All articles
15 articles across Scotland: route guides, gear reviews, skills articles and trip reports.
- Gear13 Jul 2026 · 12 min
Winter Mountaineering Kit: How to Choose Crampons and an Ice Axe
A Scottish hillwalker's buying guide to crampons and ice axes — the B/C boot-and-crampon rating system that stops your crampons falling off, and how to size a walking axe by height.
Read → - Gear13 Jul 2026 · 15 min
Boots vs Trail Runners for Scottish Hills: An Honest Verdict
Do you need boots for Scottish Munros, or will trail runners do? An honest verdict on bog, granite, the ankle-support myth, the waterproof-vs-drains-fast trade-off, and why winter still means boots.
Read → - Gear20 Jun 2026 · 11 min
Best Walking Poles for Scotland: A Hillwalker's Buying Guide
Carbon or aluminium? Flick-lock or twist? One pole or two? A Scottish hillwalker's guide to choosing walking poles that survive bog, river crossings and 20-mile days — with our tested picks.
Read → - Gear2 May 2026 · 7 min
Smidge vs Avon Skin So Soft: Which Midge Repellent Actually Works?
An honest comparison of Smidge and Avon Skin So Soft for Scottish midge protection — what the evidence actually says, how long they last, and which to use.
Read → - Gear2 May 2026 · 8 min
Páramo vs Rab: Which Waterproof Is Better for Scottish Hills?
An honest comparison of Páramo and Rab waterproofs for Scottish hillwalking — different philosophies, different conditions they excel in, and which to buy.
Read → - Gear2 May 2026 · 7 min
Pacerpole Review: Are They Worth It for Scottish Hillwalking?
An honest review of Pacerpoles — the UK-made ergonomic walking poles with a fixed moulded handle — for Scottish hillwalking terrain, long descents and bothy trips.
Read → - Gear2 May 2026 · 6 min
Alpkit Carbonlite Trekking Poles Review
An honest review of the Alpkit Carbonlite carbon fibre trekking poles — weight, durability, packability and performance on Scottish terrain.
Read → - Gear1 May 2026 · 18 min
The Outdoor Gear You Actually Need in Scotland (& What's a Waste of Money)
Stop buying gear you don't need. Here's what actually matters for Scottish outdoor conditions — and what the gear industry wants you to believe you can't live without.
Read → - Gear1 May 2026 · 19 min
Keeping Your Gear Dry in Scotland: Drybags & Waterproofing Guide
Scottish rain finds every weakness in your pack. Here's the drybag system, waterproofing strategy and pack-lining approach that keeps your kit dry in relentless wet.
Read → - Gear1 May 2026 · 14 min
Best GPS Devices & Navigation Tools for the Scottish Highlands
Phone signal dies above 500m in most of Scotland. Here are the GPS devices, apps and map tools that actually work when you need them — tested in the Highlands.
Read → - Gear24 Apr 2026 · 9 min
Best Camping Stoves for Wild Camping in Scotland
Scottish wind kills stoves. The gas, meths and multi-fuel options that actually work when it's blowing sideways at 600m, plus the one question nobody asks before buying.
Read → - Gear14 Apr 2026 · 12 min
What to Wear Hillwalking in Scotland: The Layering Guide
The layering system that keeps you safe on Scottish hills — base, mid, shell, legs, feet. Season by season, budget to premium.
Read → - Gear14 Apr 2026 · 26 min
Best Hiking Apps UK 2026: OS Maps vs Komoot vs AllTrails (Compared in Scotland)
OS Maps vs Komoot vs AllTrails, tested on Scottish hills: which UK hiking app wins on offline maps, route planning and accuracy — and which is worth paying for.
Read → - Gear14 Apr 2026 · 22 min
How to Start Hillwalking in Scotland: The Complete Beginner's Kit List
Every piece of kit a first-time Scottish hillwalker needs — budget, mid and premium options. Where to spend, where to save.
Read → - Gear14 Apr 2026 · 21 min
Best Waterproof Jackets for Scotland: The Honest Shortlist
Scottish rain is sideways and wind-driven. The budget, mid and premium jackets that hold up to a real Scottish hill day, rated by the specs that matter.
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