Putting the latest outdoor clothing, accessories and equipment to test
1. Hanwag Banks SF Extra GTX, £210
It’s the first time I’ve tried Hanwag, and I’m really chuffed with these boots. They come in a variety of widths and have a roomier toe box for more comfort on big hill days. Lockdown means I’ve not had any huge days in them – but I’ve done about 15.5 miles and my feet felt great. They have strong heel support and reassuringly robust vibram soles with deep lugs. Everything about them says quality. The uppers are leather and synthetic material with lots of stitching, which I worry will mean wet feet – so far so good, but yet to endure a proper sodden Scottish hill day.
Robert Wight
2. Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles, £120
These are the Women’s Trail Pro Shock poles, which includes Black Diamond’s usual – and excellent – Flicklock Pro to lock securely at your chosen height. Plus, the built-in shock absorption is much better than their Trail Pro version I’ve tried previously. My pal got the men’s version for comparison – his poles were 25g heavier than my 565g, and 15cm longer at max height than my 125cm, but cost the same. We swapped for a day and couldn’t tell the difference, except in the colour – women’s are turquoise; men’s are grey. Why not just make one type with different size options?
Katrina Patrick
3. Berghaus Rhyna Insulated Jacket, £130
This neatly fitted jacket is not only flattering; taken out on a wet and extremely windy day, I discovered it more than delivers on weather protection. The lightweight and breathable Hydroloft insulation kept me comfortable during exertion and oblivious to the wintry elements. Hydroshell 2L fabric guaranteed 100% water repellency, and the hood, featuring two tightening points, made for a snug fit without obscuring any view. Wide cuffs with adjustable straps sealed around my gloves and two large external zip pockets were ample for stashing valuables.
Ailsa Smart
4. Hiplok POP Cable Bike Lock, £19.99
No matter how old my bike gets, I live in fear of some scoundrel stealing it. I’m loath to leave it outside a café as it’s not always convenient to carry a heavy-duty lock. But when I got a new mountain bike last summer, I realised it was time to find a solution. The Hiplock POP Cable fits the bill. It wraps around your waist, clipping on to itself to fit any size – even with my lockdown comfort eating – and is light enough that you don’t notice it. It won’t stop a determined thief but is a good visible deterrent to give peace of mind while I warm up with soup and a sarnie.
Rachel Mcconachie