Category: Reviews

I'm gearing up for a long point-to-point walk this summer over mixed terrain, so I needed a boot that could go the distance, comfortably. Hoka's usually known for its running shoes, but this boot is marketed as a "versatile hiker designed to tread lighter." Sounds promising, right? In-store, I had to size up, but once they were on, WOW, incredible ‘out of the box’ comfort! I took them straight into a fast-paced 25k hike with 500m of ascent across all sorts of terrain: concrete, gravel, grassy hills, rocky descents and lots in between. They held up really well, giving decent support to both my feet and ankles. I thought the extended heel would be a problem, but it actually added to the comfort. Some reviewers grumble about the lacing, but I liked it, it allowed me to fine-tune tightness exactly where I needed it. Bonus points for the colours, too! Waterproofing was decent in dew and damp grass, but I’d be wary in a proper downpour. Traction was okay, not made for scrambles or heavy packs, but perfect for what I need on this adventure. Final verdict: 9/10 for lightweight summer hikes. I’ll report back after 300 km!

Review : Terra Nova Laser Compact 2 I have spent 20 years living in Spain, adventuring in Europe, climbing mountains, walking old mule tracks, scrambling up hills and bouldering huge sandstone rock. On overnight adventures I have simply hunkered down in my sleeping bag and slipped inside a bivvy bag, I rarely had the need for anything else. I’ve been living back in the UK for just over two years now. After lockdown I began to rediscover the beauty and wildness of the UK moors and mountains. The unpredictable weather and the sometimes fierceness of the cold winds and rain has necessitated the need for something a little more substantial than a bivvy bag! I needed a tent, not just any tent, one that would stand up to the battering UK weather, small enough to fit in my backpack but big enough and warm enough to be comfy. Good tents aren’t cheap, so I needed to pick carefully and ensure it would fit my requirements. It had to be big enough for two but simple enough for one to put up, it needed a quick pitch time, if it's raining and cold you just want shelter quickly, finally it needed to have enough space so I could fit in my gear and sit up in it. Too much to ask? I trawled through the internet looking at the options and reading reviews. I finally decided on the Laser Compact 2. It seemed to fit all my requirements, reviews were good and there was one in stock! Click and bought, direct from Terra Nova! So a bit about the Laser Compact 2: It is a more compact version of the Laser Competition and from the moment it was released it started to impress, winning the UK Outdoor Industry Awards 2019 for