Top Ten Gear and Equipment Reviews of 2024

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Our equipment reviews and tests have always been a very popular feature of our website. Everyone loves outdoor kit and here at Beyond the Edge we are all secret gear freaks and we get very excited by a new bit of equipment to try out. Our instructing and coaching team use their kit in the worlds toughest environments day after day and they only write about the gear they really like. Looking through the stats these have been our most popular kit blogs of the year and our top ten gear and equipment reviews of 2024.

1. Sportiva TX4

These approach shoes have become our unofficial footwear worn by most of the Beyond the Edge team. James writes about why he wears them. Sportiva TX4 Review.

2. Buffalo Mountain Shirt Review

A great review of the Buffalo Special 6 Shirt from a friend of Beyond the Edge. Buffalo Mountain Shirt Review.

3. Rab Xenair Alpine Jacket

Hati tries out the versatile Rab Xenair Alpine jacket. Rab Xenair Alpine Jacket first impressions.

4. Leatherman Signal

Hati’s honest review of the excellent multitool specifically designed for outdoor use. Leatherman Signal Review.

5. Gloves for Scottish Winter Walking and Mountaineering

Essential winter advice on how to choose gloves for snowy Scottish winter and beyond. Gloves for Scottish Winter Walking and Mountaineering.

6. How to Choose a Knife for Walking, Climbing, Mountaineering and Expeditions

This is still a very popular blog and it’s still controversial. We answer the tricky question regarding carrying a knife in the British hills and mountains? How to Choose a Knife for Walking, Climbing, Mountaineering and Expeditions.

7. Patagonia R1 Techface Hoody Review

Hati’s 2022 review of her beloved Patagonia R1 Techface Hoody. A great review of a great jacket. Patagonia R1 Techface Hoody Review.

8. Patagonia DAS Review

Oli talks about his beloved Patagonia DAS Parka. An essential winter mountaineering jacket. Patagonia DAS Parka review.

9. Emergency Shelter Review

Chris writes with authority about what might be our most important item of equipment. Emergency Shelter Review.

10. Soto Windmaster

Hati’s favourite stove. Soto Windmaster Stove Review.

We would like to give a big shoutout to our local outdoor shop the wonderful Outside in Hathersage. Great staff and a great selection of gear – https://www.outside.co.uk

Also if you would like a 15% discount on any Leatherman Tools or Opinel knifes follow this link and use the code WHITBYALEXEKINS15

Alex

Beyond the Edge Ltd is based in the Peak District, easily reached by train from London and within easy travelling distance from Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham and other Northern towns and cities.

We are one of the UKs most experienced providers of climbing, walking, scrambling, mountaineering and navigation training courses.

Most of our courses are run in the Peak District National Park which has some of the finest rock climbing, bouldering, walking and hiking in the world.

Max McKie

7 September 2026

Fantastic 2 days spent on the outdoor first aid course. Chris is a great instructor with a lot of experience. I would highly recommend doing this course and booking with Beyond the Edge.

Matthew Hall

28 August 2026

Had a brilliant 2-day Learn to Lead Trad course with Beyond the Edge. Alex was really knowledgeable, friendly and a great instructor. Learned loads and came away feeling much more confident leading trad. Would definitely recommend!

Salvador Rosas

25 August 2026

My wife and I recently attended a first aid course with Beyond the Edge, and it was an excellent experience from beginning to end. Caroline led the course brilliantly. She was knowledgeable, welcoming and engaging, and explained everything clearly while keeping the training practical, interesting and easy to remember. The relaxed and supportive atmosphere made it comfortable to participate, practise the skills and ask questions. I left feeling much more knowledgeable and confident about responding to an emergency. It was also a pleasure meeting Chris, who made me feel very welcome, and our certificates were sent through promptly after the course. I would highly recommend Beyond the Edge to anyone looking for professional, practical and genuinely enjoyable first aid training.

Shannon Beal

23 August 2026

Just completed my RCI Training with Beyond the Edge, and my nerves were put at ease instantly. Our course leaders Alex, James and Chris ran the training in a very relaxed manner, no question was a stupid question, and they are genuinely exited to encourage new people into the outdoor world, and i have left with a full suitcase of new skills, knowledge and enjoyment. Great company to start your outdoor qualification journey with!

Nigel Gregory

21 August 2026

I attended a hill skills course with Beyond the Edge. Delivery was at a sensible steady pace, a few hours in the ‘classroom’ with nav essentials then out to put these into practice and further skills like using emergency shelters, compass work & pacing. A lot covered in 2 days. Thoroughly recommend this course if you’re wanting to get more from your days out in the hills. Thank you Beyond the Edge.

Emma Scott

20 August 2026

Friendly staff and great location. I was made to feel totally safe and at ease with the whole two day training course and I was worried being a middle aged female. Would definitely go back to complete my assessment with Beyond the Edge.

Karen Cessford-Pattison

19 August 2026

Lowland Leader Training After an amazing weekend of training with Chris (Instructor) and our group, I have so much newfound knowledge to absorb, practise, and utilise. The knowledge shared was excellent, and the skills were presented in a clear, easy-to-absorb format. I would highly recommend Beyond The Edge. I will be back to complete my First Aid and Lowland Leader Assessment course.

Simon Lawrence

18 August 2026

I completed a two day Hill Skills course with Alex leading and Nigel assisting. There were seven of us with a range of experience and confidence. Alex and Nigel set a lovely tone with it being friendly, relaxed, interesting, and encouraging. We spent a couple of hours both mornings familiarising ourselves with the equipment and testing it out. Then went for a walk that utilised and challenged those skills. Everyone was really friendly and helpful throughout. If you don't know what taking a bearing is, an OS reference, how (or why) to use an emergency shelter, or pacing is, or know the difference between a path or a right of way on a map, then this course is for you.

Mathew Golden

27 July 2026

Just finished an HML training course with Chris & Phil at Beyond The Edge in Bamford, Peak District. The course was absolutely amazing and fantastic & extremely enjoyable, albeit, full on. I personally have quite a lot of experience, but they take you to another level with regards to navigation. But it’s not only nav that was excellent, preparation, leader training with groups and much more ! All really superb. I’d highly recommend using Beyond The Edge, they do what they say they will do, and more , and in a very friendly manner. Need I say more, a fully satisfied customer.

D Cole

27 July 2026

I’m very now attended several courses at Beyond the Edge My most recent was the Hill and Moorland leader training. Another excellent course delivered in a relaxed atmosphere and at a pace everyone was happy with, Nothing is too much hassle for Chris and his team. They are all extremely knowledgeable and willing to depart all that information and help you achieve your goal. The course is a fantastic mix of classroom work and practical work out in the hills The aftercare and help extended on completion of the course is second to none and really prepares you for your assessment I would very much recommend Beyond the Edge for outdoor pursuit courses from beginner through to expert. I know you won’t be disappointed and they have a terrific biscuit barrel

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