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.

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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.

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Workers at Yosemite National Park have been forced to contend with one of its busiest summers on record, and a whopping 40% increase in rescues as drastic Trump administration cuts take their toll.

Data from the National Park Service reveals that 2,919,772 people visited the park between January and August of this year, a 7% increase over the same period last year. Between January and July, there was a huge 40% increase in rescues, according to data reported by Politico.

The busy period coincided with large-scale staffing cuts introduced by the Trump administration.

Internal NPS data reported by NPCA suggests that national parks across the US have lost almost a quarter of their full-time staff to the cuts and voluntary redundancies. In response, they've only hired about half of the usual number of temporary employees.

It's unclear exactly how many staff have left their jobs at Yosemite, but former employees suggest the cuts are taking a dangerous toll, especially on rescue workers.

Former Superintendent Cicely Muldoon retired from her position in February and told Politico's E&E News that "there are a lot of folks doing the jobs that three people used to do".

"The search and rescue loads are intense. The traffic and parking, and Yosemite crowds are intense. People are always exhausted by the end."

Despite the cuts and increase in rescues, officials at Yosemite are insistent that the park is doing well.

A statement from Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden reads: “This summer, we expanded access, offered new and improved facilities, experiences, and programs, all in testament to our dedicated park staff and partners.

“Their extraordinary efforts allowed millions of Americans and visitors from across the globe to enjoy Yosemite and create lifelong memories. Yosemite is open year-round and with fall’s arrival, visitors can expect cooler conditions and fewer crowds while accessing all major areas of the park.”

Park workers and advocates are less optimistic, fearing for the long-term health of national parks in the US without proper funding or ample staff.

John Garder, of the National Parks Conservation Association, which advocates for the NPS and its workers, told Advnture last month that parks across the country could sustain serious structural and ecological damage if underfunding continues.

"We're seeing a situation where there are professional staff who care for resources, who do scientific work, who perform law enforcement, and are needed for their normal duties, who are now maintaining bathrooms, and are doing some of the other work so that visitors don't see the impact that this is having," he explained.

"The long-term threat, which is very alarming, is not necessarily visible to park visitors, but if this keeps up, this eventually is going to be the case as resources get degraded."

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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.

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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

Climbing Africa's tallest mountain is no small feat. The trip to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, takes trekkers through 19,341ft (5,895m) of varied African terrain, including dense jungles and arid desert landscapes. There's also dangerous wildlife to contend with, and the harrowing effects of hiking 4 to 10 miles (6.5 to 16km) a day in rapidly increasing altitude.

On average, between three and 10 people die each year on the mountain, often due to altitude sickness or hiking injuries. However, the dangers aren't enough to stop a team of blind hikers from attempting to make history by climbing the mountain next month.

All 11 trekkers from the Kilimanjaro Blind project are either fully blind or visually impaired and are making their final preparations for the daunting week-long ascent. If successful, they will become the largest group of blind climbers to scale Kilimanjaro.

They will be assisted throughout by guides, who will offer physical support and give crucial information about the underfoot terrain ahead.

Calgary hiker Peter Quaiattini is one of the organizers of the trek, and explained some of the difficulties he expects to encounter to the Calgary Eyeopener.

"The risk with climbing Kilimanjaro, failure rate is altitude sickness, you're going to almost 20,000ft," he said.

"By having a seven-day ascent, it gives your body more time to acclimatize to the higher elevation."

Altitude sickness is caused by rapid exposure to the low oxygen levels at altitude. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath, but sufferers can sometimes experience more severe effects like hallucinations.

Spending time in the mountains mitigates the risks by saturating the oxygen in your red blood cells and preparing your body for the effects of altitude.

Among those summitting the mountain is retired NASA engineer Michael McCulloch, who has shared his videos of his workouts and preparation on social media.

"Right down the road from me, a few blocks down, there's a fourteen-story professional building," he explains on Instagram.

"Here I am in my Kili training centre doing stairs. This week I'm hitting 75 floors up and down," he jokes from a stairwell.

• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers
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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

In the market for some tough new hiking boots to help you take on soggy fall trails? Take a look at the latest pair from outdoors brand Danner, featuring grippy Vibram outsoles and waterproof Gore-Tex exteriors to protect your feet from the rain.

The new N54 hiking boots are Danner's answer to damp fall and early winter conditions, designed to keep you dry and comfortable over mile after mile of tricky trails.

Design

The chunky new Vibram outsoles boast Traction Lug and Megagrip technology, designed to dig into tricky terrain and improve stability as you move. The Gore-Tex uppers were also built for trying conditions, and aim to protect your feet from rainfall without holding on to water or weighing you down.

Inside the shoes, large EVA foam midsoles are designed to absorb blows as you walk, while a TPU rock plate provides added stability.

Price

All this protection doesn't come cheap, and the N54 hiking boots will set you back a whopping $250 on the Danner website (they're not yet available in the UK). Danner footwear is usually a little pricier than its competitors, but these boots go beyond the norm.

In comparison, the best overall pair in our guide to the best hiking boots costs just $165 (US) / £130 (UK). The Merrell Moab 3 boots also feature Gore-Tex uppers and Vibram outsoles, but cost far less than the latest Danner boots.

Danner

We've reviewed plenty of models from Danner in the past and been very impressed with models like the Jag 2 and Mountain 600, but have been left wanting more from recent releases like the N45 hiking shoes.

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers

Tired of overheating feet and stuffy hiking shoes? Why not try a pair of sandals on your next trek?

Although they're not as popular as the best hiking boots and shoes, hiking sandals can offer similar levels of grip, and don't suffer from the same breathability issues as their often chunky counterparts. They're also typically great for coastal hiking, and water-to-land sections where your feet are bound to get wet anyway.

If you like the sound of that, then you should check out this epic 40% off deal on an iconic pair of hiking sandals. The men's Keen Newport H2 sandals are a tough and breathable hiking option, and they're now available for just $78 at Backcountry.

These sandals are made from a dependable combination of polyester uppers and EVA foam midsoles, which impressed hiking expert Julia Clarke when she put them to the test for her review in Advnture.

"The protection these sandals offer against trail hazards or rocky river beds is really great and much better than I anticipated, on par with a regular hiking shoe or any water shoe," says Julia, who was also keen on the grippy rubber outsoles.

"Given that these are sandals, I was impressed by the grip and stability of these shoes on a hike," she continued.

Not in the US? Don't worry, you can look below for today's best Newport H2 sandals deal where you are.

• The best hiking sandals: breezy footwear for casual walks
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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

Want to minimize discomfort on the trails? Outdoors brand Berghaus claims to have a solution for women whose bodies change during their menstrual cycle: it's called ZonalAdapt technology. After two years in the making, it's available now in the new Farren leggings and trousers.

Berhaus says its design process included scientific research, anatomic consultations, and thorough testing with over 100 women, who wore prototypes to hike in, giving honest feedback about bloating, gut issues, back pain and other areas of discomfort.

A further quantitative study found that over 50% of women avoid wearing their favorite clothing at certain times due to bloating, and many more feel restricted in leggings "when their bodies fluctuate".

ZonalAdapt is Berghaus' attempt to remedy some of these issues. The new Farren leggings and trousers aim to support rather than restrict women's bodies, with responsive waistbands, targeted compression zones, and lumbar support back panels to cushion your spine without pressuring your stomach.

“Every decision we made can be traced back to real conversations with real people, through hours spent together," explains product innovation lead, Rosie O'Sullivan.

"We tried to get under the skin of people's frustrations: what makes them feel less confident, more self-conscious and impacts their likelihood to get outside and enjoy it. By starting there, we had a greater chance of creating something meaningful.”

The new Farren clothes are made from Berghaus' Lycra Adaptiv fiber, a combination of 78% polyamide and 22% elastane, designed to stretch with your body as you move on the trails.

Senior product developer Sarah Nyikos says: “We’ve championed female empowerment every step of the way and felt it ourselves, creating solutions that work in the real world, not just on paper.”

These solutions don't come cheap. The Farren leggings will set you back £100, while the Farren trousers cost £135 on the Berghaus website.

Regardless of their apparently unique qualities, it's fair to describe these models as pricey. Top-notch leggings from brands such as Inov-8 and Adidas are typically available for less online, and some of the best hiking pants come in at under that price, too.

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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.

• The best hiking boots: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers
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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

Need a little extra help while you're hiking? Taking on challenging trails could be about to get a lot easier, as outdoor tech brand Hypershell has announced its latest 'ground-breaking' exoskeleton.

The new Hypershell X Ultra straps onto your waist and thighs to provide an extra boost while you're walking or climbing. It uses a combination of AI technology and super-smart robotics to ease the burden on your legs, reducing your heart rate, oxygen consumption, and overall exertion on the trails.

The Chinese brand already has several exoskeleton models on the market, but claims the X Ultra is its best yet.

“We are at a new frontier where technology serves to deepen our connection with the world, not distance us from it,” explains a statement from CEO Kelvin Sun.

“Our goal with Hypershell X Ultra is to remove physical barriers and give people the confidence to say ‘yes’ to that mountain peak, or that extra mile. It’s all about enabling personal achievement and ensuring the joy of adventure is open to everyone, regardless of their natural endurance."

The device will become available to the public on September 15 and will cost $1,999 (£1,599) direct from the Hypershell website, although this is an 'early bird' price.

The X Ultra is powered by the Hypershell's AI MotionEngine Ultra, and features more than a dozen sensors, which monitor your movements and aim to deliver support exactly where it's needed.

Hypershell claims that this translates to an astounding 39% decrease in physical exertion while cycling and a 20% reduction on tough hiking trails.

Its power and various modes can be adjusted on the Hypershell app. Different modes include Descent Assist for greater knee protection when you head downhill and Running+ to help you sprint.

The device, which weighs 3.9lb (1.8kg), comes with two batteries that each last up to 42,000 steps per charge and are designed to continue working in heavy rain and chilly temperatures.

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The seasons are changing, and the shorter, rainy days of fall are well on their way. If you're anything like us, you'll be looking forward to a few lengthy hikes in the fall conditions and checking your wardrobe to ensure you've got the right gear.

Along with a dependable pair of hiking boots, decent hiking pants, and some sturdy trekking poles, you'll need a trail-ready waterproof jacket to keep you warm and dry when the heavens inevitably open.

If your old jacket is looking a little tired, now could be the perfect time to invest in a new one, as we've found an epic deal on a dependable Gore-Tex model from Arc'teryx.

The men's Arc'teryx Beta is a trail-ready jacket with plenty of protection from the elements, and it's now available for just $280.93 at REI in the Trail Magic and Soulsonic colorways.

It's made from a combination of plain weave recycled nylon and 3-layer 80-denier Gore-Tex expanded polyethylene, designed to ward off heavy rain and cold winds in the wilderness. It's further waterproofed by an FC0 durable water repellent (DWR) finish.

Along with its weatherproofing, the Beta jacket was built with comfort in mind. Its regular fit and articulated patterning are designed to optimize movement and mobility as you navigate tricky trails.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Arc'teryx Beta jacket deals where you are.

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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.

Authorities in the Catskills mountains responded to a unique call-out late last month, when four hikers became intoxicated after taking hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Local rangers and firefighters in the Slide Mountain Wilderness came to the rescue after the hikers misplaced possessions and complained of a "debilitating high."

"The original caller admitted the group had consumed psilocybin mushrooms and one of them was experiencing a debilitating high," reads a statement from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers.

The hikers were quickly located and escorted "to the trailhead where they were evaluated by Shandaken Ambulance," before they were taken back to their lodgings by authorities.

Psychedelic mushrooms on the trails

Psilocybin mushrooms are otherwise known as magic mushrooms or 'shrooms, and found in wilderness areas throughout the US. They're especially common in mountainous areas due to the varied terrain and diverse habitats of high-altitude environments.

Because of their regularity in the wilderness, incidents with hikers are more common than you might expect. In May, authorities in New York's Adirondack Mountains were left bewildered after two hikers reported the death of a surviving companion while high on magic mushrooms.

Nearby rangers found them in "an altered mental state," with their reportedly dead friend actually alive and well.

Despite their occasionally comical nature, hallucinogens present several dangers if taken on the trails.

In 2022, a 25-year-old trekker drowned near Washington's Wallace Falls after allegedly eating mushrooms. Multiple varieties of mushrooms can also be deadly if ingested.

Psilocybin and psilocin mushrooms are illegal for recreational use in New York and most other US states. They're legal for therapeutic use in Oregon and for personal use in Colorado.

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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.

Also consider

Comparison table

Authorities in British Columbia, Canada, say they have now found the bodies of all three hikers who fell from the Meachen Creek Falls in the East Kootenays.

After a week of intensive searching, rescuers from Kimberley RCMP uncovered the third body, of a 35-year-old man, who had already been presumed dead.

Authorities were originally alerted to the incident on September 1, when they received an SOS signal from a GPS device. A swift search and rescue mission promptly followed, and rescuers soon discovered the body of a 68-year-old woman halfway down the falls.

Days later, with the help of drones, police dogs, and two Big Horn helicopters, they found the body of a 35-year-old female hiker and then confirmed that all three had likely perished.

Local police confirmed the final discovery and thanked rescuers for their efforts in a statement.

It reads: “Their efforts and skill have been appreciated by visiting members of the deceased family."

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.”

Hiking around waterfalls can be treacherous. Check out our expert guide for some thorough safety tips.

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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.

Also consider

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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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Are you ready for autumn rain? After a long, hot summer, the rainy days and challenging trails of winter are on their way, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the outdoors!

If you're eager to hit the trails this autumn, you'll need a dependable pair of waterproof hiking boots, like the Terradora Explorer boots from Keen. These trail-ready women's boots combine tried-and-tested materials with typically effective waterproofing, and they're now available for just $122.73 at REI.

The Terradora Explorer boots' uppers are made from environmentally preferred premium leather and textile mesh, designed to protect your feet in the wilderness without limiting breathability.

When the rain falls, Keen.Dry waterproof membranes aim to seal out moisture and keep your feet dry. Although I haven't worn the Terradora Explorer boots myself, I've been consistently impressed by the performance of these membranes in other models, like the Hightrail EXP hiking shoes.

Inside the boots, you'll find removable air-injected Luftcell midsoles for added support, and underneath, there are 4mm multi-directional lugs designed to maximize traction on the trails.

Not in the US? You can look below for today's best Keen hiking boots deals where you are!

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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.

Also consider

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Hikers and climbers have two new options to help them head into the wilderness with confidence, as Garmin has released a duo of super smart handheld GPS devices.

The new GPSMAP H1 and GPSMAP H1i Plus utilize Garmin's GPS technology to track your whereabouts and keep you in touch with the outside world when you lose signal.

Both devices feature 3.5-inch color touchscreen displays and physical buttons, which you can use to access preloaded topographic maps and satellite imagery and track your progress as you hike.

They both boast up to 145 hours of battery life in GPS mode and come with an array of high-tech safety features to keep you safe in the wilderness. Livetrack sharing, for example, allows you to share your location with loved ones back at home, while a live weather feature provides up-to-date information and warnings about local weather conditions.

If you're in danger, you can trigger an SOS alert. This signal will be received by Garmin's 24/7 international coordination center, which will pass your information on to local search and rescue agencies.

The H1i Plus is the premium device and comes with a few more bells and whistles to streamline your outdoor experience.

With an active InReach subscription, you can share photos, voice messages, and texts regardless of your position in the wilderness. There are built-in front and back cameras so you can snap a selfie or a landscape shot, and your device will also respond to voice commands.

"When your journey takes you off the grid, the new GPSMAP H1i Plus lets you connect with loved ones through a photo, a text message or a voice memo where mobile phones do not work," says Garmin's Vice President of Consumer Sales & Marketing, Susan Lyman.

"Now, you can share your adventures in real-time, sending photos when you’re at the mountain summit or communicate with friends and family from the trail."

Although they're impressive, these extra features will cost a pretty penny. The GPSMAP H1i Plus will set you back $999.99 (£849.99) while the standard H1 is priced at $699.99 (£549.99).

These devices are the latest in Garmin's range of handheld GPS devices. We've tested and been very impressed with previous models, including the InReach Mini 2, which received a rare five-star rating in our review.

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Rescuers from Kimberley RCMP in British Columbia have discovered a second body after three hikers fell from the Meachen Creek Falls in the East Kootenays.

Authorities caught wind of the incident on September 1, when they received an SOS signal from a GPS device. A swift search and rescue mission promptly followed, and rescuers soon discovered the body of a 68-year-old woman halfway down the falls.

Their rescue efforts continued over the next few days and included the use of a drone, police dogs, and two Big Horn helicopters.

On September 3, officials confirmed that they had located a deceased 35-year-old female hiker and began work to retrieve her body. A male hiker, also 35, remains missing.

"The second hiker of three has been located deceased after the group apparently fell while hiking Meachen Creek Falls," confirms a statement from Kimberley RCMP.

"A 35-year-old man remains missing; however, he is presumed dead and efforts continue in order to locate and recover him. The investigation is ongoing although none of the deaths are believed to be suspicious."

Hiking around waterfalls can be extremely dangerous. Check out our expert guide for some thorough safety tips.

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With the long, hot days of summer coming to an end, now is the time to look towards the future and invest in a snug and cozy jacket to keep you warm this winter.

If you're looking for a new jacket to wear while you shuffle around the campsite or take on winter walks, then check out this super-insulating model from Patagonia. The Cotton Down jacket is a solid option for autumn and winter outdoor activities, and is now available for just $219.73 at REI.

This snug down jacket features recycled 600-fill-power down, reclaimed from other down products. It also meets Bluesign criteria for sustainability, meaning it adheres to strict environmental and sustainability requirements, so you walk with a clear conscience without getting cold.

The jacket's outer fabric is 100% cotton, and its zip-through collar is designed to stop heat from escaping via your neck. If you're starting to overheat, you can unzip the full-length centre-front zipper to increase airflow.

The Cotton Down jacket is discounted in three colorways: Seabird Grey, Basin Green, and Pitch Blue, which features a retro Patagonia logo and unique zipper design.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Patagonia jackets where you are.

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A damage report has revealed the devastating impact of a violent wildfire, which decimated large sections of the Grand Canyon National Park over the past couple of months.

The Dragon Bravo wildfire began on July 4 after a lightning strike, and spread rapidly thanks to high winds and scorching temperatures inside the canyon. As of today, it has burned over 140,000 acres of Arizona wilderness and is 80% contained, with hundreds of firefighters still battling the blaze.

The latest assessment from the Department of the Interior’s Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team states that nearly half of the structures in the park's North Rim section have been severely damaged or destroyed by the blaze.

A total of 106 affected structures include the historic Grand Canyon lodge, the visitor centre, and a vital wastewater treatment plant. Roughly 1,000ft (305m) of the area's 3,300ft (1,006m) water pipeline also sustained serious damage.

Ed Keable, superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, described the assessment as the "first step towards recovery on the North Rim of Grand Canyon."

"By evaluating risks and identifying treatments now, we are laying the foundation for long-term landscape resilience. This careful, science-based work is essential to ensuring that areas can reopen safely.”

The North Rim, which is usually popular with hikers, will remain closed for the rest of the season, along with multiple inner canyon corridors and campgrounds. Trails affected include the North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail (below Havasupai Gardens).

A social media post from the National Park Service expands: "With assessments complete, the park and interagency partners are now shifting to stabilization, mitigation, and long-term recovery efforts. Protecting human health and safety remains the top priority."

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One hiker has died, and two others remain missing after they fell from the Meachen Creek Falls in Canada's East Kootenays over the weekend.

Authorities from the nearby Kimberley Search and Rescue were notified of the incident by an SOS signal from a GPS device, and quickly began a search operation.

The organization dispatched a drone, police dogs, and two Big Horn helicopters to find the hikers. Only one has been confirmed dead thus far.

Waterfall safety

A scenic waterfall is almost guaranteed to be the highlight of any hike, but falls can also be dangerous and cause multiple deaths every year.

Check out some of our top safety tips if you're planning a hiking trip to or via a waterfall.

• Wear the right shoes - Wet surfaces near waterfalls can become slippery and dangerous, especially if you're wearing the wrong footwear. Wear a proper pair of hiking shoes or boots to get the most grip possible. Wear water shoes to help avoid nasty slips if you're planning to swim.
• Check the weather - Poor weather conditions can increase danger. Check the forecast before your hike and look out for heavy rain or ice. Shaded areas can be particularly precarious as they maintain ice for longer.
• Research the falls - Jumping into a waterfall that you don't know much about can be very dangerous. Research the falls you're visiting to understand their depth, what lies beneath the surface, and whether you're ok to swim. Avoid swimming above waterfalls where you could get swept over the edge.
• Stick to established routes - Off-trail and restricted areas are off-limits for good reason. Stick to established trails and use viewing platforms to get a good look at the falls.
• Take a friend - Hiking is always safer with a friend or in a group, who can provide assistance in an emergency and call for specialist help if needed.

For more waterfall safety advice, check out our expert guide.

• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear
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With the rainy weather of autumn fast approaching, now is the perfect time to invest in a new pair of weather-proof hiking shoes to help you take on the elements. The best combine tough outer materials and great grip with enough waterproofing to keep your socks from getting soggy in a downpour.

Keen's Men's Headout hiking shoes feature leather and mesh outers with typically reliable waterproof membranes and plenty of underfoot traction, and they're now available for just $100.73 at REI.

These hiking shoes were designed to help you navigate wet and uneven trails all year round.

I haven't worn the Headout shoes myself, but I can attest to the reliability of Keen's Keen.Dry waterproof membranes, which have kept my feet bone dry in other pairs like the Hightrail EXPs. The All.Terrain rubber outsoles are also typically effective, utilizing an aggressive formation of 4mm lugs to keep you upright over slippery and uneven terrain.

Inside the shoes, removable foam midsoles are designed to cushion your feet and maintain a comfortable fit over many miles of intensive trekking, while Keen's Eco Anti Odor technology aims to eliminate unwanted smells.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Keen hiking shoes deals where you are.

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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.

Also consider

Comparison table

An elderly Japanese hiker has become the oldest known person to scale Mount Fuji, at the age of 102.

Kokichi Akuzawa climbed the 12,388ft (3,776m) mountain over three days with the help of several climbing partners, including his 70-year-old daughter and members of the Gunma Mountaineering Club, where Akuzawa is the honorary chairman.

The experienced climber, who last scaled Fuji at 96, took the popular Yoshida route to the summit and broke up the journey by staying in mountain huts along the way.

On his third day of trekking, Akuzawa made the final push and reached Fuji's summit, where he was awarded a Guinness World Record certificate for his achievement.

He told the organization: "It was tough, and it felt a lot different to the last time I climbed it. I'm amazed that I made it to the top. I couldn't have done it without everyone's help. I'm feeling pleased now."

Despite his success, Akuzawa was eager to rule out a repeat climb in the near future.

“Never again. If you ask me next year, maybe you’ll get a different answer, but for now, I’m happy with that climb.”

Akuzawa trained for his adventure by taking an hour-long walk each morning and climbing a smaller mountain once a week in preparation.

In the past year, he's survived a fall, shingles, and an incident of heart failure.

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An 85-year-old hiker has died after being trampled by cows in the Austrian Alps.

The unnamed man and his wife were charged at by an aggressive herd on Sunday, August 31, while they walked their dog in the Ramsau am Dachstein area of Austria's Styria province.

Local police spokesman Markus Lamb told AFP: "A retired couple from Vienna and their dog were walking just below the so-called Austria hut when a herd of nine cows, including three calves, charged and severely injured them."

Nearby hikers and refuge workers witnessed the attack, alerted emergency services, and administered first aid to the couple, who were taken to a hospital in Salzburg. The man died of his injuries before he could undergo surgery.

Cow safety

Depending on where you're trekking, cows might not be high on your list of worries, but they might be a little more dangerous than you expect.

Believe it or not, cows are the deadliest animals in the UK, killing upwards of 70 people in the past 15 years. They're equally dangerous across the Atlantic, accounting for roughly 22 deaths each year in the US.

Cows are generally peaceful animals, but there are a few things to keep in mind when passing by them, so prepare in advance with some of our top safety tips

• Reroute when necessary - Look around before you enter a cow field and take a different route if you see calves or a bull. Like most animals, cows are extremely protective of their young, and bulls, identified by their humped shoulders and muscular necks, are notoriously ill-tempered. Cows are also known to take a keen interest in pregnant women, so they're best avoided altogether if you're expecting.
• Alert the cows to your presence - Cows can become aggressive if surprised, so make plenty of noise when they're in your way.
• Walk quickly and avoid eye contact - Avoid antagonizing cows by passing them at speed and allowing them plenty of room.
• Keep dogs on a short lead - Excitable furry friends can wind up cattle, so keep yours on a short lead and keep it from barking if possible.
• Don't panic - Keep calm if cows move towards you. Continue walking at a steady pace towards your exit and give them a gentle shove if they come within touching distance.
• Don't run - If cows become aggressive, running will only spur them on. Instead, make yourself as big as possible, wave your arms, and yell the expletive of your choice to avoid getting trampled.

For a detailed safety breakdown, check out our expert guide to cattle safety.

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Want to get outdoors and enjoy the trail this autumn? You might need to invest in some new gear.

Along with a decent raincoat and a reliable pair of hiking pants, a good fleece layer is key for cold and breezy weather, providing some much-needed insulation when the temperature drops without the bulk of a down jacket. One of our favorite models does just that, and is now 30% in time for autumn!

The men's Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4 zip fleece is a trusty option for cold and windy days in the wilderness, and it's now available for just $96.93 at REI.

This cozy jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester, which wraps around your upper half to keep heat from escaping, while its elasticated cuffs and high neck stop the cold from coming in.

Expert tester Craig Taylor wore his Better Sweater for four years before writing his review for Advnture, and had very few complaints.

"As I look at it now, there’s barely a thread out of place, and despite living through dozens of rough adventures, it looks pretty much as it did on the day I bought it," says Craig.

"Thick and comfortable, one of the things I love most about the Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4-Zip Fleece is how comfortable it feels under a heavy pack.

"That’s thanks in a large part to the “bounce” in the material, as well as some clever design features Patagonia have implemented in production."

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4 zip fleece deals where you are.

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Search and rescue officials in Wyoming have recovered the body of a missing hiker who disappeared in the Bighorn Mountains at the end of July, almost a week after ending their initial search efforts.

The body of Grant Gardner was discovered after a professional climbing team from North Carolina noticed a backpack underneath a nearby ledge in the Cloud Peak wilderness area on August 26.

Search and rescue personnel travelled to the scene and found Gardner's body near the site on arrival.

A statement from the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office reads: "Grant Gardner’s remains were located near the backpack. Gardner was wearing clothing that very closely matched the terrain he was climbing in."

"A difficult/dangerous recovery was conducted, and Grant Gardner is being brought home to his family."

Gardner was last seen at the end of July, before embarking on a three-day hike in the Big Horn National Forest. Alarm bells were raised on August 1, when he failed to return from his trek in the Misty Moon Lake area, where he planned to scale the 13,171ft (4,015m) Cloud Peak.

He was last heard from on July 29, when he contacted his wife to confirm that he had summited the mountain. After 20 days, rescuers ceased their search efforts, which included the use of helicopters, planes, ground teams, and dogs.

"In consultation with family members, I have made the heartbreaking and difficult decision to suspend active search and rescue operations for Mr. Gardner," Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn said in a statement on August 21.

The search was hampered by strong winds, lightning, thunder, and tricky underfoot terrain in the mountains.

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A 73-year-old hiker has died in Montana's Glacier National Park after falling from one of its most popular routes.

Diane Bunker of Muscatine, Iowa, was hiking the famous Highline Trail on Friday, August 29, when she tripped and fell roughly 450ft (137m). Search and rescue officials rushed to her location and found Bunker dead at the scene with sustained traumatic injuries.

Glacier National Park officials confirmed the incident in a news release obtained by the Daily Montanan.

It reads: "While hiking with a large group, Bunker tripped and fell off the edge of the trail, out of sight from her hiking party."

"Two Bear Air was dispatched to search for the fallen hiker. Two Bear Air located and recovered her below the trail."

The stunning but potentially dangerous Highline Trail is one of Glacier's most popular routes, guiding trekkers through 14.9 miles (24km) of Wyoming wilderness and gaining 2,621ft (798.9m) in elevation.

The route offers breathtaking views of Glacier National Park, but can also be dangerous, featuring a narrow, exposed cliffside section, with steep drops and a tricky cable handrail.

"The trail can be 3 - 5 feet wide in places, with a large drop-off on one side of the trail," explains the National Park Service website, which says there is a hand cable available for about 50 yards of the trail.

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Are you on the hunt for a tough and comfortable new pair of hiking shoes to combat the September showers? Then check out this epic deal on one of our favorite pairs.

The Men's Helly Hansen Switchback Trail HT hiking shoes combine recycled waterproof uppers with plenty of grip and inner cushioning and are now available for just $105 on the Helly Hansen website.

Hiking expert Pat Kinsella was very impressed with the Switchback Trail HT hiking shoes when he put them to the test over the high hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park, describing the shoes as "functional and fashionable footwear for day hiking and hill walking for much of the year."

He was particularly keen on their effective HellyTech waterproofing and breathable leather and polyester mesh uppers.

"The rain was only intermittent, but there was plenty of water on the ground from the day before, when it had been torrential, and the Switchbacks kept my socks dry all day."

"The shoes allowed my feet to breathe too, which was very much appreciated as we worked up a sweat."

Along with protection from the elements, these Helly Hansen hiking shoes feature springy EVA foam midsoles, designed to cushion your feet and provide all the support you need as you navigate tricky trails.

Not in the US? Look below for today's best Helly Hansen Switchback Trail HT hiking shoes deals where you are.

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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.

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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.

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It’s 3:20am as I tiptoe down the creaky stairs of the Buddha Lodge teahouse in Gorak Shep and push the front door open to an icy blast of alpine air.

“Good morning,” says Jonathan Davies, who’s already waiting outside in the dark with two of our Himalayan guides, his headlamp strapped to his head in anticipation of our pre-dawn hike.

The celebrated Welsh rugby player and I have been trekking in Nepal for the last eight days with a small group pulled together by his friend and mentor, Rhys David, the new CEO of EverTrek, an adventure company that Davies has recently become a brand ambassador for.

Yesterday, we finally reached Everest Base Camp, at 17,598ft (5,364m) above sea level, where we hugged, high-fived, and clambered giddily onto a famous boulder for a group photo. After an hour or so ogling the Khumbu icefall and the smattering of yellow tents that remain late in climbing season when most mountaineers have summited or been repelled by the mountain one way or another, we hiked back down to Gorak Shep to spend the night before beginning our descent.

Before we do that, though, Davies and I have opted in to an excruciating alpine start to climb another 1,000ft (300m) higher than Base Camp up Kala Patthar to watch the sun rise over Everest and Lhotse. Our trekking companions have, quite sensibly, chosen to remain in bed.

The last scrum

The 37-year-old, affectionately known as 'Foxy' – a nickname he tells me people are often disappointed to learn he only earned because his parents owned the Fox and Hound Pub in Carmarthenshire and nothing more salacious – recently retired from a hugely successful 18-year rugby career. After signing with the Llanelli Scarlets immediately out of high school, his impressive stint saw him play for Wales 96 times, as well as in four Six Nations tournaments, two grand slams, and two Lions tours.

In May of 2024, right around the time his first son was born, Davies played his last game with the Scarlets, and decided to take a break to spend time with his growing family and think about his next move.

“I’ve been around for so much more than a lot of new dads get, and that’s the most important thing,” says Davies.

“There’s a bigger purpose in my life now. So it was great timing.”

After nearly six months, he says he knew that the more time he spent off the pitch, the more he realized he didn’t miss the game. Davies announced his retirement from the sport in October 2024, and tells me he did so without any regrets or reservations.

“I look back at my career and there’s not much else I could have done, so I’m happy, very fortunate.”

A fox on the trot

When we begin our starlit march across the high alpine desert terrain to Kala Patthar, it’s been almost exactly a year since his last game, and if you’ve been watching him play for a long time, it shows. In a 2024 interview with the BBC, Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel describes the first time he set eyes on Davies when he made his debut aged 18.

"There was a lot of talk of this kid coming through from Bancyfelin, and when he turned up to training, he was a monster," says Peel.

"It was a shock because of how big he was physically. He was more developed than most of the senior team.”

Though he’s still dedicated to physical conditioning – one of the first things he does when we get back to Kathmandu after 11 days of trekking is hit the hotel gym – with the intense training of his professional days behind him, he’s slimmed down to 210lb (95kg). But this lighter version of Davies turns out to be as strong and nimble as ever, and no less afraid of a challenge.

“I had one eye on Kala Patthar the whole time because it was that little bit higher than Base Camp, and I wanted to see if it would stress me,” he tells me of his decision to take our guides up on the optional extra hike.

Breaking the elastic

The walk up Kala Patthar itself is relatively short, with just over a mile of climbing, but in that time, we gain more than 1,300ft (396m) in elevation, and we’re quickly subdued into a breathless silence.

As minutes tick by, the silhouettes of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and more start to loom out of the receding darkness, and I become aware of a growing distance between myself and the rugby player. Perhaps I expected to have an edge over him, what with my many decades of experience trekking around the world, but as we near the ridgeline and every breath becomes an effort, I can’t help but slow down while he digs in. In professional cycling, something we’re both big fans of, there’s a term for this: “breaking the elastic”.

Knowing that sunrise is mere minutes away and if he keeps slowing down for my sake, he could miss it, I give Davies the nod, and within seconds, the elastic is in shreds, he and one of our guides have all but disappeared from view as they scurry up to a radio tower that marks the highest point. Myself and our remaining guide clamber weakly up to a ridgeline where I plop down on a frosty rock, my heart pounding, and watch the snow on the biggest mountains on earth turn dusky pink.

“The size of the whole mountain range is just breath taking, but I think Kala Patthar was the exclamation mark on it all,” says Davies later, after we’ve regrouped, met up with our trekking companions, and walked another eight miles down to Dingboche to spend the night.

A love of the outdoors

For fans used to seeing Davies scoring tries and spot-blitzing in his ever-present scrum cap (something his mother insisted he wear after his family witnessed a rugby player losing an ear during a tackle in a freak accident), images of him wearing hiking boots from The North Face might seem like something of a departure. But for those who know him, seeing Davies getting outdoors more these days is no surprise.

“When I’m outdoors, whether I’m on a mountain or in the woodlands, even on the beach, I feel calm. I wouldn’t say I’m uptight, but it just seems to take me away from everything else.”

Davies and his wife, Lou, first got bitten by the outdoor bug in 2019, during a nearly month-long trip to America’s west coast, where they discovered the tumbling waterfalls of Yosemite, endless salt flats of Death Valley, and glittering Lake Tahoe.

In Vancouver, the couple did the Grouse Grind, a popular fitness challenge where hikers see how quickly they can cover a 1.8-mile ascent with 2,800ft (853m) of elevation gain – something they enjoyed so much they did it again to beat their previous time a couple of years later when they returned to the Canadian Rockies on their honeymoon.

“I just feel so comfortable when I’m with the family outdoors or with friends exploring new areas of the world,” says Davies, who spent months before our trek training in the mountains of north Wales and on the trails of Cornwall with his son loaded up in an Osprey carrier.

“If I’m doing something, I really focus and try to get the full benefit from it.”

Reaching new heights

Despite his efforts in the lead up to the trek, Davies is the first to admit that spending nearly two weeks walking over 80 miles without a rest day and at high altitude is a totally different ball game to his previous adventures.

“This is on a far bigger scale than anything I’ve done before,” he tells me.

Trekking to the foot of Everest via the standard Khumbu Valley route we’ve taken isn’t exactly technical, but it requires, at minimum, six hours of hiking each day carrying a backpack, the dexterity to leap off the trail at any moment to avoid the sharp horns of a herd of yak, and the effects of ever-decreasing oxygen levels. At Kala Pattahr, we’re getting 50 percent less oxygen with each breath than we’d get down at sea level back in the UK.

“You can train as hard as you want, but you just don’t know how altitude is going to treat you, so that was a real worry of mine,” says Davies, who says he was "apprehensive" as to how he'd react after his days at rugby training camps in Switzerland. He knows from experience that altitude can be an unpredictable beast no matter how conditioned you are.

Of course, at camps with altitude-adjusted rooms, players can simply open their hotel room doors to get more oxygen after a long day of training. Here in Nepal, there’s no such option, and none of our group, guides included, escapes the crushing headaches, racing heart, and broken sleep that increasing altitude bestows upon the intrepid Base Camp hiker.

Big deep breaths outdoors

I’ve spent a lot of the last eight days looking at Davies’ calf muscles. Not because I’m a creep, but because he’s generally towards the front of the pack. Davies walks steadily, day after day, head up and unencumbered by the trekking poles most of the rest of us rely on.

His demeanor is steady, too. He’s happy to join the banter, even when it’s at his expense (he earns the nickname “Peter Andre” owing to a physique that could put the 1990s Australian pop star to shame). He’s just as at ease with more serious conversation, periods of silence and reflection.

“I’m very comfortable in my own skin,” he says. “I never wanted attention.”

Davies isn’t immune to the challenges an experience like this poses (though he may hide it better than the rest of us), but his years on the pitch have also reinforced a certain in-built resilience that’s a huge merit when you’re walking through this unforgiving landscape. He views the demands as an opportunity for self-inquiry rather than grumbling, and this is one of the things he says he loves most about exploring the outdoors.

“You have time to think about things, process things, it helps with your next steps, and it clears your mind.”

When I ask him if he thinks hiking could help professional athletes bridge the gap between structured days and constant time in spotlight to the new life that awaits them after retirement, he’s keen not to downplay the importance of mentorship, but adds that in some ways, hiking can be “like cheap therapy” that could be hugely beneficial for retiring athletes.

“Just going for a walk with friends and talking things through, that helps. I think it gives you a connection to yourself. There’s nothing more refreshing than big deep breaths outdoors.”

Foxy's kit for Everest Base Camp

• Ayacucho merino wool base layer
• Montane Fireball Lite softshell jacket
• Montane Anti Freeze XT down jacket
• The North Face Hedgehog hiking boots
• Osprey Talon 33 backpack

• Best hiking boots: hit the trail
• Best base layers: the foundation of your hiking garb

Could AI-enabled drones be the life-saving rescue apparatus of the future?

Italy's National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS) isn't shying away from the controversial tech. The mountain rescue service turned to the devices at the beginning of the year in a bid to locate more missing trekkers, and has recently revealed how the technology helped them uncover the body of an Italian hiker, who had been missing in the Alps for over ten months.

The location and recovery

Nicola Ivaldo, 64, disappeared in September 2024 on Monviso, a 12,602ft (3,841m) peak in the Cottian Alps, on the border between France and Italy.

Using data from his cell phone, rescuers were able to narrow down his location to the mountain's north face, a steep and uneven area far too dangerous to explore on foot.

After months of searching, CNSAS deployed drones, equipped with high-definition cameras, to take more than 2,600 images of the area.

AI software then analyzed the imagery and identified a few distinct red pixels, which rescuers later discovered were Ivaldo's helmet. After a few days of bad weather that prevented any earlier attempt, a helicopter successfully recovered the man's body.

Mountain rescue drones

Mountain rescuers often use drones in search and rescue operations to locate and identify missing hikers and climbers.

They've also been used to deliver essential supplies to mountaineers. Last March, drones successfully carried 33lb (15kg) payloads from Everest's Base Camp to Camp 1, in a trial of technology which officials hope could become commonplace.

The use of AI technology is less common, but its success in this instance could pave the way for greater application in rescue scenarios, although opponents argue its potentially harmful environmental impact should also be considered.

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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

Canadian authorities have found a body in their search for a missing Norwegian hiker who took on harsh conditions in the Canadian wilderness.

Steffen Skjottelvik, 29, has been missing since August 15, when he failed to check in to his accommodation at the York Factory in Manitoba. The experienced trekker had embarked on a gruelling journey from Fort Severn in Ontario to the York Factory, traversing plenty of harsh terrain and unforgiving weather conditions.

Following a lengthy search, rescuers discovered his body when a helicopter pilot spotted it in the wilderness, near the Hayes River, where his jacket was discovered days prior.

In a statement shared with People, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said they accompanied Parks Canada officers and Community searchers from Fort Severn "to the provided location on foot and confirmed that the body recovered on shore was that of the missing 29-year-old Norwegian hiker."

Skjottelvik's planned trek covered more than 186 miles (299.3km) of remote Canadian wilderness and would have been a challenge for any trekker, regardless of their experience.

RCMP Sergeant Paul Manaigre told CBC that: "People have said there are only a few people that can do it on this planet."

"The fact that he made it that far is just a testament to his skills."

Manaigre explained that the ground near where Skjottelvik was found is so boggy that people would often sink to their knees or waist while walking. It's also populated by wolves and polar bears, and features dangerous, fluctuating water levels.

"I've been a police officer for nearly 30 years, involved with search and rescue for the last eight, and in my experience, this has probably been one of the hardest searches that has taken place in this province," he continued.

If you're thinking of taking on a long-distance trek, check out our expert guide to hiking hazards and how to avoid them.

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REI's massive Labor Day sale is in full swing, and we've spotted some excellent deals on hiking kit from Swedish brand Fjallraven.

Right now, you can pick up the versatile Fjallraven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers for just $134.93 at REI. That's a generous 30% off the regular asking price for these top-rated hiking pants, which I've been wearing for six months, including on a recent trek to Everest Base Camp.

The 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.

This deal applies to both men's and women's sizing in all colorways, but the sale ends on September 1, so we suggest you act fast. You can also shop the entire REI Labor Day sale here.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Fjallraven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers where you are.

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.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Fjallraven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers near you:

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A wildfire that's been burning in northwest Colorado since the beginning of August is now the fourth-largest in the state's history, capping off a historic fire season.

The Lee Fire, burning near Meeker and Rifle, grew several acres on Monday night and has now surpassed the 2002 Hayman Fire, which resulted in six deaths and stood as Colorado's biggest wildfire for nearly 20 years. In the most recent update on InciWeb, the fire is reported to be at 138,758 acres, only slightly smaller than the 2020 Pine Gulch Fire, which burned for nearly two months.

However, that update also shows the fire as 90 percent contained, and in a Tuesday briefing, FDNY Incident Management Operations Section Mike Izzo says favorable weather conditions brought by monsoon season mean crews are making "strong progress."

"With increased moisture in the area, fire activity has remained low. Operations have shifted to implementing the Lee Fire suppression Repair Plan."

That plan involves monitoring and securing the perimeter of the fire, says Izzo, who adds that the fire has stopped growing, and there is only one small section along the southern perimeter where it remains uncontained.

The weather forecast for the area calls for rain throughout this week, which will help firefighters in their efforts but also increases the possibility of dangerous flash flooding. Mudslides have been reported in Rio Blanco County.

The Lee Fire was discovered on August 2 and ignited as a result of lightning strikes on BLM land in the Piceance Creek area. Governor Jared Polis has declared a state of emergency, which has been approved by the Trump administration.

This summer has brought the worst fire season for Colorado since 2020, when the Cameron Fire destroyed hundreds of properties.

In Canada, Nova Scotia has banned all hiking and camping in wooded areas to reduce the risk of wildfire, while in Europe, we've seen disruption from Italy's Mount Vesuvius to Scotland's Arthur's Seat.

If you're planning on recreating in a wildfire-prone area, read our articles on wildfire safety and hiking in wildfire smoke before setting off.

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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

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Is it time for a new national park? Lawmakers in Florida certainly think so. They're pushing for 2,800 square miles of Florida wilderness to become America's 64th national park, in a move to protect the sensitive habitats of the Florida springs and bolster interest in the area.

The 'Path to Florida Springs National Park Act' has already been introduced to lawmakers in America's House of Representatives and is currently undergoing a special resource study to determine its suitability and feasibility. If this goes without hiccups, the proposed bill would need to pass Congress before a new park is formally created, although it's unclear how long this would take.

If approved, the bill would designate large parts of the Florida wilderness, including the popular Ocala National Forest, as a new national park. This land would benefit from greater funding and conservation efforts, and advocates hope it could lead to increased tourism.

Suzanne Scheiber, founder of Florida's Green Dream Volusia environmental group, told Spectrum 13 News that a new national park could be "one of the best things that’s happened locally. Our springs need more attention, and if this helps with that by bringing attention and federal funding, then I think that it’s an exciting time."

The Florida Springs

The proposed national park would cover a large area of land in central and northern Florida, including the stunning Ocala National Forest and the Lower Wekiwa River Preserve.

These wilderness areas feature large waterways, forests, and natural pools, which are already popular with hikers and open water swimmers.

They're also home to a wide variety of animals, including black bears, alligators, and bald eagles. National park designation could lead to increased study of the area's wildlife and greater protection efforts.

America's National Parks

National Parks were first designated in the 1800s to protect and manage America's vast, unspoiled wilderness. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established the National Park Service to oversee the areas and help visitors enjoy them safely.

As of 2025, there are 63 national parks. They're visited by over 300 million people every year, who come to hike, camp, and climb in the serene North American nature.

The New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia was the last to be designated, in 2021.

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Look out, hikers! The big REI Labor Day sale is here and has slashed the prices of REI's outdoor gear. Along with great deals on essentials like backpacks and rain jackets, you can find huge savings on an impressive selection of hiking shoes and boots.

Following a brief scroll through the sale, we found one of our favorite pairs of year-round hiking boots for 25% off! The Keen Targhee IV boots are a rugged and dependable pair that won a spot on our guide to the best hiking boots as our favorite pair for wide feet, and they're now available in men's and women's sizes for just $134.99.

These tough hiking boots feature resilient nubuck leather and 100% recycled mesh uppers, which are well-suited to the wilderness and protected from rainfall by Keen.Dry waterproof membranes.

Advnture Editor Rosee Woodland put her pair to the test in the puddles, streams, and bogs of England's Lake District National Park, and remained dry throughout.

"On a recent descent from Gowbarrow Fell in the Lake District I got slightly confused as to where the trail was and ended up ankle deep in a bog several times," reads Rosee's four-star review for Advnture.

"Given that the gloop was a hair's breadth away from coming over the top of my boot, which is a good inch above where the tongue gusset separates, I was fully expecting to feel some leakage where the tongue met the front of my ankle, but there was nothing."

Not in the US? Look below for today's best Keen Targhee IV deals where you are.

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