Product reviews with a focus on better buying choices, less plastic, less air miles, and longer life. There is no doubt that rampant consumerism, whilst a driver of economic growth that has pulled millions from poverty, is also steadily destroying the planet. We need to strike a balance but I firmly believe that it is possible to achieve a better world whilst accepting the need to grant our species a happy standard of living.
Degradation of natural habitats and global warming are driven at all stages of a product lifecycle. From mining and refining materials for manufacturing, to carbon miles in distribution, and consumer fulfillment, packaging pollution and even disposal of finished products.
i don’t think we need to be absolutist about these things but it is certainly the case that our buying choices matter. A decent woollen jumper may last ten times as long as a cheap one, decent tools not only last but make mechanical work and DIY a pleasure, a mechanical watch will never need battery replacement. Choosing locally manufactured produce may often reduce carbon miles and support local jobs. Choosing natural fibres may help reduce plastic pollution. And on and on.
In recent years, with the influx of competition to the market, and explosion of cheap chinese manufacturers selling through Amazon and suchlike, titanium camping pots, pans and cutlery are now everywhere. Titanium cookware is pretty much the default in wild camping kit lists. Titanium is an amazing material and there is a good reason why
Titanium camping pans – Are they worth it? Read More »
How do you decide how many gas canisters to throw in the bag for the next wild camping or trekking trip?? This calculator can help you make a more informed choice. Most gas canisters of the types used for trekking are now butane/ propane mix. The addition of propane gives better low temperature performance. There
How much gas do i need to carry – Hiking, Backpacking, Wild Camping Read More »
One of the biggest mistakes beginner, and sometimes even seasoned, trekkers and wild campers make is carrying too much weight. Extra weight means extra fatigue, extra time to reach the destination, less pleasure and more chance of injury. When you are young and strong it’s easy to brave it out, but as you age you
Packing lighter – Tips for lighter trail weight without spending a fortune Read More »
There is a lot of bamboo clothing around nowadays. Its quite heavily marketed as a “natural” choice, more on that in a mo, pretty well priced and very comfortable to wear. But does that make it a good choice for outdoor activities such as hiking or bushcraft? To answer that question we need to look
Bamboo Clothes for hiking and outdoor sports Read More »
Is this front mount seat the right child bike seat for you? This is a cost effective way of getting small children out cycling with adults, but is it any good? How easy is it to fit and do I recommend it? I have recently been thinking about the best way to get my littlest
Child Bike Seats – Oxford Little Explorer Review Read More »
Can this machine allow even a novice make strong usable outdoor kit?? Typical Price: £200-£250Rating: 9/10 Summary: Totally reliable and easy to use, only let down by a flimsy feeling and lightweight foot pedal. To checkout the latest prices see*: https://amzn.to/42Aecnc As an outdoors enthusiast sewing is one of those skills that has potential to
Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Review Read More »
Thoughts on starting to weld with this popular unit touted as ideal for classic car restoration Probably the most daunting aspect of embarking on a classic car restoration as an amateur is the bodywork. It is also one of the most expensive aspects to have done professionally. So you are left with a choice. Accept
Clarke Pro 90 Mig Welder Review – A beginners perspective Read More »
A tiny torch with a powerful punch Price: £12-£15 Typical on Amazon (other retailers similar)Length of ownership: 3 YrsWeight: 11.8g (0.4oz)Dimensions: 41.5mm lengthBattery: Rechargeable (Micro USB)Other: IP68 waterproofness ratedOwned for: 3 Years You can check the price or buy the Lumintop EDC Pico from Amazon at the following link*: https://amzn.to/3J3WDEW Over the years I have carried
Lumintop EDC Pico – Torch Review Read More »
Having received some bamboo walking socks for Christmas I thought I would test some of the claims for bamboo clothing seen online. Primarily, trying to understand whether it really is a warmer material than wool. There are some pretty wild claims out there, e.g. “three times warmer than wool” (but I won’t name and shame).
Are bamboo socks warmer than wool? – TESTED Read More »
I have been using my Alberg Malham walking boots for a few years now so it’s high time for a review. The Altberg Malham is a 3 season leather boot with a Sympatex lining making it suitable for typical British wet weather hiking and hill walking conditions. It’s a lightweight flexible boot so not suitable
Altberg Malham Boots Review Read More »
I have used a silk sleeping bag liner for many years with the twin aims of adding some extra warmth and protecting the sleeping bag from grime and dirt (it being far easier to wash a liner than a bag, especially a down one). However it’s pretty hard to get a clear view on how
How much warmth does a silk sleeping bag liner add? – TESTED Read More »
It’s not often you see ten year reviews. For the simple truth that in the modern world most things simply don’t last that long. This review takes a look at how this “design classic” cascading card wallet has stood the test of time, and critically would I replace it with another Secrid when it finally
Secrid Miniwallet – 10 Year Review Read More »
I previously did a review of the #7 Opinel and this is my favourite knife to carry for wild camping, overnight hikes etc. This is a quick comparison between that blade and its little sister the #5. The #5 is something I have chosen as an EDC knife alongside the other useful EDC piece of
Opinel #5 versus #7 – Comparison review of this UK legal carry Read More »
A quick opinion piece on what I like and don’t like about this classic knife. For a video review see below the text review. The classic Opinel knife, for the uninitiated, is a simple folding blade pocket knife in, most commonly, a beech wood handle. They are available in locking and non locking variants and
Opinel Knife Review – the perfect pocket knife? Read More »
First impressions on this heavyweight wool pullover from Arthur Beale, one of the UKs oldest yacht chandlers, outfitting explorers and seafarers for 500 years I’ve been keen to get my hands on one of these jumpers/pullovers for a while. Made of 100% British Wool in a Submariner Rollneck style, it’s not cheap (currently £145 full
Arthur Beale Beerenberg Jumper Review Read More »
