The Helix is one of a range of suits from Blueseventy, designed for swimmers with “natural buoyancy”. It is a highly flexible suit, giving a more natural feel to swimming than the other stiffer suits.

Choosing what equipment to take on a cycle touring trip can be hard. This is what I took on my cycle touring trip around Scotland in the UK.

I’ve been testing Gore Bike Wear’s new Base Layer WINDSTOPPER Shirt over the last few months and, in truth, the timing could not have been more appropriate. After logging the driest April on record, 2011 continued with similar flare during the windiest May and June months. The Baselayer and I have sampled a wide variety of riding together; from mountain biking in the Pentland Hills to a tour of the Isle of Arran. On a number of occasions, I have been glad of its company.

Having ridden in the Chiltern Hills for nearly three years now, I thought that I would share my favourite road routes in the area. In the Google Map below is a 17 mile loop that can be extended by taking a right, or carrying straight on through the Fingest junction. Fingest is often rates one of the prettiest places to live in the UK, and is within walking distance of great pubs such as The Chequers Inn and The Bull & the Butcher in Turville. There is also a pub nearer Marlow, The Prince Albert.

There isn’t much fun in zipping along a fast smooth A-road if it means battling a constant stream of large lorries buzzing past. I opted, as far as possible, to stay on back roads and cycle paths. Although not the most direct option, back roads offer safer riding and you the best viewpoints to digest the local countryside. An added benefit is that quieter roads allow for a safe meander when you’re tired and need to recover without the risk of a car clipping your panniers as it overtakes at 80mph.

For those not familiar with the art of bouldering, the sport involves scaling small rock faces and boulders with the aid of tight fitting shoes and figure dexterity only. With shorter sessions on the wall, advanced climbers use boldering sessions to hone in on their technical skills and push an aerobic workout. As well as offering challenges to advanced climbers, the Caley site promises to match the ability of beginners.

The sun is starting to set, melting into the sea, as I top out on the last route of the day. A light breeze keeps the midges at bay as … Read more

Nestled on the foot of Switzerland’s highest peak at 2883m above sea level stands the Monte Rosa Hut, a high altitude lodging that’s home to a number of brilliant innovations that … Read more

For mountain bike enthusiasts and trail runners in the London area there’s a new event worth checking out – the Columbia Hellrider. The duathlon challenge not only adds an extra competition to the racing calendar, but promotes a stunning outdoor location at West Wycombe Park, less than an hours train or drivve from the centre of London.

Little Marlow Lakes and the Westhorpe Watersports club lie in the heart of Buckinghamshire, providing a stunning setting for summer open water swimming. At under an hours train ride from central London, the lakes grant an ideal escape from the city for both the casual swimmer and the training triathlete.

If you’re looking for an event in the Scottish Highlands this summer, check out the Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp. The 54-mile challenge is held in support of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust and the Alliance Trust Staff Foundation, passing through Highland Perthshire where the idyllic hills and glens form a breathtaking course for this epic adventure. The distance is covered in under 24 hours and is set to be one of the chestnut adventures in Scotland in years to come.

As bastions of functional sportswear, Peak Performance have got a few things right over the years to promote mobile lifestyles. Most recently, their iPhone App helps you locate, download and share maps from your favourite ski resorts that include weather reports, slope and lift statuses and snow forecasts. Working alongside Åre local Henrik Windstedt in the design of their active line helped to reemphasise a commitment to great looking, high performance apparel. With big aims in active clothing, Peak Performance are one to watch as their two labels, HIPE and R&D stamp a quality product on shelves throughout the UK.

Since 1973 Marmot have evolved their line of products to become a prime manufacturer of apparel and equipment to the outdoor market. Their numerous technologies meet the demands of the specialist adventurer, maintaining a close bearing to the brand’s portfolio of sustainable fabrics. Looking for a winter shell, I got tucked into the Spire Jacket over the season.

Win a pair of Smith Optics Goggles in the Magnetic Junction Spring Giveaway

The Alpine Invader ski jacket is part of the Columbia Omni-Heat collection, the brand’s latest innovation for outdoor winter adventures. Whether challenging black pistes or baguette-break runs make up your morning agenda on the mountain, the Alpine Invader promises to be a trustworthy ally.

Armada Subversion Ski Pant

Following the tsunami that hit Japan on 11th March 2011, international disaster relief charity ShelterBox have arrived on the scene to help the response to the situation. The 8.5-magnitude earthquake … Read more

An appetite for the mountains and a spare three weeks were all I needed to head cross the Swiss Alps in July 2010. Two friends and I chose to tackle the ‘Alpine Pass Route,’ a 15-part trail that goes over most of Switzerland’s most famous passes. In total the route covers some 350km, crossing from the town of Sargans in the East to Montreux in the West over nearly 20,000m of ascent. Travelling through such terrain on foot provides a unique ability to appreciate a stunning landscape and discover the smaller details of mountain life.

If you’re wondering how to take your backcountry collection to the next level look no further. Sweet Protection has come up with a full-body thermal, the Saviour Suit. As a unique product from a niche brand, this baselayer braves the elements with a hint of style.