The Expedition Journals

Hiking with a toddler has fast become one of the most rewarding ways to spend time together outdoors with my son. There is fresh air, muddy boots, plenty of discovery, and usually at least one unexpected snack stop. The key to hiking with a one year old is not to overcomplicate it. With the right kit and a little planning, family hikes can be a wonderful way to get outdoors and release stress. Here are five essentials that make a big difference when you are heading out on the trail with a little one in tow; personal recommendations that have made a real difference to me. 1. Osprey Poco Plus/Premium Rucksack I purchased a second hand Osprey Poco AG Plus child carrier when my little one turned one year old. These are brilliant rucksacks, worth their weight in gold to get you out on the trails and start stomping some miles. The latest version of the AG Plus is the Osprey Poco Premium , but my 'vintage' version shares most of the same attributes. The Osprey Poco AG Plus Ruck...

Last year, I wrote a piece on lifeinthesaddle.cc titled ' The Importance of Comfort (and Tea) '— the post was intended to highlight my ethos of making smart decisions to avoid discomfort—as the saying goes "any fool can be uncomfortable". With my sea kayaking expeditions becoming increasingly adventurous and challenging, I started to consider what I could do to enhance my comfort levels on long-distance paddles. Thinking 'outside the boat', I looked at my stop-over setup, and decided that to rest my back muscles and legs at a mid-paddle stopover, a lightweight camping chair would be a worthwhile investment. The model I set upon was the industry leading Helinox Chair Zero. This is my review... The Helinox Chair Zero is the ultimate lightweight camping chair. Weighing in at just 510 grams, it is a small burden for the amount of comfort that it can deliver; letting you relax, recover, and enjoy your mid-expedition stopovers on kayaking, hiking, and campin...

Every great adventurer needs a great knife. Not a 'knife-shaped-object' like the ones you can pick up in supermarkets; but a precision handmade tool that will last for many years of expeditions in challenging environments. Leatherman make great knives and great multi-tools, by hand in their Portland (Oregon) factory. I have owned several over my years, and they have all been invaluable aids on bikepacking, sailing, kayaking, hiking, and camping adventures. The new Leatherman FREE K2 Multipurpose Knife is the latest release from the Leatherman brand, and could be the perfect lightweight knife for outdoor expeditions. The FREE K2 features a 3.3-inch high-carbon stainless steel blade, as well as seven other tools; including a pry tool, package opener, awl, bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver, medium flat-blade screwdriver, and a small grub screw screwdriver. Leatherman's unique magnetic opening and closing system securely and safely locks each blade and tool in place ...

Fresh from the mountains of Sri Lanka, this is my review of the versatile and sure-footed Merrell MQM 3 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots.  Merrell shoes have been a trustworthy walking partner of mine for several years now; with previous models reviewed here on The Expedition Journals including the MQM Flex 2.0 and ChopRock Aqua Shoes . The brand's footwear is comfortable, durable, and provides a reassuring foothold on a multitude of terrains. The Merrell MQM 3 Mid GORE-TEX boots were my choice of hiking shoes for a three week adventure to the island of Sri Lanka. With jungle treks, mountain hikes, and days spent wandering through markets and nature reserves, I wanted a pair of lightweight waterproof hiking boots that would be comfortable and reliable – the MQM 3 Mid boots delivered flawlessly. Waterproof hiking boots are the best option when choosing walking shoes for all conditions, in my opinion. Waterproof boots offer all-weather protection, and although slightly warmer than non...

Head to Asia in the monsoon season and you will find seas of scooter riders sporting waterproof ponchos to shield them from the torrential downpours. VOITED have taken the humble waterproof poncho design and brought it up to date with modern waterproof fabrics and features; making this a simple but versatile rain cape that will keep you and your gear protected on outdoor adventures. A poncho bridges the gap between a rain jacket and a rucksack cover—serving the purpose of both, in one packable design. The Voited Rain Poncho is a complete rain cover designed especially for everyday city commuting and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling, trekking, fishing and festivals. Made using 50D 100% recycled REPREVE® polyester fibres, the fabric used in the poncho is 18K waterproof rated to keep you dry no matter how hard the rainfall. Fully taped seams and a waterproof hood and pocket zippers prevent water ingress through these areas too. The poncho packs up small, within its own wais...

I have a bad habit of breaking Thermos flasks… throwing them out of bottle cages; dropping them on slipways; knocking them about in kit bags. The result is that I have wiped-out at least four in the last year of adventuring and expeditions... A thermal insulated mug or flask is a fantastic companion for all kind of cycling, kayaking, sailing, and hiking adventures though; letting you take a comforting hot drink (or ice-cold beverage) with you when you head out into the wilderness. That drink could save you from hypothermia or heat-stroke, if things get really out-of-hand. In the pursuit of an unbreakable thermally insulated mug, I turned to the heritage brand Stanley. Known worldwide for their range of bombproof lunchboxes, mugs, and flasks; Stanley looked to have the answer to my quest… The Stanley Master Unbreakable Trigger-Action Insulated Mug is my new adventure companion. Made from thick food-grade stainless steel—it is rugged and rust-proof, and built to last. Using Stanley...

ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters) were the creators of the parachute hammock, and have a wide range of hammocks for the outdoor adventurer. The ENO Sub6 is the lightest hammock in their range; aimed at the minimalist ultralight explorer. The Sub6 is made from lightweight 30D ripstop nylon and super strong Dyneema line with aluminium toggles. It weighs in at just 165 grams, and packs down to a sack not much bigger than your fist (4" x 4"). Despite its ultra-lean weight, the ENO Sub6 is impressively durable and strong; rated to a holding capacity of 136 kilograms. You need to integrate it with the ENO Helios Suspension System, which of course does add a little more weight (another 160 grams), but provides a super strong connection with your chosen trees or lashing pillars. Whether trekking into the depths of the jungle or just heading down to the beach to chill out after a summer adventure; the ENO Sub6 and Helios Suspension System is a quick and easy hammock set-up, that...

The AKU Alterra Lite GTX Waterproof Hiking Shoes are designed for hill walking and leisure wear; rated for anything up to a 'moderately difficult hike'. For me, they are the perfect winter walking shoes; with waterproof protection, superb breathability, and the versatility that they are not out of place on a wide variety of terrain. The AKU Alterra Lite GTX is made primarily of leather, with a Gore-Tex lining to ensure waterproofing and breathability. Inside there is a comfortable Ortholite insole to provide support for your foot, while the moulded EVA footbed offers cushioning and further support. The underside sole is a robust rubber tread that will find traction on a wide variety of terrain. The sole also features enhanced protection from stony paths and sharp scree. The Alterra Lite GTX fit very well, with the foot feeling well supported in the insole. The adjustable lacing system allows you to tailor the volume within the shoe to keep your feet comfortable in a var...

My Helinox Chair Zero folding chair comes with me on all kinds of adventures; from hiking to kayaking, sailing, and beach trips. At the start of 2020, I made a pledge to myself to share more of my adventures with others, and that means doubling up on kit; with Helinox releasing a new Chair One in collaboration with Finisterre—one of my favourite casual clothing brands—it seemed like a great opportunity to invest in another super comfortable and super portable chair. The Helinox x Finisterre Chair One is the first Helinox Chair to feature a 100 percent recycled fabric seat. Sourced by Finisterre and tested by Helinox, this 200 denier recycled nylon yarn is both lightweight, strong and water repellent. The Helinox x Finisterre Chair One uses the same superb quality DAC aluminium poles as the other chairs within the Helinox range, but this model uses a unique green anodisation technique developed by DAC that is an environmentally friendly way to anodise the aluminium poles...

The SPOT X Bluetooth 2-Way Satellite Messenger and Tracker is a lifeline for expedition adventurers. It offers two-way communication through text and email, position tracking, a quick 'check-in' facility, and an SOS distress functionality. All these things can add comfort and safety to your adventures and travels. When I plan and execute any expedition, I stick to a 4C's plan – Care, Comfort, Communication, and Contingency. Care – This starts with careful and thorough planning of an expedition and continues with a careful and sensible approach to all aspects of its execution. Comfort – This does not mean opting for luxury, but considering comfort over potential discomfort or distress. For example, if you are wild camping in sub-zero temperatures, take the right season sleeping bag rather than opting for a summer season one to save weight—it could save you from hypothermia. Communication – Aim to keep communication as constant and flowing as possible at all times. ...

Enamel mugs are cute and cool, but they are not the most practical coffee cup—they are a bit bulky and rather poor at insulating your beverage. The new X-Mug and X-Tumbler from Sea to Summit are a more modern and functional drinking cup—a better hands-on solution. The X-Tumbler (360ml) and X-Mug (480ml) use heat resistant, BPA-free food-grade silicone in a concertina construction with a rigid rim; to create an easy to drink from mug that folds down to just 15mm thick. The unique Cool Grip technology on the X-Mug and X-Tumbler helps to insulate your beverage (hot or cold) while keeping your fingers from burning or freezing at the same time. Compact, convenient, and unbreakable. The X-Mug and X-Tumbler from Sea to Summit are a more space-efficient and modern alternative to the classic enamel coffee cup. >> Available from Seatosummit.co.uk

Adventures that feature a warm cup of coffee are the best. Whether it is sat on a beach as the sun rises on the horizon, cutting through the waves as you sail out into the deep blue ocean, or peering out from your tent at a mountain-top camp; a cup of tea or coffee is a treat, a comfort, and a kick-starter to make any adventure moment. The 16 oz Tumbler and 12 oz Coffee Mug from Hydro Flask have become my go-to choices for holding my morning brew; these sustainable insulated capsules are made from durable pro-grade stainless steel, and are durable enough for even the toughest outdoor adventures. Both the Tumbler and Coffee Mug use Hydro Flask's TempShield™ double-walled vacuum insulation technology—to keep your coffee hot for up to six hours. Both have a fantastic feel in your hand, and both come with insulated press-in lids. Whether you want to slow down and take in the view, or get going and take your drink with you on the move; this cup and tumbler will keep your favourite h...

In the build-up to running the Challenge The Wight night time marathon, I went in search of the best head torch for night running. With great past experiences of the Ledlenser range, the Ledlenser NEO10NR Headtorch rose to the top of the selection list. This is my review. The NEO10R is the range topping model in Ledlenser's NEO series; with a focusable beam providing an output of up to 600 lumens; a minimum run time of 10 hours, and a maximum burn time of 120 hours. The head torch is a two-part design with a separate battery pack that sits at the rear of the head. The straps then run around the head; to provide a balanced and secure design for running and hiking. The unit is also IPX4 waterproof, so it is resistant to significant splashing and downpours. The highlight of the NEO10R headtorch is the focusable beam, which allows you to refine the breadth and reach distance of the unit's output. On a close-quarters wide angle beam the beam distance is only 20 metres on lo...

A few months back I reviewed the fantastic Helinox Chair Zero . The super lightweight camping chair has fast become a vital accessory for all my adventures by land or sea; supplying comfort and relaxation after strenuous challenges. This product is near perfect for its intended use, but I recently discovered two additions that can improve its functionality and comfort even further: the Helinox Vibram Ball Feet—to stop the chair sinking into soft ground; and the Helinox Seat Warmer—for extra comfort in colder temperatures. Vibram® Ball Feet (45 mm) I have been using the Helinox Chair Zero for kayaking and hiking adventures; it is perfect for beach stopovers and resting your legs with a flask of coffee at the top of a big hill. The problem I discovered a few times on such rest stops though, was that I had a bit of a sinking feeling… I am not a heavyweight, but on soft sand and mud there is a tendency for the feet of your Helinox chair to sink into the ground; something that make...

2021 started with a lot more hiking than normal. A fall on ice on Christmas Day morning enforced a need to take four weeks off from cycling, kayaking, or sailing—due to a broken elbow. I embraced the demand for change though, pulling on a new pair of hiking boots from Craghoppers and heading out on the coastal paths and hills of the Isle of Wight… The Craghoppers Kiwi Trek Hiking Boots appear to be traditional leather hiking boots at first glance, but in truth they are a modern feature-packed boot for off-road treks and hikes. The Kiwi Trek boots have a full leather construction, with classic d-ring lacing and a soft leather lining. A Vibram outsole supplies the grip required for all surfaces, and the Aquadry waterproof membrane ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable within. The full-grain leather construction has a padded collar and tongue for added comfort; the latter has been treated with Craghoppers’ patented NosiLife tech—to keep those pesky insects at bay in the summer...