Trail Gear Guide 2016 by Trail magazine

2016 GEAR GUIDE YOUR 100 PAGE EXPERT MANUAL FOR CHOOSING... BOOTS RUCKSACKS WATERPROOFS FLEECES INSULATED JACKETS SOFT SHELLS BASE LAYERS GLOVES TROUSERS NAVIGATION POLES HYDRATION TENTS SLEEPING BAGS STOVES ICE AXES & MORE!

FROM THE MAKERS OF

MAGAZINE

TOM BAILEY

CONTENTS

4 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2016

Great Trail Gear Survey

Duffel bags

Kit for hillwalking

Kit for scrambling

How to buy waterproof jackets

Kit for wild camping

Waterproof jackets

Kit for winter walking

Subscribe to Trail

How to buy boots

Fleeces

Boots

Insulated jackets

Trail shoes

Soft shell jackets

How to buy socks

Base layers

Socks

Gloves

How to buy rucksacks

Headwear

Rucksacks

Walking trousers

Waterproof trousers

Sleeping bags

Gaiters

Bivvy bags

Navigation aids

How to buy sleeping mats

Trekking poles

Sleeping mats

Water treatment

Stoves

Headtorches

Camping food

Portable power

Knives and multi-tools

Action cameras

Crampons and ice axes

Eyewear

Kit for kids

How to buy tents

Where to buy this gear

Tents

Win! Kit worth over £1,000

How to buy sleeping bags

What does ’Trail tested?’ mean? This line below each review tells you which issues of Trail magazine featured in-depth reviews.

How do I buy this outdoor kit? Turn to page 96 for a list of essential contacts so you can get your hands on the gear in this guide.

Can’t find the gear you need? There are hundreds more product reviews online at www.lfto.com If you can’t find the kit you’re after in these pages, check there instead.

2016 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 5

WALKING BOOTS HOW TO BUY

BOOTS

Waterproofness

If the upper is made of one piece of leather, or is relatively stitch-free, the boot will be as waterproof as most people will require – particularly if it is made of thick leather. Boots that are covered in stitching or those made with synthetic materials will leak more easily and are more prone to wear, while a waterproof lining such as Gore-Tex will make the boot waterproof.

Boot types

Decide what the principal activity you want to do in the outdoors is, and then choose a boot designed for that activity. All boots can be categorised in one of the following ways: B0 – flexible 3-season boots for valley, hill and mountain walking, backpacking, scrambling and via ferrata. They are not recommended for use with crampons or for use on snow in the mountains. B1 – stiff but flexible 3-4 season boots for use on or off the snow when hillwalking and backpacking in the mountains. They are recommended for use with crampons and for use on snow in the mountains. B2 – very stiff 4-season boots for use on snow when hillwalking, climbing or mountaineering. They are recommended for use with crampons and for use on snow in the mountains.

Uppers

Stiff uppers are better for rocky ground and winter use, and they allow crampon straps to be comfortably fitted. Softer uppers are more comfortable and so are best for valley walking where less support and protection is required than on rocky mountains.

B3 – totally stiff and flat-soled ice-climbing boots for serious snow and ice-climbing and mountaineering. They are recommended for use with crampons and for use on snow in the mountains.

Crampon compatibility

B0 boots are not recommended for use with crampons B1 boots can be used with C1 types of crampons B2 boots can be used with C1 or C2 crampons B3 boots can be used with C1, C2 or C3 crampons

UK 3 3½ 4½ 5 5½ 6 6½ 7 7½ 8 8½ 9 9½ 10 10½ 11 11½ 12 12½ 12. 13 13½ 14 14½ 15

Euro 35¾ 36 37⅓ 38 38⅔ 39⅓ 40 40⅔ 41⅓ 42 42⅔ 43⅓ 44 44⅔ 45⅓ 46 46⅔ 47⅓ 48 48 48⅔ 49⅓ 50 50⅔ 51⅓

Sizing You’ll find two sizes – UK and Euro – in many boots these days. We’ve listed them all here (left) so you can work out whether they’ll fit you!

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If you see this symbol it means a men’s fit is available This means a women’s fit is available

Fit

Finding a boot that fits your foot shape as well as your size is critical. Women’s models are generally narrower at the heel. The inside of the boot should be around 13-15mm (half an inch) longer than your foot. With the laces loosened off, roughly measure the gap behind your heel by placing a finger down the inside of the boot. The upper should be snug and comfy. Walk around the shop and feel for any heel movement. Better shops can help with boot fitting, so do ask.

12 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2016

Outsole

For winter walking, look for grooves that are at least twice as deep as the thickness of a pound coin. Lug depths less than this are ideal for hill and valley walking. But if the lugs are less than the depth of a single coin, they won’t give much grip in mud or on grass and they’ll also wear down quickly on harder surfaces. The heel breast (the cutaway section between forefoot and heel) should be three times the thickness of a pound coin for hillwalking above or below the snowline. Boots with shallower heel breasts are best kept to good paths at valley level.

Meindl’s Meran GTX (shown here), part of the Comfort Fit range, is available in men’s sizes 6-12. The women‘s version is the Meran Lady GTX (sizes 3½-9).

Durability

Stitching will come apart over time, so a boot with minimal stitching will be most durable. But double stitching improves the durability considerably and adds extra security to the seams. Stiff uppers made of thick leather will be more durable than those made of synthetic materials. To improve durability, look for a rubber rand around the sides, toes and heels. The most durable boots are best for rocky mountain use and winter use, while less durable designs are best kept to valley paths.

Heel cup

Pinch the heel cup between the fingers. If it is soft and flexible it won’t offer much support, so such boots are best restricted to valley path use, while boots with stiffer heel cups are better for rocky mountain walks and winter use where maximum support is useful.

Cushioning

With the boots on, stamp your feet on the ground to get an idea of how well they can cushion impact. More cushioning is best for walking, but climbers may prefer less cushioning to allow a greater ‘feel’ for what they are standing on.

Support

Choose boots with minimal underfoot support for walking on good valley paths, but go for those with a stiffer sole and plenty of support underfoot for use on rocky mountain terrain.

FEATURED BOOT

Midsole

Toe box

Press the toe box with your thumb and then pinch it on the sides. If it flexes easily, the boot is best restricted to good paths in the valley, while a stiffer toe box is better for rocky mountains and winter use.

Meindl Meran GTX £179.99

Grab the boot by the toe and heel, and bend the heel towards the toe. Then twist the toe while holding the heel steady. The harder it is to bend the boot, the better suited it is to snow and rocky ground, and crampon use. The softer the flex, the better the boot is suited to use on good paths in the valley. A 3-4 season boot is stiffer than a 3-season boot but not as stiff as a 4-season boot.

www.meindl co.uk 2016 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 13

RUCKSACKS

Black Diamond Bolt 24 £90

A superb rucksack for general hillwalkers and scramblers who want real performance benefits. The shoulder straps are linked by a wire that slides through a sleeve to allow extra freedom of movement while maintaining stability. The neat mountaineering design has a great lid with a single-buckle closure. The back system is close-fitting for stability, but has less airflow because of that. There’s no women’s version, sadly. MAGAZINE

NEW FOR 2016

Weight 960g (size M/L) Sizes S/M, M/L (unisex) + shoulder strap design; stability; mountaineering features - relatively heavy, less airflow across back and no women’s version Trail tested? Aug15 4.4/5 Trail Approved

Berghaus Explorer 40 £100 Gregory Salvo 28/Suila 28 £90 m n This new pack promises improved comfort by having a Freespan back system that allows more airflow across the back of the wearer. But it also has an aluminium leaf spring across the lumbar area plus a huge well-ventilated lumbar support pad as well as wide hipbelt fins for a more stable and comfy carry. There is a ziparound opening to the main compartment with compression straps and stretch side pockets. It comes in 18 and 24 litre sizes, plus this 28 litre version.

Featuring the Biofit back system, which can be adjusted to your back length by raising the shoulder harness, this pack has a base and upper compartment, side compression straps and mesh side pockets. The back system is stiff enough to allow lazy packing without impeding comfort, and there is a chimney to allow air between the padded zones. The conventional lid, compression straps and stretch side pockets make it a solid all-rounder for hillwalkers. Weight 1330g Sizes one size, adjustable (men’s) + good all-round features for general hillwalking; good price - no women’s version; not the lightest; even more airflow is available elsewhere Trail tested? Sep15 4.6/5 Best Value

Weight 1100g (men’s) Sizes one size (men’s Salvo); one size (women’s Suila) + airflow; stability of the load - zipped opening (rather than buckled lid) will deter some users Trail tested? Released March 2016

Osprey Exos 48 £100

The Exos 48 boasts an Exoform back system that holds the body of the sack away from the wearer with a ‘trampoline’ design to allow more airflow. It comes in three back lengths with good adjustment, but no specific women’s version is available. The sack is very light for its capacity. This pack really hugs your back, is stable and has all the practical features you need when hillwalking.

26 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2016

Weight 1152g (size L) Sizes S,M,L (unisex) + very comfortable back system with good airflow - no women’s version; some heavier packs may be more durable Trail tested? Sep15 4.6/5 Best in Test

NEED SOMETHING MORE SPECIFIC? SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT

Terra Nova Laser 20 £45

Lowe Alpine Manaslu 55-65 £150

If you want an extremely lightweight sack of 20 litre capacity, you’ll struggle to find something better than this at 318g. The zipped opening and non-stiffened back system make it one for the lightweight fanatic. Weight 318g Sizes one back length (unisex) Trail tested? Aug15 4.0/5

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The Axiom 5 back system is built into the Manaslu and this is adjustable in length, has minimal body contact, is comfortable and really hugs the back for a stable carry. You get a floating lid to extend capacity and a front zipped opening to the main compartment as well as a base compartment. If you don’t want to stretch your budget beyond £150 then the Manaslu is an excellent choice for backpacking.

LIGHTWEIGHT

Nigor Zero G £160 At 1102g this 49 litre pack is exceptionally lightweight for its capacity. It’s built from very durable ripstop nylon and Dyneema, making it ideal for backpacking in a light yet durable style, but the price is weighty. Weight 1102g (size L) Sizes M, L (unisex) Trail tested? Sep15 3.8/5

Weight 2390g (men’s) Sizes one size, adjustable (men’s); one size, adjustable (women’s) + minimal body contact; very supportive of heavier loads - slightly heavy; some may prefer the floating lid to have an extra baffle link to the body Trail tested? Apr16 4.4/5 Trail Approved

BOMBPROOF

Gregory Baltoro 65 / Deva 60 £205 An incredibly robust, stable and comfy carry for heavy loads but other packs have benefits in terms of airflow, weight and price, making this best suited to the very keen big load backpacker. Weight 2490g (men’s S) Sizes S, M, L (men’s Baltoro); XS, S, M (women’s Deva) Trail tested? Apr16 4.2/5

Osprey Atmos AG 65 / m n Aura AG 65 £190 The Anti-Gravity (AG) ‘trampoline’ back system holds the body of the pack away from the torso to make the 2270g weight surprisingly comfortable. The body has a top-entry lid that covers an additional topentry cover called a Flapjacket, which means you can remove the lid completely if desired. A superb backpacking rucksack if you want maximum comfort and performance when walking long distance paths with big loads. Weight 2270g (men’s) Sizes one size, adjustable (men’s Atmos); one size, adjustable (women’s Aura) + airflow across back; comfort; stability - price is creeping up; not the lightest option available Trail tested? Apr16 4.8/5 Trail Approved

I’ve used and abused it! “A big ol’ gear-devouring sack that’s about as comfortable to carry as a pack of this size gets - even when fully loaded.” Ben Weeks, news and features writer

HUT TO HOSTEL

Deuter ACT Lite 40+10 £120 This pack always does well in tests but is a little heavy; however it benefits from base and main compartments as well as better comfort and support when carrying heavier loads. Great for walking between huts, hotels, hostels or B&Bs. Weight 1619g (men’s) Sizes one size, adjustable (men’s 40+10); one size, adjustable (women’s 35+10 or 45+10) Trail tested? Sep15 4.2/5

STREAMLINED

Millet Prolighter 25 £90 The Prolighter range comes in various sizes but they’re all relatively lightweight for their capacity and all have a streamlined mountaineering design, making them ideal for scramblers or anyone who just wants a simpler design. Weight 852g (men’s) Sizes one size (men’s 25 litre); one size (women’s 27 litre) Trail tested? Aug15 4.2/5

2016 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 27

WATERPROOF JACKETS

Mountain Equipment Pumori £220

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Drilite 3-layer laminate material is used here, and it boasts extremely high waterproofness and breathability figures. There are also pit zips for ventilation. The three external chest pockets are all large enough for maps and easily accessed while wearing a pack. The hood gets a wired peak and moves extremely well. The Odyssey at £200 and 387g is replacing the Pumori this year – it lacks that third chest pocket but still scored 4.2/5 in Trail’s Spring 16 issue. Both are great. Weight 477g (size L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); 8-16 (women’s) + reasonable weight; 3 large easily accessed pockets; hood with wired peak; pit zips - higher-priced, heavier jackets use materials that are more durable in the long term Trail tested? Nov15 4.8/5 Trail Approved

Sherpa Lakpa Rita £280

Rab Bergen £230 An extremely popular jacket that always does well in Trail tests, this is a hillgoing workhorse thanks to a tough 3-layer eVent fabric with a nylon outer for durable protection. There are two huge pockets that are easy to access, and a superb hood with wired peak. It feels a little stiffer than others, but that’s what happens when you make it out of tougher material. Weight 535g (size L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); 8-16 (women’s) + 2 large accessible pockets; tough material; slightly longer body than some - others are lighter, softer and have more pockets or pit zips Trail tested? Nov15 4.6/5

34 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2016

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Rated ‘Best Value’ in a recent Trail test, this jacket is made from 3-layer eVent fabric, it weighs just 419g (size men’s L) and yet it features four well-designed chest pockets and a hood with a wired peak. The hood did seem a little big for our tester (so try before buying) but that was our only concern, so if it fits this is a winner. Weight 419g (size men’s L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s) + 4 accessible pockets; wired peak on hood; weight and price good for performance - check the hood fit before buying; thin fabric feels chilly in the wind Trail tested? Nov15 4.4/5 Best Value

NEED SOMETHING MORE SPECIFIC? LOW-PRICED, LIGHT AND PRACTICAL

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Montane Atomic £120

Mountain Equipment Lhotse/Manaslu £330

The Pertex Shield material used here isn’t as breathable as Pertex Shield + but the price is more attractive, the weight is still very good and you get two mesh-lined chest pockets plus a good hood with a wired peak. Weight 321g (size L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); 8-16 (women’s) Trail tested? Jul15 4.0/5

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A regular winner of Trail ‘Best in Test’ awards, this jacket is made from 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro with three large and very easy-to-access chest pockets. You get a hood with a wired peak that fits and moves effortlessly with the head, and pit zips to keep you cool. Some may want a lighter, lower-priced or longer jacket, but for many this is ideal for heading onto more challenging hill terrain.

CONDENSATION CONTROL

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Keela Prosport £125

Keela’s System Dual Protection provides a waterproof and breathable Prostretch outer with a wicking liner, and the effect is far superior management of condensation than other jackets. The drawback is the extra insulation and the extra weight. Weight 831g (size L) Sizes XS-XXL (men’s); 8-20 (women’s) Trail tested? Spr16 4.0/5

Weight 528g (size L) Sizes S-XL (men’s Lhotse); 8-16 (women’s Manaslu) + 3 accessible chest pockets; wired peak on hood; pit zips - lighter, lower-priced and longer jackets are available Trail tested? Nov15 4.8/5 Best in Test

LONG, TRADITIONAL STYLE

Craghoppers Ashton £175 If you prefer a longer and more traditional style of jacket, then this 2-layer Gore-Tex design with a mesh lining is ideal. It has two lower pockets that can be accessed while wearing a rucksack due to the extra length in the body. Weight 771g (size L) Sizes S-XL (men’s) Trail tested? Nov15 3.6/5

Páramo Alta III £280

CASH TO SPLASH

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This iconic jacket uses the unique Nikwax Analogy fabric system, which is extremely breathable and manages moisture by pumping it away from the body like animal fur. The latest version has a neater fit older versions, with superb sleeve movement, a wired peak, two chest pockets and two lower pockets whose ease of access varies with the rucksack belt in use. An extremely popular walker’s jacket, but heavy and can be overly warm. Weight 794g (size men’s L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s) + 2 accessible chest pockets; 2 lower pockets; wired peak on hood - can be too warm and heavy in some situations tested Nov15 4.2/5 Trail tested?

I’ve used and abused it! “Quite big and bulky, but I love the fact it’s long and slightly oversized unlike most modern waterproofs. A proper coat!“ Oli Reed, deputy editor

Arc’teryx Theta AR £460

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Tough 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric is combined with two huge chest pockets, pit zips and a helmetcompatible hood with a stiffened peak that works well. A third chest pocket would be nice, but otherwise this is very good if you have plenty of spare cash. Weight 521g (size men’s L) Sizes XS-XXL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s) Trail tested? Nov15 4.2/5

MOUNTAIN WORKHORSE

Marmot Alpinist £460

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A stiffer version of Gore-Tex Pro fabric is used here to help this combat the toughest high mountain conditions. There are four chest pockets, a helmet-compatible hood with a stiffened peak and a removable snowskirt. Weight 620g (size men’s L) Sizes S-XL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s) 2016 Trail tested? Nov15 TRAIL 4.2/5 GEAR GUIDE 35

SOFT SHELL JACKETS In the middle ground between fleeces and waterproof jackets lurk these popular, warm and versatile tops.

Simond Alpine Softshell £40 m n This is a low-priced soft shell jacket, and while you don’t get a hood you do get a material that fends off wind and water very well. The drawbacks are that this isn’t the most breathable option, there is no hood and it’s relatively heavy. Annoyingly the third chest pocket is a little small (the women’s doesn’t have this pocket). Hard to find anything better at this price, and a good option for those on a budget. Weight 603g (size L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s) + price; two great pockets; very windand water-resistant - no hood; not the most breathable fabric; slightly heavy Trail tested? Sep15 4.2/5

Bergans of Norway Torfinnstind £130 m n

Weight 283g (size L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); 8-16 (women’s) + price; weight; breathability; great pockets and hood - less insulation; less windproofness; less water resistance Trail tested? Sep15 4.2/5

Montane Alpine Stretch £100

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The four-way stretch Chameleon polyester fabric has no membrane, so it’s not the best in terms of wind and water resistance, but it is better in terms of breathability and suitability to wear under a waterproof shell. The four pockets on the men’s version are easily accessed while wearing a rucksack, but the women’s version has only two pockets. Both have a great hood. This is one of the best soft shell jackets for hillwalkers. Weight 546g (size L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); 8-16 (women’s) + four good pockets; great hood with a wired peak - not the warmest or most water-resistant Trail tested? Sep15 4.8/5 Trail Approved

NEW FOR 2016

Weight 360g (size men’s L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s) + relatively low weight; three chest pockets; a high level of breathability - not the warmest or the most water-resistant; no hood Trail tested? Released 2016

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The Ventus provides a little more wind and water resistance than a fleece but lacks the insulation. This makes it very useful in warmer conditions and when moving fast, climbing or mountaineering. Having a hood and a pair of good chest pockets also means it’s very practical on the hill. For some this will be ideal, but others may prefer not to sit on the fence and go for a fleece or more weather-resistant soft shell.

MAGAZINE

A lightweight jacket combining two soft shell materials with four-way stretch. In exposed areas there is more wind and water resistance while other areas are more breathable. There are three pockets with mesh linings so you can vent the jacket; access isn’t affected by climbing harnesses or rucksack belts. The front is cut slightly shorter to allow more freedom of movement. Looks good for more technical hillgoers, scrambling and mountaineering.

42 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2016

Rab Ventus £70

Rab Torque £130

Matrix Double Weave Stretch (Matrix DWS) fabric is used here, which is great in so many situations, from summer to winter, in fine weather or wet weather when combined with other layers. The hood is outstandingly good, thanks to a super fit and a wired peak. The two Napoleon chest pockets are great, but you don’t get any handwarmer pockets, which are available in the men’s and women’s Sawtooth Hoodie (a good alternative to the Torque). Weight 488g (size L) Sizes S-XL (men’s) + weight; good chest pockets; good hood - no women’s version; no handwarmer pockets Trail tested? Sep15 4.2/5

Arc’teryx Epsilon LT Hoody £170

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A great all-rounder – perhaps the definition of a soft shell? A good hood and two good pockets make this practical on the hill. The polyester double weave fabric allows some airflow, which means it manages condensation while having more wind and water resistance than fleece. Great for wearing over a base layer but can also be worn under a waterproof – the flexibility most hillwalkers need. Weight 566g (size men’s M) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s) + great pockets; great hood; medium levels of weather protection - not the warmest, lightest or most weatherprotective Trail tested? Sep15 4.8/5 Trail Approved

Berghaus Winter Valparola £180

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Designed for the most challenging winter adventures, the Valparola uses Gore Windstopper fabric, which has a waterproof membrane to ensure it can resist light rain, while the micro polyester lining adds insulation to make it ideal for winter. The fit is quite close, the body is longer than most and when combined with the great hood this all adds up to a very protective jacket. The pit zips and great pockets further enhance its benefits. Too warm for summer though. Weight 744g (size men’s L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s) + superb pockets; great hood; pit zips - too warm and too heavy outside of winter conditions Trail tested? Sep15 4.2/5

Páramo Quito / Mirada £230

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Soft shell jackets is a very broad category, and the Páramo Quito/ Mirada sits at the more waterproof end of the scale by using Nikwax Anology Light fabric, which has a lighter windproof outer than standard Páramo jackets. There are very long pit zips that extend to the hips for ventilation and these also give access to internal handwarmer pockets. There are two internal mesh pockets, but no external pockets. Weight 529g (size men’s L) Sizes XS-XL (men’s Quito); XS-XL (women’s Mirada) + water resistance, breathability and venting are major benefits - unusual pocket layout; perhaps more of a waterproof jacket than some soft shells Trail tested? No

TRAIL TIP Soft shells work well as part of a clothing layering system and are usually windproof, but they can’t be relied on as an outer layer because most aren’t waterproof. Black Diamond Dawn Patrol LT Shell £250

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Schoeller stretch woven nylon is used here, so it’s very durable. It doesn’t have a membrane so breathability is slightly better than some, while the Nanosphere treatment on the fabric improves water resistance. The hood has a wired peak and works really well, but while you get one good chest pocket the two lower pockets are easily obscured when wearing a climbing harness or rucksack hipbelt – and this lets an otherwise good jacket down. Still better than many, though. Weight 614g (size L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s) + one good chest pocket; good hood fit - price; lower pocket access is easily obscured by hipbelts Trail tested? Sep15 4.0/5

Mountain Equipment Vulcan £200

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This is made from Gore Windstopper Softshell and the inside of the material has a brushed finish to provide extra warmth while the outer is very robust and durable. There is a superb hood, three pockets that can be easily accessed above rucksack hipbelts or harnesses, and pit zips for ventilation. Weight 744g (size L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s); 8-16 (women’s) + good pockets; great hood; very warm and ideal for colder conditions; pit zips - very heavy; too warm for milder conditions Trail tested? No

Montane Tigertooth m Pro £250 Polartec Powershield provides the protection here: a membrane is sandwiched between the inner fibre and outer abrasionresistant layer to make this very wind-resistant, water-resistant and warm. Not the most breathable option but great for Scottish winters where the easy-to-access pockets and superb hood are really practical. If mild it’s probably more than you need. Weight 794g (size L) Sizes S-XXL (men’s) + four great pockets; an excellent hood that includes a wired peak - price; no women’s option; too warm for milder conditions; heavy Trail tested? Sep15 4.2/5 Trail Approved 2016 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 43

WATER TREATMENT It’s rare that wild water is okay to drink, but worry not – there are plenty of ways you can make it safe.

Lifesystems Chlorine Dioxide Tablets £10.50 MAGAZINE

For the ultimate in portability and a failsafe solution for killing viruses in water, chlorine dioxide is now the go-to chemical treatment since iodine was outlawed in 2009. Chlorine dioxide doesn’t leave the same aftertaste as iodine or traditional chlorine did, and it effectively kills just about anything living that could cause you harm. Used in combination with even a reasonable filter to remove contaminants and sediment, it will give you a complete purification system for most applications. Weight 40g for 30 + kills all pathogens; light; inexpensive - slow; doesn’t filter so water needs to be relatively clean Trail tested? Jul15

NEW FOR 2016

LifeStraw Steel £50 A new edition of the world-bettering LifeStraw (buy a Lifestraw and you’re enabling a child in Africa to have clean drinking water for a year), this new and improved model features a two-stage filtration system that removes 99.9 per cent of protozoa such as notorious, common nasties like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, as well as bacteria, cysts and sediment. You suck straight from the straw (from a river, lake, puddle or bottle), so there are no moving parts, and one straw will last up to 1,000 litres. New for the Steel is a replaceable carbon capsule filter, which removes chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. This lasts about 100 litres but can be replaced. At just 113g it’s a lightweight, ultra-portable, packable filter. Weight 113g + light; very portable; effective; charitable - filters most troublesome viruses but not all Trail tested? No

SteriPEN Adventurer Opti £85 WaterToGo 50cl bottle £13 Impressive in spec and price, this cut-to-thechase product is a bottle and filter in one, allowing you to scoop water straight from the stream and drink as you go. The filter uses new nanotechnology developed for NASA and claims to remove 99.9 per cent of protozoa, bacteria, viruses and cysts – as well as heavy metals and chemical contaminants – in a far more efficient manner than traditional carbon block filters. It’s an impressive claim, and a truly impressive price – even for its modest 130 litre life. (A £25 75cl bottle is also available, with a 200 litre life.) Replacement filters are £8 each, or £40 for 6. Weight 98g + light; widely effective; great value; space-saving - only suitable for direct drinking; 130 litre life Trail tested? No

MAGAZINE

NEW FOR 2016

An ingenious method for treating relatively clean water that may be infected with viruses – such as those found in a high mountain stream – the SteriPEN uses ultraviolet light to destroy the reproductive systems of viruses. A 90-second swish with this little lightsabertype-thing is enough to purify a litre of water, and a set of batteries will provide up to 100 treatments. The downside is there is no inbuilt filtration, so the water needs to be relatively free of other contaminants. Weight 108g (inc batteries) + effective removal of biological contaminants - doesn’t filter dirt or chemicals Trail tested? Jun13

I’ve used and abused it! “I used to drink straight out of high streams until someone told me this was unwise. The SteriPEN enabled me to ensure clean-looking water was bug-free.“ Simon Ingram, editor 60 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2016

Katadyn Base Camp Pro 10L £100 A ‘gravity filter’ that provides large volumes of clean water for a camp, the Base Camp Pro’s Ultra Flow Filter filters up to 2 litres of water per minute down to 0.2 microns, with a 10 litre capacity. This makes it an effective filter that will take care of most waterborne nasties including bacteria, cysts and sediment – though it can’t get rid of all viruses, so if you’re worried a secondary treatment (boiling or chlorine) should be employed. Weight 350g + perfect for camps; fast flow rate - filters most troublesome viruses but not all; large applications only Trail tested? No

General Ecology First Need XL Elite £105 Featuring a really strong build and intuitive function, this filter is developed by marine technology specialist General Ecology. With a gravity feed option and a 1.8 litres per minute flow rate, the replaceable, sealed filter canister should last around 500 litres and is rated to remove contaminants up to 0.1 microns, making it finer than most. It’s a bit heavier than some but it’s a well-proven, highly durable and versatile system. Weight 453g + removes most contaminants; robust - a little heavy Trail tested? Jun13

Katadyn Mini £115 Time-proven to be an excellent and reliable filter that strikes a great balance of comprehensive protection, durability and price, the 250g Swiss-made Katadyn Mini is a ceramic filter that will rid up to 7,000 litres of water of anything bigger than 0.2 microns. This – while not enough to remove all viruses – will strain out 99.9 per cent of the nasty, proven-to-give-you-arunny-tummy micro-organisms such as Klebsiella terrigena, Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Swiss design and compact dimensions make it a great all-rounder. Weight 210g + portable; light; excellent quality; extremely effective - relatively costly; filters most troublesome viruses but not all Trail tested? No

TRAIL TIP Filters vary in terms of the nasties they can filter, so ensure whatever method you choose suits your needs – and combine them if required. MSR Guardian £295 Billed as the most heavy-duty water purifier ever made (and priced to match) and released this year, the MSR Guardian was developed with the US military in mind to provide substantial quantities of safe drinking water absolutely anywhere, while retaining a size small enough for personal use. Its advanced filter is certified to NSF protocol P248 (which, to save explanation, means it removes viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and muck from ‘worst-case water conditions’) and will treat over 10,000 litres. Self-cleaning and extremely durable, the only drawbacks are the high cost and the hefty 490g weight. Weight 490g + fast; advanced filtration can treat the most contaminated water - heavy; relatively bulky; costly Trail tested? No

MAGAZINE

NEW FOR 2016 2016 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 61

A strong knife can be a handy companion for odd jobs and quick repairs... or a critical life-saving tool.

90 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 2016

KNIVES & MULTI-TOOLS

Brilliant for bushcraft, kit crises, twig whittling...

Petzl Spatha£20

Opinel No8 Outdoors £26

Light My Fire Swedish Fireknife £33

A pencil-weight knife designed for climbers, the Spatha is simple but ideal for hillwalkers too. Its stainless steel blade can be pulled out of the handle using a gap in the blade or twisted open with the textured wheel on the handle if wearing gloves. Once open, you can lock it into place; and when you want to put it away, a karabiner easily clips through the large hinge hole.

Not just a handy tool, the classic Opinel No8 with its 8.5cm blade and twist-lock cuff was selected by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1985 as one of the 100 most beautiful products in the world. Some would swear allegiance to its simple practicality and handsome design. The Outdoors variant has a rubberised handle and 110dB whistle, and a quick twist of the safety cuff will lock it safely in place.

Need to spark up an instant blaze? The awesomely named Fireknife is your tool. It’s a sharp 10cm stainless steel blade, yes; but hidden at the other end of the rubberised handle is a small magnesium fire-starter. Simply twist it out and strike it against the top edge of the knife to ignite a 2980 deg C spark, lighting your stove or fire in a moment. It even works in wet conditions.

Weight 60g + safety cuff; whistle; simplicity - some knives are lighter

Weight 110g (inc sheath) + price; nifty fire-starter - a little on the large side

Weight 42g + karabiner hole; operable with gloves; low weight; price - doesn’t lock closed

Mora Bushcraft Black £40 The black anti-corrosive coating on this blade makes it intimidating, as does the fact it’s a solid 10cm steel knife with a sharpened spine. But if you’re interested in bushcraft, it’s worth a look. That heavy-duty blade will split branches for kindling, while the point is fine enough for fiddly work like whittling tent pegs. The spine works well with a fire-starter to spark up a blaze. Weight 174g (inc sheath) + simple, sturdy design - size; weight

TRAIL TIP In the UK, it’s illegal to carry a knife in public without good reason, unless it has a folding blade 3in long or less. NB: Knives that lock open don’t count as folding. www.gov.uk/ buying-carryingknives

MAGAZINE

NEW FOR 2016

Buck Apex £45 Sleek, functional and lightweight, the Apex’s stainless steel blade folds into the handle and locks instantly into place when opened – which you can do one-handed thanks to the blade hole and simple mechanism. A karabiner clip at the base doubles as a bottle opener too, so you can offset the weight saved by this carbon-fibrehandled tool with a beer! Weight 48g + light; operable with one hand - pricy

MAGAZINE

NEW FOR 2016

Victorinox Evolution 17£50

Gerber Crucial Multi-tool £50

Leatherman Juice S2 £80

Victorinox makes a multi-tool for almost everything: you can get one with a magnifying glass, one with a light, one with a pen… This new edition of a classic sits snugly in your palm and has 15 functions including lockable blade, wood saw, scissors, bottle opener and toothpick. It’s heavier than others but compact, the build quality is excellent, and in the unlikely event that it falters, there’s a lifetime warranty.

Weight vs functionality: the essential ratio for hillwalkers – and it’s even more important if you choose to carry a multi-tool. With nine robust components, the Crucial gets very close to hitting this on the nose. Among them are a bottle opener, karabiner clip, two sets of pliers, two screwdrivers, wire cutters and a half-serrated blade. Its long handle allows a greater level of torque, and it weighs 142g – not much for all that.

Possibly the best Leatherman model for hillwalkers, the Juice S2 strikes an excellent balance between quality, tools and weight. In a neat 125g package are pliers, a knife, can and bottle openers, wire cutters, spring-action scissors and an array of screwdrivers. It’s on the pricier side, but this solid bit of kit should last you ages. And if it doesn’t, it comes with a 25-year warranty.

Weight 92g + size; build quality - weight

Weight 142g + handle length; sturdy build; slick design - weight

Weight 131g + tool selection - price; weight 2016 TRAIL GEAR GUIDE 91