Why this site exists.

I started Gear & Trails after years of planning trips for friends and family. Every walk seemed to end with the same conversations: Is this route realistic for everyone? What kit is actually worth upgrading? Can you rely on an app, or do you still need a paper map?

This site is my attempt to answer those questions in a calm, practical way — the sort of advice I’d give over a brew before heading out. You’ll find clear route guides, honest gear reviews with real pros and cons, and a focus on safety, value, and enjoyment rather than chasing distance, speed, or summit counts.

Some links are affiliate links, which help support the site at no extra cost to you. No manufacturer gets copy approval, and I’ll always be upfront about trade-offs and who a piece of kit is (and isn’t) for.