Latest articles by Pat Kinsella
66° North Snaefell jacket review: a classy waterproof, redesigned to be better for you and the planet
The newly re-released, Icelandic-designed 66° North Snaefell is a top-performing jacket made with Polartec’s new partly plant-based Power Shield Pro material
Inov8 Bare-XF barefoot running shoes review: feel the train in luxurious comfort
The super-comfortable Inov8 Bare-XF is a very versatile, zero-drop shoe for running and working out
Specialized/Fjällräven frame bag review: slim profile, large volume, no wobble
The capacious, full-length Specialized/Fjällräven frame bag is ideal for bikepacking adventures on gravel-crunching steeds
Fjällräven/Specialized Top Tube Bag review: a bijou bikepacking bag with a lot to offer
The rugged and versatile little Fjällräven/Specialized Top Tube Bag even has a weatherpoof portal for cables to run through
The best hiking socks 2025: keep your feet comfy all year round
Our roundup of the best hiking socks will keep your feet dry, comfortable and protected in any weather
Fjällräven/Specialized handlebar bag and rack review: well-built, very roomy and easy to get into
The big, bold, retro-looking Fjällräven/Specialized handlebar bag has a large carry capacity and is easily accessible on the move
The best base layers 2025: the foundation of your hiking garb
The best base layers, from merino and bamboo to synthetic and hybrid tops, to keep you warm on your adventures – tested by experts
The best camping mattresses 2025: tested for comfort and warmth
The best camping mattress or airbed adds a whole new level of comfort to camping – here are the models we’ve enjoyed snoozing on most
The best running poles 2025: for ultra distance training, epic races, and fastpacking adventures
The best running poles for tackling tricky terrain are lightweight, compact and easy to assemble, collapse and carry
Pre-prepared meals vs DIY cooking: what's best for your camping trips?
Purpose-made, prepackaged, ultralight meals can be pretty useful when you’re exploring the backcountry, but how do they compare to your own cooking creations?
Arc’teryx Vertex Alpine GTX approach shoe review: style and performance on above-the-treeline adventures
The close-fitting Arc’teryx Vertex Alpine GTX approach shoe offers reassuring rigidity, protection and grip for battles against gravity
Smartwool Hike Classic Edition 2nd Cut Crew Socks review: recycled socks that walk the walk
These (almost) circular Smartwool Hike Classic Edition 2nd Cut Crew Socks are comfortable on your feet and easy on your conscience
Felco 601 folding saw review: a compact beast
An excellent multi-use folding saw, the Felco 601 is easy to carry and ideal for camping and route clearing
Arc’teryx Atom Vest review: a classy, multitasking three-season gilet
The svelte, versatile Arc’teryx Atom Vest is ideal for low-profile torso protection during a wide range of activities
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX hiking boots review: tough, grippy trailbusters, but don’t cross the streams
Comfortable and classy, Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX hiking boots are ideal for overnight and weekend escapades, and low-alpine adventures
Ethical down for jackets and sleeping bags: the vital information
You may feel warm huddled in that down jacket or sumptuous sleeping bag, but are you aware of, or at ease with, where and how the materials have been sourced?
Smartwool Men’s Active Mesh Hoodie review: one highly effective shirt for multiple occasions
The smart, long-sleeved lightweight mixed-material Smartwool Men’s Active Mesh Hoodie is perfect for outdoor pursuits on chilly and breezy days
Arc’teryx Norvan 7 Vest review: premium-quality hydration pack with more features than you’ll ever need
The super-streamlined Arc’teryx Norvan 7 Vest is a highly breathable hydration pack with all the bells and whistles (well, whistle) to satisfy race requirements
Inov-8 Graphic T-Shirt review: feels great, especially for the price
Beautifully cool and comfortable, the Inov-8 Graphic T-Shirt is a hardwearing hiking top for dry days on the trails and at the crag
Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Compression OTC Socks review: tough and supportive
These long, strong Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Compression OTC Socks are always there to support your crying calves on tough runs
Saxx Roast Master Mid-Weight Tights review: warmth and comfort
Men's thermal leggings with an in-built ‘ballpark’, the Saxx Roast Master Mid-Weight Tights provide extra support during cold-weather camping and outdoor activities.
AceBeam E75 high-performance flashlight review: the bright stuff
The AceBeam E75 is an extraordinarily powerful, super-versatile little lightsaber for all kinds of camping and outdoor adventures
Smartwool Men's Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve review: pricey but worth it
A luxuriously comfortable year-round-useful merino base layer
