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Pictures: Looking back near the Bocca Palmentu (right) and Refuge d’E Capanelle (left). Day 1 – Vizzavona to (Gite d’Etape U Fugone) Refuge d’E Capanelle The first day is 9 miles and 5.5hrs and after staying in a hotel in Vizzavona I was able to get a great start, the route is easy to find and well way-marked and it was good to get going. I climbed the first section throug …

Costs I took 300Euros travelling money but this wasn’t enough really. Campsite fees were generally 20Euros per night, a beer was 10Euros at the refuges and I bought one evening meal for 25Euros and one breakfast for 9Euros. A taxi on my first travel day cost 25 Euros and I bought food items along the way – all transactions that required cash. I returned with 50Euros+ which I’d k …

Outbound I flew from Manchester and booked the car into a long stay park, I usually use Drop&Go as this has always been convenient and hassle free. My flight was via Rome and there was a 3 hour transfer time, this seemed enough but I was worried about reported queues at the new Shengen terminals. As it was the machines were bi-passed at Rome in favour of the traditional booth and customs offi …

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 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 …

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 …

Robust, lightweight, and fully featured, each Rab pack is designed to provide freedom of movement across any terrain. These packs are ready to be your lifelong companions, accompanying you from local peaks to remote adventures. Explore Rab's range of packs, including the Syclon XP series, which features waterproof packs rated to IP4 and a body-contouring AEROFIT™ carry system for enhanced ve …

The Baltoro has been reimagined for 2026, delivering the refined fit, breathability, and stability that backpackers have been asking for. Built to handle heavy loads without holding you back, its FreeFloat suspension flexes with your natural movement, reducing fatigue and improving balance on technical terrain. Enhanced materials increase durability without adding weight, while an improved harness …

Outdoor Research offers a range of bivvy sacks suitable for every adventure. Whether you need ultralight, durable options for backpacking or bug-proof bivvys for a pest-free experience, you'll find the perfect shelter for your outdoor activities. Designed for reliability in all conditions, these bivvy sacks offer a combination of weather resistance, breathability, and a compact design, ensuring pr …

Big Agnes VST tents combine innovative materials with user-first design to create the ideal ultralight shelter. Engineered to provide maximum usable space for individuals and their gear, these tents are ultralight, durable, and reliable. The Hyperbead™ fabric, along with Hybrid Single/Double Wall construction and an integrated ventilation system, promotes airflow while reducing condensation. …

I tested the women’s Outdoor Research Helium UL jacket during early spring and I was very impressed with its performance. It will be a firm staple in my backpack for hikes during spring to autumn months for showery spells. I chose a size small, which is the size I would usually choose in a waterproof jacket. The jacket has a trim, streamlined fit but was loose enough to fit a base layer and …