Based in the Scottish Highlands, Russell dominates outdoor gear journalism through:
"The future of outdoor gear lies in personalized solutions that honor both human diversity and environmental realities."
We trace Fiona Russell's journey from her early days as a Scottish hillwalking enthusiast to becoming one of Britain's most trusted outdoor gear analysts. Her career began with trailside notebooks filled with equipment observations that evolved into syndicated columns for The Great Outdoors Magazine. By 2025, Russell had tested over 300 sleeping bags and established herself as the foremost expert on cold-weather camping solutions in the UK outdoor journalism sphere.
"The right gear doesn't just enhance your experience – it rewrites your relationship with the wilderness."
Russell's comprehensive 2025 sleeping bag roundup redefined gear testing methodology. Over 14 weeks, she coordinated field tests across Scotland's three coldest microclimates - Cairngorm plateau, Ben Nevis base camp, and Orkney coastal sites. The study introduced revolutionary metrics like "comfort recovery time" measuring how quickly bags regain loft after compression. Her team's discovery of new hydrophobic down treatments led directly to three manufacturers updating their 2026 product lines.
This deep dive into modular sleep systems sparked industry-wide discussions about customization versus weight savings. Russell's 28-day solo test along Greenland's Arctic Circle Trail demonstrated how strategic layering could replace multiple specialist bags. Her innovative "thermal efficiency per ounce" calculation has since been adopted by Backpackers' Association UK as a standard rating metric.
Russell's gender-specific gear analysis set new benchmarks for inclusive outdoor equipment testing. By comparing physiological data from 100 female testers, she identified critical design flaws in mainstream "unisex" bags. The study's findings about hip-to-shoulder insulation ratios led to four major brands announcing women-specific product lines for 2026.
Russell prioritizes gear addressing physiological differences in cold-weather performance. Successful pitches demonstrate measurable improvements in female-specific metrics like torso heat retention or adjustable hip baffles. Reference her 2025 comparison of shoulder girth measurements across 14 brands to highlight your product's unique adaptations.
With her ongoing "Highland Climate Challenge" study tracking gear performance in changing weather patterns, Russell seeks materials balancing breathability and insulation. Pitch products tested in variable humidity conditions, particularly those using new sustainable hydrophobic treatments.
Her groundbreaking "Active Menopause" column series creates demand for temperature-regulation systems addressing hormonal changes. Effective pitches connect product features to specific menopausal symptoms, such as moisture-wicking layers for night sweats or adjustable ventilation in sleep systems.
Russell favors gear supporting hybrid adventures like trail-running-to-camping transitions. Highlight products that enable seamless activity shifts without compromising weight or packability, referencing her 2024 analysis of fastpacking equipment.
Following her exposé on down sourcing practices, Russell requires detailed supply chain documentation. Successful pitches include third-party audits and clear mapping of material origins, particularly for animal-derived components.
Our testers stay out in the best cold weather sleeping bags 2025
Fiona Russell rates the PHD Greenlandic 500, a highly customisable bag with a good warmth-to-weight ratio
Fiona Russell finds the Sea to Summit Ascent Women’s -9C bag versatile, well constructed and cosy
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Outdoors, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
