~ 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.

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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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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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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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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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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Wozinsky thermal bottle holder review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Wozinsky thermal bottle holder review

Featuring an internal aluminium layer to keep your drink hot or cold, the Wozinsky Water Bottle Bike Bag is a lightweight and compact solution for bikepackers who need a secure and stable way to carry their flask or water bottle, even during hours of off-road riding.

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Lifesystems Sterile First Aid Kit review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Lifesystems Sterile First Aid Kit review

Packed in a bright red (so as not to be mistaken), the Lifesystems Sterile First Aid Kit is a compact medical kit designed for travellers, adventurers, and anyone heading to destinations where medical facilities may be limited or unreliable.

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M-Wave Rotterdam Top Tube Bag review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

M-Wave Rotterdam Top Tube Bag review

Whether you’re commuting, bikepacking, or heading out for a weekend ride, the M-Wave Rotterdam Top Tube Bag is a compact, lightweight, and practical storage solution designed for cyclists who need quick and easy access to essentials while on the move.

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Sony ZV-1 digital camera review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Sony ZV-1 digital camera review

Built around a 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor paired with a 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens, the Sony ZV-1 is a compact digital camera designed primarily for content creators, vloggers and social media enthusiasts.

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Topeak Aero Wedge Saddle Bag review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Topeak Aero Wedge Saddle Bag review

Designed to fit neatly under the saddle, the Topeak Aero Wedge Saddle Bag is a popular choice for riders looking for a sleek and functional storage solution for carrying essentials like a spare tube, tyre levers, a multi-tool and even a small pump or CO2 cartridge.

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Topeak Mini 9 Multi Tool review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Topeak Mini 9 Multi Tool review

Weighing just 92 grams, the Topeak Mini 9 Multi Tool is a compact and lightweight cycling tool designed for on-the-go repairs and adjustments.

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ELOPS FL 920 set rear light review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

ELOPS FL 920 set rear light review

The rear light of the ELOPS FL 920 set is a versatile and efficient USB-rechargeable LED designed to enhance visibility and safety during night riding.

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Maxxis Fat/Plus 26” Fatbike inner tube review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Maxxis Fat/Plus 26” Fatbike inner tube review

The Maxxis Fat/Plus 26” Fatbike Inner Tube is designed to meet the specific needs of fat bike tires, offering exceptional durability and reliability for extreme terrain at a really good price!

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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: