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An Interview With Ian Finch | Blacks Ambassador An in-depth interview with former Royal Marine Commando and expedition guide, Ian Finch at the inauguration of the Blacks Ambassador programme.4 min read
One Man And His Tent | Wild Camping In The Lake DistrictAlec, the manager of our Keswick store is a keen wild camper. He talks us through a little trip he took recently, and provides an insight into setting up a wild camping pitch.4 min read
Buying Guide: Choosing The Perfect TentHere at Blacks, we've been designing and selling tents for over 150 years. And, we know just how important the right tent is when you're setting up camp. From the family campsite to the festival fields, your tent has to be the basecamp of dreams in order for you to have the best night's sleep.6 min read
Mother’s Day Gift GuideSome of us at Blacks HQ have asked our mums what they would most like as a gift for Mother’s Day this year. Here are our findings, chosen by mums, for mums:2 min read
The Great Leggings Debate | Is It Finally Okay to Wear Leggings When Hiking?You either love them or hate them, but it’s an argument that pops up again and again across the outdoor forums. So let’s settle the leggings vs. trousers debate once and for all...2 min read
Crossing Lands | Bikepacking the Isle of SkyeDriving in Britain can be incredibly frustrating - I’m sure we’re all familiar with that rush hour crawl. However, driving up the West Coast of Scotland couldn’t be more different with hundreds of miles of empty roads snaking through some of the most impressive scenery in the UK. It’s always a...8 min read
A Guide To Lighting: Lamps, Lanterns and TorchesThe modern camper has a huge range of lighting gadgets and devices to choose from, all of which are tailored to each individual’s preferences. Here we will explore what is on offer, and put lighting in the spotlight.2 min read
The Insulation Revolution: A Closer Look at The North Face ThermoBall™ Technology Thermoball™ started life as an answer to an age old problem; down fibre and its inability to perform when wet, and synthetics and their bulky, heavy form. Never deterred in finding a solution, The North Face teamed up with the synthetics experts over at PrimaLoft® to find the answer.2 min read
Ultralight Backpackers Cheat Sheet: Multipurpose Hiking GearSo you’ve downsized your pack weight and cut back on non-essential items. But what else can you do to become ultra-lightweight? Here’s our introduction to multipurpose hiking gear. The lightweight backpackers ultimate secret.2 min read
Leave No Trace - Simple Steps For An Eco Friendly EscapeHave you ever stopped to think about the effect that you could be having on the environments through which you walk?3 min read
The D of E Expedition: The 10 Commandments?We’ve put together some rough guidelines to get the most out of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition, the 10 Commandments, if you will. Do your best to follow these rules and hopefully they’ll help make your expedition more enjoyable!5 min read
Always on point: A beginner’s guide to GPSWith our full GPS range back online at Blacks, we thought we’d talk you through some of the key features and things to look out for, so you can find the one that’s suited to you.5 min read
Buying Guide: Outdoor TrousersFinding the perfect pair of outdoor trousers can be confusing. This guide is designed to help you choose the right trousers for your next adventure. Tighten your belt and read on!5 min read
Buying Guide: Outdoor SocksMany believe that there is not much to the humble sock. This guide will show you that there is a lot more to socks than you might have realised.6 min read
Gore-TexIt goes without saying that GORE-TEX® technology has revolutionised the way that we see and understand wet weather protection...1 min read
Buying Guide: FleeceThe fleece has become a staple garment in many people’s outdoor wardrobe due to its versatility, warmth and value. This expert guide will help you find your perfect mid-layer.5 min read
Choosing The Right FootwearKnow your GORE-TEX from your TRAXION? Vibram from your C-Zone? No? Don’t worry, that’s where we come in! Gone are the days when boots were simply made for walking…2 min read
Buying Guide: Travel ClothingPacking just got easier. Grab some tips on comfortable, sun-safe and effortless style with our Travel Clothing buying guide.5 min read
Essential Hiking Kit ListPlanning a hike? Hiking is a great way to get healthy, enjoy nature and meet fellow explorers! But when preparing for a day trip in the hills, it’s important to…2 min read
Understanding Maps & Grid ReferencesGetting to grips with the basics of map reading will set you on the right course when adventuring outdoors. The next in the Life Outdoors navigation series looks at how to selecting the right map and using six figure grid references.2 min read?qlt=80&w=381&h=571.5&sm=c" media="(min-width: 1440px)"> ?qlt=80&w=282&h=423&sm=c" media="(min-width: 1024px)"> ?qlt=80&w=488&h=585.6&sm=c" media="(min-width: 768px)"> ?qlt=50&w=739&h=739&sm=c"> ?qlt=80&w=381&h=571.5&sm=c" alt="Bushcraft: Fire Building In The Rain" style="display: block;width: 100%;height: auto;" onerror="this.style.display='none'">Bushcraft: Fire Building In The RainStarting a fire in adverse weather or after a night of heavy rainfall can be a real challenge. But don't despair! We're here to give you our tips on how to get a fire going whatever the weather.2 min read?qlt=80&w=381&h=571.5&sm=c" media="(min-width: 1440px)"> ?qlt=80&w=282&h=423&sm=c" media="(min-width: 1024px)"> ?qlt=80&w=488&h=585.6&sm=c" media="(min-width: 768px)"> ?qlt=50&w=739&h=739&sm=c"> ?qlt=80&w=381&h=571.5&sm=c" alt="Bushcraft: The Art Of Fire Building" style="display: block;width: 100%;height: auto;" onerror="this.style.display='none'">Bushcraft: The Art Of Fire BuildingBuilding a fire is much like cooking a meal; you need the right ingredients and to understand the recipe before you start. Our resident outdoor adventurer Jack gives his fire building tricks and tips.2 min read?qlt=80&w=381&h=571.5&sm=c" media="(min-width: 1440px)"> ?qlt=80&w=282&h=423&sm=c" media="(min-width: 1024px)"> ?qlt=80&w=488&h=585.6&sm=c" media="(min-width: 768px)"> ?qlt=50&w=739&h=739&sm=c"> ?qlt=80&w=381&h=571.5&sm=c" alt="Didriksons 1913: Sweden's Best" style="display: block;width: 100%;height: auto;" onerror="this.style.display='none'">Didriksons 1913: Sweden's BestOne hundred and two years ago, Didriksons was a family company with a pure philosophy and an idea. Thankfully, it hasn’t changed. We explore the story behind one of Sweden's best.1 min read?qlt=80&w=381&h=571.5&sm=c" media="(min-width: 1440px)"> ?qlt=80&w=282&h=423&sm=c" media="(min-width: 1024px)"> ?qlt=80&w=488&h=585.6&sm=c" media="(min-width: 768px)"> ?qlt=50&w=739&h=739&sm=c"> ?qlt=80&w=381&h=571.5&sm=c" alt="HydroLoft™ - Award-Winning Synthetic Insulation" style="display: block;width: 100%;height: auto;" onerror="this.style.display='none'">HydroLoft™ - Award-Winning Synthetic InsulationBerghaus is well known for its material innovations and Hydroloft™ is a stand out technology within the world of insulation. We give you the facts on why Hydroloft™ is worth considering.1 min read