We test out the beefed-up version of Rabs Phantom Pull-on and Phantom JacketReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersProducing the lightest possible waterproof jacket was a challenge that a few of the premium outdoor brands have taken on in recent times, with their designers going to great lengths to jettison unnecessary features and source the lightest fabric that could still be classified as waterproof but if felt like the limit had been reached once they got down to the 100g mark.Rab were among those producing these ultra-lightweight shells, and their own Phantom Pull-On topped the scales at a barely believable 90g amazingly, it was also genuinely waterproof. That first Phantom shell was part of Rabs Skyline trailrunning collection, however the 2026 version of the Phantom has a much broader appeal. Now in jacket form (i.e. with a full-length front zip, as opposed to half-zip), it has a few more features and uses a more durable/heavier fabric which makes it more suitable for hillwalking and backpacking.Diamond Fuse technology makes the Pertex Shield fabrix more durableFabric mattersAt 222g for a mens medium, the Phantom jacket is more than twice as heavy as the original pull-on (although its still remarkably light), and thats mainly due to the far more durable fabric is uses: 30-denier Pertex Shield 2.5L Diamond Fuse. The stated waterproofness/breathability figures of 20,000mm (hydrostatic head) and 20,000 (MVTR) are more than respectable, and the unique diamond-shaped filaments used in the Diamond Fuse construction mean that durability should be good too, with a particular xx to abrasion resistance.In terms of features, the latest Phantom is not as minimalist as the original pull-on, however what features it does have are carefully thought-through in order to minimise the weight and bulk they add to the jacket. For example, the hood doesnt have front and back adjustors as youd get on a fully-featured shell, but it does have a rear volume adjustor and also a wired peak, always useful during wet spells or on windy summits. Instead of the usual two hem adjustors, it just has one, and instead of the usual Velcro fasteners at the cuffs, it has an elasticated section. You do also get two handwarmer pockets.A wired peak and rear adjustor make the hood effective in wind and rainIn useWith the likelihood that this shell will spend more time than not in your pack, its important that it is not only light but also extremely packable, and on that count the Phantom scores highly. Scrunched up it virtually fits in the palm of your hand, and has absolutely no problem being slipped into the front stash pocket on your pack. If carried inside your pack the main problem may be actually finding it in a hurry, so we actually ended up keeping it in the lid pocket of our pack not many shells allow you to do that! Rab have designed it so that it also neatly folds into its own hood, which is a nice touch.The feel of the Phantom is quite soft, with the micro-ripstop outer fabric giving it a distinctive texture thats quote different to many, smooth waterproof jackets. In use it feels very airy as in, it hardly feels like youre wearing anything. Sometimes shells that use a 2.5-layer membrane can feel a bit clammy on the inside, though we didnt find this to be the case with the Phantom. However, if youre wearing a short-sleeved baselayer underneath in prolonged or heavy rain, the jacket does tend to stick to your arms which isnt particularly pleasant.Half-elasticated cuffs can be pulled up arms for extra ventilationWe found the fit of the jacket reasonably snug, however the hem comes down nicely over the hips and we found there was enough room to wear a midlayer underneath so by no means is it too fitted. The hem can be adjusted via a single, lightweight pull/toggle, and this is a sensible compromise between weight and functionality (the other options to Rab being to have dual toggles or just an elasticated hem). Likewise, the cuffs do away with the common Velcro fastening tab and replace it with a half elasticated cuff that is extended on the outside to give some hand protection. The upside of this arrangement is that you can pull up the sleeves to your elbow when youre running hot, and theres enough room to wear over a GPS watch.Given the low weight of the Phantom, the provision of a wired peak on its hood is a bonus, and we found it was surprisingly effective keeping the rain off our face and preventing the hood flapping around too much in the wind. All these little touches help turn what could have been just another lightweight shell into a really versatile and effective layer.Not just for rain showers, the Phantom is also a useful windproof layerVerdictWhile creating the lightest is always a fun and headline-grabbing exercise, in the real world (for hillwalkers and trekkers at least) often something a bit heavier but more durable and feature-rich is a more sensible proposition. Thats obviously the thinking behind this latest Phantom jacket, and the increased feature set and durability give it far broader appeal than the original pull-on (or even the standard Phantom Jacket). While not suitable for days of heavy rain or prolonged showers, it is absolutely perfect for keeping in your pack and whipping out in instances of light showers, or even as a windproof layer when you hit the summit ridge.Out of interest, Rab also do matching Phantom waterproof trousers, and with these coming in at 84g and 125, you can have a full lightweight waterproof clothing system weighing just 306g and costing 285. Not bad, eh?More info at: www.rab.equipmentFit: RegularWeight: 222g (Size M)Centre back length: 75cm (Size M)Hydrostatic head: 20,000mmBreathability (MVTR): 20,000g/m/24 hrsMain fabric: 30D Pertex Shield 2.5-Layer construction with Diamond Fuse and fluorocarbon free DWR (73gsm)Find your local Rab stockist using the store locator below:https://rab.equipment/uk/stockists

Picture the scene. An international football match, a crunch fixture. A bar rammed full of men shouting and gesticulating as the commentary blares out from the TV. Got that image in your head? Now imagine everyone in the bar drinking black tea. It was a very weird sight. We werent in the Western World of []

Over the past couple of years Ive worked hard at improving my health. Along with a new strength training routine and a nutritional overhaul, I hit 50 feeling like a new woman. My increased fitness and reduced body weight meant I could finally get back in the saddle after a hiatus of more than 20 years, proving its never too late to rediscover the things that bring you joy.Like so many women, perimenopause hit me like a freight train, and with the added fun of PMDD, Ive had to call on reserves of fortitude and resilience hitherto unknown. Despite being more than 9 years into this hormonal horror show, and being on HRT for the last 7 of them, Im still not right and day-to-day life remains a challenge.Nervous system regulation and maskingWith the arrival of perimenopause, I also noticed that the ability to regulate my nervous system and mask vanished almost entirely. My life feels like an endless attempt at self-regulation, and when I find something that helps, it matters and rapidly becomes part of my arsenal.As a child my granny frequently called me fickle, observing how Id blow hot and cold over things. My school reports always included words like inconsistent, chatty, creative, sensitive. I could get an A one week and in the same subject a week later, I could get a D. Hell, I could spell the same word 3 different ways on the same page, and my handwriting would frequently change as I was constantly seeking novelty.I had trouble with arbitrary rules and needed (still do in fact) to understand the reasoning before I could fully grasp a mathematical equation. High levels of empathy and an active social justice radar meant that the unpopular and bullied kids always had an ally in me. Ive always been a leader, good in an emergency and have been fascinated by anything and everything, teaching myself to read music, play piano, programme computers and identify birds and fungi to a high level all before the age of 13. Dopamine seeking and hyper focusesHyperfocuses have continued throughout my adult life, manifesting as hobbies Im obsessed with for short periods, serial crafting (sewing, knitting, resin, drawing, painting, macrame, wreath making, feltingI could go on), foods Ill eat on repeat and then never touch again, echolalia, severe misophonia, sensitivity to lights, textures and flavours. Then theres the feeling of overwhelm in crowds, hating small talk, needing to spend time alone whilst simultaneously being super sociable. Im one extreme to another (either 10 minutes late or half an hour early), I find it impossible to switch off, I thrive in chaos and uncertainty; I hate routine and I have endless business ideas (and the registered domain names to prove it) the list is extensive.Suffice it to say, I know myself well enough to understand that on the spicy scale, Id be more surprised to find Im neuro-typical than to receive a diagnosis of AuDHD, but with NHS waiting lists many years long, frankly, I have more important things to invest my energy into.All of which is a ridiculously long-winded way of explaining that Im currently obsessed with horses. Three years ago it was open-water swimming, so youd be forgiven for assuming this is just the latest in a long line of hyperfocuses. Im not just enjoying riding again, Im laser-focused in the way only a pony-mad nine-year-old can be. But this isnt the dopamine hit of something exciting and new, its a return to something Ive always loved.Perimenopause and confidence lossErratic hormone fluctuations played havoc with my previously sky-high levels of self-confidence; I suddenly spent days feeling vulnerable, almost scared and became less likely to say yes to things. Never one to allow circumstances to make my life smaller, I stubbornly worked to ensure my reduced levels of confidence didnt negatively impact the breadth of my life, adopting a fake it until you make it mentality.Even when I felt anxious or scared, Id say yes and do the thing anyway. Over time I successfully retrained my brain, and soon the anxiety Id had for most of my adult life disappeared and I began approaching new things with open curiosity, having learned to reframe anxious thoughts as nervous excitement.Before my weight loss, riding a horse simply wasnt possible. A handful of stables have heavy horses capable of carrying heavier riders, but these are few and far between, and most stables have strict weight limits of around 80kg for horse welfare.Horse riding goalWhen I was in a bigger body, I knew horse riding wasnt an option for me, so despite riding as a child and teen (Im talking an annual holiday hack and just a handful of riding lessons) and loving it, I had simply accepted that it was a sport no longer open to me.I reached my initial weight loss goal in January 2026 and my reward was to book myself a hack, the first in over 20 years.A lot had changed in that time, from breaking my back to becoming a runner and so much more in between. I worried that my ongoing, significant hip problems might make riding more difficult, and since breaking my back, I had become far more wary of my own physical limitations, together with an heightened awareness of risk.Would my body remember how to sit properly and not fall off? Would I be able to dismount neatly? Could I still do a rising trot? Would I feel the same love for horses Id once had? The answer to all of these things was a resounding yes.All the gearIt may come as no surprise that when I do something, I go all in. Rocking up to ride a horse wearing jeans, trainers, and donning a borrowed hat wasnt going to cut it for me. So of course, I invested in all the necessary gear from the outset.I went to my local equestrian shop, just a few minutes down the road to get fitted for a hat and spent double what Id budgeted and then straight-up lied about the cost to my husband (a true equestrian in the making). I already had paddock boots, and my sister (who has her own horse), kindly gave me a pair of chaps and a website link for pull-on breeches with phone pockets.I looked the part at least, and I was happy to invest, knowing it was next to impossible that I wouldnt enjoy that first ride back and want to do it again. Filled with nervous excitement, my first ride in many years was all Id hoped for an absolute joy and boom, my love for horses was rekindled.Fast forward a few months, and Ive been on horses every time Ive had the opportunity to. As I write, Ive had a lesson on my sisters beautiful ex-racehorse, Ive hacked out 5 weekends in a row and Im hoping to get a block of lessons booked at my local stables as soon as they have space for me.Ultimately I dont have any grand equestrian dreams. I mean, obviously, if I could afford one Id have a chunky little cob to call my own, meanwhile in the land of reality, this time next year I might consider part loan of a horse which is a hugely exciting prospect and a brilliant reason for me to keep learning.Girls riding holiday plansIn terms of riding goals, my sister and I have decided to swap our annual snowboarding holiday for a girls horse riding holiday next year. Looking further ahead and considering various disciplines, dressage, whilst incredibly impressive, holds no appeal. Jumping? Perhaps teeny weeny little jumps, but learning to jump as an over-50 probably isnt something thats particularly viable, so I can see plenty of fun rides and happy hacking in my future!Of course as I progress and become technically more proficient, those goals may change, but for now, Im cherishing my weekend hacks, looking forward to some lessons and giddy with excitement looking ahead to our horse riding holiday next year.Gifting yourself joyI never stopped loving horses, but for a long time my body wasnt horse-friendly, and even if it had been, my finances wouldnt have stretched to regular riding. So I quietly filed it under things that arent for me any more and got on with life.The things that bring you joy and light you up are worth finding your way back to.Now my health and my bank balance have finally caught up with my heart, and the timing couldnt be better. Riding turns out to be one of the best tools Ive found for regulating my nervous system and I love learning and being a beginner at something again. When Im riding, my head goes blissfully quiet, my shoulders drop, and for an hour or two Im absolutely present. My granny may have called me fickle, but it turns out some loves just wait patiently for you to come back to them.Is there something you loved but decided wasnt for you any more because of your age, your body, your bank balance or simply because life got in the way? Very little is as fixed as it feels. Life is short and life is tough, and the things that bring you joy and light you up are worth finding your way back to.In the meantime, if anyone has tips for improving my trot-to-canter transition, Im all ears!The post Back in The Saddle Rediscovering My Love for Horse Riding at 51 appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

As October dawns, so does the weather. This is the time of year we can expect unsettled and windy weather coming in off the Atlantic

Life has been tough lately, but a trip to Mallorca to see the total solar eclipse puts things into perspective.

Ill admit, I was a little apprehensive about the Beenoskee before setting off. A few of the AllTrails reviews had mentioned a section where there is no defined trail to follow. The advice was essentially to make your own way across the mountainside, with some tough underfoot conditions along the way. That immediately brought back []The post Beenoskee Hike: A Spectacular Walk on the Dingle Peninsula appeared first on Wild Irish Walks.

Why would someone climb peaks in the UKs 15 national parks, in a pair of flipflops, while carrying a 26kg post box?For Stu Skinner it was a way of tackling loneliness by inviting people to join him on the hikes and getting them to write postcards from the peak to those who might be experiencing their own form of isolation. Its a story of endurance and connection, with over 250 people joining him and more than 1000 postcards despatched. For Stu it was a way forward through depression, heartbreak and uncertainty, for those who walked with him, it was the opportunity to share what they were carrying and to discover that it is. Not necessary to be alone.Stu will be showing the film made about his journey in Ellis Brigham, Covent Garden London, on Thursday 8th October. Tickets cost 8 and proceeds will all go to Head Outside the charity that Stu founded which aims to support and recognise projects making nature and outdoor activities accessible to people facing mental health challenges.More info at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/postcards-from-the-peaks-tickets-2001773613765?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1

The post Blue Lough appeared first on WalkNI.

The post Bloody Bridge River Walk appeared first on WalkNI.