Gear
Last-minute festive stocking fillers? Here are a few ideas
In a quandary what to buy your outdoors fan for Christmas? We've reviewed some stocking fillers for you...
On test: Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots reviewed
Price: £175 Weight: 1,124g/pair Country of manufacture: Vietnam Sizes: men’s 6-13; women’s 2½-8 in medium or wide versions Uppers: full-grain leather Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Sole stiffness: 6/10 I’ve previously tested boots from this Oregon-based brand, and found them very comfortable.
On test: Camelbak Octane 22 Hydration Hiking Pack reviewed
Price: £170 Weight: 901g Country of manufacture: Philippines Colour: black/grey Rated capacity: 20 litres Women’s version: no The Octane 22 is a handily sized daypack that incorporates the brand’s hydration system.
On test: Montane Anti-Freeze XT Hoodie reviewed
Price: £280 Weight: 494g (men’s medium, including stuffsack) Insulation: water-resistant duck down Shell fabric: Pertex Quantum Eco Country of manufacture: Cambodia Women’s version: yes Sizes: men’s S-XXL; women’s 8-16 There was a time when, if you needed the warmth provided by an insulated jacket, your choice was pretty much limited to one filled with down.
On test: winter waterproof jackets reviewed
Along with a good pair of walking boots, I rate a waterproof jacket as one of the two essentials if you’re heading for the hills in the UK.
What to buy your outdoors fan for Christmas? Here's grough's stocking-filler guide
Christmas is fast approaching, and with it the panic of what to buy your favourite outdoor enthusiast to fill their festive stocking.
On test: camping accessories reviewed
There has been a marked increase in the number of people taking camping breaks and enjoying the countryside since the Covid-19 lockdown restricted the potential for overseas holidays.
On test: Danner Mountain 600 boots reviewed
Price: £230 Weight: 1,098g/pair Country of manufacture: Vietnam Sizes: men’s 6½-12½; women’s 3½-8 Uppers: full-grain leather Waterproofing: Danner Dry Sole stiffness: 6/10 There’s a definite retro look to these boots from the Oregon-based brand.
On test: lightweight walking boots reviewed
Not everyone wants or indeed needs a pir of full-on mountain boots, which tend to be heavy, not always comfortable and quite pricey.
On test: Zamberlan Salathé Trek GTX boots reviewed
Price: £260 Weight: 1,054g/pair Country of manufacture: Italy Sizes: 39-46 Colour: black/grey Uppers: Hydrobloc suede Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Sole stiffness: 7/10 Women’s version: yes The Salathé Trek GTX is the Italian brand’s modern take on a hillwalking boot.
On test: Therm-a-Rest Neoair XLite NXT sleeping mat reviewed
Price: £210 Weight: 466g including sack Country of manufacture: Ireland Thermal insulation: R4.5 For me, the two most important aspects for a sleeping mat are the insulation it provides, and cushioning to allow as good a night’s sleep as possible in the tent.
On test: Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Gore-Tex boots reviewed
Price: £180 Weight: 966g/pair Country of manufacture: China Sizes: 5½-14½ Colour: grey/black Uppers: synthetic mesh and overlays Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Sole stiffness: 5/10 These lightweight boots from Terrex tip the scales at less than a kilo a pair, and have flexible uppers and well cushioned soles.
On test: Danner Cascade Crest boots reviewed
Price: £340 Weight: 1,724g/pair Country of manufacture: USA Sizes: men’s 6-14; women’s 3-9 Uppers: full-grain leather Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Sole stiffness: 6/10 These boots from the Oregon-based brand have a decidedly retro look and design.
On test: trail-walking shoes reviewed
Boots have traditionally been the footwear of choice when heading out onto the hills and moors of the UK.
H&M reveals £140 technical waterproof: 'the outdoors is for everyone'
Multinational fashion brand H&M is looking to stir up the outdoors clothing market with the development of its Move collection.
On test: Keen WK400 shoes reviewed
Price: £135 Weight: 774g a pair Country of manufacture: Cambodia Uppers: synthetic fabric Waterproofing: none Women’s version: yes Sizes: men’s ; women’s Sole stiffness: 6/10 The WK400 is, Keen says, the brand’s revolutionary shoe designed to make walking more enjoyable and fun.
On test: insulated jackets reviewed
A good insulated jacket will help keep out the chill on those cold days when the wind whips up and the temperature drops.
On test: Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX shoes reviewed
Price: £210 Colour: black/grey/red Weight: 688g a pair (size 9½) Construction: leather with textile panels Country of manufacture: Vietnam Sole stiffness: 4/10 Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Invisible Fit Women’s version: yes Sizes: men’s 6-13 medium or wide; women’s 3-9 medium I’ve put the Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX shoes to an extended test over a period of four months in conditions ranging from cool and wet days to hot summer outings on the hills.
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