Guides
The first 1.80 metres.
Our gear guide, sorted by your body: everything on boots sits down at the feet, everything on helmets up at the head.
Tap a height to see its questions below, each with a short answer. The number shows how many there are.
Mips in helmets
A thin layer inside the helmet that slides in angled falls. What research says Mips does, where its limits are and how to tell whether a helmet has it.
Read the full answer →Mips in helmets
A thin layer inside the helmet that slides in angled falls. What research says Mips does, where its limits are and how to tell whether a helmet has it.
Read the full answer →UV protection in the mountains
UV radiation rises by up to 18% for every 1,000 metres of altitude, and snow reflects up to 94% of it. What research shows about UV risk in mountain sports and how to protect yourself.
Read the full answer →Via ferrata gear
Harness, helmet, food and the rest of your kit for a day on a via ferrata, with a packing list and advice on safety and planning.
Read the full answer →Via ferrata gear
Harness, helmet, food and the rest of your kit for a day on a via ferrata, with a packing list and advice on safety and planning.
Read the full answer →The part you can't buy.
Mobility after cycling
Stiff back, tight hips, tense neck? These five mobility exercises ease the usual post-ride complaints in ten minutes.
Read the full answer →Mobility after cycling
Stiff back, tight hips, tense neck? These five mobility exercises ease the usual post-ride complaints in ten minutes.
Read the full answer →Your first half marathon
Sawe ran 1:59:30 in London, a mark for the history books. Here is how to prepare for your own first half marathon and reach the finish without frustration.
Read the full answer →Merino wool: benefits and limits for outdoor clothing
Merino wool turns up in lots of outdoor clothing. We look at its properties, its strengths and its limits across different activities.
Read the full answer →Merino wool: benefits and limits for outdoor clothing
Merino wool turns up in lots of outdoor clothing. We look at its properties, its strengths and its limits across different activities.
Read the full answer →Waterproof daypacks for your everyday commute
With the Tatonka Commuter Rolltop 25 WP and 30 WP, your laptop, papers and spare shirt stay dry in the rain, whether you're on the bike, on the bus or strolling through town.
Read the full answer →From the sock to the hip.
Compression in sport
Compression clothing promises faster recovery and better performance. We looked at what the studies actually back up and what is just marketing.
Read the full answer →Compression in sport
Compression clothing promises faster recovery and better performance. We looked at what the studies actually back up and what is just marketing.
Read the full answer →Every tour starts here. So does every blister.
Hiking boot tech explained
Gore-Tex or Sympatex? Vibram Megagrip or Arctic Grip? The real differences behind hiking boot technology, with practical advice for choosing yours.
Read the full answer →Hiking boot tech explained
Gore-Tex or Sympatex? Vibram Megagrip or Arctic Grip? The real differences behind hiking boot technology, with practical advice for choosing yours.
Read the full answer →What carries you when your feet don't.
From road bike to gravel
Riding a road bike and thinking about gravel? Here is what really changes, what you can take with you and which parts you need to buy new.
Read the full answer →From road bike to gravel
Riding a road bike and thinking about gravel? Here is what really changes, what you can take with you and which parts you need to buy new.
Read the full answer →Doesn't belong to one part of you, but still matters.
Hydrostatic head: why 30,000 mm is not always better
Hydrostatic head is the most quoted buying criterion for rain jackets and tents, and the most misunderstood. We clear up the most persistent myths.
Read the full answer →Hydrostatic head: why 30,000 mm is not always better
Hydrostatic head is the most quoted buying criterion for rain jackets and tents, and the most misunderstood. We clear up the most persistent myths.
Read the full answer →