~ Gear reviews ~

Osprey Men’s Farpoint 70 travel Pack review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Osprey Men’s Farpoint 70 travel Pack review

Designed for those who want the mobility of a backpack with the organisation and convenience of a suitcase, the Osprey Men’s Farpoint 70 Travel Pack is a dependable, travel-focused backpack that offers extra utility at a reasonable price.

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Riverside 3.5L ADVT 900 Half-Frame Bag review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Riverside 3.5L ADVT 900 Half-Frame Bag review

Designed for riders seeking extra and dependable storage for bikepacking  expeditions at a very reasonable price, the Riverside 3.5L ADVT 900 Half-Frame Bag is a practical and durable accessory that has great utility as a top-tube frame bag as well as a half-frame bag.

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Rab Borealis softshell jacket review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Rab Borealis softshell jacket review

Weighing in at around 300 grams (depending on size), the Rab Borealis Softshell Jacket is one of those versatile layers that punches well above its weight, at a decent price!

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Nike Reactx Pegasus Trail 5 Trail Running Shoes review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Nike Reactx Pegasus Trail 5 Trail Running Shoes review

A versatile trail running shoe with a better environmental focus, the Nike ReactX Pegasus Trail 5 is great urban hiking shoe for those with wider feet who transition between road and moderate off-road terrain.

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Smith Convoy MIPS helmet review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Smith Convoy MIPS helmet review

Designed for trail riders who want affordable yet solid protection, the Smith Convoy MIPS is a versatile and budget-friendly MIPS mountain bike helmet that prioritises safety, ventilation, and comfort.

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Quecha MH100 hiking trousers review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Quecha MH100 hiking trousers review

Weighing approximately 230g in size L, the Quechua MH100 Men's Hiking Trousers are designed for hikers (on paper) however we think they work exceptionally well as more generalist travel trousers due to many factors!

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Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device

A highly versatile and durable belay and abseil device designed to provide climbers with enhanced braking power and control, the Black Diamond ATC-XP builds upon the design of the standard Black Diamond ATC, offering additional features that improve both safety and usability.

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Triggerpoint Foam Roller review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Triggerpoint Foam Roller review

A versatile and effective tool designed to enhance mobility, relieve muscle tightness, and improve recovery after exercise, the TriggerPoint Foam Roller is a popular choice among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and physical therapy patients alike.

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Petzl Tikka headtorch review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Petzl Tikka headtorch review

A popular choice among adventurers, the Petzl Tikka is a compact, lightweight, and reliable head torch designed for camping, hiking, bikepacking and general adventures

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Swim Secure (aka ChillSwim) inflatable hydration float review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Swim Secure (aka ChillSwim) inflatable hydration float review

Ideal for marathon swimming, training sessions, or events where easy access to fluids is essential, the Hydration Float is an inflatable tow float featuring a secure, easily accessible pocket on top, specifically designed to hold a standard water bottle.

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Petzl Spatha rope knife review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Petzl Spatha rope knife review

Featuring a stainless steel blade with a smooth and serrated edge, the Petzl Spatha is a compact and lightweight rope knife designed specifically for climbers, mountaineers, and rescue professionals.

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The North Face Sport Hiker Waist Pack review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

The North Face Sport Hiker Waist Pack review

Whether you’re hiking through mountain trails, exploring a new city, or simply looking for a hands-free way to carry essentials, the North Face Sport Hiker Waist Pack is a rugged bag designed for those who need practicality, comfort, and is built to handle it all.

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Wozinsky thermal bottle holder review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Wozinsky thermal bottle holder review

Featuring an internal aluminium layer to keep your drink hot or cold, the Wozinsky Water Bottle Bike Bag is a lightweight and compact solution for bikepackers who need a secure and stable way to carry their flask or water bottle, even during hours of off-road riding.

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Lifesystems Sterile First Aid Kit review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Lifesystems Sterile First Aid Kit review

Packed in a bright red (so as not to be mistaken), the Lifesystems Sterile First Aid Kit is a compact medical kit designed for travellers, adventurers, and anyone heading to destinations where medical facilities may be limited or unreliable.

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M-Wave Rotterdam Top Tube Bag review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

M-Wave Rotterdam Top Tube Bag review

Whether you’re commuting, bikepacking, or heading out for a weekend ride, the M-Wave Rotterdam Top Tube Bag is a compact, lightweight, and practical storage solution designed for cyclists who need quick and easy access to essentials while on the move.

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Patagonia Black Hole Messenger Shoulder bag review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Patagonia Black Hole Messenger Shoulder bag review

Built with Patagonia’s signature recycled materials and tough construction, the Black Hole Messenger Bag is a durable, weather-resistant carry solution designed for commuters, travellers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable bag for daily use.

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Leatherman Wave multitool review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Leatherman Wave multitool review

Designed for both professionals and everyday users, the Leatherman Wave is one of the most popular and versatile multitools available, known for its high-quality build, practicality, and extensive range of functions.

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Sony ZV-1 digital camera review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Sony ZV-1 digital camera review

Built around a 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor paired with a 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens, the Sony ZV-1 is a compact digital camera designed primarily for content creators, vloggers and social media enthusiasts.

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Topeak Aero Wedge Saddle Bag review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Topeak Aero Wedge Saddle Bag review

Designed to fit neatly under the saddle, the Topeak Aero Wedge Saddle Bag is a popular choice for riders looking for a sleek and functional storage solution for carrying essentials like a spare tube, tyre levers, a multi-tool and even a small pump or CO2 cartridge.

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Topeak Mini 9 Multi Tool review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Topeak Mini 9 Multi Tool review

Weighing just 92 grams, the Topeak Mini 9 Multi Tool is a compact and lightweight cycling tool designed for on-the-go repairs and adjustments.

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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: