Berghaus Twentyfourseven Backpack

My score: 4/5

This 25 litre bag is good as a day bag. It is very waterproof, holds lots of items (as long as they aren't too awkward) and is comfortable to wear (if you pack it correctly). I wouldn't use it for longer walks as its lack of rigidity means you could have your lunch box sticking into your back all morning.

You can buy the Berghaus Twentyfourseven Backpack at:
Amazon - Berghaus Twentyfourseven Backpack

Berghaus Remote 25 Unisex Backpack

My score: 4/5

The Berghaus Remote 25 is a handy day-pack that has loads of pockets combined with comfortable straps. Unfortunately, the flow-back system ("allowing breathability") and width of bag resulted in quite a sweaty back. Overall, a useful rucksack to have around.

You can buy the Berghaus Remote 25 Unisex Backpack at:
Amazon - Berghaus Remote 25 Unisex Backpack

Berghaus Verden 65 Rucksack

My score: 4/5

This is a great bag that can cope with arduous treks yet still remain comfortable. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now and it gets better with each walk. The Berghaus BioFit system is really easy to use, the bindings and straps are all very robust and it has kept all my stuff dry in the rainy weather we've had intermittently up in here in Lancashire. The only downside for me is the lack of smaller utility pockets.

You can buy the Berghaus Verden 65 Rucksack from:
Amazon - Berghaus Verden 65 Rucksack

Craghopper Corey III Fleece

My score: 4/5

The Corey fleece from Craghopper is a superb all year round jacket. It isn't too bulky so can be used as one of several layers in the cold of Winter but is also warm enough to wear as an outer garment in Autumn and Spring. Storage is basic, comprising two side-pockets, but they are big enough to store several small essentials.

You can buy the Craghopper Corey III Fleece from:
Craghopper - Craghopper Corey III Fleece
Amazon - Craghopper Corey III Fleece

Walk review - Rhewl, Denbighshire, south loop

Duration: 2 hours
Grade: Moderate
Refreshments: No
Toilets: No


View Rhewl walk in a larger map

This is a well sign-posted walk that forms part of the North Berwyn Way.  It starts in the hamlet of Rhewl and follows the Nant Y Pandy trail up the valley onto the moorlands.

Nant y Pandy path

Towards the end of this section there is a moderate incline that takes about 20 minutes to climb. At the end of the path you'll hit a road which you follow until you hit the forest, here take the path left which leads to moorland and great views down the Dee Valley.

Dee Valley

After about 15 minutes of walking you'll have the option of carrying straight ahead to ascend the Vivod Mountain or turning left and heading back down the valley (this is the only un-signposted part of the walk). The route back down the valley passes through copses and tranquil farmland before hitting the A5 and the end of the walk.

Dee Valley farmland

Book review - Picos De Europa: Car Tours and Walks

My score: 4/5

This book is great tool for planning where to go in the Picos for superb walks (as many of the walks are in the Picos). We were based in Potes, a small town about two hours drive from Santander. It has a great selection of restaurants, bars and is a handy place from which start walks due to the road network and public transport links.

The main bridge in Potes

We did three walks from Picos De Europa: Car Tours and Walks the best of which was the amazing Fuente De walk, featuring a stunning cable car ride.

Cobena

There is a wide selection of walks suitable for all levels of walker. The instructions are clear and  relevant (and landmarks were still in existence as of September 2010).

Each walk has a lot of descriptions about historical, geographic and natural features on the routes which you may find distracting or extremely interesting.

You can buy the Picos De Europa: Car Tours and Walks from:
Amazon - Picos De Europa: Car Tours and Walks (Landscapes)

Walk review - Uppermill, Saddleworth, east loop

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Grade: Easy
Refreshments: Yes
Toilets: Yes


View Uppermill Walk in a larger map

This a nice and easy walk to do if you've only got a couple of hours spare for a stroll.

It starts in the car park of Saddleworth Tourist Information Centre from where you turn left and proceed up High Street.

Uppermill High Street

After 50 metres turn left up Moorgate Street then turn right onto the canal towpath.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Walk for about 10-15 minutes until you reach the aquaduct then veer right back on the road. Cross the road onto Brownhill Lane and follow it all the way up until you reach High Stile Lane.

View from High Stile Lane

Follow this small road all the way until you go past the church and end up at the Church Inn. This is a great pub for a pint as it brews it's own beer, I'd recommend the St George, a sweet and hoppy ale.

The bar in the Church Inn

After one (or more) drinks head back to the church, take the road to the left and take the first footpath on the left. Follow this path for about 400 metres until you reach a yellow-gravelled path heading left. Follow this path all the way back to Uppermill until you hit Church Road, turn right and you'll end up back in the town centre.

Berghaus Freeflow 20 Rucsac

My score: 3/5

This Berghaus backpack, as with all Berghaus equipment is very well made. All the components felt solid and reliable and the material was hardy enough to cope with me dragging it on the ground and resting it on bushes. It is a standard 20 litre day pack and has enough space for your usual day needs. The front pocket is maybe a little on the small side and I'm still to be convinced of the effectiveness of their Freeflow system. My back was sweaty after a couple of hours of walking although it was a hot day on Dartmoor.

You can buy the Berghaus Freeflow 20 Rucsac from:
Amazon - Berghaus Freeflow Mens Backpack Black 20 lt

Specifications from Berghaus:

• Dimensions: (approx) 50cm (H) x 26cm (W) x 20cm (D)
• Weight: (approx) 0.76 kg / 1.7 lb

North Face Men's Resolve Jacket

My score: 2/5

The North Face Resolve Jacket is a waterproof with vented lining suitable for conditions up to bad. The lining makes it somewhat wind-proof but the jacket does let water in, in very heavy rain. It only has two pockets so isn't great for storage and the elasticated toggles slip fairly quickly. However, it is light-weight and rolls up into a small size.

You can buy the North Face Men's Resolve Jacket from:
Amazon - North Face Men's Resolve Jacket


Specifications from North Face:

• Centerback: 74 cm
• Fabric - body: 70D 105 g/m2 nylon ripstop HyVent™ 2L
• Fabric - lining: mesh knit
• Weight: 500 g
• Hyvent Fabric™

New Balance Men's MW887BK Hiking Shoe

My score: 3/5

The New Balance MW887 is a lightweight walking/hiking shoe that is ideal for terrain that is low to medium in difficulty. They are very comfortable although not completely waterproof and being trainer style aren't massively supportive around the ankle. My biggest gripe with them (although it is a still a relatively small gripe) is the grip isn't amazing on rock, especially when wet.

You can buy the MW887 from:
Amazon - New Balance Men's MW887BK Hiking Shoe Black


The shoe includes the following technologies:

• Abzorb Cushioning - Innovative foam cushioning which hugs your feet making for a comfortable experience.
• C-Cap - EVA moulded under pressure provides a firm, cushioned midsole for the aggressicve runner that is lightweight with still being supportive.
• Stability web - provides the runner with torsional midsole stability keeping your foot firmly in place.

Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 35 Rucksack

My score: 4/5

The Low Alpine Airzone Centro 35 is a great compromise between a day bag and a full rucksack. Having a capacity of only 35 litres means it's not too large but does struggle to hold provisions for a weekend, however, I managed to easily fit in two large bottles of water, lunch for four, a couple of maps, a water-proof and a jumper. The bag is designed as a rucksack so it is extremely comfortable; the waist and chest straps are well padded and the Airzone system (the first one I've used) is a revelation. The taught elastic frame keeps the bag away from the body but provides great support. It also has a raincover and side pockets for bottles and other equipment (the least I'd expect).

You can buy The Lowe Alpine Centro from:
Amazon - Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 35 Rucksack


The full technical specs from Lowe Alpine are:

• AirZone breathable back maximising airflow.
• Torso Fit® Centro™, adjustable back length/AdaptiveFit™
• hipbelt ensuring the perfect fit and hence most
• comfortable carry.
• Easy access side entry - gives maximum access whilst
• ensuring the contact areas of the back stay dry and clean.
• Large front pocket and expandable volume - giving
• versatile storage options.

• Additional Features:
  Raincover, sternum strap with whistle, side compression, internal zippered pocket, versatile front elastic stowage cradle, secure ice axe/walking pole attachment system, hydration compatible, key clip, large mesh side pockets.

• Volume: 35+10lt/2100+600cu.in.
• Load Zone: 10-15kg / 22-33lb