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.

Just for the record, we're not here to put planks down. Quite the opposite. They're one of the best core exercises you can do. In fact, during a recent assessment, I held a two-minute plank and scored 'excellent' for core endurance, an important marker of spinal health, balance and reducing your risk of injury as we age.

But once I'd ticked that box, it got me thinking: what next? If you want to keep challenging your core while also improving grip strength, shoulder stability and body control, hanging leg raises are hard to beat.

Unlike planks, hanging leg raises challenge your entire body. Simply hanging from the bar demands grip and forearm strength, shoulder stability and upper-back engagement - and that's before you've even lifted your legs.

Then, as you raise your knees towards your chest, your core has to contract dynamically through a full range of motion, making it one of the most demanding bodyweight exercises you can do.

Why hanging leg raises work

The hanging leg raise is far more than just another core exercise to add to your workout. Unlike floor-based ab exercises, it forces your core to work against gravity as you lift your legs, creating significant tension throughout your midsection while also challenging your grip, shoulders, and upper back.

Because you're hanging from a bar, your body has to stabilise from the moment your feet leave the floor. Your abs are coordinating with your hip flexors, lats and shoulders to keep your body under control throughout every rep.

It's this full-body demand that makes hanging leg raises such an effective exercise for building unbelievable core strength.

The sensation is another benefit: simply hanging from the bar feels incredibly satisfying, giving your shoulders, upper back and spine a chance to decompress and lengthen. While that's no substitute for mobility work, it's one of the reasons this exercise feels so good to perform.

How to do the hanging leg raise

• Grip a pull-up bar with your palms facing away from you and your hands roughly shoulder-width apart.
• Lift your feet off the floor and allow your body to hang with your arms fully extended. Pull your shoulders down away from your ears, brace your core and squeeze your glutes to create tension through your body.
• Keeping your upper body as still as possible, slowly raise your knees towards your chest by curling your pelvis underneath you. Pause briefly at the top, then lower your legs with control until you return to the starting position. Repeat.

Top tip: Don't use momentum to swing your legs up. Instead, move slowly and with control, bringing your knees towards your chest while deliberately curling your pelvis underneath you. Think about rolling your hips up rather than simply lifting your legs. This keeps the tension on your abs and makes every rep far more effective.

Progression and alternatives to try

When adding hanging leg raises to your workouts, start with three sets of 5-10 controlled reps. The goal is to brace your entire core, keep your body as still as possible and slowly curl your knees towards your chest.

Done properly, this core exercise develops core strength, body control and the kind of functional fitness that carries over into everything from pull-ups, deadlifts and squats to everyday movement.

If you're swinging around like you're back on the school monkey bars, start by mastering the dead hang instead. Building your grip strength and shoulder stability first will make hanging leg raises far more controlled and much more effective.

To do, hang as still as possible for 20–30 seconds before progressing to an active hang, where you pull your shoulders down slightly by setting your scapulae, engage your upper back and gently tilt your pelvis underneath you.

Aim to hold this position and keep as still as possible for 20–30 seconds. Once you can control both positions, start introducing the knee raise.

It's important not to rush toward the hardest variation, no matter how tempting it might be. As with anything worth doing, mastering each stage first will give you the best results and help build a bulletproof core.

RingConn first announced its third-generation smart ring at CES 2026, but the ring is finally available to buy. There’s a special partnership running over the summer, too.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, as well as RingConn’s own fifth birthday, RingConn has partnered with Warner Bros Home Entertainment for a campaign based on being an “Everyday Hero”.

US customers who currently buy a RingConn Gen 3 will receive a Lord of the Rings-themed charging case pouch (you need to be one of the first 3,500 buyers). And if you don’t make it into those first few thousand, you’ll get a digital movie code to redeem any three films from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.

What features does the RingConn Gen 3 offer?

In terms of the smart ring itself, its headline feature is vascular health tracking, coupled with smart vibration alerts, next-generation sensing and up to 14 days of battery life.

For vascular health tracking, you’ll see a sliding scale between Stable, Slight and Noticeable, determined by the ring monitoring nighttime patterns, daily habits, and manual inputs.

In terms of the vibration alerts, the RingConn Gen 3 directly vibrates on your finger to flag health alerts, sedentary reminders and low battery in a bid to reduce reliance on phone notifications.

With vibrations turned off, the battery life is claimed to be two weeks, which would be the latest Oura Ring 5, though with them turned on, you’re looking at between 10 and 12 days.

Elsewhere, the titanium ring offers sleep apnea pattern insights, women's cycle predictions and continuous tracking of SpO2, respiratory rate, skin temperature and stress, all without a subscription. It ships in five finishes, spans sizes 6 to 15, and comes with a new universal wireless charging case.

If you want to be in with a chance of getting one of those LOTR pouches though, you had better get a wriggle on. Prices start at $349 on the RingConn website.

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.

At 57, Hugh Jackman isn't relying on his Wolverine days to stay in shape. His latest workout reel proves he's still putting in the work, and evidently, it doesn't come easily, even for Hollywood actors.

In his version, Jackman places his hands on two weight plates, allowing his chest to travel lower than usual. The increased range of motion places his chest muscles under a greater stretch, making every rep more demanding.

If that wasn't enough, he also puts heavy chains across his neck to increase the resistance. His chest, shoulders, triceps and core all have to work harder to keep his body rigid from shoulders to heels.

It's an incredibly challenging variation, and one that immediately caught our attention. "Best to stay fit," Jackman wrote alongside his video, "rather than chase it. I remind myself of this every time Beth [Lewis, his trainer] wants another set."

Lewis replied: "Looking so good! Not only staying fit but always kicking it up a notch," before explaining that using "accommodating resistance", such as chains, "can be super helpful for developing power due to the decreased load at the bottom of the movement."

Why deficit chain push-ups?

Think push-ups are boring? Think again. Jackman's variation proves there's plenty of room to make the classic bodyweight move more exciting.

Elevating the hands increases the range of motion, allowing the chest to travel lower than it would during a standard push-up. This places the pecs under greater tension while challenging the shoulders, triceps, core and serratus anterior - a muscle that helps stabilise the shoulder blades during pushing movements.

It also demands excellent core control, shoulder stability and strict body positioning. If your hips sag or your shoulder blades lose control, the exercise quickly stops looking like strength training. Add heavy chains across your back, and it becomes a completely different challenge.

While most people won't have chains lying around at home, the principles behind the exercise are worth applying. Increasing the range of motion is a simple way to make bodyweight push-ups more demanding without relying solely on extra weight. Better still, it builds upper-body strength and shoulder stability that carry over into everyday life.

As we get older, maintaining the ability to push ourselves up from the floor becomes an important marker of functional strength and independence - what Lewis neatly sums up as being "good for vanity today, and function 30 years from now."

How to do deficit chain push-ups

• Set up two weight plates on the floor, so your hands are shoulder-width apart.
• Drape one or more chains across your upper back so they're evenly balanced, then get into a high plank position, with your hands in line with your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to toe.
• Place your hands on the elevated surface and brace your core and glutes before lowering your chest towards the ground.
• Continue lowering until below hand level, feeling a deep stretch through your chest.
• Drive through your palms to press back to the starting position, keeping your body in one straight line throughout.

Don't have chains?

While the chains certainly make Jackman's workout look impressive, they're not essential. Resistance bands - or even a carefully balanced weight plate across your upper back, if you have someone to help position it can make the exercise significantly more challenging.

As Lewis puts it: "When it gets easy, add load... duh. Refuse to dial it in!"

To use a resistance band, loop it around your upper back and hold each end beneath your palms as you grip the weight plates. As you press back up, the band stretches, increasing the resistance toward the top of the movement and making the lockout even more demanding.

Like the chain variation, the band challenges your chest, shoulders, triceps and core while encouraging you to maintain good body position throughout every rep.

Better still, resistance bands are inexpensive, portable and an easy way to progress one of the best bodyweight exercises without needing a gym.

Nike ACG has unveiled a new trail-running collection inspired by the landscape surrounding Chamonix, the birthplace of modern mountaineering and the home of UTMB, admittedly one of the most popular ultra-trail running events in the world.

The new range transforms the colours and textures of the French Alps into an unusually convincing camouflage print.

Chamo Camo stretches across five of Nike’s trail-running shoes, including the ACG Ultrafly, ACG Zegama Trail, Pegasus Trail, Wildhorse and Terra Kiger.

Each receives a layered grey and green pattern informed by the granite, limestone and sandstone formations found around Mont Blanc, alongside the region’s forests, vegetation and lichen.

The result is considerably subtler than conventional military-style camouflage.

Nike says the inspiration for the pattern came from how the landscape changes between dawn and dusk, helping the products blend into the terrain that inspired them.

Hide and peak

Chamo Camo will also feature across the All Conditions Racing Department’s athlete race kit and a wider collection of men’s and women’s apparel.

The range includes Dri-FIT ADV singlets, distance tops, race shorts, tights and warm-up layers.

Nike has also applied the pattern to clothing featuring its Aero-FIT Radical AirFlow technology, which uses a highly open structure to promote airflow during hot-weather exercise.

Retail pieces include trail-running tanks, Solar Chase tops, lined shorts and graphic T-shirts, allowing runners to recreate the coordinated race-day look without necessarily heading off to compete in the Alps.

The launch arrives as Nike continues to reposition ACG as a serious performance-outdoor brand.

Its expanding footwear line now covers everything from technical trail racing to cushioned ultramarathon running and lightweight hiking.

Nike hasn’t formally labelled Chamo Camo as a UTMB collection, but its Chamonix inspiration and summer launch leave little doubt about the mountain-running moment it is targeting.

The Nike ACG Chamo Camo collection launches on 29 July at Nike US, with availability through selected ACG retailers.

The ACG Zegama Trail Chamo Camo is priced at $180 (~£135 / €158 / AU$258) in the US, while UK, EU and AU pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Samsung Galaxy Watch users will soon be able to access Strava Routes on their wrist through Samsung Health, thanks to a significant expansion of the two companies’ partnership.

Strava will be pre-installed on new Galaxy Watches sold globally, beginning with the latest Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

Buyers of either smartwatch will also receive a 60-day trial of Strava’s subscription service, which unlocks a complete selection of premium training and route-planning features.

More importantly, Strava Routes will be integrated natively into Samsung Health later this year, giving you on-wrist access to routes created through Strava without relying solely on the separate Strava watch app.

Strava and Samsung haven’t fully explained how the integration will work, including whether routes will synchronise automatically or which older Galaxy Watch models, such as the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, will be supported.

However, the companies say the Samsung Health integration will begin rolling out globally to Galaxy Watch users in the coming months.

Finding a better way around

Strava Routes uses activity data from the company’s enormous user community to generate courses suited to different sports, distances and preferences.

Strava Premium subscribers can also create their own routes and download them for navigation in areas without a reliable data connection.

The feature could make Galaxy Watch more competitive with outdoor watches from brands such as Garmin, Suunto and Coros, where route creation, synchronisation and on-wrist navigation are already important parts of the experience.

Its arrival is particularly timely after Strava expanded its hiking tools in June.

The recent update introduced improved route planning, navigation and trail-discovery features, reflecting the company’s efforts to become more useful beyond running and cycling.

Samsung is also placing greater emphasis on personalised fitness services across its wearable ecosystem.

Alongside the Strava announcement, the company revealed that iFIT’s Tailor personal trainer will use sleep, heart-rate and recovery information recorded by Galaxy Watch to generate adaptive workouts through Samsung Health.

The two integrations arrive with the new Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

The Watch9 is Samsung’s everyday health-focused model, while the Ultra2 adds an 800mAh battery, trail-running metrics, hydration guidance and support for recreational diving.

Strava says the Routes integration is the first of several improvements planned for Samsung users, although it hasn’t revealed what will follow.

Strava Routes requires a paid subscription once the complimentary 60-day trial has ended.

Read more about the integration at Strava.

Samsung is adding an AI-powered personal trainer to Samsung Health that can turn data collected by a Galaxy Watch into personalised workouts and weekly training plans.

Created through a partnership with connected-fitness company iFIT, the new feature combines Samsung’s health and recovery insights with iFIT Tailor, the brand's AI fitness coach.

Tailor builds training plans around your goals, current fitness, workout history, available time and location.

According to the company, it can recommend anything from strength and HIIT sessions to cycling, yoga, Pilates and mindfulness, drawing on workouts created by iFIT’s team of 180 trainers.

The feature can also continually adjust its recommendations as you complete workouts, recover or change your routines.

Samsung says information already captured by Galaxy Watch, including sleep, heart rate and recovery data, will feed into its Fitness Index and help the coach decide what the user should do next.

That could make the partnership considerably more useful than a conventional library of follow-along workout videos.

A coach that travels with you

The feature can also account for where you are training and how much time you have available.

iFIT says Tailor can generate an appropriate workout for home, travelling or when you're heading out onto a trail.

Progress milestones, activity streaks and achievement recognition will of course be included to encourage consistency, while the plans will remain available through Samsung Health on compatible Galaxy devices.

Samsung and iFIT unveiled the expanded integration alongside the new Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

The Watch 9 is positioned as Samsung’s everyday health and fitness smartwatch, while the more rugged Ultra 2 introduces an 800mAh battery, specialised trail-running metrics, hydration guidance and support for recreational diving.

There are, however, two catches. iFIT Personal Trainer will require a paid iFIT membership and is not included as a free Samsung Health feature, although monthly and annual subscriptions will be available directly through the app.

The initial rollout will also be limited to India, South Korea and the US later this year.

Samsung and iFIT say other markets covered by their partnership will receive the feature during 2027, meaning Galaxy Watch owners in the UK will have to wait a little longer to try it.

For more information, visit iFIT.

Ultrahuman has pushed what it calls its "biggest platform update ever" – which includes a number of new features and a redesigned app for owners of its smart rings.

Available from today, 23 July, the update introduces the "UltraSphere" a new centrepiece for the app and decision engine that helps you make fitness choices without needing to plough through your own data first.

It will generate options for you as "Next Best Actions", which you can then choose to enact. These will be based on the numerous readings from an Ultrahuman ring, including sleep, recovery, HRV, skin temperature and more.

Actions will also take into account your location and even the weather outside. So you might be advised to "get light" – ie. step outside for a few minutes – or "cut caffeine" in order to get better sleep.

Ultrahuman claims this is a more intuitive way to interact with its app, rather than having to wade through your own data and make your own plans. That's possible still, of course, but the 60-plus suggestions might cut down time and effort.

What else is added with the Ultrahuman Emerald platform update?

The update also brings a "fundamental change" to the way your Ultrahuman ring works. All processing is performed on the ring itself, so insights and Next Best Actions will be available to you when offline – such as on a plane.

There is also better workout tracking for both the Ultrahuman Ring Pro and Ring Air. It is now more accurate so should better detect your workout automatically. There are are new heart rate algorithms too.

Finally, the brand's VO₂ Max fitness marker has also been improved. The algorithm now takes into account a study by Ultrahuman of over 100 athletes.

There are a wide array of other tweaks and user experience improvements that will be found right across the updated app, but those are the headline additions and improvements.

The Emerald update is free to all Ultrahuman users.

BowFlex has unveiled the next generation of its popular SelectTech adjustable dumbbells, giving one of the best-known names in home strength training its first major redesign in years.

The new SelectTech 52 replaces the long-running Bowflex SelectTech 552, retaining the dial-based weight adjustment system that made the original a favourite among home gym users while introducing a number of hardware upgrades aimed at improving durability and feel.

Like its predecessor, the SelectTech 52 is designed to replace multiple pairs of traditional dumbbells.

Each adjustable dumbbell covers weights from 2kg to 24kg (5 lbs to 52 lbs), allowing you to switch between 15 weight settings in seconds without taking up the space required for a full rack.

An icon gets an upgrade

BowFlex has swapped the moulded weight plates for premium metal plates, added a redesigned locking mechanism and introduced a new ergonomic, non-slip handle intended to provide a more secure grip during heavier lifts.

The launch comes as strength training continues to enjoy a surge in popularity.

Resistance training has become a cornerstone of many fitness routines, driven by growing awareness of its benefits for muscle maintenance, athletic performance and healthy ageing, as well as the continued rise of Hyrox-style functional fitness and home workouts.

"Strength training continues to grow in popularity," said James Moffat, Sales Director at BowFlex.

"Our original SelectTech 552 completely transformed the world of strength training, making it more accessible for everyone, and our new SelectTech 52 continues to build on that legacy with a new premium design."

Each purchase also includes a two-month trial of JRNY, BowFlex's digital fitness platform, which offers guided workouts, adaptive training plans and performance tracking.

The BowFlex SelectTech 52 adjustable dumbbells are available now directly from BowFlex UK and selected retailers, priced at £270 for a single dumbbell or £530 for a pair.

In the US, they're available from $480 per pair, with an introductory launch price of $400.

Adidas has expanded its Hyperboost running range with the launch of the new Hyperboost Run, a daily training shoe that brings the franchise's high-energy ride to a broader audience.

Set to launch on 1 August, the Hyperboost Run is designed as an all-round road shoe for runners who split their time between easy miles, faster sessions and everyday wear.

Adidas says the new model focuses on balancing comfort, responsiveness and versatility in a single package.

The Hyperboost Run sits below the Hyperboost Edge in Adidas' latest running shoe franchise.

While the Edge is positioned as the brand's lightweight "super-trainer" for longer, faster efforts, the Run takes the same design philosophy and adapts it into a more accessible daily trainer.

The new trainers feature the Hyperboost Pro midsole, a 38mm heel stack and a 6mm drop.

The brand says the lightweight foam is tuned to provide high energy return while maintaining the cushioning needed for everyday mileage.

The Hyperboost Run also features a lightweight Primeweave engineered mesh upper designed to improve breathability and comfort during longer runs.

Underfoot, Adidas combines its LIGHTTRAXION outsole with Continental rubber pods at the forefoot to boost grip without adding weight.

The shoe also adopts a wider platform and anatomically shaped 3D-printed heel elements to improve stability.

The new trainer weighs 247g (UK men's 8.5), putting it firmly in the lightweight daily trainer category.

Its sculpted midsole and oversized Three Stripes also give it a noticeably more lifestyle-inspired look than many traditional mileage shoes, suggesting Adidas is targeting runners who want one pair to cover training sessions and day-to-day wear.

Alongside the new shoe, Adidas is also introducing fresh colourways for the Hyperboost Edge, continuing its push to establish Hyperboost as one of the brand's flagship cushioning platforms.

The Adidas Hyperboost Run launches globally on 1 August, priced at €170 at Adidas EU. UK, US and AU pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Given that I'm fortunate enough to be able to test and appraise the finer things in life from time to time and am a huge fan of the best electric bikes (especially folding ones), I thought I'd try and track down a sub-two grand folding model that aficionados like me could feasibly afford, and eventually alighted on the brand new ADO Air Carbon Pro from burgeoning Chinese brand, A Dece Oasis.

ADO produces a number of mid-to-premium e-bikes, but this one immediately caught my eye, partly because it had the word 'carbon' in the moniker but mostly because it's relatively light (16.2 kilos).

It's also well integrated with a ton of tantalising features like neat cable routing, a battery hidden inside the seat post, a built-in front headlight, GPS tracking, a two-speed auto-shifting Bafang motor with 50Nm of torque, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, 20-inch wheels for better stability and speed, and the ability to fold it up for storage, commuting and easy car transport.

But enough waffle already, and let me tell you why I think that the ADO Air Carbon Pro is, pound for pound, the best folding e-bike I've ever reviewed.

ADO Air Carbon Pro review

Price and availability

While this model sits in an upper-tier price bracket, there are many much more expensive electric and non-electric bikes out there so I feel its sub-two grand price is fully justified, as is the full five-star accolade I'm giving it.

To put the price of this 16.2-kilo bike’s price into perspective, let’s look at some of the folding e-bike competition. At £1,999, it’s almost half the price of the similarly weighted Brompton P line (from £3,879) which is not nearly as well attired, half the price of the F1-inspired GoCycle (£3,999) and £700 less than the 25-kilo Cube Comfort 500. It’s also less than the price of most high-end ‘analogue’ road bikes and well under half the price of most premium-spec racing models.

Of course, cost is subjective, relative to one’s disposable income and dependent on one’s love of bicycles in general, but take it from me – you might not find a better engineered lightweight electric folder for the money than this cracking beaut. That said, if two grand seems a step too far, perhaps opt for ADO's similarly-styled Air 20s model instead, which retails at a very competitive £1,299.

In the UK you can currently order the ADO Air Carbon Pro direct from the ADO website for £1,999. This bike is also available from ADO's EU store where it retails at €2,499.

The Air Carbon Pro is apparently also available in the USA for an equivalent value of between $2,400 and $2,550. Contact ADO for further details.

Specs at a glance

• Frame & Fork: Carbon fibre
• Motor: BAFANG H700 250W brushless hub
• Gears: Automatic 2-speed
• Ride modes: Eco + Sport (three levels for each)
• Torque: 50 Nm
• Battery: 37V / 10Ah (370 Wh), seatpost integrated and removable
• Range: Up to 100 km
• Sensor: Dual-sided torque sensor
• Drivetrain: Carbon belt drive
• Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc
• Wheels: 20”
• Tyres: 20” × 1.75”
• Display: NFC colour display
• Waterproofness: IPX6 (Display IPX7)
• Smart features: GPS anti-theft, NFC tap-to-unlock, ADO Smart Connect app
• Folding: Around 20 seconds
• Rear rack: MIK-compatible
• Weight: 16.2 kg (with battery)
• Max load: 120 kg
• Frame warranty: 5 years

Set up

The ADO Air Carbon Pro arrives fully folded and zip-tied absolutely everywhere, so you’ll need a strong pair of scissors or a cable cutter to release them all.

All you have to do is unfold it, fit the comfy saddle using the provided Allen key, adjust the seat post to your desired height – ideally so your legs are almost fully stretched on the down stroke with the balls of your feet on the pedals – and adjust the angle of the MTB-style riser bars to your preferred riding position.

The bike also comes with ADO’s AQS luggage connector so fit that, too, if you’ve added any front-mounted bags and baskets to your order.

My test sample came with a flat battery having been in storage and transit from the warehouse, but it only took about four hours to fully charge, which is pretty good in my book. Next, download the ADOBIKE app, create an account, ensure your phone’s Bluetooth is active and connect to the bike. You’re now ready to head out on your first ride of many.

Design and build quality

ADO – short for A Dece Oasis – has absolutely nailed the design of the Air Carbon Pro. Available in black or white, the beautifully sculpted full carbon fibre frame is the obvious clincher here, but it's the finer details that have really impressed me.

Every cable – bar the neatly-wrapped brake and battery lines – has been routed internally, and every component feels as though it's been selected with longevity in mind. The overall fit and finish of this bike is genuinely exceptional, with a level of engineering precision I'd happily compare with the marine industry.

Perhaps most remarkably, the whole package weighs in at just 16.2kg, making the Air Carbon Pro one of the lightest fully-featured folding electric bikes I've ever tested. Considering it packs a sizeable battery, hydraulic brakes, integrated lighting and a rear luggage rack into the bargain, I consider that an impressive achievement.

Starting at the rear, you're met with a sturdy MIK-compatible rear carrier capable of hauling up to 25kg, replete with a neatly integrated rear LED light that remains visible without spoiling the bike's clean aesthetic. Beneath the rack sits Bafang's excellent H700 250W rear hub motor, which produces an ample 50Nm of torque.

What makes this motor particularly interesting is its automatic two-speed gearbox. Instead of forcing the rider to think about changing gears and having to fiddle with an annoying rear derailleur, the motor itself quietly shifts between two internal ratios depending on your speed.

Hence, when you pull away from traffic lights, it uses the lower gear for stronger acceleration and, as your speed builds, it almost seamlessly changes into the taller ratio for more efficient cruising. Most riders will hardly notice it happening, which is exactly the point.

Likewise, when coming to a standstill, there's no faffing about changing down in advance with a RapidFire shifter because it'll be back to first gear in readiness for starting off again.

The Air Carbon Pro's 20-inch tyres strike an excellent balance between agility, stability and compact foldability while their reflective sidewalls provide welcome visibility after dark.

Braking duties are handled by Tektro hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, and they stop on a sixpence in all weather conditions. The entire bike also carries an IPX6 water resistance rating, so heavy rain shouldn't pose any issues.

One of my favourite design flourishes is the elegantly crafted rear stays that flow beautifully into the frame. Equally welcome is the carbon belt drive, which is whisper-quiet (wahey, no chain slap), requires virtually no maintenance and never leaves oily marks on your trousers.

Replacement belts cost £79.90, which isn't too bad considering their longevity and overall cleanliness. My review bike arrived without a kickstand, although you can buy one direct from ADO for £49.99, along with a wide range of other reasonably-priced accessories for all their bikes.

Since most carbon frames aren't suitable for fitting kickstands, the ADO stand attaches to the outer bolt on the rear hub. I can't vouch for how well it functions.

Moving towards the centre of the bike, the ADO's heavy-duty 37V, 10Ah (370Wh) battery is cleverly integrated into the seat post, which has the diameter of an elephant's trunk and is fitted with a tidy curly cable connector.

According to the specs, the battery delivers a range of up to 62 miles (100km) depending on the amount of inclines and level of pedal assistance. A heavy-duty lockable release lever, meanwhile, allows the battery to be removed in seconds for indoor charging and added security.

Most mid to high-end e-bikes these days are equipped with a torque sensor rather than a cadence sensor. In essence, a torque sensor measures how hard the rider is pedalling before adjusting the amount of motor assistance accordingly, while a cadence sensor simply detects if the pedals are moving before the motor kicks in at a pre-set level.

The Air Carbon Pro's bottom bracket is equipped with a dual-sided torque sensor, which delivers natural assistance that feels remarkably smooth and confidence-inspiring.

This bike's aluminium pedals offer superb grip underfoot, but their aggressively sharp edges are very unforgiving and prone to gouging one's calf when manoeuvring the bike indoors, especially if wearing shorts. I'd strongly recommend swapping them for removable or foldable pedals with bevelled edges, which would also make storage easier.

Elsewhere, the saddle is pleasantly comfortable despite lacking any suspension, while an integrated anti-theft GPS tracking module hidden inside the down tube provides a very useful level of security.

Heading to the fore, the Air Carbon Pro's fixed handlebar stem and riser bar configuration encourage an upright riding position that most leisure riders will definitely appreciate. However, I'm personally more accustomed to a mountain bike setup where the saddle sits higher than the handlebars, allowing for greater leg power while reducing pressure through the spine.

Nevertheless, I have easily adapted to this bike's sit-up-and-beg riding position, thanks in no small part to the extremely generous motor assistance which does most of the hard work.

I have also angled the riser bars to a more forward-facing position, which has definitely improved my riding posture. But I'd still love to see ADO offer an optional telescopic, height-adjustable handlebar stem so different riders can fine-tune their preferred riding positions.

The Air Carbon Pro's control display introduces NFC unlocking via the supplied key card (more available online). This allows the bike to power up in under two seconds without having to enter a personal PIN.

However, I haven't been able to get my iPhone 15 Pro's NFC to work during testing as the Apple setup process appears to be unnecessarily convoluted.

Granted, the display is generally clear, but some of its smaller text is simply too faint to read while riding. But thankfully the important information – speed and assistance mode – remains easy to see. Riders can choose between two power modes – Eco and Sport – and each mode offers three levels of assistance.

I found that Eco mode Level 2 proved more than sufficient for the vast majority of my riding, while Sport Level 3 provided almost insane levels of punch and was especially handy when riding up steep gradients.

The ADOBIKE app extends the Air Carbon Pro's functionality by connecting to the bike via Bluetooth, giving you access to settings, ride statistics and security features including GPS tracking. It also apparently allows firmware updates though I've received no such notifications since receiving my test sample.

While undeniably useful, parts of the app's interface are very confusing – for some reason the app’s odometer reading bears no resemblance to the amount of miles I’ve actually covered – and some other settings proved inconsistent or non functional during my testing. A few app tweaks are in order me thinks.

I will end this section with a high five to the designers for including an integrated front LED headlight that's beautifully incorporated into the frame.

This 170-lumen lamp throws out an impressively bright beam that's angled to illuminate the road ahead without dazzling oncoming traffic and perfectly complements what is one of the most thoughtfully designed folding e-bikes currently available.

Add compatibility with both ADO's own AQS luggage ecosystem and the universal MIK click-on accessory system, and the Air Carbon Pro is every bit as practical as it is elegant.

Folding mechanism

I'm a big fan of folding bikes of all varieties, mostly because they're easy to store at home, can be taken on public transport or in the car when folded, and they hardly ever need to be left on the street where they could easily be stolen.

Thankfully, the Air Carbon Pro's folding mechanism is refreshingly straightforward and largely hassle-free. The carbon fibre frame folds at the centre using a robust locking hinge and a magnet system to hold the front and rear wheels together.

The handlebar stem folds neatly down alongside the frame to create a compact package that's easy to store in a car boot, hallway or train luggage area. While the centre fold system feels quite heavy when folding, the process quickly becomes second nature and can comfortably be completed in under a minute.

That said, this bike isn't as ingenious or compact as a Brompton, which still reigns supreme when it comes to achieving the smallest and neatest folded footprint in the fastest time.

For instance, I found I couldn’t push it along when folded, or the pedals slowly revolved before one of them jammed against the front mudguard – another good reason to consider changing the pedals to quick-release ones.

In the Air Carbon Pro's favour, it is considerably easier to live with than many other folding e-bikes I've reviewed over the years, and I put this largely down to its relatively low 16.2kg weight and thoughtfully engineered design.

Yes, its 20-inch wheels make it a lot more cumbersome than a 16-inch Brompton when folded, but the fact it folds at all is cause for a little celebration because it means you can store it more easily indoors, take it on a train and fit it into most car boots.

Performance and ride quality

Although it has taken me a day or two to get used to the high handlebar setup, I've grown to love this e-bike in every discipline I've thrown at it. Its overall power delivery, smooth automatic two-speed gearbox and silent belt drive make riding it such an unbridled pleasure, whether it's bombing along a flat road or climbing a steep 8-10% gradient.

In fact, I've been blown away by how well this two-speed bike goes up steep hills without causing a build-up of painful lactic acid in the thighs.

I genuinely expected just two gears to really struggle on the types of inclines I've been riding on but, to my surprise, it's sailed up every road with consummate ease. I'm not as fit as I once was and yet I feel I could ride for 20 or so miles over vastly undulating terrain without feeling the need for a little lie down.

I found that Eco mode positions 1 and 2 provided more than enough oomph for most of my riding sessions and I only ever selected Sport mode 3 when midway up a steep hill.

In fact, on day one of my test I had it in Sport mode 3 while going up a gentle gradient, and it popped a wheelie with hardly any effort applied to the pedals.

Hence, I would definitely tap down to Eco mode level 1 or 2 when performing a U-turn, or your pressure on the pedals at low speed could pitch you off if the motor kicks in too energetically. I've had that happen to me in the past – doing a tight U-turn or sudden avoidance of a pedestrian when setting off are arguably the easiest ways to fall off an e-bike.

While this bike doesn't have suspension of any kind, I've found it very comfortable to ride on most roads. Yes, the rigid carbon frame can amplify every blemish in a road, but I'm used to that and actually enjoy the confidence-inspiring feedback a rigid frame provides.

I also much prefer 20-inch wheels to the 16-inch variety since they provide less rolling resistance and much more stability at higher speeds.

So well done ADO, you’ve pulled off a doozy and produced the best folding e-bike I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding. As a result, I am truly smitten, despite the sharp, scratchy pedals and clunky app.

Verdict

The ADO Air Carbon Pro is everything a folding e-bike should be – impeccable build quality throughout, integrated cabling, lighting and battery storage, a stupendous automatic two-speed drivetrain, oodles of power, large 20-inch wheels for stability and improved momentum, and relatively easy foldability for practical storage and simple car portage.

In the pantheon of luxury carbon e-bikes, I consider a smidge under two grand to be very decent value for money, so if you’re in the market for a premium folder that ticks almost every box, this one’s as close to perfection as it gets.

With the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, Samsung is putting forward a compelling reason for tech companies not to rush a new version of their gadgets every year.

If the brand’s new smartwatch is anything to go by, skipping a year does mean the next iteration of the wearable can be significantly different, so much so that it might even entice people who own the previous version.

So what’s the fuss about? The new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 received some big updates, including a thinner case, lighter strap, and larger battery, and it also has a much brighter screen than before – in fact, it’s probably the brightest of all smartwatch displays out there. The watch now uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite processor for buttery-smooth performance.

Features have also been upgraded. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 can do turn-by-turn navigation like Garmin watches, track elevation, and provide hydration guidance based on estimated sweat loss. Plus, it now has dedicated diving support, courtesy of Mares. Best of all, the watch still looks pretty cool and performs even better.

Best smartwatch of 2026? Well, it’s not all sunshine and lollipops, but Samsung is certainly trying to better its hardware and software. Should you upgrade if you have an older Samsung watch, and is it worth jumping ecosystems if you have – let’s say – an Apple Watch Ultra 3? Let’s find out.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 review

Price and availability

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 was announced on 22 July 2026, the same day pre-orders for the watch opened. The wearables will go on sale on 7 August for the recommended price of £649. EU, US and AU prices and availability TBC. The watch comes in two colours, Titanium Silver and Titanium Grey.

For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra retailed for £599/ $649.99/ AU$1,299 at launch, but can now be bought for as little as £400. The Apple Watch Ultra 3’s recommended retail price is $799 / £749 / AU$1,399 / €899, a fair amount higher than the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

The 44 mm version of the also brand new Galaxy Watch 9, which comes in either Graphite or Silver colour, sells for £349, while the smaller 40 mm version (colour options: Graphite and Cream) retails for £319.

Design and build quality

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 follows the original Ultra’s blueprint, retaining Samsung’s distinctive “cushion” design, which I like quite a lot. This combines an angular, rounded-square titanium case with a conventional circular display, allowing the screen to look like a traditional watch face while also giving the wearable a unique look.

Case

The 47 mm titanium case is said to be 12% thinner than before, despite the much larger 800mAh battery it houses. For context, the original Galaxy Watch Ultra measured 47.4 x 47.1 x 12.1mm and weighed 60.5g without its strap.

My Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 sample registered 61g on the scales, suggesting Samsung has reduced thickness without making the watch body itself significantly lighter.

I should add that my kitchen scales can’t measure 0.5 grams, so it’s entirely possible that the new watch is exactly the same weight.

(For the record, Samsung didn’t provide a spec sheet or feature list for the review. I will update it once I get hold of them.)

Strap

The new strap makes a more noticeable difference: it weighs 24g on my scales and is claimed to be 25% lighter than its predecessor. The material also feels genuinely softer and more pliable, helping the large watch sit more comfortably against the wrist.

Numerous perforations provide ample adjustment and should improve airflow during exercise, while Samsung’s Dynamic Lug System allows the strap sections to be released using buttons on the underside of the case.

Controls

The three-button layout is back, located at the right edge. It includes the circular Quick Button, distinguished by an orange surround, which provides immediate access to frequently used outdoor and exercise functions. The two flatter buttons above and below handle the usual Home and Back duties.

There is no mechanically rotating bezel, although the fixed bezel gives the display a useful degree of protection and supports Samsung’s touch-bezel navigation.

The numbered markings and orange index add to the watch’s technical, outdoorsy appearance. The bezel itself is touch-sensitive and can be used to navigate menus.

Display

The circular AMOLED display is protected by a sapphire crystal lens, but peak brightness has risen to a whopping 5,000 nits, which exceeds the original Ultra’s and the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s already impressive 3,000-nit maximum.

Other design details

Samsung positioned the original model as its toughest watch, equipping it with 10ATM and IP68 water resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification and an operating range of -20°C to 55°C.

The Ultra 2 is clearly cut from the same rugged cloth, although its final durability ratings will need to be confirmed once Samsung publishes the complete specification sheet.

Health tracking

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 carries over the extensive health toolkit of its predecessor, including continuous heart-rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation, sleep and stress tracking, ECG readings, blood-pressure monitoring, and BIA-based body-composition analysis.

That is not necessarily a problem. Samsung Health is exceptionally polished, and both the phone app and watch interface present a considerable amount of information without becoming difficult to navigate. I particularly enjoyed the on-watch body-composition measurements, but sleep tracking was arguably the most impressive part of my testing.

Sleep tracking

I wore the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 alongside the Oura Ring 5, my current benchmark for consumer sleep tracking. Neither can be considered as accurate as a clinical sleep study, but comparing their results provides a useful indication of consistency.

The two devices produced remarkably similar results. The sleep window difference was only 7 minutes, and the total sleep time difference was only 10 minutes (over nearly 9 hours).

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 detected 32 minutes of awake time, while Oura reported 33 minutes. Deep sleep differed by only five minutes, with Samsung recording one hour and 17 minutes and Oura measuring one hour and 22 minutes.

REM and light sleep showed larger differences, but since sleep stages are all guesswork across wearables, it certainly isn’t a deal-breaker. Sleep latency was 17 minutes according to Samsung and 10 minutes according to Oura.

Both measured an average sleeping heart rate of 48 bpm, while average blood oxygen saturation differed by a single percentage point: 96% on the Galaxy Watch and 97% on the Oura Ring.

That degree of agreement is excellent for two consumer wearables using different form factors and algorithms. It does not prove that either device correctly identified every sleep stage, but it gives me confidence in the Galaxy Watch’s estimates.

Samsung also provides plenty of depth. Alongside sleep duration and stages, the app shows movement, overnight blood oxygen saturation, skin temperature deviation, average heart rate, and respiratory rate.

It offers bedtime guidance, seven-day trends and sleep-consistency analysis, although its presentation is more clinical and less interpretive than Oura’s. The Ring does a better job of connecting sleep to concepts such as efficiency, restfulness, sleep debt, body-clock alignment and readiness.

Snore detection is available, but it relies on the paired phone being positioned near the bed and connected to a charger. That makes it considerably less seamless than the watch’s other overnight measurements.

Body composition tracking

The on-watch body-composition feature uses bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, body water, body fat percentage, BMI, and basal metabolic rate. To take a reading, you enter your weight and place two fingers against the watch’s buttons while keeping your arms away from your torso.

I compared its results with my Withings Body Comp smart scales. The measurements were taken two days apart, so changes in hydration, food intake and other variables prevent this from being a controlled comparison. Nevertheless, the directly comparable results were impressively close.

The Galaxy Watch estimated my body fat at 17.5%, compared with 18.1% from the Withings scales. Samsung calculated 14.2kg of fat mass (vs 14.6kg on the Withings) with a recorded weight of 80.8kg. A difference of 0.6% is reassuringly small.

Muscle figures cannot be compared directly because Samsung reports skeletal muscle mass, whereas Withings reports it as a percentage. Both devices are also consumer BIA products – not clinical body-composition scanners – so individual readings should be treated as estimates.

Sound exposure tracking

Sound Exposure is one of the genuinely new health additions. It uses the watch’s microphone to estimate cumulative exposure to environmental noise and shows how much of the recommended daily allowance has been consumed.

Samsung Health divides the result into OK, Caution, and Unsafe categories. It also displays the average sound level, periods above 80dB, and exposure trends over the previous seven days.

On one day, the watch recorded an average of 77dB and a cumulative exposure of 101%, which it says was “unsafe”. This was caused by the window of my car being down for approx 4 hours while driving on the motorways – the wind clearly made quite a racket in the car.

Samsung stresses that the figures are estimates affected by device use and fit, and that they are intended for general wellness rather than professional hearing assessment.

Other health features

Elsewhere, the Ultra 2 records heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature deviation, blood oxygen levels, and other overnight signals to establish a personal Vitals baseline.

Samsung Health also provides Heart Health and Vascular Load scores, the latter of which compares overnight cardiovascular strain against the user’s baseline.

ECG, blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm notifications, sleep apnoea detection, stress monitoring, AGEs Index, and menstrual cycle predictions complete one of the most extensive health suites available on a smartwatch.

Health feature gripes

There are some familiar frustrations. As mentioned above, snore detection only works when the paired phone is positioned near the bed and connected to its charger. Certain regulated health functions also require a SIM card so Samsung Health Monitor can establish which country the device is being used in.

Samsung also talks extensively about AI, but its broader health ecosystem still lacks some tools found in other apps. Food logging from a photograph, for example, would make nutrition tracking much less of a hassle.

Also, while the software is polished, there is bloatware everywhere on the phone that’s required for all the watch functions to operate properly, which I could live without.

Fitness tracking

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 supports more than 100 exercise types, ranging from everyday walking and strength sessions to multisport events, open-water swimming and trail running. Outdoor tracking is backed by dual-frequency L1 and L5 GPS, with support for GPS, Galileo, Glonass and BeiDou satellite systems, plus onboard elevation and compass sensors.

Samsung says the new Snapdragon Wear Elite processor improves positioning accuracy and efficiency, particularly in challenging environments such as cities, forests and mountains. The watch also offers personalised heart-rate zones, VO₂ max estimates, cardio-load analysis and automatic exercise recognition.

It is a comprehensive package, although the depth of its training analysis remains closer to a premium general-purpose smartwatch than a dedicated Garmin or Coros sports watch.

Automatic exercise recognition

Automatic exercise recognition also works impressively well. The watch can detect walks and less conventional activities after approximately 10 minutes. (It even recorded half an hour of morning housework as exercise, estimating that I had burned around 200 calories.) Running detection is faster, taking roughly four minutes to recognise that a session has begun.

It’s worth noting that auto-logged outdoor workouts, such as walks, don’t trigger the GPS, so if you want to record your route, you’d best start the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 manually.

Samsung’s algorithms can nevertheless be demanding. Despite completing 16,000 steps on one particularly active day, the watch informed me that my cardio load was insufficient. General movement contributes to daily activity, but the system still expects vigorous exercise before awarding a favourable cardio-load score. Is the watch trying to kill me?

I appreciate that the WHO recommends daily moderate-to-vigorous exercise, but surely the algorithm could just determine that multiple walks and 10k+ steps a day are fine? Oh, well.

Trail running

The new trail-running profile records duration, distance, calories, speed, pace, elevation, gradient and heart rate. It covers the fundamentals, but it is not nearly as detailed as the trail-running tools found on comparable Garmin watches.

Samsung is positioning the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 as a serious adventure watch, yet its data and analysis still align more closely with those of a mainstream smartwatch.

Sweat-loss estimation is interesting, although “estimation” is the operative word. The figure is not generated in real time, either, and you have to run for at least 20 minutes and burn 90 calories before the watch produces a result.

Following a hot 45-minute trail run, it estimated that I had lost almost one litre of fluid and recommended drinking 1.5 litres to replenish it. That is potentially useful guidance, but it feels almost too hardcore for the relatively basic analysis surrounding it.

GPX and turn-by-turn navigation

I have not yet tested GPX imports or turn-by-turn navigation, although completed routes can be exported from Samsung Health as GPX files. It is also worth remembering that GPX route guidance and elevation information were already available on the original Galaxy Watch Ultra.

Diving

I was unable to test the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2’s new diving functionality, but it represents one of the watch’s most significant adventure-focused upgrades. Samsung says the dedicated diving app launches automatically when the watch enters the water and records real-time depth, dive duration and water temperature.

A separate app developed with diving-equipment specialist Mares is due later this year, adding more advanced guidance such as descent speed, recommended time at a given depth and safe-ascent information intended to reduce the risk of decompression sickness.

Battery life and charging

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has an 800mAh battery, representing a substantial 35% capacity increase over the original Ultra’s 590mAh cell. In my testing, however, the larger battery did not produce an equally dramatic increase in real-world endurance.

Starting from 100%, the watch reached 11% after 57 hours and 10 minutes. This period included a 45-minute trail run, a 42-minute GPS-tracked walk, a manually tracked 20-minute circuit workout and almost two hours of automatically detected walking, housework and other activity.

Based on these results, I estimate a total battery life of approximately 64 hours, or just over two and a half days, with the always-on display enabled. That just about exceeds Samsung’s 60-hour claim for the original Galaxy Watch Ultra under the same display setting.

My testing also included more than three and a half hours of recorded activity, including two GPS workouts, making the result particularly encouraging. The improvement is nowhere near the 35% increase in battery capacity, but the Ultra 2 appears capable of lasting longer than its predecessor under demanding mixed use.

Charging

Charging performance is adequate rather than particularly fast. Starting at 12%, the watch reached 62% after 35 minutes and 100% after 70 minutes. It was initially estimated that the process would take 1 hour and 21 minutes, with an average charging input of around 5W.

More testing is required to see how the watch fares without the always-on screen, and without GPS workouts logged during the discharge period. Also, Samsung hasn’t provided me with specifications, so I don’t know how my results compare with the official numbers.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a superb flagship smartwatch and a meaningful hardware upgrade over its predecessor.

Its dazzling 5,000-nit display, smoother performance, more comfortable strap and larger battery all improve the everyday experience, while sleep and body-composition tracking performed impressively against my Oura Ring 5 and Withings scales.

Samsung Health remains one of the most comprehensive and polished wearable platforms available. New additions such as Sound Exposure, trail running and automatic diving support broaden its appeal, although its training analysis and navigation tools still lack the depth offered by comparable Garmin and Coros watches.

The £649 price is also hard to ignore, especially since the original Galaxy Watch Ultra can now be found for considerably less. If you have one and it’s still functional, you might not need to rush the upgrade unless the brighter display, improved battery life, or diving features are especially appealing.

For anyone with an older Galaxy Watch who wants Samsung’s best wearable, however, the Ultra 2 is the obvious choice. It is not quite the ultimate outdoor watch Samsung wants it to be, but it may be the most complete Android smartwatch of its generation.

Chilly’s, the hip British answer to YETI, Stanley and Hydro Flask, has just unveiled its longest-lasting insulated water bottle yet.

The new Series 3 Flip is an insulated straw bottle available in 500ml and 1-litre sizes.

Even the larger version is a lot smaller than the last Chilly's water bottle we reported on, the Big Mouth, but it's still substantial enough for commuting, work and the gym.

According to the British brand, the larger version can keep drinks cold for up to 75 hours (~just over three days), while the smaller bottle promises up to 45 hours of cold retention.

Those figures put the Series 3 Flip comfortably beyond the 24-hour claim commonly attached to premium insulated bottles.

However, as we all know, real-world performance depends on factors such as the drink's starting temperature, ambient conditions, and how frequently the bottle is opened.

Silence is golden

Longer insulation is the headline upgrade, but Chilly’s has also attempted to tackle some of the smaller annoyances associated with reusable bottles.

The Series 3 Flip has a rubber base to prevent it from clattering on hard desks or gym floors.

Furthermore, a soft-touch, removable loop makes it easier to carry, and Chilly’s describes its construction as completely leak-proof, which, admittedly, is an important claim for anything destined to share a backpack with a laptop.

Its flip-up straw incorporates a BPA-free drinking surface treated with an antimicrobial additive.

The bottle’s steel construction is also made using 90% recycled material, although Chilly’s says this does not reduce its durability or insulating performance.

Visually, it retains the clean, urban styling associated with the brand, including an oversized Chilly’s logo embossed into the side.

The Series 3 Flip bottles are available now via Chilly's, with the 500ml bottle costing £40, while the 1-litre model is priced at £48.

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.

New Balance has unveiled two high-performance running shoes designed to take runners from speedy training sessions through to marathon race day.

The new SuperComp Rebel v1 is arguably the more surprising arrival, essentially fusing the FuelCell Rebel and SuperComp Trainer lines into one high-speed daily trainer.

New Balance says it has created a plated, high-stack training shoe intended to bring “race-day energy” to everyday running.

It is joined by the SuperComp Elite v6, the latest generation of New Balance’s flagship carbon-plated racing shoe and the successor to the T3 Awards-winner FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5.

New Balance has dropped FuelCell from both product names, possibly because the shoes introduce the brand’s new Infinion midsole foam.

The company claims the new compound is designed to provide responsive cushioning and sustained energy return.

Rebel with a plate

The SuperComp Rebel v1 combines Infinion foam with a carbon-infused Pebax propulsion plate.

New Balance says the plate’s shape, material and placement have been engineered to produce a responsive, energetic ride suitable for tempo sessions, faster training runs and potentially racing.

A 40mm heel and 36mm forefoot give the Rebel a 4mm drop. The men’s version weighs a claimed 218g in a size 9.5, while the women’s model comes in at 174g in a size 7.

FANTOMFIT reinforcement locks down the midfoot and heel without adding the weight of a more traditionally structured upper.

At £190, it also sits below New Balance’s premium competition shoe while retaining some of its race-inspired technology.

The SuperComp Elite v6 adopts the lightest version of Infinion foam and a redesigned carbon-fibre plate intended to increase stiffness and propulsion over marathon distances.

Despite retaining a race-legal 40mm heel stack, it weighs just 190g for men and 155g for women.

Its 8mm drop results from a 40mm heel and 32mm forefoot, while a translucent mesh upper reinforced with FANTOMFIT provides a lightweight but secure fit.

New Balance developed the shoe with input from athletes including Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee and American marathon record holder Emily Sisson.

"The innovation in this update raises the bar for race-day footwear," added Sisson when asked about the new shoes.

Yee ran his 2:06:38 marathon personal best in the Elite v5 at the 2025 Valencia Marathon and says the updated v6 feels “even lighter and faster”.

The New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 will launch on 6 August for £230 (~$310 / €271 / AU$441), followed by the SuperComp Rebel v1 on 20 August for £190 (~$255 / €224 / AU$364).

Both shoes will be available through New Balance stores and the brand’s website.

After months of leaks and speculation, Garmin has officially unveiled the Cirqa Smart Band, its first screen-free fitness and health tracker.

The new wearable combines Garmin’s familiar health, sleep and training tools with a low-profile fabric band designed to be worn around the clock.

There is no display, with all recorded data presented through the Garmin Connect app.

It is an increasingly popular formula already used by the Whoop MG, Polar Loop and Amazfit Helio Strap, but unlike some of its rivals, Garmin has opted for a non-subscription model.

(I should add that it's an increasingly unusual model even from Garmin not to attach at least some ongoing cost to its wearable.)

Familiar intelligence

Despite its relatively discreet appearance, Cirqa supports many of the advanced metrics usually associated with Garmin watches.

It continuously monitors heart rate, stress, Body Battery, Pulse Ox and skin temperature, while its sleep tools cover sleep stages, naps, respiration, HRV and personalised guidance on how much rest you need.

Training readiness, training status, VO2 max, workout benefit and recovery time are also included, making Cirqa much more than a basic fitness tracker.

More than 80 activity profiles are available on the band, and you can start your favourite activity by using the single button on the side.

Garmin says the Cirqa band can also automatically detect and classify various activities without any input.

The brand also added that the Cirqa will learn from the activities you confirm or correct inside Garmin Connect, allowing its automatic classification to become more accurate over time.

Made for the Garmin ecosystem

There is no built-in GPS, although Cirqa can use a connected phone to map outdoor runs, walks and rides.

LiveTrack location sharing is supported through the Garmin Connect app, too.

Cyclists can pair the band with a compatible Garmin Edge computer to display live heart-rate data during a ride.

Garmin will also sell a separate armband, providing an alternative fit beneath a cycling jersey or during sleep.

Perhaps most importantly for existing Garmin users, health and training data can be synchronised across devices.

That means you could wear a Garmin watch for workouts and navigation before switching to the less conspicuous Cirqa for sleep or everyday tracking.

The band costs £180 / $200 / €200 / AU$300, comes in two strap sizes and promises up to 10 days of battery life.

The Cirqa is hardly inexpensive, especially when several screen-free rivals are now available.

However, access to Garmin’s extensive training ecosystem without a mandatory monthly or annual fee could make it one of the strongest Whoop alternatives yet.

It will be available directly from Garmin UK, Garmin US, Garmin EU and Garmin AU from 24 July in seven colours, including Citron Grey, Mauve, French Grey, Dark Olive, Captain Blue, French Blue and Black.

Most outdoor watch manufacturers are currently competing to offer brighter AMOLED displays, more detailed maps and increasingly sophisticated health insights.

Even though the brand has launched several modern smartwatches, including the Suunto Race 2 and Suunto Run, Suunto’s latest release takes a decidedly different approach.

The Core 2 is an old-school outdoor watch built around a monochrome LED display, physical buttons and a replaceable coin-cell battery.

There is no GPS, heart-rate sensor, or app-packed smartwatch interface, but it can run continuously for up to 15 months without needing a charge.

It is the successor to the original Suunto Core, launched in 2007 and subsequently adopted by hikers, outdoor professionals and tactical users.

The new model preserves its predecessor’s chunky tool-watch aesthetic while introducing several practical hardware upgrades.

Its essential outdoor functions come from an updated altimeter, barometer and compass (ABC) sensor suite.

The watch can track altitude, ascent and descent, monitor atmospheric pressure and provide offline directional guidance using a magnetic compass with bearing lock.

Suunto has also added automatic pressure filtering, designed to reduce false storm warnings, along with an alarm that alerts the wearer to a rapid drop in barometric pressure.

Back to (outdoor) basics

The 1.3-inch dot-matrix LED display is said to be 40% brighter than the original Core's and is now protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.

You can switch between red and green backlighting, while a raise-to-wake function illuminates the screen without requiring a button press.

Water resistance has risen substantially from 3 ATM to 10 ATM, meaning the Core 2 is rated to withstand pressure equivalent to a depth of 100 metres.

Its reinforced composite case measures 49mm across and 14.8mm thick, while the watch weighs 56.5g before the 22mm silicone strap is added.

Other functions include sunrise and sunset times, moon phase information, cumulative elevation, daily step tracking, dual time zones, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, and alarms.

Bluetooth connectivity is included, although its role is deliberately limited.

Pairing the watch with the Suunto app enables automatic time synchronisation, step data transfers, and over-the-air firmware updates.

The Suunto Core 2 will be available globally from 21 July 2026, followed by a US launch on 20 August.

It is priced at $199 in the US, €199 in Europe and $155 in the UK, with AU pricing yet to be confirmed.

Head over to Suunto for more information.

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]

Researchers have developed a new material that captures moisture from the air before turning it into clean drinking water, potentially paving the way for self-filling bottles and off-grid hydration systems.

Created by scientists at Australia’s RMIT University alongside collaborators in China, the sponge-like composite absorbs water vapour even when humidity levels are as low as 30% – conditions that would leave many existing atmospheric water harvesters struggling. Better still, it releases that water using only gentle warming from sunlight, avoiding the need for electricity or complex equipment.

The material combines naturally porous balsa wood with lithium chloride, a highly effective moisture-absorbing salt, all wrapped inside a layer of iron oxide nanoparticles.

Those particles efficiently convert sunlight into heat, speeding up the release of collected water while helping the system complete multiple collection cycles throughout the day.

In laboratory tests, the material absorbed around 2ml of water per gram overnight before releasing almost all of it during daylight. Outdoor trials showed it could harvest around 2.5ml per gram overnight and between 5ml and 13ml per gram over a full 24-hour period, depending on humidity levels.

The researchers believe scaling the technology up could eventually allow devices to generate several litres of drinking water each day.

It's easy to imagine the possibilities. A camping water bottle that slowly refills itself overnight. Emergency water supplies after natural disasters. Off-grid homes in remote regions. Even military or expedition equipment that reduces the amount of water people need to carry.

There's still a long road before you'll see this built into your favourite reusable bottle, but the science is promising. Like the stillsuits from Dune, the goal is simple: recover every drop of precious water possible. Thankfully, this version doesn't require wearing a full-body desert survival suit.

Hypershell has officially launched its upgraded X Series exoskeleton range in the UK and Europe, bringing its AI-powered walking technology to retailers including Currys and Healf.

First announced internationally in May, the collection consists of the Hypershell X Pro S, X Max S and flagship X Ultra S.

Each provides a different combination of power, range and terrain-specific assistance.

All three use HyperIntuition, the company's end-to-end AI motion-control system.

It combines movement detection, recognition and prediction to adjust the assistance delivered to the wearer rather than relying exclusively on predefined movement patterns.

According to TÜV Rheinland-verified testing, the system achieves 97.5% gait synchronisation across different terrains and responds within 0.31 seconds, making it 64.5% faster than the previous generation.

I reviewed the older Hypershell X Pro in 2025 and found its assistance surprisingly natural once the exoskeleton was correctly adjusted.

It was particularly effective on inclines, where its motors helped drive my legs forwards and reduced some of the fatigue associated with climbing.

The latest generation attempts to make that support feel more immediate while improving comfort.

Its redesigned wearing system includes three-zone waist padding, a honeycomb anti-slip structure and additional lower-back support.

A little help from robotic legs

The X Max S and X Ultra S use Hypershell’s new M-One Ultra motor system, producing up to 1,000W of assistance and 22Nm of torque. The entry-level X Pro S delivers up to 800W.

The brand says SGS-certified testing found that the M-One Ultra system could reduce oxygen consumption by up to 39.2% and heart rate by up to 42.7%.

The flagship Ultra S adds 3D-printed titanium-alloy components, carbon-fibre composite leg structures and 12 assistance modes, including dedicated settings for snow and sand.

The Pro S and Max S have ten modes covering walking, running, cycling, stairs, gravel and mountainous terrain.

All three are IP54-rated against water and dust. The maximum quoted range is 17.5 km (~10.8 miles) for the Pro S, 30 km (~18.6 miles) for the Max S, and 30 km for the dual-battery Ultra S.

The new Hypershell X Series is available now through Hypershell and selected European retailers. UK prices range from £899 / €999 for the Pro S to £1,699 / €€1,999 for the Ultra S.

Fitness trackers have come a long way, but they're all limited by one simple problem: they only measure what they can reach. Whether it's a smartwatch or a chest strap, sensors can shift during exercise, lose contact with your skin and struggle to collect consistently accurate readings. Researchers at Penn State think they have a much better solution – one you paint directly onto your body.

The team has developed a conductive ink that works like face paint, allowing custom electronic tattoos to be applied almost anywhere on the skin. Once dry, the paint forms highly sensitive electrodes capable of monitoring the electrical activity produced by your heart, muscles and brain, all while being more breathable and comfortable than traditional adhesive sensor pads.

Unlike conventional medical electrodes, the paint can be mixed with different pigments to create colourful designs, making the technology feel more like wearable art than medical equipment.

The researchers also say the material bonds closely with the skin, helping it maintain accurate readings even during movement and perspiration – exactly where today's wearables often struggle.

That opens up some fascinating possibilities. For fitness enthusiasts, these temporary tattoos could provide more accurate ECG heart monitoring or detailed muscle activity tracking during training. They could also help athletes fine-tune performance without having to wear multiple straps, patches or bulky sensors.

The medical applications are even more exciting. The same paint-on electrodes can capture EEG brain signals, EMG muscle activity and detailed ECG readings that could help doctors identify irregular heart rhythms or even detect the warning signs of a heart attack earlier than consumer wearables can today.

The researchers also believe the technology could improve the control of robotic prosthetic limbs by reading muscle signals more precisely.

Plus, the tattoos aren't permanent. They can be washed away and reapplied whenever needed, making them far less intimidating than implanted devices while remaining far more versatile than today's disposable electrode patches.

There's no word yet on when – or if – this technology will make its way into consumer products. But as fitness trackers continue to evolve beyond the wrist, a colourful electronic tattoo that looks more like body art than medical equipment suddenly doesn't seem so far-fetched.

The North Face has dipped into its extensive footwear archive to create the Clyffe Ultra, a chunky new everyday trainer inspired by the brand’s ultrarunning shoes from the early 2000s.

It is a timely revival. Technical-looking trainers have moved well beyond the trail in recent years, with rugged outsoles, mesh uppers and oversized protective overlays now almost as common on city streets as they are in the mountains.

The Clyffe Ultra taps into that aesthetic without pretending to be a modern trail-running shoe.

The North Face describes it primarily as a lifestyle model for everyday adventures, city exploration and non-technical terrain.

Its upper combines premium suede with breathable spacer mesh, embroidered reinforcements and reflective details.

A substantial scratch-rubber rand wraps around the lower portion of the shoe, helping protect the upper from abrasion while contributing to its distinctive Y2K appearance.

Somewhere between the crag and the city

Underfoot, The North Face has used a plush foam midsole designed to provide soft, comfortable cushioning.

It isn’t the lightweight DREAM foam found in the brand’s latest performance running shoes, but it should be better suited to long days spent walking around town.

A nylon shank adds torsional stiffness and extra support, while the Vibram outsole provides traction.

The XS Trek EVO rubber features relatively deep 4.5mm lugs, giving the Clyffe Ultra considerably more grip than the average lifestyle trainer.

Dual heel loops make the trainers easier to pull on, while the low-cut silhouette keeps them looking more like an archive trail runner than conventional hiking footwear.

The North Face says the design combines heritage elements from its early-2000s ultrarunning styles with the more contemporary, climbing-inspired technology of the wider Clyffe collection.

At approximately 383g per shoe, the Clyffe Ultra isn’t especially light, although that is hardly surprising given the extensive rubber protection, suede construction and substantial outsole.

The unisex Clyffe Ultra is available now at The North Face UK, The North Face US and The North Face EU for £130 / $150 / €145.

Colour options include Desert Stone/TNF Blue, TNF Black/TNF Red, Pale Khaki/Lemon Mist, Cumulus Cloud/Peak Purple and Calacatta/Muted Pine.

The Puffer Outdoors debut tent throws out the traditional pole system entirely in favour of inflatable air beams that rise into shape in around two minutes using the included electric pump. Better still, it also builds the air mattress directly into the floor, meaning there's one less bit of camping kit to remember.

Called simply the Puffer, the tent mixes the silhouette of a classic A-frame with the curved structure of a tunnel tent. Three inflatable arches create steep walls for a roomy interior, while the integrated air base is inflated separately so you can adjust the mattress firmness without affecting the structure above.

Designed for two people, it offers an interior sleeping area measuring 216 x 107cm (85 x 42 inches), while packing down into a duffel measuring just 64 x 25cm (25.2 x 9.84 inches). The tent itself weighs 8.3kg (18.2lb), or 10kg (22lb) once you add the electric pump, bag and accessories, making it portable enough for festivals, beach camping or short hikes from the car.

Packing away is almost as simple as setting up. The supplied pump can reverse its airflow to suck the air back out of both the frame and mattress before everything rolls neatly back into its carry bag. Puffer also includes a repair kit, stakes and guy lines in the box should you encounter less-than-perfect camping conditions.

At $649.99 (around £480 / AU$980), it certainly isn't a budget buy, but it's also more than just a tent. The integrated sleeping system and rapid setup make it feel like a complete camping solution rather than another shelter to throw in the boot.

For seasoned campers, the price may be difficult to justify. But for festival-goers and weekend adventurers who value convenience almost as much as comfort, the Puffer could take much of the hassle out of sleeping outdoors. That's worth a lot when everyone else is still untangling tent poles.

Reaching the bottom of a climb can sometimes be an adventure in itself, especially when the route involves loose scree, snow, etc.

Arc’teryx’s latest footwear has been designed specifically for that less glamorous but often highly demanding part of the journey.

The new Arc’teryx Konseal Trek is a sturdy, mid-height approach boot designed for scrambling, climbing, and trekking over rugged terrain with a heavy pack.

It takes the technical focus of the brand’s existing low-cut Konseal approach shoes and adds more ankle support, weather protection and underfoot cushioning.

A waterproof GORE-TEX membrane is paired with an abrasion-resistant nubuck leather upper, while rubberised Endure overlays extend up the sides to protect against sharp rocks.

There is also a moulded TPU toe bumper for additional protection when moving through scree or scrambling over uneven ground.

The extended lacing system extends to the toes, allowing you to adjust the fit more precisely than with a conventional hiking boot.

Arc’teryx also claims the boot’s improved heel hold can help reduce unwanted movement and blistering during longer approaches.

The long road to the wall

Underfoot, the Konseal Trek uses a compressed EVA midsole designed to balance long-distance comfort with the control needed on technical terrain.

Its substantial 35mm heel and 22.5mm forefoot create a whopping 12.5mm drop, which may help reduce strain on the calves and Achilles during long, steep approaches, while providing substantial cushioning beneath the heel when carrying a heavy pack.

Traction comes from the industry-favourite Vibram Megagrip outsole with deep 5.1mm lugs.

The tread pattern features additional lugs around the perimeter for stability on uneven ground, as well as dedicated climbing and braking zones.

At a listed 590g per boot, the Konseal Trek is considerably more substantial than the fast-and-light hiking footwear that has dominated recent launches.

The Konseal Trek Boot is available now in men’s and women’s sizes at Arc'teryx UK, Arc'teryx US and Arc'teryx EU for £260 / $280 / €280 (~AU$501).

Colour options include Black/Graphite and Mid Bracken/Graphite, although availability varies by model and region.

Arc’teryx lists the boot as PFAS compliant.

Finding room for a treadmill is often harder than finding the motivation to use one, but Urevo’s latest launch promises a surprisingly capable workout without permanently taking up half the living room.

The Strol 2E Pro is a compact, folding treadmill that can be used beneath a standing desk with its handrail lowered or unfolded for walking and light running at speeds of up to 6.2mph (10km/h).

It also offers up to 12% incline, matching the gradient used for the popular 12-3-30 treadmill workout, while costing only £249.99 in the UK.

For comparison, an iPhone 17 costs £799, and is it capable of getting you fit? Exactly.

The under-desk treadmill is aimed more at walkers and light joggers than serious indoor runners.

The Strol 2E Pro is an upgraded version of the existing Urevo Strol 2E, retaining its 2.25 HP motor, remote control, and under-desk configuration while addressing some of the original model’s limitations.

Hill starts without leaving home

The main difference between the two is the adjustable incline, something the standard Strol 2E lacks.

Urevo has also introduced automatic speed adjustment, controlled via its companion app, though users can still make manual changes with the supplied remote.

The app records workout history and metrics, offers virtual scenic routes from around the world and can synchronise data with Apple Health and Google Fit.

Urevo says the new model supports users weighing up to 300lb (136kg), an increase from the original treadmill’s 265lb (120kg) limit.

Its seven-layer belt is paired with eight silicone cushioning points, designed to soften impacts and reduce noise during workouts.

Despite the increased capacity, the company claims the Strol 2E Pro weighs just 44lb (approximately 20kg).

Its SwiftFold mechanism allows the handrail to be lowered in one movement, making it easier to slide the machine beneath furniture or to stand it upright when it is not in use.

The Urevo Strol 2E Pro is now available on Amazon UK for £249.99. US customers can buy it through Urevo and Amazon, with prices starting at $219.99.

EU and AU prices and availability TBC.

Peak Performance has launched a new waterproof jacket designed to move easily between wet-weather adventures and everyday life.

Part of the Swedish brand’s Autumn/Winter 2026 collection, the Treeline HIPE 2.5L Shell Jacket offers a less technical-looking alternative to the traditional mountain shell, pairing clean lines and a relaxed silhouette with year-round weather protection.

Hot on the heels of the Light Hike Collection, the new jacket uses Peak Performance’s proprietary HIPE 2.5-layer construction, providing a waterproof rating of 10,000mm and breathability of 10,000g/m²/24h.

Those figures make it best suited to commuting, walking, hiking and other everyday outdoor activities rather than prolonged exposure in extreme mountain conditions.

Speaking of harsher conditions, the Treeline HIPE 2.5L jacket is joined by the more protective Treeline GORE-TEX 3L Shell Jacket.

Priced at £350, it uses a tougher 70D ripstop outer, a three-layer GORE-TEX ePE membrane and a RECCO reflector.

It also raises the waterproof rating to 28,000mm, although its stated RET rating of under 20 puts its breathability in a more moderate bracket.

At 480g, it is the heavier and more substantial choice for sustained exposure to poor weather.

As for the Treeline HIPE 2.5L, the 50-denier ripstop face fabric should provide greater resistance to snagging and tearing than the thin material used by many lightweight waterproof jackets.

Weighing a mere 387g, the Treeline's 2.5-layer construction makes it convenient enough to carry when the forecast is uncertain.

Its relaxed cut leaves room underneath for additional layers, which also helps extend its usefulness beyond the warmer months.

Sweden’s everyday armour

Practical touches include large concealed hand pockets, adjustable cuffs and a drawcord hem.

The hood can be adjusted using one hand, allowing the fit to be tightened without stopping to put down a bag or remove a glove.

The understated branding and concealed storage contribute to a cleaner appearance than you would typically expect from a hiking shell.

This supports Peak Performance’s aim of creating a jacket that feels equally at home in an urban setting and outdoors.

“That relationship with the outdoors starts early,” says Sofia Gromark, VP Design & Creative at Peak Performance. “You grow up going outside with your family in all kinds of weather, so performance and comfort aren’t optional – they’re expected.”

The Treeline HIPE 2.5L Shell Jacket is now available at Peak Performance UK, Peak Performance US and Peak Performance EU in several colourways for men and women, priced at £220 / $250 / €250 (~AU$410).

Altra is stepping up its pursuit of trail-running shoe heavyweights Hoka and Salomon with the Olympus 275 HiLo, a heavily cushioned endurance shoe designed to keep moving over technical terrain long after darkness falls.

The new model builds on the Olympus 275, combining a 33mm stack of Altra EGO Max cushioning with a technical MATRYX upper and a Vibram Megagrip outsole.

Despite the substantial amount of foam underfoot, Altra retains the zero-drop geometry for which it is best known, placing the heel and forefoot at the same height.

According to the brand, the updated EGO Max midsole is 15% lighter and 10% softer than the previous version.

The men’s shoe weighs 10.5oz (298g), while the women’s model comes in at 8.8oz (249g).

The Olympus 275 HiLo also uses Altra’s Original FootShape fit, the roomiest of the brand’s three toe-box profiles.

This provides additional space around the toes and through the midfoot, allowing the foot to spread more naturally on long runs.

A tale of one mountain

Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the one-piece woven MATRYX upper, the same as that used in the Olympus 275, launched last year.

The lightweight material incorporates Kevlar yarns to increase durability without adding excessive weight.

Better still, the integrated, sock-like scree sleeve wraps around the ankle to keep stones and trail debris out of the shoe.

Underneath, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with TractionLug technology provides full-length coverage.

The small textured elements moulded into the sides of the main lugs are intended to increase the available surface area, improving traction on wet and dry ground.

The shoes are reminiscent of Hoka's Tecton X 3 with their flared heel and gaitered ankle construction.

The launch arrives as Altra continues to gain ground within owner VF Corporation’s portfolio.

The Utah-born company recorded growth of more than 35% in VF’s 2025 financial reporting, making it the group’s fastest-growing brand at the time and comfortably outpacing stablemates The North Face and Timberland.

The Olympus 275 HiLo launched on 15 July and is available to buy now at Altra UK, Altra US and Altra EU for £175 / $200 / €200 (~AU$328). AU pricing and availability to be confirmed.

If you've admired the performance credentials of Adidas Terrex's flagship trail running shoes but baulked at the price, the brand has just launched a more attainable alternative.

The Agravic SL borrows key technology from the top-of-the-line Agravic Speed Ultra range and packages it into a versatile daily trail shoe that costs 30% less than the flagship racer.

The new shoes are designed as an all-rounder that can tackle everything from daily training runs and local woodland loops to technical mountain trails.

With it, the company is bringing premium technologies to runners who simply want a single shoe that can handle all their off-road adventures.

The Agravic SL features a full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole, the brand's lightweight, highly responsive foam that has become a hallmark of Adidas' fastest road and trail shoes.

It delivers the soft yet energetic ride that runners have come to expect from the brand's premium footwear.

Grip should be equally impressive, thanks to the full Continental Rubber outsole, which uses the tyre manufacturer's well-established rubber compound to provide dependable traction in both wet and dry conditions.

Combined with a lug pattern that looks aggressive enough for loose terrain without becoming overly cumbersome on fireroads or tarmac, the Agravic SL appears well suited to the increasingly popular "door-to-trail" style of running.

Race-day DNA, everyday miles

The rest of the shoe follows the same philosophy, with an engineered mesh upper with durable TPU overlays that aim to balance breathability with trail-ready protection.

Meanwhile, internal reinforcements and elastic tongue wings are designed to keep the foot securely locked in when the terrain becomes more technical.

Despite its generous cushioning, the Agravic SL tips the scales at just 279g.

Underfoot, runners get a 39mm heel stack, a 33mm forefoot stack, and a 6mm drop, giving the shoe a modern, highly cushioned platform built for long-distance comfort.

The Agravic SL is available now directly from Adidas Terrex in Cloud White / Core Black / Semi Impact Orange and Core Black/Grey Two/Core Black colourways for the recommended price of £140 in the UK, $160 in the US and €160 across Europe (~AU$262).

AU price and availability TBC.

HOKA has unveiled the Clifton 11, the latest version of one of the most recognisable daily running shoes on the market.

With the latest update, the brand has focused on enhancing comfort with a redesigned upper, an updated fit, and a softer underfoot feel.

HOKA has introduced a premium engineered jacquard knit upper for improved breathability and a more luxurious feel, alongside an updated ultrasoft sockliner designed to increase step-in comfort.

A new double lace-lock system promises a more secure fit, while reflective detailing improves visibility during early morning and evening runs.

"The Clifton has set the standard for daily trainers for over a decade, earning runners’ trust with HOKA’s signature cushioning and innovative design,” said Bekah Broe, Sr. Director of Performance Footwear at HOKA.

“With the Clifton 11, we have built on that legacy - refining the fit, upgrading the engineered mesh upper, and enhancing the sockliner - to deliver a smoother and effortlessly comfortable ride.”

The Clifton 11 arrives about 15 months after the Clifton 10, suggesting HOKA is confident it got the fundamentals right last time.

It's an approach that mirrors what we've seen from several major running brands recently, where evolutionary updates are increasingly favoured over wholesale redesigns, particularly for bestselling daily trainers.

Keeping the magic intact

If you've enjoyed previous Clifton models, the good news is that HOKA hasn't changed the fundamentals.

The Clifton 11 retains the compression-moulded EVA foam midsole, rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame and the brand's signature MetaRocker geometry, all designed to deliver the smooth heel-to-toe transition the series is known for.

It also sticks with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop and a high-stack platform, weighing 282.8g in a men's sample and 236.4g in a women's version.

The Clifton 11 will go head-to-head with established favourites such as the Brooks Ghost 18, ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, Saucony Ride 19, New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v15 and Nike Pegasus 42.

While each shoe takes a slightly different approach to cushioning and ride feel, they're all designed to be versatile workhorses that handle everything from easy recovery runs to marathon training.

Priced at £140 / $155 / €165 / AU$280, the Clifton 11 undercuts several of those rivals while remaining firmly in the premium end of the market.

HOKA appears to be betting that incremental improvements to one of the industry's most recognisable running shoes will be enough to keep the Clifton among the best daily trainers money can buy.

The Clifton 11 is available now directly from HOKA and authorised retailers worldwide.

Lightweight hiking can quickly become an expensive hobby. Swap your backpacking tent for a Dyneema shelter, replace your lightweight sleeping bag with an even lighter premium down quilt and invest in a carbon trekking pole or two, and you could easily spend well over £1,000 in pursuit of a lighter pack.

The good news is that most hikers are already carrying more weight than they need to. After years of reviewing hiking gear, I've realised the biggest weight savings often come from rethinking what you pack, not replacing it. Chances are there are a few easy wins hiding inside your backpack right now.

Below, I've collected 13 (+1) tips, some of which you might have heard before and others that are hopefully new and useful to hikers and walkers. From chopping your toothbrush in half to leaving most of your "just in case" gear at home, here's everything you can do to make your bag lighter without spending a ton of cash.

I hope it goes without saying, but to achieve the ultimate echelons of lightness, you will need to plan pretty meticulously. If you're new to hiking and planning on going a longer trip, I would err on the side of caution and pack extra layers and emergency water.

However, for those with some experience who would like to take their ultralight adventures to the next level, it's time to start culling!

1. Audit your first-aid kit

I have a full, unopened first aid kit that I took with me to Mongolia when I ran the Mongol 100. I'm still carrying around the same – potentially expired – kit to this day, whether I'm in the mountains or on longer trips.

And sure, a comprehensive first-aid kit makes sense for remote, multi-day adventures, but many hikers carry far more than they'll ever need on a day walk.

Instead of taking an entire shop's worth of supplies, tailor your kit to the route, distance and number of people in your group. A handful of plasters, blister treatment, pain relief and any personal medication will often be enough.

Lifesystems has a pocketable kit that covers most of the stuff you can sort during a hike. Even with that, you can lose the pouch and decant/sort the contents into a thin plastic or fabric bag.

(You didn't hear it from me, and I certainly don't recommend it, but I know runners who only take surgical glue with them in case there is a wound that needs addressing, but that's it. Pretty hardcore.)

2. Stuff clothing directly into your backpack

Stuff sacks keep gear organised, but they also waste space. Soft items such as insulated layers, fleece jackets and sleeping bags often pack more efficiently when they're stuffed directly into your backpack. You won't save much weight, but you may find you can get away with using a smaller backpack in the future.

Down jackets often stuff into their pockets, and most insulated gear can be squashed properly without any sacks. As for fleeces, I usually take the lightest weight option I have on trips.

My current favourite is Peak Performance's Freelight AOP Polartec Alpha Half Zip top, which is incredibly light yet provides excellent insulation.

If I'm feeling extra brave, I only pack Mammut's Eiger Nordwand FL Air Mesh Vest, which uses the same materials and sits directly on the skin. It provides plenty of insulation and takes up zero space in my bag.

3. Decant toiletries

Cutting your toothbrush in half to save weight is the ultimate flex for ultralight adventuring. It might seem redundant at first, but once you look into things, you quickly realise there's no reason to carry a full tube of toothpaste or a 250ml bottle of sunscreen on an overnight trip.

Travel bottles or tiny refillable containers weigh considerably less and take up far less room. You can, of course, get dedicated gear that houses your toiletries – like Matador's Refillable Toothpaste Tubes – but in most cases, cheap plastic tubs/containers will do the trick.

4. Question every "just in case" item

Before I go on a hiking or walking adventure, I always start laying out every bit of gear I plan to take, including an extra fleece, spare trousers, an extra pair (or two) of socks, and camp mules.

Then, I ask myself a simple question: What's the likelihood I'll actually use this? The answer, more often than not, is "probably never," which is why I often end up leaving them at home.

5. Carry the right amount of water

Now, I appreciate this is controversial, but water is often the heaviest single item in your pack, so you must make sure you carry the right amount. One litre of room-temperature water weighs roughly one kilogram, so carrying three litres when you only need one is an easy way to add unnecessary weight.

Before setting off, check whether your route passes reliable refill points and adjust accordingly. That said – and I can't stress this enough – just don't compromise your safety. Always carry enough water for the conditions and build in a margin if you're unsure.

6. Remove unnecessary packaging

Energy bars don't need to stay inside cardboard boxes, and trail mix doesn't need to travel in bulky supermarket bags. Repack snacks into lightweight reusable bags before leaving home. I would also leave everything behind that might melt or go off quickly.

For hiking, it's always best to take energy-dense foods, mostly fatty ones, such as nuts, hard cheeses, salami, olives, etc. Dehydrated foodstuffs, like fruit and veg, also weigh a lot less than their watery counterparts.

7. Check for duplicate gear

This catches almost everyone eventually (including me). In most cases, you don't need two head torches or pocket knives, and there's no need to carry a multitool, a Swiss Army knife, or three charging cables. Lay everything out before you pack and look for overlap.

8. Pack your sleeping bag properly

If your sleeping bag spends most of its life inside a compression sack, you're making packing harder than it needs to be. Stuff it loosely into the bottom of your backpack and let it mould around the rest of your gear. It creates a more stable load and makes better use of every litre.

9. Repackage meals

Freeze-dried meals are convenient, but supermarket food often comes wrapped in far more plastic than necessary. If you're cooking your own meals, transferring ingredients into reusable bags can reduce both weight and waste.

10. Weigh every item

I mentioned being meticulous at the beginning, and weighing your gear on a kitchen scale is the ultimate sign that you're taking ultralight packing seriously. This is the habit that separates experienced backpackers from everyone else.

Use a kitchen scale and record the weight of each item you regularly carry. Once you know exactly what's in your pack, it becomes much easier to spot obvious opportunities to save weight. You might discover your "lightweight" camping chair weighs more than your tent.

11. Rethink your repair kit

I love getting my old gear repaired – I just recently stitched up a bunch of my socks – but I must admit that my repair kit is quite sizeable by now.

Do you really need a full-size multitool, half a roll of duct tape, cable ties, spare cord and three tent pegs on every hike? Pack for the trip you're actually doing, not the expedition you're imagining.

12. Pack with tomorrow in mind

If something doesn't help you stay safe, comfortable, fed or sheltered, ask whether you'll genuinely miss it on the trail. Cutting a handful of small items often has a bigger impact than replacing one expensive piece of kit.

+1: Tech you can leave at home

In this day and age, not taking technology is often one of the easiest ways to save weight. Modern smartphones are capable navigation devices for many day hikes, making a dedicated handheld GPS unnecessary on well-marked routes (again, be sensible with this).

Some outdoor watches, like the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, have built-in satellite navigation, offline mapping, and long battery life, which essentially make any other bit of navigation and messaging gear redundant.

Other brands' wearables are often just as capable when it comes to navigation. If you're wearing a GPS smartwatch from Garmin, Coros, Suunto or Apple, you'll also have route guidance, altitude data and emergency features right on your wrist.

Likewise, one compact GaN charger can replace multiple charging bricks, a single USB-C cable may be all you need if your devices share the same connector, and a 5,000mAh power bank is often plenty for a day's hiking instead of carrying a 20,000mAh brick (especially if you aren't using the phone for navigation, turned WiFi off and battery saver mode on).

Of course, if you're heading into remote terrain or tackling a multi-day expedition, dedicated navigation devices and larger batteries still have their place. But for many hikes, leaving a few gadgets behind is one of the easiest ways to make your backpack feel noticeably lighter without spending a penny.

Garmin has released another beta software update for its newest running watches, continuing the rapid pace of improvements following the launch of the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970.

The previous Beta 18.12 release introduced features such as "OK, Garmin" voice activation and several new software additions.

The new Beta 18.14 version is almost entirely focused on bug fixes and overall stability.

There are 18 changes in total, including fixes for several music playback quirks.

Garmin has addressed issues that could cause music to continue playing over spectator messages, an unexpected increase in volume after an alarm, incorrect playback information, or a brief switch to the watch's speaker after Bluetooth headphones disconnect.

The company has also changed the default behaviour so button tones are automatically disabled when fitness headphones are connected.

The update also improves Garmin Coach reliability by eliminating a bug that could cause the training days displayed on the watch to differ from those in a Garmin Coach plan.

Another resolves problems when selecting rest days for Garmin Coach and Daily Suggested Workouts.

Garmin says it has also fixed crashes that could occur during Indoor Climb activities, as well as resets that could occur when saving Indoor Rowing workouts.

There are additional fixes for alarm behaviour, touch controls during water sports, headphone volume, Touch Lock false unlocks and a handful of translation updates.

It's not the most exciting update of the year, but it's another sign that the company is keen on refining its wearables years after their release (well, in this case, a year).

For anyone using Garmin Coach, training indoors or listening to music directly from the watch, Beta 18.14 should make the overall experience noticeably smoother.

Public Beta Version 18.14 is now rolling out to members of Garmin's Beta Program, although the company says only around 20% of eligible users will receive it initially as part of a phased deployment.

If you're enrolled in the programme, you can also trigger the download manually by heading to Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.

[via NotebookCheck, Garmin Forums]

There are numerous Garmin watches in circulation at this point, but one of the strangest ones I've tried is certainly the Instinct Crossover Solar, which adds a pair of luminous hands to the digital display that are fully visible in the dark and move around when you interact with the display.

Shop all deals in Garmin's clearance sale

Back in the day, when I reviewed it, I wasn't sure why we needed such a smartwatch, but since then I've come to appreciate the wearable's quirkiness. It is a unique watch with a long battery life and access to Garmin's outdoor features and ecosystem – and now it's a whole lot cheaper than when it came out!

Interestingly, the deal is at Garmin, of all places, and not just that, but it undercuts even Amazon, which is pretty much unheard of. The Instinct Crossover Solar is currently listed as £340.85 at the online retail giant, which, according to my elementary maths skills, is a gazillion pounds more than £230.

As for the tech, thanks to Garmin's RevoDrive technology, the luminescent hands automatically recalibrate after impacts and move out of the way whenever you interact with the display.

It's built to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal and shock resistance, offers 10 ATM water resistance, and uses a sunlight-readable monochrome MIP display with Power Glass solar charging. Under ideal conditions, battery life stretches to up to 70 days in smartwatch mode, with virtually unlimited runtime in Battery Saver mode.

Despite its retro styling, the watch packs Garmin's full suite of outdoor and fitness tools, including multi-GNSS positioning, an altimeter, barometer and compass, plus heart rate, Pulse Ox, sleep tracking, Body Battery, stress monitoring and VO2 Max.

There are built-in profiles for running, hiking, cycling, swimming, strength training and more, alongside Garmin Pay, smartphone notifications, TracBack navigation and Training Status.

YETI has unveiled a new way to keep drinks cold this summer, introducing the Tank 30 Beverage Tub, an open-top cooler designed specifically for entertaining.

Unlike the brand's familiar hard coolers, the Tank 30 trades a sealed lid for quick and easy access, making it better suited to barbecues, garden parties and campsite gatherings where guests are constantly reaching for another drink.

The Tank 30 joins the ranks of other party accessories the cooler king offers, including the Rambler Beverage Bucket range, which comes in many sizes.

Despite the simpler design, it still borrows many of the features that made YETI's coolers famous.

The tub uses the same Permafrost insulation as the YETI Roadie 32 and is housed inside a rotomoulded body that should deliver significantly better ice retention than a conventional plastic drinks bucket.

According to YETI, it's designed to keep beverages cold throughout an evening of hosting.

More cooler than bucket

The Tank 30 also includes moulded grab handles for carrying when loaded with ice and drinks, along with BearFoot non-slip feet that help keep it planted on a variety of surfaces.

The rectangular design is wide enough to spread bottles and cans across the ice, making it easier for guests to grab what they're after without rummaging through layers of melting ice.

Over the past few years, the company has pushed beyond traditional hard coolers with products including the ultra-portable Roadie 8 and the Palo everyday backpack.

The company's lineup now also includes a growing selection of camp furniture and bags, with the Tank 30 continuing that move towards products aimed as much at home entertaining as at outdoor adventure.

The YETI Tank 30 Beverage Tub is available to buy now at YETI US with an MSRP of $150 (~£112 / €132 / AU$215).

It's available in White, Tan and Navy in the US – regional colour availability may vary.

"Start early" is probably the most common piece of advice you'll hear before heading out on a hike during a heatwave.

And for good reason, as walking before the hottest part of the day can significantly reduce your risk of heat exhaustion.

But while an early start certainly helps, it's far from the only thing that matters.

Factors such as trail conditions, humidity, tree cover and even the type of rock beneath your feet can have just as much influence on how hot you'll feel.

Here's why seasoned hikers look beyond the clock when temperatures soar.

The trail itself can become a radiator

Not all hiking routes feel the same on a hot day. Exposed, rocky areas, such as paved paths, can absorb solar energy throughout the morning before radiating it back into the air, which means even if the thermometer reads a comfortable 22°C, the ground around you can feel significantly hotter.

Woodland trails tend to stay cooler thanks to shade and lower surface temperatures, while routes that hug rivers or pass through valleys often benefit from slightly lower ambient temperatures, too. Nothing beats a bit of water spray from a nearby waterway on your morning walk.

UV doesn't wait for lunchtime

Many hikers assume they're safe from the sun before midday, but ultraviolet radiation peaks independently of air temperature.

On clear summer mornings, UV levels can already be high by 9 am, especially at higher elevations where there's less atmosphere to filter the sun's rays.

That means sunscreen, sunglasses and UPF clothing should be part of your kit from the moment you leave the car park, not something you reach for during a coffee stop.

You can also use sun hoodies and hats to shield against harmful UV radiation.

Humidity can be just as challenging as heat

A dry 28°C can often feel more comfortable than a humid 24°C. When humidity rises, sweat evaporates more slowly, making it harder for your body to cool itself naturally.

That's why even relatively modest temperatures can leave you feeling drained if the air is heavy. Checking the humidity forecast before setting out can be just as useful as checking the day's maximum temperature.

Before setting off, look at both the humidity (or, even better, the dew point). A 24°C day with 80% humidity can feel more draining than a dry 30°C because sweat evaporates much more slowly. If the dew point is above 20°C, expect conditions to feel sticky and plan for more breaks, extra fluids and a slower pace.

Higher isn't always cooler

Heading uphill often brings cooler air, but sadly, it's not a guarantee. Many exposed mountain routes offer little or no shade, leaving you under direct sunlight for hours at a time.

On still days, the lack of airflow can make ridges feel surprisingly oppressive despite lower air temperatures. By contrast, a lower woodland walk with dense tree cover may feel considerably more comfortable.

Plan around water and shade

Experienced hikers don't just think about where they're walking but also consider where they'll stop.

Rest breaks in shaded woodland, beside streams or near lakes allow your body to cool more effectively than standing in full sun on an exposed hillside.

Applications such as ShadeMap can give you a rough idea of where the shade will fall in the coming days. If your route offers little natural shade, consider shortening it or saving it for cooler conditions.

They're also ideal places to top up water, have a snack and bring your heart rate back down before continuing. You can set reminders to take water on certain Garmin watches.

Your pace matters more than your finish time

Don't become fixated on maintaining your usual hiking speed in high temperatures, as your heart rate naturally rises in hot weather as your body works harder to regulate its temperature.

As a result, you'll often feel like you're putting in more effort even when walking at the same pace. Slowing down, taking more frequent breaks and drinking little and often can help you finish feeling pleasantly tired.

Apple Watches, Samsung's Galaxy Watch range, Garmins and Google's Pixel Watch all offer high heart rate alerts, which is worth setting up before your big hike.

An early start remains one of the best ways to stay comfortable during a summer hike, but by considering terrain, shade, humidity, and your own effort level, you'll often have a much more enjoyable day outdoors.

British performance eyewear brand SunGod has unveiled the Classics⁴ PRO, a new version of its bestselling lifestyle sunglasses, developed in collaboration with ultrarunning superstar Courtney Dauwalter.

SunGod has taken its popular Everyday Classics⁴ model and given it a significant performance overhaul.

The result is a pair of sunglasses that aims to bridge the gap between casual wear and serious trail running, offering improved stability without sacrificing the familiar silhouette.

According to SunGod, the biggest changes come from redesigned straight arm fins inspired by its wraparound Pace range.

Combined with new Grip-Lock hydrophilic rubber contact points, the updated frame is designed to stay securely in place during long runs and high-intensity efforts while remaining comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Everyday style, race-ready performance

The collaboration makes perfect sense given Dauwalter's long-standing preference for the original Classics⁴.

While many elite runners opt for aggressively styled performance eyewear, the American ultrarunner has become known for racing in SunGod's more casual-looking sunglasses.

The new PRO version keeps that understated aesthetic while adding features better suited to ultramarathon racing, including improved grip, enhanced stability and a lightweight 26g frame.

SunGod is also launching a limited-edition Courtney Dauwalter colourway.

The design features a cracked gold pattern inspired by what Dauwalter calls the "pain cave" – the difficult moments during races where she famously finds her greatest strength – paired with matching gold lenses.

The Classics⁴ PRO retains the features found across SunGod's range, including proprietary 8KO nylon lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.

The sunnies also feature Pop-Lock screwless hinges, interchangeable lenses, and an Infinite recycled frame that the company says has a 7x lower environmental impact than conventional virgin plastic.

Like all SunGod eyewear, the new model is backed by the company's lifetime guarantee.

The Classics⁴ PRO is available now at SunGod in six colourways, starting at £100 (~$134 / €117 / AU$192).

Polarised versions cost £130 (~$174 / €153 / AU$250), while the limited-edition Courtney Dauwalter model is priced from £110 (~$147 / €129 / AU$212).

Merrell has launched its most ambitious trail running shoe to date, and you only need to look at its unusual sculpted sole to see that the brand is trying something different.

The new MTL SpeedARC Peak is a carbon-plated racing shoe developed over five years through the Merrell Test Lab, with feedback gathered from the company’s elite athletes.

Merrell describes it as its most advanced running shoe yet, designed for podium attempts and personal bests over demanding trails.

Its most eye-catching feature is the two-part SpeedARC midsole, which looks more like a collection of individual cushioning pods than a conventional slab of foam.

Large cut-outs run along the shoe, separating sections of the midsole and leaving parts of its full-length Carbon FlexPlate visible from the outside.

It is said to combine the propulsion and efficiency normally associated with a carbon plate with enough flexibility for technical terrain.

Merrell pairs the plate with a dual-density mixture of FloatPro foam and PEBA-based racing foam, which promises energy return without making the shoe too rigid when runners need to change direction or negotiate uneven ground.

Carbon above, cut-outs below

The sole is just as unconventional underneath, with Merrell using a skeletal arrangement of Vibram Megagrip Elite rubber that leaves sections of the midsole and carbon plate exposed.

That saves weight while placing the rubber where grip is most important.

The outsole uses 4mm lugs and is intended to maintain traction on both wet and dry surfaces, although the exposed sections may raise durability concerns on particularly rocky routes.

The upper is made from Matryx, combining Kevlar threads with high-tenacity polyamide to create a lightweight, abrasion-resistant structure.

Other details include a padded collar, elastic lace keeper, breathable mesh lining and TPEE footbed.

Official specifications put the shoe at 305g per shoe, with a 30mm heel and 24mm forefoot stack, creating a 6mm drop.

The MTL SpeedARC Peak will be available in the US for $290, initially in a vivid “45th Anniversary” colourway.

European availability is currently listed for August, with an expected price of €290; Merrell has yet to confirm UK pricing or an exact UK release date.

[via PR Times, Outside]

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.

Summer's here, which is when most people, myself included, realise just how unfit they've become over the past year. Part of the reason we can't stay on top of our collective fitness regimens is a lack of accountability. However, there is an easy fix for that: just get a fitness tracker.

Modern activity trackers can track everything from steps and heart rate to sleep and stress, all without feeling imposing on your wrist. Better still, one of the best models, Fitbit's Charge 6, is currently the cheapest it's ever been, meaning that you'll be able to start tracking your fitness transformation for less.

The Fitbit Charge 6 might not be the newest fitness tracker on the market, but it's still one of the easiest recommendations for anyone who wants powerful health and fitness tracking without committing to a full smartwatch.

It packs Google's ecosystem into a slim, lightweight design, with Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions, Google Wallet for contactless payments and YouTube Music controls all available from your wrist.

It also supports more than 40 exercise modes and can connect to compatible gym equipment via Bluetooth to display heart rate in real time. Battery life is another highlight, lasting up to seven days on a single charge, while built-in GPS means you can accurately track outdoor runs, rides and walks without taking your phone.

Sleep tracking, stress monitoring, ECG support and Fitbit's Daily Readiness Score round out a comprehensive wellness package.

It's all about minimising bulk when you go camping, which often means swapping your ceramic mugs for aluminium / enamel / titanium versions. It's all fun and games, but lighter cups tend to get very hot, which often means you end up burning your lips. Ouch.

Shop all Snow Peak deals

Don't worry, as Snow Peak, one of the most recognisable outdoor brands from Japan, has the solution – and it's pretty cheap, too. The aptly named Hotlips 2-Piece Set consists of two heat-safe silicone lip protectors that slip onto single-wall mugs.

It's a simple yet elegant solution, exactly what I would expect from Snow Peak. It is one of Japan's most respected outdoor brands, renowned for minimalist, beautifully engineered camping gear that blends functionality with timeless design.

Founded in 1958 in Niigata, the company helped pioneer premium "camp life" culture, with products ranging from titanium cookware and Takibi fire pits to technical apparel.

Its focus on craftsmanship, durability and creating meaningful experiences outdoors has earned it a cult following worldwide, including the UK. I sure am a huge fan of the company and adore its products.

Better still, the company has a ton of gear on sale, not just the Hotlips set. The gorgeous Campi Mittens are also half price at £35 (only a few left, though). The Mesh Folding Chair, which looks like a director's chair from a movie set, is also currently 50% off, down to £80.

Disney collaborations are nothing new (see also Columbia's latest collab with the entertainment giant), but every now and then one comes along that feels designed for people who would never normally buy Disney clothing.

Japanese retailer Urban Research has partnered with Disney on a capsule spanning seven of its fashion labels, with each label drawing inspiration from a different classic animated short.

The collection takes a more restrained approach, mixing vintage artwork with clean silhouettes, embroidered details and functional accessories.

One of the capsules, Hawaiian Holiday, celebrates Disney's colourful 1937 short starring Mickey Mouse and friends.

The range includes heavyweight graphic T-shirts, pocket tees with subtle embroidery, towel accessories and a selection of lightweight bags finished in soft pastel shades.

Looking at the collection, it's easy to imagine these pieces sitting alongside Snow Peak, BEAMS or Gramicci rather than inside a Disney store.

Vintage animation, Japanese design

The wider collaboration pairs seven Urban Research Group labels with seven different Disney animated shorts.

Other capsules include designs inspired by Fantasia, Steamboat Willie and Mickey's Birthday Party, giving each label its own distinct aesthetic while staying true to its identity.

The collection will first appear at a pop-up inside Urban Famima!! Toranomon Hills from 25 July until 12 August, before rolling out to additional Urban Research pop-up locations in Tokyo Skytree Solamachi, LaLaport TOKYO-BAY and LUCUA Osaka from 31 July.

Whether or not it ever makes its way outside Japan remains to be seen, but if you're planning a trip to Tokyo this summer, this is exactly the sort of limited-edition Japanese collaboration worth hunting down.

Unlike most Disney merchandise, these are pieces that wouldn't look out of place in your everyday wardrobe.

Prices range from ¥4,180 to ¥14,300 (roughly £21 to £73), covering everything from T-shirts to canvas bags and shirts.

You can find the collection at Urban Research.

[via FashionSnap]

On wants to turn London's running crews into racing teams with its latest global event

Swiss performance brand On is bringing its Squad Race series to London next week, transforming Tobacco Dock into a relay course where local running clubs will compete for a place in a global final in Los Angeles.

Running has become increasingly community-driven in recent years, with run clubs popping up in cities around the world.

On is tapping into that momentum with Squad Race, a relay competition designed to celebrate the crews and communities that have become such a defining part of modern running culture.

The London event takes place on 18 July at Yellow Park, Tobacco Dock, where four-person teams will race around a purpose-built spiral course in front of spectators.

The format puts teamwork at the centre of the action, with the winning squad earning the chance to represent London at the Squad Race World Final in Los Angeles this September.

More than just another running event

London is the latest stop on a global tour that began in Beijing earlier this year and has since travelled through cities including Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo before concluding in California.

The series reflects On's growing investment in community-led running, bringing together grassroots crews and established clubs in a fast-paced competition that blends racing with festival-style experiences.

The event also doubles as a showcase for the new Cloudmonster 3, with participants able to test the latest version of On's max-cushioned running shoes throughout the day.

Alongside the racing, visitors can expect live music, food, customisation stations and post-race celebrations, reinforcing the brand's aim of creating an event that's as much about the wider running community as it is about crossing the finish line first.

You can find out more about the Squad Race at On.

Folding bikes aren't exactly known for turning heads, but a new design from South Korea might just change that. Called the Tetra, it looks less like a commuter bike and more like a futuristic concept vehicle, complete with an exposed tubular frame that wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi blockbuster.

Created by startup Analog Machine Works, the Tetra takes aim at premium folders like the Brompton, but goes in a completely different direction. Instead of the familiar compact frame and tiny wheels, this bike uses an elongated space-frame built around two opposing tetrahedron shapes, giving it a distinctive geometric look while also improving rigidity.

The clever frame also enables four separate folding points rather than the usual three. Once collapsed, the wheels lock neatly together, and a pair of small caster wheels let you roll it around stations or offices rather than carry all 13kg of it.

Where it really stands apart from most folding bikes, however, is ride comfort. Rather than relying on flex in the frame or a simple rubber suspension block, the Tetra features a proper rear linkage with an adjustable hydraulic shock absorber.

Add in larger 20-inch wheels – compared to Brompton's 16-inch setup – and it should cope much better with potholes and rough roads.

The rest of the spec is reassuringly premium too, with a chrome-moly steel frame, Shimano disc brakes, a 9-speed drivetrain and custom crankset. It's clearly aimed at enthusiasts rather than casual riders.

Of course, all that engineering doesn't come cheap. The Tetra is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, where early backers can reserve one for around $2,390 (roughly £1,750), with a planned retail price of $3,990 once it reaches production.

As with any crowdfunding campaign, it's worth remembering there's always some risk until bikes are actually shipping.

Even so, if you've ever wished your folding bike looked as exciting as the rest of your tech, the Tetra might be the most striking two-wheeled gadget you'll see this year. Whether it can tempt loyal Brompton and e-bike owners away is another question entirely.

Nearly two years after introducing its first carbon-plated off-road racer, ASICS has unveiled the Metafuji Trail 2, refining what was already one of the most ambitious trail running shoes.

The original Metafuji Trail proved that "super shoe" technology wasn't limited to road marathons, bringing together a carbon plate, lightweight foams and aggressive trail grip in a package designed for serious mountain racing.

Now, the Japanese brand believes it has taken the formula a step further.

The new model tips the scales at 255g (men's), shaving 5g off its predecessor while retaining the same 5mm drop.

A new top layer of FF LEAP, ASICS' lightest and bounciest foam, now sits above the plate, while FF BLAST PLUS remains underneath to cushion long efforts.

Despite becoming lighter, the shoe still packs a substantial 36.5mm heel stack and 31.5mm forefoot stack, giving runners plenty of protection over ultra-distance races.

Built for the biggest mountain races

Grip remains courtesy of the proven ASICSGRIP outsole, complete with 3.5mm lugs designed to balance traction on soft ground without feeling overbearing on firmer trails.

A Motion Wrap upper, SOLYTE sockliner and quick-lace system complete the package, all aimed at keeping weight low while improving comfort over long distances.

During one of trail running's biggest events in Chamonix (a.k.a. UTMB) last year, ASICS athletes Tom Evans and Ben Dhiman wore prototype versions of the Metafuji Trail 2 to claim first and second place, with their feedback helping shape the final production model.

That production version will make its competitive debut today, 10 July, as Evans lines up at one of the world's best-known 100-mile trail races before the shoe goes on general sale.

The Metafuji Trail 2 firmly targets competitive trail runners chasing podiums and personal bests rather than everyday mileage.

But as brands continue to bring road racing technology into the mountains, it shows the trail super shoe category is evolving just as quickly as its road-running counterpart.

The ASICS Metafuji Trail 2 will be available globally from 1 August 2026 for the recommended price of $250.

Find out more at ASICS.

Mephisto might not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of walking shoes, but the French shoemaker has quietly built a cult following thanks to its premium materials, handcrafted construction and all-day comfort.

Now, one of its best-known models has received a technical makeover courtesy of Japanese retailer BEAMS.

The new collaboration reimagines the Mephisto Match, introducing MEPHI-TEX for the first time on the silhouette.

Mephisto describes the membrane as waterproof and breathable, giving the lifestyle sneaker credentials that should make it a far more practical choice for unpredictable weather and everyday adventures.

While GORE-TEX remains the benchmark for technical footwear, it's refreshing to see brands exploring their own waterproof technologies rather than relying on the industry's biggest name.

More than just another colourway

The BEAMS x Mephisto Match appears to deliver a genuine functional upgrade.

You can choose between a versatile all-black version or the more eye-catching "Crazy" colourway, which uses asymmetrical panels of brown, olive and black suede and leather to give each shoe a slightly different appearance.

The Match itself already enjoys something of a cult status among fans of understated European footwear, thanks to its premium leather upper, clean profile and reputation for long-lasting comfort.

Adding waterproof protection only broadens its appeal, particularly for commuters, travellers and anyone looking for a shoe that bridges the gap between smart casual style and outdoor practicality.

The collaboration also marks the first partnership between BEAMS and Mephisto, with the Japanese retailer producing a small capsule of branded apparel and accessories alongside the footwear.

The shoes are available now through BEAMS, although there's currently no word on a wider international release.

For anyone who appreciates technical fabrics but doesn't necessarily want to wear hiking shoes every day, this might be one of the most interesting footwear collaborations to emerge from Japan this year.

It proves that adding performance features to classic silhouettes can be just as compelling as chasing the latest chunky sneaker trend.

The collection launches at BEAMS in Japan on 10 July, so unless the collaboration receives a wider international release, these could remain among the more elusive outdoor-inspired sneaker drops of the summer.

Price and international availability TBC.

[via HighSnobiety]

Garmin has rolled out a small but potentially important software update for the Fenix 8 Pro, addressing one of the biggest complaints reported by some owners in recent weeks.

While System Software 22.39 isn't packed with new features, it fixes a possible battery drain issue that could make a noticeable difference for affected users.

According to Garmin's official release notes, the update includes just two changes: a fix for "possible battery drain" and another for "possible issues when doing voice calls."

It's a brief changelog, but one that follows reports from some Garmin watch owners who experienced unusually high battery consumption after previous firmware releases.

The company hasn't revealed what caused the issue or how widespread it was, so it's worth noting that not every user was affected.

More than a maintenance release

The timing is also good news for anyone thinking about buying Garmin's flagship outdoor smartwatch.

The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED (47mm) is currently available at Very for £869, £160 below its £1,029 RRP.

It's not quite the lowest price we've seen, but it's still one of the strongest deals available on Garmin's premium multisport watch.

The Fenix 8 Pro sits at the top of Garmin's adventure watch range and packs just about every feature an outdoor enthusiast could want.

Alongside comprehensive fitness and health tracking, it offers full-colour offline mapping, multi-band GNSS, advanced navigation tools, training readiness, endurance and hill scores, and Garmin's extensive suite of recovery and performance metrics.

The 47mm model also features a bright AMOLED display protected by a sapphire crystal lens, a titanium bezel for added durability, built-in LED flashlight, speaker and microphone for calls and voice commands, and LTE connectivity for additional safety and communication features.

Combined with Garmin's excellent battery life (now improved) and regular software support, it remains one of the most capable outdoor smartwatches you can buy.

[via NotebookCheck, Garmin Forums]

With another heatwave settling over the UK and the school holidays just around the corner, plenty of people will be swapping the sofa for the footpaths. Warm-weather walking has its own set of challenges, which is why staying cool, carrying enough water and protecting yourself from the sun is just as important as choosing the right route.

The good news is that you don't need to completely overhaul your hiking kit to enjoy summer adventures in comfort. A handful of well-chosen upgrades can make a noticeable difference, from breathable clothing and lightweight footwear to better hydration, sun protection and navigation.

I've rounded up some of the products I'd most like to have with me on a hot-weather hike. Some are brand-new launches, while others are tried-and-tested staples that make perfect sense once summer arrives.

Together, they cover everything from keeping your feet happy on long trails to spotting distant wildlife, staying hydrated and navigating confidently in unfamiliar places. If you're planning to make the most of the sunshine over the coming weeks, these are the upgrades I'd be packing before heading out the door!

NOCS Zero Tube 8x25 Waterproof Monocular

$179.95 | NOCS

I try to keep my pack light when I hike (or travel), which is why full-size binoculars are a no-no for me. I'm a big fan of NOCS, though, and its Zero Tube 8x25 immediately stands out because it can live in a pocket or clip onto the outside of a backpack.

The 8x magnification is easier to keep steady than a higher-powered optic, making it ideal for quickly spotting birds, scanning ridgelines or taking a closer look at the landscape without fighting shaky hands.

Despite its compact size, it's fully waterproof, so I'd have no concerns about throwing it into my pack or taking it out on a kayak or paddleboard.

Injinji Artist Designed Series Socks | Pacific Northwest

Prices from $17 | Injini

If there's one upgrade that can make a long summer hike more enjoyable, it's a good pair of socks. Injinji's five-toe design has built a loyal following because it reduces skin-on-skin friction between the toes, lowering the risk of blisters when temperatures rise.

The new Pacific Northwest Artist Designed Series adds a splash of personality to that tried-and-tested formula. Created with Oregon artist Kelley Wills, the collection draws inspiration from temperate rainforests, rugged mountains, wildflower meadows and coastal wildlife, giving these performance socks a distinctive outdoor feel.

Available in No-Show, Mini-Crew and Crew lengths, there's an option to suit everything from trail runners to hiking boots.

Shackleton Arica Technical Shirt

£175 | Shackleton

When temperatures climb, I'd rather cover up than rely entirely on sunscreen. Sun hoodies are having a moment, but if you're looking for something a bit more stylish, Shackleton's Arica Technical Shirt is your best option.

It combines a UPF 50+ finish with a protective sun collar, roll-tab sleeves and laser-cut ventilation to help balance protection and breathability throughout the day.

Rear yoke vents encourage airflow, while the lightweight construction looks well suited to everything from exposed ridge walks to travelling in warmer climates.

Available in Luna and Olive, it also avoids the overly technical aesthetic that some hiking shirts lean towards, making it just as wearable away from the trail.

HOKA Infini Hike TC Sandals

£115 | HOKA

Hot-weather hiking doesn't always call for fully enclosed shoes, especially if the route includes river crossings or easy-going trails. The HOKA Infini Hike TC looks like a great option for anyone who wants the comfort the brand is known for in a more breathable package.

The cushioned platform should make long walks easier on tired feet while allowing plenty of airflow on hot days. Of course, hiking sandals aren't your best bet if you're moving through thick vegetation, but anywhere in hot weather, they are my go-to choice.

If maximum cushioning isn't your priority, I'd recommend the Xero Shoes Z-Trek (£65 | Zero Shoes). Its minimalist construction delivers a much more barefoot-like experience, encouraging natural foot movement and giving a closer connection to the trail.

Maui Jim HO'OKIPA Ultra Sunglasses

£254 | Maui Jim

A decent pair of sunglasses is one of the easiest upgrades one can make before heading out on a sunny hike. The Maui Jim HO'OKIPA Ultra offers more than just glare reduction, with lenses designed to provide full UV protection while enhancing colour and contrast on the trail.

Maui Jim is also the only eyewear brand recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for providing effective UV protection for the eyes and surrounding skin, adding another reason to wear them whenever I'm spending long hours outdoors.

The lightweight wraparound design should stay comfortably in place while climbing, scrambling or picking up the pace, making them well suited to active use.

66ºNorth Hengill Shorts

£75 | 66ºNorth

Summer hiking shorts need to strike a careful balance between breathability, durability and freedom of movement, and the Hengill Shorts appear to tick all three boxes.

Built for active days outdoors, they feature a lightweight construction that should stay comfortable as temperatures rise while still offering enough durability to handle rough trails and rocky terrain.

They can also be worn away from the mountains thanks to 66ºNorth's understated Scandinavian styling, which avoids an overly technical look.

Olight ArkPro Ultra Topo

$130 | Olight

Even on long summer days, I never like setting off without a torch. Delays happen, weather changes, and it's surprisingly easy to finish a hike later than planned.

The Olight ArkPro Ultra is compact enough to slip into a pocket without adding noticeable weight, making it an easy addition to any day pack.

The Topo colourway also feels particularly appropriate for hiking, with a map-inspired finish that stands out from the usual black or grey options.

More importantly, it looks like the sort of torch that's built to cope with life outdoors. It's one of those small pieces of kit I'd hope not to need, but I'd always be glad I'd packed it.

Arc'teryx Kopec GTX

£160 | Arc'teryx

If I'm spending all day on the trail in the heat (and don't want my toes exposed), I want walking shoes that feel light enough to keep me moving yet offer enough protection as conditions change.

I recently tried the Arc'teryx Kopec GTX, and was surprised by how nice it felt on my feet. Historically, Arc'teryx shoes felt quite narrow and heavy, but the Kopec is light, spacious and looks excellent, too.

Better still, it combines a lightweight design with GORE-TEX waterproof protection. The streamlined profile should appeal to anyone who prefers a more athletic hiking shoe over a traditional heavy boot, while still delivering the grip and stability needed for uneven terrain.

Camelbak Rim Runner X30 Terra Hiking Backpack

£130 | Camelbak

For most day hikes, I find around 30 litres is the sweet spot (especially if you're heading out with friends/family), giving me enough space for spare layers, food, water and a few extras without encouraging me to overpack.

CamelBak's Rim Runner X30 Terra is hydration-compatible, making it easy to carry plenty of water on hot days, while the ventilated back panel should help reduce sweat buildup during long climbs.

Multiple storage compartments also mean you don't have to empty the entire bag just to grab a snack or a waterproof jacket. It looks like a dependable all-rounder that's well suited to everything from local walks to full-day adventures.

Columbia Coolhead III Cap

£30 | Columbia

Keeping the sun off my head can make a huge difference during long summer hikes, which is why I'd never overlook a good cap (plus, I love caps in all weather).

The Columbia Coolhead III is designed specifically for hot conditions, combining UPF protection with moisture-wicking fabric and cooling technology that activates as the material becomes damp.

That should make it noticeably more comfortable than a standard baseball cap during long hours on exposed trails. It's lightweight enough to wear all day and packs down easily when the weather changes, making it a simple addition to any hiking kit.

Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 50mm

£299.99 | Cotswold Outdoor

If I'm heading somewhere unfamiliar, I want my outdoor watch to do much more than just count my steps. The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED combines outdoor navigation tools with a bright display that's much easier to read than older monochrome screens, particularly in direct sunlight.

Mapping, altitude data, route guidance and Garmin's excellent fitness tracking make it a useful companion whether I'm tackling a mountain hike or exploring somewhere new on holiday.

The rugged construction also inspires confidence, while the large 50mm case delivers excellent battery life for multi-day adventures. It's one of those gadgets that earns its place on my wrist long before I leave the trailhead.

Silva Trekking Poles Carbon Z Adjustable

£135 | Silva

Trekking poles aren't just for serious mountain expeditions or old people, something I only realised a few years ago. On longer summer hikes, they can help reduce fatigue, improve balance and take some of the strain off my knees during steep descents.

The Silva Carbon Z Adjustable poles are designed with that versatility in mind, pairing lightweight carbon construction with adjustable lengths that adapt to different terrain.

When they're no longer needed, the folding design means they pack down neatly into a backpack or onto it without getting in the way.

If I'm planning a full day on mixed terrain, they're exactly the sort of upgrade I'd consider bringing along, even if I only end up using them for part of the route.

Peak Performance Discover HIPE 3L Shell

£215 | Peak Performance

Summer hiking doesn't guarantee sunshine, especially in the UK, which is why I'd always leave room in my pack for a lightweight waterproof shell.

The Peak Performance Discover HIPE 3L Shell looks like an ideal insurance policy against sudden downpours, combining the brand's three-layer HIPE waterproof and windproof construction with a lightweight design that's easy to stash when the skies are clear.

Adjustable features help seal out the weather when conditions turn, while the breathable fabric should stop things from getting clammy once the rain passes and the climb begins again.

The UK is in the middle of a heatwave as I write this and bugs are seemingly everywhere. To be honest, it's a big problem during every summertime, and that's why I own a bug zapper – a tennis racket-style device that delivers a fatal electric charge to flying pests when I hit them.

The only problem is they're speedy little beggars and not exactly easy to swat. So if there was also an element that would attract them more, and even provide additional fun in the process, I'd be all over that like a swarm of gnats.

Well, there is.

The Bug Saber is a 4,000V bug zapper that, as the name suggests, is designed to look a bit like a Star Wars lightsaber.

It adds a lightsaber-like hilt so you can live out your Jedi Knight fantasies as you fry the flies, and the ring on the outside glows in different colours. According to Yanko Design, it also makes familiar sounds as you wave it around, which adds to the experience.

I particularly like that you can also place it in a holder and leave it standing indoors and out, with the LEDs attracting the bugs and the high voltage dispensing of them.

You do have to be careful around it, of course, and if you have young kids it's probably not wise to leave a toy-looking electric shock machine lurking around. But for the rest of us, this ticks those boxes between practicality and a bit of harmless fun (except to bugs, that is).

The Bug Saber is currently in a pre-order / crowd funding phase on Kickstarter, so you can check it out there.

Prices start at a very reasonable £18 / $24 for the head alone, although you'll have to pay at least £41 / $54 for the starter set that includes the saber hilt.

The complete experience set, which includes the vertical stand, will set you back £52 / $69.

The Kickstarter phase will expire in just over a week from now and stock is running out, so it's worth getting in there as quick as you can if you want to deal some Darth Vader death blows to your backyard bugs.

Vollebak, the British brand behind products such as the lab-grown sweater and coats grown from fungi, is back once again with another experimental piece that proves there really is no limit to apparel innovation.

The company has built a reputation for taking the familiar and giving it an almost science-fiction twist, from creating a shopping experience straight out of Interstellar to summer clothes designed by sound.

The new Leather Shielding Jacket looks, at first glance, like a timeless black leather bomber, but beneath the premium exterior lies technology more commonly associated with aerospace testing than everyday fashion.

The jacket is lined with electromagnetic shielding material similar to that used when testing Mars rovers, according to Vollebak.

Embedded with pure silver, the lining is designed to block radio waves and microwaves across the frequency range from 30 MHz to 10 GHz.

Perhaps the most interesting feature is a concealed phone pocket that functions as a built-in Faraday cage.

Slip your smartphone inside, and the pocket is designed to prevent remote access, blocking incoming and outgoing wireless signals whether the device is switched on or off.

It's a feature that's arguably aimed at privacy-conscious travellers, security professionals or anyone who simply wants to disconnect without switching their phone off.

Luxury outside, laboratory inside

This isn't the first time Vollebak has produced a shielding bomber, although the Electromagnetic Shielding Bomber has a lot more futuristic look.

The new outer shell has a more traditional look, cut from black Nappa sheep leather, chosen for its soft finish and fine grain, and then vegetable-tanned with plant-based tannins.

The company says this process improves breathability while allowing the leather to develop a natural patina over time rather than simply wearing out.

The shielding fabric begins as lightweight ripstop nylon before undergoing a metallisation process that deposits pure silver directly into the fibres rather than coating the surface.

Alongside its electromagnetic shielding properties, silver also offers natural antimicrobial characteristics, giving the lining another practical benefit.

None of this comes cheaply, of course. The Leather Shielding Jacket costs £3,295 in the UK ($4,295 in the US), making it one of Vollebak's most expensive garments to date.

The jacket is available for pre-order at Vollebak.

For years, Strava has been where runners analyse their training after a workout, but with its latest update, the company wants to help you decide what you're training for in the first place.

Not long after launching its Claude integration, Strava has announced a new Events tab inside the app's Groups experience, bringing together local club activities, community events and, for the first time, Runna's extensive race database in a single place.

This means you can browse thousands of races around the world without leaving Strava.

Events can be filtered by distance, date, location, sport, elevation and even expected temperature, making it easier to find an event that matches a specific goal or preferred running conditions.

The move is another step in the integration between Strava and Runna following Strava's acquisition of the training app last year.

While Runna's race directory has been available on the web, this marks the first time it has been built directly into the Strava app, representing the next step in integrating Runna's features into the platform.

More than just races

Strava says the Events tab makes it easier to discover community-led activities by surfacing local club runs, rides, and other group events based on a user's interests and location.

Club events can be filtered by date, distance, format and location, making it easier to find regular meet-ups or one-off community sessions nearby.

Alongside the app update, Strava has also refreshed its Club Organiser Hub, adding new resources designed to help organisers launch, manage and grow local clubs.

It's another sign that the company sees community as one of its biggest differentiators, particularly as more fitness platforms compete to become an all-in-one training destination.

For everyday users, however, the biggest change may simply be that discovering the next event on the calendar is now as easy as recording the last one.

Instead of bouncing between race websites, social media and club pages, you can now browse upcoming events directly within the app many already use every day.

Read more about the update at Strava.