Rob Slade
Outdoor gear reviewer and content editor
Rob has been chasing outdoor adventures for over 15 years and has extensive experience of hiking and camping. Those adventures have taken him to places like Norway, all corners of the UK and snowy peaks in the Alps. Always one for a challenge, he’s currently working his way through all 189 mountains in Wales. Rob has been reviewing outdoor gear for over eight years and was previously editor of Adventure Travel magazine, but currently works as a content editor for 220 Triathlon.
Recent articles by Rob Slade
Brilliant bulbs reviewed: best head torches for hiking, camping and dog walking in 2024
Discover the top-performing rechargeable head torches, tested and reviewed by BBC Countryfile Magazine.
La Sportiva TX Hike GTX hiking shoe review
If you like rugged hill and mountain walks, a tough approach shoe with a rigid outsole should suit you. BBC Countryfile Magazine tester Rob Slade tries La Sportiva's TX Hike GTX in the Brecon Beacons
Columbia Facet 75 Outdry walking shoe review
The Facet 75 looks good – but can it cope with a muddy Welsh trail? Rob Slade pulls on a pair to find out
Best walking trousers reviewed in 2024 for strolls, rambles and multi-day hikes
We reviewed and tested the best men's and women's walking trousers, looking at whether they are lightweight and breathable, how comfortable they are and whether they're good value for money.
Best trail running shoes for off-road adventures, tried and tested in 2024
Rob Slade hits the hills and puts six pairs of trail running shoes through their paces.
Best GPS watches in 2024 for tracking trails: tried and tested
Looking to track your progress as well as your route whilst on your trail runs, hikes and daily rambles? Or perhaps you're in the market for a navigation tool that doubles as a smartwatch? Well, our review of the best GPS watches is here to help.
Polar Grit X Pro Review
Find out how Polar's Grit X Pro fares on test
Apple Watch Ultra Review
Rob Slade tests the Apple Watch Ultra. How does the popular brand's sleek device fare as an outdoor gadget?
Polar Ignite 3 Titanium review
Find out how the Polar Ignite 3 Titanium fares on test in Rob Slade's review
Garmin Forerunner 955 Review
Looking for high-quality navigation without the weight of a hefty sports watch? Rob Slade reviews the Garmin Forerunner 955.
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Review
Is it possible to get a Garmin GPS watch on a budget? Rob Slade takes the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar for a spin.
Suunto 9 Peak Pro GPS Watch Review
Rob Slade hits the hills with the Suunto 9 Peak Pro. Find out how the smart-looking GPS watch fared on test.
Polar Pacer Pro GPS Watch Review
On the lookout for a GPS watch with a more budget-friendly price tag? Find out how the Polar Pacer Pro performed on test.
On Cloudvista Trail Running Shoe Review
Looking for a nippy ride? Rob Slade puts On's Cloudvista trail running shoe through its paces.
Merrell Agility Peak 5 Trail Running Shoe Review
Looking for a versatile trail running shoe with deep lugs and decent ankle support? Merrell's Agility Peak 5 could do the trick.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Review
Is this good-looking trail shoe tough enough for rough terrain? Rob Slade puts Nike's Pegasus Trail 4 to the test.
Salomon Thundercross Trail Running Shoe Review
Salomon is a big player in the trail running shoe game. Find out how the brand's Thundercross fares on test.
La Sportiva Mutant Trail Running Shoes Review
Could La Sportiva's Mutant trail running shoe suit your love of the mountains? Rob Slade puts the vibrant design to the test.
Best hiking backpacks reviewed in 2024: carry your kit in comfort
Hunting for the perfect backpack for walking and hiking trips? Here's our expert backpack buying guide which explains what to look for while you choose – plus we test and review backpacks of all sizes.
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar Review
Rob Slade puts the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar, a top-of-the-range GPS watch with a hefty price tag, to the test.
Sea To Summit Hydraulic Pro Dry Pack 75L
We put Sea to Summit's fully submersible duffel-style dry pack to the test
Petzl Swift RL
Read on to discover why BBC Countryfile experts were captivated by the Petzl Swift RL head torch - is it worth the investment?
Princeton Tec Axis 450
Discover whether the Princeton Tec Axis 450 shines bright or falls short in the wilderness with BBC Countryfile's expert review!
Lifesystems Intensity 280
BBC Countryfile examines the Lifesystems Intensity 280 to see if it stands up to its name. Discover the verdict in our head torch review!