~ Gear reviews ~

Montane Featherlite Micro-Down Jacket review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Montane Featherlite Micro-Down Jacket review

The Montane Featherlite Down Micro Jacket stands out as a really versatile and lightweight option for us outdoor enthusiasts engaged in a range of adventuress, from climbing, bikepacking to mountain walking.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
SKS (Germany) Explorer - top tube bag with removable phone case

SKS (Germany) Explorer - top tube bag with removable phone case

The SKS (Germany) Explorer top tube bag is a great addition to bikepacking expedition when you’re need of somewhere roomy to store items you may need in a hurry, such as snacks or tools.

Read More
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.

Read More
Forclaz hiking pole caps review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Forclaz hiking pole caps review

Designed for gripping on hard surfaces and reducing impact on your joints, these caps boast a flexible, yet robust design tailored for the rigours of hiking trails.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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!

Read More
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!).

Read More
La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX mountaineering boots

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.

Read More
ISM PR 2.0 bike Saddle review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

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.

Read More
Ciccerone Pennine way guide
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

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.

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: