Supportive fabric boots with a good sole Salomon’s latest boot in the Quest series, the Quest 4D 3 GTX, is a nubuck leather and synthetic fabric model that looks and feels fairly substantial but is quite lightweight at 1.334kg for…
Innovative snowshoes from Norway Plentiful snow in the Cairngorms so far this winter mean it’s been ideal for snowshoeing and I’ve been trying a pair from Norwegian company Fimbulvetr (‘the great winter’ that precedes the end of the world in…
A useful inclinometer/thermometer When there’s masses of snow on the hills, as there is now in the Scottish Highlands, there’s always a risk of avalanches. Every winter season (which can last from October to May) there are many avalanches, most…
Innovative lightweight boots The latest model in Merrell’s well-established Chameleon range is said to be their most technical yet. The Chameleon 7 Mid is a low-cut boot with a rather striking appearance. The upper is made from suede and mesh.…
A superlight warm jacket Ultralight down jackets provide by far the most warmth for weight of any insulated garment. This new model from OEX is an excellent example and unlike most such jackets it’s not that expensive. The Zenon has…
A hard-wearing well-designed windproof top Items of gear that work well, year after year, with no changes in materials or design, are easy to overlook when it comes to reviews. One such item is the Paramo Fuera Smock. I’ve had…
Lightweight wide-fitting trail shoes Last year I reviewed the Altra Lone Peak 2.0 shoes, which I really loved as the wide fit was perfect for me. They’re designed for trail running but proved just as good for hillwalking and backpacking.…
Lightweight waterproof jacket for year-round use For this autumn Arc’teryx has launched a new version of the Beta LT waterproof jacket. It’s made from three-layer Gore-Tex Pro and Arc’teryx describes it as ‘a fast and light adventure shell that balances…
Chris Townsend is a world-leading authority on outdoor gear. In his weekly column, he assesses new innovations and tests exclusive early samples of new kit. This week he reviews the Macpac Minaret