Summit and Smoke

Best Merino Wool Base Layer For Hiking UK Alright folks, Chris here from Summit and Smoke, and today we're diving headfirst into one of the most crucial pieces of kit for any hiker braving the glorious, yet often unpredictable, British outdoors: the humble merino wool base layer. Now, I've spent more weekends than I can count tramping across the Peaks, scaling the Munros, and navigating the fells, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that what you wear next to your skin makes all the difference. We're talking comfort, temperature regulation, and crucially, keeping that dreaded 'hiker funk' at bay after a proper long day on the trails. Merino wool has become the undisputed champion in the world of outdoor apparel, and for good reason. It’s a natural fibre that punches way above its weight, offering a fantastic blend of warmth, breathability, and that magical odour resistance that synthetics just can't quite match. But with so many options ou...

Berghaus vs Rab Down Jacket UK Winter: Which One Will Keep You Cosy? Berghaus vs Rab Down Jacket UK Winter: Which One Will Keep You Cosy? Alright folks, Chris here from Summit and Smoke! Today we're diving into a classic British outerwear debate that warms the cockles of my heart – or at least, keeps them from freezing: Berghaus vs Rab down jackets for our notoriously fickle UK winter. We're talking proper warmth, packability, and that vital bit of comfort when the mercury really drops and the wind starts to bite. If you're anything like me, you've probably spent countless hours poring over specs, wondering which bit of kit is going to be your trusty companion when you're stood around on a chilly summit, having a brew at the local beauty spot, or just trying to stay warm on the commute. Both Berghaus and Rab are absolute titans of the outdoor world, proudly British and both with a stellar reputation for quality. But when it comes to keeping you toasty through a...

Best Cheap Items You Must Take Hiking In The UK Best Cheap Hiking Essentials for the UK - Summit and Smoke The Savvy Hiker's Stash: Best Cheap Essentials for UK Trails! Alright, fellow ramblers, welcome back to 'Summit and Smoke'! It's your trusty mate here, and today we're tackling a topic close to my heart (and my wallet, to be honest): kitting yourself out for the glorious, often unpredictable, British outdoors without having to take out a second mortgage. You see, there's a common misconception that you need the latest, most expensive gear to truly enjoy hiking in the UK. And while top-tier kit certainly has its place, I'm here to tell you that you absolutely do not need to break the bank to be safe, comfortable, and prepared for whatever our magnificent hills and dales decide to throw at you. I've spent countless weekends, from the craggy peaks of Snowdonia to the rolling hills of the South Downs, and I've l...

Kamado Joe Vs Big Green Egg Uk Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg UK: Which Ceramic Beast Reigns Supreme for Your Back Garden Adventures? Right then, you keen outdoor chefs and smoke enthusiasts, gather 'round! Today, we're diving headfirst into a proper heavyweight bout in the world of ceramic grills. We're talking about two absolute titans that have transformed countless British back gardens into glorious al fresco kitchens: the mighty Kamado Joe and the iconic Big Green Egg. If you're pondering which of these ceramic marvels to invest in, you've landed in the right spot. As your seasoned mate from Summit and Smoke, I've spent more weekends coaxing flavour out of these contraptions than I care to admit, and I'm here to spill the beans on which one might just be your next best bit of kit. For years, the Big Green Egg held an almost mythical status, a veritable king of the coals. But then, a plucky challenger, Kamado Joe, stormed onto the scene, bringing wit...

Choosing Your Perfect Rab Down Jacket for Scottish Winter Hiking: A Summit and Smoke Guide Ah, the Scottish winter. A majestic, often brutal, and utterly unforgettable experience for any keen hiker. From the snow-capped Munros to the windswept glens, it's a landscape that demands respect, preparation, and absolutely top-tier kit. There's nothing quite like the feeling of bagging a winter summit, but the sheer unpredictability of the weather – often swinging from crisp sunshine to driving sleet and biting wind in a matter of minutes – means your insulation needs to be up to the job. That's where a quality down jacket comes in. And for us Brits, a brand synonymous with reliable, high-performance mountain gear is Rab. Hailing from Sheffield, Rab has been kitting out adventurers for decades, understanding the unique challenges of our island's weather patterns better than most. So, if you're planning on tackling a winter ascent in the Highlands, navigating the snowy ...

Pitch Perfect: Choosing the Best Vango Air Tent for Windy UK Weather Ah, the Great British outdoors! There’s nothing quite like packing up the car, heading for the rolling hills of the Peak District, the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, or the serene lakes of Cumbria, ready for a weekend under canvas. But let’s be honest, our beloved UK weather has a mind of its own, often throwing a proper curveball – usually in the form of a blustery gust that tests every peg and pole. That’s why having a reliable shelter is paramount, especially when facing the notorious British winds. For years, traditional pole tents were the standard, but the game has changed dramatically with the rise of air tents. Vango, a stalwart of the camping world and a true British favourite, has been at the forefront of this revolution with their innovative AirBeam technology. Forget fiddly poles and snapped elastic; these tents inflate in minutes, offering impressive stability. But when the gales are whipping...