Rob Slade
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Journalist. Normally found cooking up some sort of adventure…
Articles by Rob Slade
Blandine L'Hirondel dominates UTMB 2026 to win in record-breaking time
French ultrarunner Blandine L'Hirondel has won the women's 2026 Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), covering 174km and just under 10,000m of ascent in a record-breaking time of 21:54:49. "Until a few seconds ago I didn't believe it, actually I still don't believe it," she said in a post-race interview. "It's going to take me several or weeks or months to realise what I've just done." L'Hirondel led from early on in the race, and built a convincing lead.
Blandine L’Hirondel dominates UTMB 2026 to win in record-breaking time
L’Hirondel took an early lead, with USA’s Rachel Entrekin (pictured above) staying in close company. There was just one minute between them when they passed Les Champieux at the 52km mark, with Australia's Lucy Bartholomew an extra couple of minutes behind.
Opinion: ‘This debate about queuing on mountain summits is ridiculous’
If us Brits are good at one thing, it’s queuing. At the bus stop. In the airport. In shops and cafes. We’re so good at it, in fact, that one poll undertaken several years ago predicted the average person would spend 47 days queuing over the course of their life. Forty-seven days! And I’m more than happy to get in line at all of those places I’ve just mentioned. But queuing up on the summit of a mountain? Is that what we’re doing now?
Eurohike Sendero Air 6 tent review: You’ll struggle to find a family tent that costs less than this one
When money is tight but nature is calling, the Eurohike Sendero Air 6 is here to answers your call. But can a cheap tent like this actually perform? from Eurohike Inflatable tents can be great, but they can also be expensive, so to see another option around the £350 mark is great – especially as it’s currently on sale at £229. And that’s for a tent designed to house six people. Could this be the ultimate budget family tent? After a spell of testing, I’m going to sit on the fence with a maybe.
Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja among 10 missing after avalanche on 8,000m peak
Concern is growing after well-known mountaineer Nirmal Purja and nine other climbers were hit by an avalanche while climbing Broad Peak in Pakistan. Here's what we know so far. Fears are growing for high-altitude mountaineer Nirmal Purja and nine other climbers after an avalanche hit the party during an expedition on Broad Peak (8,051m) in Pakistan. The avalanche is reported to have struck on Thursday and there has been no contact with any team members since then.
The ultimate family camping checklist – use this packing list to make your next trip easier
Packing is one of the most stressful parts of any family camping trip. To make it run smoother, here's our tried-and-tested family camping checklist There’s a lot to love about family camping – getting the kids into nature, spending time away from screens, marshmallows around a fire. What none of us love, however, is the packing, which can feel like a stressful game of Tetris. You can attribute the pain of packing to a lot of things.
10 tips and tricks to help you sleep better when wild camping
If you love the idea of wild camping but always struggle to actually get a decent sleep, these tips and tricks are for you. Wild camping can be an absolute dream. The silence. The peace. The sunset and sunrise. Not another soul in sight. It's everything you could want and more. But despite this, wild camping isn't always conducive to a good night's sleep. There's a whole bunch of things conspiring against you, such as cold temperatures, early sunrises, weak bladders, slippery sleeping mats and so on.
9 products to take you from city streets to stunning summits
Adventures come in all shapes and sizes, but what sort of kit should you go for if you want to split your time between town and trail? Here's some inspiration What does your perfect day out look like? For some, it’s an epic all-day hike over multiple mountains. For others, it’s getting a few miles in and then heading back to town for some downtime with friends or family. Whichever category you fall into, you’ll probably want your gear and clothing to look as good as it performs.
Jenny Hartley takes women’s win at Montane Summer Spine Race after days of hard running
After days of sleep deprivation, pain, midges and hard running, we have a winner in the women's Montane Summer Spine Race... GP and running coach Jenny Hartley has won the women’s Montane Summer Spine Race after converting a long-held lead and finishing in a time of 104:55:46. The Army veteran started the event at 8am on Sunday 18 June and crossed the finish line at 4.55pm on Thursday 18 June, with second-placed runner Danielle Macgill currently around 11 miles behind.
Aaron Durogati sets insane world record after climbing 19,424m in 24 hours
Some world records just make you sit up and take notice and this is one of them. Here's how one man climbed twice the height of Everest in just one day Italian athlete Aaron Durogati set a remarkable new world record last week after climbing 19,424m on foot in just 24 hours. The Altra-sponsored athlete was attempting to set a new 24-hour hike-and-fly record for elevation gain, which was previously held by Frenchman Tanguy Renaud-Goud, who achieved 17,534m of elevation back in 2024.
Epic microadventures you can do in a single weekend – but will remember for years
Don't waste your weekends! Here are four microadventure ideas to help you spend your 48 hours in the most memorable way possible... How do you spend your weekends? We get 52 of them every year, but often they fly by in a blur and you’re left feeling that you wish you could have used them better. The truth is, you can fit a lot of adventure into 48 hours, so let us show you how. In this article, you’ll find a handful of microadventure ideas.
Why the Coros Pace 4 is our GPS watch of the year in the LFTO Gear Awards 2026
The price of wearable tech is always rising, but the Coros Pace 4 shows it doesn't have to be this way. Here's why it's our GPS watch of the year... Technology evolves, but so do price tags. Like smartphones and laptops, the price of GPS watches has moved ever skyward over the years. You can easily spend well over £500 on a watch these days. Heck, if you want every feature under the sun, you’re looking at a bank-busting £1,000 or more. But it doesn’t need to be this way...
American runner Tyler Andrews sets new speed record for quickest ascent on Everest
After several unsuccessful attempts over the last year, American Tyler Andrews has finally set a speed record on Everest. Can you believe that time? Trail runner and mountaineer Tyler Andrews claims to have set a new record for the quickest ascent of Everest (8,849m) from the south side using oxygen. The American was making his second attempt of the season after turning around from a separate summit bid earlier in the week.
British guide Kenton Cool summits Everest for 20th time – breaks own record AGAIN
British mountain guide Kenton Cool has broken his own record for the most number of Everest summits for a non-Sherpa after topping out for the 20th time Kenton Cool has made it to the summit of Everest (8,849m) for the 20th time, breaking his own record for the highest number of summits by a non-Sherpa climber.
Alpkit takes step into the unknown with first-ever footwear range
Alpkit's first-ever footwear range has something for everyone, from B2 boots to classic leather options and shoes – but it's the price that might surprise you most British outdoor brand Alpkit is launching its first-ever range of footwear this month, including walking shoes, hiking boots and approach shoes. The new range now means that the brand is able to kit customers out with everything they’d need for a hike from head to toe.
When you’re inside the death zone on Everest your body is basically dying – here’s how that feels
People say that when your in the death zone – above 8,000m – your body is basically dying. Here, Everest guide Kenton Cool explains what that actually feels like The death zone. It doesn’t sound particularly appealing, does it? For those that aren’t familiar with it, it’s the name used to describe areas of land at high altitude – above 8,000m – where there’s not enough oxygen to sustain life. Many say that when you’re in it, your body is basically dying.
The key mistakes people make when they get into trouble in the mountains
More and more people are getting into the trouble in the UK's mountains. Here are the mistakes to avoid if you become one of them... There’s an ongoing trend in the outdoors and it’s not exactly a good one. The number of callouts Mountain Rescue teams are responding to has risen year after year, and it’s a trend that’s visible across the UK.
Everest season has arrived – here are 5 big stories to keep an eye on
There's always a lot going on during Everest climbing season, but this year there are some pretty huge stories you should pay attention to... Every spring hundreds of climbers and thousands of support staff descend upon the rocky moraine at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall – Everest Base Camp. Their aim? To stand on the snowy summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain.
Forclaz HL900 Hybrid head torch review: Budget price, but is it budget performance?
The head torch market is competitive, even at the budget end of the market. Can this option from Decathlon rise above the rest? from Forclaz There’s plenty to like about the Forclaz HL900 Hybrid head torch. As with most Decathlon products, the price is one of the biggest wins here, with an RRP of £39.99 looking like very good value for money – but does it deserve a spot in our list of the best running head torches?
What are the best running socks for comfort and performance in 2026? These are nine of our favourites
Rob Slade We put so much time, effort and money into purchasing thebest running shoes, yet often seem to ignore the value of picking the best running socks for our feet. Running socks can have a huge impact on the comfort and support that our feet are subjected to. So with that in mind, we've pulled together a list of the best running socks on the market right now.
I just ran the Marathon des Sables – here’s what it really feels like to run an ultra in the desert
The Marathon des Sables sees runners cover 270km across the Sahara Desert in what many call the world's toughest footrace. Here's what that feels like Say it out loud and it sounds pretty crazy – 270km through the Sahara Desert on foot over seven days. But that’s exactly what competitors took on in the 40th edition of the Marathon des Sables (MDS). Montane athlete Katy Parrott was one of them, and admits the event can feel as brutal as it’s depicted in the media.
Six-time cancer survivor to run London Marathon in 27kg suit of armour
Jonathan Acott is a man on a mission. The endurance athlete, performance coach and board-level manager has survived cancer six times, but despite living with missing organs, permanent nerve damage and a compromised immune system, he plans to run the entire London Marathon in a suit of medieval armour. This brutal challenge will see him run 42.2km (26.2 miles) wearing the 27kg metal outfit in a Guiness World Record attempt this Sunday.
What’s the first mountain you should climb this spring? Our experts pick 7 great peaks
The days are getting longer, the temperatures are creeping up, and adventure plans are starting to form. But which mountain will you escape to first? If you could choose one UK peak to climb once the clocks have rolled forward and winter snow has started to retreat from the mountains, what would it be? Spring is officially here, so we gathered a team of experts to reveal the summits they most want to stand on once winter fully releases its grip.
Interview: Meet the wild camping coach who charges £250 per hour
Guy Tenton makes a living as the UK’s first wild camping coach. For £250, you can get an hour of his expertise. Spend a little more, however, and you get access to his exclusive ‘wild camping techniques’... Anyone who’s spent a night wild camping will (hopefully) know just how amazing it can feel.
What are the best sunglasses for running? We test the top 10 for crisp and clear vision
Rob Slade Like running shoes , running sunglasses are an utterly crucial tool for runs in all manner of light levels. A good pair can help you see better, worry less about dust or dirt and keep you from squinting or straining your eyes. Quality sunglasses that are specifically designed for running are also tested for comfort, meaning they should stay glued to your face, allowing you to put in the hard work without worrying about slippage or bounce.
9 vital pieces of gear new hikers (and some regulars) always forget to buy
Whether you've been hiking once or 100 times, there are some key items you just shouldn't leave home without. Do you take these with you on every walk? It’s impossible to really get hiking wrong, isn’t it? Well, not exactly. People make all sorts of mistakes when they’re new to walking – in fact, even some regular hikers find themselves coming unstuck. Most of this comes down to gear decisions and not preparing well enough before setting out.
Gregory Border 30 travel backpack review: Get ready to get organised
If you love to get organised for your travels, you're going to love this backpack from Gregory... as long as you don't mind a bit of weight. from Gregory American brand Gregory makes some seriously impressive rucksacks, with many of the hiking backpacks we’ve tested from the brand scoring well in our tests. The good news is that the brand has also used its expertise well in designing the Border 30, one of the best travel backpacks I’ve tested recently.
New 2,700-mile hiking route launches in UK – and it’s an absolute beauty
After 16 years and £28m, the King Charles III England Coast Path is officially being launched today. Here's how it became reality... A new long-distance footpath is being officially launched today following almost two decades of planning and development. The King Charles III England Coast Path is 2,689 miles (4,328km) long and runs south from the Scottish border near Berwick, before routing along the south coast and then following the Bristol Channel to Aust, near Bristol.
Iconic British ultrarunning events cancelled as organiser ceases trading
The organiser of some of the UK's most iconic ultrarunning events has ceased trading, with races no longer set to go ahead Race organiser Ourea Events has announced it is ceasing trading, with all of its 2026 events being cancelled. This includes popular British ultrarunning events including the Dragon’s Back Race, Skyline Scotland, Cape Wrath Ultra and the Northern Traverse series.
We test the original Salomon Bonatti waterproof running jacket
Rob Slade 220 Triathlon Verdict Lacks some key features and a boxy fit, but some decent weather protection. Score: 70% Pros Lightweight and fairly breathable Packs down into a zip pocket Front button for vented running Cons Fit could be improved Buy Now Salomon has been a titan of the trail running world for many years, and on test here is the brand's popular Bonatti Waterproof running jacket .
How I ran 16 ultras in 16 days – by a man who did it on just two months notice
Mitch Hutchcraft decided to run from the UK's lowest point to the highest – on just two months' notice. Here's how he nailed 16 ultras in 16 days One day in October, Mitch Hutchcraft decided he was going to run from the lowest point in the UK to the highest point. Just two months later, he went and bashed out 720km (447 miles) over 16 days – all on foot, in winter and with minimal prep. A new world record. It doesn’t sound very normal, does it?
Popular British outdoors brand confirms "long-term future" – so what happens next?
Popular outdoor brand Alpkit has shared more detail on its recent financial troubles and outlined what happens next. Here's what you need to know British brand Alpkit has confirmed it's going nowhere after securing new investment and engaging in a "significant financial restructure". News broke earlier this week that the brand had applied to enter into administration following several years of financial challenges.
Popular outdoor brand enters administration following three years of "incredible challenges"
Popular British outdoor brand Alpkit has applied to enter into administration, but expects to continue operating with talk of a new investor... British outdoor brand Alpkit has confirmed that it has applied to enter into administration following a difficult few years, but shared plans for a new investor to come on board.
Alex Honnold just climbed the world’s 11th tallest building – without ropes and in an insane time
One of the world's best free solo climbers just climbed Taipei 101, the world's 11th tallest building, without ropes or safety equipment. Here's what happened Alex Honnold has successfully climbed a 508m-high skyscraper in Taiwan without ropes or safety equipment. Honnold, one of the world’s best free solo climbers, climbed Taipei 101, the world’s 11th tallest building, in a time of 1hr 31mins.
Alex Honnold is about to climb a 508m skyscraper without ropes – and you can watch it live!
Legendary climber Alex Honnold is set to try and climb the world's 11th highest skyscraper without ropes. Here's hot to watch it and what to expect World-renowned climber Alex Honnold is about to take on his next big free solo project, but this time it's something a little bit different. Honnold is best known for his free soloing exploits in Yosemite National Park, USA, where he successfully became the first climber to free solo El Capitan, which he did via the Freerider route.
Runner pulled from ultramarathon event in England following death threats
The Montane Spine Challenger South ultra race took an unusual turn this week after a competitor had to withdraw due to security concerns. Here's what you need to know... A runner competing in the Montane Spine Challenger South ultra race has been withdrawn midway through the event after receiving death threats.
Hari Budha Magar becomes first double above knee amputee to climb the Seven Summits
We're just over a week into 2026, but we might already have our story of the year, as double above knee amputee Hari Budha Magar summits the last of the Seven Summits... At 3.10pm on 19 May 2023, Hari Budha Magar became the first double above knee (DAK) amputee to summit Mount Everest. Less than three years later, he’s become the first DAK to climb the Seven Summits*.
Sportful Fiandre Shift jacket: Castelli winter warmth at a lower price
Rob Slade 220 Triathlon Verdict Fewer features than some rivals, but cheaper and still an excellent, versatile layer. Score: 80% Pros Competitive price Very warm with some water repellency Flap-free fit Breathable without vents Cons Unsuitable for wet rides No zipped pocket Thie Sportful Fiandre Shift cycling jacket carries a lot of similarities with the Castelli Perfetto Ros 3, with the biggest being that both brands have used the same material.
What to wear to keep warm and safe during winter runs
Rob Slade As athletes participating in outdoor sports and training year-round, we have to find ways to cope with the cold by wearing kit like a protective running jacket . Alongside our basic hardiness, there are numerous strategies we can employ, with the main one being the kit we wear.
Best hiking shirts in 2026: Stay cool, comfortable and protected on the trail
Open your wardrobe, grab a versatile hiking outfit. Most people think in terms of base layers, fleeces and waterproofs. But there’s one piece of kit that often gets overlooked: the humble hiking shirt. Unlike a standard T-shirt, a button-down shirt gives you options. Roll the sleeves up or down, pop a few buttons open for airflow (and style), or button all the way up to keep the sun off your chest and collar. A shirt can adapt to variable weather without you constantly pulling layers on and off.
Columbia just revealed a new Star Wars collection – now's your chance to join the Rebels
If you've always wanted to join the Rebel Alliance from Star Wars, now is your chance, because Columbia has just released its new Endor range... Star Wars has touched the hearts and minds of millions of people worldwide, and whether you're a mega fan or are just partial a bit of nostalgia, you'll be glad to hear that you can now take this fictional world with you into the outdoors.
Sustainability “breakthrough” made with new concept down jacket – is this the future?
Peak Performance's new sustainability "breakthrough" recently won an award at ISPO, so what's the big deal? Scandinavian brand Peak Performance has unveiled a “breakthrough” in circular design with its new R&D Helium Loop Anorak. The brand says the jacket is “a world-first proof of concept that down jackets now have the potential to be fully recycled”.
I love my Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar, now it’s £240 off for Black Friday
I've been using a Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar for two years and it's never missed a beat, so I couldn't recommend this epic Black Friday deal more. When we reviewed the Garmin Fenix 7 earlier last year, we called it "the Aston Martin DB5 of running watches". That's because it has a sleek design, it's filled with futuristic features and it's freaking expensive. However, on a day like today, you can actually bag this bad boy for a price that won't destroy your soul.
Merrell has launched one of this year’s best Black Friday sales – save over 50% now!
Merrell’s Black Friday sale offers some of the brand’s best shoes at crazy prices. Here’s how to save the most – and some of our top product picks With so many retailers offering discounts, Black Friday can be a confusing time. But if you’re in the market for some new outdoor footwear, Merrell wants make things a whole lot simpler for you – by cutting the prices of some of its best products by up to 50%! And do you know what?
Is this going to be the best-value 4-season camping mat on the market?
Scottish brand Highlander has launched an expedition-grade sleeping mat for under £100, and it actually looks like it’ll keep you warm all year round... When you’re investing in outdoor gear, one of the biggest challenges you can face is getting technical kit for a price that isn’t going to blow a huge hole in your bank balance. But that’s something Highlander is trying to change, and the Scottish brand’s all-new Nap Pak Arctic sleeping mat is a prime example. Not familiar with Highlander?
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid boot review:
With 100 years of history making outdoor footwear, it’s clear Lowa has pedigree, and the Renegade boot does, too, having been part of the brand’s range for years. But does the newly updated Renegade Evo GTX Mid do enough to land a place in our list of the best leather hiking boots? I reviewed the earlier iteration of this boot back in 2018 and my one overriding memory is just how comfortable it was.
Coros unveils new running watch with AMOLED screen – for an unbelievable price!
The king of budget running watches gets an upgrade. Here's everything you need to know about the new Coros Pace 4 and it's fancy AMOLED screen The Coros Pace series of watches has long been held up by gear testers as an exceptional budget wearable, and in the new Pace 4, it looks very much as if that’s going to continue. That’s because the brand has taken what’s widely appreciated as being a winning formula and added an AMOLED screen. And the price?
Best running socks for comfort and performance in 2025
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Ledlenser ML6 Connect WL camping lantern review: The light of my life
If you're prepared to pay a bit of a premium, the. Ledlenser ML6 Connect WL camping lantern is the one you want. Here's why. from Ledlenser The Ledlenser ML6 is the most expensive product in our recent test of the best camping lanterns, and by some margin. Its RRP of £114.95 puts it at more than double what the next priciest product sells at. So you’d assume it packs a punch. And you’d be right.
Best camping lights and lanterns in 2025: 9 options to light up your life
Fed up of tripping over your tent or getting lost on the way to the loo? Sounds like you need our list of the best camping lights and lanterns... Live for the Outdoors (LFTO) is part of a group of outdoor publications that include Trail magazine and Country Walking magazine. Everyone involved in the team (and our expert freelance reviewers) live and breathe outdoor recreation, and between us we have decades of experience professionally reviewing outdoor gear.
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