Here in the LFTO and Trail magazine office, we usually spend the first few months of 2024 arguing about outdoor kit. That’s because Trail’s May issue (on sale Aprill 11th) comes free with a 100-page Spring Gear Guide, crammed with what our testers consider the 168 best products hikers need to know about this year.
We agree on most things (and disagree on more than a few) but we’re always very proud of the end product, because the Trail Spring Gear Guide represents what we believe to be the best and most trusted buying advice for hiking and backpacking kit that you’ll find anywhere in the UK. Including the 8 products that have walked away with our coveted 2024 Gear of the Year awards.
CLICK HERE to order your copy and get Trail's May 2024 issue delivered to your door
And it isn't just gear you'll find in the new issue of Trail – we'll also show you how to climb Ireland's 3 highest peaks in one day, discover the best summit view in the Lake District, reveal 8 of our favourite north Wales mountain ridges, show you how to walk the best bits of the West Highland Way in 3 days, and much more as always.
Scroll down to see a gallery of our favourite images from the new issue, and we hope you get out on some great adventures of your own this month!
Oli Reed, Trail editor
Is this the best view in the Lakes?
The summit of Harter Fell, with its huge views over Eskdale and the Scafell range, really does take some beating.
Ireland's 3 highest peaks, in 1 epic walk
Most hillwalkers won't have climbed Ireland's highest mountain Carrauntoohil, and many may not have even heard of it. But trust us, this route in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks is well worth the plane ride.
8 epic mountain ridges of Eryri
Everyone knows about Crib Goch and Tryfan, but what other aretes are lurking in the rocky mountains of north Wales?
Best of the West Highland Way – in a weekend
Don't fancy the full 96 miles from Glasgow to Fort William? No problem, we'll show you how to search out the West Highland Way's highlights in a long weekend.
Why subscribe to Trail magazine?
Trail is a monthly magazine for everybody who loves hiking, backpacking, climbing mountains, and exploring the great outdoors. If your idea of a good weekend is chucking your mountain kit in a rucksack and heading for the hills, then we've got you covered.
Every issue of Trail is packed with award-winning writing and photography, mapped mountain routes, expert reviews of all the latest outdoor gear, interviews with the biggest names in outdoor adventure, and expert advice from mountain pros on how to improve your hill skills.