Kit gets the ultimate test in Bashed by Backshall –

EVERY MONTH, TV’S MOUNTAINMAD TOUGH GUY STEVE BACKSHALL REVIEWS THE KIT THAT HELPS HIM SURVIVE. THE QUESTION IS… CAN IT SURVIVE HIM?

SALOMON XA PRO 3D ULTRA 2 GTX TRAIL RUNNING/HIKING SHOE £115

I used to only wear slipper-thin fell running shoes before

I had a near-fatal rock-climbing fall a few years back. Now, with a fused left ankle, I need more cushioning and support in my trainers, and off-road I have found nothing to compare to Salomon. They have an array of different styles, and change their colours by the month. If I think conditions will be soggy, I go for the XA Pro 3D with Gore-Tex. I hacked the soles off this particular pair so I could fit them into my kayak when I was doing the Devizes to Westminster canoe race. Check out Steve's tweets @SteveBackshall