~ Gear reviews ~
Gerber Onyx 50 hand torch review
The Onyx 50 flashlight presents a blend of features that make it a practical option for outdoor pursuits. With its compact size, push-button tailcap switch, and an output of 30 lumens, it provides adequate brightness for various tasks.
MSR blizzard tent stakes review
The MSR Blizzard tent stakes are a type of tent pegs specifically designed for use in snow or really soft sand.
Designed to provide a secure anchor for your tent or shelter in snowy or loose soil conditions, ensuring that your shelter stays in place during inclement weather.
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.
Stanley Classic Legendary 1-Litre flask in Hammertone Green
We recently got our hands on the incredible Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle 1L, and it has surpassed my expectations! This flask is something of a game-changer for really cold adventures, keeping drinks hot for 24 hours and cold for a remarkable 120 hours with ice.
Hilly ‘Marathon Fresh’ running anklet socks review
In our humble opinion, the Hilly 'Marathon Fresh' anklet socks are a pretty great choice for ultramarathons, multi-day bikepacking races, and trekking adventures at an okay price.
Forclaz Inflatable Trekking Mattress - MT500 air L (180 x 52 cm) review
Needing a new air mattress for reconnaissance missions of the Pennine way, led us to buy this inflatable sleeping bag from Decathlon.
Weighing a mere 510g, this mattress is engineered to provide good insulation and support in the summer months without burdening your backpack. Its ultra-compact design packs down to just 1.7 litres, saving valuable space for other gear.
Forclaz MT500 hiking pole review
Embark on your hiking adventures equipped with the ultimate companion: the hiking pole designed for regular hikers and mountain trekkers alike.
Engineered to tackle rugged terrain with ease, this pole features a super-fast and precise adjustment system, ensuring great performance on any trail.
Firepot foods dehydrated meals -Porcini mushroom risotto
As avid outdoor enthusiasts, we understand the importance of a hearty and satisfying meal after a long day of pedalling, hiking or climbing.
We were thrilled to discover the Mushroom Risotto from Firepot foods as a nicer alternative to dried noodles, and this rice-based meal with pan-fried porcini and chestnut mushrooms, is definitely a game-changer for any outdoor adventure!
Alpkit Hunka XL waterproof bivvy bag review
The XL Hunka bivvy bag, expertly tailored to accommodate longer sleeping bags and bigger people, offers a snug yet spacious shelter for us adventurers seeking a dry outdoor experience.
Built with versatility in mind, it seamlessly transforms your sleeping arrangement into a protective cocoon, amplifying the joys of sleeping under the stars without a tent if you want to (assuming the midgies aren’t attacking you!).
Altberg warrior boot review
Whilst the Altberg warrior boot was designed for military, it’s also incredibly well suited to adventurers, trekkers and those travelling in remote places!
OEX etna mini camping stove review
For the intrepid bikepacker or lightweight fastpacker, the OEX Etna Mini Stove is something of a game-changer where weight-to-power ratio is concerned. Combining compactness with good power, this stove is a must-have for an adventure where every gram counts.
Garmin Inreach mini satellite communicator
The Garmin Inreach Mini is a compact and lightweight satellite communication device that allows users to send and receive text messages and track their location in remote areas where cell service is not available.
Salewa mountain trainer boots review
The Salewa Mountain Trainer boots stand out as a favoured option among hikers and mountaineers seeking a blend of comfort and durability in challenging terrains.
Petzl Actik headtorch review
My track record with headtorches hasn’t been a great so far, with 2 Black Diamond headtorches stopped working annoyingly, however I’ve always had good experiences with Petzl for the last decade since starting out with their entry-level Tikka.
The Actik headtorch features a maximum brightness of 350 lumens (compared to the Tikka’s 300 lumens), which is more than enough for most expeditions. It also has a wide beam mode for when you need the extra light, and a red-light mode, which helps preserve night vision and is useful for reading maps or navigating in low-light conditions.
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.
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!).
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.
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.
Sealskinz Waterproof Knitted Gloves review
These versatile gloves boast a three-layer design, delivering 100% waterproof, windproof, and breathable features. With a mix of nylon, elastane, and merino wool lining, they provide excellent control, insulation, and comfort. Their unique ability to release moisture while keeping water out ensures warmth and dryness. Perfect for adventurers seeking top-notch performance and protection in wet weather conditions!
Adidas Terrex Freehiker walking boots review
Check out my review of the Adidas Terrex Freehiker. These highly breathable boot-trainers offer superior traction, slip-resistance, and ankle support, making them perfect for all-terrain adventures. They're also available in men's and women's sizes and come in a range of widths to accommodate different foot shapes. With their responsive, flexible design and premium construction, the Adidas Terrex Freehiker hiking boots are a top choice for serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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: