~ Gear reviews ~
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!
Lowe Alpine Atlas 65 trekking backpack review
Whilst it has since been replaced by the ‘Sirac’ trekking backpack, the Atlas 65 backpack made by Lowe Alpine, stands out as an exceptional choice for adventurers embarking on multi-day treks, world travel, or extended remote expeditions.
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.
La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX mountaineering boots
The iconic La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX mountaineering boots are high-performance boots designed for technical alpine climbing and mountaineering in cold and harsh environments.
ISM PR 2.0 bike Saddle review
The PR 2.0 saddle features a split nose design, which allows the rider to sit comfortably without putting any pressure on sensitive soft tissues. The saddle also has a large cut-out in the centre that further relieves pressure on the perineum area, reducing the risk of numbness and discomfort.
Ciccerone Pennine way guide
The Ciccerone guidebook detailing the Pennine Way presents a comprehensive and invaluable resource for seasoned hikers and adventurers (such as those aiming to complete the Montane Spine Race) seeking to conquer England's most challenging National Trail.
Grangers 2-in-1 cleaner and waterproofer
This 2-in-1 cleaner and waterproofer by Grangers offers a convenient solution for cleaning and reproofing your outdoor gear, addressing the challenge we all face in preserving waterproofness and maintaining fabric performance.
Inov-8 parkclaw 275 trail running shoes
The Inov-8 Parkclaw 275 trail running shoes are designed for different terrain, offering comfort and performance on both trails and roads – which is why I picked them for the Marathon des Sables in 2019.
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.
Garmin Fenix 5x multisport watch
The Garmin Fenix 5X is a high-end, multi-sport GPS watch with advanced features for outdoor and fitness activities that you’ll probably see on just about every athlete in adventure these days!
Sidas snow walk crampons (from Decathlon)
The crampons are versatile and ideal for various activities, offering stability on both icy streets and short hikes in hard, packed snow. With nine non-slip metal spikes, they provide reliable grip on such terrains, ensuring safety during flat terrain treks.
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.
Patagonia Atom 8L shoulder bag
With its 8L capacity, the bag proves to be spacious enough to accommodate essential items like phones, wallets, snacks, keys, and even light rain jackets, catering to the needs of the modern urban explorer. Boasting an outdoorsy aesthetic, the Atom Sling offers a variety of colour options, allowing users to choose a style that suits their preferences – from the bold Arrow Red to the classic Forge Grey.
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.
Triban Waterproof Overgloves (by Decathlon)
These overgloves are designed to provide an extra layer of protection atop your non-waterproof winter gloves (such as the Rab Baltoro gloves we reviewed recently).
Rab Baltoro softshell gloves
The Baltoro Gloves by Rab are a reliable companion for alpine climbers, mountaineers and winter cyclists (like fatbikers) facing cold, dry conditions.
Ortleib Aqua Zoom Waterproof Camera Bag
The Ortlieb Aqua Zoom Waterproof DSLR Camera Bag caters to the needs of adventurers navigating challenging outdoor environments, ensuring comprehensive protection for their cameras or delicate gear.
Wild Country Rock protection Set 1-8
This set of Wild Country Rocks stands as the cornerstone of any climbing rack, forming a fundamental component alongside quick draws, slings, and karabiners to create a versatile starter rack. A must-have for trad leaders, these Rocks come in sizes 1-8, featuring a user-friendly colour-coded and anodised design.
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.
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: