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
Berghaus Expeditor Ridge 2.0 hiking boots review: well-suited for lower-level day hikes
By Matthew Jones last updated
The Berghaus Expeditor Ridge 2.0 is a tried and tested stalwart from a much-loved British brand with a very reasonable price tag for a quality all-leather boot
Adidas Terrex Eastrail Mid GTX hiking boots review: a boot with running shoe style
By Matthew Jones last updated
A mid-cut fabric hiker, the Adidas Terrex Eastrail Mid GTX blends running shoe cushioning with clean, contemporary looks to create a modern lightweight boot
Sherpa Guide Pants review: urban style that translates effortlessly to the trail
By Matthew Jones published
Stretchy and stylish town-to-trail trousers, Sherpa Guide Pants are everyday chinos that stay cool and comfortable in the city or on the trail
Klättermusen Gere 2.0 Mountaineering Pants review: built to take plenty of abuse
By Matthew Jones published
Hardwearing and durable, Klättermusen Gere 2.0 Mountaineering Pants offer good wind resistance, superb build quality and strong eco credentials
Outdoor Research Crocodile Gore-Tex gaiters review: reliable, enduring all-round protection
By Matthew Jones published
A modern classic, Outdoor Research Crocodiles have built a deserved reputation amongst outdoorsy types as some of the toughest gaiters going
Montane Endurance Pro gaiters review: a good choice for winter mountain adventures
By Matthew Jones published
Employing top-quality Gore-Tex Pro fabric, Montane Endurance Pro gaiters offer lightweight, waterproof protection and good breathability
Berghaus Yeti Attak gaiters review: über-tough, all-encompassing protection for feet and shins
By Matthew Jones last updated
The seriously rugged Berghaus Yeti Attak gaiters use heavyweight fabrics with a Gore-Tex liner in an all-encompassing design offering complete protection
Rab Muztag GTX Pro gaiters review: ideal for technical mountain adventures on rock, snow and ice
By Matthew Jones last updated
Made using Gore-Tex Pro fabric, the lightweight Rab Muztag GTX Pro gaiters offer excellent waterproof protection and breathability for technical alpine use and winter mountaineering
Suunto M-3 compass review: Nordic cool helps deliver a classy navigational tool
By Matthew Jones published
Sturdy, practical and with a premium feel, the Finnish-made Suunto M-3 has the edge over other compasses in its price bracket when it comes to overall build quality
Manly Wasp camping knife review: high performance at a low price
By Matthew Jones published
Offering plenty of bang for your buck, the Manly Wasp boasts premium materials and high-quality blade steel, resulting in a top-quality knife that is built to last
Silva Ranger compass review: it’s not fancy but it does its job just fine
By Matthew Jones published
A compact base plate compass, the Silva Ranger has clear, practical markings and a knurled, rubberised bezel for high grip in all weather
Highlander Deluxe Map Compass review: a cheap but cheerful beginner’s choice
By Matthew Jones published
The budget buy Highlander Deluxe Map Compass is great value and makes a decent beginner’s compass for those just starting out on their navigation journey
Gerber Wingtip camping knife review: judge it not by its size
By Matthew Jones published
Lightweight and sleek, the diminutive Gerber Wingtip slipjoint knife has modern looks and compact dimensions for easy pocket carry
Alpkit Williams Expedition Compass review: lightweight and no nonsense
By Matthew Jones published
The well-built, well-priced Alpkit Williams Expedition Compass is a practical, versatile and inexpensive hiking and hillwalking tool
Buck Ridgeway camping knife review: a classy US knife made with Britain in mind
By Matthew Jones published
A small, lightweight slipjoint knife the Buck Ridgeway has elegant looks at an attractive price: all qualities that make it an appealing option as an everyday carry tool
Decathlon Geonaute Racer 900 Thumb Compass review: give your orienteering an edge
By Matthew Jones published
The Decathlon Geonaute Racer 900 Thumb Compass is ideal for orienteers and adventure racers on a budget
Silva Expedition Type 4 compass review: the original base plate compass is still one of the best
By Matthew Jones last updated
The standard against which all other base plate compasses are measured, the Silva Type 4 is a highly regarded, expedition-proven navigational tool
Böker Barlow O1 camping knife review: old-school charm and timeless practicality
By Matthew Jones published
The epitome of the traditional pocket-knife, the clip-point Böker Barlow O1 is a timeless classic that will appeal to lovers of heritage outdoor equipment
Three Rivers Atlas camping knife review: an extremely capable cutting tool
By Matthew Jones published
Small but surprisingly capable, this US-made blade is well-designed and superbly executed for everyday carry, backpacking and hiking
Exped Lightning 45 review: a light, beefy, versatile hiking backpack
By Matthew Jones published
A lightweight, top-loading pack with a roll-top closure, the Exped Lightning 45 is a deceptively simple design. But while it is minimalist and streamlined in terms of features, it doesn’t compromise on carrying comfort, with a padded harness and hipbelt plus a strengthened T-shaped frame that can handle heavier loads
Montane Trailblazer 44 review: an impressively lightweight and functional pack
By Matthew Jones published
Designed for fastpacking trips and other quick-paced adventures, the lightweight Montane Trailblazer 44 pack draws on the brand’s mountain running heritage with a trail vest-style harness that offers plenty of practical, on-the-go storage
Osprey Levity 45 review: a lightweight trekking pack that won't get uncomfortable
By Matthew Jones published
The Osprey Levity 45 is an ultralight framed trekking pack that shaves grams without sacrificing carrying comfort
Gregory Katmai 55 review: a great hiking pack for long miles and heavy loads
By Matthew Jones published
Built to carry heavy loads in comfort thanks to a pivoting harness and body-hugging hipbelt, the Gregory Katmai 55 is a serious gear-hauler, but it’s also been made with sustainability in mind
Sprayway Nakuru Rainpants review: a reliable and easy-to-pack pair of waterproof trousers
By Matthew Jones published
The no-nonsense Sprayway Nakuru Rainpants have an accommodating fit and dependable Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable performance
Páramo Cascada II Rain Pants review: innovative rain pants that keep you consistently dry
By Matthew Jones published
Wear-all-day waterproofs for hiking, the Páramo Cascada II Rain Pants are soft and comfortable, with excellent venting options – ideal for hiking in fluctuating temperatures and changeable weather
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