The Arc’teryx Pro Shell range includes some of the best waterproof tops on the market including the Alpha SV, recipient of the endearing Backpacker Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.  The main … Read more

Although we’re blessed with long daylight hours in the summer, winter darkness in the UK can sometimes be overwhelming. Whether you are trying to convince yourself to train in the off-season, or get out for some winter adventures, a good head torch not only helps visibility but can also enhance some interesting features on trails that you don’t normally see in daylight.

Tucked away in the south-west corner of Switzerland is Whitepod, a luxury eco-camp high that’s been standing in the Valais region of the Swiss Alps since 2004. Perched at 1400m … Read more

Music Pass (11,500 ft) was so named because of the rumored musical sounds that can be heard as the wind passes over Music Mountain and the other surrounding peaks that guard the Upper Sand Creek Basin. Located in the Sangre de Cristos, a chain of mountains that run from southern Colorado through northern New Mexico, the basin sits at the northernmost end of the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.

Nestled between a developing Russia, a growing world economy in the form of Turkey, a diplomatically awkward Iran, and fellow Caucasus neighbours Armenia and oil-rich Azerbaijan, Georgia faces a political tightrope to maintain stability after a turbulent past, when it seceded from the smoldering remains of the USSR in 1991. However, despite the stereotypes of Eastern-bloc and former Soviet republics, Georgia embodies a distinctly European feel.

Ever since Joseph Gerber launched his Gerber ‘Legendary Blades’ in 1939, the brand has taken off in the outdoor tools market. Specializing in knifes and tools, it has pioneered the way in compact products that service an adventurer’s daily needs. The multi-tools meet the demands several outdoors activities, helping the brand develop a strong relationship with outdoor enthusiasts across the market.

This review is first of a short series of blogs covering ‘old favourites,’ the sort of gear that not only works superbly, but is durable and reliable for any adventure. … Read more

What distinguishes the Haglöfs design of such a travel bag from its competitors, is that despite its simplicity, it packs an almost limitless variety of possible uses. This means that as your required demands of a primary storage gear change with the time of day, the environment or climate, or even just your location, you will always be able to rely on the adaptable Travel Pouch for safe preservation of your most valuable possessions and documents.

Patagonia’s Nano Puff Vest is striking. Indeed, as I was somewhat taken aback about just how brilliant the blue was on this range, selecting it ahead of the only marginally sombre alternative colours, jet-black and mango.

Haglöfs started in a shed in Torsång, Sweden in the spring of 1914. The very first product Victor Haglöf made was a backpack which sold for a mere SEK 0.9 … Read more

As the winter starts to fade away in the northern hemisphere, there’s already something to look forward to the 2013/14 season. Patagonia will be releasing 1000 1000-fill Encapsil Down Belay Parka in a limited edition stock, presenting a pretty impressive addition to the down jacket scene with the warmest of its kind. Here’s a preview.

Rab actually make two topbags, the first is called the Module and does without the hood. The second is the Neutrino SL, made slightly warmer by extra filling and a trapezoidal construction

In the eyes of a number of adventure’s premium goggle brands, bigger is always better. To them, wider lenses, fatter frames and substantial straps are more than just effective branding. This season, Dragon Alliance have reassessed this paradigm, releasing in their APX goggle and a new perspective that has reigned supreme across the northern hemisphere since December.

The first feature that I immediately appreciated was Columbia’s patented OutDry system.Columbia Sportswear acquired OutDry Technologies S.r.l from Nextec S.r.l in 2010, so adding a waterproof breathable system to by the company’s brands including Mountain Hardwear and Sorel. Unlike a seam-sealed waterproofing system for the outermost layer, OutDry forms a laminate that bond a waterproofing membrane to the outermost layer. Through this method, OutDry items don’t absorb water, so maintaining a light and breathable outer layer. I have full confidence in this technology to ensure my feet remain bone-dry without compromising breathability or weight, and it is a system that is indispensable for the mostly unpredictable weather found in the Scottish Highlands.

As the name suggests, Steamboat, CO-based nutrition company Honey Stinger have a preference for making quality sports nutrition using the natural power of honey. Bars contain over 30% honey and their … Read more

The history of humankind is punctuated by extraordinary revelatory moments, the birth of great ideas and the enactment of outstanding achievements. Moses’ parting of the Red Sea, Newton’s falling apple … Read more

The Sea to Summit brand has vested themselves as a company that provides the adventure traveller with useful accessories to make life on the road, and in the water, far easier. Over the last two decades they have produced lightweight and durable products, with the Ultra-Sil Dry Sack being a good example of innovative, amphibious product. This highly recommended outdoor accessory made my adventure experiences far more convenient, keeping water from harming my valuables any longer.

Garmont’s Dragontail MNT is part of their ‘Mountain’ range of footwear and as such is aimed at mountaineers, climbers and boulderers to use as an approach shoe to the crag. … Read more

The Lowe Alpine Powerstretch Balaclava is a garment that, like the baselayer I reviewed in the last blog, is a humble but mighty tool. Now that Lowe Alpine have discontinued their line of accessories to focus on backpacks, this little number could be a lasting relic from the brand’s tactical armoury. I however am unconcerned by how it looks as I’m a fully signed up member of the balaclava fan club. In my opinion balaclavas are one the most under-rated and overlooked pieces of outdoor equipment that everyone should own.

TORQ are a UK-based fitness consultancy that specialise in training and nutrition. Owing to the success of their performance coaching which started in 1999, TORQ moved into performance products to complement their existing services.