Matthew Jones
An outdoors writer and editor, Matt Jones has been testing kit in the field for nearly a decade. Having worked for both the Ramblers and the Scouts, he knows one or two things about walking and camping, and loves all things adventure, particularly long-distance backpacking, wild camping and climbing mountains – especially in Wales. He’s based in Snowdonia and last year thru-hiked the Cambrian Way, which runs for 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy, with a total ascent of 73,700 feet – that’s nearly 2½ times the height of Everest. Follow Matt on Instagram and Twitter.
Latest articles by Matthew Jones
![Jetboil vs MSR Windburner: man lighting the MSR Windburner](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fokF6TWNwmMZVFXziAiUKC-320-80.jpg)
Jetboil vs MSR WindBurner: it's hotting up in the battle of the fast boiling stoves
By Matthew Jones last updated
Jetboil vs MSR WindBurner: We ignite the battle between two of the best regarded all-in-one camping stoves – should you go for Jetboil's MiniMo or MSR's WindBurner?
![Grivel G12 crampons](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nXzrZeHY3rdVRciennxaRJ-320-80.jpg)
What are crampons? We get to grips with these key pieces of mountain kit
By Matthew Jones last updated
What are crampons? We look at their heritage, consider their features, explain their ratings and take a look at correct crampon technique
![Jöttnar Fenrir women’s down jacket](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gq52Aea4S4GDgJPKxr9eWK-320-80.jpg)
Down vs synthetic insulation: which is the most sensible purchase?
By Matthew Jones last updated
Down is nature’s best insulator, but how does it compare to modern synthetic fills? It's time for the battle of the puffers: down vs synthetic insulation
![how to choose a down jacket: Alex with Berghaus jacket](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HB3SEXMeCf5E3Rq9toswmH-320-80.jpg)
How to choose a down jacket: what to consider when selecting the perfect puffer
By Matthew Jones last updated
Knowing how to choose a down jacket will provide you with the ideal insulation for your trips, whether you're after a toasty belay jacket or a subtle gilet
![how to choose a sleeping bag: man and sleeping bag](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EZyEnHZmLgPRbBQ6ijaKh7-320-80.jpg)
How to choose a sleeping bag: for warm, cozy camping
By Matthew Jones last updated
Knowing how to choose a sleeping bag is vital for any camping trip or expedition – our expert guide explains what you need to look for
![how to choose a sleeping pad: man putting pad in tent](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Ejy6TrNH8bGoioiAH7eBRh-320-80.jpg)
How to choose a sleeping pad: for backpacking and car camping
By Matthew Jones last updated
Understanding how to choose a sleeping pad is vital to getting a proper, and warm, night’s rest – read on for our expert guide
![how to cook over a campfire: campfire cooking](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hAxEdy7zHG8uTS2SGBWpGj-320-80.jpg)
Camp cooking: how to cook over a campfire
By Matthew Jones last updated
Our guide on how to cook over a campfire, with tips on building the perfect blaze, useful kit, simple cooking hacks and a selection of tried-and-tested recipes
![Collage of the best two-person tents](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eLehzJNmFWLa8nFcjQCUnf-320-80.jpg)
The best 2-person tents 2024: for backpacking and car camping
By Matthew Jones last updated
Our roundup of the best two-person tents available today will help you select the ideal backpacking or car camping shelter for you and your plus one
![Collage of the best one-person tents](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sPSMB8tWhZBiYHdFCRqVch-320-80.jpg)
The best one-person tents 2024: solo shelters for backcountry epics
By Matthew Jones last updated
Our roundup of the best one-person tents details the finest options for lone wilderness adventures
![whittling 101: whittling a spoon](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xHBNebPaUHTSAqt6gxfjLS-320-80.jpg)
Whittling 101: whittling tips, tricks and inspiration from our expert
By Matthew Jones last updated
A simple whittling project, such as a wooden spoon, is a superb way to enhance your knife skills while making a genuinely useful tool
![best camping knife: camping couple cutting wood](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sV2rdwWfVyGpP2YfQEWRuj-320-80.jpg)
How to choose a knife for camping: our expert guide
By Matthew Jones last updated
Knowing how to choose a knife for camping can be a little intimidating if the terminology is alien to you – here, we explain what to look for
![woman camping and using stove](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/E93GZz7Qs3Tcz2ADUerGeU-320-80.jpg)
How to choose a camping stove: select the ideal burner for your trips
By Matthew Jones last updated
With so many varieties, knowing how to choose a camping stove for your next trip can be taxing – let us be your guide
![Collage of the best winter hiking boots](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2UgiHANxBSSZFT6qoK8F9P-320-80.jpg)
The best winter hiking boots 2024: for unbeatable performance in the cold
By Matthew Jones last updated
Our selection of the best winter hiking boots, essential for venturing into the mountains on sub-zero adventures
![Collage of the best budget hiking boots](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/U6JXTKm2hVWoyg3kcJPKE7-320-80.jpg)
The best budget hiking boots 2024: quality pairs at low prices
By Matthew Jones last updated
We get to grips with the best budget hiking boots around so that you don’t have to splash out to find good performance footwear for the backcountry
![Collage of eight gaiters in grid](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JgjTzS4XgPPSjADpuWmv7M-320-80.jpg)
The best gaiters for hiking and trail running 2024: rugged leg protection for wet weather adventures
By Matthew Jones last updated
Our pick the best gaiters, tested and recommended for fast-moving trail running and snow-stomping
![Collage of eight of the best compasses on white background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RAUUjRDQQgTvXkbV7RBAjA-320-80.jpg)
The best compass 2024: find your way with the finest standard navigational tools
By Matthew Jones last updated
A compass is essential for navigating through the wilderness confidently and effectively, and here are eight of the best
![Collage of the best field watches](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nQhra9GHS6vveJZ8xa5ora-320-80.jpg)
The best field watches 2024: robust timepieces for wild expeditions
By Matthew Jones last updated
With military origins, the best field watches are tough enough to tell the time no matter the conditions
![Collage of eight of the best ice axes on white grid background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vbEeGvyZ9vcg5ZuNUyCatE-320-80.jpg)
The best ice axes 2024: for tackling frozen terrain
By Matthew Jones last updated
Winter adventures in the hills and mountains require the best ice axe you can get your gloves on
![Collage of eight of the best puffer jackets on white background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/E3RuUxTYRVxKWHQyrwg2FS-320-80.jpg)
The best synthetic puffer jackets 2024: feather-free padding to keep out the winter chill
By Matthew Jones last updated
We've tested the best synthetic puffer jackets, which offer excellent insulation at a friendly price point
![Collage of the best backpacks](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VxVvsyzAYMemNATGfZhB8C-320-80.jpg)
The best hiking backpacks 2024: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers
By Matthew Jones last updated
We've tested the best hiking backpacks to see you through all your winter climbing, fastpacking, and mountaineering adventures
![Collage of the best camping axes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AHikVPz3yVznwWnKKtWCBN-320-80.jpg)
The best camping axes and hatchets 2024: light chopping tools
By Matthew Jones last updated
Our tried and tested selection of the best camping axes and hatchets to take with you to process firewood on camp or on the trail
![camping knots: man tying knot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/R5YXWW3i2m2ECXUavwUFok-320-80.jpg)
The best camping knots: for rigging shelters, speedy repairs, hammocks hanging and more
By Matthew Jones last updated
We guide you on how to tie six of the best camping knots to provide plenty of options on your camping trips – because having a bit of knotting knowledge can take you far
![KEEN Circadia Waterproof Boot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T35hhqacpVcFBvVps28ZSd-320-80.jpeg)
KEEN Circadia Waterproof mid hiking boot review: a sturdy, comfortable choice for wide feet
By Matthew Jones last updated
We review the protective and comfortable KEEN Circadia Waterproof Boot mid boot, a great choice as an everyday hiker with its accommodating fit