Renowned for its high performance outdoor collections, Arc’teryx provides a good place to start the search for climbing equipment and apparel. Arc’teryx brought out their first collection of ‘warp strength’ … Read more

Aware of the similarities between adventure apparel and functional travel gear, many brands have begun to develop products that represent this crossover within the leisure sector. Columbia Sportswear offer a particularly extensive range of travel-suited adventure gear and with some exciting new products on the shelves this season, I’ll run through some flavoursome products from their summer alpine range.

What food to eat when cycle touring. Keep the variation and look to take on the key staples.

The Isle of Arran lies in the Firth of Clyde, nestled on the west coast of the Scotland. Often described as a “Scotland in Miniature”, Arran’s geography mirrors the Scottish … Read more

As a key product in Columbia’s trail running armoury, the Trail Pro Freezer Crew reflects the brand’s efforts to innovate and design for an emerging adventure activity. While many apparel and footwear brands jostle for recognition in trail running, Columbia have developed the Trail Pro to create a unique product with a simple effectiveness, mirrored by similar inroads on the backpack scene with the now legendary Mobex. Though more minamalist and sport-specific, the the Trail Pro garners similar support.

The right of public access to the wilderness, or more commonly ‘the right to roam’ is a confusing part of the law in many countries. This guide intends to eradicate the penumbra of doubt and clarify your right to enjoy the environment in Northern Europe.

Haglöfs are recent nominees of Sweden’s ‘Fashion Export of The Year Award’ and as Scandinavia’s biggest outdoor equipment manufacturer they’ve got a reputation for pushing out top gear. Catering to the demands of discerning outdoors experts, Haglöfs have garnered a reputation for innovative, timeless design and a strong commitment to sustaining the environment their products are designed to be used within.

This year the Verbier Saint Bernard took place over the 3rd and 4th of July. Together ‘La Boucle’ and ‘La Traversée’ make up two of the major European trail running events of the summer season. With plenty of spectators and interesting brands supporting the event, race organisers have developed a discovery mini trail for kids during the trail festival in the center of Verbier.

For Leeds cyclists and visitors to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, there are some fantastic long distance cycle routes to explore from Leeds, Bradford or Harrogate. Rolling hills, valleys and reservoirs speckle the minor roads in north Yorkshire, offering ample space for recreation and challenging cycles.

Spending hours in the saddle or on the trail means at least one thing – a need for good preparation. Whether you’re cycling on flats or running up rocky trails, … Read more

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.

Following research into the therapeutic benefits of beetroot juice in reducing high blood pressure, scientists then looked at the advantages of nitrates as a sports supplement. The William Harvey Institute has conducted research in the area to find out the effects of vascular contraction and dilation, while Exeter University Sports Science have been testing athletes changes to their their oxygen efficiency and stamina levels when taking the shot itself. Find out more about this research on the Beet It Research Page.

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.

Convinced by Polar’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of sports instruments, I invested in a CS300 during the 2006 season to track my cycling training. Five years later, I now swear by the product, taking it out on rides on the mountain and on the road. It took three years and hundreds of hours of usage before my CS300 battery ran out, and Polar just three days to find and mail fresh replacement. As a example of how simple tech can enhance and simplify the training process, my experiences with the CS300 are almost entirely positive.

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.

I’m moving towards the core with this review, away from the shell garments discussed in the earlier ‘old favourites’ blogs. The Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew is my favourite baselayer and in twenty years of running, mountaineering, climbing and cycling I’ve tried many alternatives, but none do everything a baselayer needs to do as well as the humble Lifa.

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.

Aware of a growing trail running trend in adventure sports, Arc’teryx have diversified their collection of high quality performance products by expanding an established alpine collection to include active wear. … Read more