Cool of the Wild

Tucked away in the northern corner of Montenegro is Durmitor National Park. Part of the Dinaric Alps and covering 390km2, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest protected area in Montenegro. And for good reason. It is stunning, remote, rugged, and largely untouched. In winter it attracts visitors to its modest ski slopes, accessed from Zabljak, the regions’ main town. But during the summer months an extensive network of hiking trails replace the snow-filled bowls and passes.

A mountain-ready waterproof hardshell offering high levels of protection and breathability in challenging conditions. The Montane Women’s Phase Waterproof Jacket is a premium hardshell designed for tough outings in poor weather. It offers high levels of waterproof protection and breathability, alongside a more generous cut that is well-suited to layering. With winter hitting Scotland particularly hard this year, I wear it almost daily, both for everyday use and in the mountains.

A lightweight, cushioned trail running shoe that excels on rugged terrain, while offering the comfort and versatility for all-day wear. The KEEN Women’s Seek Trail Running Shoe blends comfort, stability, and versatility for a range of outdoor activities. The breathable, sock-like upper and roomy toe box fit securely while allowing natural foot movement.

There are so many amazing adventure ideas out there that it can be hard to figure out which one will be the best or most epic. But going on an adventure doesn’t need to be the event of the year. I mean, it could be. But for many of us, there always seems to be a reason or excuse not to do a big adventure – that’s another story though. So sometimes just doing something different, anything, might be enough of an adventure for you. After all, adventure is different for everyone.

A lightweight running vest built for trail and endurance runners who need storage, stability, and easy access to kit on the move. With 12 litres capacity, the Rab Veil Lightweight Running Vest offers enough space for essentials on long outings. Its multi-directional Mono Mesh chassis and stretch side panels are designed to provide a secure, comfortable feel.

A sustainably crafted backpack that introduces innovative design elements aimed at enhancing comfort and performance. At 35 litres, this Jack Wolfskin 3d Prelight Rise Backpack sits in that upper end of daypack size. You could stretch it for a single overnight outing, but I feel it mostly works for day hikes because it lacks external bottom compression/storage straps. I like the tapered shape, which is wider at the top and narrows at the bottom, helping with weight distribution.

A lightweight, waterproof and robust hiking boot for trails and hills. The Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid hiking boots are designed to enjoy long days on the trails in a variety of conditions and terrain. Well designed and manufactured, they are lightweight and comfortable straight from the box.

A highly versatile, stylish and practical duffel bag for car camping, weekends away and international travel. With a focus on practicality and versatility, duffel bags cater for travellers who need ease and comfort as much as robustness and security.

The Protium 27 litre day pack is exactly as billed; a perfectly sized pack for all-day adventures wherever your feet may take you. The Rab Protium 27 is a well designed, go-to backpack for exploring and carrying all your essentials for a day outside. Best suited for long hikes, exciting scrambles and casual walks, the pack boasts several handy pockets, equipment attachment points and a comfortable adjustable back system.

A highly cushioned, super sticky, zero-drop trail running shoe that promotes a natural running style. If you like the idea of barefoot running but are reluctant to miss out on the support and comfort offered by regular trail shoes, then try out the Altra Lone Peak 9+ trail running shoes. With a zero-drop design, mega grip and a ton of room in the toe, these are the ideal way to transition to a more natural running style without compromising on performance.