~ Gear reviews ~

Welcome to your trusted source for field-tested insights on the best kit for adventures big and small.

From rugged bikepacking bags to ultralight camping stoves, we put every piece through its paces so you don’t have to.

Looking for something specific? Use the search bar below to quickly find reviews, comparisons, and recommendations to match your next adventure.

Wild Country Zephyros compact 1 tent review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Wild Country Zephyros compact 1 tent review

Designed for solo backpackers, cyclists, and adventurous daydreamers who demand simplicity, the Wild Country Zephyros Compact 1 is the ultimate lightweight, three-season tunnel tent at a great price.

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Exustar E-PM811 SPD / flat combo pedals review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Exustar E-PM811 SPD / flat combo pedals review

Designed to suit riders who need flexibility without compromising on performance, the Exustar E‑PM811 SPD/flat combo pedals are a versatile choice for mountain biking and bikepacking at a decent price.

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Cannondale (Garmin fit) cycling computer handlebar mount review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Cannondale (Garmin fit) cycling computer handlebar mount review

Weighing just 22 g, the Cannondale cycling computer handlebar mount is a sleek, lightweight accessory designed to securely hold your Garmin Edge computer (200, 500, 510, 800, 810) on 31.8 mm handlebars (note: 31.8 mm handlebars are the modern standard diameter for most road, gravel, and mountain bikes).

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CEP Pro + Calf Sleeves 2.0 review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

CEP Pro + Calf Sleeves 2.0 review

Popular among endurance runners, triathletes, cyclists, and athletes who value muscle efficiency, enhanced circulation, and reduced risk of injury, the CEP Pro+ Calf Sleeves 2.0 are high-performance compression sleeves designed to support athletes through demanding training, competition, and recovery at a moderate price.

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XLC Road PU M04 mini pump review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

XLC Road PU M04 mini pump review

At just 200 mm in length and weighing around 80 grams, the XLC PU-M04 Mini Pump is a compact, light and affordable tool designed for road riders and bikepackers who need a reliable way to pump up your tyres in an emergency.

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Decathlon Bike Maintenance and Cleaning Kit review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Decathlon Bike Maintenance and Cleaning Kit review

Whether you ride a road, mountain, hybrid, city, or electric bike, the Decathlon Bike Maintenance and Cleaning Kit simplifies essential maintenance with a clear three-step process: degrease, clean, and lubricate.

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Osprey Men’s Farpoint 70 travel Pack review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Osprey Men’s Farpoint 70 travel Pack review

Designed for those who want the mobility of a backpack with the organisation and convenience of a suitcase, the Osprey Men’s Farpoint 70 Travel Pack is a dependable, travel-focused backpack that offers extra utility at a reasonable price.

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Riverside 3.5L ADVT 900 Half-Frame Bag review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Riverside 3.5L ADVT 900 Half-Frame Bag review

Designed for riders seeking extra and dependable storage for bikepacking  expeditions at a very reasonable price, the Riverside 3.5L ADVT 900 Half-Frame Bag is a practical and durable accessory that has great utility as a top-tube frame bag as well as a half-frame bag.

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Rab Borealis softshell jacket review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Rab Borealis softshell jacket review

Weighing in at around 300 grams (depending on size), the Rab Borealis Softshell Jacket is one of those versatile layers that punches well above its weight, at a decent price!

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Nike Reactx Pegasus Trail 5 Trail Running Shoes review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Nike Reactx Pegasus Trail 5 Trail Running Shoes review

A versatile trail running shoe with a better environmental focus, the Nike ReactX Pegasus Trail 5 is great urban hiking shoe for those with wider feet who transition between road and moderate off-road terrain.

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Smith Convoy MIPS helmet review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Smith Convoy MIPS helmet review

Designed for trail riders who want affordable yet solid protection, the Smith Convoy MIPS is a versatile and budget-friendly MIPS mountain bike helmet that prioritises safety, ventilation, and comfort.

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Quecha MH100 hiking trousers review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Quecha MH100 hiking trousers review

Weighing approximately 230g in size L, the Quechua MH100 Men's Hiking Trousers are designed for hikers (on paper) however we think they work exceptionally well as more generalist travel trousers due to many factors!

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Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device

A highly versatile and durable belay and abseil device designed to provide climbers with enhanced braking power and control, the Black Diamond ATC-XP builds upon the design of the standard Black Diamond ATC, offering additional features that improve both safety and usability.

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Triggerpoint Foam Roller review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Triggerpoint Foam Roller review

A versatile and effective tool designed to enhance mobility, relieve muscle tightness, and improve recovery after exercise, the TriggerPoint Foam Roller is a popular choice among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and physical therapy patients alike.

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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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Swim Secure (aka ChillSwim) inflatable hydration float review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Swim Secure (aka ChillSwim) inflatable hydration float review

Ideal for marathon swimming, training sessions, or events where easy access to fluids is essential, the Hydration Float is an inflatable tow float featuring a secure, easily accessible pocket on top, specifically designed to hold a standard water bottle.

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Petzl Spatha rope knife review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Petzl Spatha rope knife review

Featuring a stainless steel blade with a smooth and serrated edge, the Petzl Spatha is a compact and lightweight rope knife designed specifically for climbers, mountaineers, and rescue professionals.

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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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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: