Latest articles by Pat Kinsella
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
What is a wood-burning stove, and should I consider one over a gas option?
What is a wood-burning stove? We answer all and consider a wood-burner's suitability for backpacking and traditional car camping
Osprey Transporter Waterproof 30 review: a backpack you can rely on when things get really soggy
A top-quality, super-tough dry bag with an excellent harness, the Osprey Transporter Waterproof 30 is ready for everything from soggy commutes to wet-weather adventures and paddling escapades
Why buy a proper water bottle: 6 reasons why premium is perfect for the trails
Six of the best reasons why you should buy a proper water bottle for the trails next time you venture into the backcountry
The best bikepacking bags: clever kit-carrying solutions for your pedal-powered adventures
Gearing up for bikepacking? We’ve trail-tested some of the best bikepacking bags and cycle-touring cargo holders available
Smartwool Men’s Active Mesh Short Sleeve T-shirt review: you get what you pay for, and you pay a lot
The super-comfortable, high-stretch Smartwool Men’s Active Mesh Short Sleeve T-shirt boasts mesh vents and environmentally friendly materials
Saxx Roast Master Mid-Weight Long Sleeve base layer review: the cozy warmth of recycled fibers
A super-comfortable base layer, the Saxx Roast Master Mid-Weight is made from a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers, which offers decent thermal protection
White Water Softshell Robe review: a classy piece of beachwear for all year long
The warm and windproof White Water Softshell Robe has zipped pockets, making it perfect for wild-swimming, surfing and aquatic adventures almost all year round
Columbia Tunnel Springs Wool Tights review: premium thermal protection for legs
These mostly merino Columbia Tunnel Springs Wool Tights base-layer bottoms keep your legs warm through winter
The best hiking hats: cozy beanies for mountains and sun hats for warmer days
Our roundup of the best hiking hats gives you a great selection, whether you're after a beanie for warmth, or a summer topper for shade
The best running gels: convenient, tasty energy for the road or trail
The best running gels, aka energy gels, keep you going during longer runs, from half-marathons to ultras
The best softshell jackets: protect against wind and cold on the trails
Stylish and practical, the best softshell jackets are ideal for all manner of dynamic activities all year round tested and rated
Salomon Sense Flow Vest review: super-lightweight running jacket that’s armless fun
The Salomon Sense Flow Vest is an ultra lightweight, slightly insulated running gilet designed to supply windproofing and thermal protection to your torso
The best running gloves and mitts: for those early starts and late evenings
The best running gloves and mitts can make going for a brisk run in the freezing season so much more pleasant
Sealskinz Griston waterproof gloves review: multipurpose, multilayered mitts
Lightweight and weatherproof, Sealskinz Gristons provide three-layer hand protection for hiking, biking and even paddling adventures
The best hiking shoes: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons
We put the best hiking shoes through rigorous testing to help you choose the perfect pair for your needs
