This year I have mostly been using mountain bikes as a way to deal with the rest of the world; it’s worked pretty well. I’ve been exploring the area I live in and its massive potential of riding - mostly the Cumbrian mountains, South Lakes and into the Central Lakes, and linking up the trail options from the front door.

The Amplifi Hipster4 Glacier & Drinking System Hip pack is a well made, sturdy and well-fitting hip pack. It’s designed to be a lighter weight hip pack, with multiple options for carrying the essentials you’ll need on the trail. It’s stable when riding, with just a couple of small criticisms of its design, which at times made this pack a little frustrating.

The Traze Amp MIPS Helmet is a collaboration between ION and MET - it’s aimed at the Enduro and All-mountain rider and features MIPS, clean looks and claims of effective air channels, plus a magnetic chin strap clip. It looks to hit the spot for a helmet offering a little more coverage and protection, and while the protection is good, it fails to deliver what the price tag indicates.

The WTB Vigilante 29 x 2.5 Light / High Grip tyre is a great all-rounder, with a constant and reliable feel in a wide array of trail conditions, it's only compromised when things get really wet, steep and muddy.

The Bontrager Rapid Pack Hydro is a low profile hip back with a 1.5L reservoir, space for a water bottle, and carrying just the very basic, essential items. Its round shape and lack of reinforced back structure make it move around when riding anything but sedate trails, especially when loaded up.

The 100% Hydromatic Waterproof Trousers are a stealthy looking, well-performing, bad weather beating pair of trousers. While not utterly waterproof, they are warm and offer wet-weather protection, even if milder, with minimal sweat build-up.

The 7iDP Chill gloves are ideal for riding in the UK almost year-round. Remaining warm in temperatures down to around freezing, as long as conditions are damp to dry. They're not suited for really wet, cold riding, lacking any waterproofing and insulation.

The PipeDream Cycles A.L.I.C.E. is a go-anywhere, do (nearly) anything modern adventure bike. It looks to cover a huge range of riding, from commutes on lanes to mountain bike trails. With a slight change to geometry and increased tyre clearance, plus a heap of mounting options, dropper post compatibility, and a new for in steel or carbon, the A.L.I.C.E.

The SCOTT Pro Shield Sunglasses are aimed at racers and fast riding, with ‘superior ventilation, large coverage, and a good fit. In use, the size of the lens was great, with a suitable, undistorted view.

The 7iDP Sam Hill Lite knee pads offer trail-focused, lightweight protection that passes a CE level. They're a great fit with a well-designed shape and good construction with the ripstop fabric to minimise damage.