused at 

altitude or as it empties. Stoves with 

this feature give you a steadily similar 

boil time throughout the lifetime of the 

canister while the performance of those 

without tends to drop as the canister 

empties, or in high or cold conditions. 


85

HORNET BRS-3000T £18 

Available on Amazon for £18, the Hornet BRS-3000T weighs 

just 26g – a stone cold bargain and weight-saving revelation. 

Performance isn’t exceptionally powerful or speedy, but who 

cares at this price? Ultimately this toy-sized stove works 

perfectly fine, screwing easily atop a canister and holding your 

pot in place via serrated support arms. 

VERDICT An incredibly light canister-top stove at 

a bargain basement price – but it’s very basic. 

NEW 

FOR 


MAGAZINE 

BEST 

VALUE 

MSR LOWDOWN REMOTE STOVE ADAPTER £45 

Although not a stove in its own right, added to any one of MSR’s 

canister-top mounted burners (including the PocketRocket 

series, Reactor series, or the WindBurner Personal) the 

LowDown makes these stoves even more useable and effective. 

By taking the burner mount away from the gas canister and 

giving it its own platform, the LowDown makes these stoves 

lower and more balanced, as well as distancing the simmer 

control from the flame. 

VERDICT An essential add-on to any of MSR’s fantastic but 

top-heavy canister mounted stoves. 

SOTO WINDMASTER £55 

A Trail ‘Best in Test’ winner for two years running, this small 

but mighty Japanese-designed stove is just about the best lightweight 

backpacking stove out there. Its impressively low weight, tiny pack 

size and impressive performance, especially in gusty conditions, all 

elevate it above the competition. Unlike inferior ultralight models, it 

also packs in a built-in igniter and a micro regulator. 

VERDICT For fast and light wild camping weekends or multi-day 

backpacking trips when you want maximum performance and 

minimum weight, this brilliant stove is our number one pick. 

MAGAZINE 

BEST IN 

TEST 


JETBOIL STASH £140 

I took this integrated cooking system on a 5-day winter hike of 

the Dales High Way. I loved the pot, which has excellent features 

(fold-out insulated handle and plastic lid with pouring hole) 

and works well as a bowl or mug. The boil times were decent 

(but not spectacular), yet the all-round cohesive design, low-ish weight 

(239g) and stable, squat shape were impressive. 

VERDICT An excellent integrated cooking system 

with clever features – but it’s a tad expensive. 

USED BY James Forrest, Trail contributor 



86

MSR POCKETROCKET DELUXE £80 

Lightweight and compact with a rapid boil time, there’s little to 

dislike about the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe canister-top stove 

(3200W, 98g). It is feature-rich, with an in-built lighter, three 

fold-away support prongs, valve controller, wide burner head, 

excellent simmer control, and concave design with protective 

lip, which significantly improves performance in wind. 

VERDICT 

A high-performing, lightweight 

and fast-boiling canister-top stove. 

STOVES 

TOM BAILEY 

PRIMUS LITE+ XL £135 

The Lite+ stove is a tower-style, 

all-in-one cooking system, including 

aluminium pot with integrated heat 

exchanger, stove with piezo ignition, 

fuel stabiliser, and bio-plastic lid. 

New for 2022, the Lite+ XL is a larger 

version of the original Lite+, featuring a 

1L pot and a more powerful 1700W output 

– ideal for bigger meals or cooking for two. 

The use of recycled plastics and cork also 

enhance this stove’s eco credentials. 

VERDICT A stylish and well-made all-inone 

stove system with a big capacity. 

NEW 

FOR 


OPTIMUS GEMINI DOUBLE STOVE £165 

The multi award-winning Gemini weighs just 

788g, making it a proper backpacking stove, but 

with twin burners allows you to cook two things 

at once using just one gas canister. An absolute 

game changer. At 30cm 

long, 7cm wide and 

10cm high, it’s also fairly 

compact and, sitting low 

to the ground, very 

stable. 

VERDICT 

A unique stove that allows 

you to cook for two people 

at once or prepare 

two things at once. 

NEW 

FOR 


MSR REACTOR 1 LITRE £250 

These don’t hang around long in outdoor shops. Hardly surprising 

– the Reactor is one of the fastest and most fuel-efficient stoves 

ever made, its statistics beating most other stoves on paper 

and on the hill. While not suited to cooking food, it’s capable 

of boiling a full litre of water in just 3 minutes using only 10g of gas, making 

it perfect for use with dehydrated or boil-in-the-bag meals, 

as well as melting snow and brewing tea or coffee. 

VERDICT The best stove I’ve ever owned. Increasingly 

hard to find these days, and you’re not having mine. 




87

CAMPING KIT 

BUYING GUIDE 

You’ve got the tent and sleeping bag sorted, but you’ll need far more than that to 

really enjoy your wild camp. Here’s what to pack for that perfect overnight trip. 

1 

TAKE SOMETHING 

TO SIT ON 

British mountains aren’t 

famed for being dry and comfortable, 

so unless you want to get your backside 

soaked you’ll need something to sit on 

outside your tent. Your rucksack can do a 

half-decent job as a makeshift seat, but a 

dedicated sit-mat or lightweight air chair 

would be perfect if you can squeeze it in. 

2 

WHAT ARE YOU 

PLANNING TO EAT? 

Cold sandwiches and chocolate 

bars are great, but hot meals are even 

better once you’ve pitched your tent and 

finally kicked off those boots at the end 

of a long day in the hills. From portable 

stoves and cookware, to thermal mugs 

and even collapsible kettles and pans, 

there are options out there for every 

type of meal, from boil-in-the-bag 

curry to al fresco fine dining. 

3 

WATERPROOF THE 

GEAR IN YOUR PACK 

Just because your camping gear 

is packed safely inside your rucksack, 

that doesn’t mean it’ll be safe from 

the elements. Most hillwalking packs 

aren’t waterproof and not all of them 

come with a dedicated raincover, so it’s 

good practice to buy a set of dry-bags 

of varying sizes to protect everything 

stashed inside. There are loads of 

options out there, from super-lightweight 

bags you’ll hardly notice you’re carrying, 

to more heavy-duty, submersible, 

abrasion-resistant materials. 

4 

DON’T FORGET 

YOUR TOOLS 

Multi-tools, pen-knives, 

repair kits, safety pins... it’s always 

best to go fully prepared with a small 

toolkit on an overnight camp. Whether 

you snap a tent pole, break a rucksack 

strap or tear a hole in your favourite 

jacket, you’ve got nothing to worry 

about if you have the right gadget. 

FEATURED 

PRODUCT 

S E A T O S U M M I T 

LIGHTWEIGHT DRY SACK 

FROM £9 

The Lightweight Dry Sack 

offers durability and reliable 

weather-proofing for the items 

that you need to protect from 

the elements. 


88

CAMPING KIT 

SEATOSUMMIT 

SELECTION 

X SET 11 £50 

5 

6 

7 

LET THERE BE LIGHT 

It gets pretty dark on top 

of a mountain when the sun 

goes down. You should already have a 

headtorch in your pack, but that doesn’t 

need to be the limit of your lighting. From 

solar-powered fairy lights to rechargeable 

lanterns, there are loads of great options 

to illuminate your wild camp. 

PACK SOME 

CREATURE COMFORTS 

Despite what the hardcore 

fanatics tell you, camping doesn’t always 

have to be a complete suffer-fest. We’re 

not talking about taking a dressing gown 

and slippers with you; but there’s nothing 

wrong with sticking a few more luxurious 

items like a packable travel towel, wash 

kit, hipflask or even a portable cafetière 

in your pack before setting off. 

BE WARY OF 

WILD WATER 

Even fast-moving mountain water 

can carry harmful pollutants, so it’s best 

not to just scoop it up and start drinking 

if you can avoid it. That leaves you with 

the options of carrying water with you 

in a large bottle or flask, zapping it with 

something like a Steripen, filtering out 

small debris using a portable filtration 

system, treating it with chlorine- and 

iodine-based products, or boiling it on 

a stove. Choose the system that works 

for you, then grab a product to make it 

happen. 

8 

DON’T JUST PACK 

A SLEEPING BAG 

Your sleeping bag will (hopefully) 

be what keeps you warm through the 

night, but you’ll need more than that to 

make a comfy makeshift bed. First of all 

you’ll need a good sleeping mat, which 

not only provides a cushioned surface 

beneath you but also insulates you from 

the cold ground. If you’re camping 

in cold weather, consider a thin 

sleeping bag liner to add a layer 

of extra warmth. And don’t 

forget, there are some great 

options out there for packable 

camping pillows! 

FIRST AID DRY SACK £10 

ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT PROMOTION PROMOTION 

AIR SEAT INSULATED £26 


89

IDAHOAN INSTANT MASH £1 PER 109G 

If you don’t already know this, 

instant mash can be a gamechanger 

on backpacking trips. It’s 

cheap, light to carry, easy to make 

(even on a tiny stove) and is pretty 

filling. Until recently we always 

bought SMASH, probably because of 

the famous slogan from the old TV 

adverts. But actually, this stuff is so 

much tastier, and it even comes in 

buttery, cheddar cheese or cheese 

and bacon flavours. 

VERDICT If you’re backpacking on 

a budget, this stuff is far cheaper 

than dehydrated or freeze-dried 

meals and makes a half-decent 

supper when mixed with a bit of 

chorizo or smoked sausage. 

LAKELAND 

LONG-LIFE 

MILK 24 

SACHETS £3.55 

If you like a cuppa in 

the morning, then 

your backpacking 

trips will be no 

different. In fact, 

there’s nothing 

better than a hot beverage when sleeping wild. We 

discovered these bulk-buy UHT milk sachets on 

Amazon and they work perfectly. The Best Before 

dates usually run into months, and there’s no need 

to keep them refrigerated. They fit into your pack 

easily – just remember to protect them from getting 

squished so they don’t burst! 

VERDICT Fancy a cuppa to start the day? 

No problem. 

THETENTLAB THE DEUCE #2 UL TROWEL £21 

A latrine trowel for digging holes to do your business in isn’t exactly a 

glamorous item of kit. But somehow The TentLab has brought some real 

design flair and creativity to this superb product. At just 17g, 

it’s incredibly light and slim (ideal for weight-conscious 

backpackers), and the aerospace-grade aluminium delivers 

superb digging power. Other options include The Deuce #1 

UUL (12g) and #3 HD (27g). 

VERDICT Probably the best latrine trowel money 

can buy – amazingly light and slim, yet strong. 

SEA TO SUMMIT AEROS PREMIUM PILLOW £32 

A rival to the NEMO Fillo Elite camp pillow, the Sea to Summit 

Aeros Premium has a similar weight and pack size, but is slightly 

better for side sleepers, as it adds a curved design to help 

cradle your head and nestle snugly in the crook of your shoulder. 

If you’ve got a Sea to Summit sleeping mat, it can also be attached 

via Velcro pads to stop it from sliding off in the night. 

VERDICT Up there with the NEMO Fillo Elite as the most 

practical wild camping or backpacking pillow we’ve tested 

when it comes to balancing comfort, weight and packed size. 

SEA TO SUMMIT 

LIGHTWEIGHT DRY SACK SET £35 

Versatile, light and durable, these little bags offer high quality 

construction and performance at a great price. This set includes three 

bags: a yellow 4L bag, green 8L one and a 13L blue dry-sack. Made from 

a 70-denier nylon with fully taped seams, a 10,000mm hydrostatic head 

waterproof rating, and Hypalon roll-top closure, these bags will keep all 

of your kit and equipment dry, no matter how rainy it gets. 

VERDICT Tough and waterproof dry-bags at an appropriate price.

CAMPING ACCESSORIES 

NEMO FILLO ELITE PILLOW £45 

Okay, a pillow is a wild camping luxury, not a necessity. 

But what’s wrong with a little luxury? And when the luxury in 

question weighs just 87g and packs down to the size of a lemon, 

it’s not difficult to justify sticking it in your pack. NEMO’s Fillo 

Elite is way more comfortable than a bundle of clothes, inflates 

in seconds and has an impossible-to-lose integrated stuffsack. 

VERDICT Lightweight and super packable, in our opinion 

this little luxury is well worth investing in for your next 

wild camping or backpacking adventure. 

ROBENS MEADOW AL CHAIR £76 

What’s better at the end of a long day on the hill than leaning back 

in your chair, beer in hand, to watch the sunset? Not much. This 

camping chair is brilliant for that with wide feet so it doesn’t sink into 

the ground, light but durable aluminium frame, bottle holder and 

handy carry bag. 

VERDICT Robust, 

light and easy 

to carry, this 

comfortable 

camp chair is 

ideal for keeping 

in the back of 

your car. 

NEW 

FOR 


NEW 

FOR 


YETI CAMINO CARRYALL 35 £150 

HELINOX CHAIR ZERO 

HIGH BACK £160 

The Helinox Chair Zero has been an 

iconic ultralight camping chair for 

several years, but what if you 

need more shoulder support? 

Cue front stage the High Back 

model. New for 2022, this version 

weighs only 690g and has a load 

capacity of 120kg. Combining DAC 

aluminium with a tough and lightweight 

poly-ripstop seat, it’s extremely portable, 

packing into a carry-bag sized 40x12x12cm. 

VERDICT A minimalist, 

beautifully-engineered camping 

chair with extra shoulder 

support. 

It’s rather pricey for what is essentially just a big tote bag, 

but the 35-litre YETI Camino is a super-charged tote bag. 

Ultra-tough inside and out, it’s made from a waterproof, 

super-durable, wipe-clean material that can cope with anything 

you throw at it. Leave it in your car and you can happily throw 

muddy boots, wet tents, soaking waterproof jackets or whatever 

else you want into it. The internal compartments are handy too. 

VERDICT Waterproof and durable, this is the ultimate adventure 

utility bag – but it’s pricey. 


91

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SIGN UP AT: WALK1000MILES.CO.UK/SIGNUP

CANINE KIT 

Dogs make great companions in the hills but don’t forget that, just like you, 

they need a bit of extra care in harsh mountain environments. 

KURGO MASH 

N’ STASH BOWL 

(LARGE) £13 

New kid on the block Kurgo 

UK has some rugged mountainready 

doggie kit that comes with 

a lifetime warranty, including these 

collapsible bowls for drinks and meals on the go. 

They come in three different sizes, from 

6.5-44fl oz, and are lightweight 

and ready to clip onto your pack. 

VERDICT The lightweight and 

collapsible bowls are great 

for days on the hill. 

MOUNTAIN PAWS LARGE FOOD BOWL £9 

We love this bowl for backpacking weekends away 

with our furry pals. It’s made from robust fabric 

with a rubber base and wipeable material inside. 

The drawstring top closure means you can bag up 

food portions and store securely inside the bowl, 

ready for fuss-free mealtimes. There’s also a hanging 

loop to attach it to the outside of your pack. 

VERDICT Lightweight food bowl that 

doubles as handy food storage too. 

TOM BAILEY 


93

ORTLIEB PD350 10L DRY-BAG £19 

These come in all different sizes, but the 

10-litre version is perfect for medium-large 

size kibble caddy for a 2-week mountain holiday. 

Being airtight, food will be kept fresh and aromas 

will be trapped inside. And when not in use for food, 

it can be washed out and will make a tough dry-bag 

for keeping your hillwalking kit bone dry. 

VERDICT Multi-use dry-bag that 

makes a great kibble caddy. 

KURGO 

FIRST AID KIT £23 

Be ready for any eventuality 

with this 49-piece first aid kit, 

which will have all you need for 

first aid for you or for your dog. 

It contains everything from an 

emergency blanket, bandages, 

wipes and tweezers to parachute 

cord, and it’s designed to be 

attached to the Kurgo Activity 

Belt and Country Harness – but 

can just as easily be attached to 

your rucksack hipbelt. 

VERDICT Useful 49-piece 

first aid kit for man and dog. 


KARCHER OC3 PORTABLE CLEANER £125 

Muddy dogs and boots are no more with this 

brilliant bit of kit. Just charge it up and fill the 

4-litre reservoir with water before you go, and 

you and the dog will be fit for the car/pub/tent 

after the muddiest of days in the hills. A 5-bar pressure 

spray nozzle works well to remove 

dirt while conserving water. 

VERDICT Easy to store in your car boot, 

and ready to wash off basically anything that gets muddy. 

USED BY Jerry the Springer, Trail watchdog 



94

CANINE KIT 

RUFFWEAR ROAMER 

BUNGEE LEASH £48 

This lead has an extending 

section that is ideal for keeping 

control of your dog, but with 

a bit of leeway to allow them 

to move over more technical 

ground. The clip is a super 

secure claw design, and the 

hand loop is adjustable to be 

worn around the waist – leaving 

your hands free for maps or 

walking poles. It comes in two 

lengths – 5.5-7ft or 7.3-11ft. 

VERDICT Durable bungee 

lead that can be handheld 

or waist-worn. 

RUFFWEAR WEB MASTER HARNESS £77 

Made for hiking and scrambling where your pup 

might need a helping hand up the tricky bits, 

this harness features a handle that allows you 

to assist them. There is the added security of 

knowing if your dog falls, the harness won’t 

slip over their head like a collar. There are 

five points of adjustment for a good fit and 

padded straps prevent pressure points without 

hindering range of movement. 

VERDICT Multi-use harness for 

added security and control. 

RUFFWEAR SUN SHOWER £70 

This jacket has all the features a 

mountain dog needs in a raincoat. 

It has a great fit and good body 

coverage, and being a shell it can 

be worn in summer showers or 

in winter with an insulating layer. 

Leg straps stop the wind blowing 

the coat up – essential in the hills. 

A lead portal allows a harness to be worn 

underneath. It’s easy to fit with robust plastic 

clips either side, and machine washable. 

VERDICT An excellently fitting rain 

shell that won’t flap up in the wind. 


95

KIT FOR KIDS 

Inspiring a passion for the outdoors can’t start too young. 

Here’s our pick of gear to keep children warm, comfy and safe. 

JACK WOLFSKIN KIDS COLLECTION £15-£85 

Brand new for spring and summer 2022, Jack Wolfskin’s kids collection is an 

affordable collection of outdoor clothing for children that’s designed to be every 

bit as good as its adult equivalents. The standout product is the Active Hike (£85), a 

waterproof and breathable jacket with a recycled Texapore Ecosphere membrane. 

And if you want your kids kitted out head to toe in 

quality summer hiking kit from a brand dedicated to 

making a difference through sustainability, the full 

range includes a stretchy fleece jacket, active hoody, 

soft shell shorts, T-shirt, cap and shoes. 

VERDICT Possibly the best example 

we’ve seen yet of a full kids’ 

clothing range that’s 

every bit as good as 

adult equivalents. 

KLEAN CANTEEN KID CLASSIC 

£17 

These stainless steel bottles have a spill-proof sport 

cap with a removable spout for easy cleaning, a large 

carry loop, and – best of all – a tough and chip-resistant 

finish that can stand up to whatever your kids throw at it. 

The 12oz version comes with the choice of either Sippy 

cap (good for toddlers) or a pop-up sport cap (ideal for 

bigger kids), with a larger size available for another £6. 

VERDICT Easy to drink from, easy to clean, 

and difficult to destroy. 

NEW 

FOR 


NEW 

FOR 


KEEN KNOTCH HOLLOW 

£50 

Nobody makes comfortable, fun outdoor 

footwear quite like Keen, and this sporty, lightweight 

little trainer is one of many good examples of that in its junior 

range. The Knotch Hollow comes loaded with Keen’s iconic comfort fit, a 

contoured arch for mid foot support, plus a grippy and non-marking 

sole. There are some bonus features for parents in there too, 

because this shoe is machine washable, quick drying and mercifully 

free of laces. A great option for bouncing around trails and up hills in spring and summer. 

VERDICT One stop down from a proper hillwalking shoe, 

which will be plenty good enough for most outdoorsy kids. 


SNUGPAK EXPLORER SLEEPING BAG £35 

Our 6-year-old graduated to his first ‘proper’ sleeping bag last summer and 

the Snugpak Explorer was a great choice. At 170cm long (he’s about 125cm 

tall) it’s nice and roomy with plenty of space to grow into, and the thing 

we really like is it’s manufactured to the same standards as Snugpak’s 

adult sleeping bags. It has the same technical insulation and fabrics, including a 

Supersoft lining and technical Isofibre insulation. Like most sleeping bags you can 

fully unzip it to use as a duvet, plus you can unzip just the area around your feet to 

make it into one big airy tunnel. Available in a range of colours – Sonny loves the 

camo one! 

VERDICT Great price for a great bag that should fit for good few years. 


USED FOR 1 busy year of family camping 


96

KIT FOR KIDS 

SCARPA RUSH KIDS GTX £60 

This low-cut trekking shoe is also available in a high-ankle version 

(the Rush GTX Mid, £70) and both are lightweight and tough with plenty 

of grip and flex. The internal toe cap offers good protection at the front, 

but the key feature here is the Gore-Tex lining that means no water will 

find its way through the mesh upper. Like adult footwear, kids’ walking 

boots and shoes have come a long way in recent years, and the Rush 

occupies a nice middle ground between traditional walking boots and 

lightweight modern trail shoes. 

VERDICT Ideal for kids who want to thump over rocks and splash 

through puddles, without a clumpy boot slowing them down. 

OSPREY POCO CHILD CARRIER £350 

There are lots of good child carriers out 

there, and if you just need something for 

local walks it’s worth checking out the superb 

LittleLife S2 for a bargain £100. But if 

you‘re taking your toddler on some 

proper hillwalks, the Osprey Poco is 

the king of the mountains. There are 

almost too many features to talk about 

– adjustable back system, integrated 

sunshade and raincover, cavernous 

bottom pocket, washable drool pad – but 

the first thing you’ll notice is how robust, 

safe and comfortable the whole package 

feels. You can adjust every strap to make 

your child as secure as secure as possible, 

and the sturdy kickstand allows you to prop it 

up safely and confidently on the ground 

when you need a breather. 

VERDICT The price may be eyewatering, 

but you get what you pay 

for here. The Poco is pretty much 

the ultimate hillwalking child carrier. 

ISBJORN FROST 

LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET £95 

We’ve featured Swedish brand 

Isbjorn in most round-ups of junior 

kit for the past six or seven years, 

because the quality of its clothing 

really stands out from the crowd. 

The warm and toasty Frost jacket is 

perhaps the pick of its products, a 

lightweight padded coat filled with 

PrimaLoft Black Eco 80% recycled 

insulation that is useful all year 

round. The outer fabric can handle 

a light rain shower, plenty of bumps 

and scrapes and – crucially for 

kids’ kit – comes out of washing 

machines looking as good as new. 

It also scrunches down small inside 

its detachable hood, so can be kept 

in a pack until needed. 

VERDICT A piece of kids’ outdoor 

clothing that’s so good, our only 

criticism is they don’t do 

adult sizes. 

OSPREY TALON JR 11L BACKPACK £80 

If (like mine) your kids are now too big to carry, Osprey has also taken its 

award-winning adults’ Talon backpack and shrunk it down to create an excellent 

little rucksack for 6 to 14-year-olds. This is an ideal first pack for young hillwalkers – 

big enough to carry essentials like a few extra layers, maps, drinks and snacks 

without being too bulky or heavy. It has some nice touches too, like a scratch-free 

top pocket for sunglasses and electronics, an LED light attachment point and even 

a bike helmet attachment to make it a multi-use piece of kit. 

VERDICT If your kids are serious about getting into hiking and have 

outgrown their Paw Patrol school bag, this will take them to the next level. 


USED FOR Hillwalks, bike rides, camping trips, the school run… basically everything! 


97

COMPETITION 

WIN £1991 

GEAR OF 

THE YEAR 


OF 2022’S 2 2 BEST OUTDOOR O O GEAR 

Eight pieces of kit have been awarded Trail magazine’s Gear of the Year award for 

outstanding performance in the mountain environment – and it could all be yours! 

We’ve teamed up with all eight brands to give one lucky reader the chance to win 

£1991 of the best kit a hillwalker could dream of. It’s free and easy to enter at 

www.livefortheoutdoors.com/gearguidecomp22 

Comp closes 12 May 2022. See website for full T&Cs. 

B E S T 

WATERPROOF 

J A C K E T 

M O N T A N E 

PAC PLUS XT 

£250 

BEST HEADTORCH 

PETZL SWIFT RL £96 

BEST 3-SEASON 

SLEEPING BAG 

T H E R M - A - R E S T 

HYPERION 

20°F/-6°C £415 

BEST 3-SEASON TENT 

SEA TO SUMMIT 

ALTO TR1 PLUS £425 

BEST BOOTS 

LA SPORTIVA 

TRANGO TECH 

£255 

BEST MID LAYER 

RAB INFINITY 

MICROLIGHT £240 

B E S T 

BACKPACK 

RAB AEON 35 

£120 

BEST TRAIL SHOE 

DANNER TRAIL 2650 

CAMPO GTX £190 


98

Find, plan, and share 

your adventures with komoot.

Move, discover, connect and explore. 

Scramble, climb and breathe. 

Commit. Run. Push. Send. 

Reach. Focus. Descend. Reflect. 

You are made to go further, faster, 

In whatever way you choose. 

MONTANE.COM

Trail Gear Guide 2022

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