Guides

The smallest fire starter isn’t always the easiest to use. A compact fire steel saves space, but takes practice; matches may feel more familiar, whilst a torch or firelighter may suit a different task. Choosing fire maki…

Could a smaller pocket knife be a better fit than a larger, more rugged-looking option? The right choice depends on what you’ll use it for, how you prefer to carry it and how much care you’re prepared to give the blade. …

What if bushcraft isn’t about surviving without a tent, but about becoming more capable outdoors? The term is used in different ways, so it’s easy to assume it means specialist skills, expensive kit or taking unnecessary…

The secret to waking up refreshed in the woods isn't hunting down softer fabric; true overnight comfort in a camping hammock depends entirely on suspension geometry and under-body insulation. If you've ever hesitated to …

We've all been there: staring at a screen full of generic "deals" on gear that wouldn't last a single night in the wilderness. It's frustrating to sift through low-quality sales whilst worrying that the specialist kit yo…

What if the best gift you give this year never actually makes it back into the kitchen cupboard after Boxing Day? We've all been there; unwrapping a "multi-tool" that bends on its first use or a gadget that's far too hea…

What if your most reliable piece of shelter wasn't a heavy, double-walled tent, but a single sheet of fabric weighing less than a litre of water? For many, the idea of ditching the poles and groundsheet feels like a reci…

The most powerful camping stove in your kit isn't necessarily the one with the highest output; it's the one that actually lights when you're shivering on a wind-swept ridge. We've all experienced the frustration of gear …

Why are you still lugging heavy bags of chemical-laden briquettes into the woods when your next fuel source is literally lying at your feet? It's a common frustration for many of us; we want that perfect, intense heat fo…

How many half-used alkaline batteries are currently rolling around the bottom of your rucksack? It’s a common sight for any regular trekker, yet those little cylinders of waste are often the weakest link in an otherwise …

Imagine reaching the summit of a freezing, wind-swept ridge in the Lake District only to find your "leak-proof" bottle has soaked your dry layers. It is a frustratingly common setback for hikers using flimsy gear that si…

Most hikers carry twice the weight they actually need, yet they still find themselves shivering when the British clouds inevitably burst. It’s a common frustration to realise your pack is filled with heavy, unnecessary i…