~ 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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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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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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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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Leatherman Skeletool review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Leatherman Skeletool review

Weighing only 142 grams (5 ounces), the Leatherman Skeletool is a sleek, compact, and versatile multi-tool designed for those who value practicality and efficiency in their gear.

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Gerber Onyx 50 hand torch review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

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.

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MSR blizzard tent stakes review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

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.

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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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Stanley Classic Legendary 1-Litre flask in Hammertone Green

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.

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Forclaz Inflatable Trekking Mattress - MT500 air L (180 x 52 cm) review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

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.

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Forclaz MT500 hiking pole review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

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.

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Firepot foods dehydrated meals -Porcini mushroom risotto
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

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!

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Alpkit Hunka XL waterproof bivvy bag review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

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!).

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Salewa mountain trainer boots review

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.

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Petzl Actik headtorch review
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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.

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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: