Outdoors Gear, Equipment, News, Reviews, Forums, Walking Routes and More at OutdoorsMagic.com

Jon Doran

Recent Articles By Jon

Buyer's Guides

Down And Synthetic Insulated Jackets | Buyer's Guide

Going shopping for a nice warm down or synthetic jacket this winter - here's what you need to know from hoods and pockets through to...

Down And Synthetic Insulated Jackets | Buyer's Guide
Down and Insulated Jackets

Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket | Review

Here's a proper all-rounder

Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket | Review
Waterproof Jackets

Montane Fleet Jacket | Review

An in-depth test of Montane's new packable and lightweight jacket

Montane Fleet Jacket | Review
Outdoor Features

Inside The Primus Factory | How A Stove Is Made

We visit stove specialist Primus's Stockholm R&D cave before checking out the Estonian factory where the Swedish outfit's stoves are precision assembled.

Inside The Primus Factory | How A Stove Is Made
Waterproof Jackets

Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket | First Look

Is it a waterproof soft shell or a soft feeling waterproof? We don't care, all we know is that we like the Kinetic Plus Jacket...

Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket | First Look
Walking Equipment and Accessories

Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel | Preview

New lighter, more efficient and intelligent version of Goal Zero's Nomad 7 solar panel arrives for spring.

Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel | Preview
Sleeping Bags

Patagonia 850 Down -7˚C Sleeping Bag | Review

Patagonia's new down-filled sleeping bag features an unusual central-zip system and top quality components.

Patagonia 850 Down -7˚C Sleeping Bag | Review
Sleeping Bags

Mountain Equipment Helium 400 Sleeping Bag | Review

Mountain Equipment's redesigned three-season lightweight is a great mix of warmth, weight and cunning design.

Mountain Equipment Helium 400 Sleeping Bag | Review
Tents

MSR Access 2 Tent | Detailed Review

The new MSR Access 2 is a beautifully built, impressively stable, four-season, two-person valley tent that weighs less than most three-season tents

MSR Access 2 Tent | Detailed Review
Walking Equipment and Accessories

Sonder Transmitter Carbon | Review

Alpkit's latest Sonder Transmitter Carbon mountain bike is lighter, lower, slacker and all round faster, funner and better than the original aluminium version.

Sonder Transmitter Carbon | Review
Group Tests and Best Buys

Best Daypacks Reviewed 2017

We've tested 16 of the very best 2017 hill and mountain walking daypacks to help you choose the best load-hauler for one-day outings in the...

Best Daypacks Reviewed 2017
Reviews

Osprey Mutant 28 Pack | Review

The smaller of Osprey's Mutant mountain packs is a cracking mix of comfortable, stable carry and clever refinements that make it one of the best...

Osprey Mutant 28 Pack | Review
Reviews

Black Diamond Speed 30 Pack | Review

Black Diamond's Speed 30 is a reasonably light, strippable traditional alpine pack complete with floating lid and solid build quality.

Black Diamond Speed 30 Pack | Review
Reviews

Patagonia Ascensionist 30 Pack | Review

Patagonia's sleek lightweight, minimalist Ascensionist 30 alpine pack works well, but calls for careful loading to stay comfortable.

Patagonia Ascensionist 30 Pack | Review
Reviews

Lowe Alpine Alpine Ascent 32 Pack | Review

Lowe Alpine's new light-ish weight technical Alpine Ascent 32 mountain pack is a well thought-out balance of sturdiness and sensible weight saving.

Lowe Alpine Alpine Ascent 32 Pack | Review
Reviews

Salomon X ALP 30 Pack | Review

Salomon's experimental lightweight alpine pack has some really interesting features, but works best if you keep things fast and light.

Salomon X ALP 30 Pack | Review
Reviews

Mammut Creon Tour 28 Pack | Review

Mammut's slick ventilated hiker combines light weight with a comfortable, taut carry and all the features you need in an all-round mountain walking daypack.

Mammut Creon Tour 28 Pack | Review
Reviews

Haglöfs Roc Helios 25 Pack | Review

The Helios 25's aggressive minimalism and distinctive colour scheme mark out a simple, super-lightweight climbing daypack.

Haglöfs Roc Helios 25 Pack | Review
Reviews

Mountain Hardwear Scrambler RT 35 OutDry Pack | Review

MHW's OutDry waterproof technology works brilliantly with an added roll-top closure making this one of the few genuinely waterproof mountain daypacks out there.

Mountain Hardwear Scrambler RT 35 OutDry Pack | Review
Reviews

Fjällräven Abisko Friluft 35 Pack | Review

Fjällräven's first ventilated back system pack is a tough-feeling all-rounder made from the brand's proofed polyester cotton G-1000 Eco fabric.

Fjällräven Abisko Friluft 35 Pack | Review
Reviews

Lowe Alpine AirZone Hike 30 | Review

Lowe Alpine's ventilated hiking pack mixes one of the best vented back systems out there with solid build and lots and lots of pockets.

Lowe Alpine AirZone Hike 30 | Review
Reviews

Montane Featherlite 30 Pack | Review

Montane's new lightweight hill and mountain pack treads the thin line between weight saving and usability with assured flair.

Montane Featherlite 30 Pack | Review
Reviews

Osprey Stratos 34 Pack | Review

Updated ventilated hiking day-pack mixes Ospreys excellent build quality, myriad features and a supportive trampoline-style back system.

Osprey Stratos 34 Pack | Review
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