
Matthew Jones
An outdoors writer and editor, Matt Jones has been testing kit in the field for nearly a decade. Having worked for both the Ramblers and the Scouts, he knows one or two things about walking and camping, and loves all things adventure, particularly long-distance backpacking, wild camping and climbing mountains – especially in Wales. He’s based in Snowdonia and last year thru-hiked the Cambrian Way, which runs for 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy, with a total ascent of 73,700 feet – that’s nearly 2½ times the height of Everest. Follow Matt on Instagram and Twitter.
Latest articles by Matthew Jones

Gränsfors Bruk Small Forest Axe review: a serious tool for serious bushcrafters
By Matthew Jones last updated
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
By Matthew Jones published
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
By Matthew Jones published
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
By Matthew Jones published
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
By Matthew Jones published
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
By Matthew Jones last updated
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
By Matthew Jones last updated
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
By Matthew Jones last updated
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
By Matthew Jones last updated
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
By Matthew Jones last updated
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
By Matthew Jones last updated
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
By Matthew Jones last updated
The superlight, mid-cut Black Diamond Cirque gaiters are a great choice for fast and light hikes and mountain missions

How to wash a down jacket and other tips for keeping your puffer in top condition
By Matthew Jones last updated
Our guide to how to wash a down jacket, complete with handy tips on everything from proper storage, drying and repair for your puffer

Sasta Jero pants review: burly, rugged and ideal for striding through dense undergrowth
By Matthew Jones last updated
Exceptionally tough yet comfortable, Sasta Jero are outdoor pants well-suited to forest or moorland hikes, as well as camping and bushcraft activities

Revolution Race GP Pro pants review: exceptional at the price
By Matthew Jones last updated
Rugged, fully featured and great-value, Revolution Race GP Pros are multi-activity pants with a trim cut and plenty of stretch

Highlander Cuillin gaiters review: a sturdy, reliable choice for hikers on a budget
By Matthew Jones last updated
Lightweight but tough Highlander Cuillin gaiters are great value all-rounders for hiking and hillwalking

MSR FreeLite 1 one-person tent review: plenty of space at minimal weight
By Matthew Jones published
The impressively light yet spacious, double-skinned MSR FreeLite 1 is a top choice for weight-conscious backpackers

Sierra Designs High Route 3000 1P tent review: a trekking pole tent with a striking design that works well
By Matthew Jones published
An unusual and innovative trekking pole tent, the Sierra Designs High Route 3000 1P balances weight, packed size and overall liveability

Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker 1P tent review: a super-portable trekking pole tent
By Matthew Jones published
The compact and lightweight Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker 1P is an extremely spacious trekking pole tent perfect for backpackers and thru-hikers

Snugpak Ionosphere one-person tent review: a formidable low-profile, stealth tent
By Matthew Jones published
The low-profile Snugpak Ionosphere solo tent works well for stealthy wild camps

Robens Arrow Head one-person tent review: ideal for backpackers on a budget
By Matthew Jones last updated
A great value, entry-level tent, the Robens Arrow Head is robust, stable and protective, if slightly heavy for a solo shelter

Grivel G10 crampons review: a ruggedly trusty crampon for everything but the most technical challenges
By Matthew Jones published
A sturdy and reliable 10-point crampon, the Grivel G10 is the perfect choice for winter hillwalking and mountain trekking above the snowline

Climbing Technology Nuptse Evo crampons review: bargain 12-pointers with reliable, no-nonsense performance
By Matthew Jones last updated
Value-driven, 12-point mountaineering crampons, Climbing Technology Nuptse Evo are reliable and solid all-rounders without a scary price tag
Advnture Newsletter
All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture!