~ 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.

Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS

North Face Base Camp Duffel (XXL 150L) review

Built to withstand the harshest travel conditions while providing enormous capacity for those hauling serious loads, the North Face XXL Base Camp Duffel is a heavyweight in the world of expedition-ready gear.

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Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS

Dr. Beckmann Deo & Sweat Stain Remover review

Designed to tackle stubborn yellow or white sweat and deodorant stains, as well as the persistent smell sometimes trapped in garment fibres, Dr. Beckmann Deo & Sweat Stain Remover Spray is a specialist laundry product that has saved our favourite clothes from the bin!

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Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS

Nite Ize S-biner Dual Carabiner review

Constructed in stainless steel or lightweight aluminium, the Nite Ize S‑Biner Dual Locking Carabiner is an S‑shaped accessory featuring dual spring‑loaded wire gates, each able to hold up to separate weight ratings (depending on size).

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Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS

The North Face Base Camp medium duffel bag review

Balancing a new premium colour scheme with practicality, the North Face Base Camp Medium Duffel Bag is a rugged, stylish, and highly functional travel bag at a good price.

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Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI 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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Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI 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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Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI 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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Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI 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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Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS

Patagonia Black Hole Messenger Shoulder bag review

Built with Patagonia’s signature recycled materials and tough construction, the Black Hole Messenger Bag is a durable, weather-resistant carry solution designed for commuters, travellers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable bag for daily use.

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Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI FRGS Chris Shirley MA PGCert GCGI 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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Osprey Farpoint 40 travel backpack

I’ve owned the Osprey Farpoint 40 for over 5 years now, and this my go-to travel backpack. It is designed for backpackers, hikers, and travellers who want a lightweight and comfortable pack that can be used for both short and long trips. It's a great option for those who want to travel with carry-on luggage only, as it meets most airline carry-on size requirements (certainly all that I’ve travelled with!).

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Stanley Classic Wide Mouth Flask 0.23L with Never-Lose Cap review 

Looking for a reliable flask for your outdoor adventures? The Stanley Classic Wide Mouth Flask 0.23L is a durable and leak-proof option, with a never-lose cap that screws on securely. Its compact size makes it easy to bring along on your next hike or camping trip, and its wide mouth makes for easy filling and pouring. With its rugged design and iconic Stanley brand, this flask is the perfect addition to your outdoor gear collection.

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Thule Gauntlet laptop case review

Protecting your laptop during travel is a must, and the Thule Gauntlet laptop case provides reliable protection. Its molded EVA foam construction and rugged exterior shield your laptop from bumps and scratches. This case comes in a range of sizes, and is designed to fit most laptops and features a clamshell design for easy access. Check out my detailed review of the Thule Gauntlet laptop case and see why it's my top choice for laptop protection on the go.

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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: