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More than forty years since the founding, Rab continues to find inspiration in the untamed spirit of the mountains, the friendships forged on the peak, and their enduring mission: to grow a community of Mountain People and equip them for adventure. Rab is committed to putting people at the heart of what they do. From partners and athletes to staff and everyone who has used and loved their gea …

Montane has become synonymous with lightweight and breathable clothing and equipment. For over 30 years Montane has worked closely with serious mountain professionals working in hostile conditions across the globe as a proving ground for garment design. From the British Antarctic Survey to British Mountain Rescue Teams. Professionals who demand the toughest credentials from their clothing and equi …

Nnormal wasn’t a brand that had been on my radar before but within a couple of miles of running in a pair of the Tomir 2.0 GTX I felt comfortable and confident that I would enjoy using these. I baptised the shoes quickly as I had to contend with some long stretches of wet, sloppy singletrack mud over some undulating ground. To begin with I did try avoiding getting the shoes submerged, mainl …

Exped’s Lightning rucksack has long been a favourite with backpackers who want a lighter pack without losing proper load control. The updated 2026 range keeps that ultralight heritage but adds a more supportive carry system, improved storage, and a choice of 40, 50, and 60-litre sizes. Alongside the new Lightning packs, Exped’s Ultra 6.5R mats show just how far lightweight sleeping kit …

The Montane Featherlite Hoodie became one of my most-used layers on this year’s TGO Challenge. It was a very windy crossing, and other than my baselayer and trousers, which I had to keep on or risk being arrested, this was probably the item I wore most. I have used lighter windproof layers before, but what I like about the Featherlite is that it does not feel too stripped back. At 115g (med …

There are three things you want from your trekking poles, useability, adaptability and great build quality. Well, it’s safe to say I found all three boxes ticked when using the Trail Vista Shock Poles by Black Diamond. I took these poles with me on an 8-day hike through Scotland where they battled in numerous ground and weather conditions. From boggy moors, rushing rivers and sand these tre …

The Outdoor Research Helium UL Bivy makes the most sense when you want the smallest possible weatherproof shelter, a quick pitch and a really low-profile camp. It is more livable than most bivy bags I’ve tried, thanks to the hoop, which elevates and provides welcome space, but it is still very much a bivy. That means limited living space, careful venting and being realistic about condensati …

This year's Great Outdoors Challenge (TGO) started a little differently from my previous crossings. I’d been hiking and camping on the Isle of Skye for the week building up to this year's crossing, with my partner Sacha, my American annual-adventure companion Brian, and his wife, Jackie. We hiked part of the Skye Trail, spotted minke whales, and made the most of the island’s food and …

My introduction to trekking poles came courtesy of Black Diamond a few years ago when completing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks so I was very interested in trying the new Pursuit Carbon FLZ, this time I put these to the test along the Cleveland Way. Having now used the poles over rolling hills, rocky uneven descents, open bridleways and steady inclines I have yet to find fault with them. The Pursuit serie …

Aarn backpacks feature ventilating back panels that prevent overheating. The pockets are equipped with bendable frames, minimising contact with the chest. By utilising Aarn backpacks in conjunction with Balance Pockets, weight is distributed evenly around the wearer's centre of gravity, eliminating the leverage effects caused by an offset load. This design ensures that posture and balance are main …

The Montane Featherlite Hoodie became one of my most-used layers during this year's TGO Challenge, where a windproof layer felt practically mandatory. Wind protection is its biggest strength, taking the edge off exposed coastal sections and higher ground without feeling stuffy when moving at a steady pace. The PERTEX Quantum Air fabric feels soft and quiet, with noticeably better breathability tha …

MSR’s backpacking tent range has been refreshed for 2026, with updates to the popular Elixir series and an all-new take on the legendary Hubba Hubba. Whether you're looking for a durable, comfort-focused shelter or a lightweight tent for fast-moving adventures, the latest range offers improved materials, refined features, and more choice than ever before. Take a closer look at what's new. …