~ Gear reviews ~

MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes review
hiking, bikepacking, travel, camping, mountaineering Chris Shirley MA FRGS hiking, bikepacking, travel, camping, mountaineering Chris Shirley MA FRGS

MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes review

The MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes are a type of tent peg designed for use in a variety of ground conditions, including rocky or hard-packed soil due to their strength. These stakes are lightweight, durable, and provide excellent holding power, making them a popular choice among backpackers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

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Insta 360 X3 action camera and invisible selfie stick

Insta 360 X3 action camera and invisible selfie stick

The Insta360 X3 is a fantastic camera for adventurers venturing into the natural world, whether conquering the vast Atlantic Ocean during a rowing expedition, tackling rugged trails and deserts in multi-day endeavours, or pushing boundaries in gruelling bikepacking races.

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Osprey Archeon 30L backpack
hiking, travel Chris Shirley MA FRGS hiking, travel Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Osprey Archeon 30L backpack

This Osprey Archeon 30L hiking backpack has been designed to provide a comfortable experience when yomping across difficult environments. Its build quality, robust construction, and sustainable materials ensure are pretty dependable when out on the trail.

What sets the Archeon apart is its commitment to sustainability, being constructed from GRS certified recycled materials and featuring a PFC-free DWR treatment. This dedication to eco-friendliness resonates with me, however it still feels like it’s a little behind.

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Osprey Farpoint 40 travel backpack
travel Chris Shirley MA FRGS travel Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Osprey Farpoint 40 travel backpack

I’ve owned the Osprey Farpoint 40 for over 5 years now, and this my go-to travel backpack. It is designed for backpackers, hikers, and travellers who want a lightweight and comfortable pack that can be used for both short and long trips. It's a great option for those who want to travel with carry-on luggage only, as it meets most airline carry-on size requirements (certainly all that I’ve travelled with!).

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Montane Ice Melt Thermal Gloves
camping, travel, climbing, mountaineering, hiking, bikepacking Chris Shirley MA FRGS camping, travel, climbing, mountaineering, hiking, bikepacking Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Montane Ice Melt Thermal Gloves

The Montane Ice Melt Thermal Gloves proving to be great companions in extreme cold weather, such as winter fatbiking in the Baltics!

Their design, tailored for demanding mountaineering terrains, but have a useful second utility when it comes to gripping handlebars when the temperature is -10. The durable softshell outer fabric, coupled with a waterproof feature, shielded hands against biting winds and icy conditions, offering really good protection without compromising on breathability.

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Gerber recon multicoloured mini torch review
camping, travel, climbing, mountaineering, hiking, bikepacking Chris Shirley MA FRGS camping, travel, climbing, mountaineering, hiking, bikepacking Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Gerber recon multicoloured mini torch review

The Gerber Recon Torch is a compact and powerful flashlight designed for outdoor enthusiasts and tactical professionals. It is built with high-quality materials and features an innovative design that provides excellent performance and durability.

The Recon Torch is made with aircraft-grade aluminium that is lightweight and durable, and it is equipped with a powerful LED bulb that provides a maximum output of 22 lumens. The light has three different modes – high, low, and strobe – which can be easily adjusted with a simple click of the tail cap switch.

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Adidas terrex two ultra trail running shoes review
camping, travel, climbing, hiking, marathon des sables Chris Shirley MA FRGS camping, travel, climbing, hiking, marathon des sables Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Adidas terrex two ultra trail running shoes review

The Adidas Terrex Two Ultra trail running shoes are a top-of-the-line option for trail runners, hikers, or urban explorers who demand the best in comfort, support, and performance. Designed with input from top trail runners and tested in the most challenging conditions, these shoes are built to withstand even the toughest conditions.

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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: