Latest articles by Matthew Jones
Seiko Alpinist field watch review: an update of a classic that still impresses
With its robust build, the Seiko Alpinist has the no-nonsense appeal of a tool watch, though refined design flourishes add a touch of class
Nodus Sector Field field watch review: military specs in a small, stylish package
The compact and classy Nodus Sector Field is a modern take on a classic field watch – tough yet stylish, with an eye-catching dial
Victorinox I.N.O.X. “Autumn Spirit” field watch review: about as rugged and reliable as watch can be
The Swiss-made Victorinox I.N.O.X. “Autumn Spirit” is a tough, modern field watch which can survive being crushed under a 64-ton tank
Hamilton Khaki Mechanical Bronze field watch review: vintage style that ages well
The Hamilton Khaki Mechanical Bronze is a faithful reinterpretation of arguably the most iconic field watch on the market – but with an added touch of magic
G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-2000 field watch review: everything you want from a field watch, unless you want style
The modern and rugged G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-2000 may lack the charm of a classic field watch, but in all other respects it outperforms most of the competition
Rab Neutrino Pro 400 sleeping bag review: pretty much perfect
The Rab Neutrino Pro 400 is a reassuringly snug sleeping bag designed for climbers tackling fast-and-light mountain missions – also the perfect three-season camping cocoon
How to read a mountain weather forecast to enhance your hike and keep yourself safe
Knowing how to read a mountain weather forecast will make it an essential element of your pre-trip planning, help you enjoy your time on the hill more and keep you safe on the trails
SOG Camp Axe review: a striking looking and portable hatchet for lighter camp tasks
With a sleek satin finish, the SOG Camp Axe is a handsome tool, but it’s not all style over substance… provided you stick to lighter tasks
Stihl AX6 hatchet review: an impressively sturdy tool for a reasonable price
The Stihl AX6 hatchet is a light forestry tool that is great for camp or trail use too, offering plenty of bang for your buck
Whitby Camp & Survival Axe review: a very cheap survivalist’s tool that can double up on light camp duties
Very light and compact, the tomahawk-style Whitby Camp & Survival Axe is best suited for a survivalist’s “bug-out bag” but can handle occasional camping use
Hults Bruk Akka / Hultafors Åby Forest Axe review: an elegant beast of a wood chopper
The premium Hults Bruk Akka / Hultafors Åby Forest Axe has an extended handle for increased power and a versatile head profile
Gränsfors Bruk Small Forest Axe review: a serious tool for serious bushcrafters
The Gränsfors Bruk Small Forest Axe is a superlative tool for demanding users who need a versatile and capable but reasonably compact axe for outdoor living
Mora Lightweight Axe review: small, nimble and strangely shaped, it’s great for lighter camp duties
This distinctive Swedish-made Mora Lightweight Axe is an unusual-looking tool, but the unconventional design is highly effective for light tasks around camp
Husqvarna Hatchet review: a small but robust axe that makes light work of splitting wood
Swedish-designed but German-made, this compact little hatchet from Husqvarna is an effective and robust tool
Adler 1919 Rheinland hatchet review: a quaintly old-fashioned design that still outperforms modern rivals
The finely crafted Adler 1919 Rheinland hatchet has heritage looks, but still makes a very capable backwoods tool
Stihl PR16 Handycut camping saw review: light, compact and versatile
The well-made, pull-stroke Stihl PR16 Handycut pruning saw is primarily designed for garden tasks or light arborist work but also does double duty around camp
Sven-Saw collapsible camping saw review: when it comes to power, it’s a cut above a folding saw
A collapsible bow saw, the Sven-Saw delivers considerably more cutting power than a folding saw, making it the perfect camp companion for those who need a capable saw suitable for bigger tasks
Felco F600 pruning saw review: the gardening tool that’s more than ready to take on camping duties
This simple and effective pull-stroke Felco F600 pruning saw works great around camp, and is also seriously light and extremely compact
SOG folding saw review: built for ripping through tough wood rather than finesse
The competitively priced SOG folding saw has a longer blade and coarse, peg teeth that are best suited for tackling dry, seasoned wood
Bahco Laplander camping saw review: impressive two-way cutting power for its size
A bushcrafters’ favorite, the Bahco Laplander is a compact yet powerful folding saw that’s easy to carry, with an efficient blade that cuts quickly and cleanly
Trekmates Cairngorm GTX gaiters review: a very reasonable price for some very reasonable gaiters
The light and cheap Trekmates Cairngorm GTX gaiters are great all-rounders for hiking, hillwalking and trekking
Mountain Equipment Ibex Mountain Pant review: an ideal balance between warmth, durability, weight and breathability
Superb stretch softshell trousers, the popular Mountain Equipment Ibex Mountain Pant is the perfect option for hikers tackling big hill and mountain days
Black Diamond Cirque gaiters review: tough fabrics and rugged build
The superlight, mid-cut Black Diamond Cirque gaiters are a great choice for fast and light hikes and mountain missions
