Safety Gear

Latest about Safety Gear

Watch: dramatic rescue video from remote Point Reyes National Seashore beach shows the dangers of rising tides for hikers

By Julia Clarke Published

Two hikers became stranded when rising tides trapped them on a remote beach

Safety Gear
how to light a fire: campfire
How to light a fire: your step-by-step guide to getting a campfire going every time

By Alex Foxfield Last updated

Master the art of building and lighting a fire in the wild with our expert tips. Plus, get to grips with our jargon buster

Safety Gear
Hiking essentials: the indispensable gear you need for long days hiking in the wilderness

By Alex Foxfield, Abbie Barnes, Will Symons Last updated

Suit up and hit the trails with our picks of the best equipment to help you trek comfortably and safely

Hiking Gear & Apparel
Hiker woman applying sun cream to protect her skin from dangerous uv sun rays high in mountains
What goes on first: bug spray or sunscreen? We find the answer

By Julia Clarke Last updated

We ask our expert if it's bug repellent then sunscreen, or vice versa, that works best to keep your skin safe from the sun and insect bites

Safety Gear
A cloud of midges
How to stop midges biting: Plagued by the tiny nasties? Don't despair - we've got 16 top tips to keep the hated insects at bay

By Kieran Cunningham, Fiona Russell Last updated

Our expert guide has all the advice you need to stay bite-free on your summer backcountry hikes and camping trips

Safety Gear
Hiker dies on Colorado’s daunting 2744-step Manitou Incline trail

By Will Symons Published

The Manitou Incline is a popular and challenging trek that gains over 2,000ft of elevation in the Colorado wilderness

Hiking
A man opens his REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister at his desert campsite
Bears are active, and this new Modular Bear Canister from REI is brilliant for backpackers – you just have to be smarter than Smokey to open it

By Julia Clarke Last updated

The REI Co-op Traverse modular bear canister can expand or contract to suit the length of your trip

Safety Gear
SOL Emergency Blanket over legs
Emergency blanket vs bivy: which offers the best shelter?

By Julia Clarke Last updated

We compare an emergency blanket vs bivy for unfortunate incidents in the mountains to help you find the best protection for your wayward adventures

Safety Gear
Black Diamond Recon LT avalanche beacon
Black Diamond recalls popular avalanche beacon due to serious safety risk – find out if you're affected, and what to buy instead

By Julia Clarke Published

The Utah-based climbing giant says corrosion may cause the device to switch off during use

Safety Gear
Mammut Barryvox
Going out in the backcountry this winter? Here's the one piece of kit a mountain rescue team wants you to bring every time

By Julia Clarke Published

This massively capable avalanche beacon sports multiple features to help keep you safer in the backcountry

Safety Gear
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