Your Year Outdoors - Alpkit Wrapped 2025

You used it. You rated it. From thousands of customer reviews, these are the most-loved Alpkit products of 2025 the kit that kept showing up, trip after trip

What a year for getting out there. You left us thousands of reviews, conquered peaks in Definition jackets, wild camped in Pipedream sleeping bags, and pedalled Camino bikes across gravel, tarmac, and everything in between. From January's frozen bivy nights to September's Big Shakeout festival, from dawn swims to Antarctic expeditions, this was a year of mountains climbed, trails ridden, and wild places explored.

So grab a brew, settle in, and let's celebrate what you did with the gear this year.

Winter Warriors: How You Took On The Cold

The start of the year began with a simple challenge: get out into the cold, crisp British winter. And you didn't just get out, you thrived.

Kat Hill headed to a bothy on the Isle of Rùm in the depths of winter. As the light faded and the sky deepened to velvet blue, the temperature plummeted. "It was a cold night; I am not going to lie," she recalls. But the dreams? Filled with the sight of the sea and sky under moonlight, twisted alder trees arching toward Bloodstone Hill, Orion wheeling in frozen heavens. The morning brought fresh snow and an otherworldly glow across the mountains. That's winter bothying, harder work, but richer rewards.

And Sara Barnes found her winter fix in the water. A moody swim in Windermere after Kendal Mountain Festival, needing that moment of cold clarity. Three strangers drawn to the lake by its reflective stillness, one on a paddleboard, one with a camera, Sara with her jar of twinkling lights. "Moments like these are banked as a sparkling reminder for those days I need extra motivation to get outdoors."

Some of your favourite kit

It's no surprise that your favourite winter jacket was the Definition. I've had the womens version of this jacket for 3.5 years now in Scotland. It's done over 50 munros in all weathers and all types of snow and it's never leaked, I am always dry and warm. The hood adjustments are perfect to keep shelter over your head with or without a helmet and the side vents are great to manage your temperature on sweaty inclines. I'd also like to praise the blue colour as so many outdoor brands only do women's jackets in aubergine or teal which I can't stand. After being so jealous of me always being dry when he is not (in his much more expensive jacket that rhymes with crab) my partner will be purchasing the definition too. Treat yourself and get this jacket. - Lulu.

Good gear keeps working while you rest and the PipeDream 400 sleeping bag was the most popular choice to keep you warm through what turned out to be the UK's hottest year on record "Recently purchased to replace my previous PD400 which I unfortunately misplaced. I do love these sleeping bags, pack down small, light to carry yet extremely comfortable and warm. Serves me well wild camping in Scotland from early spring to late autumn." - Gareth Russell

The Gravel Revolution: Where You Rode

The cycling world crowned the Camino both "Gravel Bike of the Year" AND "Overall Bike of the Year" at the Cycling Weekly awards. But you already knew that. Because you'd been riding it all year.

Marek summed it up: "This is my second Camino AL, this time with GRX1 groupset and huge cassette. This is the ultimate bikepacking / gravel bike at a very good price point. Also - great customer service. Look no further!" Gravel, tarmac, bridleways, bikepacking routes, the Camino handled whatever you threw at it.

And then came the game-changer: the El Camino electric gravel bike got an upgrade. Taking the legendary Camino and adding electric assist meant longer routes, bigger adventures, more exploration. Jenny Graham put it through its paces, proving that e-bikes aren't about cheating, they're about going further. The range extender gave you miles more fun, whether you were tackling that final climb or extending your evening ride into something epic. Mark took his El Camino on the coast to coast, a route over 173 miles. "I only used the power on the hills due to panniers or tired legs at the end of a route. I could easily do 60 miles switching between zero and economy power, it's not a perfect bike but tries to compromise on weight and pedal assist. It's just nice to have the option of pedal assist."

Judith has also been using hers for touring "I absolutely love my El Camino e-gravel bike. It’s easy to ride and handles well. It’s a joy to ride. I like the fact that you can customise your bike. I’ve put on the Sonder Confucius bars and Confucius Bar Bag, and Grasp Comfort Grips. Also Mool Pannier Rack, Mud Guards and Chain Guard. All worth adding. The best additions have to be the front and back suspension, Crane Creek eesilk stem with compliance switch and the eesilk + in the seat post. These were recommended by my local Alpkit branch in Inverness, and make a difference to riding off road. I do a mix of cycling ranging from cycling to work or a circuit of The Caledonian Canal, where I live, to tough gravel rides in the Highlands, and some bike packing. The battery isn’t beefy, but what you lose there you gain in a light e-bike which is easy to cycle without using the battery. You could add in the Range Extender, however it’s quite expensive. I do have to think about conserving the battery on long and undulating gravel rides in places like the Cairngorms. Overall I would recommend the El Camino as a fun to ride and light e-gravel bike." "

And then there are the stories yet to be written. Late in the year we added the Falco trail bike to the Sonder family. For those who want their trails more technical and descents more committing, built for riders who know the best views come after the hardest climbs. Then in December we added Skarper the innovation that converts your existing bike into an e-bike in seconds. Making cycling more accessible, one click at a time.

We can't wait to hear about your adventures with these products in 2026 - just leave us your product feedback or send in your stories, that's what these people did.

Adventures That Pushed Boundaries

Some of you didn't just go for weekend rides. You went big.

Sonder rider Harvey Rollason the overall win in the British National Enduro Series on the Sonder Evol, with five national podium finishes including two wins. Proof that when you push hard, the gear pushes back.

Sam Murray tackled Iceland volcanic landscapes on his Sonder Camino Al facing unpredictable weather, the kind of adventure that proves your kit works anywhere.

And then there's Lisa, embarking on her third season with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. She spent the summer operating the world's southernmost post office at Port Lockroy. In conditions ranging from Scottish-grey drizzle to brutal blizzards, with sub-zero temperatures and relentless freeze-thaw cycles, she worked on conservation projects for 80-year-old historic buildings. As Lisa put it: "Some days are just grey, like a Scottish winter...but sometimes there are those real tingle days: blue sky, sunshine, mountains. The scenery glows and glitters, it's just captivating."

The gear she relied on? Definition Mountaineering Jacket, Katabatic insulation, and Nautilus overtrousers. When your kit works at the bottom of the world, you know it'll handle whatever British weather throws at it.

The Gear You Reached For Again and Again

Reading through over 6,000 reviews this year reminded us why we do what we do. It's not about the specs, it's about the moments when kit just works.

The Details That Matter

Sometimes it's just the little things. The Woodsmoke became a cult favourite for good reason.

Dean Eager said "I have a few checked shirts, they're my go-to when a t-shirt is just that bit too casual. This one is now my favourite. It is made with an entirely different fabric to my others; it's a technical, stretchy fabric, and I like that it has poppers instead of buttons. I bought the Slate colour, which is more of a greeny-grey than the grey in the pictures, not that I mind, but something to be aware of.""

Woodsmoke may well be our most selfied product. Stephen Rooney praised it for being "very adaptable with stretchy fabric—pockets good for storage when camping, like a lighter or paper V60 filter for the coffee outside situation." One reviewer admitted: "I own 5." Don't worry reviewer you are amongst kindred spirits here. It looks like a shirt but works like a fleece, never needs ironing, and has Polygiene anti-odour tech. Wear it riding, hiking, climbing, working, you won't want to take it off.

The Griffon went everywhere you did. "A great mid layer, the thin enough to layer up, but equally great at keeping you comfortable on its own. I purchased the men's as liked the colour, but fits fine with just a little extra length on the arms. I also purchased one in blue for my partner."" says Vicky Martin. Outdoor days, crag sessions, pub walks, the Griffon was on your back.

For runners and commuters who refuse to let drizzle ruin their day, the Balance delivered. Tom Brooks notes the "generous hood that fits over my bike helmet and neck that's easy to do up to the top", these are the details that make daily adventures possible and you can't get enough of that kind of thing.

Gemma said "I'd been debating between the Fortitude and the Balance. They have the same HH but ultimately the cut & fit of the Balance won out for me. I've been outside today in the heavy rain for 1.5 hours listening to carols at Malham Cove. I am bone dry and warm. Great jacket, good cut and looks stylish but more importantly does the job. My only feedback is that it would 100% be improved by having a little coat hook loop on it. Would recommend"

Keen eyed Alpfans will also notice the Nautilus trousers completing the look "My partner has these and has been banging on for a while that I too need a pair. So he treated me on the Black Friday sale... These are fab. Great fit, very comfortable and have a bit of an elasticated waist too, plus belt. They look smart and a lady approached me today asking for the brand as she thought 'they looked very stylish'."

Winter Warmth

When temperatures dropped, you reached for the Filoment Hoody. Craig sums it up for us: "Great quality jacket, feels lovely, really warm, good pockets and a nice fit." Recycled down doing what it does best, keeping you warm without the weight.

Ellies Mum opted for the gilet and had this to say "I love this gilet. It is great for layering, packs up nice and small, has useful pockets and fits well. I did a walk along the Normandy (French) coast, and this with the Gravitas waterproof was perfect. The blue colour is nice, particularly the orange liner. Alpkit, please can we have some more cheerful colours? I like to stand out a bit so the traffic can see me, even countryside hikes involve a bit of road, and I have grey hair so blue and black don’t really suit me. Also, a double zip would be useful so you could open the gilet from the bottom to let a bit of air in when you have a rucksack on or riding a bike."

Not just a footnote, the Rifugio Hut Slippers earned their place. Tash G: "I bought these for camping but they will also be perfect for using at home when the cold weather comes back. They are unbelievably warm and the material feels really sturdy, perfect for trekking outside." Easy there Tash, we love your enthusiasm for going lightweight, but we would recommend a pair of hiking boots when trekking. Maybe 2026 will finally be the year?

We also got a lot of pyjama photos, thanks Tom they match nicely.

"Amazing slippers! Perfect at home or away -,really comfy, very warm, and best of all - I can pretend that i am at base camp every morning. Also bought my wife a pair and she is also converted." - Tom

The Unexpected Heroes

The Sequence Jeans proved you don't need to look like you're summiting Everest to tackle the outdoors. "Really hard wearing, great fit, handy pockets, super comfy," says MT. From the crag to the café, they just work.

Stephen Ferguson called them the best jeans ever "I stopped wearing jeans a few years ago - I've got quite chunky thighs from various sports that I play and mostly they don't fit. I was persuaded to try the Alpkit jeans and they are fantastic. I wear them all the time. I've had these a few years now and with the cats pulling the threads out when their claws catch, and wearing them when doing woodwork and gardening, as well as everything else including cycling, they are starting to look a little scruffy. Maybe time for a second pair! What do I like about them? They are a nice relaxed fit, and they stretch. The crotch is not just a single seam but has a diamond shaped piece so less chance of ripping at the seams. There is a pocket on the right thigh - described as a tool pocket in the blurb. I have a largish "ruggged" phone and often it is a bit bulky in a pocket: but the thigh pocket is perfect for the phone. Just the right size and height, but slim enough that its not like a cargo pocket. I've picked a bit of a daft photo (axe throwing) but you can see the pocket clearly. They have (1) lasted ages (2) washed well (3) been super comfortable (4) been stretchy (5) brilliant pockets. Why doesn't everyone have a pair?

I have to confirm what Stephen says about the thigh pocket being superb for phones. No squeezing your phone out of your pocket as if laying an egg. You know what I mean right? But surely Stephen, there has to be an easier way to get that door open?

Noticing a theme here? Something running through all these reviews? It is gear that gets out of the way and lets you focus on the adventure.

What Landed in 2025: New Kit You Put to the Test

Radiant Sleeping Mat

The Radiant arrived in 2025, and you wasted no time putting it to work. Richard Lodge took it on its first wild camp and found "its comfort and warmth (down to freezing) surpassed my expectations in the field. It's really quiet too—I could hear my fellow campers creaking away on their mats but Radiant is genuinely quiet relative to their Thermarests and Expeds."

Oh my, there is nothing worse than a creaky sleeping mat - are you sure it was the mat and not their aching bodies?. Anyway for Josh it was his first (and hopefully not last) Alpkit purchase "As a side sleeper, I've always had problems with thinner mats but after using this mat up in the Welsh mountains, I can happily say it was very comfortable and warm. Much quieter than my previous OEX mat and I prefer the shape. The valve could perhaps be improved to help with packing it away but at this price point, I'm very impressed. My first Alpkit purchase, but definitely not the last! Thanks!"

Helen E camped on it twice through nippy nights in mid Wales: "I tend to be a side sleeper so finding a mat that balances comfort with packability is a tall ask. The Radiant covers both requirements brilliantly though!" Andy Harrod at 6ft 4 called it his favourite Alpkit buy. Even at 4 degrees overnight, he reported: "The Radiant kept me super toasty—not once did I wake up cold during the night."

Nest Roof Tent

The Nest roof tent was refreshed for 2025 and is continuing to find converts and seen perched on cars from the Highlands to the Peaks. Thomas was initially unsure about such a large purchase—would the benefits over a regular tent be worth it? Turns out, yes. George tested it in high winds (gusts up to 40mph) he claims and reported it "robust, comfy, user-friendly, and fun to use!" Paul simply called it "really solid and very easy to open and set up."

You woke to mountain views and made breakfast without packing a tent. Adventure doesn't need a postcode, just a roof rack.

MyTiBurner Stove

The MyTiBurner Stove joined wild camps across the country. James A called it "super light and well-made...makes for a very neat little kit." Ridiculously light titanium that burns liquid fuel efficiently in any conditions. Essential for that morning brew at 6,000 feet, on frozen January mornings, this is a treat for camping minimalists who refuse to compromise, even when the world freezes solid around them.

What Stands Out

Looking back at 2025, what's clear is the sheer diversity of what you got up to. From dawn swims to alpine ascents, gravel grinding to bouldering, bikepacking to bothying. This isn't about finding expertise in one narrow activity. It's about crossing boundaries without friction.

The runner who discovers gravel biking. The climber who tries wild swimming. The hiker who loads up for their first bikepacking trip. That's what this year was about, versatile kit that moves with you across disciplines, because the outdoors doesn't come with categories and neither should your adventures.

Here's to 2026

2025 was brilliant. But the best adventures? They're still ahead of you.

Where do you find the motivation? As adventurer Al Humphreys puts it: "And so this is how I get myself out of the house on winter days when the world is gloomy. I do it by thinking how grateful I'll be tonight when I'm in bed, remembering all these small things that are so good, so valuable, but which only happen if I lace up my shoes, step out the front door, and begin."

So how do you want 2026 to end? What memories and moments do you want to make? Once you know, opening that front door becomes much easier.

Thank you for making 2025 extraordinary. For the reviews, the adventures, the photos, the stories, and for choosing to spend your hard-earned cash with a company that gives a damn about doing things differently.

Here's to more summits, more trails, more wild camps, and more moments that matter.

See you out there.