Gear Review - Easy Camp Day Hiker 25 daysack

When you think of backpacks makers, the names which come to mind are perhaps Deuter, Black Diamond, Vango, perhaps Regatta…  One name certainly not towards the front of that list would be Easy Camp.

Easy Camp are part of the same group as Outwell – a brand well known in the camping world as possibly the best manufacturer of tents and associated gear.  But Outwell's quality does come at a cost, and so Easy Camp is the groups’ budget brand – with a range of tents and accessories to satisfy the cost-conscious outdoor fan.

So when Easy Camp released a new range of backpacks, we were interested in getting our hands on one – and the Day Hiker 25 dropped onto our mat.

At first look, the Day Hiker 25 is attractive – we got sent the “Black” version – which is around 80% black with a smattering of light blue and a light grey inner.  The packs 25 litres capacity puts it firmly in the daypack area – and so should be perfect for day walks.  So is it?

Well, let’s start at the top.  Unzipping the now common compartment on top of the lid reveals a good size pocket for small items you might want easy access to.  I can reach behind me with my left hand and unzip to compartment whilst the daysack is on my back… but that might tell you more about my bendy-ness than anything.  Most people will have to get the daysack of their backs before gaining access to the compartment – but that’s the same as all the others though.

The collar, which can be drawn together with a pullcord – is wide enough for easy access to the main compartment of the daysack, and offers further protection from the ingress of rain or snow.  Easy Camp have helpfully included a carry hand at the top too – which can also double as a hanging up hook when you need to store the sack away.

The main compartment is large and with the exception of the sleeve at the back, there is nothing else inside: one big compartment to store your stuff.  The sleeve is designed for a hydration bladder, but I often use them for storing maps, directions and other documents in a place where I can find them!

Moving to the front, and there’s a very useful front-mounted pocket with a vertical zip allows for a GPS unit and a supply of batteries… or if you are recording a podcast, it is perfect for a portable audio recorder.  Pull cords allow for control over the neck of daysack, and nicely designed hidden expanding sections – rather like a pleated skirt – allow for the daysack to grow when it needs to.  Two clips, one on either side, secure the lid down whilst you are walking.

On both sides there’s an almost full-length zipped pocket which would be useful for snacks or bottled drinks.  And talking about drinks, if you do use the internal sleeve for a hydration bladder, there’s even a port at the top of the daysack for the associated hydration pipe.  Thinking of double uses, this is actually a great place to pop the cable for a pair of headphones through – and have the player in the daysack!
There's also attachments to carry walking poles too.

Right, to the back.  The straps are fairly long, with a good amount of adjustment possible to fit most bodies.  They aren't the most padded I've seen, but you've got to bear in mind this is a daysack, and therefore there isn't perhaps the need for massive quantities of padding.  That said, I can point you to a pack from Tesco which has a lot less…

A chest support made with elasticated strips with clips supports the daysack on the shoulders, but there isn't a full-blown waist strap with this one.  There is, however, a rather nifty back ventilation system made of a padded, springy mesh – and I have to say, it works surprisingly well in keeping a flow of air between your back and the daysack.  Helping to keep your back sweat-free will make this pack endear itself to you…

Last, but by no means least, is the compartment at the underneath of the daypack – again accessed by a zip – and this one contains the rain cover for the pack.  Now, unlike some other daysacks, the rain cover provided isn't attached to the pack in a secure way.  There is a lose strap on the cover and a free buckle on the pack, so I presume that’s the connecting method should you wish it… but having the cover lose means that you can at least pop it on a radiator to dry it out – or leave it at home and use the compartment for something else!

In tests, the rain cover does an admiral job for a while, but does succumb to the water after a while –so it is still a good idea to put your stuff in carry bags first and then put the bagged items into your daysack if you’re sure it is going to rain.

How does the Day Hiker 25 feel?  Well, it is very light but does give you the impression it is well made.  On the back, once adjusted, it is comfortable – with the back ventilation system working well to keep that sweat away.  And with a total of 4 pockets and the main compartment, there’s plenty of storage space too.

I have to say, I really like it.  Styling is spot on; the right quality at the price; feels safe and secure whilst it is on – and for just under £30, you can’t go wrong.

What's good...

Great quality for the price
Lightweight but durable
Good number of pockets/compartments
Excellent fit and comfortable on the back


What's bad...

Difficult to really complain at this price.

Day Hiker 25 daysack by Easy Camp - Rough Price - £30

Walks Around Britain rating  9/10

Gear Review - Extremities Hiker socks by Terra Nova

Socks.  Ok, perhaps not the most exciting pieces of walking and outdoor kit - forgotten about almost as opposed the other essentials required for trekking.  Well, of course.  After all walking socks can't have anything like the immense technology which goes into a waterproof jacket these days... And surely socks are socks... one pair can't be any different to other?

Well, all that is wrong.  Socks are very important.  And the specialist walking pairs do have masses of fabric technology in them.  And if you've ever suffered from cold feet, itchy feet, blisters or sore toes whilst walking, then changing your socks to a pair of specially designed walking pair will make an amazing difference.

One of those specially designed walking socks are the Extremities® range from British company Terra Nova.

And as soon as you unwrap them from their packaging you immediately start to understand how their difference to the run-of-the-mill M&S stuff.

For starters, the loop construction all the way up to the shin is designed to give greater comfort in stiffer boots.  And that's just the beginning of the planning which have gone into these socks.

There are no fewer than 10 versions of the Extremities range - each one proudly made in Britain.  I tried the Hiker version, designed for use on year-round hikes and the more demanding backpacking trips.

Look, no toe seems!

As soon as you put them on, you feel your feet starting to love you more.  Your toes are the first to say thank you... they particularly like the specialised toe seams - finished by hand - which don't dig into your toes.

Putting on your walking boots and you feel like you can walk for miles.  Whereas ordinary socks can rub along the in soul of your boots, the specially positioned padding, support areas and grip zones for the Hiker socks are all designed to stop that.  As a result, steps are more comfortable and you feel like carrying on for longer.

In the interests of testing - and to replicate a multi-day backpacking - I wore the socks for 3 days running... to see exactly whether they would carry on the rest of the walk on their own...  And I can happily report that even after 3 days of constant wearing whilst walking, these Extremities socks didn't smell like I should have thrown them in the bin - and perhaps more importantly neither did my feet!

The fact the Extremities socks are made in Britain at Terra Nova's factory in the Midlands only makes these socks even better.  Excellent for walkers of all levels - in fact I feel sure if you've just started on the path of the walking hobby, then a pair of these socks will allow you to go further and keep your feet feeling loved.  So... socks... pretty important then.


What's good...

Great quality
Lightweight but durable
Warm and supportive
Washes very well without bobbling

What's bad...

Price - possibly a tad steep for the more casual walkers

Extremities Hiker socks by Terra Nova - Rough Price - £18

Walks Around Britain rating  9/10

Gear Review - Men's Wool Ultra Socks- 2-3 Season

To say these have been a lifesaver would be a tad of an over statement – but my trip to Jersey would have certainly been more painful without them...

For reasons best left to another blog post, on my recent trip to film and experience walks on Jersey I discovered at Doncaster Airport I had left my walking boots at home.  I know, as I said, the reasons are best left to another blog post…

So, I was down on the itinerary to go on a “Moonwalk” along the coast during low tide, a walk through some the green lanes of Jersey and a challenging hike along the north coast part of the Channel Islands Way.

Now, for the Moonwalk, the crocs were a must, and they were fine for the roads and paths of the green lane walk – but for the north coast part of the Channel Islands Way – with its rocky coast, undulating paths and steep climbs, crocs certainly wouldn't have been my choice…  Brasher Fellmasters yes, crocs a definite no.

I had visions of blisters; of broken nails; of rubbed feet unable to convey me around the rest of my trip to this fabulous island.

So, having these socks in my kit back to review, I decided to save them for my coastal jaunt – and I'm glad I did.

First impressions are good.  The light grey colouring is one I don't mind people seeing between my trousers and my boots when I sit down, and it makes a change from the various shades of brown people who buy me socks for Christmas always seem to find.  (Seriously, how many shades of brown can there be in sock wool?)

Upon putting them on, it’s clear they are a great fit – not too big, which is always my bug-bear with walking socks.  This means all the parts of the sock is in contact with the areas they are supposed to on the foot.  The elastic around the top of the sock is judged well – not too tight as to stop the circulation to the foot, but not too loose that they fall down all the time.

So, I took them out for a road test along that north Jersey section of the Channel Island Way.  It’s strange attempting a path which, at times, can get quite challenging in crocs, but the socks certainly helped.  Obviously, socks with crocs provides nowhere near the support wearing a proper set of walking boots does but I was able to do the whole walk I'd planned without having feet throbbing like in a cartoon.  And when you think I’m walking around double the length of the 5 miles of the planned route to allow for the filming, that is no mean feat.

I can happily tell you that although they aren't necessarily designed to be waterproof, they do seem to resist water quite well.  Now, this might not be too important when you haven't got sidetracked and are wearing sensible walking boots, but when you're walking one of the most beautiful coastal paths in the world in crocs, it is good to know…  (note to self, always check footwear in future)  And when they get wet, they dry out quickly.

Subsequent wares of the socks inside proper walking boots have shown them to be most comfortable, and, during walks in the cooler temperatures of late autumn, fairly warm too.

So, in conclusion, they are a great ware and I certainly would recommend them for serious walkers everywhere... not just on Jersey.


What's good...
Great fit
Warm without being too sweaty

What's bad...
Started to go a tad bobbly after several washes

Brasher Men's Wool Ultra Socks- 2-3 Season - Rough price - £12

Walks Around Britain rating 8/10

Gear Review - Dicky Bag

You may already know that I own 2 dogs, Maisie and Merlin.  Both are Border Collies who give my family a great deal of enjoyment, company and companionship.  In fact, we look at them as members of the family – and my youngest daughter often refers to them with our surname at the end – “I love Maisie White”

And we’re not alone, for around 5.5 million people in Britain own a dog.  The vast majority of those number exercise their dogs regularly, whether it’s a quick walk around the block or a major trek in the country.  What brings dog owners and walkers into conflict with other users of open spaces is the unwillingness of some to clean up after their dogs.

There is an estimated 900 tonnes of dog faeces produced every day and research indicates that as much as half of all owners never clean up after their dogs.

Dog mess is a major problem.  It’s not just unpleasant to step in, it also carries Toxocariass – a disease which can be passed from dogs to humans through contact with dog faeces or contaminated ground.  Children are particularly at risk from the disease, and in severe cases can led to permanent loss of sight.

We always clean up everything our dogs do – and to do this we’ve used nappy bags.  I put my hand inside the bag, grab the business, pull the bag inside out and then tie up.  Voila – poo safely contained; hands not contaminated and public health not at risk.

If only I had a better way of carrying around a growing number of bags as my walk progresses than tying them to my backpack…

Well, there is.  They are called Dicky Bags.

At first glance you wonder whether it’s a bit of an over engineered product – however, when you start to use it, you realise it’s extremely well thought out.

The bag is a semi-ridged structure, made from Neoprene – which makes it light and robust.  The zipped lid opens to reveal a storage area for pick-up bags inside the lid.  At the bottom of the main storage area is a fragranced card which can be replaced when needed. 

On the outside is a belt loop and a universal clip designed to be attached to you or your dog’s lead.

So how does it work in practise?

I can say very well.  The bag dangles happily from the backpack until it is needed.  Then, a quick zip open and one of the bio-degradable pick-up bags can be deployed over the hand to pick up the deposit.  After a quick tie, the bag containing the offending items is placed inside the Dicky Bag and zipped up – job’s a good ‘en!

But does the inevitable smell start to seep out – especially on a long hot sunny days walk?  Well, I can say even after a long trek, we didn’t get any whiff of nasty odours whilst walking thanks to the glued and blind stitching of the bag.  Interesting, even when the lid was unzipped to throw the waste away, the inside didn’t smell too much either – so the fragranced card did its job too.

If, after several trips out, you do find the bag starting to retain a smell, then simply pop it in washing machine and let it dry – smell gone!

Since getting hold of the Dicky Bag, we’ve taken it on every long distance dog walk and we find we can’t go without it.  It’s a great feeling to know at least we won’t be contributing to the dog fouling on our walks with our 4-legged best friends.

What's good...
Good range of colours
Excellent at containing both the poo and the smell
Strong but flexible design


What's bad...
Expensive delivery when ordered direct from the Dicky Bag website - £1.95 for 2nd class.

Dicky Bag - Rough price - £32 for the large

Walks Around Britain rating 9/10

Gear Review - Regatta Tectonic 2 jacket fleece

Having been converted to the benefits of fleeces, I have another one here – the Regatta Tectonic 2 – which does give you the impression of something ground-breaking.  I’m not sure it’s that quite the case, but it’s certainly a good mug’s eye-full.

Firstly, this isn’t a standard “jumper style” fleece – it’s actually a fleece/jacket – which makes this a good choice for getting outdoors.

Now, as it’s a jacket, it is going to be your outer layer – so it has to be to some extent waterproof and windproof.  On the waterproof front, the Tectonic 2 has an Isotex 5000 membrane drop liner which has a hydrostatic head of – wait for it – 5000mm.  If you’re not a camper, then you might not be too familiar with hydrostatic head – so here’s a summary…

To see how waterproof a fabric is, a column of water is pressed against it.  The amount of water in the column is increased until the water penetrates the fabric.  This amount is measured in millimetres and is called the hydrostatic head – so the higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric is. 

We work on the rough scale that 3000mm is decent waterproofing on a jacket, so the Tectonic 2’s 5000mm will be good news whilst out walking.  In addition, the outer finish has a water-resistant coating.  I’ve been testing the jacket in various weather conditions, and it is quite water-resistant – most light showers will be no problem for the Tectonic 2.

Inner lining of the Tectonic 2

Toggles to adjust the fit at the bottom

I’m really happy with the neck cinch, which can be adjusted, as it manages to keep your neck warm without you feeling strangled.  The bottom of the jacket can be adjusted too with the same style of toggle.  Two outer pockets are provided which are zipped – very handy for ensuring your car keys stay with you on a walk (I’ll go into that one another time!)  There’s an inner pocket too – also zipped - which is supposed to be bigger enough for an OS map, so here goes… 

Will an OS map go all the way in?

Yes - and it zips up too!

Yes, standard size OS maps fit in the inside pocket no problem – some thought has been given there.  What’s the fit like?  Well, I liked it – it’s comfortable and cosy and it doesn’t feel too bulk either.

The only down side – and it isn’t just a problem with this jacket – is the type of material on the outer layer traps dog hairs like wasps and jam!  They can be removed with one of those special brushes or by simply picking them off, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re a dog owner.

Dog hairs trapped in the fabric - although they do come out with a brush.

That said, the Regatta Tectonic 2 is a great jacket and at full price – near on £60 – it would have got an 8.  But, the jacket has recently moved into the Regatta Outlet – their online clearance store – so it’s available with some cracking discount.  For example, the small in Navy is £30 and the large in Red is an amazing £18!  At those prices, the Tectonic 2 is a fantastic buy.


What's good...
Great fit
Waterproof for most walks
Warm
Excellent sized pockets
Fantastic price from the Regatta Outlet

What's bad...
Dog/cat hairs get trapped in the fabric
Fairly expensive at its normal price of £60

Regatta Tectonic 2 jacket fleece - Rough price - £30

Walks Around Britain rating 9/10

To buy the Tectonic 2 from the Regatta Outlet, click here for the direct link.

More reviews coming soon...

We've got some more reviews coming soon here on the Walks Around Britain blog - we've got 2 tents and some walking poles from Vango, a base-layer and a jacket from Berghaus, more walking boots from Hi-Tec and the Dicky Bag.

We've also got some items from Regatta from their Regatta Clearance website - a sort of factory outlet for discontinued Regatta products.  Bearing in mind all these 3 products we're reviewing were on sale at a much higher price, I can tell you - without giving too much away - that they all offer fantastic value!

So, keep an eye on this blog for all of that - plus on 1st April there's the second edition of our new monthly walking and outdoor podcast!

Gear Review - Brasher’s Tora GTX children's walking boots

Getting children out walking from an early age is so important – not just for their health as kids, but hopefully exposure to the countryside as nippers will engrain into their psyche for rest of their lives.  But that hasn’t always been very easy, what with games consoles, music players and television all pulling children back into the house.

However, over the past couple of years, kit manufacturers have been steadily bringing out proper walking gear for children.  And I don’t mean just making some cheap tat and painting it blue or pink – I’m talking proper stuff; stuff that’s like grown-ups would have – but shrunk.

Brasher’s Tora GTX walking boots are just the sort of thing I’m talking about.  I mean, who have thought a Gore-Tex lined upper in a kids boot?  These are real walking boots, with the same technology in them as many adult boots. 

And that seems to be the idea here.  Make a boot for children like adult boots.

Take the styling – it’s not that far removed from Brasher’s Kiso GTX Men’s Boot.  The Tora GTX does have a more walking trainer style, but the boot shape helps to finish it off.  The laces are tough, although the classic and familiar walking boot lacing-up system can be a bit daunting for even children who have mastered shoes.  And these will last a lot longer than your young ones’ school shoes too, with the upper produce from abrasion resistant suede.

The outsole is a tough affair and makes these boots perfect for even the most challenging ascents most of the young wearers will be attempting.  The stiffness is about right, and the tread inspires confidence.

I liked the support given to the ankle by the Tora GTX – but that protecting might take some getting used to by your young one if they’ve only been used to low-level trainers and shoes.  They could find it quite enclosing and restrictive – which is a problem for all children’s walking boots.  However, Brasher have added a fairly padded collar to help alleviate this.

The midsole has a good level of absorption, and the tester - my eldest daughter Alannah – reported she found them to be very comfortable even on difficult terrain.  It seems like Brasher’s traditional rubber sole – so that’s why.

Taking of Alannah, I suppose I should let her give you her take on the Tora GTXs – after all, she wore them…

If you are going to be climbing up a steep mountain or walking down a bendy path, you need excellent walkingboots.  I recommend these boots because they are comfortable, have good grips and are water proof.

The boots give you good heel support which helps to stop your heels hurting while you are walking.  My feet felt very comfy because inside the boots were quite springy.

They are waterproof too.  When I was going up Mam Tor, I trod in a big puddle with just my wellies on and got my feet extremely wet. But when I went up Glenridding Dodd me and my dad had to go through a muddy marsh and my feet were as dry as can be.

The only thing I could find that was wrong with the boots is the laces.  They are a bit difficult for me to tie up and my Dad has to tie them up for me.

I don't like the fact that some other brands make the children's boots look silly and not like proper walking boots so I would definitely recommend these boots. 

So, in conclusion then, another smashing boot from Brasher which just happen to be for kids.  And that’s the way to look at them really - adult boots for children.  If you’re looking for the perfect way to get your children out hill-walking, then a pair of Tora GTXs would certainly help do the trick – and they’d be keeping your young ones feet dry and comfortable for the entire walk.

What's good...

Waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining
Adult-like stylingGood ankle support
Comfortable to wear on different terrains

What's bad...

Could be pricy for less active children although the price is justified for regular walkers
Some children could find ankle support restrictive

Brasher Tora GTX children's walking boots - Rough Price - £70

Walks Around Britain rating 9/10

Gear Review - Little Life Children’s' Animal Daysack by Littlelife

Getting young children out walking isn’t generally easy, but by following the advice on our website here it becomes a bit less of a challenge.  Now, one of the pieces of advice we mention is “For a real treat, give them a small knapsack to carry.  Then they can hold the bits that they find along the way” – and the Little Life Children’s' Animal Daysack certainly fits the bill.

First of all it simply looks the part – available in 10 different animal designs, they are distinctive and colourful – and instantly the children are hooked.   The daysacks are intended for children between 6 months and 3 years, and they have a enough amount of adjustment on the back straps to cope with that wide size difference.  The straps have a degree of minimal padding, but even so wouldn’t hurt the little wearer.

On the top is a grab handle, which I’ll leave you to decide is for either a child grabbing the bag or for parents grabbing a child… Just to the front of said handle is a zip to the top pocket which to allow the exit of the water-resistant hood.  Now, unlike most grown-up backpacks, this water-resistant hood isn’t really for the sack – it’s for transforming the little toddler into the animal of their choice to match the design of the daysack.  It’s a neat little feature which will certainly stop wet hair in an unexpected light shower.

The main compartment of the daysack has a capacity of 2 litres, and so is ample for a small drink, some healthy snacks (of course) and the obligatory 3 soft toys who need to come out on every expedition.  Inside the main compartment is a name & address tag, which must be completed by every parent…

The pièce de résistance of this little daysack is the Removable Parent’s Safety Rein, which transforms this innocent daysack into a way of controlling a wayward toddler and keeping them safe whilst exploring.  The Safety Rein is roughly about 1 metre in length and has a great wrist strap on the parent side and attaches to the daysack via a loop at the top of the sack.  This allows parents to easily clip the rein on out of sight of the little wearer – very important that.  As I'm quite tall, I'd prefer a longer rein so that my youngest can have a bit longer roaming - especially when I'm walking our two dogs.

Overall, the daysack is a great addition to the family with toddler who wants to make the transition from pushchair to walking.  The Safety Rein is really what us parents are buying it for and they comply with the safety standard BS EN 13210:2004 – which relates to Children's safety harnesses, reins and similar type articles – we know, we’ve looked it up.  It’s not the safety or the restraining powers children will be interested in, but just the bright designs and magic of having a grown up backpack.

My youngest daughter loves having a sack “just like Daddy’s” .  Our daysacks share shoulder straps, compartments to carry stuff, zips with a secret hood and even a chest strap.  Mine, however, isn’t red and have black spots on it.  Deuter, you’re missing a market there me thinks…

What’s good...

Fantastically creative designs
Built-in water-resistant hood for the wearer
Adjustable shoulder straps
Detachable Parent’s Safety Rein

What’s bad...

Minimal padding on the shoulder straps
Parent’s Safety Rein possibly could be a bit longer

Little Life Children’s' Animal Daysack - Rough Price - £18

Walks Around Britain rating 8/10

Gear Review - Men’s 100 Glacier ¼ Zip Fleece Top by The North Face

I’ll admit it.  I’ve never been a fleece fan.  There – I’ve said it.  I’ve always been walking shirt then walking jacket man – if you’re too cold, put on the jacket, if you’re too warm, take off the jacket.

But then I was introduced to the Men’s 100 Glacier ¼ Zip Fleece Top by The North Face – and I must say I’ve changed my mind.

To start with, the fleece has a great feel to it.  It’s very soft, yet you instantly know it’s going to keep you warm.   My example was in Weimaraner Brown – which I think is the more desirable colour of the 5 on offer.

My experience with The North Face is their sizes are always quite generous, so you may need a different size to your usual.  I preferred a slightly baggy fit, yet one which still provided me with the benefits of the fleece.

The Glacier is made from the Polartec Classic material, supposedly maintaining its insulation and feel even after years of washing.  Well, I can’t vouch for years of washing, but my example has been washed many times and it does look as good as it was when new.  As yet, it hasn’t been reduced to a baubly mess as some cheaper fleeces inevitably do.

The lightweight nature of the fleece makes it ideal for walking, biking, or running and I tried it out on several journeys out.

Now, as autumn and winter kicks in, fleeces come into their own.  I go out walking my Border Collie twice a day, and there’s often times when it’s too cool for shirt sleeves – and the Glacier is fantastic for these occasions, providing a comfortable and warm fit.  The one thing you notice within minutes of putting on the Glacier is how warm you’ve become.  With the ¼ zip right up, you’re protected from the wind with its high neck, and the well-fitted sleeves ensure your arms are toasty too.

When biking, the Glacier is a great top layer – enabling sweat to pass through so keeping you cosy, but not smelly.  Getting too warm?  Drawing the zip down allows a channel of air to give your top half a refresh.

I think the real test of any piece of outdoor clothing is whether it migrates into regular life – the life outside the days of walking and cycling.  The Glacier has definitely achieved that – its styling is not out of place on a leisure evening out.  Mine has become such a part of my kit I don’t resort to a jacket first of all when I’m going out – I wear the Glacier.

What's good...

¼ zip allows for ventilation
Great quality
Light but very warm too

What's bad...

Be very careful whilst ironing - must be on a cool iron

Men’s 100 Glacier ¼ Zip Fleece Top by The North Face - Rough Price - £40

Walks Around Britain rating  8/10

Product sample was provided by Webtogs, and as always with Walks Around Britain, we are independent in what we say.  Have a look at the Glacier here on the Webtogs website.