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Brand Spotlight

Deep dives into the brands behind the kit: the story, the materials, and an honest answer on whether the price is earned. Written from kit we actually own, starting with Dorset's own ThruDark.

Curated by Shane Feltham. This page contains affiliate links; we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

10 reviews

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brand-spotlight

Black Diamond Review: Is It a Good Brand and Worth It?

Black Diamond is one of the biggest names in climbing and mountain kit, and it makes some of the best head torches and trekking poles you can buy. A straight answer on whether the brand is any good and whether it is worth the investment, drawn from the Black Diamond gear we have reviewed.

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brand-spotlight

Merrell Review: Is It a Good Brand and Worth It?

Merrell is the name most people meet first when they start hiking. A straight answer on whether the brand is any good and whether it is worth the money, drawn from the Merrell footwear we have reviewed on Coast & Fell.

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brand-spotlight

The North Face Review: Is It a Good Brand and Worth It?

The North Face is one of the biggest names in outdoor kit, from the iconic Denali fleece to trail shoes and daypacks. A straight, research-led answer on whether the brand is any good and whether it is worth the money.

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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.

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Arc'teryx Review: Is It Worth It?

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, with the naming system decoded and the full range we have reviewed piece by piece, from shells and insulation to softshells, trousers and footwear.

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brand-spotlight

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.

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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.

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brand-spotlight

Rab Review: Is It a Good Brand and Worth the Money?

Rab is one of the most respected names in British outdoor kit. A straight answer on whether the brand is any good and whether it is worth the investment, from the Rab gear we have tested and the pieces I own and hike in.

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brand-spotlight

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.

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ThruDark Review: Is It Worth It? An Owner's Take

brand-spotlight

ThruDark Review: Is It Worth It? An Owner's Take

An owner's take on ThruDark: the Dorset brand I've bought into since 2024, from the Phalanx fleece that lives on my packing list to the kit I'm lining up for a winter of ultra training and an Arctic trip to Finland.

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