~ Gear reviews ~

Merida Forkbag and cage review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Merida Forkbag and cage review

The Merida fork bag and cage is a solid choice for bikepacking adventures, whether you're heading out for an overnight trip or just need some extra storage on your ride.

Read More
Adidas Terrex freehiker low review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Adidas Terrex freehiker low review

After a great experience with Adidas’ freehiker high top boots, we opted to test the freehiker low top trainers and had a similarly great experience!

Read More
Columbia Mazama Trail Shell Jacket review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Columbia Mazama Trail Shell Jacket review

As we train for the Silk Road Mountain Race and the other bikepacking adventures, we’re always on the lookout for gear that can keep, and this waterproof shell jacket certainly delivers on performance.

Read More
Belstaff Trialmaster pro wax jacket review

Belstaff Trialmaster pro wax jacket review

The Belstaff Trialmaster Pro Wax Jacket—a stylish and high-quality choice for adventure motorcycling. Its retro vibe, combined with modern protection, makes it a standout piece of motorcycle apparel.

Read More
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

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: