Gear

Christmas stocking fillers for the outdoor fan: here's our last-minute festive gift guide
In a quandary over what to buy your favourite outdoors enthusiast? Here are some last minute gift ideas...
On test: 15 to 35 litre daysacks reviewed
A daysack should be able to accommodate all the gear and clothing you need on your single-day walk on the hills or in the countryside.
On test: trail and approach shoes reviewed
Pulling on a pair of boots is a natural first step for a trip to the hills, but sometimes a lighter shoe suits the conditions better and will probably tire you out less.

Sleeping-bag brand Snugpak unveils range of reusable face coverings
An outdoors gear manufacturer has introduced a range of masks as the need to wear face coverings becomes more widespread.
Footwear brand Keen's range of reusable face masks goes on sale
Footwear brand Keen is using one of its factories to manufacture face masks during the coronavirus pandemic.
On test: AKU Serai mountaineering boots reviewed
Price: £380 Country of manufacture: Italy Weight: 1,862g a pair (size 44/9½) Colour: black/grey/silver Construction: Kevlar/nylon/microfibre uppers plus Liba Smart PU Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Insulated Comfort Sole stiffness: 10/10 Women’s version: no Sizes: 5-13 (38-47½) Crampon compatible: yes, with automatic locking models, B3 These mountaineering boots from AKU are designed for full-on Alpine and altitude use.

Gold award for Houdini jacket that uses innovative Polartec eco-friendly fabric
A jacket that uses an eco-friendly fabric developed by Polartec has won a gold award at a major European trade show.
On test: 40-70 litre rucksacks reviewed
If you’re heading out on a multi-day walking trip or wild camping on the hills, you’ll need a rucksack that’s big enough to take all the necessary gear.
On test: lightweight backpacking tents reviewed
Our tent test was for lightweight models capable of being carried on a backpacking or multi-day trekking trip.
On test: Leatherman Free T4 multi-tool reviewed
Price: £74.95 Weight: 124g Size: 9.3cm x 2.1cm x 2.4cm Country of manufacture: USA Leatherman’s Free range of multi-tools feature a system that allows one-handed opening of the tools – useful if you need to keep hold of what you’re working on while selecting a different implement.

On test: Lomo Carbon Fibre Walking Poles reviewed
Price: £44.95 (pair) Country of manufacture: not stated Weight (pair): 440g Colour: black Length: collapsed: 62cm Maximum length: 135cm Material: carbon fibre These carbon fibre poles are part of the range from Glasgow-based Lomo, best known for its watersport gear.
On test: waterproof jackets reviewed
This test of waterproof jackets took place over an extended period, because it began before the imposition of the lockdown, which restricted access to routes we would normally use to evaluate clothing.
On test: Rab Skyline mountain-running clothing reviewed
Rab’s Skyline range is a lightweight series of outdoor gear aimed at mountain runners. The brand says it uses no-compromise design and materials ...

On test: Rab Mythic Ultra sleeping bag reviewed
Price: £550 Weight: 429g including stuffsack Packed size: 23cm x 17cm diameter Fabric: outer and inner, 7 denier ripstop nylon Insulation: hydrophobic goose down Colour: black Country of manufacture: UK Rab’s Ultra sleeping bags are a new addition to its Mythic range and are designed and manufactured to offer good insulation at the lowest possible weight.
On test: walkers' ice-axes reviewed
An ice-axe is an essential piece of safety equipment for anyone wanting to walk during winter conditions on the UK’s mountains.
On test: walking trousers reviewed
Choosing the right pair of trousers for your jaunts in the great outdoors will enhance your days out.

On test: Leatherman Free P2 multitool reviewed
Price: £164.95 Weight: 250g Country of manufacture: USA This Leatherman multitool is part of the Free range the USA brand unveiled this year.
On test: Osprey Katari 7 backpack reviewed
Price: £70 Weight: 534g Colour: grey/green Rated capacity: 7 litres Country of manufacture: Vietnam The Katari 7 is a slimline pack aimed at mountain bikers, cyclists and runners.