We've reviewed lots of Christmas goodies. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Christmas is just round the corner and you might be wracking your brains for that last-minute stocking filler for your favourite outdoors enthusiast.

We’ve been out on the hills and the countryside to evaluate some nice pieces of kit that will make great gifts, so here are our ideas for those yuletide presents to place under the tree to delight your loved one on 25 December.

Vango Powerbank
£72.50
524g
15.5cm x 9.5cm x 5cm
Country of manufacture: China

The Vango Powerbank is a useful addition to the camping kit.

Most of us have at least one electronic device we need to keep charged up, even when we’re at the campsite, and this handy block will also power your pump to inflate a tent or awning such as Vango’s AirBeam range.

It’s a fairly beefy item, in a sturdy plastic housing, so is aimed at basecamping rather than backpacking and the wild camper.

The unit is charged via the provided lead, which has a USB-A plug at one end, which goes into the electricity source, and a USB-C plug at the other end. Operation is simple: once plugged in and charging, a row of four LEDs indicate the Powerbank’s charge. A full charge takes about eight hours. Vango recommends an initial full charge when you get the unit and when the charge drops to 25 per cent.

The Powerbank’s input is 5V DC, 1,000 mA and its USB-A output is 5V 2A. The Vango unit also has a 12V DC output, delivered via a cigarette-lighter style socket, offering 140W power at 15A – the lighter-style plug isn’t supplied – so it’s suitable for items, such as the Vango electric pumps, which have such a pump for operation. With the Vango Powerbank, you won’t be dependent on having your vehicle close by to provide power for such a pump. The 12V socket has a tethered rubberised cover.

The lithium battery has 4,000 mAh capacity.

I’ve used the Vango Powerbank to charge my smartphone and tablets while away from home. The unit is also quite useful to use around the house as you can move around with your phone charging while it’s attached to the Powerbank, rather than having it plugged into a stationary socket.

And for those who have an electric pump for their inflatable tent, the Powerbank doubles up to provide charging for your gadgets too. You should get four inflations from a full charge and still have enough for your smartphone.

Wild Nature Calendar 2025. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

John Muir Trust Wild Nature Calendar 2025
£16.50 (including postage)
Country of manufacture: UK
John Muir Trust Wild Nature Diary
£20 (including postage)
Country of manufacture: UK

The calendar and diary are edited by John Beatty and published by Northern Light, who partner conservation charity the John Muir Trust in producing them.

The calendar features both photography of British landscapes and some amazing wildlife images. Each double page has a main photograph, with three additional thumbnails, together with interesting information about the subject. The calendar displays a month at a time, with public holidays and other notable dates, along with dates of full and new moons.

I find the Wild Nature Calendar is a great reminder of what I’m missing when I have to spend days hunched over the keyboard, and provides an incentive to get out and explore our countryside and mountains.

Wild Nature Diary 2025. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

The companion Wild Nature Diary is also packed with top quality photographs of the nature of the UK, shot by 28 different visual artists, who have captured the flora, fauna and landscape of our country. The selection of pictures is very varied, ranging from amazing macro images of tiny creatures to beautifully lit mountain forms. The wire-bound diary has a week per page, with a photograph and extended caption on the opposing page, appropriate for the time of year. As with the calendar, notable dates are included on the diary pages.

The diary is not only visually stunning, but informative and educational too, with lots of information on the subjects of the photographs.

Nebo CurvBeam 600 Flex headtorch. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

This rechargeable headtorch features both a forward-facing spotlight and wide beams that illuminate the peripheral areas.

The CurvBeam 600 shines light throughout 180 degrees, with the spot and wide LEDs controllable separately.

The headband has a soft tricot lining across the forehead area and the battery is housed separately at the rear of the strap. The headband isn’t adjustable, but there’s good elastication that kept it in place and was comfortable during my nights on the moors.

The main spot uses two white LEDs in an aluminium housing angled 20 degrees down. The control buttons are on the back of the battery housing. Pressing the main spot button once turns it on at high power, illuminating up to 96m at 500 lumen and giving 1½ hours of use. Pressing it again cycles the spots down to medium, with 150 lumen and a range up to 53m. The headtorch will give 5½ hours of illumination at this setting. A third press of the button turns the spotlights to low, 100 lumen, level, which should last 10 hours and illuminate to 23m.

The wide LEDs have two settings: high at 300 lumens, offering two hours and lighting up objects to 18m; and low, with 100 lumen power illuminating up to 11m for four hours.

Turning both the spots and the wide LEDs provides 600 lumen lighting to 92m for 1½ hours.

Pressing and holding either button turns the relevant LEDs on directly in low mode. The wide button stands a little proud of the spot button to help you feel which is which when operating the headtorch.

To recharge the 1,100mAh 3.7v lithium ion battery, you unclip the cover of the rear housing to reveal the battery, which can then be removed and charged via its USB-C socket. A small LED turns from red to green when fully charged. When the battery is placed back in its housing, a row of three LEDs on the back of the unit indicates the available charge.

You can also use three AAA alkaline batteries (not supplied) to power the unit.

The CurvBeam 600 Flex is rated to IPX4 for water-resistance, so I was happy to use the headtorch in rainy conditions. I used it on my evening walks on the moors, on dog walks and generally round the home too. The wide beams on their own were handy for domestic use and at the campsite and in the tent, where wider, diffused light is needed. I found the spot most useful when out night walking, with the full power lighting up the terrain for a good way ahead. Turning on the wide LEDs helped spotting peripheral objects.

The headtorch comes with Nebo’s two-year warranty.

LifeStraw Peak Series Solo Water Filter. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Lifestraw Peak Series Solo Water Filter
£31.95
82g, including syringe.
13cm x 3.5cm
Country of manufacture: South Korea

This nifty little filter will help you guard against tummy upsets in the great outdoors.

It’s a pocket-sized plastic cylindrical filter that simply screws into a standard 28mm threaded soft-drinks bottle to provide clean water when out on the hill, in the countryside or when travelling.

It will protect against bacteria, including salmonella and E.coli, and parasites such as cryptosporidium and giardia. The Peak Series Solo will also filter microplastics, which sadly are found in many water sources these days.

The microfilter inside the barrel of the unit lasts for up to 2,000 litres. The flow will stop when it reaches the end of its useful life.

One good aspect is that it will encourage the reuse of that drinks bottle you might otherwise have popped in the recycling bin. Operation is simple: fill your bottle from a water source such as a stream of pond, unscrew the bottom cap of the unit (don’t forget to put it somewhere safe) and screw the filter onto the thread of the bottle neck. The Peak Series Solo screws on snugly, ensuring no leakage. At the other end of the filter is the mouthpiece. Flip open the cover and either drink directly from the filter or squeeze the contents of the drinks bottle into another container. The flow rate is three litres per minute.

I’ve used the filter both to drink directly from the mouthpiece and to replenish my hydration reservoir with clean water.

The pore size of the filter element is 0.2 microns, which means 99.999999 per cent of bacteria and 99.999 per cent of parasites and microplastics are captured, giving reassurance your water is clean. This is particularly useful on backpacking and wild camping trips where you may struggle to find treated water sources.

The Peak Series Solo also comes with a syringe to enable you to keep the unit clean by backwashing the filter.

The unit is made from durable BPA-free plastic made from 50 per cent post-consumer recycled material and LifeStraw is a B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand. The brand also works to provide a child in need with safe water for a year with every purchase.

The Solo Water Filter takes up hardly any space in your rucksack and won’t add much weight to your pack, but is an essential addition to backpacker’s and travellers’ kit.

Rab Essential Bobble Hat. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Rab Essential Bobble hat
£28
118g
Country of manufacture: China

As the temperature drops, a warm head-covering is essential, and this stylish bobble hat from Rab fits the bill.

The soft fabric is ribbed polyester, which is 100 per cent recycled. It’s stretchy and hugs the head well. The broad turn-up sports a woven retro Rab label, featuring the brand’s original feather logo. And the hat is topped by a contrasting bobble.

It’s pretty lightweight, takes up hardly any room in my rucksack and, as its name suggests, is an essential part of my winter hillwalking kit.

You’ve a choice of six different colours, so there should be at least one that fits your preference.

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag set. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag 3-piece set
£48
159g total
Country of manufacture: China

Very few rucksacks are completely waterproof, so whenever I head out onto the hills in typical British weather, I always make sure my gear and spare clothing are protected in drysacks.

This set of three Dry Bags from Sea to Summit has three sizes: 3 litres; 5 litres and 8 litres, each a different colour to enable quick identification in your pack.

The largest swallowed my insulated jacket without problem, ensuring it didn’t get damp on some very wet days; the two other sizes I found useful for a variety of items, including my electronic gadgets (Sea to Summit recommends you double bag any particularly sensitive electrical gear).

The bags are made from bluesign-approved 70 denier nylon with a PFC-free durable water-resistant finish. They have a white polyurethane lining which ensured my items stayed dry and were easier to see within bags.

The roll-top closure on each bag have one edge stiffened and are non-wicking. The buckles are Sea to Summit’s Repair Buckle models, with a screw to enable replacement if necessary. There’s a plastic d-ring at one end to allow attachment. The base of the Dry Bags are oval to help them stand up when filled, and there’s a rubberised loop tab to help grip the base when pulling items out and to hang the bag up to dry.

Quality of the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bags is good, and they are waterproof to 10,000mm hydrostatic head, though they’re not designed for immersion as water could seep in via the closures in such cases.

They’ll only add a little weight overall to your pack, but they do give reassurance that its contents will stay dry when the rain and snow are lashing down.

Lifeventure Thermal Mug. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Lifeventure Thermal Mug
£15.99
255g
Country of manufacture: China

The Lifeventure Mug is great when you want a hot drink in the outdoors.

It’s essentially a small vacuum flask in mug form and will keep a hot drink warm for up to six hours thanks to its double-wall insulated construction.

The capacity of 300ml provides enough for a warming mug of your favourite beverage and the deep thread on the screw-on lid ensures there are no leaks.

The Thermal Mug feels robust and is made from food-grade stainless steel, free from harmful BPA.

Simply fill up the mug with coffee, tea or hot juice, screw on the lid and slip the mug in your pack, ready to drink from when you need a little internal warmth. There’s a separate expansion chamber under the top screw-off section, so there’s no worry about damage to the flask from hot liquids.

The Thermal Mug stands 16.5cm tall and, with a diameter of 7cm, will slot neatly into most packs’ drinks sleeve.

I’ve used it both on the hill during cold November days, and in urban environments where I needed a caffeine boost and warming pick-me-up.

For warmer months, the Thermal Mug will keep cold drinks cool for up to 12 hours and its neck is wide enough to accommodate ice cubes.

Keela Field Repair Kit. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Keela Field Repair Kit
£6.95
14g
Country of manufacture: not stated

This little kit might just get you out of a bind if you find yourself with damaged clothing while out on the hoof or at the campsite.

It consists of three 7.5cm clear Tuff Tape patches that can be applied to tears or snags in your waterproof jacket or trousers.

Though meant as a temporary measure, the self-adhesive patches are flexible, abrasion-resistant and waterproof. They can also be used on tents, inflatables and canopies. The patches are applied by removing half the backing paper, pressing down over the rip with even pressure, then removing the other half of the backing paper. The clothing can be washed with the patches applied.

Keela Outdoors has put together the Field Repair Kit as part of its Legacy Project, which aims to save outdoor enthusiasts from sending their kit to landfill. The Scottish brand offers a garment hospital for permanent repair as part of the project.

Camelbak Thrive Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Mug. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Camelbak Thrive Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Mug
£35
403g
Country of manufacture: China

The Thrive insulated mug is a substantial drinking vessel and will hold 500ml of your favourite hot beverage while helping to keep it warm

The stainless steel cup is vacuum insulated, so will keep hot drinks at a good temperature for hours, while its leak-proof lid makes it ideal for use while on the move. The design is simple but worked well.

The handle is wide enough to use while wearing gloves, but has a soft-touch surface for added comfort. The base is anti-slip and incorporates a bumper for a quiet, secure grip on all surfaces.

The screw-on lid is transparent plastic and features the leak-proof sliding element which, when closed, keeps your drink safely in the mug. To take a drink, you simply slide it open to reveal the outlet. The lip of the lid is slightly raised at the drink area, for a dribble-free experience.

Quality is good, and the mug stood up to plenty of use during our testing. It’s ideal for use at the camp, in the workplace, at home or tootling across town with your favourite flat white or cappuccino at hand.

The Camelbak Thrive Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Mug comes in a choice of five colours.

Ledlenser K6R Safety Keychain Light. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Ledlenser K6R Safety keychain light
£29.95
35g
Country of manufacture: China

This compact torch is small enough to keep attached to your keyring, measuring just 6.3cm x 3cm x 1.3cm, and doubles as a safety alarm.

Pressing its button once provides a 20 lumen beam, which extends to 15m. Another press turns on the 200 lumen LED, illuminating 50m and a double click will give you a short burst at maximum power, good for lighting up objects 80m away.

If you hold down the switch for five seconds, the unit flashes twice to indicate it’s locked, so won’t turn on accidentally if knocked in your pocket or handbag. Pressing the button for two seconds unlocks the torch, indicated by two short flashes again. A small LED illuminates briefly when turning on the torch, to tell you how well charged the inbuilt 400mAh battery is.

At its lowest level, the torch should give eight hours’ illumination, with 1½ hours at its higher level.

Charging is via a fold-out USB-A interface that when closed forms the button. To charge, just slot the fold-out tab into a USB-A socket. A full charge takes about three hours.

The K6R Safety is water-resistant to IP2X, level, so will keep out rain for a couple of minutes, and is drop tested to 2m.

The alarm is activated by pulling out the loop attached to the rear of the unit. This turns on the shrill 100dB alarm and the LED in strobe mode.

The main body of the torch is brushed aluminium and has a robust feel. It comes with a two-year warranty.

Keela Merino Boxer Shorts. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Keela Merino Boxer Shorts
£29.95
346g (men’s medium)
Country of manufacture: not stated
Women’s sizes: 8-20; men’s: S-3XL

These lightweight baselayer shorts are super comfortable, thanks to a slight stretchiness.

Their 100 per cent merino wool construction means they are very breathable and naturally resist odour build-up. They hug the body well and have flatlock stitching to help avoid potential chafing areas.

The waistband is elasticated and the men’s version have a fly opening. The fabric is 180g per square metre merino wool, making them lightweight and suitable for everyday use as well as yomping up your local mountain.

I’ve worn them extensively during the past few weeks and the shorts stayed comfortable and help keep my essential areas at the right temperature during a variety of weather conditions.

In a nutshell, they’re just what you need next to your skin while in the great outdoors.

NiteIze Go Lit Rechargeable Visibility Light
£23.99
14g
Country of manufacture: China

If you’re out and about during the long winter nights, this little light is an essential addition to your kit to improve your safety.

The tiny Rechargeable Visibility Light weighs only 14g and has a flexible strap that enables the light to be attached to a rucksack, bike handlebars or saddle post or a clothing loop. The rubber strap will fit round items up to 57mm diameter and the back of the light is shaped to allow it to fit easily on bike bars.

The unit is switched on by a small push-button on its side, a second press puts it into flashing mode. Holding the button down cycles it through five LED colours including red, blue, green and white. There’s also a ‘Disco-O’ mode that sets the light to cycle through the various colours continuously.

The Go Lit light is water resistant and impact resistant to 1m. Recharging is via a micro-USB socket covered by a rubberised plug (it doesn’t come with a lead). The indicator light changes from red to green when fully charged.

Run time of the light is about five hours and it takes about two hours to recharge. The light is bright enough to enable you to find your door keyhole in the dark, or even to provide a little illumination in your backpacking tent.

But above all, it helps boost your visibility on dark nights, making it a great little piece of safety kit.

LuminAID Paclite Max 2-in1 Power Lantern. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

LuminAID PackLite 2 in 1 Power Lantern
£45
230g including lead
Country of manufacture: China

This is a versatile piece of kit that serves as both a lantern and a charger, hence the 2 in 1 name.

The lantern is inflated by first twisting the two end in opposite directions, then topping up by blowing into the plastic valve.

The PackLite then gives a nice soft illumination through the translucent walls. There are four levels of lighting power, ranging from the maximum 150 lumen down to 15 lumen, plus a flashing mode. Repeatedly pressing the power button cycles the unit down through the different levels. At full charge, the lantern will provide three to four hours of illumination, while at its lowest level the LEDs will last for 50 hours.

The hanging loop, which has three different press-studs to vary its length, also doubles as a storage strap to keep the lantern neatly packed when in its flat state. The top of the PackLite has a solar panel. In full sun, this will charge the lantern in 12 to 15 hours, so if you’re backpacking in the summer months, strapping the PackLite to the top of your rucksack should mean you’ve power to recharge your phone or gadget by the time you pitch camp. Less of an option in December, though, so the LuminAID lantern comes with a USB charging lead: USB-A at one end and micro-USB at the other end, so if your phone uses a Lightning socket or USB-C connector, you’ll need to make sure you pack that.

Pressing the main power switch turns on the lantern, but there’s also a smaller battery check button, which indicates how charged the unit is, with four small LEDs. An additional small LED indicates that the lantern is charging – the brighter the light the stronger the charge – useful if you’re using the sun to create your charge. Incidentally, LuminAID doesn’t recommend using the solar panel for charging through a window, as it’s less effective. In this case, the USB method should be used.

To charge your phone or other gadget, plug the USB-A end of the lead into the housing on top of the lantern and the other end into your device (or use your own lead for iPhones with Lightning connectors), then press the little output button to start the process.

When collapsed down, the LuminAID PackLite 2 in 1 Power Lantern measures just 15cm x 15cm, with a 3cm depth, including the USB socket, so it’s compact enough to be used by backpackers and trekkers, as well as being a good choice for base camping or van life, plus those times at home when a power cut happens, so you can at least have some illumination while staggering round in the dark.

Yeti Rambler 18oz Bottle. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Yeti Rambler 18oz Bottle
£30
516g
Country of manufacture: China

The Rambler bottle ensures water is easily accessible, with its simple to use flip and sip lid and leak-resistant cap.

The double-wall vacuum insulated body of the bottle will keep your water cool, with a capacity of just over 500ml, it’s ideal for use on the trail, on the commute or just to have handy at home. I have it at my side when I’m working on the computer, then it slots into my pack when I head out for my daily walk on the moors.

The sturdy stainless steel bottle stood up to knocks well, and has Yeti’s TripleHaul handle, and angled rigid loop built into the lid, making it easy to grab from the rucksack’s side drinks pocket. The built-in straw goes to the bottom of the bottle, and has a wide diameter to make for rapid drinking to quench your thirst.

The Rambler bottle is dishwasher safe but Yeti don’t recommend using it for hot or carbonated drinks. It was supplied to us by Trekitt.

Helly Hansen Polartec Neck. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Helly Hansen Polartec Neck
£23
33g
Country of manufacture: Bangladesh

When the cold northerly wind is driving the weather at your face, you’ll appreciate this lightweight neck gaiter from Helly Hanson.

The soft Polartec Classic stretch fabric is ideal for a snug, warm feel, keeping the neck cosy and blocking the wind. Pull the Polartec up a little higher and it give protection to the face and covers the ears, which I really appreciated when the temperature dropped towards zero and the wind whistled up.

Comfort from the soft-touch material was good and the item only adds 33g to your pack, so it’s become an essential in my rucksack.

The 100 per cent polyester content is made from recycled material. It won’t break the bank either, so it’s great as a stocking filler for your favourite hillwalker, cyclist or skier.

Bridgedale Hike Midweight Merino Boot socks. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Bridgedale Hike Midweight Merino Boot socks
£24
78g pair
Country of manufacture: UK

Socks may be a clichéd Christmas gift, but for the outdoors fan, they’re an essential part of the wardrobe.

These midweight socks from the Northern Ireland brand feature a high merino wool content (18 per cent), which helps regulate temperature and control odours. Mixed with 26 per cent other new wool, 38 per cent polyamide, 17 per cent polypropylene and one per cent elastane, I found the socks comfortable over prolonged use in a variety of conditions.

Bridgedale designs these to stand up to exacting expedition use and multi-day trekking, with shock zones under the foot and flat seams at the toe, helping eliminate rubbing and foot movement within the sock. The elastane content means they stay snug against the foot and a 3-d heel cup adds to the comfort.

The socks are boot length, protecting the lower leg and ankle, and provided just the right amount of warmth while wicking any moisture build-up well.

The Bridgedale Hike Midweight Merino Boot socks will be my feet’s sole mates on my long walks in the coming year.

Berghaus Beanie. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Berghaus Beanie
£25
126g
Country of manufacture: China

Retro is clearly the fashion in outdoors headwear at the moment, and this Berghaus beanie follows the trend, with a woven logo writ large across the wearer’s head.

The 50-50 mix of polyester and acrylic kept my head snug on some pretty cool, windy days. The one-size cap hugs the head firmly, keeping it place during the gales, and the turn-up gives you a little flexibility on how much of the head you want to cover – it’ll cover your ears if needed.

The beanie is topped off with a bobble to demonstrate your membership of the outdoor community, so you’ll be at home whether on the ski slope, the crag or the mountain path.

The synthetic construction helped ensure the hat dried quickly too after a day out in typical moist UK weather. An essential addition to your pack during our cold and cool months.

Extremities Eco Active Gloves. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Extremities Eco Active Gloves
£45
88g pair
Country of manufacture: Pakistan
Sizes: XS-XL

These medium thickness gloves are ideal for days when the temperature drops and the wind picks up.

The 10 per cent elastane in their fabric gives them a soft stretchiness that hugs the hand nicely. Overall, the Eco Active Gloves have 90 per cent recycled material, including nylon and polyester. I found the Extremities gloves just the right thickness to keep my hands warm while retaining a degree of dexterity.

The palms have soft gripping patches and the index finger and thumb tips are touchscreen compatible, so I was able to check my phone without removing the gloves, and the cuffs are nice soft stretch fabric that stopped the wind sneaking in.

The Eco Active Gloves also have Extremities’ X-Dry waterproof membrane, so coped well during showery weather. The liner is PFC-free.

They’re great for a range of outdoor activities, from short dog-walking outings, to long days on the hill, a Park Run or more taxing run on the trails.

Super Sparrow SwivelSip Flask. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Super Sparrow SwivelSip Flask
£18
378g
Country of manufacture: China

This stainless steel drinks bottle from Super Sparrow has a large, 750ml capacity and a flip-open sip cap to make it easy to drink on the move.

SwivelSip Flask is double-wall insulated and will keep drinks hot for six hours or cool for 12 hours.

The neck is wide to allow ice cubes to be added and your drink to make them super cool. Once flipped up, the drink spout uses the internal straw to enable the drink to be drawn up out of the bottle.

I’ve used the flask extensively, both out on the hill, where its generous capacity was useful on a long day on the hoof, and also round town and at home, where having hydration handy is a boon. The Super Sparrow is also useful at the campsite, with no worries about spills if it’s knocked over. The price is competitive too. It’s BPA-free and the coating helps resist slips.

The brand cautions to use care if drinking hot liquids through the straw, so as not to scald the mouth. The bottle is dishwasher safe.

Helly Hansen Logo Waist Bag. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Helly Hansen Logo Waist Bag
£30
108g
Country of manufacture: China

Helly’s waist bag is ideal for keeping those bits and bobs close to hand when you’re on the hoof.

It can be worn as a bum bag or at the front of the body and is big enough to hold items such as a phone, sunglasses, compass and energy bars.

It’s made from a rugged feeling 210 denier ripstop nylon, with an adjustable webbing belt. Inside, there’s a zipped mesh pocket and the waist bag has a double-puller zip covered by a small storm flap.

The bag has a polyurethane lining to help keep your items dry. There’s a subtle HH logo on the front of the pack.

During the autumn and winter months, I’ve been using the Waist Bag to supplement my rucksack on day walks, and found it especially useful to have handy those items you need quick access to without having to take off the backpack to get to them.

On warm summer days, I expect to use the Logo Waist Bag on its own on short walks, when it’s just big enough to squeeze in a lightweight waterproof jacket.

LifeStraw Go Series 700ml bottle. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

LifeStraw Go Series Stainless Steel 700ml Bottle
£64.95
496g
Country of manufacture: South Korea

The Go Series bottle is the big cousin of the Peak Series Solo, in this case coming with an insulated 700ml bottle for a complete filtration system for outdoors enthusiasts and travellers.

The bottle is double-wall insulated stainless steel with a capacity of 700ml.

Sitting inside the bottle is LifeStraw’s filter to provide clean drinking water when on the move. The microfilter membrane will last for up to 4,000 litres and will remove bacteria such as E.coli, parasites such as cryptosporidium and microplastics, thanks to its 0.2 micron elements.

It also contains a carbon filter to improve taste and remove chlorine and organic chemical material such as pesticides and herbicides. The carbon filter is good for 100 litres of use.

The lid has a large plastic handle that you can pass a carabiner through to hang it on, and comes in two parts. The top part unscrews to reveal plastic drink spout. This can be unscrewed for cleaning if necessary. Unscrewing the lower section enables access to the main compartment in which the filter element sits.

Before the first use, LifeStraw recommends giving the bottle and filter a clean and also taking out the carbon filter element and running it in water for 60 seconds. Once reassembled, you just scoop water from your source, or fill it from a tap, screw the lid back on and it’s ready to drink from. Just make sure you keep the ‘clean’ parts – lid and drink spout – away from contaminated water and you’ll keep your drink safe. LifeStraw has redesigned the filter to improve the flow rate. The insulation will also keep your water cool if the outside temperature rises. The Go Series bottle isn’t designed for hot drinks.

The bottle is good quality and it stood up to use well during our testing.

Clean water is an essential for anyone active in the outdoors and the LifeStraw bottle is ideal for ensuring you always have access to hydration when on the move.

LifeStraw is a B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand. The brand also works to provide a child in need with safe water for a year with every purchase.

All the items tested were supplied to grough by the brands, except where otherwise noted.