~ Gear reviews ~

Decathlon Bike Maintenance and Cleaning Kit review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Decathlon Bike Maintenance and Cleaning Kit review

Whether you ride a road, mountain, hybrid, city, or electric bike, the Decathlon Bike Maintenance and Cleaning Kit simplifies essential maintenance with a clear three-step process: degrease, clean, and lubricate.

Read More
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.

Read More
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!

Read More
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.

Read More
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

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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!

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More

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: