
Jonathan Manning
After spending a decade as editor of Country Walking, the UK’s biggest-selling walking magazine, Jonathan moved to edit Outdoor Fitness magazine, adding adrenaline to his adventures and expeditions. He has hiked stages or completed all of the UK's national trails, but was once overtaken by three Smurfs, a cross-dressing Little Bo Peep, and a pair of Teletubbies on an ascent of Snowdon. (Turns out they were soldiers on a fundraising mission.)
Latest articles by Jonathan Manning

The best hiking water bottles 2023: stay hydrated at camp and on the trails
By Jonathan Manning last updated
Easy to drink from and difficult to break, these water bottles will serve you well for years of adventures

The best rain pants 2023: stay dry in even the worst weather
By Jonathan Manning last updated
Stride out and stay dry no matter what the conditions with our selection of the best rain pants available today

The best gilets 2023: keep your core warm while hiking and camping
By Jonathan Manning last updated
We've tested the best gilets and bodywarmers from all the big brands to bring you the warmest, most comfortable options

The best 2-season sleeping bags 2023: for warm weather camping adventures
By Jonathan Manning last updated
Our selection of the best 2-season sleeping bags reveals quality lightweight down and synthetic bags for your camping adventures

The best hiking flasks 2023: for keeping beverages and food hot in the wild
By Jonathan Manning last updated
Our selection of the best hiking flasks features the finest insulated solutions for all your coffees, stews, teas and soups

How to keep your feet dry while hiking
By Jonathan Manning last updated
Knowing how to keep your feet dry while hiking is crucial for comfort, but also for your foot health

Hiking layers: everything you need to know to keep yourself warm in all conditions
By Jonathan Manning last updated
Our guide to how and why hiking layers will keep you warm and dry while you're out hiking

Merrell MQM 3 GTX review: a solid all-rounder with an impressive Vibram sole
By Jonathan Manning published
These grippy Merrell MQM 3 GTX walking shoes may look like trainers, but they’re sturdy and robust for walks and hikes

My Favourite Hike: the Northumberland coast path
By Jonathan Manning last updated
A stunning seaside walk featuring wildlife, a castle and a couple of memorable pubs

Vango Nitestar 150 sleeping bag review: a one-season bag at a great price
By Jonathan Manning last updated
A bargain bag, the Vango Nitestar 150 is capable of providing comfort on all sorts of outdoor adventures

How to wash a sleeping bag – and other tips for keeping it in good working order
By Jonathan Manning last updated
It’s easy to spend three figures on a sleeping bag, so you want it to last – read on to find out how to wash a sleeping bag and keep it in good working order

How to waterproof hiking boots: top tips for how to keep your feet dry this winter
By Jonathan Manning, Alex Foxfield last updated
Knowing how to waterproof hiking boots will keep your feet dry on a walk and add to the lifespan of your hiking boots

When does a hill become a mountain? We consider this age-old question
By Jonathan Manning, Alex Foxfield last updated
Exactly when does a hill become a mountain? Is there even an exact answer? We consider the attributes an upland must boast before it can proudly call itself a mountain

Types of tent: 10 designs that offer something for every kind of outdoor adventure
By Jonathan Manning last updated
We unzip and reveal 10 types of tent, consider the pros and cons of each design and decide which ones are best for different kinds of adventures

How to waterproof a tent: protect your shelter in 5 easy steps
By Jonathan Manning last updated
Learning how to waterproof a tent will save your shelter from springing adventure-ending leaks on your camping trips and expeditions. Here's how...

Berghaus Vaskye Vest review: easily packable and very warm
By Jonathan Manning published
High quality materials and useful features make the Berghaus Vaskye Vest a hiking gilet for all-day warmth

Columbia Powder Lite hiking gilet review: a highly impressive warmth-for-price ratio
By Jonathan Manning published
Fabulous warmth and a great price make the Columbia Powder Lite a sure thing for your shortlist

Montane Icarus Vest review: stuffed with recycled fill and ready for mountain treks
By Jonathan Manning published
A mid-weight gilet, the Montane Icarus Vest is designed particularly for mountain walking

Rab Microlight Down Vest review: a toasty gilet that’s designed to help you regulate the warmth
By Jonathan Manning published
Packed with a generous weight of recycled down, the Rab Microlight Down Vest delivers warmth with a clear conscience, even when wet

Páramo Torres Medio Gilet review: the vest that’s designed to be worn as an over layer
By Jonathan Manning published
The Páramo Torres Medio Gilet is an exceptionally warm, waterproof, windproof over layer

Patagonia Nano Puff Vest review: a high performance jacket with some serious green cred
By Jonathan Manning published
The exceptional eco credentials of the Patagonia Nano Puff Vest are matched by its performance

Helly Hansen Paramount Softshell Vest review: a gilet with a difference that tackles windchill
By Jonathan Manning published
The fleece-lined Helly Hansen Paramount Softshell Vest has breathable performance and wind protection at its heart

Sleeping bag temperature ratings: choosing the right bag for your adventures
By Jonathan Manning last updated
Getting the right sleeping bag temperature rating will ensure you've got the sleeping system you need for your adventures no matter the season