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Gear We Use & Trust

The kit that earns its keep on real days outside — tested in actual conditions, not a studio. If it’s listed here, it’s because it works, and because the people behind it deserve the credit.

We don’t do hype, and we don’t feature gear we wouldn’t genuinely use. See how we test and review gear for the full approach.

Brands We Work With

Waterhaul eyewear made from recycled ocean plastic
Waterhaul eyewear detail
Brand We Work With

Waterhaul

Waterhaul is a Cornish social enterprise tackling ghost gear — the lost and abandoned fishing nets that make up the most harmful and persistent form of ocean plastic. They recover these nets from UK coastlines and ports, process them entirely within the UK, and turn them into high-strength recycled polymers used for eyewear and purpose-built outdoor tools.

✓ Traceable Marine Plastic™ — fully traceable supply chain✓ Certified B Corp — scoring 115.4

What we use: sunglasses and accessories made from recovered ghost nets and ocean-bound plastic — lightweight, durable, and reliable in real mountain and camera-work conditions.

Visit Waterhaul →

Fancy a pair for yourself?

Use code MARKXPLORE15 at checkout for 15% off your Waterhaul sunglasses.

Shop Waterhaul →

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The Kit We Trust

Personal picks that have earned their place over real miles — and a few more to come as they prove themselves.

Testing

Footwear

Trail shoes and boots that have handled wet rock, bog, and long days without complaint. More detail coming with the gear reviews.

Testing

Packs

Day packs and summit bags that disappear on your back. Selected for fit, carry, and the little details that matter on the hill.

Testing

Layers & Shells

Base, mid, and shell layers that keep you comfortable across four seasons of British weather. Tested in real conditions.

Full kit write-ups land on the gear reviews page as they’re completed.

Disclosure: Some of the brands featured here are partners, and some links may be affiliate links that help support Mark Xplore at no extra cost to you. We only feature gear we genuinely use and trust — we’ll always tell you the honest version of how it performs.

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