The Expedition Journals

Whenever I venture out in one of my sea kayaks, I complete a hand written logbook with details of the voyage. There is something very special about reading back through the journal on a dark winter evening, and recalling the adventures. In this blog post, I thought I would do the same with a pictorial log of some of my waterborne adventures of 2022. These paddles were all undertaken from my home port of Bembridge Harbour, and they ranged in length from 15 to 50 kilometres.  The trend if for blue skies and calm seas – that wasn't always the case on my sea kayak outings, but it does lend itself to a steadier hand and a better photo; there were plenty of rough and salt spray soaked days on the water as well, they just didn't make this photo blog... Luccombe Bay – March 2022 Luccombe Bay – March 2022 The Witterings (UK Mainland) – May 2022 Shanklin Bay – June 2022 Osbourne Bay – August 2022 Priory Bay – September 2022 Bembridge Low Tide – October 2022

The new Yushan 3 shoes from 361° take an already brilliant trail running shoe (I ran my first off-road marathon in the original Yushan), and have developed them through better breathability and protection. These are fast and comfortable trail running shoes for all your off-road running pursuits. The updated Yushan 3 design uses an engineered mesh fabric on the upper, create from one-piece of fabric; to ensure maximum comfort and breathability even in summer running conditions. An anatomically designed Pressure Free Tongue contours over the top of the foot for a more customised fit; removing pressure and stress during dorsiflexion. The heel cup is then well padded and locks the heel securely and comfortably inside the shoe. A full length QU!KFOAM insole utilises an EVA rubber blend for extra durability and comfort; while a QU!KSPRING+ midsole technology gives impressive cushioning and protection from rough trail surfaces. On the tread front, the H.A.R.T. (High Abrasion Rubber T

The Voited CloudTouch and Fleece blanket are the ultimate camp blankets—if I had one as a Scout, I would have been the envy of the entire troop. Insulating, water and stain resistant, packable, and machine washable; they are the most versatile and comfortable camp kit I have used in a long time. The Voited CloudTouch 4-in-1 PillowBlanket is a luxurious outdoor blanket that is built to last. It uses recycled 50D Ripstop REPREVE® fabric on one side, and luxurious CloudTouch™on the other. CloudTouch™ is a 100 percent recycled high-loft insulation fabric that is soft and fluffy, with the feel of real wool; yet it is eco-friendly (made from recycled plastic bottles), lighter, lower bulk and faster drying than traditional sheep's wool.  The Voited Fleece PillowBlanket™is another innovative 4-in-1 product: acting as a blanket, pillow, sleeping bag or poncho. It uses the same 100% Recycled 50D Ripstop on one side, then a soft and moisture wicking Polar Fleece fabric on the other. Both of t

There is some kit that blows the nearest competition out of the water — that works better, feels better and allows you to perform better than anything you have used before. For winter trail running, the selection of kit from SOAR Running does exactly that. For the last few weeks, I have been testing the SOAR Running WoolTech Winter Running Tights, the SOAR Nano Rain Jacket and the SOAR Long Sleeve Merino/Silk Base Layer. They have all proven themselves to be exceptional apparel, worth featuring here on The Expedition Journals. Review – SOAR WoolTech Running Tights A pair of winter running tights is more than just two tubes of stretch material – done right, they can keep you warm, supported, and keep blood flowing to your muscles and feet to help you go that further distance. The SOAR WoolTech tights mix naturally thermo-regulating merino against the skin with a weather-resistant exterior to deliver a winter staple that insulates, breathes and protects in cold running conditions. With a