23rd June 2025
Showtime – Chris Townsend’s Outdoor Trade Show 2025
TGO’s gear guru, Chris Townsend recently attended the Outdoor Trade Show in Liverpool - here’s a few things that caught his eye.
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Latest news from The Great Outdoors
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17th June 2025
Meet your new trail companion: The OM SYSTEM OM-5 Mark II Camera
OM SYSTEM introduces the ultimate outdoor camera – the new OM-5 MARK II. Find out why it belongs in your pack.
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16th June 2025
Explore Britain’s wild isles with our August issue
From the Scottish isles to the Channel islands, consider this issue a guide to your next Neverland.
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9th June 2025
Welcome to the Jungle: the Madeira Island Ultra Trail
Ian Battersby and his two sons traverse the length of the subtropical forest paradise of Madeira. It sounds like thirsty work…
Gear guides
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15th November 2024
The Great Outdoors Gear of the Year Awards
The UK's most experienced gear testing team share their top picks of outdoor kit and innovations for the year.
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30th June 2025
We pitch the best backpacking tents 2025 for solo adventures
Mountain Leader Lucy Wallace takes the latest in single serving shelters for a spin with additional testing from Chris Townsend and David Lintern.
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16th June 2025
We make every step count testing the best hiking sandals 2025
Love them or loathe them, hiking sandals made well can be a perfect solution on a hot, dry day.
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18th June 2025
Our experts sleep out in the best 2 person tents 2025
We tested the best tents for two - from durable models to lightweight backpacking shelters.
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20th June 2025
We put our feet up testing the best camping chairs 2025
Our round up of the best camping chairs for backpacking, van life, car camping and more...
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11th June 2025
We weigh up the best backpacking packs 2025
Your pack and its contents can make or break any backpacking trip. Our experts review the latest.
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13th June 2025
We slept out in the best budget tents 2025
Getting away from it all isn’t just for experts with expendable income. We test the best budget tents to help you achieve wanderlust liftoff.
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20th June 2025
We seek comfort in each step testing the best hiking socks 2025
What are the best socks for hiking? We've tested the latest options out there. Here are the results
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5th May 2025
We pitted the best waterproof jackets for 2025 against the weather
Kirsty Pallas and Chris Townsend test ‘hardshell’ jackets when the weather gets heavy.
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23rd April 2025
We run down the best power banks 2025
Selecting the best power bank for you can not only minimise technological faff on the hills, but can also be the difference between safety and an escalating emergency situation.
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18th June 2025
Our Equipment Editor spotlights the best head torches for hiking 2025
Chris Townsend tests the best head torches to light the way in the mountains.
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20th June 2025
We took the best GPS watches hiking – here’s the verdict
GPS watches can aid mountain navigation and help to keep you fit. We test eight of them and demystify the tech.
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18th June 2025
Our expert enlists helping hands to test the best family tents 2025
John Manning takes a look at a mixed selection of family tents for group backpacking.
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13th June 2025
Our testers stay out in the best cold weather sleeping bags 2025
Fiona Russell and Peter Macfarlane keep the cold at bay in these bags.
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11th March 2025
We get to the point testing the best crampons for winter hillwalking 2025
Four experts put the latest crampons through their paces and guide you to your perfect fit.
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16th March 2025
We get to grips with the best ice axes 2025
Our expert gear testing team gets to the point reviewing the best ice axes, an essential tool for managing risk in snowy mountains.
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19th June 2025
We asked a Highlands Ranger to test the best emergency kit for hiking 2025
Peter Macfarlane directs us to the kit you'll want in your pack should the worst happen.
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5th May 2025
We tested the best winter gloves 2025
Kirsty Pallas and James Roddie keep the worst of the weather at bay with a selection of warm and waterproof winter gloves.
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3rd March 2025
We put the best winter mountaineering boots through their paces
Our expert gear testers compare winter boots suitable for steeper, more technical ground.
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20th June 2025
We put our feet up testing the best camping chairs 2025
Our round up of the best camping chairs for backpacking, van life, car camping and more...
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20th June 2025
We seek comfort in each step testing the best hiking socks 2025
What are the best socks for hiking? We've tested the latest options out there. Here are the results
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19th June 2025
We asked a Highlands Ranger to test the best emergency kit for hiking 2025
Peter Macfarlane directs us to the kit you'll want in your pack should the worst happen.
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18th June 2025
Our Equipment Editor spotlights the best head torches for hiking 2025
Chris Townsend tests the best head torches to light the way in the mountains.
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18th June 2025
Our expert enlists helping hands to test the best family tents 2025
John Manning takes a look at a mixed selection of family tents for group backpacking.
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18th June 2025
Our experts sleep out in the best 2 person tents 2025
We tested the best tents for two - from durable models to lightweight backpacking shelters.
Route guides and walks
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6th May 2025
One for the road: The best pub walks in Britain
In their toughest assignment yet, our contributors map out some of the finest pub walks up and down our British hills.
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16th February 2023
Sky Walks: 9 of the best treks in the Alps
Planning an Alpine hiking holiday this year? Hanna Lindon picks out some of the best treks in the Alps, Europe’s greatest mountain chain.
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6th May 2025
Give me shelter: the best bothy walks in Britain
Shelter, warmth and sometimes camaraderie in the most remote landscapes in the UK. Here are some of the UK's best bothy walks.
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6th May 2025
Hike further: long-distance trails in the UK and Ireland
Looking for some trail magic? One of these excellent long-distance trails in the UK and Ireland will no doubt provide.
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6th July 2023
12 of the best Peak District waterfall walks
The Great Outdoors rounds up the best Peak District waterfall walks and how to go waterfall hunting to find your own secret spots.
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6th May 2025
Time on rock: the best scrambling routes in the UK
Our contributors go on the hunt for spicy scrambles up and down the UK. Here are some of the best.
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29th September 2023
7 quiet hikes in Snowdonia/Eryri
Our contributors share their Eryri/Snowdonia hidden gems for those seeking solitude in the craggy corners of North Wales.
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27th June 2025
Glyndŵr’s Way: trail guide
A national trail of lesser-trodden routes through the rolling hills of mid-Wales on which to dip your toe in the magic of long-distance walking.
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15th May 2025
Aonach Eagach: route guide
James Roddie takes on Aonach Eagach, a big route with a big rep - plus the obligatory Clachaig pub stop!
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6th May 2025
The Pennine Way: trail guide
Marching for nearly 270 miles, the Pennine Way is the first of England’s long-distance paths. Becky Angell takes a detailed look at the route.
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6th May 2025
Clennoch Bothy and Moorbrock Hill: route guide
Ian Battersby finds that a relaxed approach to Clennoch Bothy wins the day.
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6th May 2025
Hike An Groban: route guide
Alex Roddie goes for a short scrambling day on the delightful An Groban near Gairloch, Northwest Highlands.
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9th January 2025
Nine Standards Rigg via The Black Bull: route guide
Ian Battersby uncovers treasures hiding in the shadow of nine mysterious cairns. Explore and treat yourself to a pint afterwards.
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Reviews from team TGO
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30th June 2025
Sea to Summit Alto TR1 Plus review
A good lightweight option, Lucy Wallace can recommend this Sea to Summit one-person tent.
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30th June 2025
Exped Mira 1 HL review
The lightest in her tests, Lucy Wallace recommends the Exped Mira 1 HL. Here's why.
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30th June 2025
Wild Country Halny Elite 1 review
Lucy Wallace awards the Halny Elite 1 her Best in Test. Find out why.
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20th June 2025
EDZ Merino Lightweight Walking socks review
PTC tested the EDZ Merino Lightweight Walking Socks. Here's why he's happy to recommend them.
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20th June 2025
1000 Mile Men’s Fusion Repreve Double Layer Walking sock review
In trail shoes in cold and icy conditions the 1000 Mile Men's Fusion Repreve Double Layer Walking socks have been excellent.
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20th June 2025
Silverpoint Alpaca Merino Wool Hiker Sock review
These Silverpoint Alpaca Merino wool socks were awarded PTC's Best in Test. Find out why.
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19th June 2025
Bridgedale Women’s Heavyweight Merino Comfort Boot review
These socks proved great for multi-day hiking but may lack warmth overnight.
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19th June 2025
INOV8 Merino High Sock review
The INOV8 Merino High Sock comes highly recommended for those seeking the ultimate in day sock comfort for a good price.
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19th June 2025
Highlander Aqua-tac 100% waterproof socks review
These socks were awarded Best in Test. Find out why.
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18th June 2025
Robens Lodge 2 Exp review
James Roddie recommends this tent after testing in the Highlands. Find out why.
Outdoor skills
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20th June 2025
What are the best materials for hiking trousers?
Tough, flexible materials in hiking trousers are impotant - as anyone who has attempted to straddle a stile too enthusiastically will understand.
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20th June 2025
How to choose hiking pants: our guide to trousers for walking and backpacking
Will Renwick gives his advice on how to choose the right hiking pants - from style to fit - for your outdoor adventures.
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20th June 2025
Are Merino wool hiking socks worth the investment?
I've hiked hundreds of miles in Merino socks and I'm a huge fan, but this super soft wool isn't always necessarily the best material for the job.
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