~ Gear reviews ~

Rab Mountain Cap review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Rab Mountain Cap review

The Rab Mountain Cap, now crafted under Rab's Lowe Alpine brand, is designed to handle the worst that winter can throw at you and holds its ground as an outdoor essential for those who prioritise functionality over fashion.

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Pelago commuter front rack - large (used as a rear fatbike rack) review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Pelago commuter front rack - large (used as a rear fatbike rack) review

The Pelago Commuter Front Rack (large) is a sturdy, well-crafted piece of equipment, designed to carry everything from daily essentials to more adventurous loads. Although designed as a front rack, with some creative adjustments, we modified for rear use, even on unique setups like the Kona Wo fatbike with its 26” wheels and 4.8” tyres!

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Fjällräven Keb trousers review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Fjällräven Keb trousers review

The Fjällräven Keb Trousers are renowned for their durability and practicality, making them a strong choice for hiking and trekking in cooler conditions, particularly outside of the summer months.

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Rab interval t-shirt / base layer review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Rab interval t-shirt / base layer review

A few years old and now succeeded by the Force Tee, this lightweight, quick-drying technical base layer from Rab still holds its own for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Montane Atomic Waterproof Pants review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Montane Atomic Waterproof Pants review

The Montane Atomic Waterproof Pants are a great, lightweight option for bikepackers, fastpackers and generalist adventurers seeking reliable protection in wet conditions, at a decent price.

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Rab Microlight Gilet Vest review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Rab Microlight Gilet Vest review

The Rab Men’s Microlight Vest strikes a solid balance between warmth, mobility, and eco-conscious design, making it a versatile choice for us outdoor enthusiasts.

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Bontrager sport saddle review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Bontrager sport saddle review

The Bontrager Sport Saddle is a good choice for adventure seekers and everyday riders looking for comfort without breaking the bank.

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JBL Endurance Run 2 wireless headphones review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

JBL Endurance Run 2 wireless headphones review

The JBL Endurance Run 2 Wireless headphones offer a solid choice for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts looking for reliability, comfort, and durability in their headphones.

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FiveTen ‘Five Tennies’ approach shoes review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

FiveTen ‘Five Tennies’ approach shoes review

The Adidas Five Ten Five Tennies are a simple yet cult classic that continues to impress us with their blend of style, comfort, and durability (these are now almost 4 years old!).

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On Running Cloud 5 Waterproof men’s trainers review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

On Running Cloud 5 Waterproof men’s trainers review

Engineered by the Swiss brand On Running, Cloud 5 Waterproof trainers are designed to offer the great combination of comfort, performance, and weather protection for those urban exploring adventures we all need!

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Merida 5.4-litre frame bag
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Merida 5.4-litre frame bag

The Merida 5.4L Framebag Travel is a good choice for mountain bike packers seeking a half-frame bag with high-capacity (we opted for the large with 5.4 litres of space) storage solution for bikepacking adventures.

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M-Wave SPD to flat pedals transformer review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

M-Wave SPD to flat pedals transformer review

These simple adaptors from German bike kit manufacturers, M-Wave, are a super affordable way to turn a set of Shimano SPD pedals back into flats, for mountain biking or gravel riding when you need your feet free.

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Apple Watch Series 9 review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Apple Watch Series 9 review

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a solid companion for those who lead adventurous lifestyles, offering a good balance of performance, durability, and utility at a good price when compared to other sports watches.

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Bergamont Grandurance 8 gravel bike review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Bergamont Grandurance 8 gravel bike review

The Bergamont Grandurance 8 is a standout gravel bike that offers great value for money (and cool looks!), making it an excellent choice for both seasoned riders and newcomers to the gravel scene.

Priced competitively, this bike offers a feature set typically found in more expensive models, making it a smart investment for those looking to explore various terrains without breaking the bank.

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Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals review

These pedals are a popular choice among XC mountain bikers due to their robust design and reliability. Despite being lightweight, they feature a durable aluminium body and a Cromoly steel axle, ensuring longevity and consistent performance across various disciplines.

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Sonder Bomber bikepacking handlebar review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Sonder Bomber bikepacking handlebar review

The Sonder Bomber Flared Drop Bars are a great choice for bikepacking expeditions, offering a blend of comfort and control that enhances the riding experience across varied terrains. Constructed from 6061 aluminium, these bars are both lightweight (275g) and comfy, making them suitable for long-distance journeys where you need extra space for the front gar.

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Fizik Technogel handlebar gel set review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Fizik Technogel handlebar gel set review

If you’re embarking on multi-day bikepacking expeditons, gel pads for your handlebars are an excellent addition to your set-up, especially for those embarking on really long bikepacking expeditions (i.e., anything above 1500km).

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Whether you're a seasoned climber seeking new mountains to conquer, an endurance runner craving the rush of Marathon des Sables, or a bikepacker in search of the perfect mult-day route, we've got you covered. 

Check out our curated collection of articles, categorised to ensure you find the gear that speaks to the adventure you’re seeking to complete: