Jon Doran tests out a 4-season sleeping mat that wont weigh you downReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersEver thought that you couldnt have your lightweight sleeping mat and eat it? Expeds new Ultra 6.5R kind of proves the contrary. Its a mat you can use at base camp or on the hill without feeling youre losing out in either scenario.Comfort Cradle helps hold your body in place on the matNot only is it four-season warm, luxuriously thick, and wide enough to cope with the sort of sleepers who regularly roll off pared-down, gramme-shaving, mummy-shaped minimal mats, its also drum roll impressively light and compact. Its the ideal solution for anyone who wants a good nights sleep, but baulks at packing in a bulky, heavy mat. On top of that, it incorporates years of Exped sleeping mat refinements that mean it just works stuff like Expeds two-valve inflation system, the efficient and eccentrically named Schnozzel inflation sac and Comfort Cradle side chambers that help keep you on the mat not the floor of your tent.Synmat technologyExpeds Synmat technology is well established and effective, but with Synmat Plus theyve upped the R value to a four-season friendly 6.9 by adding a layer of reflective foil to radiate heat back to the body. From the outside, youd never know it was there, but the result is an impressively warm mat despite the modest pack size and weight. It just works.Also very cool is the Schnozzel inflation sac, which we reckon is probably the best mat inflating gubbins out there. Its a giant, lightweight 80g roll-top bag that acts as a high volume air pump when popped onto the in valve of the mat. It took around three quite casual minutes and five, I think, air cycles to fully inflate the mat. You could, of course, simply blow into the valve old school style, but for the sake of saving 80g, Im in Team Schnozzel every time.Once its been Schnozzeled, the result is an impressively big, thick rectangular sleeping pad that should cope with even quite wayward sleepers. I found it okay in a generously-proportioned one-person tent, but its worth being aware that it is large and could overwhelm smaller tents or take up more than its fair share of a two-person shelter. Actual dimensions are 183 x 65 x 9cm, the Mummy version is, according to the specs, the same width at the shoulders, but obviously way narrower elsewhere.Schnozzle is one of the best pump-bags weve triedThe Comfort Cradle tech, basically the side air chambers are larger to hold you unobtrusively on the mat, is a subtle but surprisingly effective touch. I didnt find myself off the mat once. And it is really comfortable. In the past Ive often used a skimpy, lightweight mat for backpacking, but something heavier and thicker for car camping. The Ultra 6.5R happily did both gigs, light and compact enough not to weigh you down, but cushy enough that you dont find yourself pining for a chunkier mat even when weight and space arent at a premium. No hip-bones pressing into the floor here.The other thing I really liked was Expeds two valve system. Theres one inlet valve, which allows for easy micro-adjustments to air-pressure when youre searching for that Goldilocks balance of cushion and comfort and a separate, unobstructed, outlet valve that means you can deflate the mat in seconds when you break camp. In the dark, a cord on the inlet valve means you cant mix them up and accidentally deflate your mat. I didnt, honest.Comfortable and warm, yet light and packable whats not to like?Mostly the mat just works brilliantly. Youre not having to choose between lightness, compactness and sleeping comfort. Its quiet and cushy in use, the recycled Bluesign-certificated polyester 20-denier ripstop fabric is soft against your delicate, wind-burned cheeks and, says Exped, three times stronger than conventional lightweight materials. If it does puncture, a colour-matched repair patch kit is supplied; weve not needed it so far, touch wood, watch out for thorns, brambles, angry hedgehogs etc.If you do prefer a mummy-shaped mat, you can opt for that version of the pad same spec and tech, lighter weight. Or, if youre in a committed outdoor relationship, theres also the 6.5R Duo, a double mattress version, that weighs in at just 825g, though it seems to be slightly thinner at 7cm rather than 9cm. Dont split up mid trip though or youll be battling for custody of the sleeping padVery reasonable pack size given its warmth ratingLast but very much not least, when the first rays of the sun strike your tent and youre itching to pack up and hit the trail, the dedicated out dump valve means deflating and rolling the mat up is quick and easy. Also the storage bag is pleasingly just large enough that theres no desperate cramming of slightly oversized mat into sack, hurrah. It just makes life easier.VerdictOverall, the Ultra 6.5R is light enough for backpacking, warm enough for winter, comfortable enough for the most pernickety of sleepers, and everything about it just works. A great, lightweight all-rounder.More info at: www.expeduk.comR-Value: 6.9Season: All seasonDimensions: MW: 183 x 65 x 9cm, LW: 197 x 65 x 9cmWeight: MW: 545 g, LW: 590 gShoulder Width: DUO M: 52 cm, DUO LW: 65 cmPump System: Schnozzel PumpbagPacked Dimensions: MW: 27 x 11.5 cm, LW: 27 x 12 cmTechnology: Synmat Plus TechnologyMaterial: Recycled 20 D ripstop polyester; TPU polyether film laminate; bluesign approved fabric; DWR freeInsulation: Recycled Texpedloft microfiber; bluesign approved fabric; reflective foilFind your local Exped stockist HERE

OverviewDistance: 15km Format: Looped trailTime: 3 - 5hrs, depending on how long you want to explore! Parking: We began our loop in Letter West at the Black Gate Community Centre. For parking, we went just slightly down the road to a small parking area that can fit 5 - 10 cars. If youre looking to start the walk from the eastern end, up in the pass between Caher mountain and Seefin, there is space for a few cars at the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point.Trail difficulty: ModerateThis route is a combination of a few different trails - so while you are on a way-marked path the whole time, you need to maintain your own awareness of when you need to turn onto a different path. Along the ridge and other off-road sections the ground can be very boggy, with very little built trail underfoot.Read how we rate trails here.Trail quality: 5/5I love the Sheeps Head Peninsula and the incredible work thats been done to develop the trail network that encompasses the whole headland. Views: 5/5While the hills are technically small, they feel much larger than they are, and give fantastic views all around. Buggy/Wheelchair friendly: NoDogs allowed: NoWhen was I here: March 2026External links: The Route on HiiKERSimilar route on The Sheep's Head Way WebsiteThe long-form video on YouTube The Sheeps Head feels like a secret. The smallest of the peninsulas on the south-west coast, these hills are covered in trails that link together and spread like a net cast wide. Ive been here a few times; many moons ago to walk The Sheep's Head Way; for a long weekend to do my Lowland Leader Training; and for brief moments when on the way to visit far-flung friends. So when the opportunity arose to spend another day down there, I jumped at it. My reason for coming to West Cork was to visit Leika, The Wandering Goldsmith, who I was collaborating with to make the Sl Signet. All our planning and ideas had so far been done over texts and voice notes. Now I was going to get to see the ring in person, check out her workshop, and take some photos of the finished product out on the trail! View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize The loop we decided to do was one of Leikas favourites, and I was immediately sold when I saw it took in the ridge line of Caher mountain. I divide the ridge line of the headland into three sections: Easterly section: from Knockboolteenagh to Glan Lough (223m)Mid section: Glan Lough to Kilcrohane, taking in Seefin summit (345m)Westerly section: Kilcrohane to Letter West, taking in Caher mountain (338m), known as the Peakeen Ridge WalkThis third option is what we walked, starting in Letter West outside of the Black Gate Community Centre. Leaving the info board, its straight into an uphill climb along a short section of paved road. We then crossed over a large stile onto the hillside, and walked up onto the ridge heading NE. The waymarking in the area is extensive. There are so many different loops, linear walks, and thru-hikes that you can follow. There are so many in fact, that its easy to not pay attention for a moment, and continue along a trail you didnt mean to follow. We were primarily following the black and orange waymarkers to make this loop. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Sitting so westerly, the ridge can be quite exposed, and being an early March morning we had a few showers blow through, the wind a constant companion while we walked. Looking north the skyline is filled by the Beara Peninsula, as well as Bere Island and Whiddy Island. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize When you reach the small road through the minor pass, head left and left again at the first turn in the road, heading for the Mass Rock and the Horse Shoe Road (Sheeps Head Way signpost). After a few hundred metres the tarmac recedes and the path becomes wilder. Nice and sheltered by the hillside, this path still offers fantastic views with more accessible walking than the ridge trail. Im pretty sure one or two of my favourite stone waymarkers are along this section. The handmade elements of the trail infrastructure here really add a sense of constant care and love by the local community. After a couple of kilometres, you reach the Horse Shoe Road. While a road that cars can drive, it is almost more grass than tar in many places, and is very quiet. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize As you walk along the Horse Shoe Road, youll come to the Cahergal trail junction. You have several options to make it back to Letter West. We stuck to the Horse Shoe Road, which takes a wider loop around but is easy walking. However, you can take the right-hand trail heading up the hillside, climbing up and meeting the trail from the very start. This is a kilometre or so shorter than the road.Making it back to the car, we managed to get packed away before the next rain shower hit. Fingers numb and cheeks flushed with wind burn, my heart was full as we drove back to Clonakilty. This was something of a perfect day out. Thanks so much to Leika for hosting me and sharing the trails - I really enjoyed getting to take photos of our ring, and see one of my favourite places again. Further exploringCheck out all of the trails organised by county here.The Sheeps Head Way Website has incredible resources for all the trails on the head and in the wider area. Other trails in the area: The Sheeps Head WayBaltimore Beacon ViewpointLough Hyne & Knockomagh TrailThe Beara WayGougane Barra Forest ParkFavourite Local Coffee / Food Options:Brew, SkibbereenONeill Coffee, SkibbereenDrip Coffee, RosscarberyWazzy Woo, Clonakilty

Jon Doran tests out a 4-season sleeping mat that wont weigh you downReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersEver thought that you couldnt have your lightweight sleeping mat and eat it? Expeds new Ultra 6.5R kind of proves the contrary. Its a mat you can use at base camp or on the hill without feeling youre losing out in either scenario.Comfort Cradle helps hold your body in place on the matNot only is it four-season warm, luxuriously thick, and wide enough to cope with the sort of sleepers who regularly roll off pared-down, gramme-shaving, mummy-shaped minimal mats, its also drum roll impressively light and compact. Its the ideal solution for anyone who wants a good nights sleep, but baulks at packing in a bulky, heavy mat. On top of that, it incorporates years of Exped sleeping mat refinements that mean it just works stuff like Expeds two-valve inflation system, the efficient and eccentrically named Schnozzel inflation sac and Comfort Cradle side chambers that help keep you on the mat not the floor of your tent.Synmat technologyExpeds Synmat technology is well established and effective, but with Synmat Plus theyve upped the R value to a four-season friendly 6.9 by adding a layer of reflective foil to radiate heat back to the body. From the outside, youd never know it was there, but the result is an impressively warm mat despite the modest pack size and weight. It just works.Also very cool is the Schnozzel inflation sac, which we reckon is probably the best mat inflating gubbins out there. Its a giant, lightweight 80g roll-top bag that acts as a high volume air pump when popped onto the in valve of the mat. It took around three quite casual minutes and five, I think, air cycles to fully inflate the mat. You could, of course, simply blow into the valve old school style, but for the sake of saving 80g, Im in Team Schnozzel every time.Once its been Schnozzeled, the result is an impressively big, thick rectangular sleeping pad that should cope with even quite wayward sleepers. I found it okay in a generously-proportioned one-person tent, but its worth being aware that it is large and could overwhelm smaller tents or take up more than its fair share of a two-person shelter. Actual dimensions are 183 x 65 x 9cm, the Mummy version is, according to the specs, the same width at the shoulders, but obviously way narrower elsewhere.Schnozzle is one of the best pump-bags weve triedThe Comfort Cradle tech, basically the side air chambers are larger to hold you unobtrusively on the mat, is a subtle but surprisingly effective touch. I didnt find myself off the mat once. And it is really comfortable. In the past Ive often used a skimpy, lightweight mat for backpacking, but something heavier and thicker for car camping. The Ultra 6.5R happily did both gigs, light and compact enough not to weigh you down, but cushy enough that you dont find yourself pining for a chunkier mat even when weight and space arent at a premium. No hip-bones pressing into the floor here.The other thing I really liked was Expeds two valve system. Theres one inlet valve, which allows for easy micro-adjustments to air-pressure when youre searching for that Goldilocks balance of cushion and comfort and a separate, unobstructed, outlet valve that means you can deflate the mat in seconds when you break camp. In the dark, a cord on the inlet valve means you cant mix them up and accidentally deflate your mat. I didnt, honest.Comfortable and warm, yet light and packable whats not to like?Mostly the mat just works brilliantly. Youre not having to choose between lightness, compactness and sleeping comfort. Its quiet and cushy in use, the recycled Bluesign-certificated polyester 20-denier ripstop fabric is soft against your delicate, wind-burned cheeks and, says Exped, three times stronger than conventional lightweight materials. If it does puncture, a colour-matched repair patch kit is supplied; weve not needed it so far, touch wood, watch out for thorns, brambles, angry hedgehogs etc.If you do prefer a mummy-shaped mat, you can opt for that version of the pad same spec and tech, lighter weight. Or, if youre in a committed outdoor relationship, theres also the 6.5R Duo, a double mattress version, that weighs in at just 825g, though it seems to be slightly thinner at 7cm rather than 9cm. Dont split up mid trip though or youll be battling for custody of the sleeping padVery reasonable pack size given its warmth ratingLast but very much not least, when the first rays of the sun strike your tent and youre itching to pack up and hit the trail, the dedicated out dump valve means deflating and rolling the mat up is quick and easy. Also the storage bag is pleasingly just large enough that theres no desperate cramming of slightly oversized mat into sack, hurrah. It just makes life easier.VerdictOverall, the Ultra 6.5R is light enough for backpacking, warm enough for winter, comfortable enough for the most pernickety of sleepers, and everything about it just works. A great, lightweight all-rounder.More info at: www.expeduk.comR-Value: 6.9Season: All seasonDimensions: MW: 183 x 65 x 9cm, LW: 197 x 65 x 9cmWeight: MW: 545 g, LW: 590 gShoulder Width: DUO M: 52 cm, DUO LW: 65 cmPump System: Schnozzel PumpbagPacked Dimensions: MW: 27 x 11.5 cm, LW: 27 x 12 cmTechnology: Synmat Plus TechnologyMaterial: Recycled 20 D ripstop polyester; TPU polyether film laminate; bluesign approved fabric; DWR freeInsulation: Recycled Texpedloft microfiber; bluesign approved fabric; reflective foilFind your local Exped stockist HERE

Next week will mark the autumn equinox - it's the half way point between the longest day of the summer solstice

For a more off-the-beaten-track experience on Mont Blanc, the Italian Route via the Gonella Hut takes some beating, says IFMGA Guide Ben TibbettsMost of the Italian side of Mont Blanc is composed of wild and impressive ridges of granite and severely steep glacial terrain. However, hidden far out of sight of any road or lift access is a way called the Pope Route, or just the Italian Route, that climbs from the Glacier du Miage via the Gonella refuge to then follow the Italian/French border to the summit. It is an exceptionally beautiful route that surprisingly finds no greater technical difficulties than the easiest route on the French side. The approach hike up Val Veny and the Miage basin, though only a few hours longer than the Goter route thankfully serves to filter out all but a trickle of mountaineers so you can enjoy the mountain itself rather than the bunfight on the other side. It was first traversed in 1890, by a team including the future Pope Pius XI, as a descent after climbing the sustained Tournette Spur on the west face of Mont Blanc.For the many people hoping to climb Mont Blanc, the normal routes on the French side (the Goter and Three Monts routes) of the mountain will be the only options in mind. The route via the Goter refuge is definitely the easiest way up the mountain, with train access to 2372m and two refuges (Tte Rousse and Goter huts) to break up the challenge into more manageable chunks. During the summer season, however, it is usually very crowded and unfortunately some climbers are so desperate to reach the summit that they take no consideration for the safety and wellbeing of others. At the Goter refuge a couple of years ago, while taking a coffee on descent with clients, I even had my rope pinched by a group of Russians who were later arrested by the French PGHM (high mountain police). It is unfortunate that for many it will be their only experience of alpine mountain culture, so misrepresentative of the quiet and reflective mountaineering experience that draws us back time and again. A traverse of the mountain from Italy to France climbing via the Pope Route and then quickly down either the Goter or Three Monts route, by contrast, makes for a very fine outing.The climb (5th July 2016)We took a taxi through the tunnel from Chamonix to Val Veny and got dropped off at the end of the road beyond the Chalet del Miage. Having left the car just after 7am, it allowed us to arrive early at the refuge for a good lunch and siesta and avoid walking in the heat of the day on big snow slopes. We continued on foot to Combal where the view finally opens up across lakes and marshes. The eye is drawn beyond to the wild Lee Blanche basin and the Elisabetta Soldini hut at the far end of the valley. We followed the path round to the right and up onto the moraine of the Miage glacier. Though the glacier looks like a broad rocky jumble, the ice does continue underneath much further down the valley than it appears. The sun was rising fast in early morning sky but a cool breeze was flowing down from the massive glaciers above. Along the moraine were a troup of at least 20 ibex clattering around on the steep slopes, picking at the grass and licking natural salts off the rocks. They were particularly uninterested by our presence and only gave way to us on the narrow crest path as we came close upon them. We followed the moraine up the valley until it petered out into the mountainside. We then descended down the steep rubble onto the rock-covered glacier to pick up the faintly-marked trail on the central ridge. Some of this rock and debris on the glacier must move very steadily as a few grasses and flowers were growing in places where the dust and silt of the moraine provided purchase. The rock cover gradually diminished as we moved further up the glacier and soon we were winding our way between grey crunchy ice and more and more widely dispersed patches of rocks. One at a time we leapt across the only open crevasse that blocked our path. By now the air was warm and a large pool of green glacial melt water was almost tempting. With schoolboyish bravado handsome rewards were laid down for the first to jump in for a swim thankfully the moment passed and we carried on up the glacier. At about 2400m we finally met the snow line. Having walked fairly slowly it was around 11am and the snow was softening in the sun. We roped up in case someone found a crevasse hiding under the snow, and headed up past the chaotic foot of the Glacier du Dome. Though the hut is on the edge of this glacier we had to carry on round the corner to find where the Gonella path leaves the main Miage glacier. A short mucky scramble took us up onto the rough path, marked by a large yellow dot on rocks. We took off the rope but kept helmets on as there was plenty of potential for rocks to trundle down from above the track as the sun began to loosen things up. The path wraps back round north-east high above the glacier crossing several steep gullies that we traversed delicately on the softening snow and then a few sections of scrambling and ladders. After the final snow slope we got onto the broad buttress of rock that leads up to the refuge. At times I have found it tricky to get off the snow and across this gap to the rock but this time, with plenty of snow remaining, it passed easily. More ladders, chains and fixed ropes took us up the buttress to reach the refuge after 1pm.Lesser-travelled pathI was very surprised, given it was high season in mid July, that there were only a few tracks on the glacier and snow slopes to the hut. Though the hut is usually full on weekends, it is often quiet during weekdays and alongside the guardians family and some friends of his, we were the only ones staying in the hut. A Polish guy was squatting in the winter room below. With two other friends they had driven 17 hours from Poland only two days before, walked up to the hut with all their food and cooking equipment. They had all set off early that morning but the guy we met returned from the Piton des Italiens as he had fallen ill, unsurprising given their complete lack of acclimatisation. He then walked back down the glacier on his own, lucky to not fall into a crevasse, to arrive back at the hut about the same time as us. His friends continued on, reaching the summit late in the day and finally returned back joyful and tired 11 hours later, at midnight, after a 24-hour round trip!We had taken a more conventional approach and had done several days acclimatisation climbing above the Torino hut before coming to the Gonella. The guardian cooked us a simple but delicious pasta dish and we all headed to bed at 3pm for an afternoon siesta. A few hours later we got up for another feed: mushroom and cheese risotto followed by cheesy mashed potato, pork and apple sauce, and a chocolate mousse to finish. We packed our bags and headed to bed at 7.30pm for another short sleep. We took breakfast at 11pm just a few slices of bread and jam were our quota and the guardian seemed reluctant to give us much more, which marred the otherwise impeccable experience. By midnight we were off, traversing carefully across the steep and exposed snow beyond the refuge. It provided a sharp wake-up call and in 15 minutes we were down onto the Glacier du Dme. The night air was still warm. Thankfully, despite the air temperature hovering just above zero, the heat had radiated back out of the snow as night fell and the surface was crisp and frozen firm. We moved up the glacier as two teams of three, each lost in our pools of light. Without any moonlight it was unusually dark. There is almost no light pollution on this side of Mont Blanc and I couldnt even make out the shapes of the mountains around. If given the choice, I would travel up this route with some moonlight as it is such a spectacular and wild place to pass through.Thankfully the track on the Glacier du Dome was already well beaten in, as it would be very hard to find a way through the maze of crevassing whilst breaking a new trail on such a dark coal miners night. The glacier steepens up towards the head and the route moves left onto the ridge. Though there was almost no wind on the glacier, when we popped up onto the Col des Aiguilles Grises at 2.30am a chilly westerly breeze was already gaining momentum. I usually find the hours from 2-4am the hardest to keep focused. However as I was moving up the gradually narrowing arte roped up with John, one of our clients, I was alert to every movement of the wind, of the rope, and the yawning darkness to either side of our headlamps. From the small summit of the Piton des Italiens, the ridge becomes very narrow and exposed for a short while and I took advantage of the lack of cornice to scramble along and hold the rope from the opposite side of the ridge to the delicate tracks John was on. A lot of people who come to climb Mont Blanc are fairly goal-focused, and for John this was a stepping stone on his quest to climb Everest. It was a pleasure to be able to show him the wilder side of the mountain. We were five hours into the climb and had yet to see another climber or any other lights but those of the towns several kilometres below us in the valley floor. The ridge soon broadens and we lengthened the rope back out to pass up the ridge over a few crevasses and then round the side of the Dme du Guter to the col beyond. We reached the track of the normal (Guter) route from the French side at around 4am and were surprised to find we were ahead of everybody coming from the Guter refuge. The night sky was still largely clear except a few whispy high clouds developing. The temperatures had dropped significantly with the altitude and the wind was still building gently. We crawled into the Vallot hut to find, as usual, a bunch of hobo people bivouacing (though it is designated for emergency use only) and heaps of trash everywhere. An unpleasant wake-up call that signalled our meeting with the normal route and amongst these numbers unfortunately comes the lowest common denominator of mountain user.On to the summitAfter a break at the Vallot we clambered back out in to the frigid wind to find the pre-dawn flow of troops well advanced. The Bosses Ridge leading to the summit was in great condition with no ice showing at all. As the sun first peeked over the horizon beside Mont Maudit I rushed around trying to photograph the climbers and the landscape. I interspersed short sprints with minutes of hyperventilating in a heap. When I sat down briefly to change to a telephoto lens, I had great difficulty avoiding filling the camera with spindrift. As we climbed slowly up the snowy ridge the warm light spread across the sky, and yet very soon the sun began to be obscured by high clouds. Even having climbed up there countless times I am always slightly surprised how much hard work it requires to get up Mont Blanc, and yet also how far people can push themselves to fulfill their ambitions.Within minutes of arriving on the summit at 7am, the swirling cumulus clouds that had been building up over the Dome du Goter spilled up around us. We turned around after only a short rest and on the descent we kept moving steadily down through the mist and cloud, past many other teams and with weary heads and legs down to the Goter refuge. Our early start had been fortuitous, as most teams were turning around due to the approaching weather. We had promised ourselves a break at the Goter and a cup of coffee, but with the clouds becoming denser by the minute and static electricity building in the air we pressed on down the ridge below. However almost as quickly as they had materialised the clouds began to disperse on the lower flanks of the mountain. We scrambled down the rocky ridge and crossed the Grand Couloir just before the sun hit. I never enjoy this mortal passage and even early in the morning a few stones were whizzing down. Once crossed we were finally able to relax and stopped for a quick lunch at the Tte Rousses hut before continuing on down the mountain, glissading on patches of mushy snow most of the way to the train at Nid dAigle and thus to the valley floor.Words and images: Ben TibbetsFeeling peaky?BMC Travel insurance comes with 10 million emergency medical cover: Knock yourself out.After Alpine & Ski insurance? Weve got a great deal to keep you covered: 25% off all annual multi-trip policies in Europe, which works out at 141 for 12-months cover.Years of experienceWeve been insuring adventurers like you for over 30 years. Thats why all of our policies come with:24-hour emergency assistance helpline10 million emergency medical cover100,000 search, rescue and recovery cover10,000 personal accident cover5,000 cancellation cover2,500 baggage coverNo age loading until youre 70WATCH: BMC Insurance: built for the mountainsWant to know more? READ:5 reasons why you need BMC Travel Insurance*Policy details:141.80 for annual European Alpine and Ski cover up to age 69. For policies purchased between 14 May and 31 August 2018.

Jon Doran enlists his partner to help review Rabs latest daysack for womenReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersRab might not be a traditional pack brand, but the Sheffield-based down and clothing outfit has drawn heavily on the expertise of its pack-specialist Lowe Alpine stablemates to create an ever-expanding range of backpacks including the impressive new Airox ND22L day pack, a hot-weather friendly, lightweight womens pack with a difference.The ND designation it stands for Narrow Dimension is actually Lowe Alpines longstanding womens-specific pack marker. It means that the packs are narrower and shorter, mainly to suit the female anatomy, but also to cater for anyone of a slighter build. Its all based on genuine research and design rather than a performative shrink and pink process too. Theres lots more to the Airox than that, but our tester appreciated the neat, female-friendly fit. On a hot, heatwave weekend, the pack was just the right size for everything needed for a day in the hills, up to and including a lightweight shell jacket just in case.The ND designation means you get a pack thats slightly narrower and shorterPockets galoreThere are multiple water-carrying options: on the Airox an internal sleeve and central outlet for a hydration reservoir; two mesh side pockets that can take a water bottle each and a feature borrowed from running vest and adventure race packs a wide shoulder-strap pocket designed specifically to hold a soft flask within easy reach. Theres also a mesh phone, bar or gel pocket on the other shoulder, two cavernous hipbelt zipped pockets, a big bucket stash pocket on the front of the pack and a zipped top pocket too. And then, of course, the main compartment with zipped access.Even this is a little bit different. A deep zip means you can pretty much open up the entire back panel like a big trekking pack, for easy access to deeply buried treasure. All of which is fantastic and optimal for organised kit loading. Fun fact: a Lowe Alpine research project back in the day, found that women appreciated having multiple pockets far more than men, who in turn would happily carry their kit in a pack modelled closely on a large bin liner!A running vest-style soft flask pocket on the shoulder strap is welcomeIn the hills, those pockets were brilliant. It turned out to be very straightforward to access snacks, wallet, phone, a sun hat, a 5m dog long line, sun cream, a 1L water bottle, an actual paper map, a lightweight windshell, some very fetching sunglasses, two apples, a banana and the sort of bunch of keys traditionally carried by prison warders, without ever having to open the main compartment. Mind blown.There is one potential downside to the runners vest-style pocketed shoulder straps though theyre quite wide and have noticeable edging, which our tester found slightly uncomfortable for her narrow shoulders. Theres also the thorny and personal issue of the boob/strap interface. Our advice is to consider trying before buying to be on the safe side.Back systemIf two of the packs design influences are running and trekking, the back system is squarely cadged from the sort of ventilated, trampolene-type back systems Lowe Alpine has been producing and perfecting for years. Theres nothing massively radical about the AEROFIT back think maximum mesh area, a perimeter frame and board to keep the air gap, erm, gapped and shoulder straps and hipbelt lined with comfortable, but lightweight, perforated breathable mesh.The ventilated back system is married to a running vest-style harnessThe good news though, is that it works very, very well indeed, both in terms of giving a really comfortable, evenly spread carry. And, to our testers delight, keeping her back enviably dry on the sort of summers day when most packs leave your back a sodden, soggy mess (dont ask how I know etc). You can equally well use it in cooler weather conditions too, but its one of the most effective hot weather harnesses weve used, which given the state of the UK climate, is probably just as well.While were talking weather, the pack also comes with a neat-fitting, waterproof, zip-out rain-cover housed in a handy base pocket and very effective at prolonging dry spells, at least during our testing. Other stuff? Weight is impressively light at 850g, particularly considering all the bells and whistles that come as standard and build quality feels excellent with tough 140D and 212D ripstop nylon fabrics and industry standard buckles and zips.Hipbelt pockets are large enough to hold multiple snacksIf youre a trekking pole user, youll be glad to hear theres a small but perfectly-formed bungee-based pole-holding system. And if the stripped-back 22-litre capacity isnt quite enough for you, there are also narrow dimension ND28 and ND34 versions of the Airox with more conventional lidded access to the main compartments, but with the same back system and running-type shoulder pocket arrangements. Also in the range, so men dont feel too left out, are standard dimension Airox 18L and 24L packs, the latter basically a mens version of this pack, as well as larger 30L and 36L models.VerdictAll in all the Airox ND22L is a really neat, well-designed and impressively effective hot-weather pack designed with the female form in mind. The multiple pockets and stowage options make it easy to organise and access your kit for a day out on the hills. It carries really nicely, as well or better than many non-ventilated packs and overall, is a great advert for Rabs burgeoning pack range, which is well worth considering if youre in the market for anything from an all-round day pack right up to a full-on 80L trekking load-hauler. The good news is that womens options are offered right through the range apart from climbing and mountaineering packs which are designated unisex.The Rab Womens Airox ND22L retails for 120 and should keep your back dry and comfortable for years to come.More info at: www.rab.equipmentWeight: 850g / 1lb13.9oz (Size S-M)Main fabric: 140D nylon (69% recycled) with yarn dyed nylon 210D rip stopSecondary fabric: 420D NylonFabric lining: Embossed 200d Polyester (100% recycled)Volume: 22 / 1343cu.inDimensions: 50 x 28 x 25cmBack system: AEROFITBack length: 16-18 / 41-46cmFind your local Rab stockist using the store locator below:https://rab.equipment/uk/stockists

ReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersNew for 2026, the Vango Arctix 400 sleeping bag has been designed as pretty much the only sleeping bag that a lot of people will need think top-end spec, but at a really competitive price. That means you get water-resistant, high-loft goose down, advanced heat-reflecting technology, lightweight fabrics and refined design. Oh, and a built-in pillow sleeve too. Its comfort rated down to -4C, so good for all-round UK use outside of full-on winter conditions.Just as importantly, when you liberate the 890g bag from its neat compression sac, the high-loft, 750-fillpower goose down stretches out its feathery tendrils and expands to fill every corner of its horizontally-stitched down compartments. Its not quite as effective as the very, very best down, but its not far off. Not only that, but the fill has been treated with Vangos Hydro Barrier coating which, they say, means it stays drier 4x longer than untreated down. I cant vouch for that exact statistic, but it shrugged off a minor tea spill and the hydrophobic treatment should keep the bag drier for longer. I found it particularly reassuring when paired with a bivi bag in typical UK conditions, where stray H2O is a bit of a given. Vango says the bag should be comfortably snug down to around -4C, but industry standard lab tests show that itll just about keep you alive down to a not-very-British -21C. That felt about right to me based on comparable bags Ive used.The Arctix 400 has several tricks up its sleeve to improve warmth/weight performanceTechnologyVango hasnt just stopped at the basics, though a lot of technology has gone into this bag which is why its standard industry temperature ratings are right up there with swankier rivals. Not only is the ethically-sourced RDS down water resistant, but the bag also uses something called Advanced Reflective Coating technology (or ARC) to improve performance. From the outside, you wouldnt know it was there, the fabric feels totally normal to the touch, but it hides an ultra-thin, flexible, aluminium thermal fabric coating that reflects heat back towards your body to increase the effective warmth of the sleeping bag. It doesnt change the feel of the bag, theres no crisp-packety crackling, and it also doesnt impair the breathability of the fabric, so no unnecessary sweatiness.In honesty, if Vango didnt tell you it was there, youd never know, but when temperatures drop, every little bit of thermal efficiency is welcome. Its supposedly worth around 2to 4C if you were to compare test results to the same bag without ARC technology.The Arctix 400 fares well in the 1L Nalgene bottle size testThe down and the reflective tech are what give the bag its raw insulation power, but Vango hasnt stopped there. The use of lightweight 10-denier ripstop nylon shell fabric helps keep weight and bulk down, but without feeling either crinkly or fragile. And box-wall down compartments mean that there are no thin seam areas where heat can easily leak out, something thats not the case with more basic stitch-through construction used for many cheaper bags.The bag is a classic, tapered mummy design yes, as in Tutankhamun which minimises cold air-spaces compared to a rectangular bag and, again, helps to reduce weight and bulk. One big plus with Vangos design though, is that its not quite as close fitting as some mummy bags, which gives a bit more wriggle and roll room and added comfort, particularly for side sleepers. Incidentally, it will cope with heights of up to 62 according to the specs.Youre not short-changed on micro-design either. The bag has a carefully-contoured Arrow Foot, which is claimed to allow natural foot positioning; I never even noticed it, so I guess it works. And at the other end, theres a 3D hood with adjuster cord. This works really well, plenty of fill around the noggin even when cinched down, and I never got a cold head using the bag.The bags hood features a sleeve which you can fill with clothes to make a pillowAt the other end of the temperature scale, the 3/4-length zipper is double-ended so you can vent from the bottom upwards when temperatures rise. Vango says 15C is as warm as they suggest using it, but I found it a little too warm much above 10C, but it all depends on how cool a sleeper you are. That zip moves nice and smoothly and is backed up with a down-filled, 3D baffle to eliminate chilly draughts and keep heat in.A couple of neat features, theres a small inside, Velco-fastened pocket to hold a phone or wallet and the inside of the hood sports an Integrated Pillow Sleeve, which you can fill with clothes to create a pillow. Its a great idea, but the actual sleeve is around the size of an A5 envelope, so a bit limited. Id love to try a larger take on the idea though, maybe next year.One last big thumbs up for the three-strap compression bag, which somehow manages to dodge being the messy, spaghetti-like mass of tangled straps that you often find and packs the bag down nice and small. Its a shame its not waterproof, but its easy enough to combine with a dry-bag or pack-liner.VerdictOverall, I was really impressed with just how well the Arctix 400 works. It stuffs down small, lofts out large and packs a deceptive technological punch with its water-resistant down and reflective fabric coating. It doesnt fall behind on design features either, with well-shaped foot and hood and evenly-filled down compartments for even thermal heft. If I was being ultra-critical, Id say that it doesnt have quite the polish of some of its high-end rivals, but in terms of pure performance, its great value for money and while it may be nice to have a softer fabric or a swankier-spec zip-pull, thats not what keeps you warm and snug at night. All in all, just a really good sleeping bag at a highly competitive price.More info: www.vango.co.ukRating: 3 SeasonWeight: 0.89kgShape: MummySuggested usage (min): -4CSuggested usage (max): 15CInt length: 205cmInt chest width: 75cmInt foot width: 48cmExt chest width: 80cmMax user height: 190cmFill type: 90/10 700FP Goose DownComfort: 1CLimit: -4CExtreme: -21CPacked dimensions: L20.0 x H16.0 x W16.0cm53 Degrees North (Ireland)Cotswold OutdoorsTisoAttwoollsNevisportNorwich Camping & LeisureOutback Jacks (Ireland)Outdoor ActionOutdoor WorldRivendell OutdoorTaunton LeisureUltralight Outdoor Gear

ReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersThe Ultra Raptor has been a perennial favourite in the La Sportiva range for well over a decade, and while it may have started life as a burly long-distance running shoe its adoption by fast hikers and backpackers has clearly influenced its more recent development in fact, this latest version is now officially designated by La Sportiva as a hiking shoe.The reason hikers gravitated to the previous incarnations of the Ultra Raptor (and the original Raptor which was launched back in 2010) was that they offered good support and protection as well as the low weight and comfort that long-distance trail runners also coveted it for. In their blurb, La Sportiva say that this third version is redesigned but has the same identity and that as well as offering enhanced protection and stability, the new shoe has a new fit and offers greater comfort. This all sounds very promising so lets take a look!A new ripstop upper makes the latest Ultra Raptor the toughest yetWhats new?Offered with and without a Gore-Tex waterproof liner in its shoe form, and with Gore-Tex in mid boot form, the Ultra Raptor 3 comes in a wide range of sizes and colours for men and women. Although it retains the overall look of the Ultra Raptor 2, there are some major differences between the two. The air-mesh upper of the Ultra Raptor 2 has been replaced by a tear-resistant ripstop fabric, which is still light and breathable but looks like itll take more punishment than the previous material. The chunky rubber toe bumper and all-round rand also support the notion that the durability/protection of this third incarnation has been uprated.The other major difference is that the Ultra Raptors sole unit has been completely redesigned, and while it still uses La Sportivas own Frixion White rubber compound, thats about the only similarity with its predecessor. The whole sole unit is generally more substantial, with heel/forefoot stack heights of 35mm/27mm compared to 27mm/16mm on the outgoing model, providing more cushioning in the midsole whichll come into its own on long days on the trail.Tread pattern works well on a range of surfacesThe outsole itself has a reworked tread pattern that uses slightly shorter (4.5mm compared to 6mm on the II), but blockier lugs than the more rounded lugs on the II. Crucially, the new outsole incorporates the Impact Brake System thats featured on many recent La Sportiva models; this firstly absorbs shock by the lugs slightly deforming when they hit the ground, and they also help with uphill traction and downhill braking due to the angled and opposing arrangement of the lugs.Finally, worth a mention is the integrated, knitted ankle gaiter which is intended to help keep out stones and other debris, and also incorporates a large pull-loop to assist getting the shoes on and off.In useComfort has always been a big selling point of the Ultra Raptor, and we found that the 3 takes this to new levels, not just when you first put them on, but also after several hours use. Its not the false comfort either, that you sometimes get when a shoe is highly padded and feels great initially, but not so good after hours of use. The Ultra Raptor feels both comfortable and stable/precise, with a firm heel hold helped by the TPU cradle that sits at the back of the shoe.Ultra Raptor 3 remains comfy even after hours on the trailThe balance between weight and protection is also good; they feel very light on the foot, but the combination of a sole unit thick enough to absorb any sharp rocks underfoot, with the all-round rand and toe bumper gives you reassurance that your feet are in safe hands. Although the ripstop upper fabric is quite thin, the upper has a series of thicker overlays that protect the foot and will also help durability.We found that the combination of the sticky rubber and carefully-devised tread pattern meant the Ultra Raptor 3 was effective on a wide range of surfaces, whether it be gravel trails, wet grass, mud or rock. In fact, it makes a very good approach shoe, and one that climbers will be very happy to slip their aching feet back into after a few hours climbing. Easier scrambles are well within the capabilities of the Ultra Raptor 3, especially where the shoes sticky rubber can be used for smearing; however, they are too soft sole to give you much of a platform on small foot holds.Knitted ankle collar keeps out stones and other debrisVerdictWith this latest version, the Ultra Raptor completes its journey from a sturdy running shoe to an out-and-out hiking/approach shoe and the result is hugely impressive. Comfort levels are high, with a roomy footbox and increased padding in the midsole theyre so comfortable in fact, that you might end up living in these things. The Ultra Raptor 3 seems to get the balance right in so many ways theyre light and comfortable, but offer good protection; theyre well padded but nimble and supportive and with the revised sole unit they are a true all-rounder, effective on a range of surfaces and with the benefits of the Impact Brake System. If youre in the market for some lightweight hiking/approach shoes, then the Ultra Raptor 3s should definitely be high on your list.More info at: www.lasportiva.comGaiter: Integrated collar gaiter keeps out stones, gravel and other debrisUpper: Durable mesh upper wicks away sweat during intense hikes Rubber toe cap and rand protect against rocks and rootsMidsole: Soft, supportive midsole ensures all-day comfort out on the trail Compact EVA foam at the heel maximises support and stabilitySole: FriXion White compound outsole delivers oustanding grip on inclines Impact Brake System technology absorbs shock and provides increased traction Flex grooves along the sole allow for full freedom of movementInsole: Ortholite Hybrid Mountain Hiking 5mmPatent: Impact Brake SystemWaterproof membrane: No (but available in the Ultra Raptor 3 GTX and Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX)Stack Height: Heel 35mm; Forefoot 27Drop: 8mmWeight: Approx 350g per shoe (depending on size)Lug Height: 4.5Wide Fit: NoEllis BrighamClimbers ShopUltralight Outdoor GearOutsideTiso