Aren’t Awards a bit passé in 2025? Generally, outdoor kit is of excellent quality, more sustainable and affordable than it ever has been. How is it possible to pick out the best, when that depends so much on the individual and the use case? And who is to say, anyway? If we were to adopt an ‘everything and the kitchen sink’ approach, I’d tend to agree, but TGO’s gear awards have always been about the best, not the rest. The Great Outdoors Gear of the Year Awards 2025 continues this approach.
Deciding isn’t always easy, but that’s the job of an Awards process. Okay, so we are changing tack a little this year, but not by much. The magazine has traditionally awarded only an overall Winner, plus a Highly Commended in each category. This time around we’re expanding that slightly, to reflect those changes we want to encourage around sustainability and affordability.
Why you can trust The Great Outdoors
We are home to the best gear team in the world. A bold claim! But we’re proud of our review team. It should go without saying they are all confirmed trail and mountain addicts, but enthusiasm is only a starting point. With over 200 years’ experience between them, they are professional mountain leaders and instructors, wildlife rangers and photographers, outdoor authors and guidebook writers.
TGO has the biggest, most experienced and most diverse review crew in Britain, if not beyond. Why? The team are strategically spread across Britain and are from a mix of backgrounds, which brings wide ranging perspectives about what to look for in outdoor kit. In most cases, they have experience over decades, which gives TGO a unique baseline to draw on. That tenure means we can distinguish between hype and what’s substantively innovative or noteworthy.
Lastly, their work as outdoor professionals imparts essential context in multiple environments and use cases. They spend their time outdoors – not at a desk – many hundreds of hours a year in the field leading, instructing and guiding, using and often abusing the gear before it’s time to review. Who would you rather trust?
There’s also an ethic at TGO towers which has remained true during all of its 47 years. We have a ‘red line’ around editorial which means our gear tests are completely impartial. In an era where almost everything you see and read is bought and paid for, this is a rare and precious thing. While this year’s awards has been supported by several of the winning brands (thank you, Alpkit, Altberg, Highlander, Robens, Petzl and Keela), they were winners before they were approached.
If you are wary of outdoor media that only review brands that advertise with them, or sceptical of social media accounts singing the praises of their latest freebie, you’re in the right place!
Meet the Great Outdoors Gear of the Year Awards jury
The Great Outdoors Gear of the Year Awards 2025
| The Category Winners |
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| Waterproof jacket: Alpkit Sigma (buy now from Alpkit) |
| Hiking boot: Altberg Ladies Tethera (buy now from Altberg) |
| Hiking pack: Osprey Tempest 33 (buy from Cotswold Outdoor) / Highlander Ivar 30 (buy from Highlander) |
| Tent: Wild Country Halny Elite 1 (buy from Cotswold Outdoor) / Robens Starlight1 Exp (buy from Outdoor Action) |
| Tech & accessories: Petzl IKO core (buy now from Millets) |
| Hiking shoe: Scarpa Rapid XT WMN (buy now from Scarpa) |
| Insulated jacket: Helly Hansen Verglas Polar Down (buy now from Helly Hansen) |
| Sleeping bag: Big Agnes Torchlight Exp 30 (buy now from LD Mountain Centre) |
| Sleeping mat: Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated (buy now from WildBounds) |
| Stove: Optimus Vega (buy now from Base Camp Food) |
| Poles: Black Diamond Pursuit (buy now from Black Diamond) |
| Base layer: Berghaus Women’s MT Guide Long Sleeve Half Zip (buy now from Berghaus) |
| Gloves: Salewa Ortles Powertex Tirolwool Responsive (buy now from Salewa) |
| Sustainability Brand of the Year: Keela |
For more, browse all of our gear guides to see the other bits of kit we rated – and the ones we didn’t.
Waterproof jackets
Waterproof: Alpkit Sigma
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| Price: $239 / £169.99 (available from Alpkit) Weight: 340g (size 10) Sizes: women’s UK6-20 and men’s sizes XS – XXL Men’s version: yes alpkit.com |
The Sigma is a lightweight waterproof jacket made from a three-layer polyester fabric with an Alpkit proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane. The soft fabric is rustle-free and has an “almost imperceptible” small amount of stretch for ease of movement. The soft-touch fabric gives next-to-skin comfort.
The fabric has been designed for circularity and is made with a mono monomer construction, including the pocket bag mesh, meaning that all components are made from the same material, making recycling easier at the end of the garment’s life as it doesn’t need to be broken down into separate recycling streams. Alpkit says “most of the jacket can be recycled, rather than end up in landfill.” The fabric is recycled too so this is a very environmentally friendly jacket.
As reviewer Kirsty Pallas says it “highlights the brand’s commitment to sustainability”. In case you’re worried Alpkit says “do not be fearful that recycled implies a second-hand performance. Sigma has been tested for abrasion, durability, breathability and waterproofing.” Alpkit says that not being signed up to a branded component fabric it can innovate with fabrics at the world’s best mills.
The durable water repellency treatment is PFC-free, another environmental plus. Alpkit says “regularly wash and reproof your jacket at home to maintain its performance using Nikwax, Grangers or our own Alpkit Wash & Reproof care kits.”
Kirsty says she likes the fit, the flexible feel and the lack of bulk. In use, the jacket “dealt with all the rain I experienced during the test period, without issue”. The Sigma’s two hand pockets “are generous and sized to fit an OS map, and are useful for chucking gloves, phones and snacks in too”. The pockets are mesh-lined and so can be opened for ventilation.
The hood has a wired peak, elasticated opening, and rear drawcord adjuster. It’s helmet-compatible – “but only just if you want to zip the jacket right up”. Other features are an adjustable hem, Velcro adjustable semi-elasticated cuffs, and YKK AquaGuard zips.
Kirsty finishes her review saying “the price and lighter weight mean it should work for a wide range of people and for a wide range of activities. I use it for climbing, walking, mountaineering and biking – all of which it manages with ease”. Since writing her review Kirsty says “the Sigma jacket has earned its place in my roster of go to waterproofs, it’s the one I grab when there’s an undecided forecast, or warm temperatures, as it packs really neat and light but keeps me dry when I need it.”
Read more: Kirsty’s full Alpkit Sigma review
Waterproof: Highlander Munro V2 Mountain
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| Price: no US shipping / £180 (available from Highlander Outdoor) Weight: 580g (L) highlander-outdoor.com |
With fabric and features suitable for year-round hill use the Highlander Munro is superb value for money, costing far less than similarly specified jackets at just £180. The fabric is a 3-layer polyester with a PFC-free DWR that is quite soft but thick and tough enough for winter storms. It has an excellent 20,000mm hydrostatic head. A size L weighs 580g.
The adjustable helmet-compatible hood with wired peak is excellent, as are the two huge handwarmer pockets. The Munro has long two-way pit zips which tester Chris Townsend described as “an excellent feature, especially given the price” and which David Lintern, who also tested the jacket, said “really help with ventilation”. Other features are an adjustable hem with drawcords on each side, adjustable cuffs, YKK zips, and an inner zipped pocket. Both testers were impressed with the jacket, David saying it “feels really protective in horrible weather” and Chris that he feels “happy wearing it in storms.”
Read more: Chris Townsend’s full Highlander Munro V2 Mountain review
Waterproof: Montane Cetus Lite
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| Price: $325 / £270 (available from Montane) Weight: 335g (L) montane.com |
The Cetus Lite is a three-layer lightweight waterproof made from Montane’s Petrichor Technology, in which a very breathable hydrophilic polyurethane membrane sandwiched between a recycled nylon face fabric and a nylon backer. Recycled tape is used for the YKK zips and even the threads are recycled polyester. The fabric has a PFC-Free DWR coating. Montane says Petrichor increases in breathability the harder you work.
Tester Chris Townsend was impressed – “I’ve worn the jacket in many hours of heavy rain in a wide range of temperatures and wind speeds and have stayed fairly dry inside …. Certainly drier than in many other waterproofs”. Chris also found the comfort excellent as the fabric is soft and doesn’t rustle. The design is minimalist, with an adjustable hood with a wired peak, and two big pockets. Chris sums up the Cetus Lite as “a superb three-season hillwalking and backpacking jacket.” Since his review it has become his first-choice waterproof for those activities outside of severe winter weather. The Cetus Lite weighs 335g (size L) and costs £270.
Read more: Chris Townsend’s full Montane Cetus Lite review
Boots
Boots: Altberg Ladies Tethera
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| Price: no US delivery | £279.99 (available from Altberg) Weight: 1571g/pair (size 8.5) Sizes: UK3-8.5 (EU35-43) Men’s version: yes www.altberg.co.uk |
“I cannot rate them highly enough! I absolutely adore them.” To say that reviewer Lucy Wallace was impressed with the Altberg Tethera boots is an understatement. Crafted from a single piece of thick Anfibio leather with no stitching round the flex area for maximum durability and waterproofing the Tethera is a traditional classic leather boot with modern features. Altberg says it’s “a 3-season boot with a firm midsole ideal for hill and mountain hikes”. The high ankle cuff is lined with soft leather for comfort. Unlike some fabric linings this doesn’t suck water into the boots. The gusseted tongue also helps to prevent water ingress. There’s a full rubber rand for abrasion resistance that wraps the boot from toe to heel.
Adding to the waterproofness is a Sympatex 4-layer lining with a military grade waterproof membrane interlayer. Lucy says Sympatex “is one of the most breathable membranes I’ve used, making it ideal for footwear.” The sole is the Defender Hi-Traction which has the highest level of slip resistance plus extra shock absorption in the heel. Inside is an Airgrid footbed made from high density cushioned polyurethane with an open grid design for air circulation and to reduce moisture absorption. Lucy found the boots sturdy, stable and supportive, “thanks to that high ankle and a midsole that provides a good balance of flex and rigidity”.
The Tetheras, like all Altberg boots, can be resoled using the original lasts at the Altberg factory in Richmond, North Yorkshire. All Altberg boots are made in Richmond or in Altberg’s factory in Italy. The boots come in five width fittings, and the midsole has graded flex control for each individual size with excellent torsional resistance. Lucy says “with the right width fitting I had no problem taking them for a long spin straight away. There’s sufficient cushioning for big days out from the word go.” Lucy also says the boots “soften and conform with time, especially if you treat them right. For me, the ritual of waxing my boots is actually quite enjoyable. If I look after them, they will look after me”.
Unsurprisingly given her rave review Lucy has continued to use the Tethera since writing it, saying “the Tethera are continuing to perform well in poor conditions, and are still dependably waterproof. They recently did the job on a three day expedition in the Carneddau with torrential rain, and lots of off path navigation – including at night. I had dry feet throughout. What’s more, they look pretty unscathed, although I have used Altberg’s Leder-Gris boot wax-oil on them a couple of times which will have helped”. Overall Lucy says the boots are durable, comfortable, rugged, and beautifully made. The Ladies Tethera comes in sizes 3-8.5 including ½ sizes, the Men’s in 7.5-14 including ½ sizes.
Read more: Lucy Wallace’s full Altberg Tethera review
Boots: Danner Mountain Light
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| Price: $470 | £430 (available from Clutch Cafe) Weight: 1828g/pair, UK 10.5 Sizes: UK 5.5-12.5 (EU 39–46) Women’s version: yes www.danner.com |
Danner first made the classic Mountain Light boots in 1979 and has now reintroduced them to its range. Like the originals they are hand-made in Portland, Oregon from one-piece of full-grain leather with a Vibram sole and hand-stitched construction. The latest model also has a Gore-Tex lining.
Tester Alex Roddie says the fit and finish are superb “and if looked after carefully they should offer a lifetime of performance”. He describes them as having “beautiful (and functional) retro charm.” Danner says that due to the stiff leather uppers the boots need breaking in before taking on a major hike and Alex agrees, taking longer walks as the leather softened. Now, he says, “the uppers are buttery -soft and they feel incredibly comfortable whilst still being stiff and supportive. The rubber Vibram 148 Kletterlift sole has shock absorption in the heel. Alex found the boots “perform superbly on rough mountain terrain, including wet rock, and are even OK for scrambling due to the crisp sole edge.”
Read more: Alex Roddie’s full Danner Mountain Light review
Boots: Asolo Freney Evo LT GV
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| Price: $400 / £295 (available from Ascent Outdoors) Weight: 1313g (UK5 pair) Sizes: EU 37.5-42 or UK 4.5-8 with half sizes Men’s version: yes www.asolo.com |
Good quality boots for serious winter conditions, including low-grade winter climbing, are usually expensive. The Asolo Freney Evo are an exception to this. Mountain instructor Kirsty Pallas found them “sturdy and reliable”. The Freney Evo is made from thick water-resistant Perwanger leather. “If treated well”, says Kirsty, “it should mean the waterproofing lasts longer than a fabric boot”.
The tongue is fabric, which Kirsty says gives more flexibility for dialling in a good fit. Further keeping the fit comfortable is padding and a flex section round the ankle, which also “means the boot moves with you”. To add to the waterproofing there’s a Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining. The sole unit consists of a shock-resistant PU midsole plus EVA in the heel area and a Vibram Mulaz outsole with TPU crampon inserts so clip-on crampons can be used. Kirsty says the sole is “grippy with decent-depth lugs for kicking steps in snow and gripping wet grass.” Overall Kirsty says “I enjoyed using these boots, especially on cold and wet days, as I knew my feet would stay comfy.”
Read more: Kirsty Pallas’ full Asolo Freney Evo LT GV review
Hiking packs
Packs: Osprey Tempest 33
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| RRP: $190 / £155 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 1192g Sizes: one Men’s version? Talon 33 osprey.com |
The Tempest is a women’s pack that impressed tester Lara Dunn, who says “one area in which this pack truly excels is fit …finding a genuine female-specific pack at this size is unusual”. Steph Wetherell, who tested the extended fit version of this pack was also impressed. Even more unusual, she says, is one where the fit can be fine-tuned. This pack can be adjusted for different torso proportions and the fit tweaked for shoulders and hips. The result, says Lara, “is comfortable for long days and extremely stable… making the pack feel like an extension of the body, even when fully laden.”
The back system features a 100% recycled polypro framesheet with 50% recycled die-cut EVA foam for a close-to-body fit with ventilated airflow channels. The main body is made from 100% recycled nylon with tougher recycled nylon on the base, all with a PFAS-free DWR treatment. The Tempest is fully featured with multiple pockets, hydration sleeve, ice axe/trekking pole attachments, and compression straps. Lara says the Tempest is large enough “to accommodate kit for a long winter mountain day or a lightweight overnighter or two” and “it can be cinched in easily when not full, making it flexible for a variety of load carrying, not just the big days”.
Read more: Lara Dunn’s full Osprey Tempest 33 review
Packs: Highlander Ivar 30
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| RRP: $67 / £49.99 (available from Highlander Outdoor) Weight: 1080g Sizes: one Men’s version? yes highlander-outdoor.com |
“The Ivar 30 is a fully -specified mountain pack at an entry-level price” says tester Peter Macfarlane, which exactly fits with Highlander’s purpose. The company was founded in the 1980s “when the outdoors was seen as an expensive pursuit. We thought otherwise – that enjoying the challenges and beauty of the outdoors should be available to everyone. Over the years this ethos has been our North Star”. Highlander is a family-run business based in Dundee, Scotland. Director Ramin Golzari says “One of our key missions is to make it easy and enjoyable for everybody to get outdoors by designing and providing performance outdoor gear at great value, and this is something we will always strive towards.”
Highlander says the Ivar 30 is “a versatile, lightweight pack designed for day hikes and shorter outdoor adventures. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned hikers, this all-rounder combines comfort with durability without compromising on functionality”. The capacity is 30 litres and it comes in one size. The cost is £49.99.
Made from nylon with XPT reinforcements the Ivar 30 is a single-compartment pack with a lid closure with a single strap and buckle and a long external vertical zip. Peter says the latter gives “great access without having to open the lid: a rare feature, and one I enjoy”. The pack also has a large zipped front pocket – “big enough for insulated mitts and more”, says Peter -, zipped lid pocket, large water bottle pockets on the sides, zipped hipbelt pockets, ice/axe pole attachments, a rain cover, and it hydration bladder compatible.
Peter says “the harness is excellent, well-shaped and padded with a sliding chest strap and a whistle buckle”. The back has Highlander’s Airvent back system to enhance airflow. This consists of two vertical mesh-covered padded sections with an unpadded section between them. Peter found this system “allows for a close, stable fit but a wide central channel and very open mesh and chambered padding do a decent job of keeping the back ventilated”.
The Ivar 30 comes with Highlander’s 282 Years Warranty “against faults in workmanship and materials under the normal usable life of the product – the length of time any of our products can reasonably be expected to keep delivering the same fantastic performance as the day they were bought.” Why 282? “We love the outdoors and our home here in Scotland and wanted to pick something close to our hearts … there are in total 282 Munros across Scotland”.
Read more: Peter Macfarlane’s full Highlander Ivar 30 review
Packs: Berghaus Remote Hike 23
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| RRP: $148 / £110 (available from Berghaus) Weight: 983g Sizes: one Men’s version? yes www.berghaus.com |
The Women’s Remote Hike is made from Seawastex, a nylon fabric derived from recycled ocean waste. It has a Berghaus Freeflow back system for ventilation without affecting stability. The fit is women-specific. Tester Lara Dunn found comfort levels good, with the broad, low-profile but slightly cushioned straps at shoulder and hip giving effective support, apart from some discomfort against the lumber/gluteal area due to the firmness of the back plate.
Lara liked the “innovative waist belt (with the buckle at the side)” as it’s easy to replace, which aids longevity, and makes the pack accessible to more body shapes as it can be changed for a longer one. The pack has a YKK-zip top access, a big front pouch pocket, expandable side pockets, a zipped top pocket, hipbelt and shoulder harness pockets plus trekking pole loops. Lara says “there’s a feel of a trail running or mountain marathon pack …. but it’s sturdy and sizeable enough to really excel as a hiking or scrambling daypack”.
Read more: Lara’s full Berghaus Remote Hike 23 review
Tents
Tent: Wild Country Halny Elite 1
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| Price: $370 / £270 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 1390g Pitching: Can be pitched as a unit or outer first www.terra-nova.co.uk |
The Halny Elite 1 is a single hoop solo tent with a short upright pole at each end. The outer is made from silicone and polyurethane coated PFC-free recycled ripstop nylon with a high 4000mm hydrostatic head. The groundsheet is recycled ripstop polyester with an even higher 5000mm hydrostatic head. It pitches as a unit or outer first. There is a two-person version with the same design and materials, the Halny Elite 2.
Tester Lucy Wallace says “it can be set up in a couple of minutes. I’ve pitched it with confidence at 1000 metres in gusty 30mph winds with drizzly rain and wasn’t disappointed, passing a comfortable night despite the weather”. Lucy appreciated the multiple venting options in both inner and flysheet and says “the decent-sized porch takes a large rucksack, boots and a stove”. At 1390g the Halny is slightly heavier than some solo tents but Lucy says “the weight penalty becomes negligible considering other brands recommend additional groundsheet protectors”. The high hydrostatic head and tough fabric means they aren’t needed with the Halny. “Overall”, says Lucy “the Halny Elite 1 ticks a lot of boxes for anyone looking for a tent suitable for three-season use in the British mountains”.
Read more: Lucy’s full Wild Country Halny Elite 1 review
Tent: Sea to Summit Alto TR1 Plus
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| Price: $670 / £490 (available from Wild Bounds) Weight: 1210g Pitching: semi freestanding, inner first, although fly can be pitched independently with an additional footprint seatosummit.co.uk |
The lightweight Alto TR1 Plus has a single pole with hubs at one end where it divides into two and at the top where there’s a crosspiece that curves upwards in a V-shape, maximising headroom and, says tester Lucy Wallace, “creating a luxuriously liveable space”. There’s a two-person version too, which tester Chris Townsend says has “masses of room and performs well”. The tent has a flysheet made from 15D silicone/Pu coated nylon with a 1200mm hydrostatic head and a 20D nylon groundsheet with 2500 hydrostatic head. The inner is solid nylon – that’s the Plus in the name. The Alto TR1 has a mesh inner.
The design is semi-freestanding, which Lucy finds “allows for easy adjustment once pitched”. Lucy says “the tent is most easily pitched inner first and can be erected in a few minutes, though with practice it’s possible to pitch the outer first in wet weather”. She continues “when pitched carefully with attention to wind direction, it forms a rigid shape with minimal flapping. However, its height and steep sides make it vulnerable in high winds, so while it pitches easily, placement requires thought”. In summary Lucy says “this is a pricy, clever, luxurious tent, ideal for three-season use, if not for strong winds”.
Read more: Lucy’s full Sea to Summit Alto TR1 Plus review
Tent: Robens Starlight EXP 1
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| Price: $289.60 / £149.99 (available from Outdoor Action) Weight: 2302g Pitching: as unit or outer first robens.de |
The Starlight 1 EXP has a flysheet made from Roben’s own HydroTex, a 75D recycled polyester ripstop with PFAS-free water repellency, a 68D breathable polyester inner, and a PU coated 75D polyester floor. The flysheet and groundsheet fabrics are tough and have very high hydrostatic heads – 5000mm for the flysheet and a whopping 10,000mm for the groundsheet – which means excellent durability, an environmental plus point along with the recycled material. The design is a single hoop with two short poles at each end. The inner attaches to the outer with little clips and can be left attached so the tent can be pitched as a unit or detached for drying or so the flysheet can be used on its own. It’s designed for solo use. There is a bigger Starlight 2 for duos.
The pole is pre-angled to maximise usable space. It can be pitched as a unit or flysheet first. Tester Lara Dunn says “it’s incredibly easy to pitch, thanks to a single insertable pole that works together with four short sections of permanent pole at the foot and head. Exterior clips snap onto the pole with a short stretch of sleeve at the top”. “Straps on the side guylines that wrap around the poles enable better wind resistance, distributing any force more evenly and protecting the poles. The front and rear guylines secure the feet and head sections, giving the whole a solid, well-tensioned pitch”, Lara continues. Together with the high hydrostatic head on the flysheet and groundsheet she says these “make for a protective and reliable 3-season shelter”.
Robens has wind tested the tent and says the average speed at which structural instability, such as a broken/deformed pole or the collapse of the tent and subsequent return to shaped when the wind dropped, was 160 kmh/99mph, and that at no point was any form of catastrophic failure experienced up the maximum wind speed tested of 170 kmh/106 mph. The inner tent has a mesh panel in the door for insectproof ventilation while condensation is also minimised by other vents in the head and foot of the tent that allow air to pass through. Lara found the usable space inside “excellent”, saying “there’s room for kit above the head or below the feet, while the porch is genuinely large enough to stow a backpack in, or cook in during bad weather.
Lara’s overall view is that “the Starlight EXP 1 “offers all the performance of a much pricier unit” and that “for the money, this is a superbly well-featured 3-season backpacking tent”. The Starlight EXP 1 weighs 2kg and costs £165.99.
Read more: Lara’s full Robens Starlight EXP 1 review
Tech & accessories
Tech: Petzl Iko Core
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| Price: $104.95 / £76.49 (available from Millets) Weight: 105g www.petzl.com |
The Iko Core is a lightweight, bright headlamp with an innovative semi-rigid headband which tester Chris Townsend found “far more comfortable than any other headlamp headband I’ve used. Once adjusted it’s barely noticeable.” He also says “it’s very thin and so less sweaty than standard headbands too.” Adjusting the headband is easy but Chris hasn’t found it necessary to do that often as it adapts to being worn over a bare head or a hood without slipping. The semi-rigid nature of the headband means its works well worn round the neck, stood on a table or rock, or attached to a tent pole or tree, unlike soft headbands.
The battery pack sits on the back of the head, which helps to balance the lamp. It contains Petzl’s rechargeable Core battery. This is removable and can be replaced with another Core battery or three AAA batteries if necessary, which makes it very versatile as you can still use the headlamp while a Core battery is recharging. On a multi-day trip AAA batteries are likely to be found at supply points too. Petzl says the lifespan of the Core battery is equivalent to that of 900 standard batteries. The cable connecting the battery to the lamp runs inside the headband.
The ultra-thin lamp is simple and easy to use, without a myriad different modes. There’s one button under the array of eight LEDs and single presses cycle through three light levels. It’s a powerful lamp, up to 500 lumens with the Core battery, 350 lumens with AAA batteries, casting a beam 100 or 80 metres. However Chris found full power only lasts around 2.5 hours. The standard level of 100 lumens, which casts a beam 45 metres and lasts nine hours, was fine for walking. The max power and standard beams are a mix of wide and spot. The Max Burn Time output lasts 100 hours but is only 6 lumens and so “only really suitable for close-up use, such as in a tent”. This setting casts a wide beam only.
The Iko Core has a lock function so you can ensure it can’t be accidentally switched on. Each time it is switched on or off an indicator shows how much battery life is left. The Iko Core is lightweight at 86g including the storage pouch (79g without pouch). The pouch stops it springing open when folded flat, making it or something similar just about essential. Placing the headlamp inside the pouch turns it into a lantern that can be hung in a tent. The headlamp has an IPX4 rating which means it should be fine in rain but not if you submerge it. The headband is water-repellent and doesn’t absorb moisture. Since his testing for review Chris has continued to use the Iko Core regularly. It’s become his favourite headlamp by far. “I love it!”, he says.
Read more: Chris’ full Petzl Iko Core review
Tech: Nitecore NPB1
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| Price: $34.95 / £39.95 (available from Nitecore) Weight: 110g nitecore.co.uk |
This little power bank is lightweight (110g) and portable. Tester Steph Wetherall says “its size and shape make it small enough to carry in a coat or rucksack pocket for easy access”. It’s also waterproof with an IP68 rating and good for winter use as it works down to -10°C. Steph didn’t find any change in performance in colder temperatures. There are two charging pots – micro-USB and USB-A.
Steph says not having a USB-C port is a downside. It can only charge one device at a time, “but given the small capacity of the power bank that is to be expected”. There is a larger 20,000 mAh option with multiple ports including USB-C. Steph found the three-light charge indicator easy to use and fairly accurate. It turns on when you touch the icon to show how much charge remains – three lights 100%, two lights 70%, one light 30%. Steph says “this is a power bank that is perfect to carry on day or overnight walks as it’s small and light enough not to notice the extra weight”.
Read more: Steph’s full Nitecore NPB1 review
Tech: Nebo 20K
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| Price: $34.95 / £39.95 (available from Nebo) Weight: 110g nebotools.co.uk |
The Nebo 20K is a high-capacity power bank ideal for multi-day trips. The capacity is 20,000 mAh and it has a digital power display and USB-A and USB-C ports. Two ports mean it can charge two devices simultaneously, which tester Steph Wetherall says “is ideal if you’re wanting to charge your phone and one other device”. Steph likes the digital display saying it gives “an accurate percentage of its charge, which is useful both when charging it up, and also knowing exactly how much power is left, which is really useful if you’re trying to ration your power usage on a long trip”.
The Nebo 20K is heavy (436g) but Steph notes that this “reflects the high-power capacity” and that there are lighter, smaller capacity models available (5,000 and 10,000 mAh). It is only rated to 0°C so not the best choice for sub-zero winter temperatures. It’s not waterproof either and needs to be carried in a drybag. The cost is £50 and Steph concludes “this is a really affordable option with a high capacity”.
Read more: Steph’s full Nebo 20k review
Hiking shoes
Shoes: Scarpa Rapid XT
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| Price: $179 / £165 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 330 g (½ pair size 38) Sizes: women’s 37 – 42 Men’s version: yes scarpa.co.uk |
The Scarpa Rapid XT is a leather approach shoe, which tester Lara Dunn found “ideal for rough walk-ins on scrambles and climbs but also hiking and trail use”. The shoes have 1.8mm suede leather uppers protected by a full rubber rand, an EVA midsole with different densities to cushion impacts, and Vibram Megagrip outsole with a climbing zone at the toe for grip on steep rocks. Lara says the sole gives confidence “on all sorts of ground, even more technical scrambly sections” and “copes well with wet surfaces, as well as looser gravel and mud”.
The shoes have an asymmetric toe shape that gives a wide forefoot fit so the feet can spread into a natural shape. The Rapid XT doesn’t have a waterproof membrane (there is a GTX version) and Lara says this helps “to keep feet from overheating and sweating, no matter how hard the effort”. Lara concludes that “this is a truly excellent quality approach and hiking shoe that will deliver comfort and confidence for years to come”.
Read more: Lara’s full Scarpa Rapid XT WNM review
Shoes: Altra Lone Peak 9+
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| Price: $155 / £130 (available from Altra) Weight: 327.4 g Sizes: 7 – 16 (regular and wide) Women’s version: yes www.altrarunning.eu |
Tester Peter Macfarlane says the Lone Peak is “an excellent shoe and currently my first choice of footwear”. A well-established lightweight trail shoe, the Lone Peak is now in its ninth iteration. This latest version is the first with a Vibram sole and has an updated upper with no-sew overlaps and ripstop mesh for better durability. Standard features are the zero drop sole and the very wide forefoot that allows your toes to spread wide.
Tester Peter Macfarlane has the latter has “two noticeable benefits: your toes move naturally as you walk, and after a long day with hot, swollen feet there is no additional discomfort”. Peter says the new Vibram Megagrip sole has “reasonably aggressive lugs that are very grippy in most situations”. He says the midsole is “lower profile than the last Altras I reviewed, which engenders a more connected ground feel, while the cushioning is still excellent”. The flex at the toe and the stiffness under the heel is a dextrous and nimble combination.
Read more: Peter’s full Altra Lone Peak 9 review
Shoes: Meindl Lite Trail GTX
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| Price: no US shipping / £177.50 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Sizes: 3 – 9 Men’s version: yes meindl.co.uk |
After testing, Lara Dunn found the Lite Trail’s were “capable of much more than just a bimble in the hills” and “a good choice for most British walking conditions between March and November”. The shoes have a suede and mesh upper and a Gore-Tex lining. The lacing comes down to the toe, which is asymmetric in shape. Along with a hefty protective rand these are features usually found on technical mountain and approach shoes. The level of stiffness and stability were “spot on for long-wear comfort over even quite rugged terrain”, again much more than Meindl suggest, and “easily up to the job of a bit of load carrying too”.
The sole unit has EVA cushioning and Meindl Lite-Trail outsole., which Lara says are “decently grippy”. Inside there’s an Active-Air footbed to maximise airflow minimise moisture build-up. Summing up, Lara says the shoes are “rugged and protective, yet comfortable for long periods …… the build quality and longevity should more than make up for the initial outlay”.
Read more: Lara’s full Meindl Lite Trail Lady GTX review
Insulation
Insulation: Helly Hansen Verglas Polar Down
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| Price: $345 / £400 (available from Helly Hansen) hellyhansen.com |
The Verglas Polar Down jacket is “an ultra-warm jacket designed for ultra- cold conditions”, says tester Lara Dunn. It’s filled with 800 fill power goose down that is Responsible Down Standard certified. Lara found this fill “incredibly warm, instantly trapping, and maximising body heat. The box construction ensures no warmth is lost through the seams. The jacket has a 100% recycled polyester shell and a hood with an adjustable peak. The outer has a PFC-free DWR treatment which Lara found “very effective, keeping wet snow or sleet from penetrating the fabric”.
Lara describes the hood and collar as ‘sumptuous’ and says “both cinch in quickly around the face and neck with easy-to-use (even with gloves) adjustment cords”. A soft brushed fabric protects the skin from the sturdy YKK zip, which again is “easy to operate even with gloves on”. The zipped external pockets also have a soft lining while the internal pouch pockets, one zipped, are “ideal for keeping battery-powered gadgets warm and functioning”. Helly Hansen reckon this is the warmest jacket they’ve ever made apart from bespoke ones for Everest expeditions.
Read more: Lara’s full Helly Hansen Verglas Polar Down review
Insulation: Mammut Eigerjoch Pro IN Hooded
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| Price: $435 / £600 (available from Mammut) mammut.com |
The Eigerjoch is an unusual insulated jacket with a complex construction of overlapping baffles of 850 fill power water-repellent goose down and recycled PrimaLoft polyester. External seams, of which there aren’t many, are mostly taped for additional weatherproofing and heat retention. This combined with the effective DWR on the Pertex Quantum Pro shell “makes the Eigerjoch good in wet snow and sleet”, says tester Peter Macfarlane.
The main zip is baffled and “comes up to my nose” and “the large insulated hood pulls up and down without moving the zip” reports Peter. The hood has multiple adjusters, a large stiffened wired helmet compatible peak, and a fleece chinguard. The four zipped chest pockets are all accessible while wearing a pack and there are three inner pockets too. The elasticated cuffs have longer stretch inners that work well and are compatible with winter gloves. The fit is quite slim, notes Peter, but “the arm lift is excellent – no hem movement at all – and the hem completely covers my backside”.
Read more: Peter’s full Mammut Eigerjoch Pro IN hooded jacket review
Insulation: Rab Glaceon Pro Down
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| Price: $340 / £260 (available from Rab) rab.equipment/uk/ |
Tester Peter Macfarlane says “the Glaceon looks and feels like a traditional mountain down jacket – a classic silhouette and big stitched-through baffles to hold the down in place – but in use I found plenty of details worthy of note”. The Glaceon is very environmentally friendly. It’s filled with 265g of 700 fill power recycled down with a Nikwax fluorocarbon-free hydrophobic finish and the shell is recycled Pertex Quantum, also with a PFC-free treatment. Peter says the DWR “sheds sleet and snow very well”.
Peter found the body length “excellent with my backside well covered”. He also liked the long arms and the shoulder articulation. “The cufs”, he says “easily slip over a winter glove and have big, easily managed Velcro adjustment tabs”. Peter praises the hood too, saying it’s “excellent with internal face adjusters plus a Velcro tab at the crown for volume adjustment. The peak is wired and doesn’t budge in the wind”. The Glaceon also has a two-way main zip with internal baffle and microfleece chin guard, two deep microfleece-lined handwarmer pockets, and a zipped chest pocket.
Read more: Peter’s full Rab Glaceon Pro Down review
Sleeping bags
Bag: Big Agnes Torchlight EXP 30
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| Price: $329.95 / £279.99 (available from LD Mountain Centre) Weight: 870g with stuff sack, stuff sack weight 31g Rating: Comfort 3°C, Limit -2°C Sizes: Small, medium, large Women/Men’s version: Unisex www.bigagnes.com |
The Big Agnes Torchlight looks like a conventional mummy-shaped sleeping bag but it’s customisable via two-way zips on each side that open up panels that expand the size by up to 25cm. The area opened up can be varied for more room round the shoulders or the feet as required. Tester Kirsty Pallas says, “I am a side sleeper, so it’s nice to have the option for more room at my shoulders”.
The Torchlight also has attachments underneath, the PadLok sleep system, for keeping the bag on a mat, and a ‘pillow barn’ attached to the pad sleeve that keeps your pillow or rolled up clothing in place. Kirsty describes these as “another couple of nice features” and says “they keep everything where it’s supposed to be, including the sleeper!” The Torchlight EXP 30 is filled with 340g of 650 fill power PFC-free hydrophobic down in a baffled construction and has a comfort rating of 3°C and a Comfort Limit of -2°C. The shell is made from recycled polyester ripstop with a PFAS-free water-repellent finish. It weighs 841g.
Read more: Kirsty’s full Big Agnes Torchlight EXP review
Bag: Alpkit Cloud Peak 200
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| Price: international shipping available / £99.99 (available from Alpkit) Weight: 1120g + 120g compression sack Rating: Comfort: 8℃, Limit: 4℃ (Alpkit Sleep Limit 0℃) Sizes: Regular Women’s/men’s version: Unisex alpkit.com |
The Cloud Peak is a 2-season sleeping bag with a 200gsm Thermolite Ecomade synthetic fill made with 35% recycled post-consumer waste. The shell is nylon with a PFC-free DWR. The bag has a two-way full-length zip with an internal baffle, a neck baffle, and an adjustable hood. It has an EN Standard Comfort rating of 8°C and a Comfort Limit of 4°C. Alpkit’s own Sleep Limit is 0°C. The weight is 1240g.
Tester James Roddie says “the slightly tapered mummy-shaped design is comfortable and fairly spacious, without creating excess space for cold spots to form”. He also notes that “the zip extends almost to the feet, making ventilation easy on warm nights”. Alpkit says the Thermolite Fill is “highly compressible and recovers better from being bundled into stuff sacks” and the bag stands up to “the demands of repeated heavy use”. James concludes that “overall, this feels like a sleeping bag that will last, and it offers excellent value for money”.
Read more: James’ full Alpkit Cloud Peak 200
Bag: Vango Mantis 400
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| Price: international shipping available / £90 (available from Outdoor Action) Weight: 1426g Rating: limit -9°C, extreme -15°C Sizes: one Women’s/men’s version: Unisex vango.co.uk |
With a recycled ripstop nylon shell and lining and a recycled synthetic filling the Vango Mantis 400 is definitely a ‘greener choice’ sleeping bag. The Mantis also has strategically placed aluminised fabric layers to reflect heat back to the user and an elasticated lining so the bag conforms close to the body, reducing cold spots without restricting freedom of movement. The Comfort Limit rating is -6°. The weight is 1440g. The shape is a traditional mummy.
The features are a full-length two-way side zip with insulated baffle, a “generous” neck baffle to keep draughts out, and an internal pocket for small items such as a head torch. The Mantis is unisex, only comes in one size and is generously proportioned inside. At 5ft 6in tester Lucy Wallace found it a bit too roomy. However her 6ft 2in husband found the sizing perfect. Lucy concludes that the Mantis 400 is an excellent-value 3-4 season bag, particularly suited to taller people.
Read more: Lucy Wallace’s full Vango Mantis 400 review
Sleeping mats
Mat: Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated
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| Price: $199.95 – $249.95 / £169.95 (available from WildBounds) eu.bigagnes.com |
The lightweight Zoom UL airbed is rectangular in shape rather than tapered and has a series of small diamond-shaped inflatable sections rather than long tubes. The chambers along the sides are thicker to keep you centred on the mat. The shell is made from recycled nylon. Inside insulation is provided by two layers of heat reflective foam. The mat has an R-Value of 4.3, making it suitable for all but the coldest winter nights in the UK (R-Value 4 is rated to -12 °C), Three lengths are available with the Regular weighing 400g.
Big Agnes says uses aviation-grade TPU lamination technology for ultimate weld strength and durability and O-beam internal construction to minimise weight and packed size while providing stability and comfort. Tester Chris Townsend found the mat warm and very comfortable, saying “I think the pattern adjusts better to my body than tubular chambers do. The thicker side chambers do work at stopping me rolling off. I think the rectangular shape helps too”. Chris has continued using the Zoom UL since the test and says it is now his favourite mat as he’s come to really like the rectangular shape.
Read more: Chris’ full Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated review
Mat: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT
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| Price: $239.95 / £270 (available from Ellis Brigham) cascadedesigns.com |
The NeoAir XTherm NXT is a thick, warm airbed with an R-Value of 7.3 (R-Value of 7 is rated to -32°C). Tester Steph Wetherall says it’s “by far the warmest mat I’ve ever slept on” and “it really does live up to the hype”. The insulation comes from the Triangular Core Matrix construction of two stacked layers of triangular chambers and a ThermaCapture heat reflective coating. These provide warmth without adding much weight. The shell is ripstop nylon. There are five sizes available in weights from 440 to 680g.
Previous versions of the XTherm were notorious for crackling noisily. Steph found that “this version has greatly improved on this”. Impressed, Steph says “I genuinely had some of my best ever camping sleeps on this mat. At this price point there’s no doubt that this is an investment. But for anyone like me who is a very cold sleeper, or those looking for a quality winter-camping friendly mat, this is an investment worth making.”
Read more: Chris’ full Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT review
Mat: Robens Hybrid Core 60
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| Price: no US shipping / £105.99 (available from Outdoor Action) robens.de |
The Hybrid Core is a low-priced insulated airbed that tester Chris Townsend found “performs well”. It’s a tapered mat with horizontal chambers containing two layers of recycled MicroThermo Highloft synthetic insulation separated by a reflective foil layer. The outer is a soft recycled polyester fabric that feels comfortable against the skin. The Hybrid Core has an R-Value of 4.1, which should be fine for most UK nights. Chris used it at -2.5°C and found it warm.
The mat is tapered, though not as much as some, and there’s only one size. It weighs 522g, which is quite light, and rolls up fairly small inside a generously sized stuffsack. Chris concludes “there are lighter and more compact mats than the Hybrid Core 60 but they cost significantly more. For the price this mat is great value and should be adequate for all but the coldest winter nights.”
Read more: Chris’ full Robens Hybrid Core 60 review
Trekking poles
Poles: Black Diamond Pursuit
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| Price: $169.95 / £140 (available from Black Diamond) Weight: 462g (S/M) www.blackdiamondequipment.com |
The Pursuits are three-section telescopic aluminium poles with long cork and foam handles. At 465g (S/M size) they are quite light for aluminium poles. Tester Steph Wetherell found the grips a standout feature. “Black Diamond”, she says, “has recognised that hand sizes very hugely and the S/M size comes with a smaller grip size”. She also found the cork material was preferable to foam “especially when my hands were sweaty in hot conditions or on a long climb.”
Steph liked the egg-shaped rounded top of the pole as it makes it “comfortable to use on descents”. The grip extension is made from Bloom, an algae infused foam that’s more sustainable than standard foam, the shafts are made of 30% pre-consumer recycled aluminium, and the writs straps are made from post-consumer recycled fibres. The pole length adjusts with soft-touch FlickLocks which Steph says “felt incredibly high-quality and were very easy to use”. The poles come with both small trekking baskets and large snow baskets. Steph found both “easy to fit and remove”. The carbide tip is replaceable. Steph says that “after regular use they have held up well and show little wear”.
Read more: Steph’s full Black Diamond Pursuit review
Poles: Harrier Catbells Aluminium Z-Poles V2
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| Price: $80 / £59.99 (available from Harrier) Weight: 502g harrierrunfree.co.uk |
The Catbells Z-Poles are shockcord connected foldable aluminium poles with a single flick lock below the handle for adjusting the height. Tester Steph Wetherell says “they’re an affordable option that offer a lot of premium features. They are surprisingly lightweight for the price, pack down fairly small and offer a decent adjustment range.
Steph found the pole length easy to adjust using the small integrated wheel. The wrist straps were easy to adjust, comfortable and soft. She says the foam grips “are better than a lot of other entry-level poles but don’t match the comfort of a more expensive pair”. She really liked the undulating on the extended grip section and found it made it “easier to use these on ascents”. Steph missed a shaped top on the poles, which made them less comfortable on descents. She also notes that the small baskets can’t be removed so snow baskets can’t be added for use in the snow.
Read more: Steph’s full Harrier Catbells review
Poles: Leki Cressida FX Carbon
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| Price: £200/pair Weight: 251g www.leki.com |
The Cressida FX pole is designed for smaller people with a shorter length and a smaller grip. Tester Lucy Wallace says “whilst my hands are not exceptionally tiny for a woman, the grip does feel noticeably different, seeming to fit more naturally into my palm”. The poles are made from carbon-fibre and have three-sections linked by shockcord. Adjustment is by a speed lock and a locking push button. The grip is made from foam with a rubber top.
Lucy says “the build quality of these poles is phenomenal. From the sound that the sections make as they click together, to the feel of the locking mechanism and the positively delightful release mechanism (no straining over a tiny button with broken thumbnails here), everything is well crafted”. The poles have proved durable too and Lucy says “they seem very strong for carbon fibre …. they barely flex at full extension, and I’ve felt comfortable leaning heavily on them descending steep ground with a heavy pack. They are expensive, but even with heavy use they should last and last.”
Read more: Lucy’s full Leki Cressida FX Carbon review
Baselayers
Baselayer: Berghaus MTN Guide Long Sleeve Half Zip
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| Price: $115 / £85 (available from Berghaus) berghaus.com |
The MTN Guide top is designed for year-round use with adaptive natural warmth and next to skin comfort. It’s made from Polartec Power Wool, a mix of 64% polyester and 36% merino wool. The polyester, which is on the outside, helps the garment keep its shape longer and manages moisture while the merino wool against the skin regulates temperature and means you stay fresh longer as its antimicrobial.
Tester Lara Dunn says the fabric is “extremely stretchy, very soft, highly breathable and lightweight, yet it’s warm when layered”. She says the fit is ample in the torso and sleeves but not too long. “Soft elastic loops at the cuffs give a secure fit when layering up and allow for extra wrist cosiness, whilst the sleeves are stretchy enough to roll up if too warm”. There’s a deep front zip for ventilation and Lara says “the airy fabric doesn’t overheat easily”. Lara concludes that “with excellent levels of comfort and temperature maintenance, plus a versatile level of warmth and life time repairability it’s hard to argue with the MTN Guide as a great all-round base layer”. https://www.berghaus.com
Read more: Lara’s full Berghaus Women’s MTN Guide Long Sleeve Half Zip review
Baselayer: Artilect Boulder 125 Hotpant
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| Price: $50 / £45 (available from Ellis Brigham) artilectperformance.com |
The Boulder Hotpant is made from a blend of 85% superfine Nuyarn merino wool (none-mulsed) and 15% nylon that Artilect says offers extra loft and an unmatched warmth-to-weight ratio – our tester Kirsty Pallas agreed. The underwear is made with no-chafe flatlock seams and a double layer at the crotch for additional protection. There is a form of ventilation, “namely a panel on the back that has eyelet holes in, and sits roughly where waistbands of other layers and a rucksack might, so an area that can get very hot”. Kirsty really liked the fit, especially the briefer style – “it feels like there’s nothing going to move around as I move”. She says the waistband is comfortable and low-profile and works with other layers while the flatlock seams meant “I didn’t experience any rubbing or chafing”. Kirsty found “they also dry very fast, so they were ideal for multi-day trips and washing en route”. Overall, she says, “there’s a lot of good features packed in”.
Read more: Kirsty’s full Artilect Boulder 125 Hotpant review
Baselayer: Silverpoint Alpaca Merino Wool Hiker Sock
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| Price: $25 / £18.99 (available from Outdoor Action) Weight: 92g pair, size large Men’s version: Unisex |
Silverpoint has combined 15% alpaca wool and 45% merino wool with 40% synthetic fibres for these socks. The alpaca wool is softer, stronger, and warmer than merino but the latter is better for moisture management and less expensive. The synthetic content keeps the socks in reliable shape and adds durability. Tester Peter Macfarlane says “in use, this mix makes for a luxuriously soft and comfortable sock”. He also notes that “the Hikers’ comfort hasn’t come at the cost of durability, and the internal padding loops still spring back well after many wash/wear cycles”.
Peter found the Hiker socks comfortable and warm in both trail shoes and boots – “I’ve been happy enough above the snowline in them as well as ankle-deep in bog on my local trails. They remain warm when wet and dry out well on the move”. They stay fresh well too. Peter says “I can happily wear the hikers for a week between washes, and even after a couple of days’ wear I can dry them out beside me in the sleeping bag without wanting to throw them back outside!”
Read more: Peter’s full Silverpoint Alpaca Merino Wool Hiker Sock review
Gloves
Gloves: Salewa Ortles Powertex TirolWool Responsive
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| Price: no US shipping / £110 (available from Salewa) Weight: 140g for Women’s S/glove size 6 Men’s version: Yes salewa.com |
Tester Kirsty Pallas says “these gloves are warm but light and have kept me warm and mostly dry over many winter days”. The gloves are insulated with a mix of wool and polyester and have a waterproof/breathable membrane to keep out rain and snow. The shell is PFAs-free nylon with goat leather on the palm and fingertips or durability. Kirsty says the merino wool mix lining “is soft, but not so fluffy that you can’t get your hand in once it’s wet”. She notes that wool is an excellent insulator when wet and a more natural resource than polyester.
She found the goat leather palm grippy and hard-wearing and the fit such that she could “carry out intricate tasks like using carabiners when climbing and doing up jacket zips”. Kirsty liked the length and the cuffs too, saying the gloves are “long enough to tuck into a jacket cuff, but not so long that there’s loads of spare. The Velcro cuff keeps the gloves snug and is easy to use, plus there’s an elasticated section at the base of the palm to keep more warmth in.” In conclusion Kirsty says these are “almost perfect winter gloves.”
Read more: Kirsty’s full Salewa Ortles Powertex review
Gloves: Alpkit Gabbro
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| Price: $94.99 / £64.99 (available from Decathlon) Weight: 153g for XS/glove size 6 Men’s version: Yes alpkit.com |
Tester Kirsty Pallas says “the Gabbro is Alpkit’s top-end glove, but at a very competitive price”. The gloves have a stretchy polyester and spandex shell with a goat leather palm for grip and durability. Inside there’s a waterproof/breathable Porelle Dry insert, Primaloft Gold insulation, and a polyester pile lining. The articulated, pre-curved fingers have softshell side panelling and shaping round the thumb. The goat leather on the palm runs up the inside of the fingers and over the tips. Cuff length is adjusted with a drawcord Kirsty found simple to use while the gloves are on.
Kirsty says the generous amount of insulation “makes these a warm choice, but not too bulky”. She says “the lining is a thick cosy pile, which really keeps warmth in; and even when the gloves are wet they don’t feel soaked”. Overall, Kirsty thinks the gloves “should stand up well to a reasonable level of abuse” and says “they are a workhorse that will deal with any weather thrown at them, and really are a steal at this price (£65)“.
Read more: Kirsty’s full Alpkit Gabbro review
Gloves: Rab Xenon Mitt
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| Price: $85 / £50 (available from Rab) Weight: 61g with stuff sack for XS Men’s version: Unisex rab.equipment/uk |
The lightweight Xenon Mitts have a PFAS-free recycled Pertex Quantum nylon shell, PU on the palm for durability, 40gsm Primaloft Gold insulation, and a microfleece lining. Rab says they are designed for general use and hillwalking. Tester Kirsty Pallas says “it’s only a full winter option for folk moving fast and light, but Primaloft Gold insulation packs a lot of warmth for its bulk and these mitts will ‘upgrade’ a wet liner glove to feeling very toasty quite quickly”. Kirsty found the soft fleece lining “cosy on bare skin but still easy enough to pull over a liner glove”.
She says the PU palm is durable for use with a walking poles or holding a single axe. Mitts aren’t good for doing anything intricate with your hands but Kirsty says the Xenon Mitts fitted well “and I could do zips up and feed myself snacks if careful”. She found the double cuffs “slide under a jacket cuff very easily, and there’s a really handy pull-on loop to help get them on”. For the weight and price Kirsty says the Xenon Mitts are impressive.
Read more: Kirsty’s full Rab Xenon review
Stoves
Stove: Optimus Vega
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| Price: $119.95 / £139.99 (available from Base Camp Food) Weight: 178g katadyngroup.com |
The Optimus Vega is a remote canister stove suitable for year-round use. It has a preheat tube running over the burner that vaporises the gas, which means it can be used as a liquid fuel stove in subzero temperatures by inverting the canister. Unusually, it has flip-out wire legs to hold the inverted canister in place and enable the control lever to still be used. Optimus says that used like this it’ll work down to -20°C.
The Vega is compact when packed as the pot support/legs fold around the burner. At 178g it’s light for a remote canister stove. It has a low profile so stability is good and the pot supports are quite wide, making it fine for use with big pots. The burner is powerful and it boils water fast and works well for melting snow. Flame control is good for simmering. It’s fuel efficient too, though fuel usage increases when the canister is inverted so this should only be done when necessary. The Vega comes with a foil disc to place under it to prevent it scorching the ground, but not a windscreen, which is needed in strong winds. One is available separately, the Optimus Wind Foil, which weighs 36g and costs £7.70. The Vega itself costs £139.99. Tester Peter Macfarlane says “the Vega is excellent – a reliable go-to and brilliant in the tent porch.”
Read more: Peter’s full Optimus Vega review
Stove: Jetboil Flash 1.0L Cooking System
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| Price: $144.99 / £150 (available from Go Outdoors) Weight: 394g jetboil.co.uk |
The latest version of the Jetboil Flash has several improvements, most notably an integrated ignition and burner control and a rubberised grip zone below the burner. The pot is the same tall anodised aluminium one with a heat exchanger on the base plus a pot cosy and a thermochromic heat indicator. The heat exchanger now fits more firmly on the burner and is easier to release. The unit comes with a cup cover for the heat exchanger and a canister stabiliser at a total weight of 406g.
The new burner looks very different. The bright orange grip zone stands out so it’s easy to see and grab when you want to hold the stove without burning your fingers. Instead of the long flame control level and the separate piezo igniter there’s a turn-and-click dial that lights the stove. Tester Chris Townsend said this is “a much neater and easier-to-use system”. The burner, stabiliser and a 100 size canister can all be packed inside the pot, making a compact unit for carrying in the pack. Chris found the Flash boils water fast and is very fuel efficient. Given the low price of £100 he says it’s good value for money.
Read more: Chris’ full Jetboil Flash review
Stove: Soto Fusion Trek
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| Price: $95 / £80 (available from Ellis Brigham) Weight: 186g sotooutdoors.com |
The Soto Fusion Trek is a remote canister stove with a burner based on the Soto Windmaster (which was the stove winner in 2024). Like the Windmaster the Fusion Trek has a regulated burner that means it works well in the cold and the power doesn’t diminish as the canister empties. It’s good for controlling the flame for simmering too. Tester David Lintern said “most impressively, it produced a usable, consistent flame right to the very end of a canister, even in lower temperatures. That’s not easy to achieve”.
David also found the fuel efficiency excellent. The Fusion Trek burner is wider than the Windmaster, which is better for use with big pots, but has the same lip around it for wind resistance. David says the three legs extend very securely and the pot supports are integral to the legs, making for a very stable base. He also notes that the hose to the canister is very flexible, “which may sound trivial, but if you’ve ever wrestled a stiff fuel hose and a windshield together in the cold, you’ll realise how useful this is.” David concludes that the Fusion Trek is “super-stable and all-season-capable and is built to last.” The Fusion Trek weighs 186g and costs £80
Read more: David’s full Soto Fusion Trek review
Sustainability
Sustainability Brand of the Year: Keela
Keela return as the winner in this category for the second time (previous winner in 2023), which also marks 45 years of making outdoor gear in Scotland. The story began when founder Rube Fernando revolutionised technical outdoor clothing in their use of cutting-edge tape-sealing technology. Originally Keela made garments for other outdoor brands before making them under its own name.
Now, they say, “we make sure that our products comply with the highest ethical standards. Our production facilities are ‘Garments without Guilt’ accredited and every stage of our supply chain follows the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code.”
Keela (keelaoutdoors.com) was also the first Scottish clothing manufacturer to sign up for the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan. During the pandemic Keela redirected its production line to support frontline healthcare workers, manufacturing over 750,000 PPE gowns in Scotland for the NHS. In 2021 Keela refurbished its facilities in Glenrothes in Fife with energy-efficient machinery and green energy solutions as part of a 5-year plan to reduce waste and lower its environmental impact.
The next year the company launched a UK-made range of Keela products alongside its bespoke manufacturing service. Keela’s Clothing Hospital has repaired kit in its UK factory since the 1980s saying “whether your kit has seen one storm or a hundred, our team will do everything they can to bring it back to life”. Building on this Keela launched The Legacy Project in 2023, an initiative “dedicated to rescuing, repairing, and reworking your outdoor kit so it lasts longer and goes further”, reducing its environmental impact.
With the project Keela has identified key ways to rescue garments before they reach landfill. As well as repairing items these include repurposing ones that have reached end of life into something new. and recycling items that cannot be repaired or repurposed by sending them to Keela’s recycling partner to be shredded and transformed into insulation or, occasionally, something entirely new.
More recently Keela has developed the project to “encourage individuals to think about what to do when your kit is beyond repair and is at the end of its life”. For this Keela has developed how to guides on its YouTube channel and offers open-source patterns so people can repurpose their own products. In 2024 Keela launched its People & Planet Fund, through which “we will allocate 2% of our online sales* to support outdoor initiatives, charities, and projects that enhance our planet and improve access to it.”
To celebrate its 45th anniversary Keela has launched the Albion Collection of clothing manufactured and designed in the UK. Keela says, “by supporting local production, we ensure exceptional quality, reduce our carbon footprint, and champion sustainable British manufacturing.” One example is the Arran Jacket made from waxed cotton from Halley Stevenson, a company based in Dundee, with British HD Wool from farmers adopting ReGenerative Agricultural practices for insulation.
This jacket won the Eco Award at the Slide & OTS Winter 2025 Show. Also in the range is the Mixtape Jacket, a vintage-style ski jacket made from reclaimed end-of-line fabrics, and the lightweight Ronas Smock, made from fabric leftover in the factory. About the last two garments Keela says “we think it would be a tragedy for fabric to sit and gather dust, so we have committed reclaiming fabric into a garment wherever possible.”
Chris Townsend’s Ones to Watch for 2026
There is a wealth of new products in the pipeline for 2026 and our team of gear testers will be trying them out over the coming months. Watch this space for our gear tests in 2025.
Meanwhile, I attended the Outdoor Trade Show earlier this year. Read my report on the products and innovations to look out for in 2026.
