I've been on a mission to test an array of changing robes this year, and have come away from the experience surprised by how much they vary, despite all landing within a narrow price range.

At first glance, Red's new Alter Evo robe is almost identical to Zone3's Thermotech offering. But on closer inspection there's one big difference between them - weight. The Alter Evo is more than 1lb (500g) heavier than the Thermotech. And that's no small amount if your favorite wild swim spot requires a bit of a trek to get to.

But while the Alter Evo is less portable, it's definitely warmer, with a super soft deep-pile Sherpa fleece lining that feels like you're being hugged by a teddy bear.

So if it's heavier than the Thermotech, are there any other features to recommend it over its similarly-priced rival? In short, yes, so let's talk about that a bit more.

Red Alter Evo changing robe: weight

While the Thermotech's lightness was a winning feature for me, Red have gone in the opposite direction with the Alter Evo. Weighing in at nearly 4lb, it's the heaviest changing robe I've tested this year, but if you think of it as a luxury robe, it all starts to make sense.

Let's look at the hood, for example. It's got a proper peak, it's substantial, the Sherpa lining is deep-pile and cozy, and it's got a high neck and sturdy toggles to allow you to cinch it tight when it's really cold.

The old Red Pro Evo version had sleeves that came up just slightly short on me, but there's no chance of that here, with fold back cuffs that should satisfy even the most orangutan of limb.

The main zip is YKK, the zip on the outer chest pocket appears reassuringly water tight, and it feels like every other little detail has been well thought out too, from the mesh inner pocket (also zipped) to the decision to use fleece for the large inner patch pocket (traditionally used by wild swimmers for a hot water bottle), so that you don't have a 'cold patch' that would exist if this were made from the outer fabric.

It's also longer than most other robes I've tried (and longer than the Pro Evo), coming to mid shin - a reassuring feature if you're a winter swimmer like me.

If I have one gripe it's that the sleeves are now tapered, rather than straight cut, and I found this made it a little harder to slip my arms inside the body of the garment when I was getting changed.

But I'm splitting hairs here - there's so much to recommend it.

Sizing

Although men's and women's versions are available, the difference between them isn't obvious to me and the sizing guide is the same. I like the fact that the size guide on the Red website shows you which size is suitable depending on whether you're using it to get changed under or 'just' as a coat. It's a nice touch that recognises that, although these garments are designed with swimmers in mind, a lot of people now buy them for dog walking, school runs and country strolls and never go anywhere near the water in them.

You may have an opinion on that, but let's not gatekeep these garments. I don't just wear mine for swimming, after all. It's my first choice for campfire nights, and for gentle walks in the winter too.

Red has always had great color options in their changing robes and the Alter Evo is no exception. I tested the Deep Teal colorway, but there are seven other choices, and I liked the fact that the same colors are offered for both genders.

Absorbency and drying speed

Thanks to its deep pile Sherpa fleece lining, the Alter Evo is super cozy and wicks water like a dream, and this, combined with its length, makes it a great choice for winter swims.

However, I found this also makes it a bit slower to dry than lighter robes, so if you're planning on changing inside it, bear in mind that it could take a couple of days to dry out completely unless you've got access to a dry room or airing cupboard.

Getting changed inside it was straightforward, and the YKK zip worked smoothly, allowing me to unzip it from the bottom as I manoeuvred out of my wet swimsuit.

As it's a heavier changing robe than the Thermotech, it's one I'll use when I'm travelling to swim spots by car (or one day, by camper van - the dream!). But I know for the coldest days, when the water is barely above freezing, I'll be incredibly thankful for it.

Materials and care

Red's earlier iteration of this robe - the Evo Pro (now discontinued), had a waterproofing and breathability rating of 8,000 and 3,000 respectively. The Alter Evo is a big step up from this, rated at 15,000 and 8,000. This makes it impressively waterproof, while avoiding that clammy feeling.

The garment is 100% recycled and the outer has been treated with a Durable Water Repellent that's PFAS-free, so it ticks our environmental boxes too.

I absolutely love this changing robe. For a fairly standard price you're treated to a lot of luxury, and the confidence that, no matter how cold your swim, it'll get you warm and dry in no time.

• How Advnture tests products

Primus Micron III: first impressions

My first experience with a camping stove was an old army surplus Trangia stove. It was battered and weighty and I can still remember my frustration as the phrase “a watched pot never boils” rattled around my head while the water for my coffee slowly transitioned from lukewarm to somewhere close to boiling without ever seeming capable for getting there.

Since then there have been incredible advancements to camping stove technology, whether you require something complex or simple. I tested the Primus Micron III over the summer, mainly using it for boiling water for dried hiking meals and much-needed morning coffee.

The Micron III has a simple design that directly screws on top of a standard threaded gas canister. The three pot supports fold diagonally to ensure an ergonomic profile, and all lock into place with a satisfying click.

This model has no built in ignition or regulator. However Primus does have a version with an external matchstick style igniter at the cost of a little extra weight.

There is no gas regulator on either model however, so anyone planning to use this in very cold conditions should take note that this could affect the performance.

Weight and packability

The most notable feature of this stove is undoubtedly its weight (or lack of it) - coming in at 2.11oz (60g) with the included nylon bag and 2.01oz (57g) without if you are seriously counting grams.

Primus has used aluminium throughout the construction to keep the weight down. The dimensions of the stove are tiny too. At 2.44 x 1.61in (62 x 41mm) it fits snuggly in the palm of your hand. I kept the stove within my pot and gas system, but can see how easy it would be to lose such a small part of your gear if not kept somewhere safe.

Folded out for use, the stove sits at 3.14in (80mm) high with a 3.74in (95mm) wide base for your pot. Given the quite minimal dimensions of the stove when in use, it is more suited for wild camping where boiling water for dehydrated meals is the top priority, than using with heavy pans.

Cooking speed and functionality

The stove works as most do. You thread it on to the canister, turn the pleasantly grippy and oversized valve handle and ignite the gas. It took quite a few turns to get the flame to full power but the flame is highly directional and puts out 2600w of power with the valve fully open.

The flame is designed to be wind resistant, but I found that, as the stove stands so tall off the canister, that it can be quite susceptible to wind if there are strong gusts blowing. The stove sits at 5.5in (140mm) tall when attached to a standard 3.5oz (100g) canister, and I found this affected its stability. The flip side to this height is increased functionality when using a pan if you want to heat food directly rather than just boil water.

Primus claims that the stove can boil 500ml of water in 2 mins 30 secs. In sheltered conditions I was able to get the water boiling in 2 mins 27 secs. When using it in the porch of my tent however, with a whipping wind coming under, this stretched to between 2 mins and 50 secs to 3 mins and 15 secs. By comparison, my Jetboil took 2 mins 38 secs in sheltered conditions and 3 mins 37 secs when it was windy.

Primus recommends that you use its Essential Trek pots with this stove, as they have a slimmer profile and therefore in theory will boil quicker. The pot I was using was slightly wider than an Essential Trek pot, so it’s good to know there’s potential for the process to be sped up further. Overall, I found the power of the stove to pack quite a punch, even with slightly increased boil times due to the wind.

• How Advnture tests products

Arc'teryx Beta AR Stormhood Jacket (2023): first impressions 

Since we tested this jacket, Arc'teryx has released an updated version that features PFAS-free Gore-Tex and a new pattern to cut down on waste. For this article, we've tested the previous iteration, first released in 2023.

The story of the Arc'teryx Beta AR actually goes all the way back to the year 2000, with the release of the brand's first "all-rounder" jacket. Various updates over the years have made the jacket lighter, stronger, and more watertight, and with the 2023 edition came the addition of the awesome Stormhood.

Using the ultra-durable Gore-Tex Pro waterproof membrane, this is a hardshell waterproof jacket that's virtually bombproof against wind and precipitation, but relatively light compared to its competition. Arc'teryx Watertight Zippers throughout ensure there are no weak points where water can leak in.

The main talking point is that Stormhood, which is big enough to wear over your ski helmet, but has two cinches at the back to draw it tight when you're just wearing a beanie, and they're big enough to operate with gloves on. A high collar protects your face when it's fully zipped up, though without a helmet, there is a slight gap at either side where some rain or snow gets in if the wind is howling.

The fabric is pliable enough to allow for lots of movement, and while, like any hardshell, it's not the most breathable for summer conditions, it is equipped with pit zips and makes an excellent choice for most mountain pursuits the rest of the year.

The regular cut allows plenty of room for multiple layers, and the design is lower at the back for extra protectio,n which comes in handy if you want to wear it for skiing. The hem is adjustable, as are the cuffs, when you need to call in reinforcements against the weather.

With two hand-warming pockets and an inner chest pocket that's just big enough for the largest Android phones, you'll have plenty of available storage in theory, though the outer pockets become a bit redundant once you're wearing a backpack. This is something a two-way zipper would help with.

As usual, when it comes to Arc'teryx, this jacket is extremely pricey, which does make it out of reach for many. But for the price, you do get the highest quality build, and thanks to the Arc'teryx ReBIRD program, a jacket that should last for decades.

Arc'teryx Beta AR Stormhood Jacket (2023): in the field 

I've been hiking in the Arc'teryx Beta LT jacket for a couple of years, which offers really great, lightweight weather protection, but for the trek to Everest Base Camp, I was aware I'd need more protection, so I took the Beta AR Stormhood.

I made sure to test it out on some rainy hikes in Scotland and the Yorkshire Dales before I left for Nepal, and even though we were quite lucky with the weather on the way to Base Camp, I did end up wearing it against a couple of afternoon thunderstorms and at the highest altitudes over my fleece for wind protection.

I also recently brought it along on a five-day thru-hike in the Lake District, where I ended up wearing it for the last three days against some torrential rain and heavy showers.

Here's how it performed:

Sizing and fit

I tested a Small, which is my usual size. While previous Arc'teryx Beta jackets have proven to be a little roomy on me in that size, I think this is just about perfect. It's not quite as neat as it might be, but I can easily wear it over a base layer and a down jacket, which is most important when it comes to choosing a shell for wintery conditions.

The drop tail covers my bum completely for added protection, the sleeves come to my knuckles, and the collar up to my nose when I'm zipped up. It's not quite as long as the Beta LT, but I think it's more functional at this length and wouldn't change a thing.

Weight and packability

This isn't the lightest waterproof jacket I've tested, but considering it's a three-layer hardshell, it's surprisingly light and packable, which came in handy on the trek to Base Camp, since it mostly stayed packed away inside my backpack and didn't take up too much room.

I've tested lighter waterproofs, such as the Rab Firewall Alpine, but that's meant for milder conditions and moving fast. In build and performance, this is pretty similar to my Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket, but it is quite a bit lighter, which makes it more appealing for longer expeditions.

Weather protection and breathability

This jacket is nearly bulletproof against the wind, rain, and hail, with one exception, which I'll get to in a moment. I've had it on in a couple of brief but heavy downpours in the Himalayas, but the biggest test was during a five-day, 75-mile trek where I saw a lot of very wet weather and worse it for about eight hours a day.

Despite some intense rain, the fabric hasn't wetted out yet and the hood is pretty fantastic in a storm. I've tested it with my climbing and skiing helmets, and it fits easily over both. Sometimes I find helmet-compatible hoods to be a little too large without a helmet, but this one can be adjusted to be quite snug and cocoon-like, with toggles I was able to adjust while wearing thick gloves in Nepal, and a nice laminated peak to keep the rain out of my eyes.

The only issue, which is one I've found common with helmet-compatible hoods, is that there is a slight gap on either side of my jaw, which I've discovered does let precipitation in if the conditions are especially nasty, and after hiking in heavy rain I did notice that my chest area was soaked through.

Overall, it excels at wind protection, and for the highest days in the Himalayas, where we were dealing with some gusts but also climbing quite vigorously, I found it to be a better choice than pulling on a down jacket. I ended up wearing it for several days of trekking over my fleece in the early mornings and staying quite comfortable.

That said, for milder Scottish summer conditions, it's about as breathable as I expect a hardshell to be, and that's to say it's not very breathable if you're climbing. The pit zips do help, and I've tested worse, but I'd probably choose the LT over this one during the summer months at lower altitudes.

Storage and other details

The hand-warming pockets are nice and deep, so they're functional from that perspective, but as is so often the case, they're not really usable once I've got my backpack on. Fortunately, the inner pocket was plenty big enough for my iPhone, and is just big enough for my new Android, which means I can keep my phone protected but close for pictures.

The other main detail to mention is the addition of a RECCO reflector built into the hood, which has been a feature of the Beta AR since 2020. This won't activate if you get lost or injured in the backcountry, but it could make you more searchable if disaster strikes, and I like to think that every little bit helps out there in the wild.

• How Advnture tests products

Choosing the best headphones is always a compromise. You could buy the most powerful, noise-cancelling, bass-pounding, ear-smothering units on the planet, but – from the lack of waterproofing to the risk of your ears overheating – they’d be absolutely useless for running.

Bone-conducting models, meanwhile, are lightweight, fit snugly on your noggin, and don’t shut out ambient sounds. Unfortunately, you generally have to sacrifice audio quality (particularly on bass notes) when you’re listening to your favourite tunes.

These OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are something of a hybrid, however. Bone-conduction specialist Shokz has built additional, more conventional air-based speakers into the headset to complement the sound being transmitted through your skull. But how does this new-look 'DualPitch' tech perform on the trail?

Design and features

Appearance-wise, Shokz (FKA AfterShokz) hasn’t reinvented the bone-conducting headphone wheel. You know the drill: two transducers hook over your ears, clamped to your head by a springy band, in this case constructed from silicone and a nickel-titanium memory alloy.

The OpenRun Pro 2s are available in three colorways – Black, Orange and a special orange/white edition endorsed by former marathon world record holder (and Shokz global ambassador) Eliud Kipchoge. You can also buy the headphones in Standard and Mini fits. This Shokz video can help you choose the right size.

Perhaps the biggest worry when you purchase bonephones is that the headband might break, rendering them utterly useless – as I discovered to my cost when someone (who shall remain nameless) trod on a previous pair, and revealed rather more of their internal electronics than I’d have liked.

These headphones are durable enough to survive being shoved in a daypack, though they do come with a reassuringly solid zip case to help keep them in one piece – a step up from the cloth bag you get with some models, like the Suunto Sonics . The case also has a slot for a charging cable.

Speaking of which, the OpenRun Pro 2 is charged via the now-standard USB-C connection, its power socket protected from the elements by a handy little rubber cover. At just a foot long (30cm), the cable supplied is a little on the short side – you’ll find your headphones dangle from many plug sockets – but USB-C has become so ubiquitous that you’re bound to have a longer version somewhere in the house.

Connectivity and sound

Pairing the headset with your device is as simple as turning it on, holding down the power/volume-up button until the LED indicator flashes blue and red, and looking for Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 in your Bluetooth settings.

Of course, that should be the bare minimum for any Bluetooth device, and for me the revelation was what came next.

Even using the out-of-the-box 'Standard' setting, the sound quality was a significant step up from any bone-conduction headphones I’d used before. Even bassier tones sounded good, with none of the buzzing that sometimes occurs at higher volumes.

Shokz claims that its new DualPitch technology uses the boney bit to handle the trebles and the mids, while the air speaker takes care of the bass. It sounds like jargon, but the OpenRun Pro 2s really deliver on the promise. In fact, when “Bass Boost” is switched on (via the Shokz app – more on that in the Operation section below), there really isn’t much to choose between these headphones and a set of in-air buds.

The range is good enough that you can keep listening a good distance away from your device. My standard test for Bluetooth devices is whether I can keep listening when I go to make a cup of tea in the kitchen at the far end of the house, and these bonephones pass with flying colors.

MultiPoint Pairing promises to allow you to switch your headphones between two devices seamlessly. I tested this out with my iPhone and iPad, and can confirm that the OpenRun Pro 2s transitions between a song and a TV show with minimal effort.

Operation

When you’re out running, you don’t want to be messing around with complicated controls. My main issue with the OpenRock X air-conducting headphones, for example, was the fiddly nature of the buttons, but there’s no such issues here – everything is intuitive and seemingly foolproof.

The left-hand transducer features a single multifunction button, which can be used to play/pause music and answer phone calls (one click); skip forward to the next song (two clicks); and skip back to the previous song (three clicks). The right-hand arm, meanwhile, is home to the volume controls, which also double as the on/off switch.

Although you can happily use the OpenRun Pro 2s without it, the Shokz app adds extra nuance to the user experience. As well as checking your battery levels, you can switch between four in-built audio modes (“Standard”, “Vocal”, “Bass Boost” and 'Treble Boost') or create your own bespoke EQ settings. You can also update the headphones’ firmware.

I’ve seen more sophisticated apps for comparable products, but this one is easy to use, and does most of the things you need it to.

On the trails

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones have become my go-to choice pretty much anytime I want to listen to music or a podcast. They’ve accompanied me on road runs in Bath, on trails in Cornwall, Devon and Staffordshire, and have also stepped up to the task when I’m walking into town, cooking or doing the housework – they’re particularly useful around the house because I don’t miss inevitable shouts of, “Dad, can I…?!”

The sound quality is consistently impressive. Spoken-word podcasts are loud and clear – though I’m not a fan of the Vocal setting, which can sound a bit tinny – while the thumping bass is welcome when you’re pushing yourself at the end of a long run. I get many hours of use between charges, and it’s also useful to know that plugging the headphones in for 5-10 minutes is enough to power them up for a couple of hours on the trails if you’re short on time.

As I have a large head I’ve been wearing the Standard fit. They clamp to my head perfectly, not so tight as to be uncomfortable, but snug enough to ensure they’re not going to fall off. They certainly feel less prone to unwanted shifting than my glasses, and I’m pretty sure they’d stay in place if I wore them on a rollercoaster – alas, I don’t have one readily to hand to put this hypothesis to the test.

There’s no question the OpenRun Pro 2’s IP55 IP rating for waterproofing (billed as sweat-resistant) is a step back from the IP67 of my old Shokz Aeropex model or the slightly cheaper OpenRun – presumably a consequence of introducing tiny grilles for the air-based speakers. But while a little more waterproofing would be good for peace of mind when using a relatively pricey product, these headphones have come through numerous downpours intact, and don’t seem particularly susceptible to rain damage.

As with all bone-conduction headphones, the Shokz OpenRun 2s can struggle to compete against background noise, whether it’s traffic, public transport or wind. Phone calls are particularly hard work when the weather gets gusty but, frankly, on the rare occasion that I need to make a call in blustery conditions I’ll go old-school and hold the phone to my ear.

And sure, it would be nice if they fit conveniently in the pocket of my jeans when I’m out for the evening, but that really isn’t what these headphones are designed for.

But these are minor niggles. Compromises are always a necessity with headphones, but frankly these are compromises I’m prepared to make for this genuinely impressive piece of kit.

• The best trail-running shoes will put an extra spring in your step
• Find the best running shorts for hitting hills and tackling trails

Also consider

Trail, or Trail Outdoor Leisure, to give it its full, less-catchy title, is a relatively new entrant to the British camping scene, having been founded in 2017. Based on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in Southwest England, it crafts the full gamut of camping gear, from tents through to camping kitchens, as well as inflatable SUPs.

The brand highlights quality, affordability and industry knowledge as its selling points. A look at its products reveals some great-value options, as well as mid-range gear. If you’re a Brit looking to purchase decent camping kit without massive price tags, this brand appears to be a good choice.

I was new to Trail when I set out to test several of its products, including its Falcon Padded Camping Chair, which comes as part of a two-piece set, ideal for camping couples or trips with mates. I loaded the car, invited another two generations of my family along and headed for North Wales’ Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park to test it out.

First impressions

When I liberated the Falcon from its carry bag and opened it up, the first thing that struck me was the high backrest. A veritable throne! With its wide arm rests and padded back support, it was immediately inviting. First sit revealed a very comfortable chair indeed.

The curved apex of the backrest is more for show than support however, as it sits above the steel frame and simply folds over if any weight is applied to it. So, it’s not a chair you can rest your head back into, unless you want neck ache. Nevertheless, the height of the frame means that the upper back is well supported, making it a comfortable place to sit and read, enjoy a brew or simply take in the views.

The chair isn't particularly spectacular to look at. It has a standard camping chair design and aesthetic, like the folding-frame options that fly off the supermarket shelves in the lead up to Glastonbury festival. However, comparing it to a bargain bucket chair is a little unfair, as it’s solid quality and a closer inspection reveals strong components.

Features

As with many such camping chairs, the Falcon comprises a padded fabric seat that arcs up into a backrest, with twin arm rests and a folding frame beneath. The right arm rest has a can-sized cup holder for beers or a flask, which will suit festival goers and family campers down to a T – or a tea, as it may be. The holder is lightly insulated and made from a black fabric, so provides a little extra insulation for both cold and warm drinks. Hanging down from the right side of the seat is a large compartment for storing a book or magazine. A nice touch.

The main fabric is a hardwearing 600-denier polyester that’s treated with a water-resistant PVC coating. It’s not exactly soft against the skin but then I wouldn’t describe it as rough either. The interior padding is held in rectangular baffles and is subtle but effective. It’s obviously not as plush as your armchair at home but it’s cozier than most lightweight camping chairs.

It folds down courtesy of its durable tubular steel frame, which is powder-coated to shield against wear and rust. It’s scissor-style legs fold inwards, creating a relatively compact unit when packed down.

In storage, it stretches to 38.5in (98cm), making it quite long, perhaps due to its high backrest. It’ll fit lengthways in a car’s trunk or along the footwell in the back, but it’s perhaps still a little longer than I’d have liked. The chairs come with their own carry bags that have a rudimentary carry strap and drawstring closure.

On the campsite

I’ve been testing the Falcon throughout the summer, on a beach break to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and a car camping trip to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.

The headlines are that it’s a perfectly good, comfortable chair that’s about as fancy as you’d expect considering its price point. The original price of the Falcon 2-piece set was £99.99 but it’s currently available at £49.99 on Trail’s website. That’s just £25 per chair, making the set extremely good value. Sure, there are much lighter options on the market and there are also more luxurious options too, but these are markedly more expensive.

It's very easy to fold away when not in use and I was also able to adjust the height of the arm rests by sliding them up and down the side steel supports. The way the slider stays in place during use is a clever design touch, maintaining your desired height.

It took me a while to notice I had a handy side storage space for stashing items such as a magazine or book. As someone who likes to kick back and lose myself in a novel while on vacation, I found it a nice touch.

I can happily report that I made full use of the insulated cup holder too, while enjoying a craft beer or two with my father. This tended to be in the evening, when temps were beginning to drop, so I can’t totally put it down to the holder’s insulation that my brew remained relatively chilled as I set about draining cans sup by sup.

Also consider

Comparison table

Perfect for big day hikes and hut-to-hut treks in all seasons, while being big enough to take everything required for lightweight overnight camping adventures, this versatile gear-hauler is the best hiking pack I have used for many years. The exceptionally well-made Exion 55 is a real all-rounder, offering exactly the right amount of storage space for the vast majority of my outdoor escapades, paired with exceptional functionality, support and comfort.

First impressions

I have long been a big fan of premium British brand Rab, whose apparel offering and kit quality just keeps getting more comprehensive and better every year. I wear the Rab Capacitor Hoody so often people have started making comments and my wife has to convince me to put something different on at least every now and then. The sleeping bags are excellent too, but this is the first Rab backpack I have tried in the field – not least because it’s a new product category for the Derbyshire based brand, named after Scottish climber and alpinist Rab Carrington.

The Exion is available in several sizes, but I chose to trail-test the 55-liter version. When they feature compression straps (as the Exion does), I love the versatility offered by packs of this size, which are ideal for big one-day outings when you’re with the family – especially in spring and fall when waterproof jackets, rain pants, fleeces and puffers might be needed, but it’s too warm to wear them from the trailhead – and can also swallow everything required for a lightweight overnight or multiday adventure, including a sleeping bag, camping mat, backpacking tent and stove.

Suffice to say, I was looking forward to getting out in the wilds and testing the handsome-looking Exion 55, to see how it would perform compared to the most capacious daypacks and best hiking backpacks on the market. Spoiler: I wasn’t disappointed. But read on for details about what I did and didn’t love about this versatile pack.

Design and materials

The first thing to note is that the Rab Exion is available in several sizes and styles, including some specifically aimed at women, with an ND (narrow dimension) design tailored to fit more comfortably, and this includes a version of the 55L pack.

A central part of the design of all the Exion packs is Rab’s easily adjustable V-TRAX carry system. This is comprised of a supportive thermoformed harness mounted on a featherlight 6mm aluminium frame, and is made with dual densities of foam to spread the load, provide well-cushioned support where it’s required and minimize contact with your back, thus reducing rubbing and sweating.

The hipbelt, which has generous pockets, is tightened by pulling the straps forward, which is much easier and more effective than yanking belts to the side. There are huge mesh side pouches on this pack, perfect for carrying water bottles, but the Exion also has a dedicated compartment for hiking with a hydration bladder, complete with a hang loop and hose portals.

The versatility of the Exion pack is one of its greatest strengths, and the compression straps on the side mean you can increase and reduce the size and volume of this pack to suit the adventure you’re on, and according to the amount of gear you’re hauling. The extendable hood delivers an extra 5L of additional storage space if you need it, and boasts three pockets, one internal and two external, all of which zip shut. There are also hoops, loops and toggles on the exterior for carrying trekking poles and ice axes.

One of the best features on the Exion pack, though, is a large U-shaped front zip, which allows you to access the main compartment and find whatever it is you're looking for without emptying everything else out by the side of the trail. There is also a large mesh pouch on the front of the pack, where waterproofs can be stashed wet or dry. One thing to be conscious of, though, if you’re using this pack while travelling, is that it does make it quite easy for thieves and pickpockets to access it during bus and train rides.

On the trails

I have been using the Rab Exion 55 backpack during big day walks along the coast and cliffs close to where I live, on the South West Coast Path, and for multiday adventures whilst wild camping on Dartmoor, as I’ve been researching walking routes for a new book.

It has excelled in both capacities – as a large daypack and as a modest-sized overnight hiking pack that forces me to be frugal with what I take, thus enhancing the enjoyment of my outings. The carry capacity can be dialled up or down really easily, according to the kit required on any given mission, thanks to a clever combination of compression straps, mesh pouches on the front and sides, and the incredibly capacious hood.

Although the hood - which boasts two exterior zipped pockets plus an interior one - offers loads of storage space, it never bumped against the back of my head, even when I had it fully loaded (something that has happened, annoyingly, with other packs I have used over the years).

On day walks I can keep the Exion nice and tight to my body, but when I need it to load it up for a bigger escapade, it comfortably swallows my Jetboil stove, MSR Hubba Hubba tent, Therm-a-Rest camping mat, sleeping bag and enough food and supplies to keep me warm and fed for several days exploring hills, tors and moors.

In my experience, while the V-TRAX carry system allows your back to breathe beautifully, the full-contact wrap-around harness and hip wings provide excellent levels of support. It's extremely easy to pull the waist belt nice and tight, to lift the bulk and weight of the load into the most comfortable position for efficient hiking, and the fully adjustable sternum strap completes the set-up in seconds.

It's possible to reach water bottles stored in the angled side pockets without removing the pack, but I took full advantage of the hydration reservoir carry capacity, which means you can haul plenty of H2O in the most balanced way.

Little touches like the emergency whistle on the chest strap and the emergency instructions on the inside of the hood are great, although, to be picky, I would have like to see a Recco reflector included for the price of this pack. My only other complaint is that it's not made (so far as I can see) with any recycled material. All up, though, this is an excellent pack for all kinds of hiking adventures, and it has been robustly made, so I look forward to taking it on many more escapades.

Patagonia Torentshell 3L: first impressions

I first tested this shell in the Lake District, right at the cusp of autumn where the weather turns wet and those warm, dry days of summer seem to fade to distant memory. The jacket certainly was put through its paces as we began the ascent of Harrison Stickle and the heavens truly opened. Knowing that even the most technical jacket would not long withstand this kind of deluge, I pulled over the hood, cinched every cord that i could, opened the pit zips and begrudgingly trudged upwards.

With a very simple aesthetic, the Torrentshell runs light on the features you may see on higher spec shells. However there are a number of quality of life improvements from the 2.5 layer version.

The central zip runs very smooth and has a storm flap to prevent moisture entering. It features a micro-fleece lined neck which again helps take away that clammy feeling. The hood can be rolled down and clipped in whilst also remaining suited for a helmet, being adjustable both at the neck and the peak of the head with a stiff front which allows rain to roll off. I did, however, find the toggles for the hood and hem to be somewhat unintuitive and almost impossible to adjust whilst wearing gloves.

There are two zippered hand warmer pockets on the lower half which boast an impressive amount of room. However I would have really appreciated internal or chest pockets, as the lower pockets were obstructed by my backpack hip belt. Climbers won't find this to be an issue, but if you're hiking in it, you may find this frustrating.

Fit and appearance

For my build the Torrentshell fits slightly on the slim side, but thankfully still gives enough room underneath for a decent sized warm layer. I'm 6ft 2in (1.88m), I was wearing an XL, and it proved long enough to give me freedom of movement and avoid exposing any skin when stretching either legs or arms.

The coat retains the simple look of the earlier 2.5 layer iteration, with small but effective zips and clasps often hidden behind folds. Patagonia offers a plethora of colour choices, with options for either a single block colour or a two tone design.

I liked the Cascade Green colorway, but perhaps while out in the hills a colour that blends less with the surroundings would be the wiser choice for the sake of visibility. The shell utilises a 50 denier fabric that feels flexible and rarely clammy against your skin, giving a good balance of comfort and durability.

Weight and packability

Coming in at 15.5oz (438g) for the XL version, the jacket certainly isn't the lightest on the market. However, its a decent weight, given its price point for a mid range shell and I never felt the jacket was a burden, whether worn or packed away.

The jacket can be packed into its left hand pocket, which uses a smart two-way zip, but found this feature to be slightly too bulky given the size of the pocket and opted to revert to the more versatile method of just stuffing it into my backpack instead. In comparison to the earlier 2.5L version, the fabric of the jacket is exceptionally malleable throughout, meaning that despite the weight the jacket is perfectly suited to be pushed into a pack bottle-holder or other equivalent space.

Waterproofing and breathability

Patagonia has used its own membrane in the 3-layer design, which has undergone its in-house H2No performance standard testing, so there's no hydrostatic head listed for this jacket.

As a brand that stands upon its efforts towards sustainability, this performance testing has allowed the brand to move away from Gore-Tex and its historic use of PFAS.

In torrential rail, it wasn't long before the shell wetted out. However in brief showers or even a consistent drizzle I found the jacket to perform very well, remaining comfortable and avoiding the 'slimy' stuck to the skin feeling I've experienced with Gore-Tex equivalents.

Where I really struggled with this jacket was in breathability. With a 3-layer construction I found that on strenuous ascents I was forever wondering whether the wet was coming from the inside or the outside!

There are two 12in (30cm) pit zips built into the shell to help you dump heat, but I could honestly feel little, if any, tangible difference even when both were fully open. Admittedly, I always run on the warmer side while hiking and have yet to find a shell that truly balances waterproofing with breathability. Happily, I did find that the coat dried very quickly when we were afforded breaks in the rain.

• How Advnture tests products

It's incredible to me how far swim wetsuits have come in the 15 years I've been pulling them on and peeling them off. My first swim wetsuit was billed as a triathlon suit, but with 6mm thick neoprene all the way to the ankles, was an absolute battle to remove, even without the pressure of hopping on a bike after.

Fast forward to 2025 and it feels like, with its latest iteration of the Aspire, Zone3 has answered (almost) every complaint I've ever had about swim wetsuits.

And there's a lot to get excited about, so let's dive in:

Zone3 Aspire 2025 wetsuit: materials

Seeing manufacturers finally catch up with swimmers' desire not to pour themselves into petrochemical-based wetsuits has been one of the gratifying parts of my job in recent years.

With Finisterre championing the use of Yulex, and Zone3 switching to B-Prene for the new Aspire, it feels like the tide is turning (no pun intended). While suits using bio-sourced materials currently run on the costlier side, it's almost inevitable that over time these prices will come down, as they have with just about every other piece of wetsuit tech.

B-Prene is a limestone-sourced neoprene alternative, developed in Japan by Yamamoto. It's biodegradable in landfill, and tests have shown that under those conditions it should break down by approximately a third in just two years, continuing after that until it fully decomposes. That might leave you wondering how long it'll last you too. But incredibly, despite its ability to break down in landfill, B-Prene will remain intact during normal swimming conditions and home storage. By comparison, traditional neoprene isn't biodegradable, so 100 years after you've chucked your ragged suit away it'll still be hanging around and leaching nasty chemicals into wherever it ends up to boot.

What's interesting about limestone-based neoprene vs traditional oil-based neoprene is that it's also less absorbent, making it more waterproof. This doesn't mean you won't get wet using the Aspire. But it does mean the suit isn't going to suck up the water in the same way.

The use of a metal YKK back zip rather than a plastic one is a nice touch, and another nod to the quality of the suit. We're not cutting corners here.

Zone3 Aspire 2025 wetsuit: construction and fit

The Aspire 2025 is made from 25 individual panels, which has allowed Zone3 to target different thicknesses of B-Prene to enhance performance, and place different materials in key areas. Panels of different thickness are far from new in performance wetsuits, but the Aspire is incredibly detailed in this approach.

The upper chest and shoulders are 1.5mm thick (or thin) and cut from a single piece of B-Prene to allow for an impressive range of movement. The shoulder is a delicate joint that's easily compromised and many serious swimmers, myself included, find they suffer from niggles in this area. Keeping the B-Prene as thin as possible at this point makes a shoulder injury far less likely, even when tackling long distances.

The neck, lower arms, wrist cuffs, leg cuffs and crotch all use 2mm B-Prene - creating stretch where it's most needed. Elsewhere the torso uses 4mm B-Prene, injected with extra air bubbles to create a 'Body Rotation Enhancement Chest Panel'. Basically, it helps you rotate the right amount with your stroke, rather than over rotating. Zone3 calls this tech 'Aerodome', and the men's suit also includes Aerodome material on the legs, aiming to ease the problem cis male swimmers often have of sinking legs due to low body fat.

The waist, hips and legs use thicker panels between 3mm and 5mm, creating extra buoyancy where it's most needed to keep you aligned correctly in the water.

One of my favorite features of this suit is the 'catch' panel on each sleeve. Zone3 don't list what this is made of, but it feels like some kind of nylon/spandex and helpfully creates cool spots to improve your proprioception in the water.

As this is a high performance suit, it is on the tight side, which can take a bit of getting used to. But all this slim cut panelling means this suit really pulls you in, theoretically allowing you to move faster through the water. Despite the snug fit I've found it to be comfortable to wear, with no chafing so far around the armpits and neck edging, although the longest distance I've swum in it so far is only 2.5 miles (4km).

So, how does it perform in practice?

Zone3 Aspire 2025 wetsuit: performance

Tthe Aspire 2025 is a fast suit, whatever your discipline. Normally it takes me about 2km before I start to hit the 'flow' zone so loved by distance swimmers, when everything clicks into place and you're just gliding through the water without having to think too hard about technique.

So when I first put this suit on I thought I was just having a good training day as that flow feeling kicked in much sooner. But after repeated use I've come to realise it's the suit that's helping me hit that zone quicker.

This is due to a combination of factors. Firstly, all that fine tuning of the panelling matters. The bits that need to float the most float the most. The bits that need to stretch the most stretch the most. And the way the suit pulls you in and compresses you means there's physically less of you to cut through the water in the first place. The addition of the catch panels means you can feel where your arms are in the water far better than in standard neoprene, which allows you to get the most out of your stroke.

Zone3 have also looked at drag reduction, using a Super Composite Skin nano-coating to cut it to just 0.021 (normal neoprene has a drag co-efficient of 4.0).

All this tech combines to create a whizzy feeling in open water, so be prepared to feel the difference - you're not imagining it.

Zone3 Aspire 2025 wetsuit: warmth

When assessing high performance swim wetsuits, warmth isn't my first consideration – after more than a decade swimming long-distance open water, I'm pretty hardened to the cold.

But for super lean triathletes, or anyone else who hasn't got years in open water under their belt, fighting the cold is a serious concern, as in water below about 60-70°F (15-21°C) most people will become hypothermic, even if that's after multiple hours. Due to the thinness of the neoprene in a lot of the panelling, I think it's a stretch to call the Aspire a winter suit. But most big swim events and triathlons run from mid-summer to early autumn, and it should be sufficient for that, unless you have very low body fat.

If that is the case, I'd recommend buying a size larger and getting a neoprene vest to wear underneath it, to add extra protection to your core. Handily, Zone3 make one, and, having had my neo vest for at least eight years, I can testify that it's absolutely a worthwhile investment. I wear it under my wetsuit for swims of two hours or more, and under a long sleeve swimsuit for winter swims, when I can't be bothered to put on a wetsuit for a 10 minute dip.

Zone3 Aspire 2025 wetsuit: getting changed 

If you've ever battled to remove your wetsuit after a long swim, I have one big tip for you: take it off in the water. It is a night and day experience and, as long as the suit isn't too tight around your ankles, in the water it should simply slide off.

However, triathletes don't have the luxury of doing this, and Zone3 have done something about it. The suit's Silk X lining is soft against the skin and makes it easier to slide in and out of it and the Pro Speed Cuffs at wrist and ankle are designed to be extra stretchy. No complaints here.

Sizing

Before I wrap up I do need to have a moan, but it's not specifically aimed at Zone3. When are brands going to start making bigger wetsuits for serious swimmers? If you've ever taken part in an open water event you'll know first hand that swimmers come in all shapes and sizes and a lot of competitors at amateur level are on the larger side.

I may be tall for a cis woman, but as a UK 16 (US 12) I'm the national average clothing size. And yet, when I stacked up my measurements, I had to choose the largest women's size available in the Aspire 2025. It fits me well, but this kind of sizing restriction is exclusionary. What's doubly frustrating is that, across the range for both men's and women's sizing are several 'inbetween' sizes if you're a Small or a Medium.

I haven't reduced the score of this wetsuit because the fit really was exceptional, and it's an industry-wide issue, rather than something specific to Zone3. But brands do need to catch up. One visit to the start line for the Dart 10k (in any category) will show you that slimness and swim ability are not directly related - please think bigger!

So, given that I've awarded it a 100% score, you may be asking whether the Aspire 2025 truly is a 'perfect' suit, given my moans about sizing.

Yes, there are commercially-made suits that are faster (the Zone3 Limited Edition VanquishX is worth a look if money is no object), yes there are cheaper suits that offer similar performance, and yes I wish the sizing was more inclusive.

But it's the combination of sustainable materials with the performance it offers, that warrants the new Aspire 2025's perfect score and leaves me feeling I can recommend this wetsuit to serious open water swimmers without any hesitation. As long as you can get one to fit you...

• How Advnture tests products
• The best wild swimming gear: what to wear and what to take
• How to stay safe in open water: wild swimming for beginners

First impressions

The Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes are the latest release from Adidas Terrex, designed to compete with established names in the hiking world like Merrell, Keen, and Salomon.

Unlike other Skychaser models, the AX5 hiking shoes aren't built for extreme conditions. Instead, their ripstop uppers prioritize comfort and breathability, so you can take on hot summer treks without overheating.

Inside, your feet are greeted by soft and supportive OrthoLite foam sockliners and bouncy EVA foam midsoles. This extra cushioning felt great right out of the box, and really came into its own on long, sweaty hikes, when my feet may have otherwise been aching.

Like most Adidas Terrex models, the AX5s feature Continental rubber outsoles. Although they don't have the same pedigree as Vibram, I've been consistently impressed by Continental rubber. These outsoles prove just as effective as their big-name competitors, digging into uneven ground to provide ample support on the trails.

Adidas Terrex Skychaser: on the trails

I got a hold of the latest Adidas Terrex hiking shoes a couple of months ago, and have been putting them to the test ever since.

I've worn the AX5s over plenty of short- and long-distance treks through the English countryside, in all manner of weather conditions.

Here's how they got on:

Fit and comfort

The Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes are superbly comfortable, on par with some of the best hiking shoes I've ever tested and noticeably cosier than similar Terrex models like the Gore-Tex Skychasers.

The OrthoLite sockliners wrap your feet in a chunky layer of cushioning, which felt great on the trails, and provided some much-appreciated support around my heels. The EVA foam midsoles are also excellent and felt bouncy as I navigated hikes of all distances.

The unrestrictive ripstop mesh uppers were noticeably breathable on hot days, when I would usually be troubled by overheating feet.

One of my few gripes with previous Terrex shoes is their slightly narrow toe boxes, which got a little restrictive as I racked up the miles. I'm pleased to report that this isn't an issue with the Skychaser AX5s, which feature a wide and accommodating toe-box that allows for plenty of movement.

They also fit true to size, cushioning my feet without ever feeling too tight as I trudged through the countryside.

Weight

At 4.5oz (411g) per shoe (Men's US size 9.5 / UK size 8.5), the Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes are a fairly lightweight option for summer hiking.

They're lighter than most models with more protection and heavier waterproof uppers, but not breezy enough to be considered superlight weight.

The Skychaser AX5s didn't weigh me down at all on the trails, and did a great job of minimizing bulk without sacrificing comfort.

Grip

The aggressive Continental Rubber outsoles are a great for dusty trails and uneven surfaces, and served me very well on the steep hills and rocky pathways of the English countryside. Their aggressive lug formations dug into all manner of trails and successfully kept me from falling over many miles of long-distance hiking.

I was also surprised by their excellent performance in wet weather. Due to the lack of waterproofing, I had expected the outsoles to perform worse when the heavens opened, but this wasn't the case. Instead, they seemed at home over muddy, waterlogged trails and maintained excellent grip throughout.

This pair's flexibility also stood out. While they're not the bendiest hiking shoes I've ever worn, the Skychaser AX5s offer a good deal of flex and proved their mettle on steep sections.

Protection from the elements

These hiking shoes are designed for heavy use in dry climates and lack the protection of other models, with different uppers.

They're not waterproof, and when the heavens open, the chassis gets very wet, very quickly. The ripstop uppers offer little resistance against rainfall, and the OrthoLite sockliners, which provide excellent support in the sun, soak up moisture when it's raining.

Put simply, you don't want to get caught in the rain wearing the Skychaser AX5s. If it's light, they'll dry off in a few minutes, but heavy rainfall can stick in the sockliners, weighing you down and making for a damp, unpleasant trekking experience.

If you're after a waterproof pair, it's worth checking out the Gore-Tex Skychaser hiking shoes. They're not as comfy, but provide great protection from the elements and scored highly in my review for Advnture.

This shoe doesn't offer much to protect your feet from trail debris. The ripstop mesh uppers are pretty thin, and the heels were designed with comfort, rather than protection, in mind.

That said, the firm rubber toe caps are a nice touch, and could come in handy if you're traversing unpredictable terrain.

Price

At $100 (£85), the Skychaser AX5 hiking shoes provide great value for your money and are far cheaper than similar models on the market. If you're hiking in a dry climate or after some shoes for the summer, the AX5s are an absolute bargain.

For comparison, the Danner N45 hiking shoes, which are a tough and similarly non-waterproof pair built for dry trails and summer hiking, will set you back $200 (£158.83). They also received a far worse review when I put them to the test for Advnture.

• The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear
• How Advnture tests products

Leki should need little introduction. Few outdoors brands have managed to gain such a monopoly on its principal area of expertise. Since founder Karl Lenhart invented the Leki Fix in 1963, the brand's domination of the trekking poles market has been such that poles are often referred to as ‘Lekis’, even when they’re not Lekis. It’s the brand’s reputation for innovation and quality that has led to this position at the forefront of the market.

When Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler, two of the world’s greatest ever mountaineers, became the first people to summit Everest without supplementary oxygen, they did so with Leki poles. Fast forward to today and the brand has over 250 patents due to its continuous innovation.

As exemplified by Messner and Habeler, Lekis have long been a favorite of mountaineers and the Skysolo FX.One Carbon is designed to continue this tradition. Lightweight, yet offering trademark stability, it’s part of the Skytera series, developed alongside leading alpinists, including Italian high-altitude mountaineer Tamara Lunger and Swiss guide Dani Arnold. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to test a pair this year, taking them on my hiking adventures in Britain’s modest but challenging uplands.

First impressions

I’d previously tested the Leki Makalu FX Carbon and the Cross Trail Lite Carbon poles and the first thing that struck me about the Skysolos was how light they are. I was testing the 44in (110cm) versions and weighed them at just over 6oz (177g) per pole, as opposed to the Makalus, which are 8.5oz (243g) each, and the Cross Trails, 7.5oz (213g). In fact, the Skysolo weighs less than many running poles.

The Skysolo (perhaps someone at Leki is a Star Wars fan and decided to merge character names here) features the same clever ELD (external locking device) folding system as the Makalu, which makes assembling and folding the pole away an absolute doddle. It seems the force is strong with this one.

However, a key difference between the Skysolo and both the Makalu and the Trail Lite, as well as its sister model – the Skytera FX Carbon SL – is that the Skysolo is fixed length, so it’s important to get the right size from the off. If you’re unaware of your ideal pole length, try before you buy. The Skysolo comes in 2in (5cm) increments between 43 and 53in (110cm and 135cm).

Aesthetically, the pole has a clinical, modern look. Its off-white body contrasts with the black grip and bottom section, with orange detailing on the shaft. At various points on the pole are little feature descriptions, as if the pole was an advert for itself: 'Shaft Material PRC 1000 Carbon' and 'Last Segment W/O Design for Fast and Easy Exchange'. It feels great in the hand and I really liked the fuss-free grip and strap.

Fast folding

Back in the day, trekking poles were all one big piece – tip, shaft and handle. This was fine for doing Gandalf impressions but less than ideal for stashing into a small daypack or attaching to a hydration pack. Telescopic poles were one answer to this. These were poles made of several segments that slotted neatly into each other, just like a classic telescope. Ahoy there!

However, these days, foldable poles are all the rage and here Leki uses an innovative ELD locking system to achieve a super straightforward assembly and folding process.

There are four segments: the handle and upper shaft are telescopic, with the upper section sliding into the handle when the locking mechanism is released. The other segments are tethered together by a flexible wire and, when separated, fold into a compact 14in (36cm) package.

This is impressively small and will delight the kind of outdoor enthusiasts who count every gram, measure every item and do an expedition-style kit lay on their bedroom floor for the benefit of their Insta followers – even if they're just walking the dog.

To assemble the pole, all I had to do was pull the handle segment away from the upper shaft. This tensions the internal locking system, bringing everything into place and snapping the segments together. It's a design that's been doing the rounds for a while, but to this day it still seems like magic.

To release the pole and fold it back up, it's simply a case of pressing in the locking clamp and voilà! Done. The speed at which all this can be achieved will please FKT hunters and trail runners alike.

Other features

Carbon is the key ingredient when it comes to the Skysolo's light weight. The main segments are all crafted from this featherweight but immensely strong material, while the durable tips are also forged from carbide.

The grippy handle is made from a lightweight foam that's soft to the touch, designed for long-lasting comfort. There's a relatively straightforward strap here too, which can be adjusted with a strong pull. This opens up the strap's plastic housing, which you can then click back into place once you've got your desired loop size. I like the simplicity of the strap and it seems to shed moisture well, too.

The Skysolo poles come with standard baskets above the tips. These aren't the widest, though they can be exchanged for others if you decide to take on more challenging, snowy terrain.

On the trails

I've been testing the Skysolos throughout the spring and summer on my various hiking escapades in England's Southwest and the Lake District National Park, as well as in Welsh national parks Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Their portability and featherlight design made them an easy choice for my adventures.

Their light weight doesn’t necessarily mean a compromise in performance or durability, though time will tell how they compare to heftier poles in the long-run.

Nevertheless, I found the Skysolos were just as capable as the many more beefy poles I've tested in the past. The Verticon grip is comfortable for mile after mile and I much preferred the fuss-free strap to the golf glove complexity of Leki's Cross Trail Lite. The carbide tips provided decent grip on various terrains and I'm yet to see any signs of significant wear.

The ease with which the poles can be transformed into action mode and then stashed away again is a huge plus. It's so easy that I can do it with my eyes closed, assembling the pole and then folding it up again in less than 10 seconds.

The disadvantage of a fixed length pole is the inability to shorten it slightly for long uphill slogs and lengthen it for the downhills. I'm generally not someone who is too fussed by this, but I know some trekkers who like to make these micro-adjustments when faced with changing gradients. It does, however, make the Skysolo a little less versatile than its slightly more expensive sibling, the Skytera FX Carbon SL. Of course, you also need to make sure you buy the size that best suits you.

Leki has prioritized weight and portability here, so it's unlikely to be quite as bombproof as heftier aluminum poles. Time will tell how long the Skysolo continues to serve me as well as it has so far.

Also consider

Comparison table

Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad: first impressions 

A while back, we asked Therm-a-Rest for its recommendations on the best pads for different types of camping, and when it came to one for car camping, they suggested we try out the new NeoLoft. We took them up on the offer and can't remember having a better night's sleep in the wild.

Pioneers of the closed-cell sleeping pad, Therm-a-Rest has always excelled at designing pads that deliver excellent weight-to-warmth ratio but not necessarily a whole lot of loft. Well, all that comes to an end with the NeoLoft, which has a giant 4.6in stack to keep you well off the ground.

Its rectangular shape means it’s a dream for side sleepers, and the vertical sidewalls increase the available real estate. The surface is made of a plush stretch knit fabric that’s far softer to the touch than most pads you’re probably used to. The underside is reinforced to protect it against rocks under your tent or any debris that might have found its way into your tent.

For all that, you’re probably assuming it’s huge and heavy, but amazingly, this cushy mattress is actually quite technical. For starters, with a 4.7 R-value, you could use this in three seasons and most conditions you're likely to want to camp with.

It's not ultralight, but at 2lb (910g), it’s not a whole lot heavier than the Therm-a-Rest Prolite Apex, and it packs down to a respectable 5.7 x 9.5 inches – so you could actually fit it in a backpack if you didn't mind a little extra weight. It’s got the TwinLock Valve system for inflation and deflation, which in layman's terms means you can blow it up without losing air between breaths (though it comes with an inflation sack, which does make life easier) and an Out valve for very fast deflation.

Of course, there is a catch, and that’s that it’s one of the brand’s pricier options, owing to its supreme comfort and versatility.

Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad: in the field 

I'm no stranger to uncomfortable, cold nights in the wild and have even spent a week in winter conditions in Yosemite Valley with only a foam pad between me and the ground without quitting. That said, I'm certainly not averse to comfort or a good night's sleep, and I'm a longtime fan of Therm-a-Rest, so I was excited to hear about its new, thick air mattress.

I've taken this car camping and on a one-night backpacking trip this summer to test out if it's as comfortable as they say.

Here’s how it performed:

Weight and packability

I own a couple of pretty light and very packable pads, and this one isn't exactly in the exact same ballpark, but it's definitely light and packable enough for backpackers on a short trip once it's inside its stuff sack.

At 2lb, it's about the same as chucking a couple of cans of soup in your backpack, which isn't nothing, but it's less than twice the weight of my lightest pad, and it packs down to a decent size that I can fit in my Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor pack along with my sleeping bag and tent without running out of room.

Size and comfort

Compared to my other pads, which are all mummy shape, this rectangular pad has acres of space for sprawling out. This, Therm-a-Rest explains, is all down to the vertical sidewalls, which it says eliminate the tapering edges of non-3D pads and increase the sleep surface by 20 percent. Whatever it is, I feel like I have tons of room on the regular-sized pad to sleep in any position, including starfish.

As for comfort, let me just say this is the comfiest pad I've ever slept on. I like it fully inflated for a nice, firm sleep surface, and it's super stable like that. It almost feels like a real mattress, and the fabric is really soft if my face ends up touching it.

Warmth and noisiness

I've been testing this pad in warmer (or at least mild-to-cool) conditions, and the fabric combined with the ridges allows for some air flow, which is welcome. That also means I haven't had the opportunity to put it through its paces once the temperatures drop, but I'm experienced enough with Therm-a-Rest pads to trust its R-value rating and will update this review if I'm wrong about that.

No one likes a crinkly mattress, not least your neighbor if you camp with a partner, but this one is about as quiet as a camping mat can be, totally devoid of squeaking, rustling or any other annoying noises in the night.

Ease of use and value

This pad has two valves: one marked In for inflation and another marked Out for deflation. I started out trying to inflate this one by mouth just to see how long it would take. With it being such a high volume pad, I expected it to take a bit longer than usual, and when I got to 50 breaths, I was feeling a bit lightheaded so I switched over to the inflation sack.

This is essentially just a nylon sack with a valve that inserts into the In valve, and an opening at the other end. You simply 'catch' air in it, then start rolling it up, and it squeezes the air into the sack. It's really easy and a great option for anyone with asthma.

Anyway, when this didn't work, I realized it was because the Out valve had somehow come open, so perhaps I could have done the whole thing by mouth, but once I realized how easy the inflation sack makes things, I've just stuck with that. Long story short, expect a couple of minutes to get this inflated. When it's time to pack up camp, you can just pull the Out valve and all the air comes out in a split second.

As for value, like a lot of really high-end outdoor gear, it all depends on, well, what you value. If you want a good night's sleep above all else, you're not going to find a better pad than this, and perhaps won't mind the high price. If you can compromise a bit on sleep, you'll find cheaper mats out there that aren't quite as thick but get the job done.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

First impressions

Buff (best known for creating innovative and multifunctional tubular headscarves that have become synonymous with the brand), have taken the next step, leaping into the footwear market with a new range of hiking socks and trail-running socks.

I recently reviewed Buff’s CoolNet Crew Running Socks, which are made with a real minty twist to keep them fresh, and I was genuinely impressed with how they performed on the trails, so I was looking forward to testing these ‘merino’ hiking socks. (Well, ‘merino’ is how they are described – when I dug a little deeper I discovered that less than a quarter of the content actually came from sheep, with the rest being derived from fossil resources – some of it recycled).

Such slight sleights of hand by the marketing people aside, my first impression of these socks was good: they are well designed, with a cool pattern, several interesting colorways (both legacy features of the brand’s approach to their head tubes / neck gaiters), and the left/right specificity means the support is in all the right places. The socks are true crew length, and felt comfortable from the very first time I put them on, with nice arch support and flat seams.

Style & materials

Anyone who has been paying any attention at all to outdoor apparel for the last couple of decades (at least) knows full well the benefits and subsequent appeal of merino wool. It’s a magic material that feels lovely, deals with moisture magnificently, breathes beautifully and – crucially – can deal with the bad smells that often accumulate on adventure kit.

All of this makes is perfect for use in socks, except for the fact that it has a tendency to fall apart after a bit, not least because socks get knocked around a lot. So, almost every brand mixes them with fabrics like polyamide and polyester, to ensure you get more than a few months use out of your (relatively expensive) socks.

All of this is fair enough, but the way the material cocktail is mixed varies from brand to brand. Here, Buff’s designers have gone with 22% merino wool (which will continue to bring many of the benefits mentioned above to the party), along with polyamide (comprising almost half of the overall content), plus some recycled polyester (27%), and a splash of elastane. All of these materials have benefits – the poly fabrics are really tough, don’t absorb much water and dry out very quickly, while the elastane helps the socks to keep their shape, to stay in place (instead of bunching up) and provide support to parts of the foot that need it.

Overall it’s a really good mix, supplying a pleasing combination of comfort, performance and enough toughness to ensure many miles of excellent service, making these socks a good buy. I’m just not sure the name tells the real story, and one area where the relatively low amount of merino content might start to have a more negative impact is with long-term odor control.

On the trails

I have been wearing Buff’s LW Merino hiking socks while walking sections of the South West Coast Path, during day hikes exploring woodlands and wild areas, and on multiday backpacking and wild camping adventures on Dartmoor.

I have found these socks to be supremely supportive and extremely comfortable, whether you’re wearing them for an hour or for several days on the trot, and these two factors are easily the most important considerations when rating a hiking sock, so full marks there.

I also really like the true crew length, which reaches to the shin and provides support and protection to your lower leg (especially when wearing hiking shorts), whether you’re pairing them with walking shoes or hiking boots, fending off gnarly undergrowth and unwelcome wildlife encounters with things such as ticks.

The poly content in the material mix means you can tackle stream crossings and walk in the rain, and even if the socks get damp, they don’t hold onto water or become heavy, and they dry out fast.

Nicely designed and robustly made, they haven’t shown any signs of wear and tear yet, and should survive several years of regular rambling activity. My only real concern is that, over time, they will start to accumulate odors due to the relatively low level of merino content.

Also consider

At one point earlier this year I had five changing robes on rotation while I tested them, which was no mean feat when it comes to finding somewhere to store them in my modest apartment. But it did also allow me to do detailed side by side comparisons in real time, and, as with so much outdoor gear, there were more differences between them in terms of features and quality than you might assume.

Zone3's new Thermotech changing robe was one of the quiver that impressed me, thanks to its comparative lightness. That doesn't mean it's packable – for something you can stuff in a backpack I would recommend Zone3's ultra simple microfiber poncho instead, which I've used all summer. But the Thermotech somehow manages to be more than 1lb (500g) lighter than Red's Alter Evo – so how has the brand done this?

Zone3 Thermotech changing robe: weight and packability

Shaving grams off a garment that's sole purpose is to keep you warm and dry is not for the faint-hearted. Finisterre tried it with their Tego changing robe, but in my view went too far, creating a garment that was stingey on features and not truly warm enough for winter swims (a newer iteration with more storage has thankfully been released since).

Happily, the Zone3 Thermotech does a better job of cutting weight without sacrificing function. There are five pockets, with a fine fleece lining the inside of the two hand pockets and the waterproof zipped chest pocket. Inside there's another zipped chest pocket and a large patch pocket where you can stuff your wet swimwear or tuck a hot water bottle. Both the chest and inner zipped pockets are large enough for my brick-like Android phone, which should be an obvious requirement and yet isn't always (I'm looking at you, Alpkit).

The main weight difference between the Thermotech and other similar robes seems to come from the decision to use a mid-pile Sherpa fleece for the lining, rather than a deep pile. And this is a bit of a double-edged sword, because it makes a significant difference to the garment's weight, but also means it feels less cozy when you pull it on after a cold swim.

Overall the garment just seems a little thinner than its counterparts. There's also no peak on the hood and the SBS two-way zipper feels less substantial than the YKK zips often used on changing robes. But I couldn't find any other obvious weight-saving measures that impacted the functionality of the garment and it made a nice change not to feel weighed down by a changing robe.

Sizing

I tested the Large size, which was the recommended size for me, and the lower hem landed just below my knee. I'm 5ft 10in (1.77m) tall, the same height as an average cis man in the UK and US, so for taller guys this robe may come up on the shorter side.

The sleeves are a generous length – like many 'natural swimmers' I have proportionately long arms – and covered my wrists nicely. You may find them on the long side if your limbs are a more average length, but that's not a bad thing after a cold dip when your hands are like two blocks of ice.

It's interesting that Zone3 has opted for unisex sizing, and then used a cornflower blue colorway that isn't classically 'masculine'. Of course, we all know that 'pink for girls and blue for boys' is an arbitrary gender construct, but I'd be interested to know what the split is between men and women buying this robe. It may just be that Zone3 knows its market and is leaning into that knowledge – any reccy of the wild swimming spots I favor reveals, come cold water season, there are significantly more women than men swimming outside.

Absorbency and drying speed

Despite having a shorter pile Sherpa fleece lining than comparable changing robes, I found the Thermotech to be impressively absorbent and quick to dry.

It was easy to get changed under thanks to the wide sleeves and generous fit, bucking the emerging trend of companies slimming down their changing robes now that people are using them for dog walking and the school run. I do understand why brands are jumping on the bandwagon and making garments that are similar to changing robes, but if it's too slim cut to change under, it's not a changing robe.

I took both the Thermoteach and the Red Alter Evo on a recent trip to the Lake District and found that, while the Alter Evo was slightly warmer and better at absorbing water, it was also heavier and slower to dry. So if you're choosing between the two – and there's almost nothing between them in price – it's really a case of deciding what you care about most. For me, the Alter Evo is slightly higher-specced, but the lighter weight of the Thermotech means I'm more likely to reach for it day to day.

Materials and care

While in real terms it's pretty hard to fit a changing robe in a front-loading washing machine (I do miss the top loader I had while living in the States), seeing that this garment can technically be machine-washed is heartening. I tend to use my changing robes both to change under and also to sit on at the river bank or beach, and so they do get mucky fairly quickly. The number of brands that think you should tackle this by washing your changing robe by hand is laughable.

Without knowing the hydrostatic head rating of the outer, which Zone3 doesn't provide, I can't attest to how its waterproofing compares to other changing robes, other than to say it's certainly held up its end whenever I've used it. But I appreciated the use of recycled materials throughout, and that the water repellent Bionic-Finish Eco coating is fluorine-free.

If you're looking for a robe that's lighter in your dry bag without sacrificing (much) functionality, then the Thermotech is a safe bet.

• How Advnture tests products

Rab Firewall Alpine Waterproof Jacket: first impressions 

If you're in the market for a high-performing waterproof jacket for hiking and climbing, it makes sense to buy from a British brand since no one knows more about rain than the Brits. Rab has put all its expertise into this fine piece of gear.

The Rab Firewall Alpine is built for fast and light adventures where you're likely to come up against the worst of the weather. Made using a three-layer Pertex Shield construction, it performs as well as any hardshell, holding off a heavy downpour or a strong wind, while the peaked hood protects your face. There's no added stretch, but the fabric has some natural give, which allows for freedom of movement if you're wearing it for an expedition that involves climbing or scrambling.

The hood is easy to secure thanks to a toggle adjustment at the back, and stays up in a gale thanks, in part, to the protective high collar.

Despite its impressive wet-weather protection, it's highly breathable if you're wearing it on the move, and for milder conditions, easy-to-open underarm venting zips help you quickly dump heat.

It's one of the lightest jackets we've ever tested, so you won't notice it when you have to wear it all day, and it rolls up small enough to fit into your backpack or running vest when you're carrying it.

Because the goal is lightweight protection, the brand has foregone a bunch of pockets, opting instead for just one well-placed chest pocket that's deep enough for any smartphone. It's easy to reach when you're wearing a pack, and the two-way front zipper gives easy access to pockets and gear underneath the jacket.

It's a robust piece of kit that's likely to replace your favorite waterproof, and though it's pricey by most people's standards, it's actually on the more budget-friendly end of waterproof jackets we've tested.

Rab Firewall Alpine Waterproof Jacket: in the field 

After swearing by my Montane Phase Lite jacket for the past four years, I received this jacket to test just as summer weather rolled in. I wore it for a hiking and yoga retreat in the Swiss Alps, where it was surprisingly useful, and carried it (or wore it) on every summer hike in Scotland and in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where I've been able to test it out against heavy downpours and light sprinkles.

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested a UK 8, which, according to the label, is an XS in the US. I'm somewhere between a small and an XS, depending on the brand, but I'm glad I went with the smaller size as it fits me really well. It's neat enough not to be annoying, but there's still room for my fleece underneath.

I wouldn't say it's overly long, but it just covers my bum for a little extra protection, and the sleeves are long enough to hide my hands if I don't want to wear my gloves. They're not overly long, and they have hook-and-loop fastenings for adjustability.

When it's zipped up, the collar is high, so my face gets loads of protection against the wind. And the hood doesn't blow down, which is essential in Scotland.

Waterproofing and breathability

Because it's not a hardshell, I wasn't necessarily expecting it to be such a powerhouse against a deluge, but that's exactly what I've experienced.

On my first evening wearing it, I was walking through Verbier, and one of those evening alpine thunderstorms rolled in. I got absolutely hammered on my sprint home, but when I got indoors, I was shocked to see that I was bone dry on the inside. Like any waterproof, it would eventually wet out if I were in conditions like that for hours, but the Pertex membrane and watertight construction have yet to let me down on the trail.

I've been testing this in mild conditions because it's been summer, so I've had ample opportunity to expose any flaws in breathability, and I can't find any. I've worn it for a few hikes from start to finish and with the pits unzipped, I've been very comfortable.

Weight and packability

Montane has already released a light version of this jacket – the Firewall Light – and while it is heavier to make it more robust against summit conditions, we're only talking grams. This jacket doesn't feel flimsy, but it's very lightweight – a hair lighter than my Phase Lite and heavier only than my Kathmandu Trailhead Stretch, but the latter doesn't offer the same level of weather protection.

I can squish the Alpine Firewall down to about the size of my water bottle and squeeze it into my pack, whether I'm hiking with a light 20L day pack or a 33L with more gear.

Storage and fastenings

One of the reasons this jacket is so light is that it only has one pocket, which some might view as a downside, but it doesn't bother me.

We've been trained to expect hand warming pockets on jackets, but the moment you fasten the hip belt on your backpack, they're totally pointless. So Rab has done away with them here and just included a zipped chest pocket where you can keep your phone for easy access – that's all I want.

The front zipper is two-way, so if you do use your hand warming pockets on your mid layer, you'll be able to access without having to completely unzip in a rainstorm. Plus, there's an extra popper at the bottom for more protection.

You can tighten the cuffs with hook-and-loop fastenings, while toggles on the back of the hood and hem mean you can cinch everything in tight, though the neat fit has meant I haven't had to.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

First impressions

The first thing you notice about the Skien Valley Cargo hiking pants from US brand Columbia is how light the long-legged pants feel, whether you’re picking them up or putting them on, which bodes well for a garment intended to be worn in warmer months.

Previously, when testing Columbia trekking pants such as the Silver Ridge convertible trousers, I noted how the leg length was short, even before you transformed them into hiking shorts. Columbia conceded this was true, and started advising buyers to order a size longer than they would normally.

So, when I first tried on the Skien Valley Cargo strides, I was surprised to find the same problem persisted. Not only is it disappointing to see that the brand hasn’t addressed the issue, it’s actually a more serious draw back with this model, because no matter how effective the Insect Shield treatment is, mosquitoes and midges are going to target ankles, especially if they’re temptingly exposed. While the pants feature a draw cord at the ankle hem, it’s of little use if there's still bare skin between the sock and trouser.

Of course, once you’re aware of this, you can factor it in and order a size with a longer inside leg (inseam) than you would normally wear. Although, that still leaves tall folk at a disadvantage. So, Columbia designers, if you’re listening, why not design an extended leg for future Insect Shield trousers in the same way some fleece tops and waterproof jackets have an extra-long back panel to stop them from riding up and exposing skin?

This aside, there seem to be plenty of good features on the Skien Valley pants, including several vents backed by mesh to stop bugs from getting in, the aforementioned draw cord on the bottom of the legs, and plenty of pockets on both the men’s and women’s versions. So, I was looking forward to trying them out.

Design and materials

Made from 100% recycled polyester (credit where credit’s due, Columbia), these pants are well designed for hiking in hot weather. They have mesh on the inside of the pockets and vents backed by mesh in various places, including around the knees, to prevent those pesky bugs getting in.

The Skien Valley cargo pants are part of Columbia’s new Insect Shield collection, which means the fabric has been impregnated with an insecticide called permethrin, a repellent that stuns – even kills – biting insects such as mosquitoes and midges, which can be dangerous as well as annoying. You can either combine such protection with the application of spray-on insect repellents, or if you don’t like dousing yourself in DEET and other chemical-based potions, wrap yourself head-to-toe in light clothing, using long socks and base layers to cover up completely.

Aside from waging chemical warfare on insects, Columbia’s product designers have put a lot of thought into how to make these pants as pest-proof as possible. The lighter colorway is less attractive to insects and the draw cords on the trouser cuffs mean you can pull the treated material in close to your ankles – that's if you have gone for a size with sufficiently long legs, but more of that below.

The Skien Valley trousers come with a belt – always a mixed blessing, since such inclusions are rarely great quality, and true to form, the belt here is very basic. It's also hard to undo, but it’s not integrated, so you can replace it with a better one.

A proper positive, however, is the number of pockets these pants have, even on the women’s version, which is a rarity. On the men’s pants, there are a pair of hand pockets, cargo pouches on each thigh – one with an additional zipped pocket above it – and two back pockets, again one with a zip for extra security.

Besides acting as a shield from biting insects, the material offers UPF 50 protection from the sun, and boasts Omni-Wick properties, so sweat travels outwards and evaporates.

On the trails

Hiking and camping in the late days of summer can be sensational, but on still evenings the experience is often ruined by the arrival of midges, mosquitoes and other biting bugs. Gear in Columbia’s Insect Shield collection, including these pants, promise to protect you from such annoyances. But beyond that, these lightweight trousers are also designed to be comfortable and functional for hiking escapades from late spring through to early autumn.

I have spent this long and unusually hot summer testing out the Skien Valley trousers while hiking on Dartmoor and in the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, to see how they perform.

The pants are deliberately offered in pale colorways, which research shows makes them less attractive to insects. This might be true, but if I’m honest it makes them less attractive to me too, and I suspect I’m not alone in this. The pair I have been testing – supposedly ‘Dark Stone’, but more cream-colored to my eyes – looked grubby within an hour or so of being on the trails. Not the end of the world, but I prefer hiking pants that don’t need laundering after every single wear.

On a much more positive note, the lightweight fabric and multiple vents mean that the Skien Valley trousers feel nice and cool to wear, even when hiking during the multiple heatwaves that we perspired through this year.

I can’t actually recall ever wearing a lighter or more breezy pair of pants in my life, and that felt great when I was on exposed parts of moors and mountains in the full glare of the sun. On that note, the UPF 50 sun protection totally protects your legs from sunburn, and if you do manage to work up a sweat, the moisture effectively gets wicked away by the material, and quickly evaporates.

I also loved all the pockets. The hand pockets are a little shallow, so you need to be careful your phone or whatever you're carrying doesn’t fall out when sitting on boulders or moorland, but there are plenty of other pouches for putting important things in. Two have zips and the others have Velcro tabs.

In terms of the insect protection, I endured several evenings, especially in the Wicklow Mountains, when the midges (no-see-ums) were out in force. These pants, along with the Skien Valley shirt, hoody, light jacket and Booney hat, came to my rescue, making camping just about bearable, and enabling me to stay out long enough to cook dinner on my stove. However, as I have already moaned at length about, the trouser legs are simply not long enough. They leave my ankles exposed to the blood-thirsty beasts, and make me look like I raided Michael Jackson’s wardrobe.

Also consider

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX: first impressions 

This generation of the Salomon X Ultra is designed to be both agile and technical for those who want to move fast and confidently on tricky trails. This lightweight hiking boot is actually a little heavier than the previous edition, but it's also more durable, thanks to upgrades like Matryx uppers in place of leather and synthetic, and improved overlays that will protect your toes from just about anything.

The Contragrip outsole has extremely aggressive lugs that have held up on rocky, slick, and muddy surfaces this summer, and look built for winter conditions too. A chunky foam midsole is designed for a plush ride over longer distances, while the "Advanced Chassis," a molded insert embedded in the outsole, increases lateral stability on uneven terrain without losing flexibility.

The waterproof membrane will keep your feet dry if you meet with heavy rain, wet grass, or multiple river crossings, but in milder conditions, it might also mean sweaty feet. Water protection is aided by the mid-height cuff, which is just high enough to keep water out in a shallow stream and protect your ankle bone.

The cuff and tongue are unusually plush, and that, combined with a lack of eyelets, makes it a little difficult to get a lockdown fit here. They also run a little small and narrow, so if you buy your normal size, you might find that what you gain in lightweight technical creds, you lose in comfort.

It's a shame because with just a few small fixes, these could be a really great pair of capable hiking boots for those who want to roam far and fast.

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX: in the field 

This is only my second time testing out Salomon hiking boots, having tried the Elixir Mid Gore-Tex a couple of years ago and finding them an odd mix between overly stacked and unnecessarily technical.

I first tested these out during a hiking and camping trip in the Yorkshire Dales earlier this summer, and have since followed up on a couple of trails here in Scotland.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I always test a UK 4 which is usually a US 6, and that typically gives my feet room to swell (or wear thick socks), but I ran into a hitch with these shoes. Salomon's sizing comparison is slightly off, so the UK 4 turned out to be only a US 5.5. And that half size makes quite a difference, as it turns out.

As excited as I was to get them on, when I saw how robust and technical they looked, I was a little worried that they'd be too tight to test. I think they run a little small and a little narrow. With thick socks on, my toes come all the way up to the end with no room to wiggle, but since it was summer, I wore my thinnest socks, and though they were tighter than I'd like, I was able to hike in them without blisters.

The lack of blisters didn't mean that I experienced out-of-the-box comfort, however. In fact, I found I experienced quite a bit of rubbing and toe bashing during my first hike, and actually couldn't wait to get out of them when I got back to the car. I had brought a backup pair of boots for that first trip and ended up wearing them the next day to give my feet a chance to recover, then tried these again on day three, and they were slightly better once broken in.

That said, I think a few things are contributing to the comfort issue for me. There's the odd sizing and narrow fit, which doesn't give my toes room to splay, and the cuff and tongue are just about the plushest I've ever seen. That, combined with just two eyelets, makes it nearly impossible for me to get a good lockdown fit, and the fact is that my toes take a beating when I descend. I think sizing up would help, but I'm not sure how to get around the lacing problem.

Breathability and protection

Another area where comfort leaves something to be desired is that I don't find these to be the most breathable of shoes in the summer months. I've had them out in wet weather, but it's always been mild, and I notice my feet are sweatier than in other lightweight waterproof boots I own, such as my Lowa Renegade EVO GTX or Helly Hansen Switchback Trail HT.

The flip side of that is that they are fully waterproof, which I tested out by standing in a couple of small streams for a minute or two.

The uppers offer loads of good protection too, from the ultra durable Matryx uppers to the robust reinforcements around the toes. The cuff isn't super high, but it's just high enough to keep my ankle bones protected and means I can splash through flooded trails without breaking stride.

Grip and stability

I'm a little sceptical of a boot that doesn't use a Vibram sole, but I have to admit that these Contragrip soles are a really good match for British conditions, which tend to involve muddy slopes, boggy crossings, and slippery rock and slate. The lugs seem able to bite into just about anything, and I did find some confidence in that.

Salomon has gone all in on stability with these boots, using the advanced chassis to provide lateral support in the footbed and what it calls 'mobile wings' in the design of the upper to help hold your foot in place. This is all integrated without losing flex, and the idea is that you can move quickly when the going gets tough.

I tend to notice the lack of stability more in running shoes than I do in hiking boots, but I will say that these boots do respond well to uneven terrain. They'd do an even better job if I could get a more secure fit, however, and I couldn't help wondering if the reason my foot wasn't sliding around was that there wasn't any extra room for it to do so.

• How Advnture tests products

Although I’ve always been a water baby, I only started open water swimming seriously about 15 years ago, and in that time wetsuit tech has come on in leaps and bounds.

My first swim wetsuit was a 6mm men’s Xterra suit that cost a whopping £600 ($815 USD) new. I've still got it, and for winter swimming it provides impressive insulation, but the neoprene rubber it’s made from is so thick it’s hard to pull on and off. Nowadays I've relegated it to ‘suit I lend my mates, while I wear something decent’ status.

Likewise, my 3/5mm Orca smoothskin suit – now 10 years old and covered in micro tears and grazes from all my river adventures – just isn’t long enough in the legs, despite being a women’s size XL. So, I’ve been in the market for a new suit for a while and, as a fan of long sleeve nylon/spandex swimsuits for winter swimming, was intrigued by this number from Finisterre. It uses natural Yulex rubber rather than neoprene (yuck, petrochemicals) or nylon and spandex (stretchy and comfortable, but not warm).

Finisterre Nieuwland 2mm Yulex long sleeve swim wetsuit: fit and comfort

As I’m fairly tall at 5ft 10in (177cm) and have a long torso (very common among people who seem to be ‘naturally good’ swimmers) I normally have to size up in swimsuits as the body length is too short, sometimes even going two sizes larger. With the Nieuwland, I still went one size up from my usual, but that’s actually an improvement for me.

The sleeves of the suit are long, reaching all the way to my wrists, despite the fact that I also have a swimmer’s long arms. In smoothskin suits this isn’t an issue for the shorter limbed, as you can just cut the wrists down. But the stitched panel construction of this suit means that isn’t an option – if you cut the wrist, the long sleeve seam would unravel. So, be prepared for lengthy sleeves, which you may need to fold back if you have a shorter arm length.

I would have liked the leg openings to have been cut higher, as I find this provides greater freedom of movement when swimming. But this really is a personal preference and many swimmers may prefer the more modest shape.

Where the fit really fell down was in the front zip. I had no problem putting the wetsuit on. But when it came to taking it off, the zip was too short to be able to pull the suit back off my shoulders easily. This caught me out the first time I wore it, and I flashed my fellow swimmers quite spectacularly while trying to get changed, before giving up and asking a fellow dipper for help. I’ve since accepted that it’s absolutely impossible to take off by myself and so now I know to enlist the help of others when getting changed after a swim (and to wear a bikini top underneath it!).

While a newer version of this design exists, the zip placement doesn’t appear to have changed.

Finisterre Nieuwland 2mm Yulex long sleeve swim wetsuit: materials

Finisterre describes its Yulex fabric as a plant-based alternative rubber that reduces carbon emissions by 80% when compared to traditional neoprene.

This is no small achievement – it's the paradox of most wild swimmers that if you're wearing a wetsuit you're indirectly damaging the very marine environment you want to protect in multiple ways (production, emissions, shipping and so on). The fact that you can rent this suit makes it even more sustainable.

Yulex isn't a smoothskin fabric and so feels less flexible that a normal swim wetsuit, despite only being 2mm thick. Typical smoothskin suits for all but the coldest waters vary between 2mm and 6mm, normally with the thinner fabric in the shoulders for greater range of movement. Due to this suit's 2mm thickness, I did expect it to feel more supple than it actually does and when swimming freestyle, which is my preferred stroke, I did experience some shoulder restriction. However, this may also have been due to the shoulder construction, which is deeper set than the troublesome set-in sleeve on Alpkit's wetsuit jacket, but still not a raglan sleeve, which would provide the greatest freedom of movement.

The other disadvantage with the Yulex fabric is it's not as sleek as smoothskin neoprene, which is designed to help you really glide through water. But the upside is, the material isn’t as delicate and won't tear on a surfboard or abrade where your arms and sides rub together as you swim. It's not cheap compared to most nylon or spandex suits, but it is cheaper than the majority of quality smoothskin suits, and I can see it lasting many years.

Finisterre Nieuwland 2mm Yulex long sleeve swim wetsuit: warmth

At 2mm thick, this isn't designed as a winter suit, but I haven’t worn a full wetsuit in winter for years as, for the short amount of time I spend in the water over the coldest months, it's too much faff to take on and off. I like using this suit in winter and spring as it provides more protection than my normal winter combo: neoprene vest with long sleeve nylon suit over the top. I still wear neoprene gloves and boots with it at these times of year, and it does seem to keep my core warmer than the double layer I've previously worn.

But what of the average swimmer? Annoyingly, how warm you'll feel in this suit and how much longer you'll be able to stay in the water varies with, erm, you. People run hot or cold, and the amount of body fat you have is a big factor when it comes to keeping warm in the water.

It's why English Channel swimmers are typically advised to gain about 20lb (9kg) before tackling the swim, and it's why ultra distance swimmers like myself are often on the curvy side. So, if you're a lean triathlete, you're going to get colder more quickly in this suit than I am, and it may be a great choice for summer and autumn months, while the water is still warm.

As a side note, if wearing a suit like this does inspire you to try swimming through the seasons, stick to one minute per degree (celsius) of water temperature as a starting point and build from there.

• How to choose a wetsuit
• Alpkit Element wetsuit jacket: an easy-on, easy-off alternative to a full wetsuit for water babies
• How to clean a wetsuit in six easy steps

One of my favorite quotes from the seminal TV drama series The Wire was a line from Michaewl K. Williams’ Omar character: ‘You come at the king, you best not miss.’

You might ask: what does this have to do with camping coolers? Well, the world of camping coolers has a clear king at the moment. Yeti’s perennially popular premium coolers have made a once moderately unfashionable item cool. Not only this, the brand has raised the bar in terms of the quality customers should expect when investing in a cool box. So, if you bring a new cooler to the market, you’d better make sure it’s up to the task, otherwise you might get iced. Just ask Orca. You come at the king, you best not miss.

Now, Trail Outdoor Leisure’s price points aren’t as bloated as the numbers Yeti is able to command. This relatively new British camping gear brand sets its stall out with quality, industry knowledge and, crucially, affordability, as the supporting pillars. Affordable and Yeti aren’t two words that have ever occupied the same sentence, so I had to be mindful of this when testing Trail’s cool box offering.

Trail’s range comprises the mini 5L Cool Box, the 22L Camping Cool Box and the Large 45L Cool Box on Wheels. I was delighted to give the latter a go this summer, taking it along on my beach and camping vacations. It’s currently available for £89.99 on the brand’s website, apparently down from £199.99. This makes it a much cheaper option than the equivalent Yeti, the Tundra 45 Cool Box, which retails at £300 in the UK, and $325 in the States.

First impressions

To look at, Trail’s Cool Box sits somewhere between something you might pick up cheap in the supermarket and a top-notch cooler of the sort Yeti craft. This should come as no surprise considering its price. It feels more ‘plasticky’ than a premium box but classier than a budget one. Available in Charcoal (grey) or Navy Blue, it's fairly good looking and the chunky wheels, latches and handles radiate a sense of ruggedness.

At 12lbs 9oz (5.7kg), it's noticeably light, especially if you’re used to Yeti’s coolers, which weigh around twice as much. This makes it easier to carry around but does raise an eyebrow when it comes to longevity and performance. We’ll deal with the latter in a moment but for the former, only time will tell.

Features

The Cool Box uses a dense, closed-cell polyurethane (PU) foam at the centre of its three-layer design to retain its interior temperature. It’s this that retains ice and thus keeps everything nicely chilled inside. The exterior is a hardened polyethylene and polypropylene shell that’s highly resistant to impact and makes for a half-decent seat. It’s rigid to the touch and gives an impression of ruggedness. Meanwhile, the interior liner is in line with EU regulations when it comes to food safety and is easy to wipe clean too.

All the closed-cell PU in the world would be for naught unless the lid creates an airtight closure. Two chunky locking catches secure it in place while a rubbery rim bonds the lid to the body of the box. There are two circular slots on top of the lid for holding cups or cans, just like those you get on trains or planes. This is a handy feature for when you’re using the box as a makeshift table.

One of the standout features of the Cool Box on Wheels is exactly that: it’s got wheels. This is an especially useful feature when the box is full of ice, beverages and food, providing an easy option for getting from A to B. The opposite end of the cooler has a fold-away tow handle with a sticky grip for straightforward pulling. At the other end is a shorter fold-away handle too, for when a two-handed carry is the better course of action. This also provides the option of a two-person lift. In short, there are several ways to get this cooler into situ, empty or full.

When it comes to the end of the trip, there’s a plug that can be unscrewed towards the bottom of the box on the wheel end. This makes it easy to tip the meltwater out using the long tow handle.

In the field

I’ve been using the Cool Box throughout what was a gloriously sunny summer in the UK, taking it on beach breaks and a camping trip to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.

So, how long did the Cool Box stay chilled for? What was its ice retention like? I took the scientific approach to the question on my camping break to Eryri. At the start of the trip, I added 22lb (10kg) of ice cubes, as well as several beers and the food I’d need to keep chilled for the duration of the long weekend. Trail states that the PU foam insulation should provide up to 72 hours cooling.

After 51 hours, some of the ice had melted, though much of it was still intact. The box was still keeping my drinks and closed food items nicely chilled, though it was difficult to store food that had been opened by this point, without it getting thoroughly wet. Some form of compatible basket would be nice for this sort of thing.

On the morning of our departure, 64 hours after I’d added the ice, some cubes remained, although there was a lot of water now. Crucially, the box was still chilled. So, for a long weekend, the Cool Box does provide a good option, though next time I’ll perhaps increase the amount of ice I add to begin with.

One thing’s for sure, I very much enjoyed my super-chilled craft beers on the second night of the trip, watching the sun sink between some of North Wales’ most iconic peaks. That moment was worth the price alone.

Capacity wise, you can fit quite a bit in here depending on how much ice you pile in initially. For my three-person, weekend camping trip it was a little bit overkill – I still had loads of space for more food, cans, bottles, whatever. So, it’s a decent option for a large group at basecamp or for a festival.

General usability is also good. As mentioned, it’s easy to pull along thanks to its wheels and tow handle, and I like how the handles have been made from a softer, grippier material. The locking catches on the lid are easy enough to open and close. There are no latch points or tie-down slots, as you get on some coolers, so it’s not the best option for loading onto a water-bound vessel.

So, on the whole, it’s a pretty decent cool box. It’s not as obviously high-performing or robust as a Yeti cooler, the king in the cooler market. But, it doesn’t miss the mark either. I’d say its target audience is somewhat different to Yeti's: it’s for those who want a good cool box for their outdoor adventures without splashing too much cash. For these thrifty folk, it’s a great option.

Also consider

Comparison table

Founded in 2017, Trail Outdoor Leisure (I’ll be referring to it as Trail henceforth) is a relative newcomer on the British camping gear scene. It’s a brand that creates quality yet affordable camping gear, from family tents and windbreaks, to campsite kitchens and coolers.

Folding camping and beach trolleys have been growing in popularity in recent years. Highly useful for park days, family vacations, festivals, beach and camping trips, they’re basically a great way to move large amounts of stuff over medium to long-distances, letting the wheels do the work on sometimes challenging terrain. That agonizing trudge from the car park to the tent at a festival just got a whole lot easier. The sweaty walk from the van to the sun loungers on the beach just became a breeze. Best of all, kids love being pulled along too.

First impressions

One of the key features of these kinds of trolleys are the way they fold down, making them easy to slot into the car for trips away. When compacted, the Camping Trolley measures just 30 x 12.5 x 8in (77 x 32 x 20cm) and is long and impressively thin. It looks neat and tidy when packed away in its carry case, its four wheels poking out below the unit. Draw a couple of eyes on it and it could almost pass for a Star Wars droid in this form.

Having peeled away the Velcro straps and liberated the unit, I was impressed at how quickly and easily the trolley unfolds and takes shape. It feels reassuringly sturdy and moves relatively smoothly too. I immediately like some of the subtler touches, such as the metal D-rings that can be deployed when securing bulkier items and the design of the D-shaped handle with its ergonomic grooves.

Features

The design of the Camping Trolley is nothing new. These kinds of carts are becoming a mainstay in the camping, festival and beach break worlds. Young parents are cottoning on to how useful they can be and every summer more and more are appearing. They all feature a clever folding frame that supports a rectangular fabric bucket when folded out.

This bucket is made from a highly durable 600-denier polyester that feels reassuringly rugged to the touch. It’s detachable and is affixed to the frame via four chunky screws, one in each corner, as well as by four Velcro sleeves. The frame is forged from steel that’s powder-coated to protect against rust and wear.

There’s a separate hard-backed, foldable base, which slots into the carry bag when not in use and forms the foundation of the bucket. When it was time to pack out, all I had to do was remove the base and pull the tab in the centre of the bucket. This pulls the whole thing upwards, folding the frame inwards like a concertina. Very clever.

At one end of the cart is an ergonomic, D-shaped handle on the end of a telescopic, 31in (79cm) pole. This is used to pull and steer the trolley when extended and the pole can be shortened to 20in (50cm) when it’s time to pack the unit away.

The trolley is front-wheel drive, meaning the two wheels by the handle are free to swivel, while the back wheels are fixed in place. The wheels themselves are made from polypropylene and are 1.5in (3.5cm) wide. A diamond-shaped tread pattern provides the grip. Both the front wheels can be locked via supermarket trolley style pedals – should you ever need to pause on a particularly steep incline.

A nice touch is the inclusion of four metal D-rings, two on either side of the bucket. This enables the user to strap bulkier cargo into place using cord when pulling over uneven terrain or for longer distances. They could also be used for attaching small items, though the rings aren’t the most rugged. Think large shoelace D-rings rather than carabiners.

It weighs a not inconsiderable 24lb 4oz (11kg), so it’s a heavy addition to your camping canon. However, when you consider the effort that having it along for the ride will save, it’s worth loading the extra weight into the car. When assembled, it can carry 176lb 6oz (80kg) of gear, which isn’t as much as some options on the market but it’ll do most jobs just fine. Just don’t have one too many beers and then decide to jump in with another friend for a midnight joyride around the campsite, as you’ll undoubtedly be over the limit. However, it’s always fun pulling the kids around and it’ll easily fit and cope with the weight of three pre-schoolers.

Last but not least, the water-resistant carry bag is nicely designed too. When the trolley is folded down, it would be quite challenging to fit the bag over the frame, as it's quite a snug fit. Fortunately, Trail has made this process easy by including a zipper down one end of the bag, which enabled me to open it up when sliding it onto the frame. All I had to do then was tighten it back up once everything was in place. The bag is then secured to the frame using two Velcro straps that slot through D-rings at the bottom of the frame. Finally, the foldable base slots into a dedicated pocket on the carry bag. The tension in the whole system means that everything is held together nice and tight. Carry handles on the top and side give the option of carrying the unit upright or horizontally.

On the beach and in camp

I’ve been testing the Camping Trolley during a beach break to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and a camping trip to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. It made life easier on many occasions and my 3-year-old daughter loved jumping in and getting wheeled around at any opportunity. It took up very little space in the car too.

The campsite was where it truly excelled, making the pitching process less effort and much quicker. Its bucket is big enough to take a packed down family tent and several other items at the same time. Even when fully loaded, it was easy to steer and pull across fairly rough terrain.

On the beach, the width and design of the Camping Trolley’s wheels let it down a little, making moving it across dry sand trickier than with some models. The wheels just aren’t wide enough, nor is the tread deep enough, to excel on this kind of terrain. If you’re looking for a beach trolley, you’re much better off going for the all-terrain wheels on Trail’s Folding Beach Trolley. Nevertheless, it was still a useful tool for getting all of the kit from the car park to the edge of the sand – this can often be quite a long walk, especially at more secluded beaches.

After a full summer of use, I’m pleased to say that I’ve had no issues with durability – everything still works as it should. I’ve been hauling some heavy loads, running around the campsite with my 3-year-old child in the back and pulling it across varied terrain. As mentioned, it was only on the beach that I found its design wanting.

So, if you’re after an affordable trolley for general use, or camping trips, this is a good option. For beach goers, invest in a dedicated beach trolley with specialized wheels instead.

First impressions

If you read my review of Vivobarefoot's Tracker Forest ESC hiking boots you'll know that I'm a fairly recent convert to the brand, having never worn barefoot shoes or boots until a year ago.

I'd always thought of barefoot afficionados as being in something of a cult, but, as you'll also know if you read that review, I'm now a full convert. Yep, I drank the Kool Aid.

So I jumped at the chance to test the brand's new fast hiker, the Primus Trail Flow Mid - a taller iteration of its classic Primus Trail Flow hiking shoe and pretty much the opposite of the Tracker Forest ESC. Here's how it performed:

Fit

Since I was lured into the barefoot movement I have slowly converted all my active shoes to barefoot versions, but I lacked a boot for summer hikes, so I was excited by the prospect of the much lighter Primus Trail Flow Mid filling the gap.

I usually take an EU 42 / UK 8.5 in Vivobarefoot styles, and these fitted as I expected, with a thumb’s width of space at the end of the toes to allow room for movement and grip. However, I struggled to get a precise fit around the heel and ankle with the fast lacing system. My go-to hiking socks are some pretty plush Bridgedales and I also have wide feet, but I still had to cinch the boots tight enough to leave a long length of spare cord beyond the toggle fastener.

The laces come with a small clip to allow you to attach any spare cord to the lacing at the front of the foot, and stop it flapping around, but my spare cord was longer than the last lacing point, so instead I tucked it under the front lacing.

I do appreciate these kinds of lacing systems are a weight-saver and make it quicker to slip in and out of your boots, but it does mean I can only really wear these hikers with thick socks, while my Tracker Forest ESCs can be pulled tighter and therefore worn with thinner socks in warmer weather.

All that said, with the right socks, these boots were very comfortable to wear, even if the heel didn't feel as locked in as I'd have ideally have liked.

On the trails

If you're new to barefoot shoes then here's a quick primer: they have zero drop, which means there's no height difference between the heel and the ball of the foot and toe.

So that's the first thing you'll need to get used to. But, along with a generous toe box and lots of flex - both design features to let your feet actually move as intended – barefoot shoes also usually have far less cushioning than standard shoes.

This combination of factors is why it takes a while to get used to wearing them (Vivobarefoot recommend about six weeks of daily wear), and it's also why I wouldn't suggest the Primus Trail Flow Mid as a first pair of barefoot hoofs.

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These specific boots have a 1.8mm sole base and no insole, which means you can feel everything on the trail. It doesn't mean your feet aren't protected, far from it, and I'll talk more about that in a bit. But if you're used to fairly stiff boots then suddenly being able to feel each tiny pebble you tread on may just be too much.

Happily, a year into being a barefoot bore, this level of sensation doesn't faze me at all. In fact, I welcome it. I have a lengthy history of knee problems that started in my 20s, and consequently my left knee doesn't flex past about 90 degrees. This can make me a little clumsy and also make descents in stiff boots challenging. I avoided barefoot shoes for years because I was worried that the lack of cushioning would be too tough on my poor knee. But the flex and trail feel provided by barefoot designs - and these ones are particularly thin and supple - actually keep me far steadier on my feet.

I tried them on some pebbly descents in the Lake District and found I was even more confident wearing them than in the Tracker Forest ESCs, probably due to the greater trail feel and flexibility. I actually felt nimble at times, which isn't something I ever hope for due to my various injuries.

Waterproofing and protection

Vivobarefoot describes the Primus Trail Flow Mid as water repellent, but to me that feels like a stretch. Yes, the woven fabric on the lower foot is impressively water resistant, and I walked through multiple shallow streams in them without an issue.

However, as soon as I tackled something deeper, water quickly seeped in through the knit collar, which starts fairly low down and didn't feel water resistant at all. This left me with sodden socks, and no way for the water to drain out. I haven't particularly minded this over the summer and early autumn, but it's why I will be sticking to dry days to wear these boots whenever possible.

They do dry out quickly, but the lack of insulation underfoot and on the upper means they're more suited to three-season hiking. I can see them being very popular with California-based hikers, who are blessed with balmy weather and fast, dry trails year round, and who are probably the only consumers who can buy the cream Peyote version without it being ruined in five minutes flat.

So, this isn't a boot for the worst conditions, but it's still reasonably protective, with a welcome toe bumper right where you need it, and a rubber rand that wraps around the foot. The woven part of the upper has multiple tough layers of fabric that should see off anything pointy or sharp, but the knit collar means there is still some vulnerability around the upper ankle.

Weight

If all this sounds like one gripe too many, then I want to clarify that I actually love these boots. They're not perfect, but for someone who struggles not to trip even walking down stairs sometimes, they left me feeling light on my feet and more capable of technical trails and scrambling than I'm used to.

I also adore how featherweight they are. I passed one to my partner, a seasoned hiker, and he looked incredulous, saying "There's nothing there!" They really are barely there in all the best ways, with my pair (a US women's size 10.5) tipping the scales at just 8.7oz (246g) per boot.

Grip

The Primus Trail Flow Mid also have a decent amount of grip. It's clear they're designed for drier conditions than we are usually greeted with in the UK, but the 3.8mm multi-directional lugs did a good job of keeping me upright, and the braking lugs at the back of the outsole caught me when I did occasionally slip on wet rocks while traversing streams.

Environmental impact

Vivobarefoot is among the many outdoor brands that have read the room, and taken a hard look at their manufacturing processes to make them more sustainable. These boots are advertised as vegan, with the proviso that it's not been possible to establish that the smaller components used in their creation (including glues and dyes) meet vegan best practices. The fact that the brand states this clearly rather than greenwashing is welcome, as is its scheme that allows you to recycle any old worn out pair and get a voucher for 20% off the cost of a new pair.

Due to their limited waterproofing and insulation, the Primus Trail Flow Mid aren't going to become my go-to winter boot. Honestly, I'm gagging to get my Tracker Forest ESCs back on now that the colder months are on their way.

However, for milder days, and for anyone who lives in a drier climate, they're a great option. If you've not worn barefoot shoes or boots before I would strongly recommend trying a pair with thicker soles first. But if you're already in the cult, you won't be disappointed.

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First impressions

Face coverings are nothing if not controversial at the moment, but thankfully we’re not discussing the antics of ICE agents here – rather the ongoing battle to make camping great again, by beating the bugs and keeping mosquitoes from getting right up in your grill and turning outdoor life miserable.

To be quite honest, things have to be pretty bad in order for most people to deploy a full face net, instead of relying on spray repellents, because – beekeepers and bank robbers aside, very few folk enjoy having a mesh over their visage, not least because it makes slurping campfire hot chocolate and scoffing ‘smores pretty damn awkward. But when the bugs are bad, you need to put sartorial and snacking concerns to one side, otherwise they will drive you to complete distraction, and you may as well pack up and go home.

In addition, while the face net might be the most eye-catching element on the Skien Valley Booney lid, which is part of Columbia’s new Insect Shield range of outdoor attire, the mesh is completely removeable and it’s far from the only feature on what I found to be a very functional camping and summer hiking hat.

Design & materials

The unisex Skien Valley Booney lid doesn’t just come with a removeable face net, the whole hat has also been impregnated with an insecticide called permethrin, which stuns annoying and potentially dangerous animals including mosquitoes, flies, ticks, ants, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums) and – according to the CDC (the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) can even kill them. Together with the face net, which can be quickly and easily attached to the hat via a couple of snap connectors, this totally protects your head and neck from biting insects, while enabling you to retain full visibility of your surrounds.

But it’s not just an anti-insect hat. Made from entirely recycled polyester, the Skien Valley Booney hat has a broad brim that shades your neck, eyes and nose while you’re out hiking trails, providing effective protection from the sun. With a drawstring strap, it can be tightened under the chin and worn during windy walks, and the air vents and mesh lining combine to make the hat breathable and well vented.

On the trails and in camp

I have been sporting the Skien Valley Booney hat while hiking and camping on Dartmoor in the southwest of England, and in the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. For the most part, I’ve been wearing it while walking on the often-exposed trails found in both of these places.

This summer the UK and Ireland have sweated through four heatwaves, and the risk of sunburn and sunstroke has been high, especially when you’re up in the hills and peaks, where tree cover is sporadic or non-existent. The broadbrim style of the hat makes it perfect for protecting my prominent probiscis and the back of my neck from the rays emanating from our nearest star, and I’ve been very glad of it.

There are a couple of small vents in the top of the hat, which – while they could be a bit bigger for greater effectiveness – do let in a little bit of air, and the mesh inner keeps things cool too. When it’s sunny and windy, which happens a lot in the Wicklow and Dublin mountains, and even more often atop the tors of Dartmoor, the adjustable chin strap keep the lid in place.

And back in camp, there have been times where I would have very possibly slapped myself to death without having recourse to the face net. As mentioned, things have to be pretty bad for me to hide behind a mesh net (I hate having to sip beer through those things), but during a couple of nights in the Wicklow Mountains especially, the midges were absolutely relentless, and I had no choice. Ther was nowhere to hide, and I genuinely don’t know what I would have done without it – other than to retreat to my tent as soon as dusk descended, which would have made for a very long night.

The net is reasonably easy to use, and despite looking a bit daft (I’m sure), I could see through the mesh well enough to cook dinner on my camping stove, and to see the envious looks people who didn’t have such protection were giving me.

Also consider

Big Agnes Torchlight EXP 0°: first impressions 

Sleeping bags can be warm and technical, and they can be roomy, but they're not often both at the same time, so imagine our surprise when this bag came along touting both characteristics.

The Torchlight EXP 0° from Colorado brand Big Agnes boasts a patented expandable side panel design. This basically means that, in addition to the regular zip along the side that opens your bag up, there's a second, parallel zip, which adds up to 10in (25cm) of space for sleeping on your side or on your back with knees bent.

What's more, this space can be opened up wherever you want it, around your shoulders, hips, knees, feet or along your whole body.

Fully insulated with 650 Fill Downtek PFC-Free water-repellent down, this bag holds up against frigid temperatures, and has a cozy hood to seal out drafts. The shell fabric is silky, soft, and not noisy.

If you're using it with a sleeping pad, the integrated PadLok Sleep System attaches to your pad so you don't roll off. The Pillow Barn allows for natural head movement while keeping your pillow securely in place, and the cozy hood is just like the one on your favorite down jacket.

Though it comes with a carry sack, you need to buy the stuff sack separately, and we recommend that you do, because it's a bit bulkier than your average sleeping bag and, while not the heaviest we've tested, it's definitely not ultralight. It's feasible that you'd take this on a short backpacking trip, but where we think it truly excels is for longer, cold expeditions where you're transporting your gear in a duffel.

Big Agnes Torchlight EXP 0° sleeping bag: in the field 

For the past couple of years, I've eschewed restrictive sleeping bags and favored my Sea to Summit camping quilt, but for the trek to Everest Base Camp, I knew I'd need something really warm. Though we'd be sleeping in teahouses, those teahouses aren't heated, and at elevations of 16,942ft (5,164m), I was warned it could get well below freezing at night.

I also knew my gear would be carried by porters, so while I had a strict weight limit of 15kg to fly to Lukla, I wasn't quite as conservative as I usually am.

I slept with this bag for 11 nights on my trek to and from Base Camp, and have taken it on one ensuing car camping trip in Scotland this summer.

Here’s how it performed:

Comfort and design

This sleeping bag is easily one of the softest and coziest I've ever enjoyed, at least on par with the zipless Sierra Designs Night Cap. The shell fabric is super soft, and the down filling feels quite sumptuous. Even though the beds I was sleeping on during my trek in Nepal came with bedding, including a comforter, the cleanliness wasn't always pristine, and I was quite happy to just throw this over the top and sleep inside it every night.

Of course, the main reason it's so comfortable comes down to its innovative design, which allows it to be expandable, and I used this feature every night. It gives so much extra space that I was able to sleep inside it on my back with my legs crossed in a basket, which I understand is unusual, but hey, it works for me.

I'm a bit of a sprawler, and without the usual restrictions, I got better sleep and never ended up with achey hips like I sometimes get from lying like I'm inside a coffin.

Warmth and breathability

On the trek to Base Camp, I tested these measurables out in some pretty cold conditions, even though I was indoors and not on the ground. With just thin wooden walls, by early evening my room would be too cold to relax in, so I'd usually get inside my bag to recover from my hike before dinner, then get right back in it for bedtime.

Exactly why Big Agnes have called this bag the EXP 0° is something of a mystery, since that number doesn't seem to relate directly to any of the product's temperature ratings, which range from ISO 18°F/-7.8°C for comfort, to 6°F/-14.4°C for limit. It's possible that the bag has an unpublished extreme rating of 0°F/-17.8°C, but we'd never advise using an extreme rating as a guide, since that is a temperature at which you might well survive in a bag, but could be risking hypothermia - you can learn more about sleeping bag temperature ratings here.

However, all that said, the Big Agnes Torchlight EXP 0° sleeping bag is incredibly warm. Even in the challenging conditions described above, I was often able to unzip it a bit, so I wasn't anywhere near the edge of the comfort limit, which I had been a little concerned about.

On the other end of the spectrum, it has proven a bit warm for summer camping here in Scotland, but it does come in 20° and 30° ratings if you want something for milder weather, but like the sound of the expandable design. I'd also add here that it's really quite breathable and I've never suffered a sweaty night in it.

Weight and packability

Though this isn't heavy, like an old flannel sleeping bag, it does have considerably more heft and girth than my camping quilt, and I personally wouldn't bring it on a backpacking trip, no matter how much I love it.

That said, it's not super heavy, and I think with a proper stuff sack, it's an excellent choice for serious alpine expeditions where you're transporting your gear to a base camp. Or car camping, of course.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

Rab Phantom Waterproof Jacket: first impressions 

The best type of running jacket for trail runners is one that's so light and packable you never think twice about stuffing it into your hydration vest, and this jacket excels with its barely-there design.

Made using a 7D Pertex Shield 2.5-Layer construction, it's almost impossibly light and packs down into its own hood, so you can stash it in just about any pocket. The fabric is treated with a PFC-free DWR, and the jacket does a great job of repelling light rain and is very windproof. It won't hold up against torrential rain, however.

Rab has stripped away all the extras, such as pockets and toggles, and the only thing adding any weight at all is the full-length zip, which comes all the way up past your chin to provide extra protection from the elements and secure the hood. The hood is elasticated and has a toggle at the back so you can cinch it tight when the wind picks up.

The cuffs and hem are also elasticated to help find a snug fit, and the cut is slim enough to be functional while allowing for excellent freedom of movement.

Despite its light weight, it doesn't appear to be a particularly fragile jacket and has held up to months of testing without showing any signs of wear, never mind tear.

Is it pricey? For the occasional wet-weather runner, yes absolutely. But compared to jackets we've tested previously, it's somewhere in the middle, despite being one of the best, and if you go out in all conditions, then it's worth it.

Rab Phantom Waterproof Jacket: in the field 

I've spent the latter half of spring and the entire summer testing out Rab's newest trail running gear, on runs ranging from the Highlands of Scotland to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park in England.

In addition to the Rab Talus 2-in-1 shorts, which I absolutely adore, and the Rab Veil 12L Lightweight Running Pack, I've worn this jacket a fair bit, and packed it away in my vest even when the forecast doesn't call for rain. Though Scotland has had an actual summer for once, I've still had plenty of occasion to test it out against mist, drizzle, and torrential rain.

Here's how it performed:

Sizing and fit

I tested the XS, which is a UK 8, and I'm glad I didn't try the small as I think that would be too big and flappy. It might just run the tiniest bit big, but on me this size leaves enough room for layers, which will be useful when winter arrives, and isn't too loose, thanks in part to partially elasticated cuffs and hem.

Weight and packability

The first thing that stood out was how unbelievably light this jacket is. It's exactly half the weight of my North Face Lightriser Futurelight running jacket and, unlike a lot of garments that claim to pack away inside their own pockets, this one really does fit into a pocket on the back of the hood.

I don't even notice it when I'm running, and it will basically always be in my hydration pack moving forward, no matter the weather or the season.

Weather protection and breathability

This jacket has a 2.5-layer construction, and it's made for running, so I didn't expect it to hold up against heavy rain, but regardless, I found myself wearing it in a downpour during my first outing in it back in the spring. I was running in rain and wind (but fortunately not severe cold) for about 90 minutes, and when I got back to my car, I was quite wet down my front around the zip and on my shoulders.

I wouldn't expect any running jacket to really repel that type of weather, and I wouldn't use this as a replacement for a proper 3-layer waterproof for hiking, but it really is excellent in light rain and holds up for quite a long time.

Despite that decent level of protection, this jacket is surprisingly breathable, and I'm amazed at how often I've simply kept it on for an entire run when the rain has stopped (or hasn't started) because it's perfectly comfortable.

You might think that would translate into a smelly jacket, but I've just given the pits a sniff and there's absolutely no odor at all, after months of use, which is another thing I can't say for my other running jacket.

Storage and hood

There are no pockets, but since I wear a vest (and the Rab Talus shorts) I really don't need them and personally wouldn't want something bouncing around in my running jacket pocket anyway.

The hood is just great, staying put thanks to a toggle at the back to tighten it and the high collar, which helps protect my face when it's blowing sideways.

For all its wear, it still looks absolutely brand new and I'm planning to wear this jacket for many years ahead.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

First impressions

Cool to touch (and to look at, especially when compared to some of the items in the range), the Skien Valley Hoodie from Columbia is a lightweight, long-sleeved top that can be worn as a base layer beneath a fleece jacket or waterproof shells while hiking, or as a stand-alone top during dry and warm weather, especially when biting bugs are making a nuisance of themselves.

When I received several items from Columbia’s new Insect Shield collection to test, this was the first garment I reached for when hiking and camping on sweaty summer evenings, because it felt nice, looked decent and seemed like a good first line of defense against the blood-sucking beasts that make a habit of attacking me. Here’s how it performed.

Design and Materials

The Skien Valley hoodie is made with a material mixture of polyester and elastane. Oddly, Columbia don’t specify whether the polyester used in this top is recycled, whereas the same fabric used in other garments in the collection is recycled (in the absence of clear labelling, we’re going to assume that it isn’t recycled in this case). The elastane content in the top makes it nice and stretchy.

Available for both men and women (and also in a ‘Big’ version), this top has a relaxed, baggy look and feel. There are no pockets, but it has a hood, obviously (clue in the name) and substantial thumb hoops to keep the long sleeves in place when you add another layer over the top (and also to help protect wrists from biting bugs).

This top is part of Columbia’s new Insect Shield collection of outdoor apparel, all treated with a long-lasting chemical called permethrin, which is capable of deterring, stunning or even killing bugs that come into contact with it. Like the rest of the range, the hoodie is also light colored, because pests like mosquitoes are – apparently – less attracted to more neutral hues.

On the trails

I have been testing the Skien Valley hoodie over the scorching summer we have just enjoyed/endured (I liked it, but so did the bugs – so no better time to put this stuff to the test). This season I have mostly been hiking and camping on Dartmoor and in the Wicklow Mountains, both places I’m more accustomed to experiencing in the drizzle, but not in 2025.

We’ve had no less than four heatwaves over the last four months, and the midges (no-see-ums) have been out in force during still evenings on the trail, in camp and around crags. When this happens, you can either cover every inch of yourself in lightweight clothing, from base layers to long socks, or douse yourself in insect repellent – or take a belt and braces approach, and do a mixture of both.

Alternatively, you can clad yourself in clobber from Columbia’s Insect Shield-infused Skien Valley range, which is a bit like doing both. This is the approach I took in the Wicklow Mountains, where the midges were particularly horrendous. More so than the Skien Valley shirt (which I liked, but for other reasons) this hoodie proved to be particularly effective as armor against biting bugs, because it covered my whole top half, including my neck and – thanks to the thumb hoops – protected my wrists (always a target for midges and mosquitoes).

Also, even when paired with the similarly light-colored Skien Valley cargo pants, it looks decent, so when I was hanging out in communal campsites rather than wild camping on my own, I didn’t feel like a complete plum, as I did while wearing the Booney Hat, which is also part of the range.

Obviously it doesn’t protect your face from the irritating little monsters, so when they were at their worst I did often resort to wearing the wide brimmed hat with its full-face net, or when the temperatures cooled a little, pulling on the Skien Valley Hooded Light Jacket, which also features face netting.

During the day, I found the Skien Valley hoodie to be a very comfortable top to hike in, especially on hot days when I was exploring the exposed tor tops and mountain sides, where it provided excellent protection from the sun and the loose-fit style allowed lots of airflow. And, during climbing and scrambling adventures, the top boasts plenty of stretch, so you have a full range of movement and can reach for hand holds.

All-round, it’s a fine, functional piece of kit, and the item I’m likely to get the most use out of from the whole Skien Valley range.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe sleep mat: first impressions

I first had the chance to try out the Thermarest Neo-Air Topo Luxe on a chilly March night in the Brecon Beacons. My usual set up often finds me opting for a weighty self-inflating mat due to my fear of ending up on the ground with a dreaded puncture.

This has always fostered a slight paranoia of mats that are as big and inflatable as the Topo Luxe. However, the apparent robustness of the Topo Luxe has left me feeling it is possible to have bed-like comfort in an inflating mat without sacrificing lightness, packability and durability.

Upon inflation the Topo Luxe immediately looked like a comfortable mat. The horizontal baffles and rectangular shape give an immediate impression of something more akin to a standard air mattress than a conventional hiking mat, and if you're looking to shave grams, do bear in mind it does not have a mummy-shape option.

The mat has a smooth finish with a contour pattern that errs on the slippery side, so in a sleeping bag you may find yourself sliding off. When weight is less important (yes, I have used this mat at festivals) I have gotten around this by adding a cotton top sheet. But if you're thru hiking with this mat and don't want the extra load just be prepared for a bit of erm, mobility in the night, especially if you're sleeping on a slope.

There's no doubting the comfort though, thanks to the plush 3.9in (10cm) thickness and generous size. Just make sure you check the length works if you're planning on sleeping on it in a backpacking tent. The Large and XL versions are both 77in (196cm) long, which left it touching the top and bottom ends of my backpacking tent. The Regular and Regular Wide options are 72in (183cm) long, and we think this is a much more manageable length for one or 2-person tents.

The mat has a simple twin lock valve set up - one for inflation and one for deflation. The large deflation valve works excellently at expelling the full mat of air for pack down, and can allow for releasing small amounts if you need to tweak the firmness in the middle of the night. Similarly, the inflation valve is one way and easily placed by the head to allow for top ups if needed. I did find the twisting of the inflate valve a little tricky with thicker gloves on, but not to an unusual extent.

There is a pump sack included within the bag for the mat. However, it took me over seven minutes to inflate with the sack versus two minutes by mouth. Having recently watched someone else blow up a similar mat with a pump sack in seconds, it's clear there is a knack to it that I have yet to master, but overall I found the process fiddly compared to just blowing straight into the valve or using a mini-pump.

It is worth learning how to do it properly though, as using the pump sack is designed to prevent moisture going into the mat, and in the long term moisture can cause mould. So if you’re serious about the longevity of your purchase, then it’s worth taking the extra time to use it.

The completely open valve means it deflates for pack down in seconds.

Warmth

This mat boasts an R value of 3.7, which is impressive given its thickness and amount of air used to inflate it. The first time I used it I could have benefitted from a slightly higher R rating as it was the start of spring, and it was a cold night. However, despite being set up on an exposed ridge, the thickness of the mat combined with the relatively high R value kept me warm and somewhat protected from the gusts of wind that were ripping under my porch and into the inner tent.

The flip side of the mat being this thick was with my tent being rather low profile, I did spend a lot of the night with my head claustrophobically close to the top of the inner sheet, something to consider if you are working with a smaller set-up.

Returning to use this mat later in the season, I had no issues with the insulation at all and I really appreciated the home-like comfort. Using a bigger tent also meant the claustrophobia was no longer an issue - if you’re using a coffin style tent you may find it’s just too much of a tight fit due to its height and the length of the two larger sizes.

Weight and packability

The mat has a total pack weight of 2lb 1oz (947g), or 1lb 13oz (850g) if you are stowing it away without the pump sack, repair kit etc.

For a mat of this thermal rating, surface area and pack size it has no right weighing this little, especially given this was the Large size. I was able to pack and roll this down to roughly around the size of a litre water bottle and my only gripe is that the included carry sack is much larger than the size of the rolled mat and could benefit with some form of compression system to make for easier bag storage.

Size and comfort

The Topo Luxe is a rectangular mat, and I am more used to mummy shape mats. Thanks to its generous size, I found the size Large to be palatial in comparison to what I would usually use (I’m 6ft 2in / 186cm tall).

Given the generous size I was able to position myself comfortably throughout the night and this was a positive given that the top side is fairly slippery. My camp spot was not entirely on flat ground but I found that with the increased surface area there was much less chance of ending up with limbs sliding off.

However, if you opt for a smaller size you may find this to be more of an issue.

• How Advnture tests products

Lowa celebrated its 100^th birthday in 2023, marking a century of crafting quality footwear. During that time, the Bavarian brand has forged a solid reputation among hikers and mountaineers for its capable shoes and boots, the creation of which remains its core competency.

The brand’s fleet of hiking footwear is world-renowned. Its best-selling Renegade shoes and boots, launched in 1997, are a familiar sight on the trails. Our very own Julia Clarke wore the Renegade Evo GTX Mid on her adventure to Everest Base Camp and returned with suitably glowing reports.

The Renegade’s younger cousins are the members of the Innovo family, which boast chunky, grippy outsoles, suede uppers and a supportive and protective design. Iterations of the Innovo are available with or without Gore-Tex and as a hiking boot or lower cut shoe.

I was delighted to test out the low-cut Gore-Tex version in the hills of South Wales’ Bannau Brychieniog and on the trails of Southwest England. Unfortunately we can’t all go to Everest every time we test a pair of hiking shoes.

First impressions

The Innovo looks every inch the classic hiking shoe. With its suede upper, speckled laces, protective rand at the toes and breathable gills on the outer side of the foot, it suggests capability from the off. Its hefty appearance hints at comfort and support – of a shoe that’s at home on technical terrain in the mountains. It doesn’t look or feel like a shoe you’d want to run in necessarily, nor does it have the sneaker-like aesthetic of lightweight hikers and its wide curves are at odds with the more streamlined profile of an approach shoe. No, this is no Jack-of-all-trades; this is a hiking shoe.

I slipped my foot in and immediately liked what I felt. It’s nicely cushioned, reassuringly rigid but also flexible enough to maintain its initial comfort when on the move. In terms of fit, it holds the midfoot firmly and the heel sits nicely in its rear throne. Wiggle room for the toes isn’t as pronounced as something like Keen’s NXIS Evo Mid but there’s still more than enough for my feet to feel happy for mile after mile.

Weighing 1lb 1oz (490g) per shoe, it’s at the heavier end of the hiking shoe spectrum and I soon appreciated that the Innovo has more in common with a hiking boot than a trail running shoe. The sole is chunky, grippy and rigid. Not as rigid as a pair of winter hiking boots, but less yielding than many 'fast and light' options.

Quality design

The Innovo’s upper is made from a blend of suede and synthetic fabrics. Suede is a more pliable, softer leather than the high grain nubuck seen in Lowa’s Renegade shoes. This has the advantage of comfort, though it tends to be less durable than nubuck. However, we’re still talking about quality leather here and Lowa’s shoes are renowned for being hard-wearing, so I have few concerns on this front.

Working its magic beneath the suede is the Gore-Tex lining, providing breathability while keeping water out. The inner side of the upper is pure suede, providing protection against abrasion. Meanwhile, the outer side contains an array of four breathable mesh panels that put me in mind of Merrell’s classic Moab series.

The fairly standard lacing system makes use of webbed eyelets to keep both pressure on the foot and weight to a minimum, as well as a pair of punched eyelets towards the toes. Both tongue and collar are nicely padded, while there’s a fabric loop for easy hanging or for attachment to a carabiner.

A chunky, proprietary sole

The Lo version of the Innovo features the same aggressive sole as its bigger boot brother, as well as boasting Lowa’s proprietary rubber compound rather than the Vibram often seen in premium hiking footwear. As mentioned, it’s more rigid than most – an important quality when taking on technical terrain. However, there’s still flex towards the toes, which works with the foot’s natural rolling properties when striding along.

The sole features 67 deep lugs of differing shapes and sizes, with most being medium-sized, flat-topped and not particularly directional. This all points to a design intended to hold soft terrain rather than fly along at speed, while the flat surface of the lugs suggests decent grip on rock. Unlike an approach shoe, there’s no flatter region at the toes for precision when edging or smearing, though the two lugs beneath the heel are larger than the rest, design for effective braking in descent.

The midsole is forged from a dynamic polyurethane that maintains its shape even after being compressed “thousands of times”, according to Lowa. This should enable years of happy exploring, though unlike the Lowa Cevedale Pro GTX Mid, the Innovo doesn’t boast a resoleable design, which is a shame.

Hidden within the shoe is Lowa’s polyurethane Monowrap support frame. This is what I have to thank for the way the shoe embraces and holds the foot, providing the support and stability to take on rough terrain without issue. More on this in a mo…

In the field

I’ve been testing the Innovos through late winter, spring and summer on hiking trips to the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park and on walks in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Southwest England.

The way the Innovo cradles the foot is a real strength. I can think of few other pieces of hiking footwear I’ve worn that have given such an impression of support and protection alongside comfort and flexibility. The cushioning provided by the PU midsole provides a nice amount of propulsion, while the frame really does hold the foot in place beautifully. This all adds to make the Innovo a superb option for long days on the trail or multi-day trekking adventures, especially in drier climes such as those in the Alps.

Its low cut means that boggy terrain is its enemy, as water can get in over the top unless it’s carefully paired with gaiters. This was a bit of an issue when crossing a soggy bwlch (the Welsh word for a depression between two peaks), a common occurrence when hiking in the Bannau Brycheiniog. However, the Innovos kept my feet nicely dry most of the time. Nevertheless, I’d probably opt for the boot version if I was looking to take on some of Britain’s wetter long-distance trails.

I was very impressed with the grippiness of the outsole, which provided ample hold on both wet and dry terrain, rock and the sloppier stuff. The array of deep lugs hold admirably on soft ground, the heel brake provides confidence when descending earthen slopes. Meanwhile, the amount of sticky rubber in contact with rock when negotiating scrambling terrain also provides solid traction. I’d have no qualms wearing these on more technical multi-day hikes, such as the Dolomites’ Alta Vias or Corsica’s GR20. They’re not as tailored to the kind of ground where scrambling becomes climbing as dedicated approach shoes, but for the kind of scrambling terrain found on hikes, they’re great.

Their design and weight mean that the Innovo is much more at home on the trails than the streets, so they’re not the kind of hiking shoes you might wear for the everyday. There’s no doubt that they’re less versatile than many lighter shoes, such as the Aku Omnia V-light GTX. At $225 (£170 in the UK), they’re not the cheapest hikers on the market either. So, bear all of this in mind should you decide to make a purchase.

Nevertheless, they’re a sound investment if you’re an avid hiker in the market for a capable shoe for technical hiking missions.

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Brooks Cascadia 19: first impressions 

Over 20 years ago, the very first Cascadia trail running shoe was issued (and designed with ultra running legend Scott Jurek), and it allowed Brooks to position itself at the forefront of the trail scene. The shoe was such a success that it has since gone through multiple reiterations, and the original was re-issued last month.

With trail running tech constantly improving, Brooks keeps finding ways to upgrade the design of the Cascadia, and it calls number 19 the most versatile yet, with testers describing it as "the multitool for trail runners".

In addition to a lighter build and lower drop (down to 6mm), the main headline is the updated Trail Adapt System, which is the brand's proprietary system of cushioning, outsole, and rock plate that's designed to provide stability and protection on uneven surfaces.

This has been updated since the 18 to include "a co-molded Ballistic Rock Shield" which basically increases your comfort on rocky trails by protecting your feet and offers a balanced, boundy ride that almost stretches to tarmac. A healthy 35mm wedge of soft, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning allows for more flexibility underfoot without sacrificing control.

The outsole of this shoe is really worth mentioning, too. Even though the lugs aren't particularly aggressive looking, the chevron design and redesigned TrailTack Green technology really shine on a variety of trails, from rocky and dusty to bogs and wet grass.

The shoe has an impressive lockdown fit, which hugs the midfoot and leaves plenty of room for your toes, and while the upper is surprisingly thick, it's very breathable and dries pretty quickly. They're not as rugged as the 18, focusing more on an agile approach for both technical and fast runs, but there's enough protection for your toes.

Upgrades have also been made on the sustainability front. The outsole is now made with 25% recycled rubber, and overall, the 19 uses more recycled materials than its predecessors and is a CarbonNeutral certified product.

This is one of the more versatile trail shoes we've seen in a while. Available in wide sizing and waterproof versions, it performs well under technical conditions but is light and comfortable enough for a newer trail runner.

Brooks Cascadia 19: in the field 

Much to my shame, I haven't had much experience with Brooks trail runners over the years, despite the brand being an original purveyor of trail shoes. I thought they were a bit outdated, compared to Hoka and Merrell, which I've run in a lot, but in the name of nostalgia, I agreed to give the new model a test.

I've tested these in wet and dry conditions on gravel, grass, and a bit of mud and bog here in Scotland, and also wore them to Chamonix for this year's UTMB where I was following the race, but also squeezed in some running and hiking.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I always test a UK 4 (US 6), which is technically a half size up compared to my official size, but gives my feet room to swell and leaves room for thicker socks in the winter months. I don't have wide feet, but I do have high arches, and when I first put these on, I was a little concerned they weren't high volume enough, as the fit is extremely snug.

That, I think, is down to the tongue being really quite plush, particularly by modern trail runner standards. However, as soon as I got out on the trail, I realized these were going to be a win from the fit and comfort viewpoint.

I ran a hilly 10k in these for their first outing, and they felt absolutely great. The snugness I experienced didn't restrict my feet at all and instead just translates into a really secure lockdown fit for me. There's zero slippage of my foot inside the shoe, and my toes have plenty of room.

I was actually able to wear these for about 36 hours straight while I was following the UTMB and had no issues with comfort, and I've found them ideal for hiking too.

Breathability and protection

Because I've been testing these in the summer months, and as it's been a warm summer, I've had plenty of opportunity to assess their breathability, and I've never encountered sweaty feet (even during my 36-hour expedition).

It's a little surprising because the upper is quite thick and the tongue is very padded, but the porous mesh does exactly what it's meant to do, and when they get wet, they also seem to drain and dry quickly.

The upper isn't quite as tough as the shoe's predecessor, which is why it's lighter, but there are protective overlays around the toes and heel, and they kept my feet quite happy when I was scampering over the rocky trails of Chamonix.

Responsiveness, stability and grip

As soon as I got over the joy of the fit of these shoes, my mind went straight to that bouncy ride. These shoes might not have the massive stack of a pair of Hokas, and for that, you get a little more trail feel, but they're just as responsive, and that goes for soft grassy trails. I wouldn't wear them for road running, but when I do have to cross a little tarmac to get to the trail, they actually feel a lot cushier than my Speedgoat 6s.

They don't have a super wide geometry, but the overall design and fit do lend themselves to an extremely stable ride, even over quite unpredictable terrain.

Finally, the grip of these shoes really is something to write home about. The chevron lug pattern has proven itself a winner in other shoes, but I think the TrailTack Green outsole really is unusually sticky. I've never even slipped in these shoes, from steep, wet grassy descents and on dry, rocky trails. They don't look like they'd be a good match for mud season, but beyond the sloppiest conditions, these have some of the best traction I've tested.

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• How Advnture tests products

Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System Isobutane: first impressions 

Jetboil took its award-winning Genesis Basecamp System and made it compatible with standard isobutane fuel canisters. This ingenious double-burner stove combines lightweight portability with ferocious power to give you a complete kitchen when you're car camping.

The Basecamp System comes neatly packed inside a carrying bag with a handle, and the savvy stove folds in half and easily locks shut for stowing and transportation. When you're ready to cook, unfold it and screw on your fuel regulator – the gas canister can fuel both rings at once.

To ignite the rings, turn the knob and flick an ignition switch. The burners will roar to life and you can juggle a 5l FluxPot to cook pasta, rice, potatoes or soup as well as a ceramic-coated nonstick fry pan for eggs, veggies, burgers or whatever camping meal you fancy on the day.

Water will boil in under three minutes and your frying pan will heat up lightning quick, but you can turn the burners down and manage heat flow quite well. The included wind screen isn't the best we've tried, but you'd need to be cooking in a gale for wind to pose any real threat to the flame.

When you're finished cooking, the materials barely retain any heat so you can pack them up instantly and get on your way if you're in a rush.

Neat, efficient, light and easy to use, this camping stove is an absolute dream for any car camper and the only thing that will make you think twice is the high price.

JetBoil Genesis Basecamp System Isobutane: in the field 

I've been adventuring with my Jetboil Flash 1.0 for a while now, which is great for quickly making a backpacking meal or hot chocolate, but if I'm car camping with my partner and family, it's always been our trusty Trangia that feeds us.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Trangia for reasons I've written about here, but when I heard that Jetboil had updated its double-burner Basecamp System, I jumped at the chance to give it a shot.

I first tested this out in the backyard so I wouldn't find myself struggling with it in the wild with hungry children glaring at me, and the pictures I've shared here are from that experiment. However, we've since had it out on every car camping trip this summer.

Design and features

My only other experience with a double-burner stove is the Vango Combi IR Grill Compact, which folds up like a suitcase, but this one has quite a genius design.

The neat, circular stove folds in half to stack the two burners for transport and storage. There's a handle on both sides that clips away and means you can easily pull it out no matter which way it was facing when you packed it. Simply unclip the rubber leashes that secure it and unfold it, and you have two circular burners side by side.

The fuel connector screws into the stove and into any isobutane canister, and there's a knob on each burner to control the gas flow, with two ignition levers to light them.

The stove comes with a 5l FluxPot and 10in (25cm) ceramic-coated nonstick fry pan, both of which are lightweight and have handles that remain cool when you're cooking and fold away. The 5l pot has a lid to help boil water faster, and there's a windscreen included.

Weight and packability

The whole package is designed to easily pack inside the 5l pot, and it comes with a cylindrical carry bag with handles that makes it super-easy to carry from car to campsite. There's even a little extra room for other kitchen utensils (I keep a spatula, sporks, and chopping board in there now).

Compared to a lot of other portable double-burner stoves, it's really quite light and a lot more packable, easily stashing into the very small trunk of our tiny car or behind the front seats.

Ease of use and performance

In my initial field test, I wanted to see how far I could get without reading the instruction manual, and in fact, it's all pretty intuitive.

I unfolded the stove and connected the fuel. I only needed to check the manual to find the ignition, which is a small red lever that I had to flick once for fire. The burners roared to life ferociously, and I set about bringing one liter of water to a boil and frying an egg.

Because I was only boiling one liter of water, it was bubbling in about two minutes, while my egg started to bubble away before I realized I needed to turn the heat way down underneath it. Suffice to say, it all happens in a Jetboil flash.

Because I was just giving the stove a quick test, I packed it all up almost immediately and was pleased to find the equipment wasn't super hot and I didn't have to hang around waiting for it to cool.

Over time we've figured out how to cook food at a lower setting. Now, our eggs don't have bubbles in them and this summer we've successfully made pasta, sausages and mash, and several nice cooked breakfasts.

We've managed to nail the simmer function, but if you want to cook things on a really low heat, you might struggle, but that's not a priority for me at camp because the aim of the game is always food, fast. The only drawback, compared to my Vango stove, is that you can't make toast.

Unusually for Scotland, we've not had to contend with much wind recently, which is good because the Basecamp System's wind screen isn't the best. It's a plastic sheet that site near the stove, but it's a little flimsy and unwieldy. That said, I think it would take a serious wind to affect the burners, and in that instance, I'd think about setting up elsewhere. Since this stove is designed for car campers, you could obviously use your car as a wind screen.

Durability and value

This stove is built of tough stuff and doesn't creak unnervingly like my Vango, which makes it seem cheap in comparison. The pans are equally sturdy and well designed.

The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System Isobutane is a top-of-the-line double burner and in comparison to the competition, it truly excels in packability and weight, ease of use and quick boiling performance. You won't be surprised to hear that it's easily the priciest we've tested, but you certainly get what you pay for, and if you love car camping, there's no reason why this spend won't make you very happy.

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Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

Amazfit T-Rex 3: first impressions 

When the Amazfit T-Rex 3 dropped last fall it was billed as the ultimate outdoor GPS watch by the Chinese brand, while onlookers hailed it as a rival to the Garmin Fenix 8. Given that the Fenix 8 is a premium watch from the world's biggest brand, and given that the T-Rex 3 comes in at about a quarter of the price, that claim was optimistic. However, this is still a great watch for adventurers heading into the backcountry – especially if you have a more limited tech budget.

The T-Rex 3 promises a rugged build, weeks of battery life, endless activity modes, smartwatch functionality and proper maps on its big, bright AMOLED screen. All for $279.99 (£249.99). Could it deliver? Mostly, but there are some wrinkles.

We had already given its predecessor, the Amazfit T-Rex 2, nearly perfect marks for its tough build, battery life and navigation features, so our hopes were high for this watch. Plus, the corresponding Zepp app has seen almost continuous improvements over the last couple of years, making it considerably easier to use.

The watch comes in a robust build that some might say is too big and bulky for all but the burliest of users. On the upside, I wouldn't be afraid to drop it on a rocky trail, thanks to its stainless steel bezel, polymer middle frame and gorilla glass screen. It's rated for free diving, so a bit of wet weather isn't going to pose a problem either.

It's powered by a battery that the brand claims gives you up to 42 hours of support in accurate GPS mode, or up to 27 days with typical use. In our field tests, we found it didn't quite live up to that incredibly high standard, but it does rival the lifespan of Coros watches, which gives it an edge over its Garmin competition. It is, however, a little on the slow side to charge.

As an outdoor adventure junkie, I was excited about the prospect of free, downloadable maps, which I thought would display well given the 1.5in (38mm) AMOLED display. In reality, I found the process of downloading maps a little fiddly, and they didn't display as well as on other watches. However, the GPS was accurate. The screen is easy to view in all light conditions, but it's not super responsive in gesture mode, which can be annoying.

Heart rate tracking was also accurate when compared with other watches, though it was sometimes a little slow to catch up when I went from slow to fast or flat to steep. Health tracking is all done by the Zepp app, which has really improved and allows you to access everything from training readiness to sleep scores. While most of us probably wouldn’t choose to sleep with a watch this size, it has a surprisingly comfortable fit – despite the brutish build.

The T-Rex 3 boasts lots of smartwatch capabilities, which means you can respond to texts and control your music playback, but you can't make or take calls like you can with the Fenix 8, and you can't install Spotify. There's also no LED flashlight for nocturnal escapades.

But enough about what's not there. This is a tough, capable sports watch that's easy to use and has a responsive touchscreen and voice commands. It doesn't seem fair or helpful to compare it to the Fenix 8, largely because you're either in the market for a thousand-dollar watch or a budget-friendly watch. We can't say it's as good, but it does share important DNA with its pricier rival and boasts plenty of perks for adventurers.

Amazfit T-Rex 3: in the field 

I've been testing the T-Rex 3 for the past three weeks of summer activities. Usually when I'm testing a sports watch, I try it out hiking, trail running, pool swimming and for yoga. However, I quickly realized this particular watch is too big to reasonably wear for lap swimming or for yoga. That's fine, because it's billed as an adventure watch rather than a general fitness watch, such as the Amazfit Active 2.

I've been wearing it on my right wrist on the trails in Scotland, including up one Munro, and using my Coros Pace 3 on my left wrist as a comparison.

Design

The T-Rex 3 comes in just one size, and it's ginormous. I don't have a birdlike bone structure, but I'm on the small side, and this beefy piece absolutely dominates my wrist.

That said, whereas the Fenix 8 bruised my wrist for the first few days of wearing it, this watch is surprisingly comfortable. Yes, it gets in the way when I'm putting on my backpack, and no, I couldn't possibly sleep with it on, but for everything in between, it's fine. However, if a smaller version were available, I'd snap it up.

Part of the reason I haven't found this watch too annoying is that I've been testing it in warm weather. It's no problem to wear with a short-sleeved shirt and even a rain jacket or windbreaker, but come winter, I can imagine it being difficult to team with multiple layers, given its high-rise profile.

It's operated by four buttons: top-right takes you into activities, while bottom-right is a back button that takes you into apps such as the Zepp Coach, your workout history and current heart rate. On the left side, there's an up and down button to navigate menus. If you press on the bottom left from the home screen, you get a snapshot of the day where you can see the weather forecast, your most recent workout, training load and recovery time. If you press the top left from the home screen, you get into settings where you can activate a 'do not disturb' setting, adjust screen brightness, check your battery level and more.

All of these screens can also be accessed by swiping in various directions – it's all pretty intuitive.

Features

This watch is absolutely packed with features. Not satisfied with just being an adventure watch, it's also got tons of smartwatch capability and training recommendations provided via the Zepp app.

Maps are free to download for offline use (see more below in 'Performance') and combined with a big, bright screen, they are a definite perk for navigating in the wild. The GPS uses six satellite positioning systems and can be disabled, along with tracking, which you might want to do for safety reasons.

The BioTracker 6.0 PPG biometric sensor is the primary health monitor, tracking key metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation and stress levels. It also analyzes your workouts to give you training readiness and recovery scores.

The dive function is a huge bonus and I almost couldn't believe the number of sports modes (nearly 180), which include ultra marathon training, pickleball, wingsuit flying, hula hooping, artistic swimming and Hyrox. The latter seems to be the one the brand is most excited about, which is understandable given the meteoric rise of the circuit training trend, but I admit I haven't tested it in a Hyrox capacity and almost certainly never will.

You can’t install music streaming apps, but you can control playback from your phone and pair headphones. There’s no built-in LED flashlight – a feature that’s becoming increasingly expected on adventure watches, especially with Garmin’s latest Fenix and Enduro models setting the standard.

Performance

A bit like when a restaurant has a 10-page menu, having lots of features in this case means that not all of them function perfectly.

To use maps, you first need to download the area you want via the app. Once that’s done, sending a route to your watch should display it as a proper map, not just line-and-pointer navigation. In my excitement, I jumped on a train, connected to the WiFi, and was pleased by how straightforward the process was. I selected all of Scotland and downloaded it in just a few minutes. But out on the trail, I still only had line-and-pointer navigation – no full map display.

When I got home, I tried downloading the map again, but kept getting a message saying I needed to enable it in ‘map settings'. At first, I couldn’t find that option – until I realized it was referring to the settings on the watch itself, not within the app. The prompt could have been clearer.

On my next outing up Ben Lomond I managed to activate the map, but I can't say it's the best map I've ever used. There were some topographical features – I could see a river when I crossed it – but it lacked detail. The bigger issue is that the route is shown from a fixed top-down view, rather than aligning with your direction of travel. As with Google Maps, I expect the pointer to face forward so it’s clear which way to turn – but on the T-Rex 3, it can point in any direction, which I found disorienting. At one junction, I even had to take a wrong turn in order to figure out which was the right way. It’s manageable for hiking, but could be frustrating if you’re trail running and need to keep stopping.

Another odd thing was that the display showed how much of the hike was remaining in kilometers. That's great, but knowing the hike, I quickly realized this was way off and soon determined that it meant to say distance elapsed, which is a big difference.

On a more positive note, the display is excellent and easy to read. I especially like that I can easily see when sunset is while I'm hiking or running, so I can make sure I'm back before dark.

As for my heartbeat, accuracy was generally within one beat. I did, however, notice that it was a little slow to catch up when I accelerated or slowed down, so I'm not sure how good the acceleration sensor is, and as I've mentioned, it was too big to wear for sleep, so I wasn't able to take advantage of that data.

I don't think the battery quite lives up to claims, but it is excellent. Using it for four hours in GPS mode drained about 20 percent, which, by my estimation, means you'd get more like 20 hours out of it, rather than 42. That said, it is one of the better batteries out there. In a normal week for me, which includes a long hike plus a couple of trail runs, I can get around 12 to 13 days from a single charge, and when out of GPS mode, it barely drains at all.

You charge the watch via Amazfit's charging cradle (included) with a USB-C cord. The cradle snaps right into place and is secure, but I did notice that charging takes quite a long time.

Finally, although I think the Zepp app has improved since I've been using it, it sometimes gives me recommendations that don't seem at all grounded in my actual activity. It still needs tweaking.

The T-Rex 3 isn't a perfect watch, but it's intuitive, has fantastic battery life, and the screen is great. I'll also add here that the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro – set to launch in October 2025 and currently on my desk – promises to address many of the issues I’ve mentioned. It features an LED flashlight and auto-rerouting maps for when you stray off course.

Value

It might seem as though I've focused heavily on flaws in this article, but to be clear, this watch is outstanding value. I'm not quite sure how Amazfit manages to pack so much into its devices and keep the prices so low. The materials aren't on par with the quality offered by premium watches from big-name brands, but they are totally in line with other mid-range watches.

The only thing I can think of is that, instead of spending years in research, the brand is happy to release watches that aren't quite perfect, then update them as they go, helping keep costs down. If I'm right, that means you might get a few quirks, but in this case, for a fair price you can buy a rugged GPS watch with maps and smartwatch capabilities that will support you on your gnarliest adventures.

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Fjällraven Abisko Trail Fleece: first impressions 

Named for the Swedish National Park, the Abisko Trail Fleece is all about keeping you comfortable in changeable outdoor conditions.

The construction of this fleece jacket is savvy: the hood, shoulders, and chest are made from flat-knitted polyester fleece for warmth with a soft brushed inside that feels great against any bare skin, while the sides and underarms, lower torso, and forearms are made from a lighter grid-structured fleece with superior ventilation. The result is that when it's chilly, it keeps you warm for quite a while before you need an outer layer, but when you're hiking, you can dump heat easily.

The fabric has just enough stretch for the jacket to be really functional when you're hiking and climbing, without being so stretchy as to lose its integrity, and the slim fit looks great and leaves just enough room for layers.

A super snug hood stays put in the wind and fits under your helmet, and the thumb loops help you negotiate gloves without walking around with gaping holes in the cuffs of your jacket.

Pockets abound, with deep, zipped handwarming pockets that aren't much good with a backpack, and a spacious zipped chest pocket for your phone.

The face fabric is very tough and resistant to pulling and pilling, and for a synthetic fleece, it doesn't hold onto much odor.

There are lots of recycled fabrics on show here, and while we won't lie and say it's cheap, it's certainly a nice price for Fjallraven and for a fleece that you can wear from Himalayan peaks to backyard bonfires.

Fjällraven Abisko Trail Fleece: in the field

I got this fleece for trekking to Everest Base Camp this year. The journey entailed 11 days of walking over 80 miles, starting in T-shirt weather and getting increasingly cool as we ascended. We were lucky with the weather and didn't experience much rain, but started at 9,383ft above sea level, and the highest point of the journey for me was 18,519ft at Kala Patthar, so the nights were always frigid.

All of that meant that I had to be especially vigilant about layering, so my plan was to wear this over a merino wool short-sleeved top, then have both a down jacket and a waterproof jacket to layer over the top.

When I first put this fleece on, I nearly squealed with delight at how well it fitted me. I own a lot of fleeces, and very few are particularly flattering, seemingly designed for a cereal box. This one, however, actually looks nice on. I tested the women's small, which is my usual size, and it's quite slim fitting, but I can easily wear it over a light mid layer, and its fairly low profile doesn't make it difficult to layer over.

Some fleeces are of the deep pile variety and better for coffee walks by the river, while others are super technical and almost flimsy, but this one falls right in the middle and provides tons of technical prowess whilst also being quite useful for wearing around town. That also means it's really quite packable if you're traveling with it.

The first few days in the Himalayas were mostly warm and sunny enough not to need this when we were walking through the valley, but as soon as we got to our teahouse and stopped moving, I was really glad for the warmth that it provides. On our acclimatization days, where we climbed up quite steeply to higher elevations then came back down to help with altitude adaptation, I kept it on while I was moving and was really impressed by how well it breathes, wicks and dries. This is all down to the placement of panels of different types of polyester that lend both insulation and breathability.

Considering I wore this for 11 days and did a fair amount of sweating in it, it really didn't get too smelly (or maybe we were all so smelly I couldn't differentiate?) which is a welcome surprise, give that it's made from synthetic fabric.

The hood is also fantastic, soft on the inside and super snug when I'm all zipped up to keep the wind out of my ears, but it's not so tight that it pulls on the fabric of the shoulders. I didn't need a helmet on that expedition, but I've tested it out with my climbing helmet, and I can keep my hood up quite comfortably, which bodes well for winter mountaineering.

I don't love the way thumb holes look, even if I can appreciate their purpose, so I'm glad Fjällraven has gone with thumb loops on the inside of the cuffs, which made it easier to get my gloves on during one frigid alpine start.

The pockets are spacious, although the hand-warming pockets aren't really accessible when I'm wearing a backpack, and I kept my phone in my chest pocket most of the time. Speaking of wearing a backpack, the face fabric is really tough, and the shoulders don't show any signs of my straps rubbing.

If you forced me to gripe about this fleece, I suppose I could suggest a two-way zipper might enhance it, but in all honesty, it's my favorite fleece for hiking and I'm looking forward to many more adventures in it.

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Injinji Trail Midweight Crew socks: first impressions 

With some of today's best trail athletes (Courtney Dauwalter, Tara Dower) sporting Injinji toe socks, there's no doubt that the San Diego brand has found its corner of the footwear market for both trail runners and hikers.

Like all of Injinji's patented socks, these hiking socks feature separate pouches for your toes, so they're like a glove for your foot, and the focus is on improving foot health by helping your toes spread out more once they're inside your hiking boots. This also prevents your toes from rubbing together, which can eliminate blisters altogether for some walkers.

Designed with footbed padding and arch support, these fit perfectly to prevent bunching up inside your boot and are made with a blend of nylon, Lycra and Coolmax fabric, which is made from recycled plastics. The result is socks that are durable even after lots of miles and great at managing moisture and letting your feet breathe.

The synthetic makeup also means that they will get quite smelly after several days of wear, so if that's of concern, check out the wool version, which is a little pricier.

These midweight socks are about the right thickness for longer treks and cold to mild temperatures, though perhaps a little warm for summer when you can trade them out for the Ultra Run Crew, which are a little thinner but just as good.

With only two sizes for women, I did wonder if these socks could possibly work for all feet, but after taking them out on the trek to Everest Base Camp, I'm convinced that toe socks are a big step forward for hikers and this well-priced pair is worthy of your attention.

Injinji Trail Midweight Crew socks: in the field 

I've been wanting to test out Injinji toe socks for ages, and when I was offered the chance to trek to Everest Base Camp, something that meant 11 days of walking, I knew it was a good opportunity.

I brought three pairs of Injinji socks along with me on the trip, and ended up wearing the Ultra Run socks for the first five days because they're a little lighter and conditions were quite warm. When they got embarrassingly smelly, I switched to these, which got me up to Base Camp and back down, so I put about 50 miles in, wearing them for at least six hours of walking a day. I recently wore them again on a five-day thru-hike in the Lake District National Park.

Here’s how they performed:

Fit and comfort

My feet are a UK 3.5 (US 5.5) which is pretty small. In fact, my 9-year-old now wears bigger shoes than me. I bring this up because I have, on occasion, found that even the smallest socks available aren't small enough for me, and they end up bunching up inside my shoes.

When I saw that these socks only ran in two sizes for women, I was concerned that this would be an issue, but the smaller sizing manages to just fit my feet perfectly, with my toes taking up all the room in the toe pockets and a snug fit around my high arch and heel.

The crew design comes halfway up my calf, which gives loads of protection against even the highest hiking boots and keeps debris from the trail at bay. The thickness adds some warmth on cold days, but they're not so bulky as to crowd my feet once I'm wearing boots.

The synthetic fabric feels nice and soft against my skin, and the seamless design really adds to the comfort level, whether I'm padding around the house or wearing these on the trail. But most of all, I have to admit that I just really like the feel of that slight separation of my toes, and I really didn't struggle with tired feet on my trek.

Moisture management and blister protection

I wore these with my Lowa Renegade Evo hiking boots, which are waterproof, but between the boots and these socks, my feet never felt sweaty, even though we were hiking in T-shirt weather for a lot of the trip.

The Coolmax fabric does a really good job of keeping my feet dry in warm weather, and the only time I had cold feet was hiking at 3:30am at 18,000ft when I really needed winter boots and thick socks, but fortunately, it was a very short hike. I'd trust these for hiking through winter in Scotland in all but the gnarliest conditions.

Obviously, the big promise of these socks is that they help prevent blisters because your toes don't rub together, which is the main reason I wanted them for my trek. My sister-in-law swears by them, and while I'm not overly prone to blisters and have broken in my boots well, I have in the past suffered blisters on my pinkie toes on multi-day hikes. To cut to the chase, I hiked 80 miles over 11 days without a hint of a blister or a hot spot and I credit this largely to Injinji.

Odor resistance and ease of use

If you're like me and have long surrendered to the virtues of merino wool socks, the synthetic makeup of these socks is going to pose a slight problem. I frequently go months without washing my wool socks because they don't get smelly, whereas after five days, these were really quite ripe.

On the one hand, synthetic fabrics are tougher than wool, so they'll arguably last longer, but I also think a lot of people buying these will be doing so for longer hikes, and for that I think it's worth paying a little extra for the merino wool version.

Finally, I don't usually include a note on ease of use when I'm reviewing socks because typically you just pull them on, but I know you're wondering, do they take hours to put on?

The short answer is yes, they do take longer to put on than regular socks because you have to place each toe in its pouch, but we're talking seconds, not minutes. If you want to cut down on hassle, pull them off by the toes when you get home from your hike so they don't end up inside out.

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Big Agnes Rapide SL Pillow: first impressions 

Inflatable camping pillows have a bit of a bad reputation for being, well, useless, but this game-changing cushion from Colorado's Big Agnes is here to help rewrite that unfortunate narrative.

It arrives packed away in a stuff sack and is so small you can easily pop it in a pocket or clip it to your backpack. Made using a soft, four-way stretch nylon (that's puncture and tear-resistant), this pillow inflates with just a couple of puffs to become a decent-seized support system that's not as big as your pillow at home, but still gives your head plenty of wiggle room. You can adjust it to make it softer or firmer depending on your needs.

It's designed with ergonomic thickness and shape for a comfortable sleep position, whether you're on your side or back, and it stays nice and stable while you sleep, thanks to what the brand calls a 'minimalist offset I-Beam construction'. Basically, it's quiet, soft and stable.

And if that's not all you need from a camping pillow, it has advanced heat reflective technology so it helps keep you warm and cozy after the temperatures drop, and an
antimicrobial treatment inside the pillow prevents micro-organism growth to keep your pillow fresh and stink-free.

When it's time to pack up and move on, this pillow easily deflates and rolls away. It's on the higher end of pricing for pillows we've tested, but easily worth every penny and turns a camping pillow from nice-to-have to must-have for backpackers who hate waking up with sore necks.

Big Agnes Rapide SL Pillow: in the field 

I've been using my old Klymit Cush pillow for camping for at least 15 years and I love it for its light weight packability, but I often have to fold it up to get the correct thickness, and it struggles to fully deflate these days, so when I heard that Big Agnes was breaking into the UK market, I was excited to try some of their ultralight gear on my adventures.

I actually got this pillow to use on my trek to Everest Base Camp, which turned out to be unnecessary as the pillows along the route were all sufficient, but I've spent the summer using it along with the Big Agnes Rapide SL Sleeping Pad on all my camping trips.

Here’s how it performed:

Weight and packability

When you can roll up a fleece jacket and stick it in the stuff sack of your sleeping bag to rest your head on, it's easy to rule out hauling the extra bulk and weight of a camping pillow, but this model eliminates any debate for me. I often like to give a comparison to help understand how much an item I'm reviewing weighs, but at just 50 grams with the stuff sack, it literally feels like nothing in my hand. Even if I were trying to fastpack my way along the Appalachian Trail, I wouldn't think twice about bringing it.

It packs down into a little stuff sack and fits in the palm of my hand, and it's squashable, so it's easy to fit inside any pocket or even my camping mug. If you really don't have room inside your pack, clip it to the outside via the loop on the stuff sack.

Size, comfort and noisiness

The problem, if there was one, with my old pillow is that it's designed to be versatile, so it's quite long and thin and can be used as a seat or doubled up for a pillow. It's a great design, but it made me think there was no way an inflatable pillow could feel like a regular one, and it turns out that's not true.

This inflates to about two-thirds the width of my pillow at home, which is a decent amount of real estate and means if I'm on my back and want to roll onto my side, I don't have to adjust my pillow.

I like it inflated all the way and find the thickness just right for my neck, even on my side, and it's soft against my skin and nice and stable and supportive.

The soft fabric means it's not crinkly or rustly which also helps me get a better night's sleep.

Ease of use and value

Some valves are really fiddly, but this is super easy to inflate and deflate. I'm not sure if this is what I'm supposed to be doing, but basically, I use one finger to press the middle of the valve then put my mouth over it to blow air in. It takes me precisely two big breaths to inflate it, and all the air doesn't come rushing back out when it's time to close the valve.

My old pillow has an annoying habit of holding onto a little air, and fortunately, this one doesn't share that trait. When I want to pack it away, I just press the center of the valve again while I squeeze the air out, and before I know it it's packed away and I'm back on the trail.

It's not the priciest pillow on the market, but at $50 I can see why lots of backpackers would want to give it a miss. I've always prided myself on a more minimalist approach, but now I know how comfortable this pillow is, I'd happily pay the price and won't go camping again without it.

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Founded in the Swedish ski resort of Åre in 1986, Peak Performance was launched by a pair of passionate skiers on a mission to create 'garments that combined excellent functionality with simple, attractive design'. Fast forward to today and the brand still sells popular skiing gear, as well as hiking, trail running and mountain biking apparel, and even gym and golf wear.

Finnish multinational Amer Sports bought the brand in 2018 and today it sits in its roster alongside the likes of Arc’teryx and Salomon. As with Arc’teryx, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for Peak Performance’s expertly and sustainably crafted premium gear. I recently tested the brand’s minimalist Elevate Hood Jacket and was impressed with both its performance and its innovative recyclable design.

I was stoked to test its Freelight Crew, a lightweight fleece mid-layer. It's available in both men’s and women’s versions and features the same Polartec Power Grid insulation as Berghaus’ MTN Guide MW Hoody. I was intrigued to see how it would compare on the trails.

First impressions

Peak Performance’s Freelight range is a collection of garments designed with a focus on being lightweight, windproof, water repellent and packable. It’s not the only Swedish brand focussing on this kind of gear: garments in Haglöfs’ L.I.M (Less Is More) range are designed with similar qualities in mind. As someone who enjoys going fast and light wherever possible, I’m always up for giving this kind of gear a go.

The Freelight Crew is sold as a mid-layer but, thanks to its low weight, feels like a long-sleeved t-shirt. It’s an attractive garment with its bold chest pocket patch and minimalist look. Fit wise, it’s relatively relaxed so if you’re someone who prefers an athletic fit, perhaps try the size down.

Look closely and the texture of its fleece arrays are obvious. Turning the top inside out reveals its army of neatly aligned fleece clusters. The ratio of fleece to space here is lower than with the tightly-packed arrays seen on Berghaus’ MTN Guide MW Hoody, pointing to a cooler, more breathable mid-layer. Nevertheless, when I put it on, its insulating abilities were immediately apparent. Let’s take a closer look at the ideas behind Polartec's Power Grid design...

Polartec Power Grid

For the uninitiated, Polartec is the brand that invented synthetic fleece back in 1979, patented as Polartec Polarfleece. These days brand is almost as ubiquitous in outdoor clothing, particularly mid-layers, as Vibram is in footwear and Gore-Tex is in waterproof jackets.

The Power Grid fabric is intended for lightweight garments designed with freedom of movement and breathability in mind. The grid in the name refers to the fact that, rather than a solid layer of insulating material, it features interspersed fleece clusters arranged consistently in a grid structure. While the clusters perform their heat holding magic, the space between them wicks moisture away, creating a breathable fabric that works with the body to regulate your temperature.

This quality is the Holy Grail of any mid-layer and we’ve highly rated several Power Grid garments in recent years, such as North Face’s Stormgap and Bolt jackets. Another notable benefit of the grid design is that it’s more compressible than a standard fleece, making it easier to stuff into a small space in a daypack.

Not all Power Grid fabrics are created equally and it’s up to the brands who create these mid-layers to decide on the fleece-to-space ratio. In the lightweight Freelight Crew, there’s more space than there is fleece, with a gsm (grams per square meter) of 119. The top's outer fabric is a 90D poplin that’s nicely stretchy for unrestricted movement.

Peak Performance has committed to removing intentional use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) by 2025 and the Freelight is, unsurprisingly, free of them. Numerous health concerns have been raised against these chemicals and many brands are doing their utmost to remove them.

Other features

The Freelight Crew’s feature set is fairly minimal, a quality that’s true of many of Peak Performance’s gear. The standout feature is its zippered chest pocket and logo panel, partly because it’s a different color to the rest of the top (unless you get the Black version) but mostly because it really is the only obvious feature.

The compartment is large enough for a phone and the zipper features a handy pull. To be honest, I didn’t get a great deal of use out it as this lightweight pouch isn't the most comfortable place to store any items of significant weight – even a headlamp feels clunky in there. However, it’s a decent place to stash a baseplate compass, or store a bank card or ski pass. It's a little bit style over substance, I feel.

The hem and and cuffs are noticeably elasticated. However, I found that they were already pretty loose anyway, almost negating the point of having elastic in the first place. In terms of holding on to heat, I feel these would have been better if they were tighter, with the elastic then giving the flexibility to expand them if necessary.

The top’s flatlock seams are designed to reduce dreaded chaffing and there are no seams across the shoulders, making the top more comfortable to wear with a backpack.

In the field

I’ve been testing the Freelight Crew throughout the summer, wearing it on hiking trips to Wales’ Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, as well as for walks in Pembrokeshire National Park and South West England. I’ve worn it both as a mid-layer in the evenings and as a base layer on warmer days.

I found that it was comfortable when worn as both, though the bobbly texture of its fleece grid takes a bit of getting used to when worn as a base layer. It was interesting swapping between a standard technical t-shirt (I did this little experiment with the Montane Dart) and the Freelight Crew while simply sat down on a hot day. The difference in warmth is immediately obvious, underlining the effectiveness of Polartec’s insulation and the Freelight’s really impressive warmth-to-weight ratio.

A benefit of the Freelight’s synthetic fabrics is that they’re quick drying. It was never that long after working up a sweat or after a burst of light rain that the top would be pretty much dry once more. Plus, the Power Grid fabric maintains its insulating qualities over time, even after many, many wash cycles, making the top a durable option for years of wear.

My main qualms with the Freelight Crew, especially when used as a technical mid-layer for more serious outdoor adventures, are its relaxed fit and lack of front zip. Its baggy fit isn’t ideal when adding other layers over the top, as I’d get little rolls of fabric that I’d have to straighten out. The loose sleeves were particularly problematic and would often ride up when adding other layers. From a purely aesthetic point of view, I personally prefer an athletic fit too.

No front zip means no ability to dump heat during a sustained ascent or during an involved summer scramble. As established, the Power Grid fleece holds heat readily and, although the top is very breathable, it’s still nice to be able to go for the nuclear option of opening everything up once in a while.

These issues aside, it's still a high quality top that delivers superb warmth-to-weight. It's great for summer hiking missions where you might need a quick extra layer for the summits or ridges thanks to its lightweight packability. It's also a good looking top for everyday wear.

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Hoka Mafate X: first impressions 

A big midsole on a Hoka trail running shoe is no big deal, but the sheer stack of the Mafate X shocked us with its towering 49mm under the heel. Add to that a carbon plate for propulsiveness, and we started to wonder what trail running's fastest-growing brand was thinking of.

If you think in imperial measurements, 49mm is nearly two inches tall, or four decks of playing cards stacked one on top of the other. In these shoes, you might actually want to consider wearing a helmet while you're running to protect your head from low-hanging branches on overgrown trails. That said, what you lose in the possibility of a concussion, you certainly gain in comfort.

There's almost no other way to describe the sensation of running in these shoes than to say it's like running with memory foam pillows strapped to your feet. The plushness of the EVA foam, known its durability and water-resistance, and PEBA foam (excellent energy return) is just al dente enough to give you an undeniable feeling of bounce, even on the softest grass trails, and your feet will remain happy for hours, even if you venture onto tarmac.

If you've never run on the trails in a Hoka shoe, the height of the midsole might reasonably make you feel a little nervous about the prospect of a sprained ankle, but in our field tests, we discovered a surprisingly stable ride, thanks to that carbon plate.

Beneath that staggering stack you'll find a Vibram Megagrip outsole with uniquely shaped 3.5mm lugs in a "tacos and pizza" design (yes, really) that's surprisingly effective on more slippery terrain.

There's also a new woven upper (ultralight to offset the added weight of the plate) that allows for easy drainage when you meet with waterlogged trails. This is the latest model from Hoka to feature its patent-pending "dynamic vamp" in the forefoot upper, which is designed to help your toes splay naturally as you run, and the result is a slightly higher volume fit than we're used to with Hoka shoes and a more generous toe box. For some, that might translate into having a bit of a harder time finding that all-important lockdown fit, but there is a woven sockliner and gusseted tongue to help, which also prevents debris from putting a hitch in your wagon.

In summation, the Mafate X handles a lot better than we expected in terms of grip and stability, whilst delivering on the promise of all-day comfort, but we can't help but be a little confused with this shoe. Set aside the fact that the jury is still out on whether carbon plates actually help trail runners, and you've got a pair of shoes that are priced and built for elite runners going the distance, but arguably on the heavy side for ultras.

They're billed as gravel shoes, and they're certainly a workhorse on that surface, so if you've got money burning a hole in your pocket and you're seeking comfort and responsiveness, they're worth a look.

Hoka Mafate X: in the field 

I won't lie, I was very curious to try out these shoes after spending the previous nine months running in the Hoka Speedgoat 6s. I've had a lot of success with the Speedgoats, but clearly, this was a completely different shoe and I had no idea how I'd handle that massive stack (and as the recipient of two knee surgeries, I'll admit I was a little nervous).

My first rodeo in them was a short 5k trail run on a straightforward trail in the UK's Lake District. When I got back to my car uninjured, I decided to immediately follow that up with an 8k run in steeper, hilly terrain with a mix of gravel, grass, and slate and make a day out of it. The following week, I decided to bring them with me to the Swiss Alps for a hiking and yoga retreat where I knew I'd have plenty of time to bookend our hut trip with a couple of trail runs in Verbier.

Since then, I've been testing them out on trails in the hills and mountains of Scotland to see how they handle different terrain.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I always test a UK 4 (US 6), which is technically a half size up but gives my feet room to swell and leaves room for thicker socks in the winter months. In the past, I've found Hoka shoes to be quite narrow – my old Clifton 8s rubbed my inner arches quite a bit, even though I don't have wide feet. So when I tested the Speedgoat 6s, I went for the wide sizing, and that seemed to be the solution.

For the Mafate Xs, however, no wide option exists, so I went with my usual size and was surprised to find that these shoes are much roomier than Hokas of days gone by. I have a high arch and found these to be high volume enough to handle my feet. In fact, I quickly learned that if I don't lace them tightly enough, my foot moves around just a little, but with proper lacing, I can achieve a nice snug fit around my midfoot, my heel is locked into place, and there's lots of room for my toes.

As for comfort, well I get that in supersized portions from these shoes. The initial sensation when I put them on was how plush they feel (and how tall I suddenly was). I'm not a 100-mile runner, so I honestly can't tell you how they perform over those types of distances, but on the days when I've run for hours in them, my feet have been nothing short of delighted.

The only caveat to that is that, because I didn't want to pay to check a bag for my trip to Switzerland, I also wore them for two long days of hiking, and I did find that I got foot fatigu,e which I suspect is down to the carbon plate, which provides zero flex. T

o caveat my caveat, Hoka does not advertise them as hiking shoes the way it does with some of its running shoes, so this isn't a design flaw, I just wanted to mention it in case you're looking for a shoe you can comfortably hike and run in. Since I tested these, Hoka has announced the Mafate X Hike, which may be what you're looking for, but it still has the carbon plate.

Breathability and protection

I can't say that these shoes offer the breezy breathability of my Merrell Long Sky Matryx 2s, but I've also worn them in some unseasonably hot weather in Switzerland (in the 80s) and had zero issues with hot, sweaty feet.

Like any good trail shoe, there's reinforcement around the areas where you're likely to hurt yourself on rocky trails. I'd say the protection against roots and rocks is medium, meaning you could certainly hurt yourself if you come up against a sharp rock, but you won't feel anything on gravel trails, which is what these shoes are built for.

While they're not meant to be waterproof, I've worn them through plenty of bogs in Scotland, and they drain quickl,y although they do take a little while to dry. This hasn't posed an issue as I've been running in the summer months, but it's more something I've noticed because I've washed them a few times.

Responsiveness, stability and grip

When you see a shoe with two inches of foam underfoot and a carbon plate, you expect it to be responsive. In the past, I've wondered if the sensation of energy return is just a placebo effect, but with these shoes, I can say with confidence that they feel like running on trampolines.

Because I've had a couple of knee surgeries, I can be a little timid about landing too heavily on my heel with my knees extended, but even on the downhills, I could feel these shoes soaking up all the shock and my knees were quite happy. They're actually even bouncy enough to handle tarmac with ease. Clearly, there's also absolutely no trail feel whatsoever.

Another potential worry for me with these shoes was stability. I've grown to love the trail feel and confidence I get from my Merrell Long Sky 2s, and wasn't sure about going back to a high stack. I started out quite gingerly on more technical trails in the Lake District and the Alps where I was looking at steep, rocky descents, but again, these shoes surprised me with their stability. I'm putting that down to the wide geometry and carbon plate, and while I wouldn't actually pick these for a technical trail in regular life, they really pose no problem on gravel and grass.

Grip is provided by lugs shaped like tacos and pizza, which let's be honest, feels like a gimmick. They're 3.5mm deep, which is ample for gravel, though not quite aggressive enough for mud, and I didn't expect much from them, but I have to admit, they really work. Having worn these for descending on slick slate and wet grass, I've never slid once, so I guess that lug design works.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

Fjällräven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers: first impressions 

Never a brand to shy away from high quality and top-notch performance, Swedish outdoor outfitter Fjällräven has outdone itself with these hiking pants.

This design is intended to be truly versatile, and the brand has ensured that by using a blend of recycled polyester, cotton, polyamide and elastane that it calls G-1000 Lite Stretch. The result is a light and breathable fabric that's extremely tough, quick drying, and of course, stretchy. Basically, everything you could ask for in a pair of hiking pants.

They're not waterproof, although they're tailored so you can easily pull your rain pants on over the top of them, but they're treated with a PFAS-free DWR to hold off a light rain. What's more, the fabric on the front can be waxed for better weather resistance, while the back is all about ventilation for staying cool in hot weather.

If you are hiking in the summer wearing these pants, there are two outer thigh venting zips and the stretchy content means you can comfortably plop down on a rock for a picnic lunch. When the temperatures drop, they do block the wind quite well, and they are just roomy enough to layer over long johns, unless you have very muscly legs, in which case you may struggle with the tapered fit.

The back of the waistband is elasticated for added comfort and versatility, and they have a regular button and fly closure. There are also belt loops for those who need them.

As for pockets, you'll find two hand-warming pockets and two front of thigh pockets deep enough for most phones. These pockets have protective flaps, and one has a mesh pocket inside it, which is great for a credit card, while the other has a zipper for more security.

The trim fit looks pretty good on. With the level of stretch, we think it will work for most bodies, but if you have bulkier leg,s you may want to size up. The ankle cuffs have drawcords if you want to cinch them tighter in tick-prone terrain or to fit them over your hiking boots.

We've found these pants perfect for wearing all day and for many days in a row, and while they are on the pricey end, we see the value in the quality construction and expect them to last a long time.

Fjällräven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers: in the field 

For the past few years, my favorite pair of hiking pants has been my Fjällräven Keb Curved Trousers, which are both stylish and functional. When I received these for testing back in March of this year, however, they quickly became my go-to pants. I've worn them in late winter, spring, and summer on many of the UK's best trails and ended up bringing them as one of two pairs of pants on my 11-day trek to Everest Base Camp.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested my usual size – a US 4 – with a 32" (regular inseam). I've personally found Fjällräven's sizing to be a little all over the place. I always test this size, and while it's pretty perfect in the Keb Curved, in the Abisko Winter Stretch and Abisko Hike Trousers, it's too big.

Fortunately, these trousers are a perfect fit around my waist and hips, and while they might be a tad long in the leg, I think if you just order the right length, you'll have no issues in that department.

I feel I should admit that I have quite skinny legs for a hiker, and so the tapered fit works quite well for me and means I can haul my rain pants on in a hurry, and even get away with wearing these over thermal underwear. I do wonder if these would be so great on someone with big, muscular legs, but then again, they are quite stretchy and not exactly tight, so I still think they're worth a shot.

Feeling the fabric with my fingers, it's not the softest I've ever touched, but it's fine against my skin with no rubbing or chafing, even when I wear them all day. I do often struggle with the waistbands of pants giving me a stomach ache or digging in when I sit down (even with the Keb Curved if I'm honest), but the stretchy section at the back of the waistband mean these feel great whether I'm hiking or sitting and if I'm starving or have just eaten a giant meal.

Breathability and protection

The blend of synthetic and cotton fabric manages to be pretty breathable. I wore these for about the first five days of my Everest Base Camp trek and again for the descent, switching to a heavier, warmer pair for the days when we were up really high. We experienced quite warm and sunny weather while I was wearing these, but I never felt uncomfortable.

The venting zips are on the outside of the thighs rather than the inside, which I always find a bit strange, but I've used them a lot this hot summer and they're really effective.

For quite a lightweight pair of trousers, these are actually pretty rugged, so they're fine for wading through high scrub and overgrown trails with lots of blackberry bushes.

They also offer quite decent weather protection. I'd wear them for all but the most frigid winter days or high altitude conditions, and the DWR means a light rain beads up nicely. More importantly (for me, anyway), they dry in a flash when they do get sodden.

I haven't tried this out, but the front of the pants, which is the part that sees most of the rain, is compatible with Greenland Wax, so if you want to, you can make them nearly waterproof.

Durability and storage

Not only do they protect my legs well against thorny intrusions, but they seem to hold up well, still looking good as new after five months of lots of wear and washing. I tested the Lauren Green colorway, and they don't show any dirt at all.

One place where an otherwise great pair of pants sometimes lets me down is in the pockets (think shallow pockets in the wrong place) but these are winners, with two front of thigh pockets where I can easily drop my phone and have it protected by the flap, plus a hidden mesh pocket for stashing a car key or credit card. I don't tend to use the hand warming pockets, but they're deep enough to keep things safe if you do.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

First impressions

Lowa are alpine footwear specialists with a long and illustrious heritage forged in the high hills of Europe. Famous for producing some of the best hiking boots on the market, the brand, now based in Italy but founded in Germany in 1923, recently celebrated its 100th birthday. The majority of Lowa’s top-end boots are still made in Europe, something that’s incredibly rare in an age of budget-cutting, off-shoring and mass production.

The benefit of this is the attention to detail, from design through to packaging, and a level of quality control that ensures each pair of hiking boots are pretty much perfect when they come out the box. All this is immediately evident in the Innovo, even though these are one of the more laid-back boots in the brand’s mountain-ready footlocker.

Of course, someone has to pay for such a process, so steeped in precision and prestige, and that someone is… you. Lowa don’t make cheap hiking boots, but if you’re looking for top-quality, comfortable outdoor footwear that’s going to last a decade or more, and perform precisely how is has promised to, then it’s worth the investment.

The Innovos are not as lightweight as many other brands’ offerings in the fast and breezy boot category, but they instantly feel more protective and capable than most, while being at least as comfortable straight out the box. And if you’re going to bother putting boots on – as opposed to simply hitting the trails in a pair of good hiking shoes – then you may as well get the benefit that the more extensive form of footwear offers: namely stability, support and security.

The Innovos looked great and felt good on my feet right from the outset, and I was looking forward to trail testing them.

Design & Materials

The Innovos have a chassis made from a mixture of soft suede and breathable synthetic material, backed by an Gore-Tex ePE waterproof breathable membrane. The boot is a Mid cut, as the name specifies, but some supposedly ‘Mid’ height boots have a collar that barely covers your ankle – not the Innovos. These bad boys extend well up and over the ankle, reaching to just below the bottom of your calf muscle, suppling proper levels of support to the lower leg.

They have a fully integrated tongue, and the lace system features three speed hooks that extent right up the collar. The combined result of this is that the boot offers a high level of waterproof protection up to and beyond the bottom of your hiking trousers or rain pants.

The Innovos are mid-width, and there is plenty of room in the toe box. Around the heel, Lowa's designers have added a lightweight 'monowrap support frame', which works as a 3D cradle to supply support to that crucial area. Extending right around the boot, this also operates as a rand, supplying protection for the side of the foot from shark sticks and stones. In addition, there’s a small toe cap to shield the wearer from toe stubs and bumps.

The considerable cushioning in the midsole comes thanks to DynaPU+, a kind of foam that supplies some degree of rebound with each foot placement. The suspension is enhanced by several extra layers of PU-foam padding. The boot is fairly flexible, and has been designed to roll with the foot during each stride.

The rubber outsole, made in house by Lowa from optimised rubber compound (rather than being brought in from a third party like Vibram), bristles with 5mm lugs, angled to provide grip and traction at the front, and braking control at the back. The chunky outsole is slightly higher at the rear too, but overall the bottom profile of the boot has a rocker shape (promoting a rolling cadence).

On the trails

Over the last four months I have been wearing the Innovo Mid GTX boots while hiking trails and scaling peaks in the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, and also during slightly more mundane walking outings on my doorstep, taking the dog for strolls along my local stretch of the South West Coast Path. And herein lies the beauty of these boots: they’re basically good for everything from easy ambles through to more challenging escapades to the summit of (modest) mountain ranges.

Don’t get me wrong, you shouldn’t attempt to wear them to the top of technical peaks in the middle of winter – they’re not designed for that sort of high-end caper – but for the kind of hill hiking and coast-and-countryside walks the vast majority of us do most times we head out of the door, they’re absolutely perfect. And beyond day walks, they’re also ideal for overnight or multiday backpacking escapades, and hut hiking.

A swathe of lightweight boots have been released in recent years, by brands like Inov8 and Salomon, which are a bit like trail running shoes with a mid-height collar and are perfect for fastpacking. The Innovos are much more substantial than these, offering considerably more support and protection, and therefore they’re a bit heavier.

These boots are definitely designed for hiking, rather than trotting, but they’re still more nimble than a traditional hiking boot. The collar is exactly the right height to supply support when you are carrying a pack on a multiday adventure, or tackling technical low alpine terrain, and the cradle on the heel provides extra confidence too.

Ireland experienced a rare heatwave while I was in the Wicklow Mountains, so I was able to test the claims of breathability that Lowa make about the Innovo, and I can confirm that the combination of suede and a lighter, thinner synthetic in the chassis does make these boots reasonable cool to hike in. Gore-Tex membranes only really work (in terms of moisture control) when humidity is low, and that wasn’t the case in Wicklow in June, so there was a limit to how much my feet could breathe, but they would work better in the European Alps and other areas where the alpine air is drier.

Inevitably, I encountered plenty of jacket-drenching wet weather and boggy ground in the Irish Highlands too, especially on the top of Lugnaquilla, the highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains, which was entirely enveloped in cloud the entire time I was up there, ruining my chance to enjoy the apparently cracking views over Dublin Bay, but giving me a ample chance to test the waterproofing on these boots, which is very good. There were several stream crossings on the approach to this and other peaks, and I can attest that the integrated tongue and proper mid-height cut of the collar on the Innovo means you can wade through ankle-deep water without getting wet socks.

The outsole proved very grippy on rocky terrain, even in the wet, but I did find that the closely arranged lugs accumulated mud when I was hiking through boggy parts of the routes I was tackling.

Overall, however, the Innovo GTX Mids from Lowa are versatile, comfortable and highly capable boots, with excellent ankle and heel support, and top levels of lower foot and toe protection. They’re as breathable as you can reasonably expect any Gore-Tex membrane-lined boot to be, and the waterproofing is very good.

• There’s no point wearing great boots if you don’t pair them with good hiking socks
• In summer, wearing the best hiking shorts feels fantastic

Also consider

First impressions

Not only is the Skien Valley long-sleeved top a nice-looking hiking shirt (available for men and women), with some great vents and features, it’s also part of Columbia’s new Insect Shield Collection, which – so the US-based brand – can protect you from bity beasts while you’re trying to enjoy alfresco adventures.

Not all insects are annoying, most do a very valuable job, but I think we can all agree that some, like mosquitoes and midges, are the bastard spawn of the devil and, when they’re not actually killing people, they seem to exist only to drive hikers and campers mad and ruin the outdoor experience. There are myriad ways to try and keep them at bay, including using spray-on repellents and creams, from deet to more natural deterrents like citronella and eucalyptus – but this can prove costly, the bottles take up room in your backpack and some have a very strong smell and feel greasy on your skin.

Another option is to cover up as much of your body as possible, with standard base layers and long socks and so on, but that can get very hot and sweaty when you’re hiking and spending time in camp in the summer, which is exactly when such annoying insects come out.

Alternatively, you can try using treated clothing, like garments from Columbia’s new Insect Shield collection. The Skien Valley shirt is part of this range of gnat-smashing wearable gear, all of which are impregnated with an insecticide called permethrin, which the American brand say works against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and no-see-ums. If this stuff works, I’m all over it.

Design and Materials

The pieces of clothing in the Insect Shield Collection, including the Skien Valley shirt, aren’t just treated with permethrin, they are also designed to deter biting insects from landing on you in the first place. This starts with the light colorways used (less attractive to the creatures, apparently) and extends to extra coverage (long sleeves, collar etc) and mesh-backed vents on the back and the elbows, which allow cool air in and hot air to escape, without opening a door of opportunity for the biting insects to get in and have a munch on you.

The nylon material is light, but not so thin that a mosquito can stab its proboscis through it, and the thickness also protects you from the sun (as does the collar). The material contains Omni-Wick technology, which shifts moisture (sweat) away from your body to the outside of the garment, where it quickly evaporates.

Aside from these features, both the men’s and the women’s version of this shirt boast two chest pockets. On the women’s shirt these are both secured with Velcro, but on the men’s shirt the one on the left has a vertical opening and a zip. All versions of the shirt have a secret interior pocket made from mesh, for stashing something like a credit card very discreetly if you’re traveling in places where security is an issue.

The snap closures on the cuff and front of the shirt make it very quick and easy to put on and take off, and to open up when you want extra air flow. The collar can be flipped up to supply extra protection for your neck from the sun.

It’s just a shame that no recycled fabric appears to have been used in the construction of the Skien Valley shirt, and that it doesn't contain any treatment to prevent the build up of bacteria and bad odors over time.

On the trails

I have been wearing the Skien Valley shirt and other elements of Columbia’s Insect Shield Collection during this long hot summer, while hiking and camping in England and Ireland. In one campsite in particular, in the Wicklow Mountains just outside Dublin, during a still day amid a stifling heatwave, the midges were at plague proportions, emerging in aggressive clouds as soon as the sun set, and I was able to give the gear a really good test.

In my experience, after I changed out of standard kit and into the Insect Shield clothing, there was a noticeable difference in the amount of attention I was getting from the biting insects, who presumably went and annoyed someone else (sorry, not sorry, camping comrades).

I can’t say I was completely shielded from bites by this shirt, because it doesn’t offer full coverage (unlike the Skien Valley Hooded Light Jacket, which has a face net and everything), and in the campsite I ended up donning an ensemble that comprised the Skien Valley Hoodie, Cargo Hiking trousers and Booney hat.

But where this shirt comes into its own is during hiking escapades and walking adventures. The vents on the elbows and shoulders are excellent, allowing delicious bursts of breeze to get through and cool your skin, while the mesh backing behind these flaps keeps insects out.

Obviously it’s best to wear the sleeves down when you’re in camp, to fend off squadrons of mosquitoes, but when you’re striding along the trail and breaking a sweat, it’s easy and pleasant to roll the cuffs up and use the snap closures to keep them in place. The same style closures on the front allow you to open the shirt up as much as you like, to let even more air in, while the material supplies excellent protection from the sun.

Although I’m not in the habit of carrying too much in my shirts, the pockets on the Skien Valley top are impressive, especially the zippered on the left, where you can stash cash, cards and other things you really don’t want to lose. I wasn’t too worried about encountering bandits in the Wicklow Mountains, but the secret inner pocket is a nice touch for people traveling in places where pickpocketing might be more of a concern.

Overall, this is a very well-designed, highly functional, impressive featured hiking shirt, that looks decent with hiking pants or shorts when you’re on the trail, and works well with jeans in more social circumstances. It supplies more protection from aggressive and annoying flora and fauna than the vast majority of other tops on the market, and it’s available for a sensible price.

Also consider

First impressions

A good fleece jacket can come in handy all year round, providing some much-needed extra warmth when the winds pick up in the warmer months and adding an insulating layer during winter.

Columbia's Sequoia Grove fleece aims to be the perfect all-rounder, going with 'anything and everything' according to the Columbia website. It's made from snug 100% recycled polyester fabric and designed to provide light insulation, meaning it's best suited to cool days in the spring and fall, and shouldn't be worn on its own in winter.

It features stretch binding on the collar, cuffs, and hem to 'seal out' cold winds and stop heat from escaping. Its high collar design provides some much-appreciated additional insulation around your neck.

When it gets a little hotter, you can fully unzip your Sequoia Grove fleece and feel the breeze on your upper body.

Columbia Sequoia Grove: on the trails

I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Sequoia Grove fleece jacket in April and have been eagerly putting it through its paces ever since.

I've worn this stylish Columbia number in all manner of weather conditions during treks over the hills and valleys of southern England and up the odd mountain in Northern England's Lake District National Park.

Here's how it performed:

Fit and comfort

Comfort is the make-or-break element of any fleece jacket. An uncomfy or ill-fitting model is never fun to wear, especially if you're trying to navigate tricky trails and unforgiving weather conditions in the wild.

Thankfully, the Sequoia Grove is exceptionally comfortable. The 100% recycled polyester fabric felt soft on my skin from its first use and remained so after several months of testing on the trails. It's hardened a touch after a few washes, but still feels pleasant and cozy.

It also fits very well. I'm often irritated by tight-fitting hiking layers that provide a good level of warmth but feel almost stuck to your skin as you trek. Hence, I was pleased to find that the Sequoia Grove fits a touch looser than many similar models and still provides some great warmth.

For reference, I'm 6ft 1in tall, and the size large fits true to size.

Protection from the elements

Columbia classifies the Sequoia Grove fleece as suitable for light warmth, meaning it's best suited to cool days in the wilderness and can't be relied on to keep you toasty, on its own, during winter.

I put mine to the test in the variable weather of the English spring and summertime, and encountered plenty of cool and blustery days on the trails, where the Sequoia Grove excelled.

The soft fleece material acts as a useful additional layer when it's too cold to wear just a t-shirt, and its hemmed sleeves stop heat from easily escaping. It's great for windy days, and came into its own when I trekked along the exposed ridgelines of Helvellyn, a 3,116 ft (950m) peak, which would've otherwise been freezing.

In the cold temperatures of early spring, it proved its mettle as an effective layer underneath a larger insulating jacket, and I often found myself wearing it on its own, as I'd built up enough of a sweat that I didn't need a proper jacket.

The Sequoia Grove fleece jacket isn't waterproof, and quickly gets soaked in a downpour. That said, I was surprised by the fight it put up in light rain and drizzle, which took a while to get through the polyester fabric.

It's worth checking the forecast if you're planning to head out without a raincoat, but the odd shower won't cause too many problems.

After several months of testing, my Sequoia Grove has yet to sustain any real damage. The polyester fabric remains pretty soft both inside and out, and there aren't any stains that have stuck around.

Weight

At 1lb 3oz (54g), the Sequoia Grove is a relatively lightweight hiking option. There are lighter fleeces out there, but they seldom offer the same levels of comfort as this model, which never felt like it was weighing me down as I made my way through the trails.

If you're eager to shave every gram, then you should check out something super-light like the Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid jacket, which weighs in at just 9.2oz (260g).

Jackets like this one are best suited to trail running and sacrifice some of the comfort present in models like the Sequoia Grove.

Price

The Sequoia Grove is a great fleece jacket, and its price tag of $65 (£65) is a fair representation of its quality.

It's even more of a bargain considering the high prices of other, similar hiking fleeces, like the Houdini Power jacket, which will set you back an eye-watering $240 (US only), or Helly Hansen's Varde 2.0 fleece jacket, which costs $140 (£100).

In their defence, these fleeces offer a little more insulation than the Sequoia Grove, but pale in comparison to its bargain price tag.

Also consider

Comparison table

• The best fleece jackets: mid layers to keep you cozy in the backcountry
• The best base layers: the foundation of your hiking garb
• How Advnture tests products

First impressions

A good pair of hiking socks is essential for any trek, keeping your feet comfortable and cushioned and avoiding any pesky blisters as you navigate the trails.

The best pairs use quality, sustainable fabrics and additional supportive sections to act as a barrier between your feet and any discomfort you might encounter. The Keela Insect Shield socks aim to do just this, with the added benefit of Insect Shield technology, which uses a specialist treatment to ward off critters in the wilderness.

Insect Shield features an odorless, EPA-registered insecticide called permethrin, which wards off mosquitoes, ticks, midges, and other pests on the trails. Unlike some insect repellents, which stop bugs from being able to smell you, it prevents biting by stunning the critters, usually causing them to die, according to the CDC.

Permethrin works as a naturally occurring insect repellent in chrysanthemum flowers, but the boffins at Insect Shield have decided to create their own. Insect Shield products aren't just treated with permethrin, but have it ingrained into their fabrics for protection until up to 70 washings, according to Insect Shield.

In addition to their insect protection, Keela's Insect Shield socks are designed to keep your feet comfortable over many miles of hiking. They're made with sustainable viscose fabrics from bamboo, designed to reduce friction and the risk of blisters. There's also extra padding around the ankle and footbed to give you all the support necessary while you trek.

Keela Insect Shield socks: on the trails

I got my hands on, and subsequently my feet into, the Keela Insect Repellent socks a few months ago, and have been putting them through their paces ever since.

I've worn my pair for many miles of hiking throughout the English spring and summer, and encountered a wide variety of different weather conditions. Here's how they got on in the wilderness:

Fit and comfort

After many miles of hard trekking, I can confidently say that Keela's Insect Shield socks are thoroughly comfortable. The mostly viscose and polyester fabric is soft to the touch and feels equally good on your feet. The padded footbed and ankle area provided some handy additional support and cushioned my feet throughout.

They've hardened a touch after a few washes, but still feel comfortable and soft while hiking.

I'm no stranger to blisters and rubbing on the trails, but I had no such issues wearing the Insect Shield socks. It's hard to know how much of this is due to their padding and viscose material, as Keela would suggest, but I can only report that I had no issues whatsoever in that area.

This pair also fits very well. I'm a size 11 and a half (UK), and found the large-sized socks felt snug on my feet, covering my ankle and a good deal of leg below my calf without becoming too baggy.

If you like your socks to ride up way up your calf, then I'd suggest getting a size up, but for a normal fit, this pair passes with flying colors.

Insect protection

I tested my pair throughout the spring and summer months over the hills and valleys of southern England, an area that's home to plenty of ticks and ants, but not the mosquitoes and other serious critters you're likely to find in warmer climates. Because of this, it was hard to precisely test my pair's insect repellency.

What I can confirm is that I had no issues with bugs throughout my time in the Insect Shield socks. Checking after every hike, I couldn't find any bites, tick marks, or other indications of insects. It's impossible to say whether I would've been bitten wearing different socks, but I certainly didn't have any issues in the Insect Shields.

Insect Shield tech has also undergone plenty of thorough testing in the lab and on the trails and is used by all sorts of brands to insect-proof their garments.

Price

At first glance, $23 (£19.95) seems a little pricey for a pair of socks, but it is, in my opinion, well worth it when you consider the prices of other top-end pairs that don't offer any insect protection.

Helly Hansen's Unisex technical hiking socks, for example, feature plenty of underfoot support and cushioning, but don't include any treatments or fabrics to repel insects and will set you back $25 (US) / £20 (UK).

You can, of course, find cheaper hiking socks, but if you're heading into an area where you're likely to encounter mosquitoes or other insects, then these Keela socks could be well worth the investment.

Also consider

Comparison table

• The best hiking socks: keep your feet comfy all year round
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground
• How Advnture tests products

Lowa was founded in Bavaria, Germany in 1923 and has spent the last 100 years crafting – and forging a reputation for – high quality outdoor footwear. It has remained true to its core competency during this time and hasn’t made any significant forays into apparel or other such business lines – though it launched its first three pairs of trail running shoes in 2023. However, Lowa’s main focus remains hiking boots, shoes, mountaineering boots and the various niches in between.

The Cevedale Pro GTX Mid is one of the brand's standard mountaineering boots, a B2-rated powerhouse for alpine exploits and winter conditions. It’s compatible with a C2, semi-automatic crampon, making it suitable for winter walking and general mountaineering, but not steeper ice climbing or high-altitude activities, which require a C3 boot.

It’s available in the UK, alongside the burlier, warmer Alpine Expert II GTX. However, despite Lowa’s mountaineering boot offering being more substantial in the States, the Cevedale Pro GTX isn’t one of those available there. However, it’s a very similar boot to the slightly lighter Cevedale II GTX, which is available in the US for $304 at the time of writing.

First impressions

The Cevedale Pro GTX marries modern stylings onto a classy frame to give both an impression of timeless quality and technical capability. Visually, B2 boots tend to go one of three ways: all guns blazing towards a racing car style aesthetic – think the Scarpa Ribelle Light; lean heavily on a classic, burly leather boot look – Zamberlan 1000 Baltoro, I’m looking at you; or find a happy medium. The racing car vibe suggests speed and lightweight capability, while the classic aesthetic suggests durability, something you can really trust. I reckon the Cevedale Pro GTX balances both these, both in terms of look and performance.

It's not quite as heavy as the much-lauded Scarpa Manta Tech but it’s obviously meatier than the La Sportiva Trango Tower GRX or the Salewa Ortles Edge Mid GTX. Personally, I don’t get on with the Scarpa Manta Techs. I find them too cumbersome and prefer something a little lighter. The Trangos have been my go to for many years and they’ll serve as my benchmark when considering the Cevedale.

Here, you get all the usual features you’d expect: a reinforced TPU lip for taking a C2 crampon’s heel clip, a mighty toe box for kicking steps in the snow, a Gore-Tex membrane to keep things dry, and a grippy Vibram sole with a lug pattern designed for gripping rock. To wear, it feels reassuringly sturdy and supportive, though not as immediately nimble as the Trango or the Ortles Edge. I like the flexibility at the ankle – a feature it shares with the Ortles Edge. In my experience, this is a region that can become uncomfortable on long mountain days, so any additional give is a bonus.

Features

The Cevedale is highly protective, both against rock abrasion and the elements. The latter is down to its Gore-Tex bootie, which provides an effective shield against water ingress, enhanced by the boot’s stretch gaiter. The upper is made from suede, a soft cut of leather that’s more pliable than the forms of leather found closer to the surface of the hide. While it’s not as hardwearing as higher-grain materials like nubuck, it's more durable than many synthetic materials.

A wrap-around rubber rand provides an additional shield against the rough stuff, crucial for techniques like wedging, where the foot is literally wedged into a gap in the rock to provide a hold. This feature is fairly standard in these kinds of boots.

There’s plenty to commend in the Cevedale’s lacing system. Like a climbing shoe, it reaches down towards the toes for a more fine-tuned fit. This provides confidence on tiny edges, enabling more precise footwork. In fact, the lacing system is split into two separate zones thanks to the patented I-Locks for customized tightening, enabling the wearer to find the perfect fit for their chosen activity. As an example, you wouldn’t want a tight toe region for a long walk in but once you hit the crag it becomes much more desirable. It’s a similar idea (though a different design) to that seen in Aku’s Rock DFS GTX approach shoes.

Then there’s Lowa’s patented X-Lacing, which holds the tongue in place, stopping it from slipping around during activities, reducing pressure points and the chance of ending up with blisters. It's a great addition.

Vibram provide the Scalatore Evo outsole, which features a hybrid rubber and lug pattern designed for gripping both soft trails and rocky scrambling terrain. The clue is in the name, scalatore is the Italian word for climber or mountaineer and it’s a sole specifically designed for high alpine summits. Like an approach shoe, the lug pattern features flatter climbing zones at the front and rear for enhanced grip on rock, particularly when edging or smearing. Yet the deep lugs also provide claws for boggier terrain.

It's also noticeably rigid, both to provide a solid hold when engaging in precise foot placements and to ensure it binds effectively to a crampon. The last thing you need when exploring at 11,500ft (3,500m) is a crampon coming loose. As is usual, the sole curves upwards at the toes, adding reinforcement to this key region and enabling the wearer to be aggressive when kicking steps in snow.

In terms of sustainability, Lowa point out that the Cevedale is resoleable – it even recommends a specific UK provider to do the work on its website. This sort of construction is very welcome in this day and age and makes the initial cost of the boot seem more attractive.

In the mountains

I’m yet to test the Cevedales in a winter or truly alpine environment, my test period having started in the spring. However, what I was able to asses was their suitability on long approaches and scrambles in the testing, rocky mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) in North Wales.

They have been a pleasure to wear, and I've found them to be hugely accomplished on technical, rocky terrain. They’re not ideal for longer walk ins, being heavier than some B2 boots. As is often the case with mountaineering boots, their rigidity makes them feel much heftier than other forms of hiking footwear. A good option for long walk ins would be to wear a lightweight pair of shoes up to the more technical ground.

Nevertheless, the soft cuff tongue, elasticated heel gaiter and interior cushioning made them more comfortable than most boots of comparable weight. I found them much more comfortable to wear for extended periods than the Scarpa Manta Tech, though the La Sportiva Trango would be my preferred option for really long days in the mountains. The levels of stability and support are superb, a result of Lowa’s expertly made last: the foot-shaped mould that guides the design of its boots.

Romping through puddles in mountaineering boots is one of life's great joys – you'll feel like you're invincible to water ingress, especially when you pair them with gaiters. The same is true for the Cevedales, I was able to trust them to keep my feet dry throughout my adventures.

All in all, this is a very strong all-round mountaineering boot. My personal preference is for something a little lighter, though for outings where a hefty boot offers reassurance on really technical terrain, the Cevedale is a very good shout. The fact that it's fully resoleable only adds to its attraction.

Also consider

Comparison table

London-born Edward Whymper was a leading figure of the Golden Age of Alpinism. Indeed, it was his fateful first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 that brought about the end of this period, a time when the great peaks of the Alps were first climbed, often by wealthy Brits expertly guided by locals. The Matterhorn would be the most enduring event in Whymper’s legacy, yet he was a truly pioneering early proponent of alpinism, one of Britain’s greatest ever mountaineers, with many impressive feats to his name.

French brand Cimalp clearly holds Whymper with enough regard to have named one of its best-selling technical fleece jackets after him. It’s designed as a mid-layer that’s “perfect for shifting mountain conditions, climbing or trekking activities” and is available in both men’s and women’s versions. Cimalp namechecked mountaineering, climbing and ski touring as it’s ideal uses, though I had a suspicion it’d be a good option for pretty much all outdoor pursuits.

I’ve tested half a dozen pieces of Cimalp kit over the last few years and was stoked to try out this high-performance mid-layer during my mountain jaunts. Allez!

First impressions

The Whymper is very similar in terms of design, features and function to Berghaus’ MTN Guide MW Hoody, a mid-layer that's part of the British brand's premium Extrem range for mountain professionals. The Whymper is obviously tailored towards active use in the mountains, with a pair of front chest pockets that are higher than you’d get on a standard hooded jacket. This is to enable the wearer to still have access to the pockets while wearing a harness.

The most obvious feature, as with the Berghaus hoody, is the design of the main fabric. Turn the hoody inside out and its grid-like structure becomes immediately apparent, comprising thousands of rectangular cuts of fleece, much like Polartec's Power Grid design. In this case, it's Cimalp’s Cimagrid, a design intended to provide both warmth and breathability for strenuous outdoor pursuits. The fleece cubes insulate while the gaps between them breathe – simple but effective.

The fit is athletic but not restrictive, ideal for a layer that’ll spend much of its time beneath a waterproof jacket. Partly thanks to this fit, it looks good too. I was testing the Noir-Gris colorway, which has subtle red detailing along the zippers and grey breast sections. I certainly felt great wearing it and I also reckon it represents decent value when compared to the direct competition.

The Whymper is also available in a range of other colors: Blue, Purple, Black, Blue / Green and Green / Yellow for men; and Black, Green, Blue and Purple / Pink for women.

Cimagrid breathable insulation

The feature that elevates the Whymper above your standard mid-layer is its grid-like fleece structure – named Cimagrid. The idea is that the gaps between the tiny, rectangular polyester fleece sections allow the jacket to breathe, thus allowing radiated body heat to escape, wicking moisture away and keeping you cool during dynamic activities. At the same time, the blocks of fleece insulate, keeping you warm at the same time. It’s not quite as dramatic design as the sieve-like face fabric of the Houdini Pace Flow Houdi, but it’s a similar idea.

It's this feature that makes the Whymper so well suited to pursuits where temperature regulation is key. As a mid-layer, it allows warm, moist air to move through the system, continuing the good work of your moisture-wicking base layer.

Another key quality of this fabric is its 6% elastane content, which enables 4-way stretch, meaning the garment is flexible both horizontally and vertically. This is crucial when it comes to the freedom of movement needed for activities like alpinism or skiing, especially given the hoody’s tight fit. Meanwhile, the grid structure also means less weight and greater packability, both big pluses for long adventures in the mountains.

Unfortunately, unlike with the Berghaus equivalent, there’s no mention of recycled materials here, or the jacket’s recyclability at the end of its life. However, Cimalp mostly sources its dyes and pigments from biological sources, its clothing is completely PFC free and its fabrics are always either Bluesign or Oeko-Tex certified – so the brand are making some strides towards a sustainable future.

Other features

As mentioned, the Whymper boasts two large, zippered chest pockets, placed high enough for access when wearing a climbing harness. Both these and the central full-length zipper boast chunky branded pulls for ease of manipulation when wearing hiking gloves. The zippers on the pockets slide up and down with consummate ease, while the central zipper feels slightly more rugged – reassuringly so. Beneath the central zipper is a fabric overlay that stops heat from escaping through this potential area of weakness. Little features like this are very welcome and nod towards the jacket's thoughtful design.

When fully zipped up, the Whymper provides coverage around the neck, a nice touch that provides additional warmth during colder adventures.

The hem and cuffs aren’t adjustable, using elastic rather than drawstrings or Velcro. This isn’t an issue, as they wrap nice and tight, and are easy to loosen with a pull. By keeping things simple, Cimalp have kept weight to a minimum. Likewise, there’s no adjustability in the hood, which sits snug around the head when the front zipper is fully done up. Despite this, its elastane content means that it will take a helmet without any problems.

On the trails

I’ve been wearing the Whymper in the mountains for several months, both as a mid-layer during winter adventures – paired with the excellent Cimalp Cosmiques H Breathable Trekking Jacket – and as an outer on spring and summer exploits in Wales' Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and for everyday wear around England's southwest.

On a wintry week in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, the Whymper was put through its paces during long mountaineering days spent climbing some of Scotland's highest mountains. The Highlands are renowned for their long walk ins, and I found the Whymper was a great choice for these. It provided the additional warmth I needed while effectively regulating my temperature during these strenuous treks. Whenever I needed to dump heat during an ascent, I’d simply open the front zip and let things cool off.

Once up high, the waterproof Cosmiques Jacket was deployed over the top and – in the best way possible – I didn’t notice the Whymper at all. This is a good thing – it means it was doing its job successfully as the meat between my outer and my base layer. The athletic cut meant that my jacket fitted on top of it without issue and I had no qualms with the hoody’s freedom of movement.

For warmer season adventures, the Whymper’s low weight and packability are a boon, as it’ll undoubtedly spend as much – if not more – time scrunched into a daypack as it will on your torso. I encountered mild conditions that really put its breathability to the test and it passed with flying colors. It helped me to regulate my temperature more effectively than a standard, thicker fleece would have.

At the end of the day, it’s down to the wearer to choose when to wear it, when to leave the front zip open and when to stash the jacket away. The upshot is that, for a hiking mid-layer, it does everything that’s asked of it.

When it comes to wind resistance, it’s not as effective as a bulkier fleece. This is the obvious compromise when it comes to breathability. I found that strong wintry gusts would penetrate the grid structure when the hoody was worn as an outer. However, as a mid-layer, it’d usually be paired with a wind-blocking softshell or an even more rugged waterproof jacket, so it’s not a big issue.

Being a technical mountain hoody, it’s perhaps not as suited to everyday walks as a standard fleece jacket. There are no handwarmer pockets here for those casual winter ambles and, as mentioned above, it’ll let wind through more readily than some. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy wearing it for the everyday, it’s just that it’s more geared towards technical use.

Also consider

Comparison table

Rab Veil 12L Lightweight Running Vest: first impressions 

There's a certain genius to this hydration pack from British outdoor brand Rab in that it's built to hold all your gear for long adventures and races, yet it works just as well when all you're carrying is a running jacket and some water.

What Rab calls the 'Mono Mesh Chassis' framework turns out to provide a really neat (and adjustable) fit that's so comfortable you forget you're wearing it, even when it's loaded up.

Speaking of loading up, you can certainly do that with ease here thanks to 12 pockets where you can stash two soft water bottles (included), extra layers, your phone, snacks, and whatever else you need to get the miles in and stay safe. Some of the pockets on the shoulder straps aren't as useful once you're carrying full bottles, but we've never run out of spaces to sneak in our gear.

In addition to all the small pockets, the main compartment is reasonably roomy and can handle a hydration bladder or lightweight jacket, rain pants, hat and gloves if you're getting up high. It's accessed via a U-shaped zip, which makes it easy to reach your gear, but be warned that gear in the top pocket does tend to fall out when you unzip the main pocket.

There are also pole attachments that provide a couple of different options for carrying running poles horizontally on your back or vertically on your front.