The Expedition Journals

The VOITED Outdoor Changing Robe & Dry Coat lives in my car (or bike pannier) and comes with me on almost every adventure. Perfect for when you need to warm up after a cold water swim, stay comfortable as you unload a sea kayak, discreetly change out of your kit after a muddy trail run, or just keep cosy when you start a drive in freezing conditions – the VOITED Outdoor Change Robe is a versatile and indispensable insulating layer that shields you from the elements, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor adventures.  I have used many weatherproof changing robes, but the new V2 VOITED Change Robe sits on its own pedestal thanks to unique features that allow it to perform exceptionally well. Three-Layer Fabric Design The outer fabric of the VOITED Change Robe is a 100 percent recycled 50D durable Ripstop Repreve® material that sheds water thanks to an eco-friendly DWR coating. A quilted mid-layer of 3D Synthetic Featherlight recycled fibre insulation then keeps the warmth in and the ...

361 Degrees has consistently been my preferred brand for running shoes, and the latest addition to their lineup, the Kairos 2, lives up to the high standards I've come to expect. This new model introduces a fresh platform for 361, incorporating innovative technologies, sustainable fabrics, and the impressive Engage foam cushioning system. Progressive Upper Design The Kairos 2 features a progressive upper fabric design that enhances breathability, comfort, and overall durability. Another standout feature is the 'pressure-free tongue,' a signature element in many 361 shoes, providing a super-soft nylon gusset that eliminates pressure points on the upper foot.  Inside the uppers, the tried-and-tested Otholite® X-40 insole ensures excellent moisture management and breathability. Additionally, new supportive medial and lateral quarter heel welds at the rear of the shoes enhance ankle support upon impact. Exciting Platform Design The platform design takes an exciting step...

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...

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 ...

The new Spire 5 from 361 degrees pushes the boundaries of comfort and performance for endurance running shoes. I have become a complete convert to the 361 brand: for trail running ( Review – Yushan 2 Trail Shoes ) and for everyday road running ( Review – Strata 5 Road Shoes ). The new 361° Spire 5 is a marathon worthy road shoe that excels in delivering the perfect blend of comfort, rebound and durability. Superior cushioning is the primary focus of the Spire 5—with the aim of producing a shoe that will let you run for miles and miles, without complaint. The new cushioning technology comes in the form of QU!KFLAME. The upper layer of the shoe platform is the proven 361° QUICKSPRING+ foam, but then the Spire 5 benefits from the introduction of a newly developed PEBA nylon elastomer — QU!KFLAME offers superior cushioning and performance: it is extremely springy and 45% lighter than traditional EVA foam, yet it is durable enough to maintain responsiveness. The result is excellent flexibil...

Rab Equipment is one of my favourite outdoor brands on the market – they produce the legendary Microlight down jacket (see my recent review of the Rab Infinity Microlight Down Jacket ), as well as sleeping bags that I have used on some of my longest expeditions.  A new piece of Rab Equipment that has landed in my kit store though, is the Rab Expedition 50 Kit Bag – a rugged and hardwearing 50 litre duffel bag that is superbly made and ready for any adventure. The Rab Kitbag 50 is made using a tough and durable 600D fabric and is coated with a TPU water-resistant film. Triple-stitched seams and a double thickness base add further to the ruggedness of the kit bag.  The contents of the duffel bag are easily accessible through a large, double zippered (lockable) main opening. On the underside of the lid there are two internal zippered mesh pockets, as well as two pockets at either end of the bag's internal main compartment. For transporting the Rab Expedition Kit Bag, there are tw...

Longer trail runs and hikes are safer if you can pack a few essentials: a mobile phone, lightweight windproof jacket, space blanket, a clip-on light, perhaps even some sun cream and a chapstick. You don't want to be cramming these essentials into the pockets of your running shorts though, so a lightweight belt pack or 'bum bag' is the ideal solution. The Lowe Alpine Lightflite 2 has fast become my new favourite pack for 'light and fast' adventures. Featuring an adjustable narrow webbing belt and padded wicking back panel, the Lightflite 2 is comfortable to wear and doesn't work loose or bounce as you up the pace on the trails. Inside there is a key clip for house keys and enough room for a large mobile phone and windproof jacket. On the outside, two fast-access mesh pockets are ideal for trail snacks, and a reflective LED light loop can prove very useful in low light conditions. Perfect for housing all the essentials listed above, the Lowe Alpine Lightflite...

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...