A ‘do it all’ hybrid style headtorch that is suitable for all outdoor activities. Pros Powerful enough for all outdoor activities Hybrid technology means you can use normal batteries Lightweight Cons Headband not removable Limited rotational adjustability The last time we featured a Petzl head torch was in the 2019 update to our popular guide to head torches for running and climbing. In that article we featured the Petzl Swift RL, a fully featured performance head torch. The Petzl Actik Core sits just below that but is a more versatile head torch that would be suitable for more people ..read more

The Klättermusen SS23 collection brings to life the pioneering spirit of the brand, launching new technical designs created with durability and protection in mind – for days and nights of long exploration and fast-paced thrill seeking. Known for its high quality refined mountaineering equipment, Klättermusen’s latest collection showcases a range of outdoor gear, with durable products ideal for life’s longer adventures, and lightweight garments to enhance fast-paced, high energy activity. When it comes to long days of adventure – think weekends and weeks spent in huts, cabins or tents – Klätte ..read more

A versatile, well featured insulated mid layer with good features designed by mountaineers. Pros Lightweight Good insulation Well designed Cons Cut a little too technical for general wear The Extrem range by Berghaus is back! After a fairly long absence the top of the range kit is back with a vengeance. a whole range of gear has been designed and produced to offer a full range of clothing and packs for all mountain activities. This is not the type of kit you’ll be finding on various television presenters and news reporters, this is technical kit designed by mountaineers for mountaineers ..read more

The BD Sprinter 500 is part of BD’s running focused headlamp range. The neat 123g package consists of a small LED front head unit and a ‘dual fuel’ rear battery pack that takes either BD’s 1800 mAh rechargeable battery pack or 3 AAA alkaline batteries. The headlamp strap itself has reflective material built in and an additional over the crown type strap that can further distribute the weight for those people who might be sensitive to snug straps around their temples. To be honest the unit was so light and stable that I never once used this apart from to try it for fit. These straps can bot ..read more

The ThruDark Centurion Alpine Jacket is a rugged mid/outer layer fleece that makes innovative use a of a number of Polartec® fabrics to produce a versatile and stylish jacket. This mid layer come soft-shell lets you go a bit longer before the hard shell has to go on. ThruDark maybe a fairly new name to many in the mountaineering world. Founded by two British ex special forces (SBS) soldiers the kit has a strong military influence. Established back in 2018 the range has grown enormously from the original 3 garments but something that has remained the same is an emphasis on durability and a ..read more

There’s a reason the Mojito is a Scarpa bestseller… Pros Versatile Waterproof GTX lining Super comfortable Cons Full lacing is a bit overkill GTX liner means they can feel hot You only have to look at what people are wearing to see how popular the Scarpa Mojito is. They are the most seen outdoor shoe on peoples feet and I’ve seen them a lot.  We reviewed and featured the Mojito Trail back in 2019 and found them an excellent approach shoe if a little limited for casual use. The popular Mojito GTX solves that, they are rugged enough for an approach to the crag as well as being casual ..read more

Osprey Nimsdai Mutant 90 Review The Nimsdai Mutant 90 is an exceptionally well featured and surprisingly versatile large mountaineering pack that carries like a dream. The Osprey Nimsdai Mutant 90 is a rare beast in many ways. Designed with input and testing from Nimsdai Purja to be the ultimate high altitude mountaineering pack it is unusual to see such specialist kit made generally available – more often such items are limited runs done by the prototype departments (often nicknamed Skunkworks after Lockheed’s ADP department) of big manufacturers or produced by small custom builders. The ..read more

A short while ago, Black Diamond overhauled their Couloir Harness and to replace the one, they released three – the Couloir (a straight replacement for the standard Couloir), the lighter Couloir LT and this version, the lighter still, Couloir UL. I was never a big fan of the original Couloir, it looked great, but was somehow always a bit of a faff and the buckle in particular, seemed unusually difficult to adjust (for a speed adjust buckle)! Let’s be clear, we’re not comparing like for like here, but in short for the Couloir UL, could not be more different. The Couloir UL is perfecter glacie ..read more

A lightweight, technical mountain boot with excellent climbing and snow capabilities. Pros Lightweight Really comfortable to hike in Technical shape is excellent for climbing Cons Technical last may not be suitable for wider feet. Very warm in summer conditions The Scarpa HD sits within the Ribelle range of boots which also encompasses the Ribelle Lite HD and the Ribelle Mountain Tec which Kew reviewed back in December 2017 so it’s been a while since we featured a pair on the site. The Scarpa Ribelle HD is a B2, all mountain boot that is suitable for a whole variety of mountain activiti ..read more

A good technical all round climbing shoe that fits well, performed on a wide variety of rock types and comfortable (ish). Pros Good all round performance Moderate asymmetry offer some comfort Well priced for climbing shoes Cons Not the ideal bouldering circuit shoe Microfibre and rubber uppers can mean sweaty feet in hot conditions It was a revelation when I bought my first pair of Boreal Fires in the early 1980’s. Three months of saving and dirt bagging and I was the proud owner and the only person in my climbing circle to own a pair – I mean, Jerry Moffat climbed in these! They paid o ..read more