Outdoor items put through their paces by The Journey team
Osprey Duro 1.5
A running vest is essential if you’re hitting half-marathon distances or further, especially off road. It should fit like a garment of clothing rather than a backpack, with no bounce when running, and the Duro 1.5 is a great example. There is a small pocket at the back for a waterproof and packet of Jelly Babies, plus two pockets at the front for soft water bottles (included). It is available in a range of sizes from super lightweight to 15 litres. There’s also a women’s specific version, the Dyna.
Daniel Neilson
+ bluesign® approved fabrics
+ Snap-in adjustable chest straps
+ Lots of pockets and storage
– Choose a size smaller than usual
Suunto 9 Peak Pro
For more than 80 years, Finnish brand Suunto has been developing outdoor tech, the latest iteration of which is this superb new multi-sport watch. It’s been made using renewable energy and has been 100% ‘carbon-compensated’, but the real headlines are in its usability — the battery life lasts for weeks (with 40 hours in GPS mode), there are 90-plus sports modes, and it weighs only around 65g. We were impressed with its accuracy on walks and trail runs, and found the touchscreen feature a practical way of recording activities (there are also buttons). A great companion for serious outdoor lovers.
Ben Lerwill
+ Extra-long battery life
+ Powerful and accurate
+ Water resistant to 100m
+ Takes a little while to get familiar with
Artilect Supermoon Bio Hoodie
Small outdoor company Artilect is the first brand to be granted use of PrimaLoft® Bio™ fleece, the world’s first biodegradable insulation and fibre made from recycled materials. It makes this hoodie a special one — not only is the weight-to-warmth ration impressive, with little bulk when it’s packed down, but it’s also environmentally friendly. No less importantly from an outdoor perspective, it’s lightweight, super-soft and highly comfortable, with a cosy hood, three zipped pockets and elasticated cuffs. It proved invaluable on walks during the recent cold snap. All told, it’s a brilliant option for a winter layer — and it looks the part, too.
Tom Rhys
+ Innovative fleece material
+ Lightweight
+ Hood fits under helmet
– On the pricy side
Traveltopia Duffel 65L Bag
When you’re buying a bag, you want one that’s going to last. This 65-litre duffel from Jack Wolfskin won a prestigious ISPO Award in 2022 for its combination of practicality, longevity and sustainability. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester and feels sturdy and resilient, with a waxy, weather- resistant outer and well-made straps. The interior packs in plenty, and the whole bag weighs less than a kilo. As a grab-and-go option for a city break or a hostelling weekend, it’s pretty much perfect — and there’s a pleasing lack of flashy colours in the design.
Helen Williams
+ Long-lasting by design
+ Recycled materials
+ Comes with a pack sack
– Not made for trail-hiking
Did you know?
All YHA members receive discounts at gear stores including Cotswold Outdoor, GO Outdoors, Snow+Rock, Runners Need and Cycle Surgery.
