Rucksack Recon
No hype. No nonsense. Just gear that works when it matters.
There is no substitute for actually using equipment in the environments it was designed for.
At Rucksack Recon, our kit reviews come from firsthand experience in the mountains, not simply reading manufacturer specifications or examining products in a showroom.
Based in the Eskdale Valley, with Scafell and the surrounding Lake District fells on our doorstep, we have plenty of opportunities to put outdoor equipment through its paces.
From waterproof clothing and mountain boots to rucksacks and technical equipment, the aim is simple: provide straightforward, independent observations about what works, what could be better and whether something represents good value for money.
After several months carrying loads of up to 20 kg across Scafell, Eskdale and the surrounding Lake District mountains, the Rab Ascendor 45 has proved exceptionally comfortable and practical. Here's how it's performed, what I'd change and why it's become my regular mountain rucksack.
More reviews will be published as equipment is tested in the field.