~ Gear reviews ~

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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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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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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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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ELOPS FL 920 set rear light review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

ELOPS FL 920 set rear light review

The rear light of the ELOPS FL 920 set is a versatile and efficient USB-rechargeable LED designed to enhance visibility and safety during night riding.

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Maxxis Fat/Plus 26” Fatbike inner tube review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Maxxis Fat/Plus 26” Fatbike inner tube review

The Maxxis Fat/Plus 26” Fatbike Inner Tube is designed to meet the specific needs of fat bike tires, offering exceptional durability and reliability for extreme terrain at a really good price!

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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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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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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: