Over the years, this ethos has been our North Star as we continually strive to create outdoor clothing and camping equipment that is quality gear at great value whilst being durable, accessible for all and helps everyone to explore their world, their way.
Highly Recommended.
A highly capable and affordable mountain pack designed for big day hikes, alpine-style climbing, scrambling – and that can be stripped down for everyday use too. This served me really well on my big hikes with it in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, and I’m going to keep it stowed away for any more technical mountaineering missions I might have in the future.
It’s a little on the heavy side compared to similar, more expensive packs with higher-spec materials (like Dyneema)within its category – like the Black Diamond Speed Ultra, for instance – but it’s not the heaviest either, and it’s certainly good value for money.For future iterations of this, it’d be good to see some more sustainable materials used.
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The Nap Pak Arctic is a new inflatable mat from Highlander that comes in two varieties - full size and mummy-shaped - at the same price, and both claiming a fairly staggering R-value of 11.First, the science bit. Sleeping bag ratings are still aligning, but sleeping mat warmth ratings have been standardised for longer and are therefore a little more comparable.
Overall, both the full size mat and the mummy are excellent winter options; but the 591g mummy, reviewed here, is perhaps a bit of a market disrupter because of its lower weight. It's now possible to own just one mat for year-round use, for about £100 - a single sleep solution with reliable warmth no matter what the conditions. One of those inflation accessories is pretty essential, adding cost and weight, but the Nap Pak Arctic is comfy, durable, light and a great price, especially given its R-value.
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The Respite 2 i s a two-person tunnel tent weighing a total o f 2.68kg. It is not designed for ultralight adventures, and this is reflected in the robust nature of the materials. My first impression was that this tent felt more akin to those made by slightly more expensive brands. The design is a simple 'two-hoop' shape, tapering towards the foot. The poles are not colour-coded but it is immediately obvious where they go. I found pitching very quick and intuitive. The tent pitches as a unit (or flysheet-first), which is helpful i f pitching in the wet. I was impressed how well this tent stands up to poor weather.
Overall, this tent has alot to offer for its price. This is a good choice for weekend warriors looking for a robust two-person tent where low weight isn't a primary consideration.
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Highly Recommended.
James Roddie recommends the Highlander Rayet 250 sleeping bag for warmer seasons. The Highlander Rayet 250 delivers a lot for its RRP of £59.99. The shape of this sleeping bag is a little less tapered than a mummy’ bag would often be, with a wide foot box. This may be welcome for people with larger. In summary, this is good sleeping bag for the price, and it performs best in 2 season conditions.
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Highlander is proof that big performance doesn't have to mean a big price tag. The Hauler is built from heavy duty tarpaulin with reinforced webbing. It's tough - and water resistant thanks to waterproof zippers - protecting your kit from the worst that will be thrown at it. Internally. compression straps hold your gear safely in place, while external carry options include a padded two-strap top handle and padded rucksack-style shoulder straps, plus four side grab handles for easy handling and loading.
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Highlander has been around in the UK for a number of decades, but it’s only recently that they’ve really caught our attention here at Outdoors Magic. That was after we tested their Munro jacket, which we liked for its decent performance and budget-friendly pricing. Their Refuge 1 also impressed us; that’s a one-person tent that is pretty much bombproof and costs just £130. I’m pleased to say that the Highlander Respite 2 Extended Tunnel is another Highlander offering that stands out for delivering solid performance without an eye-watering price tag.
The Highlander Respite 2 Extended Tunnel isn’t the lightest or most technical tent out there. The packed size and weight will put off anyone counting grams, and the materials don’t match the premium specs you’ll find on high-end models. However, what you are getting is a tried - and - tested design that’s stable, spacious and easy to live with, all at a fraction of the price of some rival tents.
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The Highlander Novar 60+5L backpack is most notable for one thing - its refreshingly low price-tag of just £99.99. That’s a total bargain, costing less than half the price of more premium packs from other brands, and consequently identifies exactly who this backpacking rucksack is designed for: entry-level wild campers and budget-conscious, bargain-loving backpackers.If that’s you, it’s a good choice. For the price, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall levels of durability, functionality and performance.
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Bestin Test.
The var 30 has the familiar layout of a mountain pack that can take you into the hills all year round, yet costs just £50. The main compartment is draw-stringed and accessed via a single-buckled-closure lid that has a good-sized zipped external pocket with a key clip. The main compartment has a hydration sleeve with a hanging loop and an easy exit route for the tube. It also has a long external vertical zip, giving great access without having to open the lid, a rare feature, and one enjoy.
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Best Value.
This value-for-money stove kit includes a heat exchanger and cookpot – it’s of similar design to the Jetboil and Primus models also included in this test. TheFastboil3 comes with the largest cookpot in this review, with a 1.1 litre capacity (althoughin reality 1litre is the maximum amount of water it can safely handle). The measuring amounts embossed on the inside arefairly easyto see.
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Priced at £100 or so less than other packs in this list, the Ben Nevis 52L backpack is a bargain, offering good features, a comfy carry and solid weather protection.
The Ben Nevis 52L is more of a general hiking pack than a super-technical mountaineering backpack. But that will suit many people and at this price, you’ll struggle to find anything of better value.
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Highlander’s Ben Nevis Rucksack Hits The Heights Of Comfort And Convenience.
Despiteits generous capacity, the sleek design of the BEN NEVIS 52L from HIGHLANDER Nevis range gives it a neat, compact appearance. Made from waterproof, lightweightPU-coated 200D Nylon and packed with practical features, it’s proved to be a versatile, durable companion on trips through the Scottish Borders and the Lake District.
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Construction appears robust and has withstood rough wear and tear so far. These gloves are very much aimed at winter use; they are superb value for money at this price.
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Established in 1985 to provide an alternative toniche and over-priced outdoor kit, Scottish brand Highlander is all about affordable gear - and this backpack is no exception. It's half the price of some of its competitors andperforms surprisingly well out on the trail. You get a 40L capacity, loads of useful pockets and straps, and a comfy back system with sturdy hip-belt and padded shoulder straps.
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If you're planning an extended adventure, you'll need a 70L, Troon dry duffle bag.
It ensures that everything from clothes to loo roll will remain dry.
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Waterproof, comfortable and practical, this jacket is certainly great value. Testers said the full-length zip made it easy to put on in a hurry and you can also pack it away into a compact 'stuff sack' when you want to shed a layer. Some of our panel grew a bit hot and sticky during longer runs, and found the toggles a tad annoying as they tended to bounce around. However, it's ideal for casual runners looking to stay dry, or for anyone who doesn't want to spend much.
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These high-cut boots are as comfy, flexible and lightweight as many of their more expensive rivals, but lack a little structure and cushioning.
Features 3/5 | Construction 3/5 | Comfort 5/5 | Performance 3/5 | Value 4/5
Overall score: 72% ---- Pros: Lightweight, flexible, comfortable
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Sold singly, these lightweight, 3 section poles use the twist lock mechanism for both adjustable lower sections giving an overall length range between 65cm and 135cm. I liked the grippy foam handle which should last well and has a hard but well shaped top and a well-padded adjustable strap. The basket is a useful size and the pole also came with a larger, perforated, snow basket and a rubber ferole for extended road walking. The tungsten tip is smaller than some but has worn very well so far.
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A standard-looking bivvy bag, the Hawk has some useful features. The panel over the face is supported by a wire frame to keep it in shape and both a solid waterproof panel and a mesh ventilation panel are provided - simply zip one out and attach the other in its place.
The fabric has a HH rating of 5,000mm and feels reassuringly tough.
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In addition to being highly wicking and tough, the bamboo base layer also has a pleasantly soft feel, making this t-shirt extremely comfortable for long, warm days on the hill. It has a close, athletic fit for maximum performance when you’re working up a sweat.
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Available in three stylish colourways, the Stow & Go Waterproof Jacket may be at the lower end of our price range, but you wouldn't know it. Scoring an impressive 5/5 in our waterproof lab tests, some of our runners found the jacket to be on the snug side so it might be worth sizing up. Also, unlike some of our other higher-ticket jackets we tested, the Highlander team has designed pockets that are genuinely useful, according to our panel. That said, it didn't score too highly on breathability so this might be best kept for those who like to mix running with walking the dog or the odd hiking expedition.
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Okay, they might not look the cutest, but there's plenty to shout about with these sturdy hiking companions. Our testers found them supremely comfortable, with plenty of room for thick hiking socks, thanks to the wide toe. They were a doddle to slip on and off too, and, best of all, the grippy soles performed brilliantly on tarmac and rockier off-road terrain.
Panellists found them great for short rambles and long hikes, but they did experience some leakage around the laces when the weather took a turn. Our only other quibble is the mesh material, which makes them a tad tricky to clean. These are small flaws, however, for top-qual boots.
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Very affordable, good for occasional use, very lightweight. Light and packable, squeezed into their stuffsack the Stow & Go trousers take up just 20x10cm in your pack. They're not the most robust overtrousers available, but their reasonable waterproofing and great portability makes them an ideal pair of just-in-case' waterproofs.
Features 3/5 | Weatherproofing 3/5 | Breathability 3/5 | In use 3/5 | Value 5/5
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Adventure - November 2022
4/5 stars
A wonderfully warm cocoon for winter camping adventures, the Serenity 450 is a quality sleeping bag at an unbeatable price. A great value synthetic bag that is well equipped for winter camping. Wonderfully insulated and capable even when wet, it will keep you warm even when it’s just beyond freezing outside. Its size and weight make it less appealing than a premium down bag for sustained backpacking, but for single night wild camping or year-round car camping, it’s a solid option
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Pros: Very affordable, very warm
Cons: Heavy, bulky, so-so build quality
You can easily spend an absolute fortune on a down winter sleeping bag. But to save hundreds of pounds, instead opt for a synthetic sleeping bag from a price-conscious brand like Scottish firm Highlander.
All-round comfort is more than adequate considering the price. But ultimately, this is not a premium offering for winter camping connoisseurs. Instead, it’s squarely targeted at occasional winter campers and bargain hunters, who don’t mind the extra weight and bulk.
Verdict: A warm synthetic sleeping bag at a bargain price – but it’s rather basic.
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Trekking poles work better in pairs, and when they weigh as little as these do – just 180g per pole (we’ve weighed them) – you’ll hardly notice you’re carrying them.
The carbon sections adjust with twist-locks. Granted, twist-lock isn’t as reliable as flip-locks, but twist-locks are easier to use with gloves. These Highlander hiking poles extend from 65cm for carrying to a maximum of 135cm in use and come with trekking baskets and rubber tip covers.
Pros: Very lightweight, Easy to use with gloves Cons: Twist-lock isn't as reliable as flip-lock
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Highlander Outdoor are a Scottish brand with a focus on effective but good value gear. The X-Plorer Heavyweight wool sock is at the top of their sock range. These are very well padded socks which work brilliantly in heavier boots, especially in winter. With a decent level of merino wool, I was surprised at the luxurious feel at this price point, a match for some of the more expensive brands; the softness has been retained after multiple washes. Highlander’s lighter weight socks come in at under £10. A quality traditional sock offering excellent value for money.
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Combining the reasonably lightweight, stretchy nylon – elastane fabric with some very stretchy side panels, the Munro trousers give excellent movement and I found them a comfortable fit. I found they generated a little static on first wear but this seems to have stopped after a couple of washes. They have a DWR coating to help repel the lightest rain. There are two well-sized hand pockets, plus one rear zipped pocket (what looks a little like waterproof zips is actually part of the styling). The waist has belt loops, but also elasticated sections to the sides. These perform great on the hill anytime outside of the winter, and provide excellent value for money at under £50.
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At Highlander, we pride ourselves on great products and quality customer service.SINCE 1985SUPPORTING OTHERS
We are committed to supporting other adventurers.
We have sponsored expeditions that have inspired us to create the best gear we can, to better enable others to overcome their own huge challenges. In recent years, we have been lucky enough to collaborate with some incredibly inspiring people!
We kit-sponsored Mark Beaumont on his record-breaking cycle Around the World in 80 Days, and partnered with a trio of brave adventurers who trekked solo and unassisted across the Gobi Desert.
National events.
In 2010 Highlander was appointed the official licensees to the 2012 Olympic Games and in 2013 we were appointed official licensees to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, both events we are very proud of.