Life Outdoors
Inspiration & advice from the trusted outdoor experts
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Learn how to easily seam seal a tent using silicone seam sealer, and discover why manufacturers recommend doing so on sil-nylon tents.
04-06-24In relentless drizzle, a team of shop staff from Blacks Ambleside visited Tilberthwaite in the Lake District to test and review 15 pairs of the best walking and hiking boots on some of the UK's most challenging terrain. The test included boots from Scarpa, OEX, Merrell, Meindl, Berghaus, North Ridge, Salomon and Peter Storm. The aim was for each tester to share their opinions and pick a favourite.
12-05-23
Latest reads
View all- Hiking Hotspots: The UK's Best Hiking Locations15 min read
- The Best ‘Almost Wild Camping’ Sites in Britain Discover the best 'nearly wild' campsites in the UK, hand-picked by the experts at Hipcamp.3 min read
- Winter Camping: How to Stay Warm, Dry and SafeRead our expert advice guide on wild camping in the winter months to help you stay safe on the hill.10 min read
- Stunning Spring Hikes to Enjoy This Season Spring is here and with it comes the call to get outdoors and begin discovering all the wonderful trails our national parks have to offer. From Dartmoor to the Cairngorms, there’s everything from serene coastal paths to blustery mountaintop trails to choose from. We’ve found people's favourite...6 min read
- Wellness Hotspots: The Best UK Locations for a Relaxing Wellness GetawayWe have researched areas in the UK to determine which are best for improving your wellbeing. We looked at 35 regional locations in the UK with five or more mindfulness retreats to determine which have the best conditions for wellness, reviewing factors including retreats, walking trails, and...15 min read
- Exploring Type 2 Fun in Outdoor AdventuresDiscover the concept of Type 2 Fun, a feeling of retrospective pleasure gained after a difficult outdoor activity.8 min read
- Blacks: An Outdoor Retail Pioneer in a Trailblazing Era – 1850 to 1950Discover how Blacks played a part in the history of the outdoor industry during 'The Golden Age of Alpinism'5 min read
- Gethin Jones Reveals The UK's Favourite WatersportsDiscover the UK's favourite watersports and why Gethin Jones loves to spend time in the water all year round.2 min read
- Black Friday Deals 2023 | The Best of the Blacks SaleWhether you’re looking to get ahead and tick off some Christmas gifts for your outdoorsy friends and family or fancy treating yourself to a new jacket now that the cold months are upon us, this guide has a full round up of the best Black Friday deals.3 min read
- Best of Black Friday 2023 | Tents & Camping DealsBrowse the best deals on tents and camping equipment this Black Friday 2023 with huge savings on Berghaus Air Tents and more.2 min read
- Best of Black Friday 2023 | Women’s Outdoor Clothing and Footwear DealsBrowse our brilliant Black Friday deals on Women’s outdoor clothing and footwear from Rab, Merrell, Craghoppers and plenty of other big brands, all with small prices.2 min read
- Best of Black Friday 2023 | Men’s Outdoor Clothing and Footwear DealsBrowse the collection of top men’s outdoor deals this Black Friday with top deals from Rab, Merrell, Berghaus and more.3 min read
- The World Skiing Index | The Best Resorts in the WorldWe've ranked the best ski resorts in the world by analysing data so you can pick your next alpine adventure.11 min read
- A Finisher's Guide to the Montane Dragon's Back RaceDragon's Back 2023 finisher Owen Jackson shares his experiences and best tips for the world's toughest mountain race.10 min read
The Edible Outdoors | A Seasonal Guide to UK ForagingWith top picks and recipes for every season, we’ll guide you through all the need-to-know information when it comes to foraging in the UK in this comprehensive guide.8 min read
Lightweight Cooking Gear for Outdoor GourmetsWhat could be better than enjoying a home cooked feast prepared from foraged ingredients surrounded by stunning scenery? Inspired by Paul Robinson, the Yorkshire Gourmet, and with the help of our friends at Coleman, we've compiled a selection of lightweight cooking gear that's perfect for...7 min read
The Yorkshire Gourmet's Recipes6 min read
Wild Foraging with Paul Robinson: The Yorkshire GourmetPaul Robinson also known as Yorkshire Gourmet, is a cook, forager, photographer and hiker, who specialises in creating nourishing, flavourful meals outdoors. Paul worked for more than two decades as a graphic designer but yearned for a vocation that was based outdoors. He decided to take the leap...2 min read- Scarpa Rush Trk LT GORE-TEX® Boot In-Depth ReviewGear Expert Stuart Hedley shares his thoughts on the Scarpa Rush Trk LT Boots after an 8-hour hike in Scotland.3 min read
- Stunning Summer Hikes to Enjoy this SeasonDiscover some of the best walks to do in summer throughout the UK's National Parks, recommended by local adventurers.9 min read
- Gary House X Montane: Fell Running Tips to Move Fast and Light in the MountainsTo succeed as a fell runner, it's crucial to move quickly and efficiently. Maintaining a low weight, having appropriate gear, training regularly, and maintaining proper nutrition are all essential components to beating personal records and conquering challenging ultra-marathons. Every one of...4 min read
- OEX Vertex Lite Roof Tent In-Depth ReviewOEX has recently launched the Vertex Lite. The two-person fold-out roof tent offers an affordable entry to the growing trend of rooftop camping and is compatible with almost any vehicle. We took a closer look at one of this summer’s most exciting releases and answered all your burning questions.3 min read
- An Introduction to Cold Water Swimming X Helen Skelton and Wonderful Wild WomenSwimming in cold water has become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason. Cold water swimming can offer numerous physical and mental benefits, making it a popular activity among outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique and refreshing way to engage with the natural environment.5 min read
