The July issue of The Great Outdoors is out now. In it I review the Merrell Moab Speed trail shoes, the Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Jacket, and Rollasnax Wild Trail Mix. David Lintern and Lucy Wallace review five multi-day packs each and Lucy also reviews three warm-weather hats.
Backpacking trips are the theme of the main features in this issue. Ursula Martin describes how the pandemic has affected her 5000 mile walk across Europe which she began in 2018 (and finished since this article was written). David Lintern explores the hills of Flowerdale in the NW Highlands, a feature illustrated, as usual, by his wonderful photos. Down in the Lake District Ronald Turnbull celebrates his 100th summit bivvy and looks back at his favourites. Also travelling light, though with a tarp, is James Forrest as he walks the West Highland Way in three days. And eight participants in this year's TGO Challenge - taking place as I write this - describe their route plans. I hope it's working out well for them all.
Also in this issue Hanna Lindon investigates what's happening with ViewRanger and Outdoor Active and there's a Q&A with ViewRanger CEO Craig Wareham. Phoebe Smith says we need to talk about class and the outdoors. Jim Perrin looks at Lugnaquilla in the Wicklow Mountains. And as summer begins Helen Barnard, chief instructor at Plas y Brenon, shares tips on coping with hazards of hot weather.
Hi Chris, re: the ViewRanger article you mention. Recently I wrote to the company asking:
ReplyDeleteSome years ago I started using ViewRanger and purchased the entire OS map collection for the UK, and this remains the most useful and valuable element of the ViewRanger app for me.
With the transfer to Outdooractive I can see no way to continue to access the maps which I have paid for?
What will be the future of my licensed map access please?
The reply I received 36 hours later was not particularly reassuring:
thanks for contacting us.
Regarding your existing ViewRanger maps;
What incentive should I look out for from Outdooractive as an existing ViewRanger user?
Once you have connected your account to Outdooractive, dependent on your ViewRanger purchase history, you will be offered a PRO or PRO+ subscription, for free, for a minimum period of 3 months. Check your email or banner, under "My Page" in-app to redeem.
Any gifted Outdooractive subscription will not automatically renew.
What maps are available in Outdooractive PRO and PRO+ subscriptions?
All Outdooractive users have access to global outdoor map from OpenStreetMap for summer & winter use. PRO users have additional access to official country topo maps (OS maps, IGN, Swisstopo, etc). PRO+ users have additional access to specialized maps; Alpine clubs and KOMPASS maps.
Will my lifetime maps be available in the Outdooractive app?
No. You can continue to use your lifetime maps in ViewRanger. ViewRanger users who own lifetime maps will receive a gift from Outdooractive, so be sure to check your email and Outdooractive app My Page.
How do I swap to premium Topo maps (such as GB Ordance Survey) in the Outdooractive app?
On the map tab, press the layers button (in lower right) and tap Topo.
Full FAQ on this link;
https://outdooractive-uk.helpscoutdocs.com/article/74-faqs
Best regards
Jessica