~ Gear reviews ~

On Running Cloud 5 Waterproof men’s trainers review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

On Running Cloud 5 Waterproof men’s trainers review

Engineered by the Swiss brand On Running, Cloud 5 Waterproof trainers are designed to offer the great combination of comfort, performance, and weather protection for those urban exploring adventures we all need!

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Merida 5.4-litre frame bag
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Merida 5.4-litre frame bag

The Merida 5.4L Framebag Travel is a good choice for mountain bike packers seeking a half-frame bag with high-capacity (we opted for the large with 5.4 litres of space) storage solution for bikepacking adventures.

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M-Wave SPD to flat pedals transformer review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

M-Wave SPD to flat pedals transformer review

These simple adaptors from German bike kit manufacturers, M-Wave, are a super affordable way to turn a set of Shimano SPD pedals back into flats, for mountain biking or gravel riding when you need your feet free.

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Apple Watch Series 9 review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Apple Watch Series 9 review

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a solid companion for those who lead adventurous lifestyles, offering a good balance of performance, durability, and utility at a good price when compared to other sports watches.

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Bergamont Grandurance 8 gravel bike review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Bergamont Grandurance 8 gravel bike review

The Bergamont Grandurance 8 is a standout gravel bike that offers great value for money (and cool looks!), making it an excellent choice for both seasoned riders and newcomers to the gravel scene.

Priced competitively, this bike offers a feature set typically found in more expensive models, making it a smart investment for those looking to explore various terrains without breaking the bank.

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Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals review

These pedals are a popular choice among XC mountain bikers due to their robust design and reliability. Despite being lightweight, they feature a durable aluminium body and a Cromoly steel axle, ensuring longevity and consistent performance across various disciplines.

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Sonder Bomber bikepacking handlebar review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Sonder Bomber bikepacking handlebar review

The Sonder Bomber Flared Drop Bars are a great choice for bikepacking expeditions, offering a blend of comfort and control that enhances the riding experience across varied terrains. Constructed from 6061 aluminium, these bars are both lightweight (275g) and comfy, making them suitable for long-distance journeys where you need extra space for the front gar.

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Fizik Technogel handlebar gel set review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Fizik Technogel handlebar gel set review

If you’re embarking on multi-day bikepacking expeditons, gel pads for your handlebars are an excellent addition to your set-up, especially for those embarking on really long bikepacking expeditions (i.e., anything above 1500km).

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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: