Why this site exists.

I started Gear & Trails after years of planning trips for friends and family – the same questions kept coming up. Which routes are realistic for a mixed group? What kit is worth upgrading first? How do you balance navigation apps with paper maps?

This site is an attempt to answer those questions in a measured, practical way. Expect clear route guides, honest pros and cons on gear, and a focus on safety, value and enjoyment over chasing numbers.

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 really suits.