Walking trousers are a hard nut to crack. You want them to be tight enough that they don’t fall down mid mountain. Long enough that they cover the all important ankle ‘gappage’ (the annoying space between sock, boot, and exposed leg). And durable enough that they are almost indestructible (I’m looking at that sketchy via ferrata). You also want them to be light and flexible so you don’t get soggy and sore. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair for a while, and when I was given the chance to try these BAM Active Trousers, I was intrigued to see if they’d fit the bill.

What you get

The BAM Roborough trousers are a slim fitting cargo cut trouser for hiking and outdoor activities. They are made of a heavy weight twill fabric formed of cotton, viscose bamboo and elastane.

They are cut mid to high on the waist and have six pockets:

• two patch pockets at the front with a diagonal opening

• side pockets on the leg with poppers

• one popper back pocket

• one back zip pocket.

BAM is a climate positive company and are on a journey to become Impact Positive. Their clothing is bamboo based with a big sustainability focus.

You can see all the tech specs on the official BAM Roborough Cargo Trouser page.

How the BAM Roborough Cargo Trousers Performed

These trousers have now been on several hikes, but the first test was a 10km hike around Loch Torridon. Classic Scottish Highlands, I had 4 seasons in a day and a whole load of midges to contend with!

The Material

BAM’s Roborough Bamboo Cargo Trousers are made from a heavyweight stretch twill which is mainly composed of Organic Cotton and Bamboo fibres. To say the material is soft, would be an understatement. As BAM says, ‘the feeling is so soft that you will want to live in them’. I wouldn’t put it that far, but I could definitely spend a long time in them. The bamboo fibres not only add the softness but also naturally combats odours due to its antimicrobial benefits. Perfect for those long sweaty walks or that multi day trip when you forgot the backup pair of bottoms. 

The Fit

Overall, I would say the fit was very good. The material definitely hugged all the right places, both making them easy to move in and chafe-free. It only let itself down on the ankles, which were quite tight. I didn’t notice this when walking, but when taking them off, it was a bit of a struggle. I can imagine there would have been a fair bit of ‘tent pretzeling’’ if I was doing a camp. I thought I'd mention it, however it is just a personal fit situation.

The Feel

I was really surprised by how comfortable the trousers were. I thought the heavyweight twill would be restrictive, particularly on some of the scrambly sections of the route, however they were the opposite. Due to the close fit design, I found them to be really easy to move and stretch in. This was tested to the max when I had to scramble over some very large bouldery things for a good 20 minutes. I was hoping to get down to a remote loch, but gave up as I realised I didn’t have enough time or snacks to go all the way down and right back up again. It was mainly the snacks, let's be honest. 

A Note about Chafing:

After testing the trousers for some longer hikes, plus during day to day wear, I have found they start to chafe around the inner thigh seams after a few hours. This is not noticeable on shorter walks, but over long periods it can become uncomfortable. This is definitely not a deal breaker as these trousers are very comfortable in general and make for some great light hiking gear. It is just to say that these may not be the right trousers for you if you are looking to do some longer walks. Or perhaps consider sizing up.

Overall Verdict

I will definitely be wearing these on many more walks in the mountains, but I also love how they could equally pass as a pair of everyday trousers. I’m a big fan of multi-purpose item. The pockets are amazing for storing all the essentials (snacks), with two buttoned pockets on the sides and the jean style pockets on the top and back. I am also a huge fan of BAM’s sustainability credentials and dedication to make well made products which last a long time. We definitely need to see more brands making this part of their ethos, so it feels good to be supporting a brand which is spear-heading this. It’s a yes from me!

Jessie is an avid mountain biker and now Munro-bagger, currently based in the gloriously soggy North West Highlands.

Hi, I’m Rebecca and I’m based in the Lake District. I love trail and fell running, particularly ultra marathons and orienteering events.

Salomon Senseride 4 - First Look

The first look of the shoes look pretty similar to the Salomon Speedcross shoes, but slightly more road suitable. They have pretty sturdy lugs (sticky out bits on the bottom to stop you slipping, but not as big as the Speedcross. They also have the Salomon sensifit laces which I’m a fan of. I also liked the colour, I do like that Salomon have some quite muted colour shoes and interesting colour ways. The fit was a fairly nice slim fit which works well for me but might not be as good for runners with wider feet. 

In comparison to other shoes I would put them more trail suitable than road shoes but not a hardcore trail shoe. Salomon state that they are for ‘mixed’ terrain which I would agree with. They seem to fit a similar niche to the Inov-8 Parclaws. 

Out on Test

I first received these when I lived in Borrowdale in the Lake District where I had direct access to the fells (rocky, muddy and steep grass) but very little road running. And have continued to use them when I moved to Penrith where I mostly have access to pavements with some hard packed trails and fields.

I found their grip good on wet grass and they performed better than the Inov-8s on wet rock (which the Inov-8s can be notoriously bad for). Going down steep, off road descents I didn’t find them as stable as my Inov-8 Mudclaws (black and orange in the comparison photo) so I would feel less confident on very unstable terrain with them. However they we’re great for road and forest tracks where you need some grip but the terrain isn’t too challenging. 

Overall Verdict

I have found over time I don’t find them quite stable enough for off path, very rocky and muddy terrain (I have dodgy ankles so I really need stability) but I love them for runs from the door where I want a bit of cushioning when I am on the road but I may go off road for part of my run. They’re also good for longer distances although some people may want more padding. A great all round shoe for someone running on mixed terrain, whether a Parkrun, local trails or a longer run. 

Rebecca is an outdoor instructor who loves running and climbing in the Lake District. She also runs a small outdoor company called Peak Confidence, with the aim of encouraging others to build confidence and skills in the outdoors.

The ultimate performance running belt is for those of us who can’t even go for a short run without a few ‘essential’ bits. For me, it’s necessary because even in the middle of winter I like a pair of short shorts with no room for pockets. So, the keys and the phone need to go somewhere, yes? Especially the phone. Just in case of, erm, a What’s App emergency? Now we’ve established its paramount uses, let’s look at it a bit more closely…

Looks aren’t everything

The belt comes in various colours, so for those of you who like to dress like a parrot for a light jog (most of us!), you can choose between half a dozen bright tones to complement the generally black kit. It’s not sexy, but then neither am I after even a quarter mile. It’s not waterproof either. Very few affordable belts are, though, so if you’re happy in the rain, this might not solve all your problems. Likewise the hole for earphones is largely redundant these days – I am one of the last converts to earbuds, surely.

The belt is, however, a robust piece of kit, much thicker than your Decathlon alternatives. This gives it the edge when you’re on longer runs and I suspect it provides better cushioning than the cheaper, thinner ones. It’s a view shared by the majority of other reviews I’d read online, so worth bearing in mind if you undertake high mileage.

Taking the kitchen sink?

The belt itself comprises two pockets, the front behind a thin fabric where I choose to keep my key, tissue and nut butter for longer runs. The main pocket comfortably holds a phone though not much more, if you want to make sure it doesn’t bulge too much. Sadly the first time I pulled the front zip, it came off in my hand, though it’s a quick fix with a pair of pliers. The zips certainly aren’t particularly tough though. Built for comfort?

While I’m running, the belt naturally finds its position at my thinnest point, which for me is quite high, though it’s comfortable in situ. I have an iPhone 7 which I feel but not so much so that it is distracting, however, I suspect those of you with heavier phones might find it cumbersome. It also causes running vests to ride up, which is only a problem after a mile or two on bare skin. Come the summer months I don’t think I’d enjoy having it rub against my sweaty skin for too long!

I’m not even sure whether there’s a correct way to wear a run belt – I seem to switch between having the pack at the front or bac., I can’t even decide 60 miles into our partnership! Still, it’s nice to have options. I haven’t yet worn it like an ammo belt, but I’m sorely tempted…

The bottom line

The belt is built to last, it’s easy to clean and it’s pretty adjustable, though if you’re a skinny minnie you’ll have to put up with the ends of each of the straps flapping about at your sides.

At this year’s first race, I noticed with only minutes to spare that the belt would have to go underneath my race number, meaning I couldn’t easily take any layers off during the run. Disaster if it’s sunny and you’re perimenopausal like me! Next time I may well stick the number on the belt too…

Overall verdict

Quite simply, the Ultimate Performance Running Belt does what it needs to do and it’s pretty affordable. No bells, no whistles. It just does what’s necessary. And since when was there anything wrong with that?

A keen bean, Jenny-Anne has embraced the outdoors during lockdown, with plenty of walks, runs, cycles and now also rollerblading. In fact, it might be time to take up an exercise that focusses on something other than her tired legs!

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The Salomon Elevate Move On Tee is a women’s short sleeved t-shirt, designed for running. I’ve tried this t-shirt out in a few different ways: hill running as a baselayer and with layers under, walking with a light pack with it at skin layer and wearing as a regular t-shirt.

You can read the technical specifications on the official Salomon Elevate Move On Tee page.

Sizing and Fit

First things, the sizing is tiny. I am a size 8 in tops with a very small bra size and tested a Medium.  It fits fine and I wouldn’t want to go with a small. Other reviews have mentioned this and also commented on the short body length. I didn’t notice this and it fit me well but I’m only 5’2. I liked the sleeve fit; not too tight for my bigger arms but not flappy either.

Next; the fabric and the ‘seamless stitching’.  This is the key selling point from Salomon; the body section is stitched in a continuous tube so there are no seams around the front, sides or back. It still has seams to join the sleeves and long the underside of the sleeves. It felt comfortable to wear and certainly didn’t rub anywhere, although I haven’t had opportunity to test it with a heavy pack. 

Fabric of Salomon Move On Tee

The fabric is mainly polyester, with elastine for stretch, so it dries really quickly out of the washing machine and I could put it back on only a short time later. But it did pick up static with another synthetic item over the top and I ended up with several electrified hair moments!

It does accumulate body odour. I deliberately tested it over 2 consecutive days without washing, just to see how it would fare on multi-day trips; it was pretty stinky. I would probably go with a favourite merino base layer for these types of adventures. But the Salomon top is really light (the M is 95g) and much quicker-drying than merino, so that might swing it in your favour.

Wicking Properties

The centre third of the body has a different stitch pattern, to promote wicking and ventilation. The shoulders and centre of the back also has more ventilation, but I didn’t notice a discernible difference to the overall feel of the fabric. It seemed to wick well during runs and I didn’t notice extra sweat.

The Salomon Elevate Move On Women’s Tee comes into its own for warmer weather running - not frosty Derbyshire mornings in early April! As the weather warmed up, the T-shirt has really proved itself. The sleeve length and fit is good and it doesn’t rub on my inner arms (as others have done in the past). It wicks well and has been my go-to running t-shirt for the last few weeks. 

Overall Verdict

This is a useful piece of kit which comes into its own in warmer climes. It comes up small but has a nice fit when you go up a size. I’ve found it for less than £25 on websites which I think is good value, but I don’t think I would pay full price for it (£45). I would certainly pack it amongst my kit for multi-day adventures, but it wouldn’t be my main go-to top. In warm weather, it would be perfect for rinsing out and drying in the sun then wearing again.

Helen Gully is a mid-forties mum of two in Derbyshire. You’ll find her out and about running, cycling, swimming, multi-day adventuring (when possible) and rigging up all manner of ropes. She loves sharing the outdoors with her kids (10 and 7) and has watched them grow their love (and stamina) for walking, carrying packs, camping and being out in the wild.

I am reviewing the inov-8 Roclite pro G 400 lightweight hiking boots, in a size 9 (because I have giant's feet). Now I guess many people's first question to me would be, “But Hazel, why are you testing out some hiking boots when you're a runner?” Well, I was a long distance hiker and backpacker long before I took up distance running and it's something I've been planning to pick back up for a while.

So, my original plan for this test was to go to Cumbria and hike the Cumbrian Way, wild camping along the way. However... due to the ongoing Covid issues travelling seemed wrong. (If you are reading from the future then basically 2020 was the year that didn't happen due to a pandemic, go have a google if you're curious!) The Wolds Way, on the other hand, is about the same distance and local to me, so felt more sensible. Then a new lockdown happened so wild camping was also out.

Anyway, this all made for some interesting logistics. In the end, I decided to hike the Wolds Way in sections, but in BIG sections to properly test the limits of the boots.

Out of the Box

One evening, after a partially rubbish day at work, I got home to find that the boots had arrived. This really cheered me up. I opened them up to have a general look at them and they looked great. I mean, they are a bit boring in colour. Personally I wouldn't go for all black footwear, but really this is a tiny complaint isn't it?

The first thing I noticed on taking the boots out of their box was that, in comparison to other hiking boots that I own, they truly are lightweight. For someone who tends to live in trail running shoes, this is a big deal to me. I find heavier boots a bit cumbersome and for long distance or multiday treks weight can be really important.

One concern, of course, with lighter footwear is that some features may have been sacrificed to help lighten them, but that does not seem to be the case with these particular boots. I'm not sure if it's in part due to inov-8s trail running heritage or just some very clever/careful designing, but these boots seem to have found a very good balance between weight, features and toughness.

inov-8 Roclite Pro Features

Now you can find a long list of the inov-8 Roclite Pro G400 hiking boot features on the inov-8 website. But the big ones from my view point are the G-Grip system which creates a fantastically grippy, lightweight and flexible sole that's still very durable and strong. I don't know about you, but personally I find a lighter and more flexible sole is a lot more responsive and just nicer to walk in. But sometimes these soles wear down fairly fast or just don't feel like they are protecting your feet. That doesn't seem to be the case with this graphene−infused rubber.

The second fancy thing that feels like it deserves a mention is the ceramic-coated uppers. Now I will admit I had to do some research on this one as I didn't really know what it meant. But, from what I can tell, the fabric is bonded with fine ceramic particles which make the uppers incredibly durable, while remaining both breathable and flexible.

Beyond these big features there are also the more usual aspects such as Gore Tex, removable insoles, a half gusseted padded tongue and a rubberised toe.

Initial Try On

Anyway, let's stop listing features and get on with the actual test. I was a little concerned about the sizing as all footwear brands seem to size things however they like and I've never worn inov-8s before. I went for a 9 as I'm a 8.5 in my usual hiking boots and had heard that i-nov8s run slightly small. I need not have worried. When I put them on, they fit perfectly and were very comfortable.

I often have issues with boots causing discomfort in the balls of my feet or around the toe area. I am unsure why this happens, but I had no such issues with these boots. They felt like a perfect fit straight away. They hugged my feet in all the right places, but still left space for my toes to move about. For a first wear I was very happy.

Testing on the Wolds Way

After doing only a single very short test walk around a local nature reserve to check everything fitted, it was time to set off on the Yorkshire Wolds Way. One Saturday, I parked up and set off at 6.30am in the dark, on what was meant to be a very wet day. It turned out that the weather forecast wasn't far off. Once it got light, I realised that I was not going to be in for any good views on this day.

Day 1

The first 8 or so miles were a total mud fest, which wasn't great fun but a great test for the boots. After 8 miles of sinking into very claggy and sticky mud up to my ankles, and having the leap over very large puddles, I stopped off to check on my feet. They were still completely dry. Not only that, but I was now 8 miles in and the boots still felt very comfortable. I also feel like I was slipping on the mud a lot less that I would have been in some of my other footwear - especially on the uphills, where I had visions of face-planting the floor.

The next 20 miles were a good mix of terrains, through country roads, grassland, disused railways, and woodland trails. The boots felt great on all of these surfaces, even on the wet steep downhills covered in autumn leaves. You know they type, the ones where you end up taking the tiniest of steps as you fear slipping and sliding down the whole thing on your bum.

After 28 miles of walking through some fairly wet and cold weather, I finished for the day and got a lift back to my car from my partner.

Day 2

The next day was a much nicer day, actually sunny and almost warm (for November). This was a far shorter section as my partner joined me. He's not into really long distances, so we only did a 12 mile day. However, to say I'd worn the boots for literally 11 hours the day before when I put my feet into them at the start of section 2 they still felt just as comfortable as they had at the start of Day 1. This, as I'm sure many of you will know, is a rare quality to find in a boot.

Day 3

Section 3 was just as wet and miserable as the first day, in fact I'd say it might have been worse. I really wasn't feeling it on this day, and to be honest just wanted to go back to bed, but pressed on through the rain and wind. Once again there were a variety of terrains and some very wet sections to contend with. But the boots coped well with everything thrown at them. It took a little longer to get into my stride on this day and the boots felt a little off to start with – but I think that's because I hadn't laced them tightly enough.

After a few miles things were going well, other than being wet and cold anyway! Despite what I think might have been all the mud in Yorkshire on the path and a few huge puddles, my feet were dry and warm – possibly the warmest and driest part of my body at this point. I also had to walk through the centres of a few villages on this day and it occurred to me that, unlike a lot of walking boots (which can be big, clunky, and unwieldy), these look a lot like trainers when my trousers are covering the top of them. So even though they are better suited for up in the hills, they don't look all that out of place on the street. They are also a lot more comfortable on tarmac than most of my stiffer boots.

Day 4

Section 4 – the home stretch. It was a far nicer day today. Colder, yes, but drier. I was getting so sick of mud and rain at this point. This section is almost all muddy fields, farm tracks and the odd rural road until you hit Filey. There you have to travel through the town to the coast and then onto the brig. As usual the boots were great, not too much slipping on the steep muddy bit, feet stayed dry, no foot pain to mention. In fact, the boots felt almost as comfortable now as the did during section one. My feet were still warm too, which is an oddity for me: my feet are regularly the coldest part of my body.

The Good Points

The main good point has got to comfort. Seriously, the inov-8 Roclite Pro hiking boots have got to be the most comfortable boots I've worn in a long time. Especially seeing as they remain comfortable all day long and over multiple days. Ok, if I am being really picky then there was a slight bit of discomfort in the ball of my left foot after about 15 miles. But it was hardly anything really and potentially had nothing to do with the boots.

The waterproofing seems very effective, I honestly started seeking out puddles to walk through to make sure I gave them a good test (I also just like puddles). I also had a lot of mud to deal with and even a small flood at one point! But my feet never got wet or cold. That's another good point, my feet remained warm no matter how cold the weather got.

The grip seems good, as far as I've been able to test it, they were comfortable over every terrain I could find to check them on, and even after walking over 80 miles in them as soon as I wash them they look practically brand new. I've had no blisters or rub points, and the ankle support is good. All in all I am seriously loving these boots.

Potential Pitfalls

To be honest there aren't many. The most obvious one is the price. I mean, if it hadn't been for doing this test these are not something I'd ever realistically have been able to afford. However, I do feel like they could last most people a very long time. So perhaps in the long run the outlay may be worth it. It is still a lot of money though.

Secondly, and once again I'm just being picky here, is the colour choices are a bit boring. Especially when you compare to inov-8's selection of running shoes which are in an amazing range of colours.

Overall Verdict

I honestly love these boots. I have worn a lot of hiking boots in the past and often have had complaints about the weight/fit/comfort and eventually just ended up wearing trail runners for hiking instead. The inov-8 Roclite Pro hiking boots are so light and so flexible that they are like the best of both worlds. It's like having waterproof trail runners with ankle support. I do think these may become my go-to boots, especially in the winter when the trail runners become less suitable for walking in.

As they are also so comfy over multiple days, they will be great for backpacking once restrictions lift and we are allowed to do these sorts of things again. They clean really easily and I really think I'd have to really put some effort in to make them look anything but almost new (challenge accepted though). inov-8 claim these are some of the toughest hiking boots and to be honest I feel they may not be far off with this claim.

About the Author

Hazel Kerrison is an ultra runner and long distance hiker. Usually she can be mainly found exploring the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria and Scotland. She is training to become a run coach with the intention of specialising in the use of exercise to aid mental well-being. You can find Hazel on Instagram as @ambitiousfailure.

Most people have never heard of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain. Unlike their cousins on the French border, these mountains are empty and rather forgotten. All the more strange considering they are so close to the Costa del Sol and popular tourist spots. To top it all of, the Sierra Nevadas include the highest mountain in mainland Spain. No, not Aneto: Mulhacen - named after the Moorish King of Granada who is supposedly buried on the summit.

I spent 8 days walking in these mountains. My trip was linear: starting in Trevelez and ending in Lanjaron, so I needed to carry everything on my back. Although the hut system is nothing like the Alps, there was at least one manned hut en route. Sadly, this was shut due to the pandemic. I had to be completely self sufficient for the duration.

The most succinct way I can describe the Sierra Nevadas is like the Cullin, but hotter and with no midges. It was averaging 30 degrees C at 3000m - although we were having a heat wave. There are no plants in the high mountains, no trees - barely any grass. Just barren spines and bowls, built out of piles of umber rock. The night I camped in the shadow of Mulhacen, I could hear tiny cascades of rock falling down its steep slopes. You could quite literally watch the mountain erode, if you sat for long enough.

The other thing I'll take with me from the Sierra Nevadas is the sunsets and the red-gold mornings. I was on a Guinness World Record attempt to climb the most 3000m mountains in a week, so most of my memories involve being very hot and very tired. And with eight days of food on my back, the lighter I could make my kit the better.

Fortunately, Exped stepped in to help me go light and fast (well, fast-ish!), as well as testing out some items from their ultralight range in the process.

Exped Lightning 60L Rucksack

I am a chronic overpacker. Give me a volume and I will fill it until it can only just close. Regardless of the fact that I have to carry the bag. If I can squeeze in something extra, I will probably try. So it always is and so it was on this expedition.

Because of this, I felt like I was rather missing the point of this bag, treating a sports car like a transit van. The Exped Lightning 60 rucksack felt very much like it had been designed for Alpine light and fast. Never mind the clue in the name. And yet - although I'd failed on two of those fronts, I was at least doing Alpine.

The slimline pack was essential on the scrambly ridgelines of the Sierra Nevadas. And I mean that. Their idea of a path is like drawing a friendly green-dashed line along Striding Edge. Fine if you're expecting it. But if I'd had a wide and bulky 60L pack, it would have really got in the way. It's hard enough hauling yourself up overhanging rock with 20kgs on your back, without it snagging on every rocky edge you pass.

The bag fitted well, was very comfortable and had a very clever adjustment system on the back frame. There are no side zipped pockets, but the netting pockets on either side and hip-belt pockets should be enough for most people. As you can see from the picture, you can easily fit a 1L water bottle in each net pocket.

Exped Synmat HL

The Exped Synmat HL was excellent and I do not say that lightly. I have previously used Alpkit Numo and several bulkier Thermarests (and of course an assortment of closed cell foam mats and other questionable floor protection). I was very struck with how well thought out this mat was. It was clear that whoever made it has spent a long time sleeping in tents.

For example, the outer fabric has friction to it so that it doesn't slide down the tent, nor you off the end in your sleeping bag. The underside is a thicker fabric than the top to avoid pesky punctures. It packs down incredibly small, but the bag provided is not such a close fit that you have to fight every morning to get it back in.

Then there's the inflation system. I'll be honest, I've always thought that inflating a mat with a custom-made dry bag was a bit "look at me I'm so fancy". You know, kind of a gimmick for people who couldn't be bothered to just blow into their mat. But I take back my scorn. It is incredibly quick and doesn't leave you panting into a valve or sounding like Wheezy from Toy Story. The provided ultralight bag has a simple valve at the bottom and a roll top. Attach it to the mat, catch some air and squeeze. It took me less than 2 bags-worth of air to fill the mat each time.

I could carry on raving about this mat but basically: it does everything you want it to and incredibly well at that. It's instantly replaced my previous roll mat of choice.

Exped Lyra II Tent

The Sierra Nevada is well known for being generally windy and very rocky. I mean you're above the grass-line a lot of the time, simply because of the altitude of the peaks. I camped every night for 7 nights (including in a rather ant-infested campsite in the valley) in the Exped Lyra II tent.

The tent was sturdy, even in some very high winds. The groundsheet and other fabrics seemed solid enough and fit for purpose. It was very easy to pitch and spacious inside. I was a bit sceptical about the all-in-one pole, but very much came around to the idea. It can be a bit of a faff juggling multiple tent poles when you're pitching alone, particularly in high wind. The Exped Lyra II has none of that. I soon got the hang of the mono-pole and quickly stopped looking like someone waving around an flexible TV aerial.

There are two good sized pockets for stashing gear and a very tiny one on the ceiling, that felt rather like the token pockets you get in women's hiking trousers: too small to hold anything useful. Perhaps I am missing the point. Although you might be able to squeeze in your car keys or a glowstick - or something similar. It would have been nice to have an inner zip that opened on both sides, but I'm nit picking.

The inner and outer are completely separate, so you can pitch with just the inner for star-gazing or tent-cooling purposes. I didn't, but I can imagine it might be quite nice. Again Exped have clearly thought about their features, including small, built in pouches for storing guy lines without creating a tangle.

Some minor modifications

I am glad I swapped out half the plastic pegs for metal ones, borrowed from another tent. Although neither could make much headway on the rock floor of the Sierra Nevada, the plastic pegs simply bent on hard exposed ground. If you're going somewhere that isn't predominately grassy, swap out the pegs. Sure it makes the tent less ultralight, but for a few grammes I'd say it's worth it.

I also swapped the long, thin tent bag for unceremoniously stuffing the combined tent into a dry bag - keeping the pegs and poles separate. This worked just fine and fitted my packing system much better!

Overview

All in all, some great pieces of kit that really helped keep my pack weight down. The Exped Synmat HL is a firm favourite and I've been raving about it to people ever since. The Exped Lyra II is great for ultralight backpacking and summer conditions, although the pegs are much more effective in places with grass. The Exped Lightning 60L rucksack is a smart and efficient alpine-style bag that can take a good beating!

For more information about Exped and their products, visit exped.com

Firstly, you might think this is an odd item for me to do a Black Diamond SPRINT 225 review because I am not a 'runner'. But just because the box says ‘runner’ doesn’t mean I have to obey. I am a teacher by day and I love the outdoors – I lived in South Africa and moved to England 20 years ago. I am fortunate to live with easy access to the countryside and spend a lot of time outdoors – usually mountain biking. I camp (but not in cold weather – I’m a bit of a wuss still, or I haven’t bought the right gear) so have used headlamps for camping as well as hiking.

What you Get

The Black Diamond SPRINT 225 Headlamp comes with a USB charging cable and is on a comfortable elasticated strap. It is their smallest and lightest headlamp and is available in three colours. There is a memory setting that allows you turn it on and off at the brightness level you want, rather than going back to the pre-set manufacturer’s setting.

To read all the tech specs, visit the official Black Diamond SPRINT 225 page.

Black Diamond SPRINT 225 Headlamp Features

My first impression was that it is SO light. I have used headtorches before that had non-rechargeable batteries and the weight difference is very noticeable. The head strap is comfortable and stays in place when running without having to make it so tight you start getting headaches. You can adjust the angle of the beam easily.

The on/off button is on the top and is easy to use (even with gloves on). If you hold the button down it will gradually dim, allowing you to stop it on a setting that suits your surroundings. You can then lock it at this setting. This was great, no fiddling with it every time you turned it off.

I tested this during Lockdown and the weather has been fantastic, so I never got to explore its features in rain or extreme cold. However it does say it is storm proof and can sustain weather from any angle.

What was Great

The brightness and spread of the torch is seriously impressive for such a small light. For running on singletrack paths, you would need to keep it on Max and for this I felt comfortable and confident that I could see all I needed to. The battery lasted for just over 2 hours on this setting which is true to the manufacturer's claims. On a bridleway I could turn the brightness down to about 40 -60% and this gave me visibility of about 20m. Once again I could still see peripherally and knew that I would see anything I needed to in time to react.

The dim setting is okay for reading a map or looking for stuff in your bag. It was fine to used for walking on a good surface in the dark. The battery life at this setting lasted for about 19 hours.

There is battery life LED indicator on the side, showing 3 small lights. A bit like a fuel gauge on my first car, it tends to go down slowly to when the first one fades. Then next two go a lot faster. One thing I did do was substitute the USB lead they supply you with a longer one. This way I was able to recharge the lamp whilst I was running using a portable battery charger in my pack. The USB you are supplied with is 20cm long. (Recharging time takes about 3.5hours when not in use simultaneously.)

Possible improvements

During this test, the one thing I never quite got to work properly was the ‘Powertap’. Apparently, by tapping on the side of the Black Diamond SPRINT 225 headlamp, it can adjust the brightness from bright to dim with one tap. Then from dim to bright with another tap. I spent a bit of time tapping the lamp in all sorts of manner but it never worked. Luckily the woods were quiet, because I probably looked a tad insane tapping it incessantly whilst focussing on a beam of light on a tree trunk.

Black Diamond SPRINT 225 Review: Overall Verdict

I would recommend the Black Diamond SPRINT 225 headtorch to hikers, runners and campers. It is easy to use, looks pretty cool and delivered slightly more than I was expecting for such a small light.

About the Author

Jude Jarman lives with her husband and two teenage sons who are all keen adventurers. She is a keen mountain biker who spends her free time exploring trails and looking for new challenges.

I’m reviewing the Salomon OUTline GTX Women's shoe, in a size 6UK / 39 ⅓ EU. In normal English, that means a hiking shoe by Salomon called OUTline, with GoreTex material to make it waterproof, for women. As soon as I saw it, I knew this was what I wanted to test. After all, my life involves being outside, both for work and play, so the idea of a do-it-all shoe that would also keep my feet dry sounded perfect. Could it live up to my expectations?

My original intention had been to test these shoes in the Welsh mountains, at work as an outdoor instructor and of course on the evening trips to the pub. However, in reality, my creativity had to be harnessed. These hiking trainers had to be tested within the confines of Cardiff and one-form-of-exercise-a-day. For those of you reading this in the future, Covid-19 lockdown meant that nobody was allowed in the mountains, outdoor centres were closed - and so were the pubs!

Out of the box and on to my feet...

Opening the box, this pair of shoes look great. Stylish like a normal trainer, but with some practicalities on closer inspection.

• A gusseted tongue, so it’s attached on three sides. This means water won’t trickle in so easily.

• Regular flat laces, unlike Salmon’s Quicklace system which can be seen on many of their shoes. This allows you to adjust for a better fit. They have some stretch, but I’m not really sure why.

• Removable insole, although that’s pretty standard these days.

• Decent grip on the outsole, called ContagripⓇ MD. Contagrip is where it has varied density along the sole, depending on intended use. For this shoe it’s focused on long-term wear and grip for tricky varied terrain.

• The heel looks like it hugs very nicely, which should stop my foot slipping out. Hopefully this isn’t at the cost of blisters!

There are many more features with fancy names that you can read about on Salomon’s website.

I was pleased that my first colour choice was available, because I’m not a fan of everything for women being pastel, pink or purple. The shoes are available in 6 different colours, all in a neutral shade (black, grey, navy) and then some have a pop of colour (pink, green, purple, blue).

So let’s put the shoes on. My foot slides in easily and it seems to be a perfect fit - I’m glad I went up half a size. Fit was a big worry for me because brands vary so much. Other Salomon shoes I’ve had were a 5.5 UK but I opted for the 6 UK this time. It hugs my foot nicely with some wiggle room around the toes. But something isn’t quite right. They’re not super comfy and it feels like my foot wants to roll inwards a tiny bit. Am I just used to my old worn-out shoes? Let’s go for some walks and find out…

Testing Time

The shoes have been wonderful on as much off-roading as I’ve managed to find nearby. Cardiff has plenty of parks and hidden trails within the city, where most of my time walking could be on grass, woodland trails and the pavement to access the greener places.

I went up and down steep hills, through woods and over logs. However even after a few weeks with the shoes I felt I hadn’t really tested them in “proper” conditions. Where was the rain? Where was the mud? Where’s the dodgy downhill, where you really hope that grip is as good as it says?! Well it’s difficult to find that when Mother Earth decides to give us glorious sunshine every day.

Time to Get Creative

I set out on a route that I knew was muddy all the time, along the quiet side of the river. Oh how wrong I was! It was now covered in sand/silt from the floods a few months ago. But hey, that’s another type of terrain ticked off the list. It was good on sand, I didn’t slide around or get any sandy bits inside.

Further along, I knew it became a muddy bank. Nope, bone dry! What’s going on? It turns out this was the sunniest April on record. The best I could find to test the GoreTex was walking along a shallow stream. My feet stayed completely dry, so they seem to be waterproof.

It’s finally raining!

Hurrah! Can you believe it took 3 weeks for it to finally rain, in WALES?! Anyway, as soon as the rainy day arrived I skipped out of the house to the steep hills and grassy fields.

Overall, I’m still impressed and the shoes performed well. They kept their grip on the steep hill and I had dry feet through wet grass and puddles. It did feel a bit slippy on the uphill tarmac, but I’ve noticed my summer hiking boots do the same on wet rock. So, maybe I just walk funny!

Mother Earth, are you feeling ok?

The rain didn’t last too long, so it was back to testing the shoes on dry ground. Two days of rain wasn’t enough to get the paths properly muddy. As I finish writing this up, over a week of rain is now forecast. That sounds like better testing conditions for a waterproof hiking shoe! I’ll have to update you all in a year, once we’ve definitely been allowed in the mountains with normal British weather.

The Highlights

The grip is top notch, I feel totally comfortable on steep slopes. My feet don’t slide and my toes don’t hit the end. They’re so light it almost makes me want to run around everywhere. Maybe I should start fell running?

They look and feel amazing. My initial uncertainty was down to new shoes feeling different to what you’re used to. They’re very understated for shoes that I could walk up a mountain in! I feel like I would use these shoes to walk up hills where there is a path, but for extended off-path adventures the reassurance of ankle support on boots would be better.

They even look good with a skater dress, casual outfits and some formal trousers. They didn’t look out of place which means they’ll do for the post-walk trips to the pub.

Minor Negatives

They’re far too technical for a walk in the park or around town. I can almost feel the unnecessary grip on the pavement. In my head I’m wearing down the sole for no good reason, when I should be saving it for the real hikes.

On one of my longer walks, I did need to massage a toe when I came home. But in the grand scheme of things, that’s just my feet getting used to a new shoe. There were no blisters.

The laces are a bit too long. Is that weird, to care about the length of the laces? It’s just a bit annoying when you’re wearing shorts and they keep hitting your ankle. Ridiculous I’m sure, but nothing that can’t be fixed with a double knot or a pair of scissors.

With all the remarkable hot weather we’ve had over the last few weeks, the Salmon OUTline GTX shoe is not my current go-to shoe. The trade-off to waterproofness is breathability. In this case, my feet felt a bit warm after my walks. Not grotesquely sweaty, but other shoes would have been more appropriate.

Overall Verdict

The Salomon OUTline GTX will definitely become go-to shoes for me. I know I can safely dispose of a few pairs and these will replace them all. Under normal circumstances, I’m an outdoor pursuits instructor and these shoes will be perfect for that. You’re often on uneven ground, camping in grassy fields covered in dew, out hiking some days. You need comfortable, reliable and waterproof shoes that can handle that.

I don’t really like wearing walking boots when I go hiking. I do it out of necessity, because wet feet are a pain and ankle support is useful. But when there’s pavement or road to walk on, my feet scream for something better. A decent pair of trainers is often what I’ve dreamed of... And here they are! On more rugged terrain, I’ll stick to my boots. On long-distance hikes and low-level walks I think these will be a winner.

Ellie Davies is a semi-nomadic outdoor education instructor originally from Wales. She is usually found in the mountains of Europe or Patagonia, finding a way to connect with the world - through hiking, rock climbing, kayaking or camping. Ellie likes languages, maps and sleeping under the stars.

Instagram: @atlas.of.adventure Facebook: Atlas of Adventure

Finding a pair of panniers can be like finding a life partner. At least, I hope that you'll keep your panniers for life - if you find the right match! For long distance cycle tours, getting the right panniers can be as important as matching a rucksack to a multi-day expedition. Sure, you might not have to carry panniers on your back, but they'll be keeping all your worldly belongings safe on the trip. For a few days you can put up with things. After weeks, you become acutely aware of what's working and what isn't.

This review is based on 3 weeks of cycling the Rhine from Source to Sea, then across the UK from Harwich to London. The trip took place in late summer, but the weather ranged from torrential downpour to heat wave. I have also used the panniers for day trips and commuting.

As background, I have cycled with other types of Ortlieb panniers and with a couple of other brands. I've been cycle touring since I was a teenager (that's what our family holidays looked like!). My friend Alex, who cycled the Rhine alongside me, used a different brand of pannier which made an interesting like-for-like comparison.

What you get

Ortlieb Back-Roller Pro Plus panniers are usually sold as pairs, the idea being that you use one on each side of your back rack. This is what you get (per pannier) in the box:

• The pannier

• Shoulder strap

• Assortment of inserts for adjusting the size of rack attachment points "fits on all tubes with a diameter of up 16 mm"

A pannier is a pannier is a pannier, right? Well here are a few features you should be aware about in the Ortlieb Back-Roller Pro Plus:

• Outside mesh pocket (4 litre volume)

• Inside zip pocket (against the back board)

• Completely waterproof

• 35 litres of capacity, each

• Reflective panels on both sides (ie front and back view of bike)

The bag is also made from a mat Cordura fabric, so no synthetic-looking shine, and is PVC free. If you want the detailed data specs, you can find them on the official Ortlieb Back-Roller Pro Plus page.

How Ortlieb Back-Roller Pro Plus Panniers work

The Ortlieb Back-Roller Pro Plus panniers are very easy to set up and use. The panniers attach to your rack in a standard Ortlieb fashion. There are a pair of locking, moveable clips at the top of of the back board and another hook on a moving rail at the bottom.

To adjust the panniers to fit your bike, pull on the loop handle to release the lock on the top two clips. Then lower the clips onto your pannier rack and release the handle, locking the clips in place. If the fit is loose, add one of the provided inserts until the clips fit snugly onto the pannier rack, with no lateral movement. It is also possible to move the position of the clips on the pannier's top rail to better fit your rack's shape. For example, to avoid a crossbar that the clips can't close over.

You can also adjust the clip on the lower rail. It should tuck behind a vertical rail on your rack, to stop the panniers from swinging outwards as you cycle. To adjust, loosen by unscrewing the round attachment point of the hook to the bag and slide it up or down the lower rail. You can also change the angle of the hook. Then tighten up the round attachment point to secure everything in place. The adjustment is probably easiest done whilst the pannier is attached to your rack with the top clips.

To use the panniers, simply fill it with your stuff and roll down the top like a drybag. You can either clip the ends together (a la drybag) or use the satchel straps provided. If you choose the straps, there is a hook at the front-bottom of the pannier to pass the strap through. You'll need to adjust the length of the strap to make sure the roll is held securely. If you're using a rack-pack of any sort, it's best to use the straps to create a flat platform to place the top bag onto.

What Went Well

The panniers performed really well. It was extremely interesting comparing them side by side with my friend's panniers. I had no issues at all with space or staying attached to the rack or waterproofing. That's not something I would have noticed, if I hadn't seen another pair of panniers misbehaving.

The Side Pockets!

Oh my goodness, the side pockets. I could expound for hours on just how brilliant and useful these are. You can tuck your map and phone in them, so neither get sweaty in a back pocket. You can put your spare layers in them. You can put your wet washing in them. You can fill them with emergency biscuits.

Only in cycling with these panniers did I realise just how annoying it is to have to stop and undo a pannier every time you want something. Or, as seems more often for me, want to put something away. The faff involved in packing away an extra layer seems enormous by comparison. And these pockets are deep. I was often cycling along with a fleece, waterproof jacket, phone, map and assorted shopping in just one side. This is a game changer. Having used them, I don't want to go back!

Waterproof

I wasn't planning to test the waterproofness of these panniers through several days of torrential downpour. But, unfortunately for me and happily for you, the Swiss weather was most obliging. So it is that I can confirm, with a high level of confidence, that the Ortlieb Back-Roller Pro Plus panniers will keep your stuff dry. Oh yes.

As I cycled up a long alpine pass in a thunder storm, I had all my finders crossed that these bag were waterproof. After all, I hadn't put anything in a drybag. Nothing was individually wrapped inside the panniers (including a videocamera, notebook, the works!) but there was no way I was stopping to find out. If anything that could make things wetter. I had to wait until 7pm when we arrived at a campsite and staked a claim to the women's toilets by covering it with wet kit... My apologies to our fellow campers - except the ones who had a sombrero party all night in the pitch next to us.

Anyway, in the moment of truth, I poured a big puddle of water off the top of the bag that had built up next to the roll. Unclipping and unrolling the top revealed - to my relief - that everything inside was completely dry. After that, I would leave the out in the rain overnight to save space in the tent porch. No worries.

Of course, the panniers were fairly new at this point. I imagine with use and abrasion they could become less waterproof over time. However, the waterproof layer is inside the fabric (unlike its shinier peers) which will help protect it.

Ease of Use

There is a special place in my heart for gear that does exactly what it says it will - and does it well. You can ignore the gear and get on with the adventure. This might not be something you consider with panniers, but Alex's panniers (my cycling companion for the Rhine) certainly made themselves known. They had a tendency to fall off or unclip if she rode over a bump. Not an endearing feature.

Potential Pitfalls

There are a couple of small things here. Overall they are great panniers, but it's worth considering when you might be using them - and what for. At the time of writing, it's only possible to get outside pockets on this model.

The Size

These panniers are BIG. You have to be a compulsive over-packer to fill them, even on a long cycle tour. Having the extra space and flexibility is great, if you have the strength of will not to top them up with extra bits and bobs. However, I would still recommend you buy a smaller pannier if you don't have big trips planned. As a single pannier for day rides or commuting, a Ortlieb Back-Roller Pro Plus pannier is just a bit big.

You can see in the picture above how the left pannier isn't rolling properly because it's simply too empty. The waterproofing still held, but it wasn't ideal.

Buckle Confusion

This is a really minor point, but I often found myself clipping the buckle for the top of the outer pocket into the buckle for securing the roll top down. They are identical buckles, very close together, but one keeps your pannier secure and the other really doesn't! If one was a different colour (or even, size) it would eliminate this slight nuisance.

Overall Verdict

Overall, these are a great pair of panniers for use on long cycle touring trips, when you expect to be carrying a lot of kit. For smaller trips they are a bit of an overkill. The side pockets are a game changer and it would be wonderful to see them featuring in more Ortlieb panniers.

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The Powertraveller Tactical Extreme looks like an adventurer's solar charger kit of choice. It almost looks too good to be true on paper: a durable charging kit that can refuel anything from SLR cameras to headtorches.

This review is based on 6 months of testing, mainly through daily use on the Rhine Source to Sea Cycle: some 3 weeks and 1700km from Switzerland to London. I have also taken the power pack to Slovenia for 5 days of alpine mountaineering and the whole setup for 2 weeks in South Africa. Plus, it has had more domestic use over the 6 months.

What you get

The Powertraveller Tactical Extreme is a full "solar kit" and comes complete with everything you need to plug in and go. For more details on the exact tech specs have a look at the Powetraveller Tactical Extreme official page. The box includes:

• Power pack

• Solar panel

• USB to USB-C connection cable

• USB to Micro USB cable

• Female 12V in-car charger socket

• USB-C to female USB cable

• Velcro strap

• Tactical (molle) Pouch

A Quick Word About "Tactical"

The main difference between the Powertraveller Tactical Extreme and the Powertraveller Extreme is the the colour. The Extreme is black and the Tactical Extreme is an earthy brown colour. The solar chargers and power packs themselves are exactly the same. As such, I may use them interchangeably in this review. The Tactical Extreme also comes in a molle pouch, which the Extreme doesn't.

Although I don't think I'll use the pouch, I actually prefer the brown coloured charger and panel. It blends in to the environment better - which I guess is the idea! - without it being camouflage printed.

How the Powertraveller Tactical Extreme works

The Powertraveller Extreme is very easy to set up. Simply open up the solar panel and wait a few seconds for the panel to wake up. In practice, you can use that time to set up the other end. Plug the USB to USB-C cable in: the USB end into the charger and USB-C end into the power pack. There are little rubber covers over the ports.

And that is really it for charging. Strap the panel to your bags and away you go. The light on the panel shows green for good light and red for overcast.

You can tell how full the power pack is based on the little red dot lights. There are four dots in total and the dots increase in number as the power pack fills. The top dot flashes when it's still charging. The dots are quite faint in bright light but can be seen clearly if shaded.

To check the amount of charge in the power pack, simply press the button to illuminate the lights. Press again to turn the lights (and power pack) off.

Charging devices from the power pack is equally simple. For low voltage devices, like a smartphone, small camera - or anything you might normally charge through a computer USB port - simply plug it into the power pack. The power pack will realise you've plugged something in and start charging. If it doesn't realise, simply press the button on the power pack to start re-fueling your device.

Although I never found I needed to, it is possible to charge the power pack and simultaneously charge a device from the power pack - as long as they don't require the same port to be plugged in.

What Went Well

The Powertraveller Tactical Extreme was very easy to fit onto my bike panniers. I was a bit sceptical at first, but the set up using a bungee cord (mine) and the velcro strap (provided) was very secure. I slipped the power pack into a side pocket on a back pannier and it never came un-connected. It could just as easily have lived inside the back pannier if I had no side pockets. The provided cable is plenty long enough for all eventualities.

This is an incredible piece of kit - and I do not say that lightly. It is so hard to find equipment, never mind electronics, that does what it says it will and can withstand the regular abuse of adventure. It really felt like the Powertraveller Extreme had been designed by people who actually do this stuff. This is not a travel charger. It is definitely an adventure charger.

Durability

As you might be able to tell, I love kit that can withstand a good beating. Nothing ruins adventure fun like wondering if your kit will break every time you touch it. The Powertraveller Extreme is a solid solar charger set up that can thrive in outdoor conditions. Got a bit of rain on it? No problem. Muddy? Just wipe it clean. Drop it? Ah well. I don't have the patience to panic about electricals getting damp - turns out you don't have to.

Reliable

The Powertraveller Extreme is by far the most reliable solar charger I've encountered. It is not temperamental or complicated to use. It just does its job and does it well. I cannot stress how brilliant it is to be able to depend on your kit like that. Plus it's a complete game changer for using things like cameras, phones and torches in wilderness areas. You don't need to ration your battery life because you know there'll always be more charge at the end of the day.

Compatibility

The Powertraveller Extreme comes with a good selection of connectors. Although you'll probably be using the USB to MicroUSB connector the most, having the other options saved a couple of disasters. Like when we unexpectedly had to ride a stretch of road at 9-11pm and my bike light was out of battery. Plug the USB into the connector and soon you're good to go.

Could do better

Both of these are minor points that can be put squarely down to user error. Or - more specifically - me not reading the instructions. I did give them a quick glance over in the pre-trip frantic-packing stage, but clearly they didn't stick well in my mind.

Green Light doesn't mean charged

For the first few days of riding in gorgeous sunshine in Switzerland, I assumed that when the light on the solar panel went green, that meant the power pack was fully charged. Er... no. As explained above, the solar charger light flicks between red and green to tell you how good the incoming sunlight is. The days were so sunny that I couldn't see the flashing red dots on the power pack to indicate it was still charging.

Refilling the Power Pack

After cycling the Rhine and then taking just the power pack for a few days in the mountains of Slovenia, I was left with a tiny amount of charge and a conundrum. The instructions said to leave the power pack at 60% charge when storing, but it was a losing battle trying to recharge via solar in the UK in November. After several days of leaving it outside, I thought to myself, "It would be really good if I could just plug it into the mains."

Given how Powertraveller have thought of everything else, I thought I'd just better check that! Low and behold, the Powertraveller team delivered. Of course they'd thought about that! You can charge via the USB cable into a laptop or even into the mains if you have a spare USB to UK plug adapter. Perfect.

Overall Verdict

The Powertraveller Tactical Extreme is not cheap - there's no avoiding that. But it is worth every penny for its reliability and suitability for an adventure environment. I would definitely recommend it and will be using it for years to come.