Hiking gear reviews
Honest, in-depth reviews of hiking gear tested on UK trails. Boots, jackets, backpacks, poles and more — researched properly and written from real experience on the trail.
Editor's picks
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Jackets
Waterproof shells, softshells and insulation layers tested in real UK conditions.
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Hiking boots
Waterproof, supportive and built for British trails. Honest boot reviews.
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Walking shoes
Low-cut hiking shoes and trail runners for fast, light days on UK trails.
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Walking sandals
Proper walking sandals for summer trails, river crossings and easy days out.
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Backpacks
Day packs and multi-day rucksacks reviewed for comfort, fit and durability.
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Hiking poles
Trekking poles that take the strain off your knees on long descents.
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Socks
The most underrated bit of kit. Merino, synthetic and blended hiking socks reviewed.
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Baselayers
Merino and synthetic baselayers for year-round hiking comfort.
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Hiking equipment
Headlamps, gaiters, navigation tools and day kit essentials reviewed.
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Camping gear
Tents, sleeping bags, mats, stoves and camping essentials tested in UK conditions.
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Hiking clothing
Waterproof trousers, jackets, base layers and everything else you wear on the hill.
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Brand spotlight
Deep dives into the brands behind the kit, from gear we actually own. First up: ThruDark.
Hiking gear reviews for UK trails
Coast & Fell reviews hiking gear that actually gets used — on the Jurassic Coast, the Purbeck Hills, the South Downs, and the Scottish Highlands. Every review is based on personal use across real conditions: coastal mud, limestone paths, chalk ridges, and whatever the British weather decides to add. No press samples sent back after a weekend. No roundups built from spec sheets.
The focus is on kit that performs for walkers doing serious distances — day hikes of 20km+, organised challenges, and multi-day trips. If you're looking for a quick top-ten list, you're probably in the wrong place. If you want to know how a piece of gear actually behaves after 200 miles on UK trails, you're in exactly the right one.
Gear essentials for hiking in the UK
British conditions are specific. The combination of wet grass, chalk, limestone, coastal mud and unpredictable weather means the gear that works in the Alps won't necessarily work here. These are the five categories that matter most for UK hiking:
- Waterproof jacket — the single most important piece of kit for UK hiking. The question isn't whether you need one; it's which one. Packability, breathability, and seam sealing matter more than brand.
- Footwear — boots vs trail shoes is a more nuanced decision than most guides admit. Terrain, distance, and conditions all affect which is right. Our reviews cover both.
- Socks — the most underrated category. Blister prevention matters more at 30km than almost any other variable. Merino wool blends are the consistent answer for UK conditions.
- Pack — day pack fit and weight distribution become critical on long days. Hip belt design and back panel ventilation matter far more than the number of pockets.
- Navigation and day kit — phone signal is unreliable on the Jurassic Coast and non-existent in the Highlands. A paper map and a compass are not optional. We also cover headtorches, poles, and the essentials that go in every pack.
How we test
Every piece of gear reviewed on Coast & Fell is used by the same person — a 43-year-old hiker based in Dorset — across named trails and real conditions. Reviews cite specific routes, distances, and weather. If something fails or disappoints, that's in the review. Affiliate links are present where relevant; they don't affect the assessment.
Latest reviews
Best hiking boots UK 2026: 9 boots tested and ranked
The best hiking boots available in the UK right now, from a £45 NORTIV 8 budget pick to premium Mammut and Salomon boots. Nine boots ranked across every budget and use case, all with proven Amazon UK demand.
KEEN Targhee III Mid WP review: why we no longer recommend it
The KEEN Targhee III was our comfort and wide-fit pick, but recent Amazon buyer feedback tells a different story: too many reports of boots breaking down and leaking. Here is what changed, and the boots we point wide-footed hikers to instead.
Mammut Mercury IV Mid GTX review: the premium boot that undercuts our editor's pick
The Mammut Mercury IV Mid GTX brings Swiss build quality and GORE-TEX waterproofing to the £120 to £140 bracket. Here's where it fits against the Salomon X Ultra 360 and who should buy it.
Rab Cirrus jacket review: the insulated layer that changed how I think about kit
My first proper premium purchase when I started hiking. 2.5 years later I've got rid of almost every other coat I own. Here's why the Rab Cirrus converted me to buying kit for performance rather than appearance.
The Complete Rab Insulated Jackets Guide (2026)
Nine jackets, from the entry-point Cirrus to the paradox that is the Mythic G. Here is how to work out which one is actually right for your hiking.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP review: the most popular hiking boot in the UK
The Moab 3 Mid WP is the best-value serious hiking boot you can buy in the UK right now. Vibram TC5+ grip, solid M-Select DRY waterproofing, and a fit that works straight out of the box. Here's what it's actually like on trail.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II review: the best-value starter hiking boot in the UK
Around 26,000 Amazon UK ratings can't all be wrong. The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II is the sensible first proper hiking boot, waterproof, comfortable, and under £80. Here's where it's brilliant value and where pricier boots pull ahead.
Salomon Speedcross 6 review: 200km on the Jurassic Coast
Lightweight, grippy and with the best lacing system on the market, the Salomon Speedcross 6 has become my go-to shoe for dry trail days on the Jurassic Coast. Here's my honest review after 200km.
adidas Terrex Anylander Mid review: the mid-tier sweet spot
The adidas Terrex Anylander Mid is the taller version of our best value waterproof pick: RAIN.RDY membrane, gusseted tongue and Traxion grip at £75 to £85. Here is why it is the sweet spot between budget boots and the £120-plus tier.
Best down jacket for extreme cold: the warmest picks for -25C
Choosing a down jacket for the cold, static moments of an Arctic winter: aurora nights at minus twenty-five, sled seats and summit stops. Eleven verified jackets compared on fill weight, fill power and construction, led by the Mammut Taiss Pro Belay.
Skechers Relment Pelmo review: the comfort pick
The Skechers Relment Pelmo brings the brand's comfort reputation to a waterproof walking boot: relaxed fit, air-cooled memory foam and over 21,000 Amazon reviews at around £67. Here is where it shines and where the money shows.
Winter legwear for -25: I went shopping for fleece-lined joggers and came back with a mountain system
The plan was fleece-lined joggers for cabin comfort. It turns out that category barely exists at quality level. Here is the whole decision, from a £33 Amazon experiment to the lined trouser and tights system I ordered for the deep cold.
Best winter hiking trousers UK 2026: lined softshells, fleece linings and what to actually buy
True fleece lined winter hiking trousers barely exist at quality level. Here is what the big brands actually make instead, the budget fleece linings that do exist, and the layering system that beats both.
The Complete Mammut Insulated Jackets Guide (2026)
Eight insulated jackets from £210 to £680, and the names tell you nothing. The full Mammut range explained: down vs synthetic, every verified spec, and which one you should buy.
Best budget walking trousers UK 2026: six capable pairs under £70
Cheap and functional has a real place in a UK walking wardrobe. Six budget walking trousers from £28 to £70, from a waterproof Regatta to fleece-lined winter pairs, judged as what they are.
Rab Torque Vapour-Rise Pants review: the winter mountain trouser built winter-first
The Rab Torque Vapour-Rise is a winter mountain trouser designed from the ground up: zoned wicking lining, thigh vents, reinforced knees and ankle zips that fit over winter boots. The pair I chose for a Nordic winter trip.
Mammut Taiss Pro Belay review: the warmest jacket a UK walker can actually use
The Mammut Taiss Pro Belay won our extreme-cold guide: 200g of 850 fill down in boxwall chambers, synthetic insulation where the jacket gets crushed, and a cut that goes on over everything. The full review of why the belay format is the right format for winter walkers.
NORTIV 8 waterproof hiking boots review: the £45 entry point that actually works
The NORTIV 8 waterproof hiking boots cost £40 to £50 and carry nearly 25,000 Amazon reviews. As a first pair they are an outstanding entry point. Here is what the feedback says, where the limits are, and when to upgrade.
Salomon Wayfarer Warm Pants review: the winter version of the UK's default hiking trouser
The Salomon Wayfarer Warm takes the most sensible hiking trouser formula in the UK and rebuilds it for winter: a four-way stretch softshell with a brushed interior, DWR face and three leg lengths, for £110.
Salomon Outpulse Down review: serious warmth at a price the big names cannot touch
The Salomon Outpulse Down puts an 85/15 goose down fill and Salomon's top Extreme Warmth rating into a 524g relaxed-fit jacket for £320. The value pick from our extreme-cold guide, reviewed in full.
Best women's walking trousers UK 2026: seven pairs from £35 to £185
A women's walking trouser is not a men's pair in a smaller size. Seven pairs worth buying in 2026, from a £35 Peter Storm to the Fjallraven Keb Agile, with the fit details that actually differ.
Fjällräven Keb Agile Trousers Women's review: the premium trekking trouser, minus the weight
The women's Fjällräven Keb Agile takes the Keb's trail armour and rebuilds it around a four-way stretch fabric. Over 200g lighter than the classic Keb, with G-1000 Lite Stretch exactly where trousers wear out.
Mammut Taiss IN review: the hybrid down jacket you actually move in
The Mammut Taiss IN pairs 110g of 850 fill hydrophobic down with body-mapped synthetic at the forearms, shoulders and hood, in a 345g jacket built to stay on while you work. The mobile sibling of the Taiss Pro Belay, and the one that earns UK-winter wear all season.
Walking shoes vs walking boots: do you need boots?
The answer-first UK guide to the boots-or-shoes question. It comes down to terrain, load and season, and most UK day hikers are over-booted. Here is how to decide.
Rab Incline Pants Women's review: the dependable mid-range softshell
The women's Rab Incline is a midweight Matrix softshell trouser with three zipped pockets, three leg lengths and a shaped waistband. At £100 it is the dependable mid-range pick for UK hill walking.
Salomon Wayfarer 2.0 Women's Pants review: the lightest trouser in our women's guide
The women's Salomon Wayfarer 2.0 is the lightest trouser in our women's walking guide: an 85/15 four-way stretch build at around 255g with a thin built-in belt and hem drawcords. Built for fast, light miles.
Mammut Broad Peak Pro review: real 800 fill down warmth at 416g
The Mammut Broad Peak Pro IN packs 150g of 800 fill DRY DOWN into a 416g jacket with a 10 denier recycled shell and a 5 out of 6 warmth rating. The fast-and-light pick from our extreme-cold guide gets its full review.
Berghaus Ortler 2.0 review: the £90 walking trouser selling for £35
The Berghaus Ortler 2.0 is a proper all-season walking trouser with a 180g/m² stretch twill, articulated knees and zipped thigh vents. At £34.97 at Blacks it is the best trouser deal in the UK right now.
Mammut Glacier Glow review: 300g of down for £245
The Mammut Glacier Glow IN Hooded Jacket carries 300g of 700 fill power recycled down for £245. That is roughly twice the fill of packable-class down jackets at similar money, and it makes this the value-warmth hero of Mammut's everyday winter range.
Arc'teryx Gamma Pants review: the softshell benchmark, and what the £180 actually buys
The Arc'teryx Gamma Pant is the trouser other softshells get measured against: 355g, four-way stretch Fortius fabric, an integrated belt and a laminated hem. Whether the £180 is worth it depends on exactly one question.
Mammut Albula IN review: the everyday way into Mammut insulation
The Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket puts 178g of recycled Ecodown synthetic insulation in a 476g everyday jacket for £210. The accessible entry to Mammut's insulated range, and the one built for daily British use.
The head torches I'm taking my family to -25: the whole shortlist, and why we all ended up on the same one
Kitting out four of us with head torches for a Finnish winter turned into a proper decision. Here is every option I weighed, who each one actually suits, and the single feature that ended up putting the whole family on the same torch.
Salomon Wayfarer 2.0 Pants review: the three-season default, updated
The Salomon Wayfarer 2.0 updates the UK's default lightweight hiking trouser with a built-in belt, hem drawcords and streamlined pockets on the same four-way stretch formula. What changed, and where it wins and loses.
Montane Terra Pants review: why the UK's long-running favourite stays in every roundup
The Montane Terra has been a fixture of UK hillwalking for over two decades. Cotton-feel TACTEL fabric, CORDURA reinforcement, thigh vents and three leg lengths for £85. This is why it never leaves the shortlists.
Salomon S/Lab Ultra Carbon vs Ultra Carbon Foldable review
Salomon's two carbon folding trail running poles, the elite S/Lab Ultra Carbon and the Ultra Carbon Foldable, are the same weight and the same £140 price. So what actually separates them, who are they for, and which should you buy? A researched review for UK trail runners.
Best Women's Waterproof Trainers UK 2026: 34 GORE-TEX shoes rated
The best women's waterproof trainers for UK hikers in 2026. 34 GORE-TEX shoes compared on grip, breathability, fit and weight, from trail runners to everyday crossovers, all on a women's-specific last.
Merrell Moab 3 GORE-TEX (Women's) Review: The Comfort-First Value King
The women's Merrell Moab 3 GORE-TEX is the roomy, comfort-first all-rounder built on a women's-specific last. Vibram grip, a GORE-TEX membrane and out-of-box comfort for £145.
Best School Backpacks 2026: Durable Bags That Actually Last
My wife gave me one job for back to school: sort my son a backpack that survives longer than the last two did. I review backpacks for a living, so how hard can it be? Here are the school bags that actually last, judged on durability, load carrying, value and teen approval.
Patagonia Review: Is It a Good Brand and Worth the Money?
Patagonia is the most admired name in ethical outdoor clothing, and one of the most expensive. A straight answer on whether the brand is genuinely worth the money, backed by the pieces we have reviewed and the extraordinary story of who owns it now.
Patagonia Better Sweater Review: Jacket vs 1/4 Zip
The Patagonia Better Sweater is the smart, sweater-knit fleece that looks as good in the pub as on the hill. Here is the difference between the Full-Zip Jacket and the 1/4 Zip, the women's cut, and the one honest thing to know before you buy.
Patagonia R1 Air Review: The Benchmark Active Fleece
The Patagonia R1 is the fleece the entire active-midlayer category is measured against, and the R1 Air is its airier, more breathable evolution. Here is what it does, the difference between the Full-Zip Hoody and the Zip-Neck, and who should buy it.
Fenix HM65R V2 vs HM65R-T V2 review: the head torch I trust for serious nights
A serious performance head torch for real night use on UK coasts, mountains and forests: 2200 lumens, a 230m throw, a proper red mode and a cold-swappable battery. Two versions compared, and the one I chose for my whole family.
Patagonia Triolet Review: The Serious Gore-Tex Mountain Shell
The Patagonia Triolet is the brand's proper 3-layer Gore-Tex mountaineering shell, a big step up from the Torrentshell. Here is what it does, who actually needs it, and why the current colour prices make it a genuine bargain.
Best Men's Waterproof Trainers UK 2026: 26 GORE-TEX shoes tested and rated
The best men's waterproof trainers for UK hikers in 2026. 26 GORE-TEX and membrane shoes compared on grip, breathability, fit and weight, from trail runners to everyday crossovers.
Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX 20 Years Review: The Mud Shoe Turns 20
A pre-launch look at the special-edition Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX 20 Years: the same 5mm Mud Contagrip chevron lugs and waterproof membrane that built the Speedcross name, in an anniversary colourway.
Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX Women's Review: The Mud Specialist
The women's Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX on a women's-specific last: waterproof membrane, deep 5mm Mud Contagrip chevron lugs and a narrower heel built for wet, muddy British trails.
Salomon Genesis 2 GORE-TEX (Women's) Review
The Salomon Genesis 2 GORE-TEX is our top women's waterproof trainer for 2026: a women's-last fit, a full GORE-TEX membrane and Contagrip that grips wet British chalk and mud.
Best hiking fleeces UK 2026: grid, midweight, warm fleece and technical picks
The fleece is the layer that does the quiet work between your base layer and your shell, and the right one changes how a whole day feels. Here are the best hiking fleeces for the UK in 2026, sorted by type, from light grid fleeces you wear moving to the high-loft warm fleece you pull on when you stop.
Best women's hiking fleeces and midlayers UK 2026
A short, honest guide to the best women's hiking fleeces and midlayers in the UK for 2026: which of our top picks come in a women's cut, how women's fit differs, and the one I would buy first.
Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody Review: The Windshell Explained
The Squamish is the cheapest jacket Arc'teryx makes and one of the most useful, but it is badly misunderstood. Here is exactly what a windshell is, what it is not, and why it lives in the pack all year.
Salomon XT-4 OG GORE-TEX Review: A Seriously Capable All-Round Waterproof Shoe
The XT-4 OG GORE-TEX pairs a seam-sealed membrane with an aggressive Mud Contagrip outsole and the Agile Chassis platform. A capable all-round shoe for wet British walking.
Best non-merino base layers: wool-free options if merino makes you itch
Merino makes some of us itch, and being told it is the only 'proper' base layer is how people end up wearing nothing, or worse, cotton. It is not the only option. Here are the wool-free base layers I would actually buy, why a synthetic top is nearly as good as the wool you cannot wear, and how to pick between polypropylene, polyester and bamboo.
The baselayers I'm taking to -25: merino, synthetic, and why I split the two
I live in merino all winter, but I cannot wear it on my top half. So for an active week at minus twenty-five in northern Finland I am splitting the system: merino on my legs, synthetic up top. Why that works, what a baselayer actually does, and the tops and leggings I would put my own money on.
The midlayer I'm taking to -25: fleece, active insulation, and the swing between the two
The hard part of an active Arctic week is the swing between working flat out and standing dead still at minus twenty-five. A plush fleece is superb stationary but cooks you on the move; a thin active layer breathes on the move but is not enough stood still. Here is how I am thinking about the midlayer, the two pieces I already own, and the active-insulation hoody I am weighing up buying for the trip.
Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody Review: A Softshell, Not a Shell
The Gamma Hoody is the most misunderstood jacket Arc'teryx makes. It is a softshell, not a waterproof, and getting that one distinction right is the difference between loving it and returning it. Here is what it is actually for.
Arc'teryx Thorium Hoody Review: Down Warmth for the Hills
The Arc'teryx Thorium Hoody is a 750-fill down jacket built for warmth at rest, with synthetic insulation mapped into the shoulders and cuffs so damp never gets a foothold. Here is where it fits and who it is for.
Mammut Ducan III Low LTH GTX Review: The Leather One Built to Last
The leather Ducan III trades the mesh model's breathability for a Mastrotto suede upper that shrugs off chalk, bog and coast-path grit. Vibram XS Trek grip, GORE-TEX Prism lining, built for the wet British half of the year.
Arc'teryx Delta Hoody review: the grid fleece I actually wear the most
I own the Arc'teryx Delta Hoody (the old Delta LT, in Polartec Classic 100 micro-grid velour) and it is the fleece I reach for more than any other. Here is what it is like to actually live in, where it shines, and the one thing it is not.
Salomon Thernova Fleece Hoodie review: active insulation for the stop-start day
The Thernova is a PrimaLoft active-insulation hoodie built for the swing between working hard and standing still, and it is high on my shortlist for Finland. Here is the case for and against.
Arc'teryx Alpha vs Alpha SV: Which Gore-Tex Pro Shell?
Two Gore-Tex Pro alpine shells, one confusing choice. The Alpha is the lighter, faster all-rounder; the Alpha SV is the flagship built for the worst weather on the planet. Here is which one you actually need, and why most walkers need neither.
Mammut Ducan III Low GTX Review: The Stable One for Loaded Days
The Mammut Ducan III Low GTX is a GORE-TEX hiking shoe built around a FLEXTRON stability plate and a Vibram XS Trek outsole. Steady underfoot on rough British ground.
OEX Barneo review: a bamboo base layer for people who can't wear merino
I cannot wear a thick merino top without itching, so I keep an eye out for wool-free base layers that are actually worth buying. The OEX Barneo is Millets' own-brand bamboo-blend top and leggings, cheap and easy to buy, and a soft, honest answer for anyone who has fallen out with wool. Here is what it is, what it does well, and where its limits are.
Mammut Aconcagua ML review: a Power Stretch Pro fleece, judged on the specs
The Aconcagua is Mammut's Polartec Power Stretch Pro fleece: a slim, stretchy, breathable active midlayer. A close look at who it suits, and where the slim Euro fit and premium price bite.
Arc'teryx Atom vs Atom SL: Which Insulated Hoody?
Two synthetic insulated hoodies, one letter of difference, and a lot of confusion. Here is the Atom Hoody vs the Atom SL Hoody decoded, so you know which weight is right for your walking before you spend.
Arc'teryx Beta vs Beta AR vs Beta SL: Which One to Buy?
Three Beta shells, one name, three very different jackets. Beta SL, Beta and Beta AR compared, so you know exactly which Arc'teryx waterproof to buy, and why the Superlight one costs more, not less.
10 best waterproof shells for autumn hiking in 2026
After the driest summer in memory, the rain is coming back. These are the waterproof shells worth buying for autumn 2026, reviewed for the 40+ hiker.
adidas Terrex Agravic GORE-TEX 2 Review: A Fast Trail Shoe That Keeps the Bog Out
The adidas Terrex Agravic GORE-TEX 2 is a fast, waterproof trail shoe with Continental grip, an 8mm drop and Lightstrike cushioning built for wet British miles.
Columbia Steens Mountain fleece review: the budget best-buy, judged honestly
The Steens Mountain is the cheapest credible cosy fleece from a major brand, and it sells by the container-load on Amazon. A close look at what your money actually buys.
Craghoppers CO2 Renu Fleece review: the value fleece with a conscience
The CO2 Renu keeps turning up as the UK best-value fleece, and it does it with recycled and bio-carbon fibre at a price the technical brands cannot touch. Here is my researched take on what you get, and what you give up, for around £80.
Arc'teryx Jackets Explained: Which One Is Right for You? (2026)
Beta, Beta AR, Beta SL, Atom, Alpha, Gamma, Thorium, Squamish. Eleven jackets and a naming system built to confuse. Here is the whole Arc'teryx range decoded, with a simple tick-box table to find the one that is right for you.
Arc'teryx Norvan LD 4 GORE-TEX Review: The Long-Distance Waterproof Pick
Arc'teryx's long-distance trail shoe with a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit liner, Vibram Megagrip outsole and a low 6mm drop. The premium waterproof pick for wet British miles.
Mammut Alnasca IV Low LTH GTX Review: A Leather Approach Shoe That Earns the £190
The leather Alnasca IV Low is Mammut's rock-ready approach shoe: Vibram XS Trek Evo grip, a FLEXTRON plate for edging and a GORE-TEX membrane for wet British ground.
Arc'teryx Review: Is It a Good Brand and Worth the Money?
Arc'teryx is the most admired name in technical outerwear, and one of the most expensive. A straight answer on whether the brand is genuinely worth the money, backed by the full jacket range we have broken down piece by piece.
Rab Nexus Fleece review: the grid midlayer that earns its keep on the move
The Rab Nexus is a UK favourite lightweight grid fleece: Thermic G, strong warmth-for-weight and it breathes well. A clear look at what it is and, just as important, what it is not.
Silva Trail Runner Free 2 Ultra review: the comfortable, rear-balanced alternative
A comfortable, rear-balanced running head torch with a rear red safety light and a 3x AAA cold backup. The comfort-first pick I shortlisted for my own family, and an honest look at who it suits and why I ended up choosing differently for Finland.
Arc'teryx Konseal GORE-TEX Review: The Approach Shoe That Scrambles
A stiff, carbon-shanked GORE-TEX approach shoe on a Vibram XS Flash 2 climbing outsole. Built for scrambly ground, wet rock and load carrying, not the town.
Mammut Ducan FL Longsleeve review: a light, wool-free active baselayer
The Mammut Ducan FL Longsleeve is a light, recycled-synthetic active top built for moving hard in the warmer months. It is wool-free, fast-drying and treated for odour, and it makes a lot of sense if merino itches you. Here is what it does well, where it stops, and who should buy it.
Montane Protium fleece review: which Protium is the warm one?
The Protium is Montane's packable warm fleece, and it is the best UK-brand answer to the high-loft midlayer. But Protium is a family, not one jacket, and the name hides three quite different fleeces. Here is which one you actually want.
Mammut Aenergy Hike Low GTX Review: A Fast, Waterproof Day-Hike Shoe
Mammut's Aenergy Hike Low GTX is a light, well-cushioned waterproof day-hike shoe with GORE-TEX and a grippy Swiss outsole. Here is how it holds up on British trails.
Merrell Moab 3 GORE-TEX Review: The Comfort-First Value King
The Merrell Moab 3 GORE-TEX is the roomy, comfort-first all-rounder that just works. Vibram grip, a waterproof membrane and out-of-box comfort for £145.
Mammut Trift review: a premium merino base layer set
Mammut's Trift is a seamless merino base layer built for cold, stop-start days: warm when damp, low on odour and cut Swiss-slim. Here is who the Longsleeve top and Long Tights suit, who should skip them, and how to size them right.
Under Armour ColdGear vs HeatGear: which base layer for the cold?
People buy the wrong Under Armour base layer all the time, because the names are back to front in your head. HeatGear is the thin, cool, hot-weather line. ColdGear is the warm, brushed, cold-weather line. Here is the difference in plain English, the compression-versus-relaxed fit question, and which one you actually want for the cold, from someone who has worn the ColdGear for a couple of winters.
Best winter boots for extreme cold: the warmest picks for -25C
The winter boots I am choosing between for an active week at minus twenty-five in Arctic Finland: a UK-available boot built into a warm-enough system, or one warmer boot bought outright. The two routes, everything I ruled out, and the honest picture of how hard deep-cold boots are to buy in Britain.
The North Face Denali fleece review: the warm-fleece benchmark, judged on the specs
The Denali is the fleece every other high-loft warm fleece gets measured against. What the Polartec 300 pile actually buys you, where it wins, and the three things it will never do.
The North Face Offtrail TR GORE-TEX Review: A Grippy Waterproof Trail Runner for British Slop
A waterproof, aggressively lugged trail runner built for wet British ground. GORE-TEX, a 5mm SURFACE CTRL outsole and a 6mm drop that suits fast miles on soft trails.
Mammut Lithium 25 review: a feature-rich Swiss 25L daypack
Mammut's Lithium 25 packs more features and organisation into a 25-litre daypack than almost anything at the size: integrated rain cover, fold-out phone pocket, a ventilated back. It costs premium money, and it earns most of it.
Mammut Alnasca IV Low GTX Review: A Grippy Approach Shoe for British Scrambles
Mammut's Alnasca IV Low GTX pairs a Vibram XS Trek outsole with a GORE-TEX membrane for grippy, waterproof scrambling. Here is how it handles wet British rock and chalk.
Salomon X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX Review: The Stable One
A stability-first waterproof trainer with a heel-wrapping chassis, GORE-TEX and All Terrain Contagrip. The X Ultra 360 GTX suits heavier days and rough ground.
adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 GORE-TEX Review: £100 Hiking Shoe That Grips
A £100 GORE-TEX hiking shoe with a Continental rubber outsole and 4mm lugs. Grippy, waterproof and light enough for coast paths and downland year round.
Mammut Aenergy Trail Low GTX Review: A Technical All-Mountain Shoe for British Trails
Mammut's Aenergy Trail All-Mountain Low GTX is a GORE-TEX all-mountain shoe with a grippy Mammut outsole, 8mm drop and CORE Plus cushioning. My full UK review.
Mammut Alto Light HS review: a light, packable Swiss hardshell for UK hiking
Mammut's lightest hiking hardshell is a minimalist 355g shell with premium 2.5-layer DRY Tour fabric. A no-frills three-season waterproof that packs down small and earns its place in a UK hiking pack.
Lowa Innovo GORE-TEX Lo Review: A Supportive German Hiking Shoe Built to Last
The Lowa Innovo GORE-TEX Lo is a supportive, precise-fitting German hiking shoe with a GORE-TEX ePE membrane and Terra Trac outsole. Here is how it handles UK trails.
Danish Endurance base layers review: budget merino that punches up
Danish Endurance make well-reviewed merino kit at a fraction of Icebreaker money, and their socks already earn a place in my drawer. Here is the honest case for their Merino Baselayer Set: an 80/20 wool blend that is a little tougher and a lot cheaper than pure merino, plus where the rest of the range fits.
Mammut Review: Is It a Good Brand? A UK Hiker's Verdict
Is Mammut a good brand? A straight answer on the Swiss alpine name: the 1862 rope-making heritage, what they genuinely do best, whether the premium price is earned, and the slim Euro fit that trips people up.
Meindl Respond GORE-TEX Review: The German All-Rounder That Just Keeps Going
The Meindl Respond GORE-TEX is a durable velour-leather and mesh hiking shoe with a Salomon-built Contagrip sole. Waterproof, supportive and built to last across British trails.
Salomon Genesis 2 GTX Review: The Do-Everything Trail Shoe
A waterproof, GORE-TEX trail shoe that handles chalk, bog and coast path in one go. Deep Contagrip lugs, a stable 8mm-drop platform and a Matryx upper make the Genesis 2 GTX a proper all-rounder.
Rab Hyperon 65 review: the big-load expedition pack
The Rab Hyperon 65 is the flagship load-hauler from Rab's 2025 pack range: a V-TRAX adjustable back, a pivoting hip belt and organisation built for week-long trips and expedition loads. Here is who it suits and how it stacks up against the Osprey Aether 65 and Deuter Aircontact Core.
Osprey Review: Is It a Good Backpack Brand?
Is Osprey a good backpack brand? A straight answer on the heritage, the AntiGravity and AirSpeed suspension, the All Mighty Guarantee, and the three Osprey packs we rate most.
Rab Review: Is It a Good Brand and Worth the Money?
Rab is one of the most respected names in British outdoor kit, and one of the most expensive. A straight answer on whether the brand is any good and whether the prices are worth it, backed by six of its jackets and one pair of shorts we have reviewed.
Salomon Review: Is It a Good Brand? A UK Hiker's Verdict
Is Salomon a good brand? A straight answer from a Dorset hiker who owns the Speedcross 6 and the X Ultra 360, covering the heritage, the signature tech, the pricing and the narrow fit that trips people up.
Hywell Merino Wool Socks Review: An Honest Tested Take
I tested Hywell's merino wool socks in the no-show, ankle and crew heights. Soft, brilliantly fitted and sweat-free in the heat, but thinner than I expected. Here is where they fit, and where my Darn Toughs still win.
Mammut Sertig III Low GTX Review: The Comfort-Value Hiking Shoe
Mammut's Sertig III Low GTX pairs a GORE-TEX lining with high-rebound EVA cushioning for a comfortable, waterproof day-hiking shoe at £135.
Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX Review: The Fast Road-to-Gravel Waterproof Shoe
A light, quick GORE-TEX shoe built for the road-to-gravel blur. Contagrip grip, an 8mm drop and optiFOAM cushioning make it a fast dry-foot option for firm paths.
Petzl Swift RL review: the reactive, lightweight all-rounder
The Petzl Swift RL is the reactive, lightweight all-rounder of the head torch cluster: 92g, 1200 lumens and auto-adjusting brightness so you never touch a mode. A specs-and-reputation assessment of who it suits.
adidas Terrex Anylander Rain.Rdy review: the best value waterproof walking shoe
The Anylander Rain.Rdy is the budget waterproof pick from adidas Terrex. At around £60 it undercuts almost every membrane walking shoe, with a RAIN.RDY membrane, a gusseted tongue and a grippy Traxion outsole. Here is who it suits and where it gives ground.
adidas Terrex Trailmaker 2 GORE-TEX review: three years in my own shoes
I have worn the adidas Terrex Trailmaker 2 GORE-TEX for three years, from football touchlines to the Jurassic Coast. They are my pick for the best waterproof walking shoes I own, and here is why.
Best walking shoes UK 2026: hiking shoes and trail trainers tested and rated
The best walking shoes for UK hikers in 2026. Rugged hiking shoes and lightweight trail trainers compared on grip, waterproofing, fit and weight, from the Merrell Moab 3 to a £43 budget pick.
Karrimor Bodmin Weathertite review: the honest budget walking shoe
The Karrimor Bodmin Weathertite is the honest budget walking shoe: waterproof, cheap and hugely popular by review count. Here is what its ~£43 price gets you, who it suits, and where you feel the gap to a Moab.
KEEN NXIS Evo Waterproof review: the lighter, faster KEEN
The NXIS Evo is KEEN's comfort and roomy-fit ethos in a lighter, faster shoe than the Targhee. A running-shoe feel, KEEN.DRY waterproofing and a generous toe box, with less protection and durability than KEEN's heavier hiker. Here is who it suits.
La Sportiva Spire GTX review: the technical hiking shoe for rough ground
The La Sportiva Spire GTX is the premium, technical low-cut shoe for steep, rocky, mountain-adjacent hiking. Vibram XS Trek grip, GORE-TEX Surround breathability and a precise fit, for around £185. Here is who should buy it and who should not.
The North Face Hedgehog 3 review: a supportive value walking shoe
The North Face Hedgehog 3 is a firm, supportive, waterproof walking shoe at a sensible price. DryVent keeps the wet out, the SURFACE CTRL sole grips well, and the whole thing is built to last. Here is who it suits and who should look elsewhere.
Salomon X Ultra Pioneer GORE-TEX review: the affordable way into a Salomon hiking shoe
The X Ultra Pioneer GORE-TEX is the cheapest way into a Salomon hiking shoe: the X Ultra feel, a GORE-TEX membrane and a Mud Contagrip sole at an everyday price. Here is who it suits and when to step up to the leather 360.
Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GORE-TEX review: the stability walking shoe
The Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GORE-TEX is the brand's stability shoe: a moulded 3D Chassis, All-Terrain Contagrip and Quicklace in a locked-down, hard-wearing low-cut. Here is who it suits and who should look elsewhere.
On Cloudrock Low Waterproof Review: The Cushioned Crossover That Earns Its £170
On's Cloudrock Low Waterproof pairs a proprietary waterproof membrane with the grippy Missiongrip outsole and Helion Superfoam cushioning. A cushioned town-to-trail crossover.
Rab Muon 50 review: the light 50L that bridges ultralight and mainstream
The Rab Muon 50 is a roughly 1kg, 50 litre pack that Rab classes as ultralight. A tubular alloy frame, surprisingly strong fabric and a proper hip belt let it carry a real multi-day load. Here is where it wins and where heavier UK winter kit finds its limit.
Best base layers for hiking UK 2026: merino and wool-free, every weight band
The base layer is the piece of kit that touches your skin all day, and getting it right matters more than most people think. Here are the best base layers for UK hiking in 2026, merino and wool-free, sorted by weight band and by who they actually suit, from the light top I live in to the heavy stuff for standing still in the cold.
Merrell Nova 4 Waterproof Review: Cheap Waterproof Miles
A £130 waterproof trail runner with Merrell's Quantum Grip outsole, 8mm drop and a sealed membrane. Fast, cushioned and cheap for wet British miles.
Salomon XT-6 GORE-TEX Review: The Trail Icon Gets a Waterproof Membrane
The XT-6 GORE-TEX takes Salomon's cult trail-running silhouette and adds a waterproof membrane. A grippy, secure, do-everything shoe for wet British days.
Montane Trailblazer 44 review: the value fast-and-light pack
The Montane Trailblazer 44 is a sub-1kg British pack that bridges a big daypack and a minimalist overnighter. A single alloy stay, tough RAPTOR fabric and a trail-vest harness, all for around half the price of its rivals. Here is who it suits and where its 10kg ceiling bites.
Merrell Speed Strike 2 GORE-TEX Review: A Fast, Light Waterproof Shoe for British Trails
The Merrell Speed Strike 2 GORE-TEX is a 330g waterproof trail shoe built for fast miles on wet UK paths. Here is how it holds up on chalk, bog and downland.
Rab Protium 35 review: the do-more day pack
The Rab Protium 35 is the flagship of Rab's new-for-2025 pack range and the pack editorial testers have called a best daypack overall. A 35L do-more day pack with an adjustable Air Contour back and a recycled Robic shell. Here is who it suits and who should size down.
Salomon XT-Pathway GORE-TEX Review: The Trail-Styled Commuter That Handles Real Mud
A GORE-TEX waterproof trainer with proper Mud Contagrip lugs and an 11mm drop. Built for the commute but happy on a wet downland path.
Osprey Exos 48 review: the accessible way into lightweight backpacking
The Osprey Exos 48 is the mainstream way into lightweight multi-day backpacking: sub-1.2kg, a suspended AirSpeed mesh back and a load rating that copes with a real UK kit. Here is where it wins and where a true cottage ultralight pack pulls ahead.
Merrell Accentor Sport 3 GORE-TEX Review: The £95 Value Bench Mark
A £95 GORE-TEX walking shoe that covers wet British trails without the Vibram price tag. Merrell's sticky rubber and a proper waterproof membrane, low-cut and honest about it.
Best ultralight backpacks UK 2026: sub-1kg to 1.2kg packs for lower base weight
The best ultralight backpacks you can actually buy in the UK, from a 980g British pack to sub-900g cottage builds. Framed vs frameless, base weight, and coping with UK wet and heavier loads.
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L review: the best British-weather everyday pack
A weatherproof everyday and day-hike crossover pack built around a recycled TPU-film laminate that shrugs off UK drizzle. Here is why the Black Hole 25 is the pack to pick over the Refugio when the forecast is wet, and where it falls short.
Best Helly Hansen base layers: the Lifa range explained
Helly Hansen is one of the best base-layer brands going, but the Lifa naming trips everyone up: Lifa is a fibre and a family of product names at the same time. Here is the whole HH base-layer range explained, from the cheap Lifa Stripe wicking hero to the clever merino-lined tops, with a clear which-one-for-which-job.
Rab Torque 8in Mountain Shorts review: the summer short I wore through a Rhodes heatwave
Lightweight, seriously stretchy and cool in real heat. I wore the Rab Torque 8in Mountain Shorts hard on the trails and shorelines of Rhodes, and they have earned a permanent place in my summer kit.
Black Diamond Storm 500-R review: the rugged, waterproof pick
The Black Diamond Storm 500-R is the tough, waterproof, keep-it-simple pick in this cluster: IP67-sealed, red and RGB night-vision modes, and the cheapest way into a premium torch at around 60 pounds.
On Cloud 6 review: are they any good for walking?
I wore the On Cloud 6 for a week of travel and coastal walking on Rhodes. Superb comfort, light and surprisingly supportive, and a great everyday trainer. Just don't mistake it for a hiking shoe. Here's the honest verdict.
Rab backpacks: the 2025 range explained
Rab relaunched its entire pack range for 2025. A clear, research-based guide to the Protium, Nitron, Airox, Adrift, Tygen, Muon, Exion and Hyperon packs, what each is for and which to buy.
Trail running shoes vs hiking shoes: which for UK trails?
Can you hike in trail running shoes? For UK day hikes with a light pack, yes, and many long-distance walkers now prefer them. Here's how they compare to hiking shoes, and when each one wins.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L review: the organised one-bag travel pack
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is the main rival to the Osprey Farpoint for one-bag carry-on travel: a full-clamshell pack with built-in organisation, a tough TPU-coated shell, separate laptop and tablet sleeves and cabin-baggage dimensions. Here is who it suits and where it slips.
The North Face Borealis review: the everyday and commute pack, not a hiking sack
The best-selling everyday and commute daypack, built around the FlexVent suspension and a protected laptop compartment. Here is why the North Face Borealis is a superb town-and-campus pack, and why you should buy a proper hiking daypack for the trail.
Gregory Zulu 30 review: the ventilated 30L daypack for hot days
The Gregory Zulu 30 is the ventilation specialist of the 30L class: a FreeFloat trampoline-mesh back that holds the pack off your spine and a cushioned hip belt that carries a full day load in comfort. Here is who the airflow and extra volume suit, and where it loses out to the Osprey packs.
Best backpacks for dog walking and days out UK 2026: 5 town-and-trail daypacks
The best backpack for dog walking, days out and everyday use in the UK. Five sub-30L town-and-trail daypacks compared on water resistance, pockets and comfort, from the Osprey Daylite Plus to a budget Salomon.
Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 review: the value comfort workhorse
The Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 is the comfort-and-value multi-day rucksack: the Aircontact back system, VariQuick adjustment and a hip belt that carries heavy loads for the money. Here is who it suits and how it stacks up against the Osprey Kestrel and Aether.
Lowe Alpine AirZone Trail 25 review: the British ventilated daypack
The Lowe Alpine AirZone Trail 25 is the British brand's answer to hot, sweaty UK hill days: a suspended AirZone mesh back that opens a deep air gap off your spine, a lid that expands the load, and a rain cover in the box. Here is who the ventilation suits and how it compares to the Osprey Stratos and Gregory Zulu.
Best Smartwool base layers UK: Classic Thermal & All Season
Smartwool is the other big merino name alongside Icebreaker, and it does one thing differently: it blends nylon into the wool for durability. Here is the UK Smartwool base layer range, the 100% merino Classic Thermal versus the merino-nylon All Season, an honest Smartwool-versus-Icebreaker steer, and who each one is actually for.
Best backpacking rucksacks UK 2026: 8 multi-day packs from 45 to 70L
The best backpacking rucksacks for UK multi-day trails, 45 to 70L, compared on load carry, back-system adjustment and hip-belt support. Picks from a £100 budget hauler to a premium Osprey.
Ledlenser HF8R Core review: the focusable-beam head torch (and the H8R's successor)
The Ledlenser HF8R Core is the current, far more capable successor to the best-selling H8R: a twist-to-focus optic, an automatic adaptive beam and the longest throw in this cluster at 210m.
Best Black Diamond trekking poles UK 2026: the whole range explained
Black Diamond invented the FlickLock lever and it shows across their pole line. Here is the UK buyer's guide to every current Black Diamond trekking pole, from the tested Trail Explorer 3 to the carbon Pursuit FLZ, with the right model for your kind of walking.
Best Leki walking poles UK 2026: the full range explained
Leki is the specialist's walking pole brand: the SpeedLock lever, Aergon grips and decades of repairable durability. Here is the full Leki range for UK hikers, from the budget Voyager to the carbon Makalu FX Carbon flagship.
Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon FLZ review: the carbon folding flagship
Black Diamond's premium carbon folding pole: light, well damped and packs down to 36cm. A research-led review of the Pursuit Carbon FLZ, with the one thing most buyers get wrong, choosing 125cm or 135cm by height.
Black Diamond Trail Back review: the affordable way into a proper Black Diamond pole
The Trail Back is the cheapest genuine dual FlickLock aluminium pole Black Diamond makes. A research-led look at the foam-grip value sibling to the Trail Explorer 3 I own, and who should buy it over stepping up.
Black Diamond Trail review: the light, do-it-all telescopic in the Trail line
A research-led review of the Black Diamond Trail, the lightest telescopic pole in the affordable Trail line. Dual FlickLock, 480g and a soft-touch grip, set against the Trail Back and the Trail Explorer 3 I own.
Black Diamond Trail Vista review: FLZ folding vs Shock anti-shock, and which to pick
Two Trail Vista upgrades on one cork-grip FlickLock platform: the folding FLZ that packs inside your daypack, and the telescopic Shock with anti-shock damping. A research-led look at which one suits your hiking.
Leki Khumbu Lite review: the value all-rounder (and the AS anti-shock version)
The Leki Khumbu Lite is the brand's value all-rounder: the SpeedLock lever, a cork-composite grip and tough aluminium at a sensible price. Here is the full picture, plus whether the anti-shock AS version is worth the extra.
Leki Makalu FX Carbon review: the carbon folding flagship (and the Compact)
The Leki Makalu FX Carbon is the carbon folding pole most serious hikers point to, and one of the most respected folders made. Here is the full picture on the standard pole and the smaller-packing FX Carbon Compact, including where the price is and is not justified.
Leki Makalu Lite review: the buy-once aluminium walking pole
The Makalu Lite is the do-everything aluminium Leki most walkers buy once and keep for years. SpeedLock lever, sculpted Aergon Air grip and a tough HTS 6.5 shaft, reviewed for UK hikers.
Leki Skysolo review: the premium lightweight aluminium pole for fast walkers
Leki's top aluminium pole pairs a slim Verticon grip and the SpeedLock 2 Plus lever with a wide length range. A light, fast-feeling walking pole for hikers who want the best aluminium without going full carbon.
Leki Skytera Carbon Lite review: carbon lightness in a telescopic pole
The Leki Skytera Carbon Lite is the lightest telescopic pole in the Leki range: a carbon and aluminium hybrid shaft with the SpeedLock 2 Plus lever, for walkers who want low weight and full adjustability without a Z-fold. Here is the researched picture for UK hikers.
Leki Voyager trekking poles review: the cheapest way into Leki
The Voyager is the entry point to Leki: hardened aluminium, the Super Lock adjustment system and the brand's spare-parts backing at the lowest price Leki does. Here is who it suits and who should step up a tier.
Osprey Farpoint 40 review: the go-to one-bag travel pack
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is the default 40L clamshell travel backpack: full front-loading access, a padded laptop sleeve, lockable zips and a stowaway harness. Here is how it fits UK cabin allowances and who should buy it.
Best travel backpacks UK 2026: carry-on and one-bag packs compared
The best travel backpacks for one-bag and carry-on travel in the UK, compared on cabin dimensions, front-loading access, laptop protection and organisation. From the Osprey Farpoint 40 to the Cotopaxi Allpa 35, with a full airline size table.
Osprey Daylite Plus review: the do-everything 20L daypack
The Osprey Daylite Plus 20L is the best-selling sub-£60 daypack on Amazon UK for a reason: it does dog walks, days out, commuting, travel and light trails without fuss. Here is who it suits and who should size up.
Best hiking daypacks UK: 7 trail and hillwalking day packs rated (15 to 30L)
The best hiking daypacks for UK trails, from a 430g ultralight to a ventilated hillwalking pack. Seven 15 to 30L trail day packs compared on airflow, hip belt, pole and bladder carry, weight and price.
Osprey Talon 22 review: the benchmark 22L hiking daypack
The Osprey Talon 22 is the most-cited do-it-all hiking daypack in the UK: AirScape back, BioStretch hipbelt, pole and bladder carry, and a close, agile fit for fast day walks and scrambling. Here is who it suits and who should size up.
ThruDark Black Ops Dyneema Jumper Review: does the Dyneema actually matter?
A 500gsm cotton sweatshirt with Dyneema-reinforced elbows sounds like marketing dressed as clothing. I own the Generation 2, bought at retail. Here is whether the Dyneema means anything and whether £130 is fair.
ThruDark Phalanx Fleece review: their best-known piece, judged as clothing
The Phalanx is ThruDark's longest-serving design and the piece most people associate with the brand. I own one, bought at retail. Here is what £240 of Polartec High Loft actually gets you.
ThruDark Review: Is This Ex-Special Forces Brand Worth It?
Four ThruDark pieces bought at retail, a head office half an hour up the road, and a straight answer on whether the prices are justified.
Sun protection for hiking: a UK head-to-toe guide
The parts that burn fastest are the pale bits you never think about: the back of the neck, the ears, the tops of your feet. Here is how I handle sun protection for hiking in the UK, from someone who burns in minutes.
Best walking sandals UK 2026: 8 pairs that earn their place on the trail
The best walking sandals for UK trails in 2026. Eight picks from Keen, Teva, Merrell and Birkenstock, judged on wet-rock grip, strap security and drainage rather than how they look at a picnic.
Birkenstock Arizona review: the days-out and recovery sandal, not a hiking sandal
The Birkenstock Arizona is not a hiking sandal and I won't pretend it is. It's the sandal for easy days out, the campsite, and letting your feet recover after hours in boots. This review covers both the Birko-Flor and the £45 EVA version.
Keen Newport H2 review: the closed-toe walking sandal that started it all
The Keen Newport H2 is our top pick walking sandal: a closed-toe hybrid with a rubber toe bumper, washable quick-dry webbing and a razor-siped outsole for wet rock. Here's why it earns the spot, and where it doesn't suit.
Keen Newport leather review: the original walking sandal, smartened up
The Keen Newport in waxy waterproofed leather is the original closed-toe walking sandal in its smartest form: the same toe bumper and siped outsole as the H2, with an upper that moulds to your foot and looks right in a pub garden.
Teva Hurricane XLT3 review: the value open-toe walking sandal
The Teva Hurricane XLT3 is the value pick among open-toe walking sandals: quick-dry recycled webbing, three-point adjustability and a more cushioned footbed than the XLT2, at around £70. Here's who it suits and where the open toe costs you.
Black Diamond Spot 400 review: the waterproof mid-range workhorse
The Black Diamond Spot 400 is the waterproof, no-fuss mid-range pick in this cluster: 400 lumens, IPX8 sealing, PowerTap dimming, a red night mode and AAA power, at around 45 pounds.
Best Icebreaker base layers UK: 175 vs 200 vs 260 by use case
Icebreaker is the benchmark for merino base layers, and the whole range comes down to three weights: the light 175 Everyday, the best-selling 200 Oasis and the cold-weather 260 Tech. Here is what each weight is for, which one I actually live in, and how to spend less if the price stings.
How to stay cool on the trail: hiking in hot weather
The tactics and kit I use to stay cool hiking in a UK heatwave: starting early, shade, wetting a cap or buff, cooling towels, and the sunglasses I never leave home without.
Women's hiking backpacks: what actually makes them different
A women's hiking backpack is not a men's pack in a different colour. Torso length, strap shape and hip belt fit are genuinely different. Here is what changes, why it matters, and five women's packs worth carrying.
Best portable camping fridge UK 2026: which one you actually need
Which portable camping fridge keeps your food and drink properly cold on the trips that matter. The fridges worth buying, what to spend, and the cheaper coolers that do a similar job for less.
Nitecore NU25 review: the 50g ultralight head torch you always have with you
A 50g USB-C ultralight head torch built for fast-and-light nights: 400 lumens, three colour temperatures and a red mode. The gram-counter's pick in this cluster, and an honest look at the trade-offs of a built-in battery.
Rab Electron Pro Review: when 700FP is not quite enough
The step up to 800FP European goose down is real. If the Microlight Alpine leaves you cold on the days that matter most, this is the jacket that fixes that.
Rab Glaceon Pro Review: lightweight down done properly
The Glaceon Pro and the Microlight Alpine use the same fill power. The difference is 160 grams of total weight and a more technical construction that earns its premium. Here is who it is actually for.
Rab Microlight Alpine Review: the packable down jacket most UK hikers want
153 grams of 700FP hydrophobic down in a jacket that packs to the size of a water bottle. The Microlight Alpine has been the reference point for packable down for years. Here is why.
Rab Nebitron Pro Review: the serious winter upgrade
If the Rab Cirrus is the jacket that showed me what good kit looks like, the Nebitron Pro is the one I want when conditions turn genuinely serious. Here is everything you need to know before buying.
What I pack for a warm summer day walk: the honest kit list
Not a generic checklist. This is what I actually carry on warm summer day walks in the UK, what I leave at home, and why the answer always depends on the walk.
Petzl Actik Core review: the sensible mid-range head torch for real UK nights
The best-selling do-everything head torch: 625 lumens, a proper red mode and the clever CORE battery that also takes AAA. The value pick in this cluster, and the sensible mid-tier default for coast paths, winter hills, forests and dog walks.
Osprey Hikelite 26 review: the best ventilated daypack under £100
Osprey quality and the airy AirSpeed back of pricier packs, in a 26L size with a raincover included for around £90. The daypack I reach for when I know my back is going to get hot.
Petzl Tikka review: the dependable budget head torch
The Petzl Tikka is the sensible budget pick in this cluster: 350 lumens, a red night-vision mode and AAA-or-CORE hybrid batteries for around 34 pounds. The first head torch to keep in the pack, the car or by the door.
Best hiking backpacks and daypacks UK 2026: 8 packs reviewed for real trail use
Eight hiking backpacks and daypacks reviewed for UK trails, from a 434g ultralight trail pack to a 65L budget expedition rucksack. Including the Osprey Talon 33, Hikelite 26 and Stratos 36.
Osprey Stratos 36 review: the day-pack-plus that goes further
The Stratos 36 sits above the Talon 33 in the Osprey range: more volume, a trampoline-mesh back panel with better airflow, a zipped sleeping bag compartment and an adjustable torso. Here's when it earns its place over the Talon.
Best camping chairs UK 2026: lightweight packable and padded chairs for every use
The best camping chairs you can actually buy on Amazon UK right now, split into lightweight packable chairs for backpacking and padded chairs for festivals and base camp. From a £45 best-seller to a 490g Helinox.
North Face Exploration Regular Tapered Trousers review: the hiking trouser that works everywhere
The North Face Exploration Regular Tapered is a four-way stretch hiking trouser that doubles as everyday wear. No zip-off, no bulk, just a clean tapered fit that works on trail and off it.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pants review: the waterproof overtrousers that actually keep up with you
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pants are the waterproof overtrousers I reach for on every serious wet-weather day on the Jurassic Coast. Fully taped seams, proper 3-layer waterproofing and long enough ankle zips to pull on over Salomon boots without sitting down in a puddle.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 review: the best hiking smartwatch for iPhone users?
Three years of daily Apple Watch use, from the original Ultra to the Ultra 3. The GPS is excellent, the ecosystem integration is unmatched, and the battery is the honest trade-off you need to understand before buying.
Best hiking GPS watches UK 2026: seven watches tested across every budget
From the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to the Garmin Enduro 3, these are the seven GPS watches worth buying for UK hiking in 2026 — with honest comparisons on battery, navigation, and what you actually need on trail.
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar review: is this the best GPS watch for serious hikers?
A research-led review of the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar from someone actively considering switching from the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Honest about what I haven't yet tested, and clear about what the data says.
Garmin Forerunner 970 review: the best all-round hiking GPS watch UK
The Forerunner 970 crosses over from running watch to hiking GPS with conviction. Topo maps, multi-band GPS, 56g. A research-led review of the lightest fully-featured GPS hiking watch in this class.
Danish Endurance Merino Hiking Socks review: the case for budget merino
Three pairs of merino hiking socks for £28. That's less than the cost of one pair of Darn Tough. After walking them on the Jurassic Coast, here's what the Danish Endurance 3-Pack actually delivers.
Best waterproof hiking trousers UK 2026: overtrousers worth carrying on every hike
The best waterproof hiking trousers available in the UK right now. From ultralight emergency layers to proper 3-layer Gore-Tex shells, here is what to carry when British weather turns serious.
The North Face Exploration Convertible Pants review: the hiking trouser I reach for most
Lightweight, stretchy and comfortable enough to forget you are wearing hiking-specific kit. The North Face Exploration Convertible is the trouser I reach for most on UK trails and the one I would recommend to most hikers starting out.
RevolutionRace outdoor trousers review: the Swedish brand taking UK hiking by storm
RevolutionRace is a Swedish outdoor brand most UK hikers had not heard of five years ago. Now their GP and Nordwand trouser ranges are among the highest-reviewed hiking trousers on Amazon UK. Here is the honest picture on what they make, who it is for and whether the hype is justified.
Best hiking trousers UK 2026: what I actually wear and what to buy for every condition
From lightweight convertibles for spring days on the Jurassic Coast to waterproof overtrousers for properly wet conditions, here are the hiking trousers worth buying in the UK right now. Including four pairs I actually own and wear.
Best trekking poles UK 2026: tested picks for every hiker
From Jurassic Coast cliff paths to Highland ridges, the right trekking poles make a real difference on the descents. Here are the best trekking poles available in the UK right now, for every budget and hiking style.
Black Diamond Trail Explorer 3 trekking poles review: the reliable all-terrain workhorse
Three-section aluminium, FlickLock adjustability and Black Diamond build quality at a price that makes sense for most UK hikers. Here is the honest picture on the Trail Explorer 3 after real use on demanding terrain.
Best cool boxes UK 2026: cool boxes, cool bags and electric coolers worth buying
The best cool boxes, cool bags and electric coolers available in the UK right now. From budget bags to a £325 YETI, covering every use case from a day at the beach to a week of wild camping.
Coleman 50QT Xtreme Cooler review: the best cool box most people should buy
Thirteen thousand Amazon reviews at 4.5 stars. Five days of ice retention. 84-can capacity. The Coleman 50QT Xtreme is the benchmark cool box for UK camping and the one most people should buy.
Best hiking socks UK 2026 — 10 pairs worth buying for every budget
The right hiking sock prevents blisters, regulates temperature and makes a long day significantly more comfortable. The wrong one does the opposite. Here are the 10 best hiking socks available in the UK right now, for every budget and every condition.
Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Mid GTX review: the waterproof boot for British winters
I bought these when the Speedcross 6 started to feel inadequate in winter conditions. Lightweight, GTX waterproofed and comfortable from day one. Here's what they're like after a season of use on UK trails.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L review: the waterproof shell that kept me dry on Pen y Fan in January
A Christmas present that replaced every other waterproof I own. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the shell I wear on every serious hike and the one I'd recommend to most UK hikers without hesitation.
Best hiking gadgets UK 2026: tech worth carrying on the trail
From satellite communicators to action cameras, GPS watches to traction devices, the hiking tech that actually makes a difference on the trail. Eight categories, multiple options at every price point, all on Amazon UK.
Fire Maple FMS-X3 review: the backpacking stove that makes a Jetboil hard to justify
The Jetboil is faster. The Fire Maple FMS-X3 costs half the price, boils water in under two minutes, and gives you time to take your boots off. Here's why I haven't looked back.
Osprey Talon 33 review: the day pack I didn't know I needed
I upgraded from the Osprey Daylite Plus when my kit started outgrowing it. The Talon 33 changed how I hike, hydration bladder, hip pockets full of Haribo, dry bags inside, Fire Maple in the main compartment. Here's why I wouldn't go back.
Darn Tough socks review: the best hiking socks you can buy?
After hundreds of miles on UK trails without a single blister, I'm convinced Darn Tough makes the best hiking socks available. Here's why — and which pair to buy for every condition.
Ten Father's Day gifts for hikers — what to get the dad who already has walking boots
Buying for a hiker is hard because good hikers already own the basics. These are the ten things he'd never justify buying himself — from a satellite communicator to a proper headlamp. £32 to £329, all on Amazon.
About our gear reviews
Every piece of gear reviewed on Coast & Fell is researched thoroughly — cross-referencing manufacturer specifications, expert testing data, and where possible, real-world use on UK trails. When we recommend a product, we mean it.
Our reviews focus on the things that matter most for hiking in the UK: waterproofing that holds up in sustained British rain, breathability on long upland climbs, durability on coastal paths, and comfort over a full day on the hill. We cover everything from entry-level kit to premium performance gear, with honest assessments of where the price premium is justified and where it isn't.
We cover waterproof jackets, hiking boots, walking shoes, walking sandals, backpacks, hiking poles, socks, baselayers, hiking clothing, hiking equipment and camping gear. New reviews are published regularly — bookmark this page or check back often for the latest additions.