Latest articles by Matthew Jones
Black Diamond Serac crampons review: rugged substance as well as sleek style
A sturdy 12-point crampon, the Black Diamond Serac is made from high-grade stainless steel that’s ideal for classic mountaineering and winter scrambles
Grivel G1 Plus ice axe review: a traditional hillwalking axe that’s undoubtedly built to last
A durable and robust axe, the Grivel G1 Plus is ideal for those in search of a classic alpine-style hillwalking or mountaineering axe
DMM Spire Ice Axe review: back to basics and built to last
The value-focused DMM Spire undercuts most of the competition in terms of price and performance, but remains a great choice for winter adventures
DMM Spire Tech Ice Axe review: straddling the divide between winter hillwalking and true mountaineering
As its curved shaft suggests, the DMM Spire Tech is a technically capable ice axe, with a modern, lightweight design
Keela Stratus waterproof jacket review: a force shield against the elements
Rugged and robust, the Keela Stratus waterproof jacket fearlessly fends off fierce and foul weather
Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe review: a superb "hillwalker plus" axe
A hybrid hillwalking/mountaineering axe, the Black Diamond Raven Pro is technically capable, with a stylish, modern design for improved steep snow performance
ThruDark SF Raid waterproof jacket review: a seriously classy shell with a military background
An extremely robust waterproof shell, the ThruDark SF Raid combines superlative build quality with premium fabrics and top-quality components
Alpkit Definition waterproof jacket review: built for all-season, all-weather mountain adventures
The great value Alpkit Definition offers fortress-like protection from the elements at around half the price of the premium brands
Asolo Piz GV winter hiking boots review: a lightweight, precision boot for serious mountain scramblers
A lightweight all-season leather mountain boot, the Asolo Piz GV has plenty of technical capability, thanks to a precise feel and reassuring grip underfoot
AKU Tengu GTX winter hiking boots review: feel light on your feet while mountaineering
Impressively capable yet extremely lightweight, the AKU Tengu GTX is a serious mountaineering boot
Hanwag Makra Combi GTX hiking boots review: lightweight but impressively hard wearing
Lightweight, precise and crampon-compatible, the Hanwag Makra Combi GTX is a scrambling boot ideal for Alpine-style rock routes
Lowa Cevedale Evo GTX hiking boots review: reliable workhorses
A very robust and well-made boot, the Lowa Cevedale Evo GTX strikes a good balance between stiffness and flex
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Pro review: ticks all the boxes for a great mountain jacket
A top-quality Gore-Tex Pro shell, the Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 is equipped with all the features we look for in a true winter mountaineering jacket
La Sportiva Trango Tower GTX hiking boots review: a really impressive all-rounder
La Sportiva Trango Tower GTX is a superb boot for winter scrambles and lower-grade mountaineering routes as well as a capable all-rounder
Meindl Air Revolution 4.1 hiking boots review: leather boot stability with fabric boot flexibility
Well-cushioned, luxuriously padded and breathable, the Meindl Air Revolution 4.1 works well for year-round use except for on the most challenging terrain
Scarpa Manta Tech GTX winter hiking boots review: an impressive update to a classic
As far as we’re concerned, the Scarpa Manta Tech GTX – the latest evolution of the brand’s classic B2 mountain boot – is better than ever
Columbia Infinity Summit Double Wall Down Hooded Jacket review: making stitches a thing of the past
An innovative puffer, the Columbia Infinity Summit Double Wall performs well in cold and windy weather
Helly Hansen Verglas Glacier Down Jacket review: a solid performer, well-designed and well-made
A versatile hybrid puffy, the Helly Hansen Verglas Glacier Down Jacket makes a great winter all-rounder
Zamberlan 1000 Baltoro winter hiking boots review: seriously rugged, durable and adaptable
A high-quality, Italian-made full leather boot, the Zamberlan 1000 Baltoro is a great choice for tackling ridges, scrambles, scree slopes and winter adventures
Montane Janhukot down jacket review: the incredible bulk that’ll keep you incredibly toastie
The warm and chunky Montane Janhukot puffy will see you happily through the winter
Highlander Lewis synthetic jacket review: hard-wearing and moisture resistant at a great price
The Highlander Lewis synthetic jacket offers a great value insulating layer for hiking, camping and general outdoor use
Patagonia Fitz Roy Hoody review: luxurious insulation for sub-zero Alpine-like conditions
Big and warm the Patagonia Fitz Roy Hoody is built for use in intensely cold conditions
Best gifts for hikers: perfect presents for backpackers and trekkers
These best gifts for hikers this Christmas will have them planning epic adventures with gusto for 2022 and beyond
