ADVENTURE GADGETS

All the gear you need to tackle bold outdoor pursuits, from bikepacking through Wales to a Lake Como retreat

Words: Matt Kollat

Photography: Phil Barker

TRAIL RUNNING IN THE DOLOMITES

1 BOB & BRAD ICEFLEXPRO

Recovery doesn’t have to mean ice baths and frozen peas. The Iceflexpro combines three cooling levels, three heat levels, and an automatic hot-cold circulation mode to target sore joints and muscles. At just 387g, with USB-C charging and adjustable straps, it’s easy to use anywhere, from mountain huts to hotel rooms, when your legs start negotiating with you for better recovery. £109, decathlon.co.uk

2 DJI NEO 2

The Neo 2 makes aerial footage feel effortless. Weighing under 250g, it slips into a running pack, launches in seconds and locks on to you with improved subject tracking and faster follow speeds than the original. It captures crisp 4K video and sharp stills, while intelligent flight modes handle the cinematography so you can focus on the trail and not the controller. £209, store.dji.com

TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST ALPINE TRAIL ESCAPE

START EARLIER THAN YOU THINK

Morning light brings cooler air, quieter trails and more stable weather. Afternoon storms build quickly in the Dolomites, especially in spring. An early start gives you more margin if navigation takes longer than planned or descents prove slower than expected on loose, technical ground.

LET CADENCE BEAT CONFIDENCE

Shorter strides and a higher cadence reduce impact and improve balance on rocky surfaces. Downhills reward restraint more than bravery. Relaxed arms, soft knees and controlled breathing between each step keep energy in reserve and ankles intact over long alpine descents.

TREAT NAVIGATION AS A SKILL, NOT A BACKUP

Trail markers fade, paths split, and snow can distort familiar routes. Download maps, check junctions twice, and trust bearings over assumptions when legs are tired and concentration slips. Knowing exactly where you are makes every decision faster, calmer and more deliberate.

3 ADIDAS EVO SL ATR

The Evo SL ATR takes Adidas’ lightweight road favourite and gives it trail credibility. A Continental rubber outsole adds grip on loose and wet surfaces, while the responsive midsole keeps turnover quick on climbs. It’s light, stable and surprisingly comfortable over distance, making it ideal for runners who want speed without switching shoes the moment the tarmac disappears or gradients start rising. £140, adidas.co.uk

4 COROS APEX 4

Big mountains demand a watch that doesn’t tap out early. The Apex 4 pairs dual-frequency GPS with offline mapping, breadcrumb navigation and up to 75 hours of battery life in standard GPS mode. Its titanium bezel and sapphire glass shrug off knocks, while advanced training metrics keep your effort honest. It’s not flashy; instead, it’s built to get you back down safely. A pro’s choice. £429, coros.com

FOREST ADVENTURE IN THE ARDENNES

1 SUUNTO VERTICAL 2

Suunto’s adventure watch focuses on endurance and navigation rather than gimmicks. With dual-frequency GPS, offline maps, barometric altitude tracking and up to 65 hours of battery life it’s built for long days under tree cover where accuracy matters. A sapphire screen and military-grade construction keep it resilient, while detailed training and recovery metrics add structure to slower, exploratory outings. £529, suunto.com

2 TACTICA K.100

The K.100 is a proper pocket knife rather than a novelty EDC. Measuring 18.8cm overall with a 7.3cm reverse-tanto blade, it uses PVD-coated D2 tool steel for durability and edge retention. The machined G10 handle, ball-bearing washers and liner lock deliver smooth, ambidextrous operation, while the 120g weight keeps it light enough for everyday carry without feeling disposable. £99.95, tacticagear.com