Steve Cleverdon

Last winter, I discovered my go-to down jacket had finally given up. The zip was broken, the fabric was looking tired, and after years of service, it was ready for retirement. With plenty of dog walking ahead and the cold months approaching, I needed a replacement that would keep me warm without breaking the bank. That’s when I found the OEX Kintra Hooded Down Jacket. At around £100, it sits in that middle ground between budget and premium.

This week I’m diving into the world of wet-weather hiking essentials with the Berghaus Maitland GORE-TEX® Overtrousers. With the UK’s reputation for sudden showers, having reliable waterproof gear is a must, and these trousers promise not just to keep you dry but to do so without sacrificing comfort or mobility. This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

I’ve been paddling the Wave Tourer since the 2.0 launched, and it’s consistently featured in my rundown of the best budget paddle boards ever since. For 2026, Wave have released the Tourer 3.0 — a meaningful update rather than just a cosmetic refresh — and this review has been updated to reflect the new model. The headline changes: a 10% lighter build, new WST™ welded seam construction for better rigidity, and a jump to 20 PSI (up from 15 on the 2.0) that makes a noticeable difference underfoot.