Alpkit Mission Pack Review

Well I don't know about you, but I'm finding I need more and more means by which to store small items, maps and books, especially when out hiking or camping.  I decided I wanted some simple storage devices that would protect against damp, especially when dropping stuff on the floor, which I do a lot of. But I also wanted something a little more convenient than just a Ziploc bag. Enter stage right the Alpkit Mission Pack.

RAB Boreas Pull-on Review

RAB advertise the Boreas pull-on as a lighteight top which offers protection from the sun with some wind resistance. The Backpacker magazine awarded it their Editor's choice for a pull-on softshell. Being lightweight and offering what seems like a good design for warmer weather I had to give it a try.

High5 ZERO Xtreme Electrolyte Hydration Tablets Review

High5 as a company produce all types of sports energy products from bars to powders and as reviewed here, electrolyte tablets. ZERO Xtreme is their electrolyte tablet that can be added to 500ml of water giving 0.35Kcal per 100ml and 65mg of caffeine (about the same as a cup of coffee) per tablet. Just as importantly, a great taste. Is it true?

High Bradfield Circular via High Peak

The day started out as a usual Peak District day, cloudy with rain. So much so that I decided to go without my camera and get the odd snap with my phone. Looking back that was a mistake. During the climb out of High Bradfield up on to the tops the rain came down and it looked as though that was going to be the theme of the day. To my dismay (no camera) and joy (blue skies poking through) all at the same time the weather broke a little by the time I reached Hurkling Edge.

Crowden to Black Hill Circular

First of all  I apologise for the photographs. The weather was a bit of a surprise considering the weather forecast didn't seem as though it would be too bad. On the day there were high winds and low cloud, that is until I got back to the car, then the sun came out. Considering the views I had in poor weather in good weather there would be fantastic views making the walk very satisfying. The first half of the walk follows the Pennine Way.

Part way up towards Laddow Rocks looking back to Crowden.

Rab Cirrus Pull-on Windshell Review

There are times, when walking, that the wind picks up but the weather is too warm to wear either a softshell or hardshell jacket. The question is, what do you do? Well over the last couple of years there has been an increased interest in lightweight windshirts. Various companies have their own variation on this idea but I opted for the Rab Cirrus pull-on.

Keela Scuffer Trousers Review

Described by their makers Keela as able to take a pounding, the Scuffer trousers are a softshell type trouser with varying scenarios in mind. They have a very good fit with sizing being accurate. They don't sag around my ankles trying to make me look like M.C. Hammer (yep, I can remember him). And they feel like they were made for my leg length, not the same pattern cut to different lengths.

Mountain Fuel: Extreme Energy Fuel. Could help you walk further.

Mountain Fuel isn't just a supplement or energy drink, it's intended as a whole days fuel system for the entire body. Developed with top nutritionists and field tested by some impressive individuals and teams, does it have a place in the everyday hikers needs. Here I review Mountain Fuel's Extreme Energy Fuel.



Extreme Energy in Tropical and Blackcurrant flavours.



The Torside Terror!

Okay, maybe a little dramatic, but if you have never been up Torside then your nerves are in for a treat. Located at the west end of Woodhead Pass (yes, I brought enough change for the car park this time) on the B6105 the car park is located alongside the Longdendale Trail.



Clough Edge losing it's low cloud vale.