This review is first of a short series of blogs covering ‘old favourites,’ the sort of gear that not only works superbly, but is durable and reliable for any adventure. … Read more

This review concerns Chariot ‘child transportation system’ trailers and as I’ve now owned all three models in their ‘Sport’ range (in ascending order of expense!) over the space of six years I’m not going to limit myself to one model – this entire range is worth a mention. Chariot (part of the Thule group) design and assemble all their products in Calgary, Canada and make extensive use of recycled materials in their products. They also have a sister brand of cheaper children’s trailers entirely made in the Far-East called Croozer. Chariot runs two ranges of trailers: the first is the ‘Touring’ range designed with an emphasis upon urban cycling, the second is the ‘Sport’ range designed for flexibility so you don’t have to buy many different carriers for separate outdoor sports.

The Lowe Alpine Powerstretch Balaclava is a garment that, like the baselayer I reviewed in the last blog, is a humble but mighty tool. Now that Lowe Alpine have discontinued their line of accessories to focus on backpacks, this little number could be a lasting relic from the brand’s tactical armoury. I however am unconcerned by how it looks as I’m a fully signed up member of the balaclava fan club. In my opinion balaclavas are one the most under-rated and overlooked pieces of outdoor equipment that everyone should own.

I’m moving towards the core with this review, away from the shell garments discussed in the earlier ‘old favourites’ blogs. The Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew is my favourite baselayer and in twenty years of running, mountaineering, climbing and cycling I’ve tried many alternatives, but none do everything a baselayer needs to do as well as the humble Lifa.

The Montane Slipstream GL Jacket shares a common thread with the first ‘old favourite’ review in that this too is a pertex garment. As you may have gathered in the previous blog I’m quite a fan of this brilliant windproof material. Essentially the Slipstream jacket is an ultra-light, single-layer windshirt made with the very lightest pertex available: Pertex Quantum Gossamer-Light. Montane, like Rab, are a British company which designs in the UK but manufacturers abroad. They have an established reputation with outdoor professionals and their products are deservingly popular with mountain rescue teams, the emergency services and the military. Montane specialises in windshells, softshells, hard-shells and pertex and pile garments.

The opening of Locke Hotel’s Dalston property in 2021 indicated a pioneering bet on this dynamic part of East London. Though hotels had already opened in the shadow of the … Read more

Alongside its reputation as the foodie capital of the American South, the home to Duke University also has a full set of facilities for runners, cyclists and swimmers. Durham’s original economy … Read more

Once the centre of world commerce and politics, Paris has been through most stages of modern state-making. In the space of 100 years from the French Revolution, monarchy changed hands … Read more

Lying at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, the tropical island city of Singapore is a tiny but important spec in the business world. Economic success and forward thinking … Read more

The terrain and climate that helped establish Amsterdam as one of the foremost maritime nations hasn’t gifted the city much in the way of natural landscape for endurance. Though many … Read more

Find here a summary of digests previously sent by email to Zafiri subscribers, sequenced in reverse chronological order. Digests are the sole “newsletter” type of update sent by email, issued … Read more

As the home to one of the most iconic city backdrops, Hollywood has a hard time keeping up with the hype. Though clear efforts have been made to pave the … Read more

The Bavarian capital is often referred to as being a collection of five villages, wedded together in a cosy intimacy that’s defined by remarkable proximity. Munich’s brilliant cycling infrastructure and … Read more

The latest era of wireless earphones promises to change the music listening experience tremendously – you can now completely dress and undress without removing your headset. For sports people, wireless … Read more

Searching for barbell gyms has become a short stay ritual for me. Resoundingly uniform and effective for training, a vented barbell gym offers the simplest way to patch up some … Read more

It’s easy to forget that there are still larger than life animals roaming parts of Africa, perhaps because viewing them requires an above-average travel commitment for those living beyond the African continent. … Read more

Known for its vast grazing herds and temperate climate, New Zealand has garnered a reputation for brilliantly bred sheep. According to 2016 stats, the South Pacific nation is home to 27.6 … Read more

You know you’re a serious outdoors brand when the U.S. Army come to you with an enviable request to design a portable device that can remove viruses, bacteria and protozoa … Read more

Like all good brands, Newton Running has established a clear series of product concepts in its running shoes, resulting in a manageable collection of differentiated offerings that cater for a … Read more

Sunday 5 July – Gairich: Starting at the dam on Loch Quoich, this independent Munro was reached in just over two hours, the first hour of which was constant boggy … Read more