Outdoor items put through their paces by The Journey team.
KEEN Terradora Flex
New for September 2022 — and feeling suitably fresh — these are women-specific hikers designed to be a natural fit for both a day in the hills and a trip into town. They’re seriously lightweight and flexible, thanks to the brand’s accordion-like KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology, and the lacing system feels really high-quality. They come in mid and low styles — I’ve tried the mid out on various trails and haven’t found it wanting in any respect. On an eco note, other positives are the PFC-free water repellency, the pesticide-free insoles and the direct-attach build, which means no harmful glues. Thumbs up.
Helen Williams
+ Lightweight
+ Sturdy
+ Eco-minded
– Hard to fault
Infinity Microlight Down Jacket
The insulated jacket is an essential part of the winter wardrobe — but not all jackets are created equal. What sets the Infinity Microlight Down apart? Well, the down on the inside is the warmest type of insulation for its weight, but Rab designers have paired 100% recycled down with Gore-Tex Infinium on the outside. This fabric is light and soft but made to stop any wind (and a fair bit of moisture) from getting through. This also traps more air, making the jacket very warm indeed. It’s also brilliantly tailored.
Daniel Neilson
+ Recycled hydrophobic down
+ Lightweight
+ WINDSTOPPER fabric
– Nothing — it’s a good price too!
Lazer Strada KinetiCore Helmet
The cycle helmet is the one piece of outdoor gear you hope never to put through its paces. And so far, this helmet remains unscathed after blasts round forest trails. The Strada KinetiCore is an all-rounder, good for every type of cycling. The KinetiCore is the protection technology designed to protect the head from all manner of crashes, while still being light and with excellent ventilation. It uses a scrolling belt at the back of the helmet to find the perfect fit on the move. Light, comfortable and durable.
Daniel Neilson
+ Very light (280g)
+ Good ventilation
+ Comfortable
– Higher price
Duer Denim Jeans
What, you might ask, is a jeans review doing in an outdoor magazine? Well, these aren’t your standard high-street trousers. Searches for ‘technical denim’ on the Trekitt site have gone up more than 900% in two years, and these jeans are the product fitting the bill. They look like a regular pair, albeit a well-made one, but there’s a suppleness to them when you put them on. They’re specifically designed for outdoor activity, so you’ll find five times the stretch of standard denim as well as reinforced seams and Coolmax® technology for moisture control. They’re not for wet weather, but they’re genuinely impressive.
Ben Lerwill
+ Comfortable
+ Robust
+ Breathable
– Not waterproof
