Sophie Nicholson discusses the rise of women's specific ski gear in the snowsports industry. She highlights the success of the Blizzard Pearl ski, which became the top-selling ski in the US in 2015/16, as an indicator of the growing market for female-specific products. Nicholson points out that women make up 40% of the skiing population, and gear companies are now recognizing the potential of this demographic. She explains that women have unique anatomical needs, and the industry is responding with more credible, high-end products. The article also credits the influence of high-profile female athletes like Angel Collinson and Lindsey Vonn for inspiring a new generation of female skiers. Nicholson concludes that with the increased availability of quality gear and the end of patronizing 'shrink and pink' strategies, it's an excellent time to be a female skier.

The article reviews the 5th generation Salomon Speedcross trail running shoes, highlighting the improvements made from previous versions. The Speedcross 5 maintains its reputation as an all-rounder shoe, offering protection and comfort, but now with a better fit, enhanced grip, and increased stability. The author notes the deeper heel unit, larger lugs for better grip, and a new welded upper for comfort. Despite a preference for lower drop heights in running shoes, the author acknowledges the benefits of the Speedcross 5's 10mm drop, especially in reducing soreness post-run. The shoe is described as a premium product that should appeal to both new and existing fans of the brand.

The article reviews the Outday 20+4 hiking pack by Salomon, emphasizing its lightweight design at 671g, which is intended for day hikers who prioritize speed. The pack's design benefits from Salomon's mountain running heritage, offering easy access to gear with side-accessible compartments, hip belt zipped pockets, and stretchy side pockets. It is also hydration pack compatible and features a front stretch flask pocket. The pack's fit is likened to a running vest, with a Motion harness system that moves with the user, and thermo-molded straps and back for comfort and support. Despite the £90 price tag, the article suggests that the Outday 20+4 is a worthwhile investment for a technical hiking pack from a leading brand in fast and light mountain adventures.

The article reviews seven lightweight three-season walking boots suitable for various hiking terrains, excluding the most technical. The Haglofs Roc Icon Mid GT is praised for its eco-conscious design and advanced features, though it is a bit pricey. The Berghaus Explorer Trek Plus GTX is highlighted as a reliable and affordable option for everyday rambles. The Scarpa Marmolada Trek is ideal for challenging ground, while the Salomon Quest Prime GTX is noted for its lightweight yet protective design for long hikes. The Aku Alterra GTX is recommended for summer hill walks, but not for rocky terrain. The Mammut Ayako High GTX is recognized for its scrambling precision, and the La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX is lauded for its technical features and good value. Each boot is evaluated for its specific strengths, comfort, and suitability for different hiking activities.

The article introduces the new Experience W series of women's specific skis by Rossignol, which replaces the Temptation series. The Experience W series includes five new skis, with the Experience 84 Ai W being highlighted for its performance during a ski test in Galtur, Austria. This model features Rossignol's Line Control Technology for better edge hold and control. The ski is described as suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers who prefer on-piste skiing. Its All Terrain rocker design aids in turn initiation, and the ski's style is noted for its distinctive teal green/orange color. The Experience 84 Ai W is recommended for skiers looking to improve their skills, with a particular emphasis on its 12m turning radius at 160cm length.

The article reviews the Arc'teryx Norvan SL, a new addition to the Norvan trail running collection. The shoe is highlighted for its ultra-lightweight design, weighing only 160g, and is targeted at experienced runners who prefer speed and technical terrain, particularly in dry conditions. The Norvan SL features a breathable TPU mesh, a hydrophobic upper, and a Vibram outsole with Megagrip rubber for excellent traction. It is highly packable, lacking a plastic heel counter, which allows it to be folded flat. However, the shoe's minimalist design may not offer enough protection for some runners, and there are concerns about its durability and fit around thinner ankles. The article concludes with anticipation for further testing during the summer season.

The article reviews Salomon's new Supercross trail running shoe, highlighting its comfort, affordability, and suitability for less technical trails. The Supercross is presented as a more approachable and less expensive alternative to Salomon's mountain-specific trail shoes like the S/Lab, Speedcross, and Sense ranges. It features a 10mm drop, a soft Ortholite insole, and a more accommodating fit for those with wider feet. However, the shoe lacks Salomon's innovative lace storage system, which could be a drawback for technical trail runners. The Supercross excels in grip with its aggressive chevron lugs, making it ideal for muddy UK trails. The durable ripstop upper is also praised for keeping trail debris out. Priced at £100, the Supercross is recommended for runners seeking a comfortable and durable trail shoe without the need for high-end technical features.

The article reviews the Adidas Terrex Agravic trail running shoes, which are designed with Boa fit dial technology for a personalized fit. Priced at £129.95, these shoes are positioned at the higher end of the market and feature advanced technology such as the Boa Closure System and a Continental rubber outsole. The reviewer, who has narrow feet and ankles, was excited to try the shoes but was disappointed to find that they did not adequately secure their narrow heels, despite the shoes being otherwise comfortable and high-quality. The shoes were praised for their roomy toe box, rebounding midsole, and sock-like construction, but were noted to perform less well in wet and muddy conditions, suggesting they are better suited for dry trails.

The article reviews 10 different winter walking and hiking boots, focusing on their suitability for various winter conditions and activities. The boots are evaluated based on build quality, fit, care, uppers, lining, ankle cuffs, outsole, and crampon compatibility. The Salomon X-Alp MTN GTX is praised for its lightweight and agility, suitable for occasional winter mountain forays. The Aku Serai GTX is noted for its technical features and suitability for higher elevations. The Asolo Powermatic 200 GV is recommended for traditional hill walkers, while the Danner Jag is ideal for urban outdoor adventurers. The Haglöfs Grym Keprotec is highlighted for its innovative features and lightweight design. The Hanwag Makra Combi GTX is suited for alpine adventurers, and the KEEN Terradora Pulse Mid Waterproof is perfect for light hiking. The La Sportiva Trango Tower GTX is designed for semi-stiff mountaineering, the Salewa Raven 2 GTX for fast and light hill days, and the Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX for winter mountaineers and climbers.

The article reviews the new Cloudventure Waterproof running shoe by On Running. The shoe is praised for its immediate comfort, suitability for various foot shapes, and lightweight yet sturdy design. Weighing 275g and featuring a 6mm drop, the Cloudventure WP is designed for off-road adventures and is built to last. The review highlights the shoe's performance on descents, with a Missiongrip outsole that provides traction and cushioning. Despite challenging conditions on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, the shoe's waterproof properties kept the feet dry. The breathability of the shoe is also mentioned, with a note that it could feel warm in extreme heat. The article addresses the previous issue of stones getting stuck in the sole and notes that the new design has significantly reduced this problem. The reviewer has tested the shoes in various terrains and has only encountered one stone getting stuck, marking it as a positive improvement.