Craig Taylor
Growing up just south of the glorious Brecon Beacons National Park, Craig spent his childhood walking uphill. As he got older, the hills got bigger, and his passion for spending quality time in the great outdoors only grew - falling in love with wild camping, long-distance hiking, bikepacking and fastpacking. Having recently returned to the UK after almost a decade in Germany, he now focuses on regular micro-adventures in nearby Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, as well as frequent trips to the Alps and beyond. You can follow his adventures over on komoot.
Latest articles by Craig Taylor
![Man wearing Deuter Ascender 7 trail running pack](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BmtuUfchs7WhkhMY8fuxh3-320-80.jpg)
Deuter Ascender 7 trail running pack review: well designed and reasonably priced
By Craig Taylor published
The Deuter Ascender 7 and 13 are the German brand’s first foray into lightweight trail running packs, and it delivers in all the ways you’d expect
![Hilleberg Akto tent pitched at Dartmoor National Park, UK](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ivM4eqXeC6ZKMPyzo9G4Tm-320-80.jpeg)
Hilleberg Akto review: a lightweight, classic four-season tent that’s rugged and versatile
By Craig Taylor published
The Hilleberg Akto is multi-award winning, oft-imitated tunnel tent that’s been a staple of the all-weather wild camping community for over 20 years
![Robens Starlight 1](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QuHPbSN6beFGRSubDvsJWL-320-80.jpeg)
Robens Starlight 1 four-season tent review: a lightweight but resilient year-round shelter for solo campers
By Craig Taylor published
A near bombproof one-person shelter, the Robens Starlight 1 offers some very impressive features
![Why I Love Wild Camping – Finally time for a brew](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zZg4M8WrhySqQU29rFeH2H-320-80.jpeg)
Why I fell in love with wild camping
By Craig Taylor published
For Craig Taylor, wild camping is a lifelong passion that has created a special, personal connection to the great outdoors
![Decathlon Forclaz MT500 tent](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6SELphkV5GP8vYSqjABZ84-320-80.jpeg)
I pitched a budget Decathlon tent in the snow overnight and survived
By Craig Taylor published
I took the Forclaz MT500 out in the depths of winter to see how far you can push this budget three-season trekking tent
![Group of campers around a campfire by a camper van, at night](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/izmd3frkrtvRRVPvy7Tc53-320-80.jpg)
Tent alternatives: 6 different ways to sleep outside on your next camp
By Craig Taylor last updated
Camping isn’t just about nights under canvas. Here are 6 tent alternatives you could try
![Quechua MH100 Fresh&Black tent](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/o7sBxaQtYWU85tt5jGTqjZ-320-80.jpeg)
Quechua MH100 Fresh&Black review: a spacious budget tent for the not-too-adventurous
By Craig Taylor published
The Quechua MH100 Fresh&Black is one of Decathlon’s flagship budget tents and it comes with a series of interesting features
![Budget 3-season camping gear from Decathlon](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/78RXxWXwyKkyAfLQGWBsfE-320-80.jpeg)
I pushed budget Decathlon camping gear to its limits – and it was a disaster
By Craig Taylor last updated
How far can you push three-season budget camping from Decathlon? To find out, we put a budget tent, sleeping bag and mattress to the test in some truly miserable weather
![Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4-Zip Fleece](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Dxoh76UNzgkMwEqZ5aipuM-320-80.jpeg)
Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4-Zip Fleece review: versatile, very warm and long-lasting
By Craig Taylor published
The Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4-Zip Fleece is a durable “do anything” pullover that’s functional, popular and as likely to be seen in the boardroom as on the trail
![Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hQbsJNUvYGW5Wj5wFhQErS-320-80.jpeg)
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 backpacking tent review: packs down to a tiny size but is surprisingly rugged too
By Craig Taylor published
The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 is a multi-award-winning ultralight shelter that’s popular for a host of reasons
![Patagonia Men’s Triolet Alpine Mountaineering Hardshell](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/stgGCZJHLMA53E5G5MdtfZ-320-80.jpeg)
Patagonia Men’s Triolet Alpine Mountaineering Hardshell review: a rugged and reliable multitasking waterproof
By Craig Taylor published
Rugged and practically indestructible, the Patagonia Men’s Triolet is a versatile hardshell that cuts out wind, rain and snow
![Patagonia Men’s Hi-Loft Down Hoody](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oXn558LzjaW2xaMPBxt5y4-320-80.jpeg)
Patagonia Men’s Hi-Loft Down Hoody review: a versatile jacket for all seasons
By Craig Taylor published
Warm and lofty, the Patagonia Men’s Hi-Loft Down Hoody is great for both backcountry adventures and inner-city escapades
![Aldi Adventuridge](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/veTHY5QdbHJRpLH9jDsJZA-320-80.jpg)
A night up a mountain in a tent from Aldi: did our budget shelter survive?
By Craig Taylor last updated
What we learned when we spent a night on a Welsh summit in Aldi’s Adventuridge tent
![Running on the Mynd](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SggFGK98idtRiaE2biqrPB-320-80.jpg)
My Favourite Run: the Long Mynd Loop
By Craig Taylor published
A circular run over the Shropshire Hills’ most famous Marilyn that’s perfect for newbies and pros alike
![A tent pitched in front of a spectacular mountain view](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VTWVXVbLwzSUhAYUz4NVKD-320-80.jpg)
Cheap dispersed camping gear – the best set-up for under $300
By Craig Taylor last updated
Heading out for your first night under the stars? Make it both comfortable and affordable with this cheap dispersed camping gear list
![Craig Taylor at the summit of Pen y Fan](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZVhhoyonmJdx33jzXRskHb-320-80.jpg)
My Favourite Hike: the Big Beacons Horseshoe
By Craig Taylor published
With waterfalls, epic climbs and stunning views, this route shows off the beauty of the Welsh landscape
![Couple lying down in a tent on the mountains, Italy.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VufFe9A85knbxtie4XkZuK-320-80.jpg)
Camping for beginners: an introduction to spending nights under canvas
By Craig Taylor last updated
Find out everything you need to know about in this definitive guide to camping for beginners