2023 + Upcoming 2024 Kit Tests, Store Updates This is quite a feast, so strap in. In this post we're going to run through items lined up for the upcoming 2024 kit tests as well as mention some hits and misses from 2023. But before all that we have some manufacturing and SYSTEM store updates. Contents SYSTEM Store & Manufacturing Updates 2024 Kit Test Items 2023: Kit Test Items Reviewed 2023: Failures, Near Misses & Items of Note 2023: Kit Test Snaps   SYSTEM Store & Manufacturing Updates SYSTEM Store Stock Updates Machine Belt Bags: an initial small run of 500D (Midnight ..read more

GPN Media's Scrambler UL Modular Trekking Tripod Preface As always, we're looking at the GPN Media Scrambler from the point of view of long distance trekking over tough terrain (please note our disclaimer below). Test item: Scrambler (with Highlights Lever Ball Head and Novoflex Micropod Base) Kit Tests: Winter, Summer Disclaimer: Scramble commissioned this product (thus its name) and was heavily involved in both testing and design feedback. So, we'd better like it and we do, but obviously this will bias our review. With that said, we're going to attempt to review it as we would any other pro ..read more

Preface If you spend your whole time walking along designated paths, then there may not be too much of relevance in this article. If however, you have a more "as the crow flies" approach to distance trekking, and take on uncultivated terrain, then you'll know that some "short-cuts" are nightmarishly illusory while others are a joyous success (accompanied by an equally illusory feeling that nature itself has been cheated). So, if you enjoy the partial lottery of venturing off the beaten path, read on ... Test subject: Reference Foot Size: 9 (EU43) / Medium Width Kit Tests: Winter, Summer Discl ..read more

Rab's Borealis Tour Softshell (& Borealis Range) Preface Although this is primarily a review of Rab's Borealis Tour Jacket, it's best viewed as a review and recommendation of the overall Borealis range.  Rab seem to be chopping and changing (hopefully seeking perfection rather than being confused as to which world they inhabit: outdoor or fashion). We hope Rab will bring back the Borealis Pull-On for example, but we've been equally, if not more impressed by the Tour (reviewed here) and they've recently released the "Borealis Jacket" which is basically a full-zip version of the hooded ..read more

A Repository For Miscellanea Around Stoves, Fire & Fuel Preface We were going to do individual mini-reviews for a number of the items that will appear in this post, but rather than eulogise a titanium fuel capsule or expound the virtues of a peanut petrol lighter for sub-zero conditions, we thought we'd have a single post for all such miscellany. So here it is, our "Notes on Flame & Fuel". Test item(s): Various Kit Tests: Winter, Summer Disclaimer: None required (items not provided by manufacturers) Summary Datasheet: Measured Weights, Prices (RRP), Links 1. Lixada Mini Alcohol ..read more

Manufacturing Update: Towers, Belt Bags & More In this post we're going to provide a manufacturing update along with scheduled product release dates and SYSTEM store news. We've been quite busy behind the scenes and unfortunately this has meant a dearth of reviews of late. Please accept our apologies and know that a good number of reviews will be coming soon. Contents Towers (r2) Machine Belt Bags Cook Kit Stuff Sacks New Products & Product Development Store News & Tower (r1) Discounts   Scramble Tower 11L Pack Extenders (2nd Release) We've been very happy with the 11L Tow ..read more

Suunto's A-30 Metric Baseplate Compass Preface As always, we're looking at the Suunto A-30 compasses from the point of view of long distance trekking over tough terrain. Test item: A-30 NH Metric (Previously A-30L CM) Kit Tests: Winter, Summer Disclaimer: None required (item not provided by manufacturer) Datasheet Materials (Body / Bezel): Scratch Resistant Acrylic (Plastic) 100% Materials (Needle): High Grade Steel 100% Glow Markings: Strontium-Alumina Based Pigment - Accuracy / Resolution 2.5° / 2° Dimensions (W x H x D) 57 x 114 x 10 mm Weight 32g Manufacturer RRP (A-30 NH ..read more

Brynje's Super Thermo Baselayer with Shoulder Inlays Preface As always, we're looking at the Brynje Super Thermo mesh baselayer from the point of view of long distance trekking over tough terrain. For more information around the concept and purpose of the baselayer see this archved review.   Test subject: Chest 42", Waist 33", Height: 5ft 8" Test item: Green, size = Extra Large (Large would have been fine) Kit Tests: Winter Disclaimer: None required (item not provided by manufacturer) Datasheet Materials: Polypropylene Mesh 100% Fabric Weight 140 g/sm Weight (measured - Size XL ..read more

Scramble's G-Series Tarps: A Bad Batch We have some interesting reviews coming shortly, but before we get to them we just needed to address an issue (now resolved) that fortunately affected only a small number of the Scramble G-Series tarps and their customers. Contents Introduction What Went Wrong? Action Taken Summary   Introduction: Moving Swiftly On To Manufacturer #3 Since their creation, the Scramble G-Series' tarp design hasn't really changed that much (just a few tweaks here and there), instead rather than what is being made, the greater change has been around who is doing the ..read more

Lightwave's RAP-VAP Towel Preface As always, we're looking at the Lightwave RAP-VAP from the point of view of long distance trekking over tough terrain. Test subject: Chest 42", Waist 33", Height: 5ft 8" Test item: Grey, size = Medium Kit Tests: Winter, Summer Disclaimer: None required (item not provided by manufacturer) Datasheet Materials: Polartec™ 140 g/m² (Polyester) 100% Treatments: Silver-based anti-microbial odour control - Weight (Size Medium, stated / measured) 95g / 89g Dimensions (Size Medium) 60 x 95 cm Manufacturer RRP £25.00 Manufacturer's Page   Scramble ..read more