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Quechua (Decathlon) Ultralight Camping Roll Mat Review
November 20, 2018
I wanted the smallest, lightest possible roll mat, and this one fit the bill at the right price. A good product recommended. After much research this offered the best value to weight ratio 3/4 length Packs up small Has held up so far without any leaks Would recommend
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Portapow USB AA Battery Charger Review
November 20, 2018
I bought this charger to both charge batteries and back up my other charging capabilities. It worked well but I think I needed to do more to get the charge times right. Lightweight Charges AA batteries from USB Has a setting to charge other things via USB Construction is slightly flimsy AA batteries are a bit old school now but if you really need them this is a good device
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Portapow 11W Solar Panel Review
November 20, 2018
I bought this solar panel after doing considerable research on options that were out there. At the time (2013) there were a few options but most of them, from what I heard, were not great performers. Particularly the compact, gimicky products that promised to charge your phone but actually couldn’t charge a very tiny watch battery successfully. Features Loops for attaching to backpack High efficiency solar panel type charges from light (not just bright sun) 4 USB ports Cost £80 Pros Sturdy construction Good value price Easily foldable away and fold out for more coverage Portable Cons Bit on the heavy side My Take This solar panel worked great for charging all my small devices by USB such as:
Tags: SolarChargingSolar Panel
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Karrimor Carbon Fibre Walking Poles Review
November 20, 2018
I bought these from Sports Direct. They seemed to offer the same spec as much pricier alternatives. I used them for every day over 8 days on a hike. Cons Rubber studs wore out after 2 days Pros Comfortable handles Handy strap to prevent slippage Lightweight and strong (carbon fibre) Telescopic so easy to store Cheap Improved walking efficiency and stability Conclusion Perhaps more expensive options have more durable rubber studs.
Tags: walking PolesPoles
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Gopro Hero 3 Black Edition Camera Review
November 20, 2018
I used the Gopro Hero 3 Black Edition on a walking trip in Spain. I was attracted to the wide angle lense because I was shooting footage along a riverbed. I appreciated the small size as I was carrying everything on my back. Features Video resolutions up to 4K 1080p60 / 960p100 / 720p120 fps 12MP photos up to 30 frames per second Built-in Wi-Fi SuperView™ and Auto Low Light modes Waterproof to 131’/40m GoPro App + Wi-Fi Remote control Takes a micro SD card Charge via USB Pros Small Robustly built Cons Battery life No viewfinder My take Good for action footage.
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Gift for a cyclist who likes reading? Between Worlds - The Promise of the Road
November 14, 2018
Between Worlds chronicles a real journey of discovery from the harsh winter of Georgia to the wilds of Mongolia by bicycle. A lone ride which began in Tbilisi and continued through Armenia, Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal ending in Mongolia. Architectural Observations It is full of detailed architectural observations that question the nature of the spaces we inhabit and encourage consideration of the profound effects of architecture on our thoughts and habits.
Tags: Between-worldsTravelBook
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Late Night Lightroom - Caucasus
November 6, 2018
Aurelian on the Guitar, knew how to sing and play some old French classics to the delight of anyone who happened to be around. Big old Soviet cars like the Volga, a common site in Tbilisi at the time. Worked well in all weathers, but broke down often. A fish seller on the road in Georgia, with the catch of the day. Drunk of course and perhaps more suited to theatrics then fish selling.
Tags: Photo-essay
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20 Ways to Refresh Your Body and Mind (updated)
November 6, 2018
Go for a run Running increases oxygen to the brain. Write / sketch Help you get ideas out of your head and make new connections. Make noise Create a distraction. Scream to let go of excess energy. Be alone Sometimes being alone can help to gather yourself. Get into nature Nature always provides positive energy. Wander Walking without direction is healthy and helps to gather thoughts. Visit an art gallery Looking at great creative cultural works can be inspiring.
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The Best Trail Hardtails
October 19, 2018
I was looking for a new mountain bike. I went to the cycle show last year, searched online and checked out local bike shops regularly. At first I was looking at any bike but I started to read more about how geometry has evolved. The first time I came across this idea was in 2014 with this article in MBR: Size matters, why we are riding bikes that are too small
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The Genesis of Outward Bound
October 19, 2018
Innovative Education Outward Bound is an innovative educational idea put forth by Kurt Hahn that has survived and flourished for more than sixty years. This is truly remarkable because so many educational fads have come and gone in this period. Is it that the concept is so adaptable that it can be applied to many settings or that the rationale and philosophy is timeless and has a universal appeal? Unity of Purpose The creator, Kurt Hahn, is no longer present but his influence within Outward Bound and other educational initiatives is still very much alive.
Tags: Outward bound
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Diadora X-Country MTB Shoes
October 19, 2018
The Diadora X-Country mountain biking shoes with SPD cleats are a budget to mid-range shoe that performs well under most conditions and are durable. I’ve owned these shoes since 2011 and still using them in 2018. Description The shoe is white with a black sole. the upper is made from a synthetic material a bit like like a felt material covered in a plastic coating. It has breathing holes in it so it’s not fully waterproof.
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Hiking in the Brecon Beacon Mountains of Wales
October 14, 2018
Up at 5.30am I took the train from Peckham Rye over to Victoria. I took the bus from Victoria (booked in advance £6.50 a single). I felt self-conscious with my rucksack wondering if people thought I was a tramp, although I am kind of a nomad so it’s not really a strange feeling as I watched all the commuters on the morning train. I met a friend from my course, Esta who is studying environmental design and creating a ‘living sustainably’ kit as part of her work, and also a big fan of hiking, and we got on the bus at Victoria coach station.