On test: insulated jackets

As winter takes hold, you need gear that will keep you warm on the hill. We look at nine jackets and see how they perform...

Dont panic! Here's our last-minute festive outdoor stocking-filler gift guide

If panic is setting in as Christmas approaches and you still haven’t bought those stocking fillers for your outdoor enthusiast, grough has some suggestions for gift ideas for the woman or man who would rather be on the hill than slumbering in front of the television this festive season.

Berghaus unveils top of range winter jackets and trousers

Berghaus has unveiled its top of the range jackets for this winter, using three–layer Gore-Tex Pro.

On test: Asolo Reston WP boots

Asolo Reston WP boots Weight: 1,026g a pair of (size 44/9½) Price: £145 Colour: grey/graphite Material: uppers, water-resistant suede 1.6-1.8mm/ polyester; sole, rubber/EVA Country of manufacture: Romania Crampon rating: B0 (not crampon compatible) The Asolo Reston is part of a range using the brand’s Natural Shape last and sole, which it says more accurately mirrors the foot’s shape.

On test: MSR TR-3 Surelock Poles

MSR TR-3 Surelock Poles Country of manufacture: China Weight: 604g (pair) Price: £105 a pair Colour: mustard/black/silver Material: 7000 Series aluminium The use of trekking poles seems to divide the walking community.

On test: gloves

Spend any amount of time on a cold, blowy hillside without a decent pair of gloves and you’ll regret not packing a pair in your rucksack.

Snugpak 2nd Skinz base layers offer warmth for cooler days

As the weather turns cooler, British brand is offering outdoor fans a value-for-money base layer system.

On test: walking trousers

If you’re going for a stroll around the park, then an comfy pair of old trousers might fit the bill, but walkers stepping up to a longer excursion or venturing into the hills need to give their legwear a bit more consideration.

On test: Mammut T Aenergy GTX boots

Mammut T Aenergy GTX boots Price: £160 Weight: 1,220g a pair (size 43.5) Materials: upper, polyamide with liquid rubber protection; midsole, EVA; outsole: rubber Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane Colour: graphite/inferno (grey/red) Country of manufacture: China Crampon rating: B0 (not crampon compatible) grough rating: Performance 30/35 Comfort 31/35 Quality 7/10 Value for money 14/20 Total score: 82/100 The oddly named T Aenergy GTX boots are lightweight offerings from the Swiss brand Mammut.