Based in Seattle, USA, adventure apparel and gear specialists Outdoor Research (commonly just called OR) have been manufacturing excellent outdoor equipment since 1981, and I’ve always been impressed with their gear.

Most recently, I tested the Helium UL, a super-light waterproof jacket from the brand, which boxes well above its extremely svelte weight, keeping you dry and protecting you from the wind while weighing virtually nothing and taking up very little room in your backpack or running pack.

As you can probably deduce from the name, the Helium UL Bivy is part of the same range, and it’s not much of an exaggeration to say that it’s a long waterproof jacket that you can climb into and go to sleep in by the side of the trail.

Outdoor Research Helium UL Bivy review

Price and availability

The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy is available now from various outdoor shops and websites. It comes in a range of colours, from discreet natural hues (perfect for wild camping) to brighter options, which can be good in remote areas and extreme conditions, just in case everything goes south and the emergency services have to come looking for you.

In Britain, the recommended retail price is £257.95, while in the United States you can expect to pay around $300; across the European Union, it will cost in the region of €275 and in Australia the price tag will be pushing AU$400.

Specifications

• Guide price: £257.95 (UK) / $300 (US)
• Style: Ultra-lightweight shelter
• Pack size (L x H x W): 37 x 12 x 12cm
• Pitched dimensions (L x W x H):
• Weight: 510.9g / 18.02oz
• Seasons: 3
• Capacity: 1 person
• Vestibules: 0 (awning is extra)
• Hydrostatic Head rating: HH 20,000
• Fabric: Pertex with Diamond Fuse technology (100% polyamide)
• Pole: 1 x aluminium pole
• Pegs: 4
• Pitch time: 2 minutes
• Colour: Light pewter / Spice

Design, materials and ease of pitching

This minimalist shelter is essentially a large bag constructed from OR’s ‘Helium’ fabric, made with Pertex Shield with Diamond Fuse technology.

This membrane-based material is extremely thin and lightweight (even more so than Gore-Tex), and it’s also waterproof (with a hydrostatic head rating of 20,000), windproof and breathable (20,000g/m²/24hr). Of course, the effectiveness of all of these ratings is dependent on various factors (see below).

The bivy utalises one aluminium pole, which threads through a sheath at the head end and is secured in place by a couple of Velcro flaps, creating a hoop that’s large enough to keep the outer fabric from falling on your face and upper torso. It features a ‘clamshell’ opening, which you climb through to enter the shelter. There’s also an insect mesh layer, which you can use on dry nights to vastly improve the airflow.

And that’s pretty much it. The shelter is freestanding, but there are four pegs to stop the bivy from blowing away when you’re not in it, and a pole repair sheath, but there’s no secondary pole at the bottom that you could use with a guy line and a peg to create a little bit of volume at the foot end.

An awning is also available as an optional extra (£100/$110; 155g/5.46oz), if you want some more protection and space at the head end, or somewhere to stash your walking shoes, trail runners, or hiking boots, plus your pack – but you do need a trekking pole to make this work.

Performance on the trail

I love a good bivvying escapade. There is something extra adventurous about travelling light and fast across wild terrain, and then setting up a super-minimalist shelter for nights out right next to the trail.

Sleeping out under the stars with nothing at all between you and the star-spangled sky is the stellar option, waking every now and then to see how the earth has turned and the constellations have changed position, but if the elements don’t allow for this, then a tarp or bivy (or bivvy, as some prefer) is next best.

I have been using the OR Helium UL bivy in the Peak District and in Devon, during various overnight escapades, and overall I’ve been impressed. It does what it designed to do and provides high-level protection during overnight outings, but as mentioned, people need to be very aware of its limitations.

Without weighing you down with any appreciable bulk (the UL in the OR Helium Bivy’s name stands for ultralight, and the kit tips the scales at just over 500g, or about the same as a pair of hiking trousers), a good bivy like this shelters you from wind, cold and rain (to a point).

Obviously, Pertex, like any breathable membrane, has its limits, and if you pitch the Helium Bivy in a puddle, or camp out in the full blast of a rainstorm, you’re going to get damp – as I did during one night of torrential rain.

Likewise, the breathability of such membrane-based materials (Gore-Tex included) is dependent on the conditions, and they only work optimally in dry environments (like the Alps or the Rockies), rather than in the humidity and moistness of the UK.

Also, do not take ‘breathable’ to mean you can zip the whole thing fully shut while inside – ventilation isn’t brilliant in this bivy, which is essentially a large plastic bag (albeit a very technical one), and you will quickly feel like you’re suffocating (and, indeed, you might be).

Space is tight in hoop bivies, and while I’m not claustrophobic, I always like to keep a breathing hole and an escape route nice and close to my face when I’m sleeping in one. If it’s not raining, I recommend rolling up the outer layer around the entrance and using the insect mesh, which will also allow you to gaze up at the stars.

The clamshell opening on the Helium bivy is pretty nifty, folding back so you can insert your lightweight camping mat and sleeping bag, and then get your legs in and assume a sitting position before wriggling fully into the shelter. However, I still found it a little tricky to get into the bivy (especially in wet conditions), compared to having a side zip to enable access.

The bucket floor is reasonably good for keeping moisture out, but in the absence of a small pole at the feet end of the shelter (which would, arguably, make it more of a backpacking tent and less of a bivy) you are always going to be in contact with the fabric, and no matter how waterproof and breathable the fabric claims to be, condensation will accumulate and you do get damp.

Verdict

If you’re really into lightweight gear and you regularly embark on fastpacking and bikepacking escapades where keeping carry weight and bulk to an absolute minimum is the biggest priority, then the OR Helium UL Bivy is a good investment. It’s well designed and made with premium fabrics that are reasonably robust and offer category-leading technical protection.

But, as any bivy user already knows, this is an outdoor shelter in its most minimalist form – it’s basically a highly technical survival bag with some small features that make life a tiny bit more comfortable (and less cold and damp) when you’re adventuring on the edge and sleeping in very close proximity to the wilderness.

Also consider

For a more comprehensive shelter that weighs a few grams less than the OR Helium UL bivy and provides full overnight cover for you and your backpack, boots, and so on, check out the Vango F10 Neon UL1 – a superlight one-person tent.

The Lifesystems Solo Peak tent is another minimalist shelter worth considering – this model has good internal space and an awning for storage, although it tips the scales at 1kg, so is twice as heavy as the OR Helium bivy and the Vango F10 Neon UL1.

Zara is best known for quickly turning fashion trends into clothing you can find on almost any high street.

Its latest release, however, isn't something you can try in a changing cubicle.

The Spanish retailer is now selling a fully fledged car rooftop tent for £3,300 (~$4,397 / €3,865 / AU$6,292), complete with an aluminium shell, built-in mattress and telescopic ladder.

It is available through Zara Home in the UK and looks every bit as Zara-like as a rooftop tent possibly could.

Finished in beige and earthy brown, with a slim black frame and sparse branding, the tent resembles something from an unusually expensive outdoor editorial.

Even the product photography features an old Land Rover Defender parked in an idyllic mountain setting.

Looks aside, the tent appears to be a serious piece of camping equipment.

The wedge-shaped tent opens to provide a 260 x 144cm interior, with a maximum height of 125cm, and has space for two people, side mesh windows, a front opening and a ladder that extends to 230cm.

It even comes with a fitted mattress, an internal USB-powered light strip, a protective case, mounting hardware, tools and assembly instructions.

Peak Zara

The £3,300 price is not entirely unheard of for an aluminium rooftop tent, but the price certainly makes the shelter one of the more expensive models in the category

For comparison, the two-to-three-person Thule Approach M costs £2,400, while TentBox offers several models for considerably less. Even the four-person TentBox Lite XL currently costs around £1,900.

The remote-operated Dometic TRT120E tent, which recently won the T3 Awards 2026 in the Best Tent category and goes up in a matter of minutes on its own, costs less than half as much at £1,400.

At the premium end, Thule’s aluminium Widesky sits in a similar price bracket and adds features including rapid opening and a built-in sofa configuration.

Zara’s listing, meanwhile, provides no waterproof rating, wind-resistance figure or warranty details specific to the tent.

There are also some important limitations to note. The tent has a maximum load of 150kg despite being designed for two people, and Zara says the vehicle must have a dynamic roof-load capacity of between 70 and 100kg.

Still, practicality may be beside the point. Zara previously tapped into the supershoe trend with an extraordinarily tall running shoe; now it has apparently discovered overlanding.

At least this time, the high stack sits on top of your car.

The aptly named Car Roof Tent is available to buy at Zara UK.

YETI has expanded its increasingly substantial cookware collection with two carbon-steel cooking tools designed for use at home and over an open flame.

Both arrive pre-seasoned and use a nitriding treatment intended to improve resistance to rust, scratches and everyday damage.

Unlike a conventional non-stick coating, nitriding is a heat-treatment process that hardens the material’s outer surface.

YETI says the naturally non-stick seasoning should also improve as oils and fats build up through repeated cooking.

The Carbon Steel Wok has a flat base that maximises contact with kitchen stovetops, paired with high, rounded walls designed for tossing ingredients without sending dinner over the edge.

Carbon steel responds relatively quickly to temperature changes, allowing cooks to move between high-heat searing and lower-temperature simmering.

YETI says it worked with its chef ambassadors on the wok’s shape, which is intended to handle everything from stir-fries and noodles to large batches of sauce.

The wok measures 21.5 inches from the edge of its bowl to the end of the handle.

Its elongated metal handle has been ergonomically designed for “nimble cooking manoeuvres” and includes a slot for hanging.

A tale of two temperatures

The rectangular Carbon Steel Griddle provides a 22-by-12-inch cooking surface and is compatible with stovetops, ovens, grills and campfires.

Its dual cooking zones allow different areas to sit over separate burners.

One side could sear meat or vegetables while the other maintains a lower temperature for warming tortillas, pancakes or other cooked ingredients.

The heavy construction is intended to keep the griddle stable during cooking, while raised edges help contain oil and food.

Angled corners make it easier to pour away grease and residue afterwards, although the griddle must be washed by hand rather than placed in a dishwasher.

YETI recommends gradually preheating both products and using high-smoke-point oils.

Acidic ingredients such as tomatoes, wine and vinegar can strip the seasoning, although continued cooking with fats should rebuild it.

The Carbon Steel Wok and Carbon Steel Griddle are listed on YETI’s US website for $200 (~£150 / €175 / AU$285) each.

At the time of writing, both pages display a “Notify Me” option, while UK, EU and AU pricing and availability have not been confirmed.

Cinch Outdoors has taken the rooftop tent trend to its logical (and considerably taller) conclusion with the Wingman, a two-storey camping system designed for pickup trucks.

Developed with tent manufacturer Wild Land, the Wingman is mounted on the truck’s bed rails and collapses into a relatively streamlined box for travel.

Once parked, an electrically powered mechanism raises two separate levels, turning the pickup into something resembling a compact camper van with a penthouse.

The truck bed forms the lower floor, providing a sheltered area for storing equipment, preparing food or escaping bad weather.

It includes built-in MOLLE panels, detachable magnetic LED lights and a foldaway bamboo utility table.

Crucially, the system mounts above the cargo floor, allowing owners to continue using the truck bed to carry equipment while the Wingman is collapsed.

The room upstairs

The upper level is the sleeping area, with space for two (or three with a push) people on an approximately 225 x 146cm high-density foam mattress.

It also features thermal flooring, ambient lighting, mesh panels that provide panoramic views, as well as a transparent skylight.

That skylight doubles as a roof hatch, allowing campers to stand up and look across the surrounding landscape.

It could prove particularly useful for wildlife watching and outdoor photography, or simply recreating the tank-commander pose at every available opportunity.

Deployment, lighting, and the integrated Bluetooth 5.0 speaker system can be operated via a remote control or a connected smartphone app.

Cinch says the Wingman uses an all-metal construction, blackout insulation and 190g/m² polycotton fabric with a PU2000mm water-resistance rating.

The system measures 181 x 161 x 63.5cm when packed and weighs a substantial 250 kg (~551 lbs).

Cinch claims compatibility with more than 80% of pickups, including the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator.

The Wingman launched in the US at an early-bird price of $6,999 (~£5,196 / €6,118 / AU$9,999), although Cinch Outdoors currently lists it at $7,999 (~£5,939 / €6,992 / AU$11,428).

The available batches have sold out, with priority registration open for the next shipment. UK, EU and AU pricing and availability have not been confirmed.

[via HiConsumption]

Camping in a heatwave sounds idyllic... until bedtime arrives. After a day spent hiking, the inside of your backpacking tent can feel like an oven, and even the lightest sleeping bag suddenly becomes far too warm.

The good news is that you don't necessarily need to invest in a specialist summer sleeping bag (even though they will most certainly help). A few simple changes to your sleep setup can make a dramatic difference, helping you stay cool without sacrificing comfort.

Speaking of staying cool in the tent, make sure you check out our list of hot weather camping hacks, which suggest losing the flysheet and pitching the tent in the shade, among other tips. We also have a roundup of five gadgets that can keep you cool in your tent, in case you're interested.

Stop treating your sleeping bag like a sleeping bag

One of the biggest misconceptions in camping is that you have to zip yourself inside your sleeping bag every night. On the contrary, unless temperatures genuinely demand it, you can simply unzip your sleeping bag and use it like a duvet or quilt.

Modern sleeping bags are designed to compress underneath your body anyway, which means much of the insulation beneath you isn't doing much.

By laying the bag over yourself rather than cocooning inside it, you'll stay much cooler while still having enough warmth if temperatures drop overnight.

If you wake up feeling chilly in the early hours, you can always pull the bag around you without changing your entire setup.

Don't ditch your sleeping mat

When the weather is hot, it's tempting to skip the sleeping mat altogether, especially if you're camping on soft grass. In reality, that's usually a mistake.

A sleeping mat provides insulation from the ground, which can still draw heat away from your body later in the night. More importantly in summer, it also allows air to circulate beneath you more effectively than sleeping directly on the groundsheet.

Inflatable mats are often the better option in warm weather because they create a layer of air between you and the ground and offer much greater comfort than thin foam alternatives.

Swap pyjamas for merino wool

It might sound backwards, but wearing a lightweight merino wool base layer can actually help you stay cooler than sleeping in a cotton T-shirt.

Merino wool naturally regulates body temperature, moves moisture away from your skin and remains comfortable even when you start to sweat. Cotton, on the other hand, absorbs moisture and tends to stay damp, leaving you feeling clammy through the night.

If you're choosing dedicated sleepwear for camping, lightweight merino (125–150 gsm) or a merino/Tencel (merino/nylon) blend is worth considering, especially if you're spending several consecutive nights outdoors.

Icebreaker has a 75 gsm TENCEL option for just £68.

Consider a sleeping bag liner on its own

On particularly warm nights, a silk or lightweight synthetic liner can be all you need.

Silk is especially popular because it's soft, breathable and packs down to almost nothing (OEM has an excellent value option), making it ideal for summer camping and bikepacking trips where every gram counts.

It also helps keep your sleeping bag clean, so you won't need to wash it as often.

A lightweight blanket can be enough

If you're camping in the UK during a heatwave, overnight temperatures can remain well above 18°C (as is the case at the time of writing). In conditions like these, even a lightweight camping blanket may be sufficient.

Many outdoor brands, including YETI, which offers the premium Lowlands Blanket, now offer compact insulated blankets that pack down to about the size of a jacket yet provide enough coverage for the cooler hours before dawn.

They also give you far more freedom to regulate your temperature than a zipped-up sleeping bag.

Keep your tent working with you

Finally, remember that your sleep system is only part of the equation.

Open opposing vents to encourage airflow, leave the flysheet off if conditions allow, and avoid pitching where your tent will still be baking in the evening sun.

Even something as simple as choosing a spot beneath partial tree cover can make a noticeable difference to overnight comfort.

A cooler tent combined with a lighter sleep setup is often all that's needed to turn a restless summer night into a genuinely comfortable one.

You might have the ultimate offroader, but what happens when you want to sleep on the trail? Sure, you could use a roof tent or just sleep under canvas, but if you're looking for a little more comfort and convenience, then this off-road trailer could be just the thing.

The Adventure Pro Mini 2.0 is a rugged camping trailer designed for use once you're off the Tarmac and into the rough stuff. The aim is to be able to take it anywhere your 4x4 will go and it comes from Kingdom Camping.

I'm not going to call it a caravan, but for those in the UK, this is definitely a caravan with a difference, more like a compact mobile living pod, fully equipped with everything you need to survive in the wild.

It's equipped with rock sliders to protect it on the move, while it features independent suspension for the wheels, wrapped in 33-inch offroad tyres.

While the outside has a contour-style design, there's checker plate for protection on the lower sections and a rack on the top – where the 400W solar panel sits. There's also a connector for Starlink on the roof to keep you connected (you'll have to supply the antenna).

There's a 2,000W inverter onboard and a 300Ah battery as well as electrical hook-up, with 110V sockets inside, a 12V aircon system and fridge freezer. There's even an integrated 24-inch Roku TV, as well as wireless charging.

The cabinetry in the cook area to the rear is power-coated aluminium, giving you plenty of storage, while there's a sink with hot and cold water.

There's no fixed bed, with the idea being that you deploy the tri-fold mattress for sleeping on the floor, with an additional fold-away bunk built in. That means you can move the bed out of the way to provide more stowage space or just living space if the weather is poor.

Cooking takes place outside, with a pull-out cooktop, while there's an outside shower too, so you can wash the trail dust off at the end of a hard day.

If the trailer in its stock form isn't palatial enough, there's a range of upgrades, including a larger battery, air suspension, a dehumidifier, 360-degree cameras and a whole lot more.

The price comes in at a surprisingly affordable $42,500, with a lead time of 6-10 weeks on orders. Delivery is listed as $2 per mile.

If post-apocalyptic caravans are your thing and delivery from Indiana looks inhibitive, then why not check out the Crawler TRC 458i or the Polydrops P21X, too?

Legendary German gear maker Deuter has unveiled the new Astro Pro, a range of down sleeping bags designed to help outdoor enthusiasts stay warmer and recover better during multi-day adventures in challenging environments.

The Astro Pro is aimed at mountaineers, backpackers and expedition users and prioritises insulation efficiency while keeping weight and pack size to a minimum.

The sleeping bag uses 750 cuin RDS-certified down, along with Deuter's PowerBox construction in the foot area and PeakDesign baffle layout in the upper body, to distribute insulation evenly and reduce cold spots.

One of the Astro Pro's more interesting features is its ThermoStretch construction.

According to the company, the design contours closely to the body, reducing the volume of air that needs to be heated by up to a whopping 25%.

The bag also features a ThermoHood around the head and an ErgoFoot Pro 3D footbox, which provides extra room for natural movement while sleeping.

Warmth without the dead space

Deuter says the Astro Pro's 360-degree insulation system helps maintain consistent warmth throughout the night, even as users change position while sleeping.

The company believes this can support better recovery, especially during demanding trips where quality rest is essential for performance the following day.

The range is available in multiple sizes and warmth ratings, from the Astro Pro 400 with a limit temperature of -6°C through to the Astro Pro 1000, which is rated down to -19°C.

Alongside its performance credentials, the Astro Pro is also PFAS-free, ClimatePartner certified and meets both Bluesign and Green Button sustainability standards.

More than 90% of the materials used come from Bluesign-certified factories, according to Deuter.

The Astro Pro series is available now at Deuter UK and Deuter EU, with prices from £340 / €390 (~$517 / AU$737).

The range isn't available to buy on Deuter's American or Australian sites yet.

Camping season is here, or so I've been told. If you're planning any camping trips this summer, it's best to have a look at the gadget and apparel options below.

From AI-powered smart glasses and compact wildlife-spotting optics to insect-repellent clothing and ultralight cooking systems, these upgrades solve real problems without adding unnecessary weight to your pack.

Columbia Skien Valley Hooded Light Jacket (Insect Shield Collection)

£90 | Columbia

Summer camping is brilliant until the insects arrive, which also coincides with the weather getting colder in the early evening/ morning.

Luckily, Columbia's Skien Valley Hooded Light Jacket can not only keep you warm but also safe from bugs.

Part of the brand's Insect Shield collection, it uses built-in insect-repellent technology to deter mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting bugs without relying on sprays or lotions.

The lightweight construction makes it easy to stash in a backpack, while the hood provides additional coverage when conditions turn buggy.

(There are also matching pants.)

Opinel N°08 Horizon Knife

€25 | Opinel (~£22)

A camping kit is only as good as its most-used tool, and few knives have the heritage of the Opinel N°08.

This special Horizon version retains all the features that made the French folding knife a classic, including the 8.5cm stainless-steel blade and Opinel's Virobloc safety ring, which locks the blade open or closed.

The bright handle makes it easier to spot if dropped in long grass or left on a picnic table. It's a lightweight essential that earns its place on every trip, whether you're slicing food, opening packaging or tackling campsite chores.

Nalgene 24oz Sustain FreshFlow Straw Bottle

£19.82 | Amazon

Hydration might not be the most glamorous camping topic, but it quickly becomes one of the most important.

Nalgene's 24oz Sustain FreshFlow Straw Bottle modernises the brand's famously bombproof water bottle formula with a convenient flip-up straw lid for easy drinking on the move.

Made from Tritan Renew, which incorporates recycled content, it's durable enough to withstand years of outdoor adventures while helping reduce waste.

The leak-resistant design makes it suitable for backpacks, while the familiar wide-mouth construction keeps cleaning simple. It's a practical upgrade you'll use just as often at home as around the campsite.

NOCS Zero Tube 10x25 Waterproof Monocular

$180 | NOCS (~£136)

The NOCS Zero Tube is a compact monocular that delivers 10x magnification and a 25mm objective lens in a pocket-friendly package.

Waterproof and fogproof construction means it can handle unpredictable weather, while the rugged exterior is designed for outdoor use.

It's ideal for spotting wildlife, checking distant trails or getting a closer look at mountain scenery without carrying larger optics. It's the type of gadget that can make a campsite feel much bigger.

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2

From £399 | Ray-Ban (also available at Vision Express)

Smart glasses might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a camping trip, but the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 makes a surprisingly strong case.

(Also, this is T3, so we'll be talking about technology one way or another.)

Equipped with an integrated camera and open-ear speakers, the glasses can capture photos and videos hands-free, which can be super handy in a camping situation where you might be cooking food with one hand while holding a drink with the other.

They're particularly useful on hikes, around camp or when exploring unfamiliar areas. Better still, they look like regular Wayfarers rather than overtly futuristic tech, making them one of the most practical wearable gadgets currently available.

Primus Lite Ultra Stove System 0.8L

£145 | Primus

Every camping setup eventually revolves around food, coffee or both, and Primus' Lite Ultra Stove System 0.8L is designed to make those moments easier.

The brand's lightest stove system yet, it has an integrated burner and pot system, combining efficient cooking performance with an incredibly compact design.

The 0.8-litre hard-anodised pot locks securely onto the burner for stability, and once cooking (and cleanup) is done, you can pop it in your backpack or large cargo pocket.

+1 Red Bull Summer Edition

£18.99 (12-pack) | Amazon

Can't be bothered to cook coffee in the morning but want to feel energised? Have a Red Bull. The popular energy drink recently released a new flavour, Citrus Zest, so even if you aren't too keen on the original taste, you should be able to enjoy the refreshing, bubbly drink on a hike or walk. Better still, it also comes in a sugar-free version if you're watching those pesky calories (as I do).

Camping gear used to fall into two camps: ultralight kit for hikers and bulky equipment for everyone else.

However, with people turning their cars, campervans and rooftop tent setups into mobile base camps, there is more demand for a new breed of outdoor gear that prioritises comfort alongside portability.

This is where Swedish outdoor brand Primus' new Moto Stove come into play.

The two-burner camping stove is designed for van-lifers, campsite cooks, and anyone who prefers to prepare a proper breakfast.

The slim, low-profile design folds neatly into a compact package, making it easy to store in a campervan, car boot, or rooftop tent setup without taking up precious space.

Built for campsite cooking

The Moto Stove features two 4,400W burners, allowing users to boil, simmer and cook multiple dishes simultaneously.

Separate flame controls provide independent adjustment for each burner, while wraparound windscreens help maintain cooking performance in less-than-ideal conditions.

An integrated Piezo igniter means there's no need to carry a lighter, either.

According to the brand, the stove can comfortably cater for between one and five people, which makes it suitable for everything from solo road trips to family camping weekends.

The company says it has also focused on durability, using powder-coated steel alongside stainless steel and nickel-chrome cooking surfaces that should withstand regular outdoor use while remaining easy to clean.

As rooftop tents, campervan conversions and vehicle-based adventures continue to gain popularity, so does the desire to recreate more of the home cooking experience outdoors.

The Moto Stove is for these campers, those who want a reliable camp kitchen they can keep in the car and deploy whenever hunger strikes.

The Moto Stove is available now at Primus UK and Primus EU, with an RRP of £130 / €160 (~$172 / AU$245).

Primus doesn't list the Moto Stove on its US website (yet).

If you’re newer to camping and backpacking, you might not know that sleeping outdoors used to be an exercise in extreme suffering. Until two former Boeing engineers and backpackers invented the self-inflating camping mat, that is.

Patented in the early 1970s as the first Therm-a-Rest pad, the self-inflating mattress added air to the traditional foam pads and comfort in camp was born.

In reality, it took a few decades for Therm-a-Rest to perfect these pads, but these days there are tons of options that are ideal for a night under the stars. From my first Therm-a-Rest, acquired 20 years ago, which was a rather slender and rough affair, to my deep-dish Therm-a-Rest Neoloft, I’ve really appreciated the Seattle brand’s commitment to honing its craft.

I love camping, and I love sleeping well, so when I was offered the chance to test the updated Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro, I immediately said yes.

Straight away, I could tell that the Trail Pro emphasises comfort and durability. I can feel that it’s packed with lots of foam for plushness and has a really high-quality face fabric, plus a robust construction.

That said, it’s not especially light or packable, but its mummy-shaped design does reduce space and weight. And it has the word “Trail” in the name. So is it meant for backpacking, or car camping?

I took the Trail Pro on a hiking trip to the Isle of Mull to get to the bottom of this puzzling pad. I was travelling around the island by car, so I didn’t need to worry about lugging it on my back. I did pack it in my backpack, along with my tent and clothing, for organisational purposes, and used it for wild camping in my tiny backpacking tent.

Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad review

Price and availability

The Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro is available in Regular size, which I tested, with an MSRP of £135 at third-party retailers such as Ultralight Outdoor Gear in the UK and $160 at REI in the US. It sells for €150 in the EU and around AU$350 in Australia.

For an extra £10 / $10, you can grab an extra 15cm of width in the Wide version, and for reasons I’ll discuss below, that’s what I would recommend.

That pricing is on par with the truly excellent Big Agnes Rapide SL, which is about the best pad I’ve tested, and more than the Rab Exosphere 3.5, which I recently tested and is very comfortable, less bulky and lighter than this one.

Compared with other Therm-a-Rest pads in the non-ultralight range, the Neoloft is smaller when packed, wider and thicker when inflated, but costs considerably more at £250 / $250 / €300 / AU$390.

Design and materials

Pads built for comfort often come in rectangular designs that provide more sleeping surface, but the Trail Pro comes in a mummy shape, which cuts down on weight and bulk while still leaving room in my tiny backpacking tent.

This design also helps trap heat more effectively. This pad has a 4.4 R-value, which makes it a viable option for year-round use (here in the UK, anyway).

Insulation is largely provided by a very healthy dose of foam. There is a thin, continuous layer of foam with ridges of thicker foam that I can feel even when the pad is deflated. These layers are nestled between air ridges in a design that Therm-a-Rest calls Stratacore because it mimics parallel layers of rock stacked on top of one another.

While the thick foam core keeps you well suspended off the ground, the 50D polyester stretch-knit fabric is noticeably more comfortable and higher quality than most pads I’ve tested. It feels positively lovely against my skin and doesn’t make a sound when I roll over.

All of this means that the Regular size I tested weighs a hefty 774g on the scale and packs down to only 28 x 22 cm. Will it fit in a 65L backpack like my Cascade Design Flex Capacitor for a multi-day trek? Sure, but it will take up a lot more valuable space than my Big Agnes Rapide SL.

One brownie point I wanted to mention is that this pad is made in Ireland, so while it doesn’t list any recycled materials, for UK campers it does cut down on transportation-related emissions enormously compared to pads manufactured in Asia.

Inflation process

I’ve loved the WingLock valve on other Therm-a-Rest pads, and on this one, as soon as I open it, I hear the air whooshing in and see the pad inflate within seconds.

After that, it takes about 8-10 puffs to fully inflate it, which is more than on pads like the Rab Eoxsphere 3.5, but it is a larger pad. As it gets fuller, the air tends to want to leak out between puffs, but it’s easy enough to manage.

I usually really like the deflation process with the WingLock too, which means most of the air whooshes out with a twist of the valve, but I think the ridge design of this pad traps more air than some, so it takes a little extra squeezing while rolling to get it out.

Performance and comfort

Once I got this pad blown up, there was no denying how plush it felt. It’s one of those pads I can kneel on without any part of me touching the ground, which usually bodes really well for side sleeping. However, I really didn’t sleep well on this pad.

At 183cm long, there’s no danger of my feet hanging off the end, but it feels really narrow, and at 5’4”, I am not a big human. On paper, it’s as wide as my Rab Exosphere, but it’s not as stable. It’s not exactly like sleeping on a boat, but every time I changed position, I felt like I was going to tumble off it.

I couldn’t quite put my finger on why this was happening, but after a little research, it seems that horizontal baffles tend to reduce stability compared to air-sprung cells like those in my Sea to Summit Ultralight XR. Perhaps this combined with the lack of sidewalls is what made me feel like I was going to topple off it all night? I definitely wasn’t as impressed as I thought I’d be.

In the morning, I was worried it would be one of those pads that never go back in their stuff sacks when I saw how big it was, rolled up. Fortunately, Therm-a-Rest designs its stuff sacks with compression straps these days, so I could quite painlessly slide it back in and then secure it.

It fits in my Helly Hansen Relay pack, which is 42L, alongside my tent and spare clothes, so I believe I could technically bring it backpacking, but with so many smaller pads like the Big Agnes Rapide SL available, I’m not sure why I would.

Verdict

The Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro isn’t a bad sleeping pad by any stretch of the imagination, but it does suffer somewhat from an identity crisis.

It’s at once a bit too bulky and heavy to be a realistic option for backpacking, but it doesn’t quite offer the real estate I want for a car-camping pad. It’s also not as stable as other designs, so if you tend to change position a lot when you sleep, you might want to consider an air-sprung pad.

When there are other plush pads on the market that are more backpacking-friendly (like the Big Agnes Rapide SL) and car camping pads like the Therm-a-Rest Neoloft that give you more sleeping room, it’s tricky to make a good case for this one, even with its perks.

If you like the idea of a comfortable pad in a mummy-shaped design and you only plan to go car camping, I’d recommend the Wide option to improve your sleep.

Also consider

The Big Agnes Rapide SL is the obvious choice for anyone who likes the Trail Pro's comfort but wants something genuinely suited to carrying on their back. The Regular version weighs just 597g and packs down to be dramatically smaller than the Trail Pro, yet still offers excellent comfort, impressive stability, and a generous 3.5-inch thickness.

If weight and pack size aren't priorities, the Therm-a-rest NeoLoft is the sleeping pad the Trail Pro wishes it could be. It has a huge sleeping surface, 4.6-inch thickness, quiet construction and exceptional comfort. Unlike the Trail Pro, it fully commits to the comfort-first approach, offering a wider, more stable platform that feels much closer to a real mattress.

The Therm-a-Rest Vesper is an industry leader in camping quilts, but for reasons I can’t fully understand, the market for camping quilts is very, very small.

Camping quilts take the basic premise of a sleeping bag and refine it for weight and packability. The zip is removed, but it still has an enclosed footbox, a snap closure around the neck, and removable straps to attach it to your sleeping pad. The result is that you can eliminate drafts and stay toasty but feel less restricted at night, and move fast and light between camps.

It’s a no-brainer for fastpacking, but the concept hasn’t exactly been snapped up by many big outdoor brands. Versions like Rab’s Neutrino 200 and Big Agnes’ Kings Canyon UK are largely out of stock, and only Sea to Summit and Therm-a-Rest seem to be pressing ahead, the former with the Ember Down quilt and the latter with the Vesper.

I got my hands on both of those quilts back in 2022 and, with the exception of some very cold camping at high altitude on the trek to Everest Base Camp, I’ve never gone back to using a sleeping bag.

The only issue I had with the Vesper at the time was that the footbox was a little too tight for comfort, but the updated design has eliminated that issue and added a substantial amount of down, all while keeping the weight at an industry-leading low.

I’ve been camping with the 2026 version of this quilt for the past three months here in Scotland, from the Isle of Mull to a two-day hike of the Berwickshire Coastal Path to test its newfound capabilities.

Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20°F / 6°C Down Quilt (2026) review

Price and availability

According to Therm-a-Rest, the Vesper 20°F / 6°C is available in Regular (201cm) and Long (211cm) options, but only the regular size seems to be available right now, with prices starting at £455 from online retailers like Ellis Brigham.

That’s quite a leap up from the Vesper 32°F / 0°, which retails for £380 and even leapfrogs the pricey Sea to Summit Ember Down quilt, putting it at a premium price.

It’s only available in the Vapor colourway (silvery grey), and it comes with both a storage and a stuff sack.

Design and materials

The Vesper is packed with 360g of 900-fill, PFAS-free hydrophobic goose down, which is just about as high-quality as you can find.

It’s collected into box baffles that the brand says have mesh walls to optimise loft and reduce cold spots. Extra baffles around the edge create a wall of insulation where you might expect a draft to snake in.

When I hold it up to the light, I can see that the down is really well distributed, with more in the foot box, and it’s easy to redistribute with a quick shake if it ends up bunched in the corner of a baffle after packing.

A deep footbox and snap-neck closer mean I can cinch it tightly around me in frigid conditions. Where the original design had only one strap to attach it to a sleeping pad, the updated version has two, and they work with both my Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft and Sea to Summit Ultralight XR pads.

The shell material is gloriously soft, and it’s almost a shame to wear pyjamas with this quilt as it feels so nice against my skin.

Performance and comfort

I’m only 162cm tall, and the regular size I’ve been testing gives me plenty of coverage, thanks to a generous width of 125cm across my shoulders. We’ve tested it out on my boyfriend, who is 180cm tall, and it’s long and wide enough for him too.

The foot box is still snug enough for warmth, but I no longer find it restricting when I’m lying on my back, and the width means I can sleep on my side without a draft.

This quilt has a comfort rating of 0°C and a limit of -6°C. I’m not a cold sleeper (in fact, I run like a furnace at night), so I should be able to sleep normally at temperatures down to 0°C and battle through the night even when it drops below freezing.

I haven’t pushed this quilt to its limits because I’ve been testing it in the spring, but we have had an unusually cold season so far, and I’ve been completely unbothered by the chill at night while using the Vesper.

I haven’t got too warm the way I might in a similarly rated sleeping bag, because it’s so easy to stick a leg out and cool off, but I’ve never struggled with the cold or even needed to use the snap neck closure. For me, using the straps to attach it to my pad and snuggling my feet into the footbox has been enough.

The use of Hydrophobic down isn’t surprising anymore, but it is a boon to a bag that’s going to be used primarily in British weather, as I can trust it to keep insulating even if it gets a little damp.

Though it weighs more than the Vesper 32 (because it contains more down), it’s still lighter than my Sea to Summit Ember, and at just 555g, I didn’t notice it in my pack at all during my recent thru-hike.

It’s pretty easy to pack into the stuff sack, and though I’d say the packed size is a bit bigger than the advertised 14 cm x 20 cm, it’s not a whole lot bigger than my water bottle and even fits in my 20L daypack.

The only slight gripe I have is that because the straps are detachable, they’re quite easy to lose, but for the summer months I’m quite happy to just pack them away safely.

Verdict

For the past four years, the only reason my Sea to Summit quilt kept winning out over my Vesper is that the footbox in the latter was a little tight. Now that the problem has been resolved, I can’t see any reason not to make this my camping staple. It’s light, packable, warm, and versatile, and it gives me the freedom to sleep in all positions.

If you think a camping quilt is the right choice for you, there are a few points to consider. With a comfort rating of 0°C, this quilt could certainly see you through a lot of weather, but whether or not it’s winter-ready all depends on where you’re likely to want to camp this winter and at what altitude.

The premium price is another consideration, but this quilt doesn’t have much competition (yet, anyway).

You can still find Sea to Summit’s Ember Down quilt at a lower price at retailers like Alpine Trek, which has similar specs but isn’t quite as luxurious feeling, and if you decide a more traditional sleeping bag is the way to go, we rate the Rab Neutrino 200, which is heavier but cheaper.

Founded in 1981, Rab has been making outdoor kit for exactly as long as I’ve been alive, but it only got into the sleeping pad game three years ago. I’ve loved their down jackets, waterproofs and winter gloves, so I was keen to get them out in the wild and finally managed to do so this spring.

The line of sleeping pads includes the Hypersphere Ultra (very warm) and the Ionosphere 5 (light and lofty), both of which we’ve rated highly at T3, but the Exosphere is a little less technical, more of a well-priced all-rounder. Don’t let that put you off, however, as it’s a great piece of kit.

The Exosphere 3.5 is the only self-inflating pad from Rab so far, which means it’s easy to set up and will be one of the most comfortable pads in its line.

Conceived by Therm-a-Rest in the 1970s, self-inflating mats are a happy compromise between closed-cell and inflatable mats: more comfortable than the former and less flimsy and cheaper than the latter. They use foam for comfort and insulation, and will inflate most of the way on their own if you open the valve and go and do something for half an hour.

This three-season, rectangular-shaped pad gives you a little more real estate than a mummy-shaped design, and works for backpacking, but may be better for car camping. Can it rival a Therm-a-Rest? With the weather finally turning for the better here in the UK, I took it to the Isle of Mull to find out.

Rab Exosphere 3.5 Self Inflating Sleep Mat review

Price and availability

The Rab Exosphere 3.5 is available in Regular and Long/Wide sizes directly from Rab, with an MSRP of £110 for Regular (the size I tested) and £130 for Long/Wide.

The recommended retail price is on par with similar self-inflating mats from Therm-a-Rest, such as the ProLite, though spec-wise it’s closer to the more expensive Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex. It’s substantially cheaper than almost all of Rab’s other sleeping pads (the Hypersphere Ultra 7.5 costs twice as much).

Design and materials

The rectangular shape of this pad means there’s more of it at the bottom, and that means less of me ends up on the cold, hard ground. At the shoulders, it’s the same width as my Therm-a-Rest Prolite, though anyone with very broad shoulders should try the wider size for a nominal increase in price and packed size.

The real talking point in the design of this pad, however, is the use of XCore foam, which is apparently constructed in a honeycomb pattern to provide optimal support while reducing weight.

I imagine this functioning like the sole of a running shoe with large sections of foam cut out, yet still feeling springy. It’s 5cm thick when inflated, which I should point out is twice the thickness of the Therm-a-Rest ProLite and with a 3.5 R-value, it’s good for three-season use but not for winter camping.

Protecting that foam is a polyester shell that’s durable but feels quite nice against bare skin. In total, the pad has 14% recycled content, which is considerably less than the Rab Ionosphere 5, and its sustainability creds are slightly undercut by the fact that it’s manufactured in China, unlike many Therm-a-Rest pads, which are made in Ireland. But it is made without PFAS and uses a fluorocarbon-free DWR.

At 665g, it’s not the lightest pad out there, which is par for the course with self-inflating mats, and it packs down to 26cm x 17cm. Because sleeping pads like my Big Agnes Rapide SL have got so tiny in recent years, it looked huge to me at first, but after a few uses, I realised it’s just a standard-size mat that could work for backpacking, but is probably better for car camping.

Inflation process

There’s no fancy inflation sack here because, ostensibly anyway, you don’t need one. The Exosphere has a low-profile two-way valve that doesn’t stick out when it’s packed away and handy instructions sewn into the stuff sack.

I’m usually too impatient to actually let pads self-inflate, but in the name of journalism, I did open the valve all the way up and left it alone for 30 minutes. When I came back, it took just four puffs to fully inflate it.

On a recent car camp where I arrived at 10:30 p.m. and just needed to get some kip, I inflated it by mouth, which took somewhere between 15 to 20 breaths – not bad at all, though it is a little harder on the lungs than some pads.

To deflate, it’s a case of opening the valve and the air releases easily. I found it easy to roll it back up, though it can take a little bit of wrestling to get it back into its stuff sack. Fortunately, the sack has a stretchy opening and two stretchy bands, so it works well enough even when I pack it haphazardly.

Performance and comfort

I actually first used this pad to sleep in the back of my car, which is a much more lumpy affair than sleeping on the ground. But no amount of seatbelts or other automobile detritus was a match for this pad, which is plush enough to feel almost like my mattress at home.

It’s so stable that I can actually kneel on it in my tent without my knees touching the ground. I tend to sleep in many different shapes and positions, and when I’m on my side, my hip doesn’t get sore. It even works for sleeping on my front, which can’t be said for all pads.

It fits in my rather modest one-person backpacking tent, and its shape gives me more protection than a mummy-shaped pad. It’s free of annoying rustling and feels quite nice against my skin, unlike some pads that can be a bit scratchy or sweaty.

I’ve been testing it in spring conditions, and I’ve been warm enough. I wouldn’t use this for camping in the snow, but for milder winter conditions, which we often have in the UK, it would probably suffice.

Verdict

The Rab Exosphere 3.5 is a first-rate self-inflating sleeping pad, and it’s hard to see how the brand could improve on it next time unless they make it lighter and smaller or use more recycled materials.

It’s as comfortable a pad as you can find – supportive, stable, and pretty low maintenance overall. It’s tough enough to withstand being tossed around on your adventures and comes in at just the right price for its performance.

I’ll probably save it for car camping, but that’s only because I’m spoilt for choice with packable pads – if I were buying one pad for both car camping and backpacking, I’d strongly consider this one.

BOTE has launched a new modular chair-and-cooler system that pushes it deep into premium outdoor-lifestyle territory.

The Florida company first made its name with premium paddleboards and inflatable docks before gradually expanding into floating loungers, magnetic drinkware and cooler systems.

Now, it’s moving even further onto the cooler king’s (a.k.a. YETI) turf with the launch of the new Mule Series.

The new setup includes a combination of the Mule Dune Chair, Mule Outpost Chair, Mule Tote and the KULA Mule cooler, all designed to work together as one modular carry system.

Carry culture

Even though the products can be purchased on their own, BOTE sells the lot together as the “Mule Series Full Haul” bundle, which includes two chairs, the tote, and the cooler, priced at $849 MSRP.

Visually and conceptually, the whole thing feels remarkably close to the premium ecosystem approach pioneered by YETI.

The folding camping chairs immediately bring to mind the Trailhead Camp Chair and Yeti Hondo Beach Chair, while the Mule Tote looks strikingly similar to the Yeti Camino Carryall range.

The compact KULA Mule cooler also lands somewhere between a soft cooler and a smaller Roadie 15 Yeti cooler in both size and intent.

Magnets everywhere

Where BOTE tries to differentiate itself is with its MAGNEPOD ecosystem.

The Mule chairs feature dual magnetic mounting points built into the EVA foam armrests, allowing compatible drinkware, speakers and accessories to snap into place magnetically.

The system has been on BOTE’s paddleboards and floating products for a while now, but the Mule Series arguably makes the concept feel more useful day-to-day.

The chairs themselves are available in two formats. The Mule Dune Chair is a lower, beach-focused recliner with four seating positions, while the Mule Outpost Chair sits higher off the ground for campsites, tailgates and more traditional outdoor use.

Both support up to 300lbs and integrate into the wider carry setup using what BOTE calls the “Mule Bar Integration” system.

Price-wise, BOTE is actually more competitive than it first appears.

Buying two premium YETI chairs, a Camino tote, and a Roadie cooler separately could push beyond the Mule Experience pricing, especially once accessories are added.

Despite the more affordable price tag, BOTE's products look anything but flimsy, which might sway some YETI fans to try the company's setup instead.

The Mule Series Full Haul is available now at BOTE for $731, saving you $118 compared to full price.

You can choose among three setups: Dune (lower chairs), Outpost (taller chairs), and Mixed (one of each).

Simond has unveiled one of the lightest serious trekking shelters we’ve seen this year.

The brand is known primarily for climbing and mountaineering equipment, but it is now targeting the growing demand for trekking and backcountry gear, bringing its technical expertise to a broader category.

The new Sprint Tarp Tent 2P weighs just 620g in total, using Dyneema composite fabric to deliver a combination of minimal pack weight and high durability.

Despite tipping the scales well below those of most two-person backpacking shelters, it’s designed for proper mountain use, with a waterproof groundsheet rated up to 20,000mm and wind resistance tested to 70km/h in a wind tunnel.

The tent leads Simond’s new Sprint collection, one of two trekking ranges the brand is launching for 2026 as it expands beyond its mountaineering roots into backcountry exploration.

The range is designed for ultralight, efficiency-driven trekking and aimed at experienced hikers who want a minimalist setup without sacrificing performance.

Alongside the Sprint, the Wilder collection takes the opposite route, offering shelters for longer, more remote expeditions, focusing on durability, comfort, and full autonomy in unpredictable conditions.

Both collections share the same underlying philosophy, combining technical performance with a reduced environmental impact while pushing to make reliable mountain gear more accessible.

A tent that pushes ultralight further

Back to that tent. The Sprint Tarp Tent 2P is a single-wall design that relies on trekking poles for structure, keeping weight and packed volume down to a minimum (just 2 litres).

It’s built using Dyneema composite fabric, a material known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, often seen in premium ultralight gear.

Despite its stripped-back design, the shelter features dual vestibules, a maximum inner height of 115cm, and a shape that maintains livability while remaining compact.

The company says it underwent extensive lab and field testing, including multi-week treks on routes such as the Haute Route des Pyrénées and the Pacific Crest Trail, where reliability matters far more than spec sheets.

A full ultralight system

Other highlights from the Sprint collection include the MT900 ultralight backpack, which offers 50 litres of capacity at just 880g, and a ventilated, tensioned-mesh back system designed for long-distance comfort.

The Sprint Ultralight Trekking Sleeping Bag comes in at 665g (bag only) with 900 cuin goose down insulation, while the alternative Sprint quilt drops weight further by removing the hood and zip, prioritising modularity and pack efficiency.

The collection also includes fully-repairable carbon trekking poles weighing 184g per unit, while the MT900 Insulating Mat balances low weight with a four-season-ready R-value of 5.4.

Built for harsher environments

For those heading deeper into the wild, the Wilder collection offers a more traditional, durability-first setup.

The MT900 tunnel tent, for example, weighs 2.08kg and is designed to withstand stormy conditions, with a double-wall construction, wind resistance up to 70km/h and a more spacious interior layout for extended use.

Backpacks in this range increase carrying capacity and robustness, while sleep systems incorporate recycled materials to reduce environmental impact without compromising warmth or performance.

Simond is rolling out the new collections in stages, with the Wilder range and select Sprint gear already available, followed by the ultralight tent in May.

Katadyn has launched the Optimus Gemini II, a compact dual-burner stove that looks ready to challenge the likes of Primus in the growing market for more capable outdoor cooking systems.

Designed to deliver “real cooking” in the wild, the Gemini II ditches the bulky suitcase-style format typically associated with dual-burner stoves and instead opts for a fold-flat design that’s far easier to pack.

At 760g, it’s not ultralight by backpacking standards, but it’s noticeably more portable than most two-burner setups.

The Gemini II is more capable than the single-burner systems many hikers rely on, but significantly less cumbersome than traditional camp kitchen stoves, making it a viable option for everything from base camps to vehicle-supported adventures.

A different take on dual-burner cooking

The Gemini II features two independently controlled burners, each capable of producing up to 4,600 watts, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once or manage heat more precisely.

A built-in pressure control valve helps maintain consistent performance under changing conditions, and stability is improved when cooking in exposed environments thanks to the integrated wind protection and low-profile frame.

Boil times sit at around four minutes per litre, which is solid rather than class-leading, but the emphasis here is clearly on control rather than outright speed.

The rise of more considered outdoor cooking has been hard to ignore in recent years, with brands like Primus and Snow Peak pushing gear that enables more than just freeze-dried meals.

With over 160 minutes of burn time from a 450g gas canister and a compact footprint, the Gemini II is for campers who want to prepare proper meals outdoors without committing to a full camp kitchen setup.

And while Katadyn isn’t chasing ultralight credentials here, the Gemini II is manufactured in Europe and positioned as a durable, long-term piece of kit rather than a minimalist solution.

The Optimus Gemini II retails for $200 / £200 (€170 / AU$280), and is available now from third-party retailers such as Ultralight Outdoor Gear.

What a time to be a backpacker. Gear is getting lighter and more technical with each passing season, and nowhere are the gains more noticeable than in sleeping pads.

Sea to Summit’s new year announcement that it was updating its sleep system wasn’t so much a U-turn as the logical evolution for a brand that’s proven itself a leader in lightweight gear over the past few decades.

As a frequent backpacker, every comfortable night I can get on the trail means more energy for hiking the next day, but I like moving fast without a heavy pack to weigh me down.

So hearing that the Aussie brand planned to release a pad that was lighter and more packable than the already excellent Ether Light XT Extreme pad, yet still warm enough for three seasons, was music to my ears.

How were they going to achieve this without making the pad shorter, you ask? According to the brand, it’s all down to an update on its long-running Air Sprung Cell construction, which uses individual air-filled cells (151 of them in this case) instead of the horizontal or vertical baffles you’re probably used to.

The brand says the new-and-improved “dot-weld geometry “helps you feel more stable than you might have experienced on other ultralight mats. That should translate into a better night’s sleep, but does it? I took it out for some wild camping in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in Scotland to find out.

Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated Air Sleeping Mat review

Price and availability

The Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Sleeping Mat is available in Small, Regular and Large sizes, with prices starting at £140 / $149 for the Small size, going up to £160 for the Large size, which I tested. Here in the UK, you may be able to find it cheaper at Alpine Trek or Cotswold Outdoor.

The recommended retail price is substantially cheaper than the brand’s previous ultralight release, the Ether Light XR Insulated Air Sleeping Mat, although it’s important to note that that mat is built for four-season use and is substantially thicker. But if you’re not planning on camping in winter, keep reading.

Design and materials

This inflatable sleeping mat uses three key technologies to ensure a successful night’s sleep. The brand’s trademark Air Sprung Cell technology is designed to improve your weight distribution and eliminate pressure points, and that’s especially good news for us side sleepers who are tired of feeling our hips digging into the ground.

It keeps you warm when you’re sleeping on cold ground, thanks to ThermalCore insulation with a reflective layer that boosts the R-value to 3.6. And finally, the Hybrid 30D/40D fabric is durable and has been treated with an antimicrobial agent to help keep it from getting funky. Better yet, some of these materials are recycled and bluesign-approved for a lighter carbon footprint.

My pad arrived packed away in a stuff sack measuring 22cm x 10.5cm / 8.6in x 4in, which isn’t as tiny as my Big Agnes Rapide SL sleeping pad, but a little digging revealed that the smaller size is comparable to that one, at just 19cm x 10cm / 7.5in x 3.9in. Mine is still small enough to fit in my Yeti Skala 32L backpack along with my camping quilt and tent, so whatever size you buy, I think you’ll be happy with its packability.

At 590g for the Large (small is 450g), it’s quite a bit lighter than the Ether Light XR and comparable to my Big Agnes pad. Despite the name, that doesn’t necessarily place it in the lightest sleeping pad ever category – the Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT comes in at only 370g, and there are even lighter ones on the market – but it’s not a weight that’s going to make or break your trek.

The stuff sack has an integrated inflation system, a feature that is becoming increasingly common in backpacking pads, and it works surprisingly well. It has a nozzle that attaches to the inflation valve. You can simply breathe (not blow) into the sack, then use your hands to squeeze the air into the pad.

This takes all the effort out of inflating your pad, works quickly, and apparently reduces moisture inside the pad to help keep mould at bay. If this all sounds a little high tech, don’t worry: there are instructions on the inflation sack to guide you through it all.

The inflation valve has two settings, one for inflating and another for deflating, so when you’re ready to break down camp, you just pull the valve to deflate, all the air whooshes out, and it’s reasonably easy to fold it back up and get it back into its carry sack without too much drama.

Finally, it’s fitted with the PillowLock system, which keeps your Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow securely in place if you have one. I don’t have this pillow, so I wasn't able to test this feature, but I think it’s a nice and useful bonus.

Inflation process

Now that I’ve tried this inflation system a few times on different mats, I’ve come to really appreciate it. Yes, you can just blow the old-fashioned way, but if you don’t want to get lightheaded, this is a great option.

Both times I’ve camped with this pad, it took me between 15 and 20 breaths to inflate, or a couple of minutes max. It reaches a point where I can’t squeeze any more air into it, and at that stage, it doesn’t look fully inflated to me, but one or two puffs directly into the valve do the trick.

Performance and comfort

When I first inflated this mat, I’ll admit that it didn’t look super promising. It doesn’t lie flat when it’s inflated, and this gives the impression of it not being a very refined product, but I was pleased to discover that when I lie down, this in no way hinders my comfort.

This mat is 6.5cm / 2.5in thick when inflated, which isn’t the thickest pad around, but it is really comfortable, and I noticed the welcome stability. Sometimes you feel like you’re rocking around on a 1980s waterbed on camping mats, but this one is much more akin to sleeping on a regular mattress at home.

I sleep on all four sides, and no part of my body was ever touching the ground except for my knees when I was on all fours packing my kit away in the morning. Even then, when I sat back on my heels, I noticed that my knees and shins were no longer touching.

I tested a Large, but I’m actually quite small, which is cheating a bit, so I made my six-foot, broad-shouldered boyfriend give it a shot, and he was pretty happy with the amount of available real estate.

I’d probably go for a small pad if I were choosing it myself, since that would be lighter, but the upside of the Large is that it took up every square inch of my one-person backpacking tent, and that meant no part of me ever found itself dangling off the side. I might be onto something here.

I’ve tested this in early spring weather. Once night was unusually mild, and the other was cool, but I’ve had no problems staying warm enough.

It’s not a completely silent pad, but I wouldn’t describe it as especially noisy or rustly when I move around on it.

Verdict

The Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated Air Sleeping Mat balances comfort and packability with weight and packability admirably. On those specs alone, you’ll find others that appear to be similar, but where this pad shines is in its stability, which means your sleep will feel a little less rocky.

It’s also not the thickest pad on the market, but the cell construction means no part of your body touches the earth, and that’s all that matters. It’s easily warm enough for three-seasons and well-priced, so if you’re looking to upgrade your sleep system with something reliably comfortable, this is the pad for you.

Sleeping bags have become increasingly technical over the years, but comfort hasn’t always kept pace.

Anyone who’s wrestled with a snagging zip in the middle of the night or tried to cool down without fully unzipping a mummy bag will know the struggle.

Outdoor specialist Marmot thinks it has a solution, and it's not messing about, either.

The brand’s new Wraptor sack removes the zip entirely, replacing it with a system of overlapping flaps secured by magnetic closures and snaps.

Instead of being locked into one position, you can adjust the packable sleeping bag more naturally, opening it up for airflow or sealing it in for warmth without the usual all-or-nothing feel.

Marmot isn't the first brand to have a crack at the zipless sleeping bag design.

Sierra Design's 800 20 is similarly zip-free but lacks the magnetic closure and removes some of the insulation at the back to reduce weight.

A different way to sleep outdoors

The Wraptor is designed to feel less restrictive than traditional mummy bags, which often prioritise thermal efficiency over freedom of movement.

Marmot’s flap-based construction allows you to sleep on your side, back or stomach without fighting the fabric, and you can even lie on top of the flaps in warmer conditions.

To regulate your temperature, you can simply shift the flaps or use the envelope-style foot vent to release heat from the bottom of the bag.

The Wraptor is designed to handle a range of conditions, with options available in both 650-fill-power down and Marmot’s HL-ElixR Eco synthetic insulation.

HL-ElixR Eco is made from recycled fibres and designed to retain warmth even in damp conditions, making it a more forgiving option for unpredictable weather.

The shell and lining are made from 100% recycled materials, and the bag comes with a compression sack for easier packing.

Temperature ratings span 15°F, 20°F and 30°F (-9°C, -6°C and -1°C, respectively) models, making it suitable for everything from cooler alpine trips to more relaxed weekend camping.

The Wraptor is now available directly from Marmot, with prices starting at $189 (£141 / €162 / AU$269).

YETI has expanded its outdoor seating lineup with the new Trailhead Field Chair, a more portable alternative to the brand’s bulkier Trailhead Camp Chair and Hondo Beach Chair.

Positioned as YETI’s lightest and most packable chair to date, the Field Chair introduces a quad-fold aluminium frame that collapses down to a slim enough size to fit into an included carry bag.

Not quite ultralight territory

Don't be alarmed, though; despite the “packable” push, the Trailhead Field Chair is very much a YETI product through and through and displays the hallmarks that make the brand so popular among people who appreciate sturdiness.

As such, the new camping chair isn’t a direct rival to the featherweight designs typically associated with Helinox, such as the Chair Zero LT.

The folded profile may be slimmer than previous YETI chairs, but the overall build still leans towards durability and comfort over true minimalism.

The chair uses Twilite, YETI’s proprietary UV-resistant, synthetic woven fabric with high tensile strength and controlled flex, and is rated to support up to 350lbs.

Continuing the long-standing tradition of giving every feature a name, even the chair's feet were christened GroundGrip and are said to provide stability on uneven terrain.

A more mobile YETI

The design itself is noticeably stripped back compared to the brand’s other chairs.

There are no armrests, helping reduce bulk and weight, and the carry bag comes included for easier transport, something that hasn’t always been a given with YETI accessories.

That said, not everything is bundled in. The cup holder, shown in some of the product imagery, is sold separately, which feels like a familiar move from a brand that rarely misses an opportunity to upsell accessories – boo-hoo.

The Trailhead Field Chair is available at YETI US and YETI UK in two colours, black and tan, and is priced at $225 / 225, making it the most affordable chair in YETI’s current lineup, even if it still sits firmly in premium territory.

Hydro Flask is stepping into one of the most style-driven corners of the outdoor gear market with its redesigned Carryout Cooler Collection.

And while the brand is better known for its insulated bottles rather than bags, this latest launch puts Hydro Flask in direct competition with cooler and drinkware giant YETI.

YETI’s Camino Carryall has become something of a cult favourite, blending tote aesthetics with rugged usability.

You can find it everywhere from beaches to boot camps, largely because Camino looks good while hauling just about anything.

A cooler that does more than carry

Hydro Flask’s new Carryout Cooler Totes follow a similar visual playbook, with structured sides and a clean, lifestyle-friendly silhouette.

It's available in 10L, 20L, or 30L capacities and has zippered front pockets for secure storage of quick-reach essentials.

Unlike YETI’s open carryall approach, Hydro Flask's totes are fully insulated soft coolers with a secure zip-top closure, leakproof welded liners and all-day cold retention when paired with an ice pack.

Hydro Flask is effectively merging a premium tote you’d happily carry anywhere with a performance cooler you’d rely on for food and drink.

The FlexClip strap system allows you to customise how the bag is carried, or remove straps entirely, while the structured body keeps everything upright and easy to access.

The main fabric is made from 100% recycled polyester and carries Bluesign certification, while the food-safe interior is easy to wipe clean.

It’s a more sustainability-led approach than most products in this space, which could give Hydro Flask an edge as buyers become more conscious of how their gear is made.

A full range built around the same idea

Beyond the totes, the wider Carryout range includes soft coolers in 10L, 15L and 30L sizes, as well as a 22L backpack version, all built around the same ergonomic, clamshell-opening design.

Pricing starts at $79.95 (~£60 / €70 / AU$113) for the Carryout Cooler Totes and goes up to $149.95 (~£113 / €131 / AU$213) for the Carryout Cooler Backpack, placing the collection firmly in premium territory alongside YETI rather than below it.

It’s an interesting approach, not trying to undercut its biggest rival, but with a greener build and sleeker design, Hydro Flask’s new collection has a strong chance of becoming one of 2026’s hottest outdoor bags.

Shop the new Carryout range at Hydro Flask US. Global prices and availability TBC.

Helinox has updated two of its most recognisable pieces of campsite furniture, introducing redesigned versions of the Sunset Chair and Beach Chair.

This comes only two weeks after the launch of the Chair Zero LT and Table Zero LT, which use GhostGrid fabric and weigh under 2lb combined, setting yet another benchmark for ultralight gear.

Now called the Sunset Chair (re) and Beach Chair (re), the new models introduce what Helinox calls (re) Tension Design, a system that adds a second tension line to better distribute weight across the frame and improve comfort.

The update builds on Helinox’s earlier Chair One (re) redesign, which introduced the brand’s “(re)” concept, a series of product updates focused on improving comfort, durability and sustainability without changing the packable designs the company is known for.

The Sunset Chair (re) retains the tall backrest that made the original popular with campers but now features longer leg poles, making it easier to get in and out while continuing to support the neck and shoulders during long evenings around camp.

Designed for sand and campsites

The Beach Chair (re) takes a different approach with its low seating position that keeps you closer to the ground, while splayed legs and flat feet help prevent the chair from sinking into sand, making it better suited to beaches and soft terrain.

The frames of both chairs are made from repurposed aluminium shavings that would otherwise be discarded, refined into alloy discs, and then formed into the structure.

Despite the updates, portability remains central to the design. Each chair packs into a compact carry case, weighs just over 3.5 lb (1,587 g) and supports up to 320 lb (145 kg) when assembled.

The Sunset Chair (re) and Beach Chair (re) are priced from $189.95 (~£142 / €165 / AU$268), with the Beach Chair also available in a fully ventilated mesh version priced at $209.95 (~£157 / €182 / AU$297).

Outdoor brand Coleman has unveiled what it says is the world’s first collapsible hard cooler, a design that could solve one of the most persistent annoyances in camping gear: storage.

Called the Snap ’N Go, the cooler combines the portability of a soft cool bag with the durability and insulation performance normally associated with rigid coolers.

When not in use, the unit collapses down to roughly one-third of its full size, allowing it to slide into cupboards, car boots or campervan storage compartments far more easily than a traditional hard cooler.

That might sound like a small tweak, but it addresses a problem many outdoor enthusiasts know well.

When good insulation meets bad storage

Hard coolers are excellent at keeping food and drinks cold for days, yet their bulky, fixed shape makes them awkward to store in small homes, vans or flats.

Premium brands such as YETI have helped popularise the category in recent years, with rugged coolers like the YETI Roadie 32 built for long trips and tough environments.

The downside is that these types of coolers often take up just as much space in the garage or boot as they do on the campsite.

Coleman’s approach attempts to bridge that gap by expanding from storage mode to full size in under 10 seconds, snapping into a rigid structure ready to be loaded with ice, food and drinks.

Collapsible, but not compromised

Despite the portability gains, performance appears to be on par with conventional cool boxes.

The largest 55QT model (52-litre capacity) can keep ice frozen for up to 55 hours, while the 45QT version offers up to 50 hours of cooling, and the 35QT model maintains cold temperatures for up to 36 hours.

Inside, the cooler features a removable TPU liner designed to provide leakproof protection and make cleaning easier after use.

The liner also includes an antibacterial treatment to help prevent bacterial growth and keep the interior fresh between trips.

Side handles allow the cooler to be carried horizontally when loaded, while the flattened, collapsed shape makes it easier to transport or store vertically when empty.

Coleman says the cooler was developed in response to consumer research highlighting the challenges many people face when storing bulky outdoor gear in smaller homes or vehicles.

The collapsible design aims to make it easier to keep a cooler on hand without sacrificing valuable storage space.

The Snap ’N Go range launches in three sizes (35QT, 45QT and 55QT) with UK pricing starting at £129.99 (~$174 / €151 / AU$245) and rising to £189.99 (~$254 / €220 / AU$358) for the largest model.

For more info, visit Coleman UK.

Big Agnes is marking its 25th anniversary with the launch of an all-new ultralight shelter family, the VST range, designed for hikers and fastpackers chasing low pack weights without sacrificing comfort or weather protection.

Named after the velocity formula (V=S/T), the VST series leans into the idea of moving faster on the trail, pairing stripped-back designs with new materials and a hybrid single-/double-wall construction that aims to balance durability, ventilation and usable interior space.

The backpacking tents use the brand’s recycled 20D HyperBead fabric, delivering a 4,000mm waterproof rating while remaining PFAS-free.

This spec alone positions the range squarely within the growing push toward more environmentally considerate technical fabrics.

Big Agnes says the geometry also allows the tents to comfortably fit 25-inch rectangular sleeping pads, with select “.5” sizing options offering extra elbow room for those who want a little more livability without jumping up a full capacity size.

Ultralight, without the usual compromises

Splitting across three core models, the lightest tent in the collection tips the scales at just 633g trail weight, placing the VST line firmly in fastpacking territory.

All tents are designed to accommodate 25-inch rectangular sleeping pads, and select models come in “.5 sizing” options for those who want extra shoulder or gear space without stepping up to a full two-person shelter.

The String Ridge VST, available in 1.5- and 2.5-person configurations, uses a trekking pole-supported structure to keep weight to a minimum while maintaining stability, with trail weights starting from 663g.

The Pitchpine VST weighs 719g and is a non-freestanding, single-pole 1.5-person shelter built for rapid setup and impressive interior volume.

At the roomier end of the spectrum, the Sarvis VST comes in two- and three-person versions and features a full freestanding pole architecture, dual doors and generous vestibules.

Despite the more traditional structure, the trail weight starts at just 1.06kg, which is still an incredibly low weight for such a feature-packed tent.

Built for a new era of backpacking

Big Agnes has been steadily pushing material innovation in recent years, and the use of recycled HyperBead fabric with a high waterproof rating signals a continued focus on performance without defaulting to heavier laminates.

Combined with the hybrid wall design, the VST range appears aimed at hikers who want the low weight of trekking pole shelters but with improved livability and weather resistance.

With long-distance trails reopening across Europe and the US and ultralight backpacking more popular than ever, the VST launch feels well-timed.

The VST tents are available now at Ultra Light Outdoor Gear, Big Agnes EU and Big Agnes US, with prices starting at £480 / €550 / $549.95 (~AU$777).

Helinox has already been famous for its ridiculously lightweight camping and hiking gear, but with the new LT Series, the South Korean brand is ready to redefine what ultralight outdoor gear means.

The Chair Zero LT and Table Zero LT is a packable furniture combo designed for backpackers, bikepackers and fastpackers who want comfort without the bulk.

The new models introduce GhostGrid mesh, a translucent monofilament ripstop mesh with two-way stretch, which the brand says improves both durability and airflow while keeping weight to a minimum.

“The Chair Zero LT represents our focus to continue innovating in the ultralightweight category, with new materials and designs that add strength, durability, comfort and improve the overall ease of use in the field.”

A lighter evolution of a classic

The Chair Zero LT builds on the original Chair Zero, a long-standing benchmark in ultralight camping chairs, but further trims weight while adding stability upgrades.

It uses a 7000-series DAC alloy frame with nylon resin hubs and includes a new X-strap stabiliser to reduce sinking on soft ground.

Packed weight comes in at just 1lb 3oz (around 540g), with a whopping 265lb (~120kg) load capacity, making it one of the lightest full-featured camp chairs on the market.

Joining the chair is the Table Zero LT, now the lightest table in Helinox’s lineup.

Weighing 8.5oz (about 240g) and supporting up to 22lb (~10kg), it’s designed as a compact surface for meals, drinks or small gear in camp.

The two products form a sub-2lb camp setup, underscoring Helinox’s focus on minimalist adventures where pack space and weight matter most.

Both pieces use DAC aluminium and green anodised alloys, a process the company says reduces chemical use by reusing reclaimed metal.

The Chair Zero LT launches at $159.95 (~£118 / €135 / AU$226), with the Table Zero LT priced at $149.95 (~£111 / €127 / AU$212), available now in the US via Helinox and select retailers.

International price and availability TBC.

For anyone who spends time in the outdoors – for work, play or travel – a top-performing fleece jacket is an absolutely essential piece of kit. I’m outdoors a lot, for all of the above reasons, and I have tested countless tops described as fleeces by myriad brands. Some perform excellently but look awful, while others are super stylish but prove less effective in the elements – occasionally you get one that ticks all the boxes. But before I get into three of my current favourites for spring conditions, it’s worth quickly considering the question, what exactly is a fleece?

Traditionally, fleeces were made from recycled synthetic materials and were regarded as groundbreaking eco-friendly outdoor-active clothing, but the word ‘fleece’ is bandied around very loosely these days, and is used to describe a wide range of tops, from casual-wear hoodies made from all sorts of fabric to garments that look more like wind cheaters and softshells. While a wider material mix might be more acceptable now, however, a true fleece is primarily a midlayer garment, designed to work well when worn above the best base layers and beneath a good waterproof jacket (when required).

Best for basic warmth

Columbia Crystal Leaf Omni-Heat Technical Half-zip Fleece

There is much more going on than meets the eye with the Crystal Leaf, which is available for an extremely accessible price. It’s a thin and lightweight fleece, but the Omni-Heat Helix technology traps warmth inside, while the fabric remains breathable, and internally generated moisture is quickly wicked away from the body when you’re working hard on the trails.

It’s a half-zip top, and there’s no hood on this version, but I believe less is more when it comes to true midlayers – very few people actually use hoods on lightweight tops, and usually they end up sticking out the top of the jacket and getting wet in the rain. And a full zip can reduce thermal protection, and this top is designed to be worn all day, not to be taken on and off. There are no pockets either, which is fine when you’re using it beneath a coat.

I love the thumb holes, which prevent the sleeves from bunching up when you pull on an outer layer and keep skin from being exposed when you’re wearing gloves. The high neck and long back panel both keep drafts out, and being 10% elastane, the material is super stretchy, allowing for a full range of movement when you’re climbing, scrambling or doing anything dynamic. The only downside is that, so far as I can see, no recycled fabric has been used.

Best features

Rab Ramshaw Hoody

If you’re intending to rock your fleece as an outer wear, instead of merely a midlayer, then it’s handy to have a few more features. The Ramshaw, by Rab, is designed to be seen, and (even in the not-for-everyone ‘pollen’ colour I’ve been testing) it’s good-looking fleece.

It’s also pretty thin and light (517g), but when combined with an outer shell, like a waterproof coat, the raised squares on the external face of the fleece are designed to capture air that your body will heat up, creating a good warm layer. With a high degree of stretch, it’s a very dynamic garment, perfect for rock climbing, hiking and scrambling. And it’s made from 75% recycled materials.

Features-wise, it has three fully functional pockets (a pair of hand pockets and a chest pouch), all of which zip shut, so you don’t lose important things mid-trail. It has a full-length zip, so you can dump heat quickly when you need to, plus a good chin guard and a decent hood, which fits under a helmet and can be tightened with toggles to protect your head and ears from the wind. It doesn’t have thumb hoops, but the sleeves are elasticated at the wrists, which prevents sleeves from bunching if you do don an outer layer.

Most stylish

66 North Tungudalur Hoodie

Designed to deliver warmth on the edge of the Arctic Circle (and to turn heads wherever you wear it), gear from 66 North is always seriously stylish and very high-performing (and usually priced accordingly). The Icelandic brand do make much thicker fleeces for mid-winter, but the Tungudalur (available with and without a hood) is a thinner. Low-bulk, lightweight garment, perfect for spring-summer-autumn as outerwear, or when worn beneath a windproof and/or waterproof shell when the elements are feistier.

It has a full zip for easy heat management and a pair of hand pockets with zips. There are no thumb loops, but the wrists are elasticated to stop bunching and prevent sleeves from riding up your arms. I have been testing the lidded version, and the hood can be tightened to keep out the worst of the weather. Although it’s the kind of clobber you want to show off, not hide, it works well as a midlayer beneath a jacket.

Made from high-end Polartec Powerstretch Pro fleece (external link), this trim-fit top is warm, breathable, and tough, with a smooth, abrasion-resistant exterior and a soft-feel inner that is luxuriously comfortable next to the skin. The material mix wicks moisture away excellently and offers four-way flex, for when you’re reaching for handholds or posing at the pub. Lastly, it’s made from 84% recycled material.

Good to know

Fleeces are useful – essential even – all year round: an outer layer for evenings and mornings in summer, a comfy, protective top on cooler spring and autumn days, and a high-performing thermal midlayer beneath a waterproof shell in winter. But it’s hard to find a one-size-fits-all fleece that covers all those occasions.

Thickness, weight and bulk are key considerations, as are features (including pockets, hoods and thumb loops) and style choices – such as a smooth-finish or long-pile fleece – that go beyond the garment's mere look (long-pile tops are considerably warmer).

Then there’s the tech, with design innovations such as Columbia’s Omni-Heat system, raised grids (as seen on Rab’s Ramshaw Hoody), and advanced materials like Polartec Powerstretch Pro (used in 66 North’s Tungudalur Hoodie), all adding to the thermal performance of the tops.

The three fleeces covered here are all low-bulk, mid-weight garments, which I regard as perfect for 9 to 10 months of the year. In mid-winter, and especially if you’re venturing into colder climes or up into the mountains, you’ll need a thicker, heavier, warmer garment like Patagonia’s Classic Retro-X fleece, which is a brilliant traditional number, made from 100% recycled synthetic material, that will keep you very cosy when worn under a waterproof jacket.

When choosing a fleece, if you’re mainly planning to wear it as a midlayer, simplicity, performance, and cost will be the top priorities, so something like the Columbia Crystal Leaf Omni-Heat Technical Half-zip Fleece is probably perfect.

If you think it’s likely you will be wearing it on the outside for much of the time, then the look of the top, and elements like pockets, are more important, so the Tungudalur or Ramshaw fleeces will be better options. Fleeces are always made from synthetic fabrics that will never fully biodegrade, so personally, I choose tops made mostly from recycled materials.

Sea to Summit is lining up one of its most meaningful sleep-system updates in years with the launch of the Ultralight XR Sleeping Mat, a new model set to arrive as an early, REI-exclusive release on 1 February 2026.

Aimed at backpackers, fastpackers and weight-conscious travellers, the new camping mat focuses on improving real-world comfort and packability without increasing carry weight.

Sea to Summit says the Ultralight XR is 14% lighter than the previous Ultralight model, while also being 30% thicker and packing down 53% smaller.

Warmth has been pushed up as well, with an R-value of 3.6, making the new mat 16% more insulative than its predecessor.

For a mat that still weighs just 415g (14.6 oz) in Regular size, those numbers place it firmly in three-season territory without tipping into winter-mat bulk.

Stability, not just softness

The update centres around the revised take on Sea to Summit’s long-running Air Sprung Cell construction.

Rather than relying on horizontal or vertical baffles, the Ultralight XR uses 151 individual air-filled cells, each acting like a 'miniature spring'.

According to the brand, the updated dot-weld geometry helps the mat feel more planted on the ground, reducing the rolling or “teetering” sensation that can occur with traditional ultralight air mats, especially for side or restless sleepers.

Thickness now measures 6.5cm, which Sea to Summit positions as “true cushioning” rather than the floating-on-air feel some ultralight pads deliver.

The individual cells are designed to conform around shoulders, hips and the lower back, spreading pressure more evenly across the surface.

Warmth comes courtesy of updated ThermalCore insulation, which incorporates a TRM reflective layer to bounce infrared heat back toward the sleeper while also limiting internal air movement.

The result is improved thermal efficiency without adding synthetic fill or significant weight.

The Ultralight XR uses a hybrid 30/40D fabric paired with an extruded TPU laminate and Ultrafresh antimicrobial treatment, materials Sea to Summit says are backed by a decade-long track record.

The Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Sleeping Mat is available in Small, Regular and Large, with an MSRP of $149 for the Regular size, exclusively via REI at launch.

The success of any camping adventure is entirely reliant on having the best tent you can get your hands on. You might have the most cosy and comfortable sleeping bag ever created and the plushest camping mat in the world, but if the tent you take on the trail fails to keep the elements out, or if it’s cramped or weighs too much, then your trip will be miserable.

I get to test tents for a living, which sounds awesome (and usually is), but when you get a dud design, it results in some seriously uncomfortable nights. Thankfully, I’ve discovered some exceptional shelters, and these are the tents I will be taking out on the trails this year.

Best overall

Nemo Dagger Osmo

Available in both 2- and 3-person models, the latest iteration of the Nemo Dagger Osmo is as close to the perfect tent for backpacking as I’ve ever had the privilege of using. Lightweight, easy to pack and pitch, it’s a superbly designed shelter from the bucket floor upwards.

There’s plenty of room on the inside, with various pockets and features to make organisation and space optimisation easy, and the twin doors and double vestibule design means you can keep backpacks and hiking boots dry while not crowding the sleeping area, and you don’t have to disturb your camping buddy when getting out in the early hours to answer a call of nature.

The materials are recycled, and the whole shelter is made in an eco-friendly way. The pole system is smart, and the materials and components are all top-quality, so the shelter can withstand high winds and serious downpours. There are myriad small design details that improve the camping experience without adding to the carry weight, from the axial corner anchors and strut vents to the ‘Landing Zone’, a triangular storage tub in the vestibules.

Best for solo campers

Lifesystems Solo Peak

If you’re someone who enjoys heading off on adventures by yourself, or if you prefer to sleep solo during overnight escapades with friends, the Lifesystems Solo Peak 1-person tent is a clever little cocoon that weighs very little (1kg) and packs down to the size of a water bottle, but provides excellent shelter in a range of conditions.

With a tiny footprint, you can pitch it in all kinds of tight spots, and yet – considering its diminutive size – it offers enough headroom for you to sit up, and even has a vestibule (albeit a small one) for stashing packs and boots.

The materials are impressively robust and protective, with the fly and groundsheet both boasting a high hydrostatic head rating of 3,000mm. Because it’s small, the interior warms up very quickly and stays cosy, so – if you have a decent sleeping bag and pad – you can use it for most of the year in the UK (I tested it during November and December). It’s also very reasonably priced.

Best for bikepacking

MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2

The European release of the much-anticipated new Hubba Hubba LT2 only recently happened, and the significantly updated shelter is impressively spacious and light. But for me, MSR were always going to struggle to truly improve on the original design, which forms the basis of the brilliant Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2.

Space is everything when you’re bikepacking, and the concessions to packability that make all the difference here are the trimmed pole lengths and the waterproof carry bag, which is designed to be attached directly to the handlebars of your bike (an ingenious innovation that means you don’t need to invest in an expensive bar bag, which would only end up full of tent.

Regardless of whether you’re on wheels or walking, this is an excellent tent for use beside the trail. Designed around a hub-style pole system, the shelter has an excellent nylon fly sheet and a strong geodesic-dome shape, which can withstand strong winds.

The pole lengths have been trimmed to make packing even easier. It also offers two doors, each with a spacious vestibule for storing stuff. Additional features include the ‘StayDry’ rain gutters, a gear loft and a clothesline on the inside.

Buying advice

Choosing the perfect tent is tricky, especially if you enjoy a range of camping experiences, from fast-paced, lightweight overnight adventures to more comfortable car camping outings. The tents listed here are specifically for backpacking and bikepacking escapades – they are all quite different in design, but the common denominator is a low carry weight.

While cost is inevitably a consideration, it’s really important to get a shelter made from robust and genuinely weatherproof materials. Look for details such as sealed seams, which make all the difference in keeping the rain out, and good-quality zips, which will improve the lifespan of your tent.

Ease of pitch and low bulk are two other crucial considerations. Some tents (like the Lifesystems Solo Peak) can be pitched outer first, which means you can escape the weather quickly, while others, such as the Nemo Dagger Osmo and the Hubba Hubba, feature stand-alone inners, which can offer sensational star-gazing opportunities on clear, dry nights.

For me, access to a spacious vestibule is a high-value feature, since it allows you to stash your backpack and hiking boots or walking shoes somewhere dry without taking up room in the main sleeping compartment.

If you're getting a 2-person tent, go for one with two doors so you don't have to climb over your camping buddy in the middle of the night (and they don't have to climb over you).

Lastly, good ventilation is essential for comfort and to allow condensation to escape (otherwise you will wake up damp, no matter how waterproof the fly is).

Big Agnes is a huge brand Stateside, offering a comprehensive range of camping kit from tents to camping mats and quilts to rucksacks. However, the brand is rarely seen in the UK, but there’s plenty of kit for us to get excited about.

I’ve been testing the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum for the past few months in a range of conditions, from the warm nights of the Danish countryside to the downright soggy fells of the Lake District.

Big Agnes says this tent is lighter than ultralight, which will cause some ears to prick up, especially amongst the titanium fork-wielding ultralight community, but is it any good for those of us who don't mind carrying a few grams for some added protection from the elements?

Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum review

Price and availability

The Tiger Wall 2 Platinum costs £749 / €800 / $649 and is available from Big Agnes.

Design and materials

Big Agnes says the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum is a ‘lighter than ultralight’ tent, which is indeed a very lofty claim that is fortunately backed up by some seriously impressive figures.

The tent weighs a scant 992g, putting it firmly in ultralight territory. For context, my go-to tent for use in the mountains is the MSR Access 2, which tips the scales at 1.86kg, almost double the weight of the Big Agnes.

The MSR is a 4-season tent designed to withstand serious conditions, but there have been times at summer camps when it’s been overkill, and I would’ve chosen the Big Agnes if I'd known conditions were going to be mild and calm.

Big Agnes has managed to keep the weight down by using super-lightweight fabrics, notably the 7D nylon ripstop that forms the tent's body.

Most tents use a 15-30D weight material for the body, so by using such a lightweight material, Big Agnes has managed to cut a serious amount of weight.

Elsewhere, the rainfly and floor are made from a proprietary HyperBead fabric that offers a hydrostatic head of 1500mm and is produced without PFAS chemicals.

Big Agnes says that its HyperBead technology makes the fabric 6% lighter, 50% stronger, and 25% more waterproof than traditional tent fabrics. Critically, it also doesn't stretch when wet, which is often what makes even the best-pitched tents flap in the wind, leading to sleepless nights.

1500HH is not particularly waterproof compared to tents designed for inclement weather, but it kept me dry during some sharp summer downpours. I wouldn't rate the chances of staying dry as very high if it poured all night, but for a summer tent, it performed well.

The outer fabric is coated with what feels like a silicone treatment to aid water beading, which made it a little sticky when unpacked after being put away wet. The first time, I thought I was going to tear the fabric, but no damage occurred.

Poles are provided by DAC and are the Featherlight NFL variety. They felt sturdy and assembled easily; repair sections are included with the tent, should any become damaged.

Performance

The tent's packed size is impressive, measuring 46cm x 13cm. I found it possible to pack smaller by separating the poles into inner and outer sections, and managed to cram it into a 35L pack with a lightweight sleeping bag and pad.

Pitching the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum was very straightforward; I didn't have to consult the instructions, which is always a good indicator of how intuitive a tent is to pitch.

This model requires the inner to be pitched first, with the corners pegged out, and then the poles attach to the corners. The single pole is asymmetric, but colour-coded tags on the corners make it almost impossible to get mixed up. The inner is then clipped onto the pole to provide a fairly sturdy yet very lightweight summer tent.

For more protection and privacy, the outer clips into the corners of the inner and can then be pegged out with the included 6” Dirt Dagger stakes. With a bit of practice, the tent can be reliably pitched in just a few minutes.

My one irritation is the lack of provided guy lines. Big Ages provide 2 as standard, which is plenty in calm, windless conditions, but I found myself having to untie and reattach them around the tent when the wind picked up. 2 more lines surely wouldn’t have been a crippling extra expense?

Once pitched, the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum has 2 small vestibules, a 219x132 floor area, and a head height of 99cm. It’s plenty spacious for a single occupant, but would be very snug for 2. As the tent is so light, I see no reason not to buy the 3-person version for 2 occupants. It’s only an additional 200 grams for heaps of extra space.

I did notice that in the summer months, when the nights are short and the days stretch out, the very thin outer did very little to keep the sunlight out, meaning an eyemask is pretty critical unless you like waking with the sun!

Verdict

The Tiger Wall 2 Platinum is a standout tent for its weight and price, and one I’d happily reach for on summer trips where conditions are expected to be settled. Despite its featherweight design, it handled occasional wind and rain well, while impressing with its compact pack size and generous interior space. In the UK, it’s best suited to carefully chosen forecasts, but when the weather aligns, it’s a joy to use.

Also Consider

The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent is a superb, all-around, three-season option that balances lightweight performance with roomy interior and weather protection. Its spacious vestibules, excellent ventilation and quality build make it a strong choice for more varied UK conditions.

The North Face Trail Lite 2-Person Tent offers generous space, solid weather resistance and easy pitching, with features like clever storage and durable fabrics. It isn’t as ultralight as the Tiger Wall, but it delivers greater comfort and protection for regular backpacking adventures.

While a suitable best tent is clearly the most vital ingredient for a relaxed night under the stars, few other camping items influence comfort, warmth and overall trip success quite so directly as the humble best sleeping bag.

Whether your priorities lean toward lightweight backpacking efficiency, spacious car-camping comfort or premium-level glamping luxury, sleeping bag manufacturers have got you covered with an eclectic range of bags from down-filled to synthetic, and at vastly different price points.

With this in mind, I’ve alighted on three sterling sleeping bags that have really impressed me in 2025 – bags that combine smart design, dependable performance and thoughtful features to help make your next camping trip go with a swing.

My favourite sleeping bags of 2025

Best overall

Rab Solar Ultra 2

Although it’s been on the market for a while, the T3 Platinum-awarded Rab Solar Ultra 2 is a thoroughly well designed three-season synthetic sleeping bag that delivers reliable warmth at an amazingly low price, at least for a Rab product.

Built around the Derbyshire-based company’s Stratus recycled insulation, TILT (Thermo Ionic Lining Technology) heat-reflective lining and 20D Atmos recycled polyester shell, the three-season Solar Ultra 2 offers an impressive 38gsm of loft for a synthetic bag, maintaining excellent thermal performance even in damp conditions.

At 1,140g, the Solar Ultra 2 isn’t the lightest option on the market and it doesn’t pack away as small as a down-equivalent model, but in our tests it has provided a consistent level of warmth across varied conditions, especially in the UK where nights can become quite chilly and damp.

I’m not a massive fan of tightly-tapered mummy-shaped sleeping bags but this one provides a little more room at the elbows and in the foot well, allowing for some extra wriggle room. I’m especially enamoured of this model’s adjustable hood, heat-trapping neck baffle, 3/4 length main zip with anti-snag zip insert and, uniquely, the inclusion of a mobile phone-cum-battery pocket that saves rummaging around in the dark.

If you’re in the market for a keenly-priced, eco-friendly and moisture-resistant synthetic bag for your spring to autumn adventures, the Rab Solar Ultra 2 remains my top choice for 2025.

Read our full review of the Rab Solar Ultra 2

Best for car camping

Quechua Arpenaz 0˚ Ultim Comfort

The Quechua Arpenaz 0° Ultim Comfort cotton sleeping bag from Decathlon is a decidedly non-technical choice in a market dominated by lightweight synthetics – and that’s one reason why I like it so much.

For starters, its rectangular design (225 x 80cm) and plush organic cotton lining create a duvet-like experience that feels so much more homely than a performance-oriented mummy-style bag. And because it’s rectangular, there’s plenty of leg room and internal space to stretch, sprawl or shift positions without feeling hemmed in.

Technically, this bag is built for temperate three-season use around 0°C and comes with 350gm polyester wadding for very decent insulation in periods like early spring and late autumn. I also love the sewn-in insulated neck warmers that pull out from recesses in the hood to lie in a criss-cross pattern across the neck area, and the fact that you can unzip the entire bag for use as a duvet or join it to another single to create a full-sized double.

This model excels in scenarios like car camping, glamping and laid-back outdoor nights where comfort trumps pure performance and you don’t have to worry about pack size and weight (in this instance 2.8 kilos).

However, you should bear in mind that the Arpenaz’s cotton interior, while soft and breathable, absorbs moisture more readily than synthetic fabric so it can initially feel a mite damp in very humid conditions.

Read my full review of the Quechua Arpenaz 0° Ultim Comfort

Best 3-season backpacker

Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 25˚

This adorable high-performance down-filled option from Colorado-based Big Agnes is one of the lightest and smallest sleeping bags I’ve ever seen – just 785g in weight and a tiny 25 x 20cm when stuffed into its moisture-resistant sack. Honestly, pulling it out of its sack is like one of those magic tricks – it just keeps on coming – and it’s just as seemingly impossible when stuffing it all back in which, incidentally, is performed with surprising ease. When laid, out it gradually expands into a voluminous cloud of cosy-giving warmth.

Constructed using 100% DownTek with an impressive 850 fill power, the Fly Creek’s amazing insulation is treated to resist moisture, maintaining its huge loft even in damp conditions and temperatures as low as -4˚C (25˚F). The diamond-quilted shell itself is made from ultra-light, recycled NetPlus ripstop nylon and finished with a durable water-repellent coating to further reduce moisture absorption. And unlike most technical bags, this one comes with a half-length, front-mounted YKK zip which I have found easier to use than the side-zip variety.

The Fly Creek regular measures 152cm in length, with a girth of 137cm and a narrow foot box of 92cm. If this seems a little too measly for you, consider the long version which has more length (160cm), a wider girth (145cm) and a slightly wider foot box (99cm).

If you’re a keen backpacker, bikepacker or mountain trekker who values extremely low weight and small pack size without compromising on outright warmth, the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 25° is a sterling choice and my favourite down option for 2025. Full review incoming!

Buying advice

Choosing the right sleeping bag depends on how, where and when you plan to use it. For backpacking, weight and packability are the top priorities, so look for lightweight down or advanced synthetic insulation, a tapered mummy shape to maximise thermal efficiency and a temperature rating that matches the coldest nights you expect. High fill-power goose down offers extra reassurance in cold weather at the expense of being more affected by damp conditions. But on the plus side, down-filled bags are much smaller and lighter to pack.

For car camping, comfort and space matter far more than weight and pack size, so choose a wider rectangular bag with thicker insulation and practical features like internal pockets, draft tubes for the neck area and, if necessary, the ability to zip two bags together.

If glamping, consider cotton, flannel or quilt-style designs that mimic your home bedding, along with generous sizing and attractive fabrics. Since portability isn’t an issue, you can prioritise warmth, texture and overall cosiness to elevate the experience. Perhaps even consider packing your duvet and a cotton sheet for the ultimate in glamping luxury.

The Hubba Hubba is one of the few tents that genuinely earns the word iconic. When MSR launched the original back in 2004, its clever ‘brow pole’ and freestanding hub design set a new benchmark for lightweight backpacking shelters.

It offered something unusual at the time: a tent light enough to carry, protective enough for 3+ seasons, and spacious enough for two people to sleep comfortably with their gear. Many brands have since followed the template, but the Hubba Hubba remains the reference point.

The company has refined the design over the years – including the popular MSR Hubba Hubba NX – and the family has grown to include everything from solo shelters to the bigger Mutha Hubba, plus bikepacking-specific versions, such as the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2.

But 2026 marks the biggest step forward in more than two decades. Two fully reworked models, the ultralight Hubba Hubba LT and the more rugged Hubba Hubba HD, are arriving in Europe this January after an early US release. Both come in 1-, 2- and 3-person sizes and represent a complete reimagining of the platform.

I was invited to Cascade Designs’ European base in Cork this summer for an early look at the Hubba Hubba LT, and I’ve spent the past five months testing the LT2 in the wild. From long, wet hauls through the Wicklow Mountains to wind-battered pitches on Dartmoor’s tors, I’ve had plenty of time to see what this next-generation Hubba Hubba is really capable of.

MSR Hubba Hubba LT2 review

Price and availability

The Hubba Hubba LT 2-person tent is already available from Cascade Designs and retailers such as REI in the United States for a list price of $549.95 (the LT 1-person tent is $469.95 and the LT 3-person shelter is $629.95).

From January 2026, the LT2 will also be available in the UK and across the EU (RRP £560), as will the sturdier Hubba Hubba HD (RRP £590). Universal MSR tent footprints start from $48.95.

Specifications

• Style: Semi-geodesic dome
• Pack size: 51 x 14cm
• Inner dimensions: 2.24m x 1.32m
• Peak height: 1.02m
• Weight: 1.54kg
• Seasons: 2+
• Capacity: 2-person
• Vestibules: 2
• Fly: Solution-dyed 20D ripstop nylon, 1200mm polyether urethane & PFAS-free silicone
• Canopy: Tent body: Solution-dyed 20D polyester micromesh & Solution-dyed 20D ripstop nylon, 1800mm polyether urethane & PFAS-free DWR
• Floor: Solution-dyed 20D ripstop nylon, 1800mm polyether urethane & PFAS-free DWR
• Poles: DAC NFL 9.3mm
• Pitch time: 8–10 minutes
• Colour: Green
• Extras: Footprint

Design and materials

Viewed from the outside, the Hubba Hubba LT looks pretty similar to the NX. Working on the principle of 'it ain't broke, don't fix it', MSR's designers have retained the tried-and-tested symmetrical semi-geodesic dome shape.

Thich has proven itself more than capable of standing up to feisty winds, and the colour scheme is only subtly different (the new fly is a slightly lighter shade of green, still excellent for discreet pitching when you're wild camping).

Less obvious to the eye, but very important, the fabrics used in the lightweight nylon flysheet (plus the groundsheet and internal mesh walls) are solution dyed in the new model, which cuts carbon emissions by at least 80% (as compared to the materials previously used by MSR and others).

The new Hubba Hubba LT doesn’t have the highest hydrostatic head rating in the tent world (1,200mm for the fly and 1,800mm for the floor), but the tent is perfectly capable of keeping you dry, and the non-mesh elements of the main canopy have a HH of 1,800mm and have been coated with DWR.

If you want a solid 3-season shelter, though, you’ll need to go for the slightly heavier (1.80kg) but much more protective Hubba Hubba HD, which has less mesh and a flysheet with a hydrostatic head of 3,000mm.

Where the changes are more apparent is in the design of the DAC pole system. It remains a single-unit set-up, with an umbilicus connecting the pieces, but the four legs in the )–|–( shape have been lengthened, and that brow pole (a massive innovation when launched) has been extended, all of which increases the internal floor space of the tent, improves the headroom and lengthens the two vestibules.

The components used in the corner hardware (where the poles slot into the feet at the extremities of the groundsheet) have also been upgraded, with lightweight metal used to improve durability. The lightweight but impressively tough ‘mini groundhog’ pegs are also new.

The whole set-up, bag and all, weighs in at 1.54kg, which is 180g lighter than the NX (the minimum weight is actually 1.36kg, but you really have to strip it down to achieve this). For a spacious, high-performing 2-person tent, this is exceptionally light.

Performance on the trail

Immediately after collecting my test tent from Cascade Designs, I loaded it into my backpack and hit the trails, walking in the wonderful Wicklow Mountains and setting up camp in several places.

It was midsummer, and Ireland was in the grip of a most unusual heatwave (I’m far more used to fending off the driving rain when I’m in the Emerald Isle – there is a reason the country is so green), so I was instantly appreciative of the amount of mesh that has been employed in the construction of the LT’s inner.

The liberal use of this solution-dyed micromesh is one way MSR have shaved some grams from the carry weight of the new tent, but it’s also excellent for ventilation and airflow, ably assisted by the vents on the fly (more about those later).

I was even able to take the flysheet off entirely, to enjoy some sensational stargazing through the mesh, while being kept safe from the millions of midges that suddenly filled the mountain air.

Since summer, I have mainly been using the Hubba Hubba LT while wild camping on Dartmoor, where it has faced far cooler and more challenging conditions, including driving rain and high winds. The reduced weight and bulk of the shelter have been brilliant for packing it into such places, and I’m very impressed at how easy this tent is to carry on all kinds of backpacking adventures.

Considering its packability, it offers 5-star accommodation on the trails and at crags and campsites, with lots of room and numerous smart features that improve comfort levels and capability, from the rain gutters to the gear loft and internal clothes lines.

As mentioned above, there is considerably more floor space in this new design (32 sq ft in total), which means you can comfortably get two people side by side, even when using large camping mats such as the sumptuous Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad (a magnificent mattress that I’ve loved sleeping on this year).

If people are happy to use smaller mummy-shaped mats, and they all get on pretty well, then you could quite easily sleep three people in this tent. There is extra headroom too: just 2cm, but in the tight confines of a backpacking tent, it all makes a massive difference.

The shape of the vestibules is also different to the NX, with the porches on both sides being bigger (longer but slightly narrower), offering more storage space for hiking boots and walking shoes, and additional room for activities such as making a brew on a camping stove in wet weather.

The other significant change is to the design of the door openings, which have gone from the standard D to a triangular shape, with two separate zips meeting at the pointy bit. This increases the durability of the zips and means you always know where the puller is (handy when you can't find your head torch).

Lastly, cable ports have been added to the wall pockets, so you can plug things like smartwatches, phones, and speakers into powerpacks for use and charging, without wires dangling.

On the downside, while it’s nice to be able to use the inner tent as a standalone shelter on dry starry nights, when conditions are wet it would good to be able to put the tent up fly first, and that’s not possible with the Hubba Hubba LT.

Also, the increased use of micromesh is brilliant for keeping cool and reducing condensation in summer, but it does affect the insulating ability of the tent and means it’s quite chilly in colder conditions.

Whereas the older Hubba Hubba NX could handle 3 seasons (often more), now you need to choose between the lightweight Hubba Hubba LT or the more robust, protective, and warmer Hubba Hubba HD.

Lastly, something that became a real issue when I was camping on Dartmoor in windy conditions, the Velcro closures on the air vents in the new fly are sadly somewhat lacking. If you happen to pitch your tent with those openings facing the incoming wind, you’re in for a noisy night.

You also need to ensure the guys are pulled very tight, because those extended legs on the new pole system do bend in the wind and bash you in the face while you’re sleeping (or trying to).

Verdict

There are some genuinely great changes here, to an already excellent tent, and I really appreciated the additional headroom, floor and porch space while testing the LT2. The eco-conscious use of materials is excellent, and lots of the smaller tweaks and little additions genuinely add to the functionality of the tent.

It’s important to realise that the Hubba Hubba LT is very much a 2-season tent, and for a 3+ season shelter that will keep you cosy further into the darker, chillier months, you’ll need to go for the Hubba Hubba HD.

Also consider

Another superb lightweight 2-person backpacking shelter is the Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Tent, which offers slightly less internal room but has better vestibules and lots of very good features.

For a (very slightly) heavier, but considerably more affordable 2-person backpacking shelter, check out the Alpkit Ordos 2. If you’re hiking alone – or prefer your own (very small room) while out on the trail – the Lifesystems Solo Peak Tent is an excellent microshelter for backpacking, fastpacking and bikepacking adventures.

A company that specialises in producing gear for adventure travel and outdoor pursuits, British brand Lifesystems has been making good safety equipment, including bivvy bags and emergency shelters, for some time, but this is their first foray into the backpacking tent market, so I was very interested to see what they came up with.

My first impressions of the Solo Peak tents were positive: with one main pole and a mostly mesh inner, it’s light to carry and fits easily into a hiking backpack or even a larger running pack, and the design looked decent. The proof in the pudding, of course, would be how it performed once I had it pitched, out on the trail.

I took delivery of this tent late in the year, so although it’s not really designed with winter in mind, timing dictated that I test it – and myself (and my colder weather sleeping bag and camping mat) – in the challenging conditions of late November and early December in wet and wild England (see what we do for you guys?). Packing my bag and staring at a bleak forecast, I was desperately hoping it would be as good as it looked. Read on to see how I fared.

Lifesystems Solo Peak Tent review

Price and availability

The Solo Peak tent is available now directly from Lifesystems and also from online and brick-and-mortar retailers, including Decathlon. Full price it is £229.99 (~$306 / €262 / A$463) for the main tent, with extras such as the Footprint (£29.99) and the Porch (£19.99) costing more. (I highly recommend getting the footprint.)

You can also get an extra peg set for £7.99 (and you only get enough stakes to peg the Solo Peak out properly with the standard set-up, so it's worth having some spares).

Specifications

• Style: Lightweight, single pole shelter
• Pack size: 32 x 15 x 12cm
• Inner dimensions (W x L): 75–50cm x 250cm
• Peak height: 90cm
• Weight: 1000g
• Seasons: 3
• Capacity: 1 person
• Vestibules: 1
• Fly fabric: 20D Siliconised nylon with taped seams (HH 3,000mm)
• Groundsheet: Nylon (HH 3,000mm)
• Poles: 2
• Pegs:  10
• Pitch time: 5–10 minutes
• Colour: Grey
• Extras: Footprint / Porch / Peg set

Design and materials

The Solo Peak tent is made primarily with 20D siliconised nylon – a good option for a tent where low weight is the absolute priority. The seams are taped, and both the fly and the groundsheet have a hydrostatic head rating of 3,000mm, which is impressive for such a lightweight and reasonably priced shelter.

The inner has a bucket floor to keep water from seeping in, but is primarily made of mesh, which is why the carry weight is so low. This does affect the tent's thermal properties (see below), making it best suited to non-winter adventures and more modest peaks.

There is one main pole that slides through a sleeve in the fly sheet, and the two ends then slot into sockets. This creates the hoop that provides the shelter's main structure. A small pole then needs to be fitted to the foot end of the fly, after which you peg out the sheet and tension it.

The tent arrives pre-assembled, with the inner already attached to the fly with a series of clips, which is intended to make pitching faster and fuss-free, but the first time I put this tent up (in a cutting late-November wind), I found this to be confusing, and soon detached the inner from the outer. In my opinion, it’s far easier to pitch the fly on its own, and then you can clip the inner into place in a mere minute.

The components are all good-quality, and the tent comes with YKK anti-snag main zips, 1.8 mm Dyneema guy-lines and lightweight aluminium poles and pegs (the latter are fitted with quick pull cord loops to make it easier for you to pull them out of the ground).

A pole repair kit is included, and the square-shaped stuff sack isn’t too tight (an absolute blessing when you want to break camp and move on quickly). Lastly, the neutral colour allows you to be very discreet while wild camping.

Performance

Did I mention that I tested this tent in November and December? Well, I did, and on my maiden voyage with the Solo Peak, it absolutely lashed it down with rain overnight, and the wind blew a hooley. But the tent stayed put and kept me completely dry, and considering it’s not designed or intended as a winter shelter, that’s pretty impressive.

Achieving the correct amount of tension is a little bit of a faff (and some confusing loops and hoops on the fly appear to be there for stakes to go through, but if you do peg them all out, the profile of the tent is impacted). If you don’t get it right and tension the rig nicely and taut, the fly sheet can be very noisy in the wind. As with all tents, you tend to refine the process a little bit every time you pitch it.

As per above, I found it easier to pitch the Solo Peak fly first, and then attach the inner – rather than wrestle with the whole shebang in the wind. The design of this tent means you can quickly get the outer up, keep your kit dry while you tension it, and then get in and out of the elements while you fix up the inner.

It’s also easier to dry the layers separately and fold them all away, but some people may prefer to keep the inner attached to the fly.

As the name suggests, this shelter is intended for solo adventures (or at least people who like their own room, rather than sharing) who are travelling fast and light, so it’s obviously relatively compact – the hiking equivalent of a capsule hotel room.

As such, the shape tapers from 75cm at the head and shoulders end to 50cm at the feet. This is no place for doing yoga or swinging cats, but once inside the tent, I found it to be spacious and long enough for me (and I’m a fairly tall bloke – 186cm), with a reasonable amount of headroom (100cm) for sitting up and getting sorted.

I love the fact that there is a decent-sized vestibule on this tent – a rare luxury on a one-person ultralight shelter. This means you can stash your pack and hiking boots somewhere they’re not exposed to the elements, without cluttering or muddying the main compartment.

If you invest in the optional Porch (which is a bit basic and feels overpriced, in all honesty), you could potentially shelter from light rain while using a camping stove (as ever, great caution is needed when using a stove close to a tent).

The inner is almost entirely made from mesh, which is excellent for keeping the carry weight down and insects out, while allowing plenty of airflow in. It does, of course, mean that the insulation levels are considerably lower than those of tents with less cold-porous fabric inners.

As I was testing the tent in the winter, I had to use a camping mat with a high R rating and a cold-weather sleeping bag (rather than the sort of lightweight sleeping bag you’d ideally pair this tent with), and I could feel the chill on my face, but with the right supplementary gear, it was comfortable enough.

The main thing was the tent kept its footings, and the (at times torrential) rain did not get through. The groundsheet did its job too, in some very conditions, although I was glad I had the footprint.

I did encounter some minor frustrations – there are barely enough stakes to use all the loops and the guy ropes, and the placement of some of the peg eyelets was questionable (including one for the inner that’s right by the door, making me fret about stepping on it every time I got in and out).

There are minimal internal features, and the stash pocket on the inside (the one flourish) is very flimsy. But that is a minor grumble, and overall, I was a dry, warm and happy camper while using the Solo Peak for quick-paced adventures.

Verdict

Despite trail testing the Lifesystems Solo Peak tent completely out of season, I’ve been really impressed with how this incredibly lightweight shelter stood up to the challenging conditions. It proved to be reliably rainproof, and the designers have successfully achieved a balance between keeping bulk down while providing enough space for backpacking campers to be comfortable. It’s also pretty reasonably priced, although the extras (the footprint and the 'porch' are a bit pricey in my opinion.

Some alternatives to consider

For the serious gram-shaving ultralight enthusiasts out there (and those doing multiday races) who think 1kg is too much to cart around, the Vango F10 Neon UL1 is worth exploring; it tips the scales at just 509g and boasts a hydrostatic head of 2,000mm, but the price tag is considerably heavier and I'm still not sure about the toothpick-style stakes.

It's not quite as light as the Solo Peak, but the Alpkit Soloist is a good budget one-person shelter, which kept me dry in the wilds of Scotland during a soggy October odyssey along the West Highland Way.

If you’re exploring with a trail buddy or just want a bit more room for yourself, the Nemo Dagger Osmo is an excellent 2-person lightweight tent. Or, if you do most of your lightweight adventuring on two wheels rather than two feet, definitely check out the excellent Hubba Hubba Bikepack range of shelters from MSR.

YETI’s Black Friday run has been intense this year.

The Gear Garage drops have been landing every day with limited edition colours, surprise restocks and UK-exclusive pieces, while the brand also found time to launch a new shaker bottle that everyone predictably went wild for.

Among all the noise, one thing stood out to me more than any sale or surprise release. It is a wool blanket. A very nice wool blanket.

That blanket is the YETI x Pendleton limited edition collaboration that quietly appeared alongside all the Gear Garage goods in the US.

Pendleton has been weaving wool for over a century, and its blankets are already cult items.

Add YETI’s obsession with durability and outdoor-leaning design (see also: best YETI coolers), and you get something that looks built for cosy winter evenings, whether that is on the sofa or inside a cabin somewhere cold enough to justify a second hot chocolate.

Knitted heritage energy

The blanket is made from 82 per cent virgin wool and 18 per cent cotton, with a napped finish that gives it extra loft and softness.

YETI positions it as an indoor blanket, and that makes sense. It is not designed for muddy campsites or the back of a pickup truck.

Instead, it is a weighty, warm, almost decorative piece that sits somewhere between functional winter staple and future heirloom.

It measures 64 by 54 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds, which means it has that satisfying heft you only really get from proper woollen throws.

As expected from a premium textile, it is dry clean only, and YETI backs it with a three-year warranty.

The price sits at 300 dollars, which sounds steep until you remember Pendleton alone sells blankets at similar prices.

With the YETI branding and limited edition nature added on top, this might end up being the one product that collectors genuinely chase long after the sale ends.

The YETI x Pendleton Wool Blanket is available now at YETI for $300 (~£226 / AU$457 / €258) – probably not for long!

If you thought Black Friday was going to be the biggest shopping moment of the year, think again!

YETI has not only quietly launched a few Black Friday deals in the US (which it calls 'Holiday Sale'), but it has also flipped the calendar with its Gear Garage Sale.

Shop the YETI Garage Sale in the UK

Shop the YETI Garage Sale in the US (starting 11.28)

The Garage Sale is already live in the UK, with a full six days of exclusive drops starting now.

Meanwhile, across the pond in the US, the sale begins on Black Friday (November 28) and runs just four days.

For YETI fans, this means early access, plenty of surprises, and deals you might not want to wait for.

What is the Gear Garage Sale?

YETI’s Gear Garage Sale is essentially a limited-time blowout of new and experimental gear from the brand.

Some of the stuff will only exist for the duration of the sale, while other pieces sometimes make it into the permanent collection, like the Hondo Beach Chair.

The items in the sale aren't technically cheaper. In fact, they often are full price, but you get the sense of exclusivity if you buy them.

In the UK, the Gear Garage Sale is staggered over a six-day window, giving shoppers a better chance of getting hot-ticket items before they sell out.

Grab your cooler by the horns

This year's highlight – this is the first day of the sale, mind – is easily the YETI Slick Horns, a bold, quirky accessory that transforms a regular cooler into a talking-point centrepiece.

Clip the horns onto a YETI Tundra cooler (or compatible model), tie it down via the AnchorPoint system, and suddenly your cooler isn’t just functional, it’s got personality.

At £125 (~$155 / €145 / AU$235), Slick Horns are among the most playful, offbeat pieces in the collection.

It’s easy to see why Slick Horns might become the de facto hero product of this Gear Garage drop: it’s unexpected, it’s fun, and it channels YETI’s rugged-outdoor aesthetic with a wink.

Other Gear Garage Sale picks

The Slick Horns are great, but the YETI Can Crusher is nothing to be frowned upon, either.

Built tough with YETI’s signature ruggedness, this crusher helps you flatten and store empty cans cleanly.

It squeezes cans down so they take up far less space, and its sturdy build means it’ll survive real-world abuse.

It costs the same as the Slick Horns, and it’s a smart, practical add-on for anyone who loves YETI’s gear ethic but also appreciates a little daily convenience.

Beyond the horns and the can crusher, so far the drop includes more conventional – but still solid – gear: lots of bowls.

Because stock tends to be limited, these items often sell out fast, but that’s part of the appeal: you get premium gear, sometimes with finishes or colours you won’t see in regular retail runs.

For fans of outdoor gear, tailgating, camping or just showing off a cooler with attitude, the Gear Garage Sale is a rare chance to grab premium YETI kit that's also unique.

Shop the YETI Garage Sale in the UK

Shop the YETI Garage Sale in the US (starting 11.18)

With staggered UK drops and a full Black Friday US run upcoming, there’s no guarantee everything will still be in stock if you wait.

If you want my take: grab the Slick Horns now, and maybe one of the can crushers or rugged bowls while you’re at it.

Mammoth Overland has unveiled the SKL, a hard-sided rooftop camper that sits somewhere between a rugged overlanding trailer and a minimalist micro-cabin perched on your roof.

This is an all-aluminium, insulated, aircraft-inspired camper that deploys in as little as 30 seconds, making it one of the most distinctive overlanding releases of the year.

The SKL is built by Mammoth Overland, a subsidiary of Vashon Aircraft, which already tells you plenty about its engineering DNA.

The camper is constructed entirely from painted high-strength aluminium and carries an R5 insulation rating, significantly more robust than traditional fabric rooftop tents, such as the Roofnest Condor 2 XXL, many of which offer no insulation at all.

The result is a compact unit that can be used in far more demanding conditions, with better heat retention and improved durability season after season.

A tiny cabin with big-aircraft energy

A key upgrade from the SKL prototype is the redesigned front door, which now folds up from the floor, slashing setup time and delivering a more polished user experience.

Inside, the camper measures 89 by 59 inches, which is on par with most 2-person backpacking tents, with an interior width between a queen and a full mattress, comfortably sleeping two adults.

The bright interior is lit by dual light strips and six porthole windows, while a bi-directional roof-mounted electric fan helps manage airflow during warmer nights.

Lighting can be expanded with auxiliary flood lights on either side of the camper, and power is supplied by a Renogy 6Ah battery built into the roof structure.

For extended trips, you can upgrade to 104Ah or 208Ah battery packs, and every unit comes pre-wired for solar and shore power charging.

For anyone who likes the idea of a minimalist, weatherproof cabin but doesn’t want to tow a trailer, the SKL offers an unusual middle ground: a compact, insulated, solid-walled camper that rides on top of your vehicle rather than behind it.

It's an intriguing alternative to conventional rooftop tents and one that’s likely to appeal to overlanders who prefer durability over fabric and poles.

The Mammoth Overland SKL starts at $11,500 (~£8,740 / €9,890 / AU$17,700)and is available to reserve now.

Victorinox has just launched its new Alox Refined Collection, a trio of pocket knives that blend the brand’s traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design touches.

The new range, consisting of the Onefold, Synergy and Synergy X, features anodised aluminium oxide (Alox) handles with skeletonised cut-outs, integrated carry clips and, for the first time on these compact models, locking blades.

With their refined profiles and updated ergonomics, these new knives clearly aim to appeal to the everyday carry crowd as much as to long-time Victorinox fans, and even those looking for a premium camping knife that balances function with form.

Stepping into EDC territory

Each model in the range serves a slightly different purpose. The Onefold is the purist’s choice, packing only a single locking blade and clip for the cleanest, most compact carry.

The Synergy adds versatility with nine tools, including screwdrivers, a nail file, and a bottle opener.

At the top end, the Synergy X expands that lineup further with precision scissors, taking the total to ten functions.

All three share the new Alox Refined design language, such as the machined aluminium handles with distinctive skeletal detailing, which reduces weight while enhancing grip.

The addition of a pocket clip is another first for Victorinox, making these knives easier to carry day to day.

Small upgrades, big impact

The new collection marks one of Victorinox’s most notable design updates in years.

The inclusion of a locking blade moves these tools closer to the dedicated EDC category, and the refreshed form factor suggests the brand is listening closely to a new generation of users who value minimalist function and modern aesthetics.

Prices start at around $56 / £49 / €49 for the Onefold, rising to $78 / £69 / €69 for the Synergy and $96 / £85 / €85 for the Synergy X.

All three are available now from Victorinox UK, Victorinox US and authorised retailers.

[via New Atlas]

The maker of the best coolers, YETI, has built its reputation on creating virtually indestructible products for explorers, campers, and outdoor diehards.

Now, the brand is scaling things down (and across the pond) with the UK launch of the Rambler Jr 10oz Tumbler, a smaller, tougher, and undeniably cuter version of its iconic Rambler line.

Available for the first time to British customers, the new model brings YETI’s premium build quality to a size that’s perfect for kids or anyone who prefers a more compact cup.

The UK launch version marks something subtly different for YETI’s drinkware range.

In the U.S., the “junior” kids’ water bottle variant is typically a 12 oz capacity item, yet the UK has just seen the arrival of a 10 oz tumbler crafted for the region.

This regional differentiation hints at YETI tuning its product offering to local tastes or retail strategies, rather than simply shipping the same global SKU everywhere.

A new era of small but mighty

Despite its small stature, the Rambler Jr 10oz Tumbler is made from the same kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel as its full-size siblings.

It’s double-wall vacuum insulated to keep drinks hot or cold for hours and built to survive playground drops, family hikes, and the occasional tumble from a lunchbox.

Every part is dishwasher safe, and the lid seals tightly to prevent leaks, a crucial feature when you’re dealing with excitable small hands.

This miniature tumbler mirrors the design language of YETI’s adult range, offering a confidence-boosting bit of kit that’s ready for whatever their day throws at it.

At £20, it’s not your average children’s cup, but YETI gear is designed to last for years, making it a smart investment for families who want to avoid the cycle of replacing cheap bottles every few months.

The Tropical Pink finish adds a playful touch to the rugged silhouette, bridging the gap between premium outdoor gear and fun everyday utility.

The Rambler Jr 10oz Tumbler is available now at YETI UK for a recommended price of £20.

After teasing what fans dubbed a “barrel-sized bottle” earlier this week, YETI has officially lifted the lid on its latest piece of over-engineered kit: the Silo Jug.

Available in 40oz and ½-gallon versions, this new release takes the brand's decades of cooler know-how (see also: best YETI coolers) and pours it straight into a jug built for team sports, long weekends and anyone who treats hydration as seriously as their hardware.

It’s a natural evolution for a company that made its name building products that could survive the back of a pickup or a Texas summer.

Borrowing insulation and construction tech from its Roadie Hard Coolers, such as the excellent YETI Roadie 24 2.0, the Silo keeps drinks ice-cold through marathon training sessions, tournament weekends or full-day shifts outdoors.

From teaser to touchline

YETI first hinted at the launch in a VIP email showing a young footballer clutching what looked like a jug the size of her torso, with the line “New hydration on the horizon.”

It sparked a flurry of speculation that the brand was about to release its largest personal bottle yet, and the reveal doesn’t disappoint.

The 40oz (1.18 litre) and ½-gallon (1.89 litre) capacities might sound modest compared to YETI’s Silo 6G water cooler – a six-gallon monster weighing nearly 8 kg empty – but in jug form, these are still heavy hitters.

They’re designed to slot between everyday bottles like the Rambler Travel Bottle and those massive campsite dispensers, giving athletes and crews a portable but substantial way to carry serious refreshment.

The hook that makes it hang

Every YETI product has its calling card, and on the Silo Jug, it’s the over-engineered ergonomic handle with a built-in fence hook.

It’s a deceptively simple detail: the jug can be hung on dugout fences, training rigs, or even your tailgate canopy.

Combined with its wide-base stability and thick sidewalls, this handle design makes the Silo one of the most practical hydration solutions YETI’s made.

Both jug sizes are compatible with two new leakproof caps: the MagDock Chug Cap and the MagSlider Straw Cap, which can be swapped out or purchased separately.

The Straw Cap simplifies sipping, while the Chug Cap features a magnetic docking station so you never lose your lid mid-session.

Cooler DNA in a jug’s body

Inside, the Silo Jug uses PermaFrost insulation in both the body and the lid, ensuring your drink stays cold for hours.

It’s made from high-impact polypropylene that’s roughly 40 per cent lighter than the equivalent Rambler Jug, yet still feels bombproof.

Like most YETI gear, it’s dishwasher-safe, BPA-free, and backed by a five-year warranty.

The Silo Jug slots neatly between the Rambler Bottles and the massive Silo 6G Cooler, combining the portability of the former with the cooling power of the latter.

With early-access emails already sent to fans, this limited release is shaping up to be a collector’s piece for diehards, the kind of gear drop that quietly becomes cult.

Expect new colourways to follow, with the white model (shown in the teaser imagery) leading the charge.

The 40oz Silo Jug with Straw Cap costs around $50, the ½-Gallon version around $60, and both the MagDock Chug Cap and MagSlider Straw Cap are available separately for $30 each. Head over to YETI to get yours.

Autumn is officially here, bringing cooler temperatures and shorter days. But despite the drop in warmth, it’s still a perfect time to hit the trails or head out on a camping trip, thanks to quieter paths and fewer crowds.

With the right gear, your outdoor adventures can be even more enjoyable. From lightweight tents to cosy fleeces and clever camping gadgets, these nine new camping and hiking gear drops will help you make the most of your autumn excursions.

VOITED Sherpa Full Fleece Zip

RRP: £89

Buy at VOITED

There’s nothing quite like christening the season with a brand new fleece is there? VOITED’s first unisex fleece collection, crafted from 100% recycled materials will keep you snug. There are three styles to choose from: the Sherpa Full Fleece Zip (pictured above), the Sherpa Fleece Hoodie, or the Polar Fleece Half Zip. Whether you’re hunkering down in your tent for the evening or hitting the hills for a hike, it’s a must-have for keeping cosy.

Coleman Swagger 3 FastPitch Tent

RRP: £249.99

Buy at Amazon

Say goodbye to slow tent setups with the Coleman Swagger 3. Part of the brand’s new FastPitch range, it can be pitched in just two minutes. Simply unfold and lock the pre-attached steel frame, then clip on the flysheet. It sleeps three, but the larger Forest Lodge Four is also available. Both feature a 3,000mm hydrostatic head rating and fire-retardant fabric with SPF50+ UV protection.

Lifeventure Sundown Berber Lined Blankets

RRP: £49.99

Buy at Amazon

Whether you’re chilling around the campfire or tucking yourself into your tent after a long day, the Sundown Berber Lined Blanket will keep you snug as a bug. On the inside is soft Berber fleece, while the outside is waterproof and wind-resistant. We love it when something is practical and looks good.

Nest Pour Over Kit + Java G25 Coffee Grinder Bundle

RRP: $245

Buy at VSSL Gear

Although not a new product per say, the pour over kit from VSSL is now available in a brand new ‘Sahrah’ colourway. It would make a great gift for campers who can’t function without a perfect cup of coffee. This six-piece set includes two double-walled mugs, a BPA-free splashproof lid, a double-walled pour-over dripper, and a storage connector that neatly houses the Java G25 Grinder. The best part? It all packs down into one sleek, compact unit

THAW Heated Gloves

RRP: £129

Available very soon to buy at THAW

What’s better than a pair of regular gloves? Heated ones, of course. This pair from THAW delivers up to 8 hours of warmth to keep your hands toasty during chilly outdoor adventures. They’re also water-resistant and touchscreen compatible, so you can stay connected without peeling them off every time you need to use your phone. You'll have to wait a little longer to get your hands on these, but we think they'll be worth the wait.

Yeti Moon Dust Collection

RRP: Prices starting from $25

Available to buy at Yeti

A new month calls for a new Yeti colourway, and the Moon Dust collection adds a touch of cosmic cool to your outdoor gear. It’s the third collection the brand has released with a grain texture, rather than its smooth Duracoat finish. Grab your favourites Rambler Tumbler or Tundra Hard Cooler in this limited-edition shade before it’s gone.

Lifeventure One Touch Thermal Mug

RRP: £19.99

Buy at Lifeventure

Lifeventure’s best-selling Thermal Mug just got a serious upgrade. Thanks to its 360° drinking spout, you can now sip easily from any angle. The copper-coated walls keep drinks hot for up to 6 hours or ice-cold for 12, and with five sleek colourways to choose from, there’s one to match every adventure.

LifeSaver Jerrycan Graphene:Ultra

RRP: £399.99

Available to buy soon at LifeSaver

When adventuring off-grid, you need a drinking system that you can trust. The LifeSaver Jerrycan Graphene:Ultra takes water purification to the next level. Its graphene-enhanced technology can purify up to 20,000 litres of water, removing 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, while also reducing PFAS, chemicals, and heavy metals to safe drinking water levels. It’s the first portable water purifier in the world to provide this level of protection.

Lifesystems Solo Peak

RRP: £229.99

Available to buy at Lifesystems

For wild campers, a tent that’s both lightweight and compact is essential – and the Solo Peak from Lifestystems delivers on both. Weighing just 1kg (including its repair kit, poles, and pegs), this one-man tent is ideal for adventures on the move. Despite its light build, it’s made from durable 20D ripstop nylon with taped seams and a 3,000mm hydrostatic head, ensuring long-lasting protection and reliability.

As soon as I ran the news on the Genesis Basecamp Stove, I knew I had to get hold of one. This all-in-one system looked like the perfect accessory for my upcoming family road trip in Wales: it's portable, fully equipped with pans, and takes up little space compared to its capabilities.

Jetboil is renowned for its quick-heating and super-portable water-boiling units, some of which, such as the brilliant Jetboil Flash, we have previously reviewed on T3. Just like the Flash, the Genesis Basecamp Stove is a self-contained unit, only on a larger scale.

Jetboil, but make it gourmet

What is the Genesis Basecamp Stove, I hear you asking? Well, it consists of a folding 2-burner stove, a 5L FluxRing Cook Pot, a 10" ceramic-coated fry pan, windscreen, fuel regulator, and fuel can stabiliser.

As you can see, it's a solid setup; however, the magic is that all of this fits into the carry bag supplied with the kit. The 2-burner stove folds into itself and can be nestled into the FluxRing Cook Pot, with the fry pan acting as a de facto lid.

The full kit weighs only 9.1 lbs (4.1 kg) and sits perfectly on the mini camping table we bought during the trip, as we realised it would be very awkward to cook on the ground with such a pretty stove. You can use it on any surface, but I found it's best if you show some respect by elevating the Genesis Basecamp Stove off the ground.

Another benefit of the dual burner setup is that, unlike the Flash, you can use any pan with the Genesis Basecamp Stove. Granted, the included pots and pans are the perfect fit, but if you have a percolator on hand, you can also use that without issue.

The company claims it takes 3 minutes and 15 seconds to boil 32 oz (1 litre) of water in the 5L FluxPot, which I found to be accurate. To clarify, like most camping stoves, boiling means the water reached 100 degrees Celsius, not that it's bubbling over like there is no tomorrow.

The Genesis Basecamp Stove has a piezo igniter, so you won't need to worry about matches or lighters. The provided hose has a screw on connector, so make sure the canister you buy has an appropriate outlet.

(Of course, you can always buy fuel from Jetboil, but if you're like me, you'll only remember you haven't packed any when you're halfway to your destination in the car.)

Cook like a champ, not like a scout

I went on the aforementioned road trip with my wife and son, and the Genesis Basecamp Stove provided the perfect setup for cooking breakfast and dinner. You can use the pan to cook eggs while using the pot to warm water for the tea/ coffee simultaneously. Magic!

I was struggling a bit with the windscreen, though. It should wrap around the stove to shield the fire from the inevitable gusts when you're camping, but no matter how I rotated it, the plastic rim wouldn't sit properly. I resorted to loosely covering the stove with the windscreen, which wasn't perfect but provided sufficient coverage from the elements.

Another weak point, so to speak, of the Genesis Basecamp Stove is its size. You will need to have both stoves on the cooking surface, as I don't think there is a way to detach and use only one. The provided pots and pans are also generously sized, which may be excessive for solo campers (unless they enjoy cooking large quantities of food).

I appreciate that both of the above pain points are like splitting hairs, and perhaps also pointing out the obvious, but they are worth mentioning. At £399/ $449.99 (~AU$691.10), the Genesis Basecamp Stove is far from an impulse buy, and I would certainly do my research before investing in one.

A luxe kitchen for car campers

That said, it's really hard not to like it, especially if you enjoy eating more than just dried ramen noodles and trail mix while camping. There is a growing number of people who choose camping over booking a hotel, but don't want to miss out on their creature comforts – the Genesis Basecamp Stove is perfect for them.

Backpackers are still better off choosing one of the smaller Jetboil models, or something like the ridiculously small Primus Micron III. However, car campers who travel around with a small vehicle and therefore can't take everything but the kitchen sink with them for the trip should certainly consider the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove.

The Genesis Basecamp Stove is now available at Jetboil US and Jetboil UK for the recommended retail price of $ 449.99/ £399 (~AU$691.10).

I love a good road trip, so when my son suggested travelling around Wales instead of going to Spain for his summer holidays, I jumped at the opportunity.

Not just because it was a lovely bonding moment with my offspring – who’ll soon hate me just for existing (he’s pre-teen) – but because I thought a week-long camping trip would be the perfect opportunity to test some gear.

At the top of my to-do list was the Roadie 24 2.0 hard cooler, the second iteration of the YETI Roadie 24, which was released around five years ago. The new model keeps the same 24-quart capacity but adds a BestDam Drain Plug and a DoubleDuty Strap, which replaces the HeftyHauler handle on the previous version.

The Roadie 24 2.0 is also Lockport compatible, allowing you to securely attach YETI’s Lockport Bottle Opener (sold separately). The original Roadie 24 is now phased out, and I was keen to update T3’s best YETI cooler guide with the new version, so I packed my bags, filled the cooler with ice and perishables, and off we went.

The right size for real-world camping

I’m also a proud owner of the YETI Roadie 32, but due to its larger size and my small car boot, it wasn’t an option for this trip. I needed something a tad smaller for three people that I could fit in the car alongside a pile of family tents, sleeping bags, camping mats, stoves, backpacks, and everything else.

The Roadie 24 2.0 is the perfect size for three people. It’s tall enough to fit large bottles upright, and you only need a 5-lb (~2.27 kg) bag of ice to fill the gaps between items in the box (see also: how to pack a cooler). We packed everything from bacon and eggs to cans of soft drinks and butter, and they all survived the trip.

I love the over-engineered nature of YETI coolers. The Roadie 24 2.0, like many of the brand’s products, is made using a rotomolded construction process. As a result, it’s incredibly tough and keeps ice colder for longer than standard coolers. Plus, it means you can (accidentally, of course) drop or rough-handle it without worrying about breaking the thing.

I didn’t throw the Roadie 24 2.0 around, but it was taken in and out of the car frequently, and often stored directly on the ground. Despite all this, it arrived back home looking exactly the same as when we left, aside from a few stickers I added along the way (as a sidenote, there’s a serious shortage of location-specific stickers in the UK, which makes me very sad).

That drain plug? Actually useful

Adding a BestDam Drain Plug was a smart move by YETI. I used it constantly throughout the trip to drain the icy water from the bottom of the cooler without needing to unload – and therefore warm up – its contents. The drain is perfectly positioned, unlike on the Roadie 32, allowing you to let out water without tipping the cooler.

The other new addition, the DoubleDuty Strap, is a bit hit and miss. It’s comfortable enough to wear on the shoulder, but it often unclips when not in use. You’ll need to check both connection points before picking up the cooler, as the force of lifting it could otherwise send you stumbling.

Carrying the Roadie 24 2.0 on your shoulder might be a bit much for some. It can hold 26 lbs (~11.8 kg) of ice, and the cooler itself weighs 12.8 lbs (~5.8 kg), so you’ll need decent core strength to move it around. I found it more than manageable, but I’m 6’1” and in reasonably good shape, so there is that.

You can also grab it by the side using the two integrated LipGrip handles, but it’s not designed for two-person carry like the hinged handles on the Tundra range. And there are no wheels here, so shoulder carry it is.

Small wins that make a big difference

One feature I love on the Roadie 32 is the Quicklatch system, and it’s also present here. It lets you open and close the cooler with one hand, perfect for handing out drinks around the campfire. I also appreciated the Barefoot non-slip feet, which made the cooler much more stable when standing.

I’ll admit, the Roadie 24 2.0 didn’t keep the ice completely frozen for the entire trip, but none of the food spoiled. We topped up the ice twice during our five-day trip just to reduce air gaps, and everything inside stayed ice-cold throughout.

It’s hard to fault the YETI Roadie 24 2.0. It’s an extremely capable cooler, and just as tough and resilient as any other YETI product. If you’ve got a small car and a family, and you’re happy to pack only the perishables you’ll need for the next couple of days, I’d absolutely recommend it.

The Roadie 24 2.0 is available now at YETI US, YETI UK and YETI AU for a recommended price of $250/ £225/ AU$350.

We’ve been blessed with unusually ideal summer weather for camping in the UK, which made my family and me pivot from going abroad in 2025. Instead, we decided to do a road trip around Wales, checking out the beautiful Welsh countryside and coast – not only an epic way to explore an otherwise brilliant area, but also rather budget-friendly.

With my teenage son in tow, we needed a tent that A) can be erected and dismantled quickly, B) has blackout functionality, C) has two rooms on opposite ends and D) is waterproof. The Coleman Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut ticked all the boxes, at least on paper, so I was excited to go on an adventure with it.

We spent five days travelling around the country, and the weather was glorious: neither too hot nor too warm. Well, it could have been a bit cooler in the evenings, but it certainly wasn’t the best, and, most importantly, there was no rain, which was my primary concern before setting out.

The Coleman Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut isn’t the first (and most certainly not the last) family tent I’ve tested, and even though it does have caveats, it’s an excellent option for the price. Is it the best tent for you, though? Let’s find out!

Coleman Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut Tent review

Price and availability

In the UK, the Coleman Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut Tent is widely available at retailers, including Amazon, with prices from ~£299 to £410. The RRP on the Coleman UK site is displayed as £449.99.

The official Coleman US site doesn’t seem to list this model under their 4‑person category. It's available via third-party retailers.

The Coleman Australia website features 4-person tents under relevant categories, but the Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut model is not listed among them. As such, there is no RRP listed in Australia as the product appears to be absent from their official offerings.

Specifications

• Sleeps: 4 (in bedrooms)
• Tent shape: Vis-à-vis
• Headroom: up to 2.05 metres/ 6.6 feet
• Poles: aluminium
• Weight: 17.1 kg
• Seasons: 3 seasons
• Water resistance: 4,500 mm (water column)
• Fire retardant: Yes
• Pitched size: 14.8 m²
• Dimensions: 2.3 x 4.8 x 2 m/ 7.5 x 15.7 x 6.6 feet
• Pack size: 67 x 34 x 34 cm/ 26.4 x 13.4 x 13.4 in

Design

Coleman calls the Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut a vis-à-vis tent, meaning that the two bedrooms are located at either end of the tent instead of next to each other. It sleeps four people in the bedrooms, with potential to house a couple more in the communal space in case things get desperate.

The shelter weighs a hefty 17.1 kg and comes in its carry case, which includes the single sheet outer, the two detachable bedrooms, poles and tent pegs. The polyester tent material is interspersed with a large mesh front door and a window on the opposite end of the living area.

The brand says the pitch size is around 14.8 m², which translates to 2.3 x 4.8 metres. The headroom is quite generous: 205 cm in the middle of the tent, tapering off towards the outer edge of the bedrooms. You can comfortably stand around the living room even if you’re somewhat taller.

The polyester material has a 4,500 mm water column rating and is fire-retardant, although, as expected, Coleman added a few “no open fires inside” labels to ensure people don’t get the wrong idea and start cooking up a feast inside the tent.

Instead, the non-mesh front door can be propped up using the poles provided in the carry case, creating a covered porch area for cooking and relaxing. The tent material is supposed to provide some sun protection, making the porch a dual-purpose area (rain and sun protection).

I found the storage options lacking in the Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut Tent. There are only really two small pockets at the end of the bedrooms (two in each bedroom), which don’t even fit an iPad. There are hooks in all three rooms (two bedrooms + living room) for camping lanterns, but that really is it.

Considering that much smaller backpacking tents, such as the brilliant Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 XL, offer tons more storage space, I wasn’t impressed by this here. There are also larger tents like the Decathlon Quechua Air Seconds 5.2 Fresh & Black that offer more storage than the Coleman.

Pitching

The Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut Tent has a comparatively straightforward pitching process. The structure is held up using four aluminium poles, two going perpendicular to the long side of the tent on either end and two crossing over the middle of the tent/ living room.

You will need plenty of space around the tent, as the poles are quite long when assembled. Not to mention that you need at least two people to erect the shelter due to its size. On a positive note, the poles and sleeves are colour-coded, which reduces the time spent trying to figure out where each part of the tent goes.

As is often the case with such large tents, I found it hard to figure out how to release the tension on one side of the shelter so the bottom of the tent isn’t in the mid-air, held taut by the poles. We tried moving the poles in the sleeves and tightening the straps, but nothing seemed to work.

You’ll find plenty of guy lines around the exterior, but unless it’s super windy, you’ll be able to use the pegs around the perimeter of the tent only. One area you might want to stake out is the upper ventilation windows, but you’ll have to pull the guy line all the way from the tent to let in some air.

Another peculiar design feature is the skylight cover. This is permanently attached to the top of the tent and flaps around even in light wind. I initially let it open to let in more air via the skylight, but decided to close it when I realised it would just flap around all night.

Trouble is, the tent is quite tall, which makes it incredibly difficult to clip in the other sides of the cover when the structure is fully erected. I was fiddling around with it, trying to throw the flimsy sheet over to the other side, then running over to catch it before it fell back. I’d recommend doing it up before you insert the poles.

The bedrooms are detachable, although you can leave them clipped in if you wish. The clips are easy to locate, but due to the darkness in the tent, it can be a bit challenging to do them all up. I had to lie down on the ground with my headtorch on to see what I was doing.

Dismantling the tent is as straightforward as it is to erect: zip up the doors, undo the pegs, pull out the poles from the sleeves and fold it up – job done. I found this to be the case with the Quechua Inflatable Camping Tent Air Seconds 4.1 F&B 4 Person 1 Bedroom, but the Coleman Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut Tent is impossible to get back into its carry case after first use. It owls be so much better if the bags were a bit more stretchy.

Performance

We spent two consecutive nights in the Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut Tent before renting a wooden lodge, followed by one last night in the tent. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the rooms being on opposite sides, even though – and as expected – it didn’t help with the noise.

The rooms are big enough for two camping mats and sleeping bags, and taper sharply, so using an elevated camping bed is not the best option. Since you’re sharing the space with at least one but possibly three more campers on camping mats, there will be a considerable amount of noise in the tent.

(Nothing a good pair of earplugs can’t help.)

The rooms have windows, which can let in more air but compromise the darkness of the space. Coleman claims the blackout technology helps keep the temperature down, but air flow is a different story. Two bodies breathing and moving around in the bedroom can make things toasty quickly during summer.

It’s nice to have such a large living room. We fit three camping chairs as well as all our bags in the space and still had enough room to enter and exit the bedrooms without trouble. The window on the opposite side lets in plenty of light and can be closed if you've had enough of the sun for the day.

The front door with the convertible flap is a good idea. You can have the awning up and still have the mesh door closed to keep the critters out. The mesh door could be clipped up if you want to keep it open; however, the loop is on the other side of the front flap, which means if the awning is up, you’ll have to get creative to keep the mesh door rolled up.

I appreciate that technically, you can convert the Coleman tent into a 2-person tent with a huge living area by removing one of the bedrooms. Granted, it would be a heavy and bulky shelter for two, but the option is there, should you need it.

I would have appreciated even more ventilation options. The top flaps I mentioned already, but it would have been great to have more air moving around the bottom of the tent, too. Adding more flaps might compromise the heat retention of the bedrooms in bad weather, but some Velcro openings around the lower edge of the tent could have worked.

Verdict

Generally speaking, Coleman’s Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut Tent is a decent shelter for small families or groups of friends who appreciate sleeping in the dark and like ample ground storage inside their tents.

It’s not the perfect family tent: off-ground storage is limited, air flow could be better, and there are other minor grievances with the setup. Personally, I would rather camp using two small backpacking tents (one for my wife and me and another for my son) rather than hauling around the Coleman, if given the option.

That said, I can see the appeal, especially considering the price of the Spruce Falls 4 BlackOut Tent. You get a lot of good features for around £300, not to mention the layout is ideal for people with older kids. Just make sure you pack your earplugs.

Missed out on camping this summer? Don’t worry. Autumn is – without a doubt – one of the best times of year to head outdoors. With less bugs, fewer crowds, and beautiful, vibrant scenery, autumn camping can offer a quieter, more scenic experience.

But, as the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, your approach – and camping gear – needs to shift too. What may have worked for your summer camping trip may not be up to the task for your fall one.

Below, Outdoor Expert from Trekitt, Lorna Preston, shares five tips that will help you make a smooth transition from summer into the autumn camping season.

1. Bring more layers

Although Autumn isn’t freezing, the change in temperature definitely demands more layers than you’d need during the warmer weather. “Start with a moisture-wicking base layer (synthetic or Merino) to keep sweat off your skin,” says Preston. “Add an insulating mid-layer (like a fleece or lightweight synthetic jacket) to trap warmth, then finish with a windproof outer layer – this could be a waterproof jacket or a windproof jacket. The magic is in flexibility; you can peel layers off when you’re slogging uphill and pile them back on at rest stops or on descent.”

2. Upgrade your sleep system

Although temperatures fall during summer evenings, they will take an even bigger dip during the autumn, so you’ll want to make sure your sleeping bag is fit for purpose. “It’s all about protecting yourself from heat loss overnight, so swap that summer-weight bag for one rated to at least 0 degrees,” say Preston. Pair this with an insulated sleeping mat – “half of your body heat disappears into the ground otherwise,” she adds – and pay attention to its R-value (this is a measurement of thermal resistance). “You’ll want to choose something with at least an R-value of 4,” Preston says.

• Read more: Why do sleeping bags have three different temperature ratings?

3. Adjust your cooking setup

The cooler weather may in fact, call for a few adjustments to your camp kitchen. “Canister stoves struggle in freezing conditions as gas pressure drops, so consider a liquid-fuel stove if you’ll be out often in the cold, or at least invert your gas canister and use a stove with a pre-heat tube,” says Preston. “Always insulate your stove from the ground with a mat or some foil to stop heat from disappearing into the soil. And don’t forget – hearty, warming camp meals!”

4. Choose your campsite carefully

A campsite that may feel perfect in summer can be far from ideal during autumn’s damp and chilly conditions. “Avoid valleys where cold air pools, and steer clear of exposed ridgelines where wind chill can turn a pleasant night into an ordeal,” Preston advises. “Instead, seek natural shelter – tree lines, boulders, even gentle folds in the land. Always check drainage; there’s nothing worse than waking up to find your tent in a pool of muddy water.”

5. Rethink your safety kit

As daylight hours become less of a luxury, Preston advises to always make sure you carry a reliable headtorch with you throughout the day and spare batteries (even if you aren’t planning to stay out late). Also, alert someone of your plans and check forecasts before heading out. “Navigation mistakes are far more common in fading light, especially when cloud clings to the tops,” she says. “A paper map and compass still beat a phone when it’s sleeting, and your touchscreen stops working (or your phone dies!). Never leave for a trip without them.”

Roof tents are no longer just for the safari. These roof-mounted tents are the new luxury way to camp thanks to their ease of set up, spacious design and luxury partnerships. What looks like a roof box quickly expands to create a liveable space, accessed by a step ladder, so you can keep you can your belongings well off the ground.

Camping with your car brings all the advantages of storage and even a power source – particularly with an electric vehicle. It's not just SUVs jumping on this rooftop trend either. Models from Mini Coopers up to Rolls-Royce Ghosts have been seen sporting roof tents. There are even some incredible options for pick-up trucks that provide multi-floor camping.

One of the most well-known options for roof tents is Tentbox, with its affordable TentBox Go model and more premium TentBox Lite XL, which features in our best tents guide. There are lots of more premium models to choose from, though, including sports car-branded editions. Below are my three favourites right now.

1. Porsche Roof Tent

Possibly not the company you expect to be offering a roof tent, but potentially the most stylish for the same reason. The Porsche Tequipment roof tent claims to turn your sports car into a hotel for nature lovers.

Designed for the roof transport systems on the 911, Macan, Cayenne, Panamera and Taycan, this two-person tent features 210x130cm floor space, with a polyfoam integrated mattress. Finished in either light grey or dark grey, it comes in at an equally luxurious price of £4999 / $5895 / €4980.

If you want a bit more space, you can also add the inflatable canopy tent, which creates a living space to attach to the back of your Porsche to complete the look.

2. James Baroud Odyssey

One of the most premium names in roof tents, these are serious roof structures with a choice of eight models, but the Odyssey is the ultimate in comfort. This ABS hardshell tent comes in two sizes to sleep two people, plus either one or two little ones (babies or dogs).

It uses a 3-layer blackout fabric which delivers both thermal and sound insulation – or you can open up the blinds and have 360-degree views. This model comes in a choice of three colours and starts from £3,300 / $4895 / €3963.

3. Latitude Pioneer + Extension

Latitude is another British brand of roof tents with a range of models but its Pioneer and Pioneer XL models are the larger offerings. These sleep 3 to 4 people and extend way out from the side of the car or van, with a 240x190cm mattress inside.

You can add the Ground Floor Extension to either model, which gives you additional space for pups or your extra gear – plus a handy place to stand up and get changed. Prices for the Pioneer start from £1295 ( $1740 / €1500) with the Ground Floor Extension an extra £325 ($440 / €375).

Moving into student accommodation doesn’t mean giving up your love of the outdoors. In fact, it’s the perfect excuse to double up on gear that works just as well in a cramped dorm room as it does under the stars.

The trick? Choose compact, safe, and versatile gadgets designed for camping, but equally handy for study sessions, late‑night snacks, and spontaneous weekends away.

From rechargeable lights that replace dodgy desk lamps to coffee systems that fuel both 8 am lectures and sunrise hikes, these 9 picks prove that outdoor kit can earn its keep year‑round.

We picked items that are safe to use indoors, rugged enough for the outdoors, and versatile enough to justify their spot in your limited storage space.

That said, please always check with your university what's allowed in the accommodation and what isn't. You don't want to end up wasting money on gear you can't use!

BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern

RRP: £90

Buy from GO Outdoors

This rechargeable LED lantern delivers warm, natural light for cosy dorm vibes and bright task lighting for cooking in camp. It’s dimmable, has fun colour modes, and charges via USB‑C, meaning there is no fire hazard and no fuss.

Stanley Adventure All‑in‑One Food Jar

RRP: £43.95

Buy from Wildbounds

Keeps soup hot from morning lectures to afternoon hikes, and doubles as a container for overnight oats in the dorm fridge. Durable, leakproof, and built to last a lifetime.

EcoFlow RAPID Pro Power Bank

RRP: £129.99

Buy at EcoFlow

A pocket‑friendly powerhouse with enough juice to keep your phone, tablet, or even a small laptop alive through all‑nighters and weekend getaways. With multiple USB‑C and USB‑A ports plus fast‑charging support, it’s perfect for topping up devices in the library or on the trail. Its rugged build and slim profile make it easy to slip into a backpack without adding bulk.

LifeStraw Peak Series Squeeze Water Filter

RRP: £45

Buy from Snow + Rock

LifeStraw's water filter lets students drink safely from any tap, park fountain, or wild water source on hikes. Takes up almost no space and doubles as an emergency backup for boil‑water notices in student housing.

Sea to Summit X‑Brew Coffee Dripper

RRP: £21.99

Buy from Amazon

A collapsible silicone coffee dripper that folds flat when not in use. Great for brewing fresh coffee in a cramped dorm kitchen or in a tent at sunrise.

Nalgene Sustain 1L Bottle

RRP: £17.99

Buy from MyProtein

A classic for good reason. It’s virtually indestructible, BPA‑free, and doubles as a hot‑water bottle on cold nights. In the dorm, it’s a constant reminder to stay hydrated.

Helinox Chair Zero

RRP: £129.95

Buy from Helinox

Light enough for hiking trips, yet comfortable enough to be your extra dorm chair when friends drop by. Packs down small and takes seconds to set up.

Matador Pocket Blanket 3.0

RRP: £28.95

Buy from Wildbounds

Unfolds into a picnic‑sized waterproof blanket for park hangs or beach days, then packs down to pocket size. In the dorm, it’s a spill‑proof throw for your bed or floor.

Jetboil Stash Cooking System

RRP: £165

Buy from Cotswold Outdoor

Ultra‑compact and lightning‑fast, the Jetboil Stash boils water for noodles, tea, or instant porridge in under two minutes. Perfect for when the shared kitchen is a mess, or for brewing coffee at a remote trail. Just make sure you don't use it near flammable items!

Summer is the prime time for many of us to dust off our tents and go camping – understandably, as nothing quite beats heading outdoors at this time of year. But with the summer months comes the heat and, when it’s scorching, it can quickly turn your fun outdoor escape into a sweaty, sleepless ordeal.

But staying cool while camping doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right gear, you can beat the heat and stay refreshed even during the hottest days. Here are five must-have cooling gadgets that can bring instant relief and help you make the most of your summer getaway.

1. Portable fan

This gadget consistently tops Reddit recommendations, and for good reason. When the air is dry and you’re hot and sticky, there’s nothing quite like a cool breeze to bring instant relief. Even if you’re camping off-grid, there are plenty of powerful portable fans available. This handheld model from Jisulife is compact enough to toss in your bag and pull out whenever you need a quick cooldown. For something more substantial, we highly recommend the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Cordless Fan. It features a built-in misting system and boasts an impressive 12-hour battery life, making it a great choice for long days outdoors.

2. Portable shower

The cooler your body temperature before bed, the better you’ll sleep, and a cold shower can work wonders. If your campsite doesn’t have showers, a portable shower is a smart solution. The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is a compact and convenient option, cleverly designed as a 10-litre dry bag with a built-in showerhead. It provides a steady flow for 7–8 minutes – just hang it up, twist the nozzle to adjust the water pressure, and enjoy a refreshing rinse.

3. A tarp

A tarp is a versatile, waterproof sheet that many campers use for shelter. But, even if you prefer a traditional tent, it can be a valuable addition to your camping kit. If you’re using an inner-pitch-first tent, you can skip the flysheet and rig a tarp overhead instead. This setup allows for better ventilation, keeping you cooler while still protecting you from the elements (just in case the weather takes a turn). Don’t have that type of tent? No problem. A reflective tarp can be draped over your tent to help deflect the sun’s heat during the day instead.

4. Cooling towel

Cheap, cheerful and compact, cooling towels are activated by water and rely on evaporative cooling to help regulate body temperature. They’re usually made from PVA or microfibre, materials that retain moisture while remaining dry to the touch, allowing them to stay cool for longer periods. Draping one of these over pulse points on your body – such as the back of your neck or forehead – can provide some instant relief.

5. Portable fridge

One of the simplest ways to cool down is by sipping a cold drink, and a portable fridge makes it easy to keep your beverages icy cold, even in the heat. It’s also perfect for chilling damp towels or storing ice packs for some instant relief. We love the battery-powered EcoFlow Glacier, which not only has a dual zone fridge and freezer compartment, but it can pop out ice-cubes within 20 minutes.

Camping in the summer is a double-edged sword; on one hand, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy nature in full bloom, on the other, the warm weather can make sleeping in a tent feel quite unbearable. As a result, you don't get enough shut-eye and it can put an immediate downer on your trip.

Rather than rescheduling for when the weather’s cooler (and risking the chance of rain), you just need a few handy tips and tricks that will help keep you and your tent cooler. Outdoor Expert, Ben Darby, from Trekitt shares five ways you can do just that, so you can remain cool, calm and relaxed during your camp out.

1. Ditch the outer flysheet

If your tent has an inner-pitch first, Darby says you could completely ditch your flysheet and just sleep in this instead. “The inner fabric provides much more ventilation than a flysheet and will help you to feel much cooler overnight, just make sure to check the weather first,” he says. To counter this, he also says you could pitch a tarp over the inner if there’s a possibility of rain, or if you want to stay cool but are worried about the interior getting damp.

2. Pitch your tent in the shade

This can make a world of difference come the evening as your tent hasn’t been cooking in the sun all day. “Pitch underneath trees or natural cover,” Darby says. “If there’s no natural cover where you’re camping, you can always pitch a tarp over your tent to create your own shade. Positioning your tent to catch the wind will also help to create a breeze through opened doors, vents and windows too.”

3. Leave the bulky bedding

If the weather is particularly scorching, make sure you leave your super snug sleeping bag at home. Instead, opt for a lightweight sleeping bag or you could even just use a bed sheet, as this will allow more air flow to help regulate your body temperature. “If you are using a regular sleeping bag though, make sure you unzip it to make it thinner and enable more airflow.”

4. Take a cold shower (or plunge) before bed

“Starting off the night feeling cool and comfortable will also help ensure a good night’s sleep, so if you’re at a campsite, grab a cold shower before bed,” Darby suggests. “Alternatively, if you’re wild camping and it’s safe to do so, you could go for a wild swim.” Can’t do either of these? Try dunking your feet in some cold water instead. Our feet contain lots of blood vessels and research has shown that putting them in cold water is an effective way to reduce your core body temperature.

5. Ditch the tent completely

If it’s still too hot for you to crawl into your bed come nightfall, why not just ditch the tent entirely? “You could opt for a hammock and tarp which is a great way to camp in warm conditions. Alternatively, if the weather is really good and you’re in a safe area, you could consider cowboy camping or bivvying,” says Darby. “Nothing beats waking up to a view of the sunrise from your bivvy!"

Too much gear and no idea? From slogging across mountains to schlepping it back and forth from a car, camping with heavy gear is enough to have anyone running for the nearest hotel. So why not go ultralight? From compact backpacking tents and pocket-sized camping pads to featherweight hammocks and collapsible coffee makers, these innovative new products will take your camp from kilos to grams.

Nemo Tensor Elite Insulated Sleeping Pad

RRP: £184.99-£214.99

Weight: 221g (short)/268g (large)

But at WildBounds

For point-to-point campers, the new Nemo Tensor Elite Insulated is unbeatable – it’s the lightest and smallest around. When packed up in its drawstring bag, it’s the width of a couple of cans of beer, with only the valve standing proud.

Inflating it up is via the Vortex pump sack, which is little more than a plastic bag. You blow into the bag a few times and then squeeze that air into the mattress. Repeat three times and you’re done. Comfort-wise, it’s a slim, mummy shape, with no room for your arms, but its three-inch loft is enough for reasonably bumpy ground, though side-sleepers may struggle. Unlike many sleeping pads, the fabric is super-quiet.

Take-down is a five-minute job. The regular size we tested was 180cm, but there’s also a 160cm short version.

AeroPress Go Plus coffee maker

RRP: £84.99

Weight: 569g

Buy at Coffee Friend

Sure, you could take instant coffee or coffee bags on your camping trip. However, if you want good coffee and plan to take camping cups, the AeroPress GoPlus is a no-brainer.

If you’re not familiar with the AeroPress GoPlus concept, it’s a combination of immersion and pressure brewing that uses ground coffee and tiny filter disks to produce strong and smooth coffee in 60 seconds, with almost no hardware.

This iteration wraps all of that into a stainless-steel tumbler that doubles as a travel mug (although the clever-looking magnetic lid does leak slightly when the tumbler is upside down). Weighing 560g all-in (press, tumbler and filters), the tumbler is arguably optional, but it’s handy to have around camp. Just don’t forget the coffee…

DD SuperLight Hammock

RRP: £49

Weight: 350g

Buy at Trekkit

As well as being handy for fast, light overnights, having a hammock makes hanging around camp a dream. Weighing just 350g and packed in a drawstring bag, the DD SuperLight Hammock can be easily stowed in a backpack until needed.

Despite its tiny footprint, it unfolds into a full-sized, 2.7-metre-long hammock complete with tree-friendly straps, carabiners and Whoopie Slings. The latter requires watching this video multiple times, but once you’ve figured it out, setting up and adjusting takes seconds.

The ripstop nylon feels surprisingly sturdy, with four loops, technically designed for adding a mosquito net, proving helpful in attaching a flashlight, drying washing, and pinning sunglasses when hanging around.

Coleman Cobra 2 lightweight tent

RRP: £169.99

Weight: 2.05kg

Buy at B&Q

Ultralight tents are a classic example of the more you pay, the less you get. Two-person tents that weigh less than half a kilo are available for thru-hikers on a minimalist mission, but the prices are astronomical. Plenty big enough for two people and their gear (if the rest of your gear is ultralight), the Cobra 2 is all about durability and functionality, despite its lightweight build.

A tunnel tent uses two aluminium poles, which give the tent some much-needed headroom. Happily, the fly, the outer layer, goes up first, which is handy in rain, as is the weatherproof groundsheet. If you’re starting on your minimalist camping journey, the Cobra 2 is a great place to begin, and a good value option.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT

RRP: £225

Weight: 480g

Buy at Cotswold Outdoor

The noisy crisp packet-foil sound of ultralight sleeping pads has vanished, replaced here by a whisper-quiet ribbed fabric that helps put the space-saving Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT in a league of its own.

The large size we tested is a clever combination of a space-saving mummy shape with enough width for broad shoulders. The 3-inch loft makes it deep enough to cover bumps in the ground, and its firm feel will mean you won’t want to get up in the morning.

It’s easy to set up, taking about five minutes, but it’s not quite as smooth or as fast as rival sleeping ultralight pads. The pump sack, which doubles as a drawstring bag, funnels air into the valve relatively slowly. However, the result is an ideal balance between ultra‑packable lightness and comfort.

Lifesystems Light & Dry Nano First Aid Kit

RRP: £15.99

Weight: 95g

Buy at Outdoor Action

If you’re camping off the beaten track, getting medical attention is down to you, but there’s no need to overdo it. Cue the Lifesystems Light & Dry Nano First Aid Kit, a minimalist lifesaver that packs a lot into a tiny waterproof pouch.

No larger than a pack of crisps, it includes the basics – a bandage, a dressing, tape, gauze swabs, safety pins, wipes, plasters, one blister plaster, and sun cream – all wrapped in a zip-lock bag.

I’d add a couple of extras, such as wound closure strips and painkillers, because there’s enough room in the bag to do so. However, as it comes, it’s more than enough for peace of mind in the great outdoors.

Sea to Summit Ether Light XR PRO Insulated Air Sleeping Mat

RRP: £240

Weight: 720g

Buy at Trekkit

Going ultralight often means making compromises on comfort, but not with the Sea To Summit Ether Light XR Pro, which mimics the width and length of a heavyweight mattress, but shrinks it down. Cleverly, its drawstring bag expands into a pump sack, and while the claimed 90-second setup isn’t quite accurate, we had it up in a speedy four minutes (after a few final top-ups by mouth).

The design innovation on the regular-wide version (183 cm long, 64 cm wide) is Air Sprung Cell cushioning, which provides a 10 cm depth. Meanwhile, ThermalCore insulation adds weight, but also warmth, making it ideal for all seasons. It may not be the absolute lightest sleeping pad around, but it’s close, with extreme packability compared to most rivals, and zero compromises on size or comfort.

Vango Cobra 600 Sleeping Bag

RRP: £325

Weight: 1.1kg

Buy at Base Camp Food

You have to be careful when buying ultralight sleeping bags — it’s too tempting to go for the very lightest around and end up freezing at night as the seasons turn. Ready for all four seasons (down to -12 degrees Celsius) and weighing just over a kilo, Vango’s Cobra 600 uses a clever mummy-style design that tapers at the feet.

The ergonomic fit appears to be primarily focused on space-saving, but it also enhances heat retention, as does the use of box-shaped baffle channels filled with down. There’s also a layer of aluminium to reflect body heat.

The Cobra 600 features a few other nice touches, including a pouch on the inside to secure a smartphone. Best of all, compression straps on its bag squash it down for easy packing.

PackTowl Personal Artist Print

RRP: £26

Weight: 177g (64 x 137cm in ‘Body’ size)

Buy at Amazon

Having a towel or two around camp is essential, but why be boring? Given that you’ll be hanging your towel out to dry on a guy rope on full display, the PackTowl Personal Artist Print uses vibrant artist-designed prints to add a splash of personality to your kit.

Made from soft, ultra-absorbent, and 50% recycled microfiber, it soaks up four times its weight in water and dries in a flash, ideal for everything from campsite showers to wild swimming.

Crucially, it folds down smaller than a water bottle, allowing it to disappear into a pack. If you’re upgrading from cotton towels, it will be a revelation, as they dry 70% faster. If you’ve been using microfiber towels for years, here’s a good-looking upgrade.

Lifeventure Waterproof Packable Backpack

RRP: £36.99

Weight: 150g

Buy at Freewheel

If you’re going to hike into a campsite with a bunch of ultra-light gear, then don’t ruin it by using a heavy backpack. Weighing virtually nothing and smaller than a can of Coke when packed, the Lifeventure Waterproof Packable Backpack is big on the inside, able to carry approximately 22 litres of gear. It’s got a roll-top, too, so it’s waterproof.

Despite its minimalist design, it features contoured straps, a hip belt, mesh side pockets for carrying water bottles, and even reflective tabs. That makes it perfect for both day hikes and chores around camp.

Platypus Quickdraw 1L

RRP: £60

Weight: 95g

Buy at Tiso

If you’re camping near a source of fresh water, a water filtration device is a handy addition. Ideal for ultralight camping thanks to its low weight and compact size, the Platypus QuickDraw 1L rolls up small enough to slip into a side pocket or hip belt pouch.

The microfilter cleans a litre of water in just 40 seconds, with a wide-mouth reservoir that’s easy to fill from shallow sources. It’s simple to use, quick to backflush, and compatible with a range of bottles and bladders. For minimalist backpackers, it’s an efficient, lightweight way to stay hydrated without adding bulk.

Vango Titanium Kit

RRP: £25-40

Weight: 66-82g

Buy at LD Mountain Centre

Unless you’re just going to pack instant noodles, you’ll need some minimalist pots, pans, cups and cutlery. That’s what Vango’s Titanium collection is all about. In addition to being made from super-light material, everything on these products folds, including cup handles, pan handles, and even the sporks (spoon-forks).

For a good balance between functionality, we tried the Titanium Bowl (600ml, 82g) and the Titanium Single-Walled Mug (350ml, 66g), along with a Titanium Hip Flask (120ml, 66g) for good measure.

The bowl and the mug both come in drawstring bags and proved more than enough for a short camping trip, while the latter, complete with filling funnel, helped add some late-night cheer when the inevitable rain set in.

The Nemo Stargaze EVO-X is the camp chair you never knew you needed. Astrotourism is so popular right now, but like any outdoor pursuit, it requires gear.

The mind goes straight to the best binoculars for stargazing and the best telescopes for stargazing, but if you're going to get the most out of meteor showers and the Milky Way, consider investing in one of the best camping chairs.

Straining your neck to look at the night sky is one of the most off-putting aspects of stargazing. Cue the Nemo Stargaze EVO-X, a foldable, portable camp chair with an optional recline position — and a built-in pillow, too.

Here's everything you need to know about the Nemo Stargaze EVO-X, a unique camp chair with an otherworldly design.

[First reviewed July 2025]

Nemo Stargaze EVO-X Folding Reclining Camp Chair review

Price and availability

First put on sale in July 2025, the Nemo Stargaze EVO-X retails for £166 / $180 / AU$250. It's an upgrade of the New Hampshire, U.S.-based Nemo's best-selling Stargaze chair, which first went on sale in 2018.

The Stargaze EVO-X is an upgrade in that it now sets up and packs down much more easily, and has cushioning at pressure points and a headrest. The Nemo Stargaze EVO-X is available in five colours: Goodnight Black, Smokey Olive, Ombre Blue, Deep Claret, and Brilliant Blue.

Specifications

• Weight: 6.2kg / 13 lb, 12 oz (assembled) / 6.68 kg / 14 lb 12 oz (packed)
• Max load: 136 kg/ 300 lb
• Assembled size (H x W x D): 102 x 27 x 21.5 cm / 40.0 x 10.5 x 8.5 in
• Pack size (H x L x W): 74 x 94 x 105 cm / 29 x 37 x 41 in
• Carry bag included: Yes
• Materials: steel frame, padded headrest

Design and features

The Nemo Stargaze EVO-X is a reclining camp chair. It's a suspended seat on a freestanding frame. The killer feature is that by simply leaning back, the chair reclines automatically to a position that's laid-back enough to look at the night sky in comfort.

The durable steel frame supports a body-cradling seat that has cushioning at pressure points and, crucially, a padded headrest. There are a couple of pockets cleverly built into the suspended seat, offering just enough room for a phone or a can of drink.

The pockets are a surprise. Initially, they appear useless, pointing inwards and lying flat. However, they fully support a can or a phone in an upright position. I didn't experience any spillages.

The only bugbear is its weight and size when packed up. Although it comes in a rugged, well-made, zipped-up carry case with a shoulder strap, it's enormous. The Nemo Stargaze EVO-X is a lawn chair suitable for use in the backyard, while car camping, or on RV trips, but not for point-to-point hikes.

Performance and comfort

The Nemo Stargaze EVO-X is a standout chair for the right user, but whether it suits you will entirely depend on your height and body shape.

The setup is quick, with two uprights needing to be pulled apart and snapped into position to secure the rig. Miss the details, and it could collapse unexpectedly (as it did once during testing). Once assembled correctly, it feels solid and supportive.

Although it's got an element of swing in it, don't expect it to rock back and forth like a hammock. It's not like that. It's a smooth motion, but it's restricted. The auto-recline requires a shifting of body weight.

During my test, I found that by pushing my shoulders back, the chair reclined easily. A smaller colleague not only found that it wasn’t possible, but she had to manually manipulate the tensioned straps (which is not difficult to do).

She also found that the upright position of the chair was uncomfortable because her feet didn’t touch the ground; in the reclined position, she sat with her legs crossed. Your size and shape will determine whether the Nemo Stargaze EVO-X is the right choice for you.

The primary drawback from a comfort perspective is the Nemo Stargaze EVO-X's lack of dedicated armrests. Sit in the suspended chair with your arms resting against the seat sides — which, thankfully, are padded — or bump into the back support strap. It won't suit everyone.

Whether the headrest works depends on the user's height. Tall people will find that it serves mainly as neck support, allowing for a wide view of the night sky. For shorter users, it's more like a pillow, causing a significantly shallower angle and a less laid-back position.

I tested it while stargazing in my backyard. Not only did the headrest allow for comfortable viewing of the night sky, but it also helped me support a pair of binoculars.

I found it possible to hold a pair of binoculars steadily with my head reclined while also getting some arm support from the tension straps. It's a coincidence, but it did provide an extra layer of comfort.

Verdict

The Nemo Stargaze EVO-X is a unique reclining chair that could be the ultimate chair for stargazers. Has it been designed specifically for astronomy? No, this is merely a clever reclining chair that will work well for some, but not for others, during stargazing sessions.

Its floating recline is smooth, but it won’t suit everyone: the fit is size-dependent, arm support is lacking, and the weight is a severe limitation. If you can try one out before buying, it’s worth the test. However, for the right body type and use case, the Nemo Stargaze EVO-X is one of the most comfortable chairs available.

YETI has just launched two new collections designed to protect your everyday eats and drinks as well as your rugged camping gear.

The new Daytrip lineup, featuring insulated lunch boxes and soft cooler bags, arrives alongside the latest Rambler Travel Bottles, complete with a redesigned leakproof lid.

While YETI’s roots are in hunting, fishing, and all-terrain escapades, the Daytrip and Rambler Travel Bottle drops are firmly targeted at the everyday adventurer.

The brand has been subtly repositioning itself all summer, with new colour drops, commute-ready backpacks, and lifestyle-first launches.

This latest move ties it all together, offering rugged durability in compact, carry-everywhere formats.

The updated Daytrip range includes 3L and 5L Lunch Boxes, as well as 6L and 14L Soft Cooler Bags.

All are made with Coldcell Flex insulation to keep food fresh for hours, ideal for day hikes, urban lunches, or ditching the shared office fridge for good (we've all been there).

They’re also built with a rugged, water-resistant shell and finished with thoughtful details like the MagSnap magnetic closure, giving off the same 'overbuilt' vibes YETI is famous for.

A bottle you can trust in your backpack

YETI’s other big drop is the Rambler Travel Bottle, available in 12oz and 16oz sizes. At first glance, it looks like a streamlined version of the classic Rambler, but the magic is in the 360° Commuter Cap.

We've already reported on the Travel Bottle launch in the US, but they are now also available in the UK.

This lid is completely leakproof, even when the bottle is thrown into your bag sideways, and opens with a simple twist, allowing for sipping from any angle.

The cap is also backwards-compatible with other Rambler bottles, meaning existing users can upgrade without buying a new bottle.

The Daytrip Lunch Boxes and Cooler Bags are already available to order via YETI UK and YETI US, with prices starting from £65/ $65

The Rambler Travel Bottles are also available to buy both at YETI UK and YETI US.

Bringing your furry friend along on a camping trip can turn an ordinary getaway into an unforgettable adventure. However, while the warmer weather can make camping more inviting for us, it can also present challenges for your beloved pooch.

Dogs get hot very quickly and are only able to sweat through their paws. If they get too hot, risks can arise, from burnt paws to dehydration and, most commonly, heat stroke. This is where your dog becomes too hot and is unable to regulate their body temperature through panting.

Does this mean you can’t take your dog camping? No, however, it is important to know how to keep your dog cool if the weather is particularly warm, as well as recognise the signs of heatstroke.

The Dogs Trust says that when it comes to the heat: “Each dog will have their own limits depending on their breed, age, health and other factors.” Although, the RSPCA notes that flat-faced dogs have a “greater risk of health problems in the heat”.

If you do decide to take your dog along with you, then here are some tips on how you can keep them cool and safe. Also, never leave your dog in a hot tent. "A tent can act like a greenhouse and heat up really quickly," says the Blue Cross.

1. Try and pick a shady camping spot

When picking a good spot to pitch your tent, shade should be a priority if your dog is joining you. Guaranteed, this may require a bit of planning beforehand, such as checking what the campsite is actually like before you go, as some may not have any shady areas. However, if it’ll help keep your dog cool, it’ll be worth it. You’ll also appreciate it in the mornings when you’re not waking up dripping with sweat. If you're unable to do this, then prioritise finding shady spots through the day.

2. Make sure you have plenty of water

Your dog must have a constant supply of fresh water throughout the day, as this will ensure they stay hydrated and prevent them from overheating. The RSPCA also suggests adding ice cubes to make it extra chilled (if you’ve taken a cool box with you).

3. Do activities early

Mornings are always cooler so get up and take your four-legged friend out early to beat the heat (it also means areas will be less crowded too). You can see if there are shady walking spots nearby too, like a wood or a forest, or even go somewhere near water. The Blue Cross says the general rule is that if the ground is too hot for your hand, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

4. Take specific cooling items

This includes things like cooling mats and cooling coats, which help to draw heat away from your dog's body. Cooling mats don’t require any type of refrigeration, as they are usually gel or water-based, whereas cooling coats you simply soak in water. As both are portable and straightforward to use, they’re an excellent addition for your camping trip. Again, if you have a cool box, ice packs wrapped up in a towel are also another option. The RSPCA says to never place a damp towel over your dog though, as this can trap heat – lying on it is fine.

5. Take a fan

A portable fan can be a handy accessory in general for your camping trip, but it can also give your dog some extra cooling power. The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is compact, offers up to 12 hours of battery life, and it even has a misting function. It’s also currently on offer too.

6. Give them a brush

Yep, don’t forget to take your dog’s grooming brush. The RSPCA says: “Regular grooming in warmer weather can help brush away any dead or excess hair, and matts and knots, leaving your dog with a less dense coat.” A bit of pampering is always needed on holiday.

The YETI Roadie 32 is the newest wheeled hard cooler in YETI’s premium lineup, designed for day trips, weekends away, and anyone who wants cold drinks on tap without hauling a giant chest. This is why I requested one for review; I loved the idea of a highly portable drinks cooler that’s not a real pain to transport.

With a 32-quart (~30L) capacity, it strikes a practical balance between portability and performance, offering room for up to 50 cans or over 30 pounds (~13.6kg) of ice. The Roadie 32 is in the sweet spot of the full spectrum of the best YETI coolers (the Roadie family, anyway), sitting bang between the non-wheeled Roadie 15 and Roadie 24 and the larger Roadie 48 and Roadie 60.

I’ve been using it for weeks, conducted multiple experiments (some involving 40 cans and multiple kilos of ice cubes), and hauled it around to beach get-togethers to see how the Roadie 32 fares. My expectations were sky high, but this versatile cooler exceeded almost all of them. Apart from a couple of quirks, it really is the best cool box out there for couples and smaller groups.

YETI Roadie 32 review

Price and availability

The YETI Roadie 32 was launched in April 2024 and is available to buy now directly from YETI US, YETI UK and YETI AU for a recommended price of $375/ £350/ AU$500. In classic YETI fashion, it comes in around nine colourways, some of which are permanent and some limited. I tested the (slightly boring) Charcoal version.

Specifications

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 19.8 x 20.6 x 20.1 inches/ 54.1 x 46.5 x 40.9 cm
• Capacity: 32 quarts (~30 litres)
• Cold performance: up to 5 days
• Weight: 24.47lbs / 11.1 kg

Design and build quality

The YETI Roadie 32 is built with the same rotomolded construction found in the brand’s toughest hard coolers, giving it serious structural integrity without sacrificing portability. Even though it’s tough as a rock, the Roadie 32 isn’t bear-proof like some other YETI coolers because it doesn’t have the padlock holes in the corners.

Externally, the RockSolid shell handles most of the heavy lifting. It can withstand bumps, drops, and people who may be a little more heavy-handed than others. Meanwhile, the NeverFail hinge system ensures the lid stays securely attached to the main body by utilising dual pins to prevent the kind of flex and failure commonly found in cheaper models.

Inside, thick PermaFrost insulation lines the cooler walls and lid, and a ColdLock gasket forms an airtight seal to maximise ice retention. The InterLock lid system further ensures that cold stays in and heat stays out.

The 32-quart interior can accommodate up to 50 cans or 36 lbs (~16.3 kg) of ice. It’s pretty spacious inside. Its height, in particular, allows you to store wine bottles or 2-litre soft drink bottles upright. You can buy dividers and different trays to compartmentalise the Roadier 32 – I would recommend this if you’re planning shorter trips with your partner (you can fill half of the cooler with ice/paper/etc).

What sets the Roadie 32 apart from smaller hard coolers is its mobility. It features puncture-resistant, ultra-quiet NeverFlat wheels, which are probably my favourite features. I couldn’t believe how little sound the wheels make. They almost rival the “ultra-silent” 360 Hinomoto wheels on my Db Ramverk Pro Carry-on Luggage.

The four-stage Periscope telescopic handle is also very cool. Not only does it make it easy to manoeuvre the Roadie 32 around tight corners, but it’s also a lot easier to lug a full cooler around using the Periscope handle and the wheels. The combo allowed me to pull the box over raised pavement, sand, steps and grass easily.

Should you need to lift the Roadier 32 into a car or over larger obstacles, fear not, as the low-profile LipGrip side handles make two-person transport easy without adding bulk. The QuickLatch system is great for closing the Roadier 32 properly and effortlessly with just one hand.

Finally, the leak-resistant BESTDAM drain plug helps discharge some of that melted ice water without having to tip over the Roadier 32. Sadly, the hole isn’t located right at the bottom of the cooler, meaning you will have to tip it slightly to drain all the water. The BESTDAM drain plug seems to be perfectly positioned on smaller models, like the Roadier 15.

Performance

I decided to conduct an experiment with the YETI Roadie 32, which involved 2 kilos of ice, 40 cans of soft drinks, a large YETI ice block and my balcony.

Based on feedback from the YETI team on how to pack a cool box, I set out to fill the Roadie 32 to the brim with stuff. Turns out, it’s harder to fill these things than you think. No matter how much ice I poured into the crevices, the Roadier 32 seemed insatiable.

Nevertheless, I did my best to make the cooler as full as possible and set it down on my balcony. The temperature wasn’t the hottest – around 18°C/64.4°F – and I kept the Roadier 32 out of the sun (which you should do anyway). I check the temperature in the cooler every day, and I gradually worked my way through the cans.

Full disclosure, I could have used more ice (perhaps another 2kg), and the cans could have been cooler when they were added. Even with the conditioner not perfect, the Roadie 32 did a stellar job of keeping things cool and calm inside. Even after a week, there were still ice cubes in the box, despite us opening it at least a few times a day.

When, after around 10 days, I decided to move the remaining cans into the fridge, they were still cooler than the ambient temperature, which blows my mind. Of course, I also took the Roadie 32 on beach trips, and it performed equally well. The darker Charcoal colourway I had for testing attracted heat more than necessary, but the inside of the cool box stayed frosty throughout the day.

Verdict

The YETI Roadie 32 is a brilliantly judged wheeled cooler that balances capacity, portability, and ruggedness in a way few others can. It’s built like a tank, keeps things cold for days, and rolls more smoothly than any cooler I’ve tested, with those ultra-quiet NeverFlat wheels standing out. The telescopic Periscope handle is both sturdy and ergonomic, making this surprisingly easy to manoeuvre across everything from grass to gravel.

It’s not bear-resistant like some other YETI hard coolers (there are no corner lock ports), and the drain hole could be better positioned, but those are minor complaints in what is otherwise an incredibly refined bit of gear. The 32-quart size hits a sweet spot for couples, small families, or anyone wanting a high-capacity cooler that won’t dominate their car boot or garage.

If you want YETI-grade performance with the bonus of effortless mobility, this is it. From beach days to balcony chill-outs, the Roadie 32 proves itself over and over. Pricey, yes, but if you’re going to invest in a cooler that lasts a lifetime, this is one of the smartest ways to do it.