The Expedition Journals

No Fuss. Just Organised Kit. For me, the KitBrix strap-line is one that resonates loud and clear. Sloppy kit leads to mistakes, wasted effort, and sometimes even failure; I have experienced my fair share of these and learnt that kit organisation is one of the essential elements of exploration, expeditions, and general outdoor pursuits.  KitBrix bags are made for the meticulous kit organiser. With a solid base, waterproof lining, multiple zippered pockets, and the ability to zip many bags together to create an organised kit stack; these bags are a dream for those that like to have a place for everything, and everything in its place. I have been using KitBrix bags for several years for organisation on photoshoots, sailing holidays, and overseas travel. It is with my recent commitment to open water swimming though that I have really seen the design benefits of these great robust cube-shaped bags. Open water swimming in December is cold. A wetsuit and your physical effort keep you wa...

I have been using Aquapac waterproof phone cases for years. I bought the first one over 20 years ago when I started sailing, and have since been using them in preference to other waterproof phone and VHF cases. The quality of Aquapac's seals and materials are far superior to the competition, in my experience. So, whilst many phones and handheld VHF radios are now submersible, a waterproof case like those from Aquapac is still an essential piece of kit to protect your electronics from salt corrosion, dust, and mud. The new Aquapac Pro series is a great development of the already well-refined product. The critical difference is the new Pro DockSystem, which allows you to clip the case to belts, rucksack straps, fixed mounting points, and even handlebars. It allows you to store the case easily and safely, without the need for tethers, pockets, or pouches. For kayaking, sailing, hiking, and even cycling, this new product development is an excellent feature. The DockSystem uses a...

Correctly fuelling for an endurance expedition is one of the toughest logistical challenges you will face. Unsupported, you need to find lightweight nutritious meals and snacks to keep your body functioning at its best throughout your adventure. The range of products from UK brand FUEL10K is one of the most innovative, natural, and nutritious collections of endurance nutrition products that I have tried to date; perfect for multi-day kayaking expeditions and bikepacking adventures. FUEL10K Complete Meal Leading the charge is the latest release from FUEL10K—'The Complete Meal'. When on endurance expeditions I try my best to eat fresh local produce; but there are times when that is simply not possible—due to the remoteness of your location or the inability to carry a heavy weight or quantity of produce. Freeze-dried meals are one choice, but recently I have been researching and considering the benefits of liquid meal replacements—FUEL10K's Complete Meal has risen to the...

A Tilley TWS1 Paddler's Hat is an investment. It is adventure headwear that will keep you comfortable and protected from the elements for a lifetime of paddling, sailing, and hiking pursuits. As far as brimmed sun hats go, there is nothing that will beat a Tilley. I have always been a huge advocate of proper sun protection—having seen far too many sailors and family members suffer from sun damaged skin. A brimmed hat like the Tilley TWS1 Paddler's Hat is unquestionably the best protection you can deploy for your face and neck—offering certified UPF50+ sun protection, glare protection, and temperature regulation. On sweltering summer days, the Tilley Paddler's Hat supplies comfort thanks to the broad shading brim—with its unique hunter green under-brim to reduce water glare. Ventilation is plentiful too, thanks to the back vent and vent grommets; whilst perspiration is kept from dripping into your eyes by the soft wicking sweatband. On windy and wet days, the Tilley T...

A lot of people ask how I keep things charged on expeditions and multi-day tours. The answer is simple—powerbanks. There are many alternative sources of power; such as dynamo hubs, solar panels, and of course wall sockets; but powerbanks are a reliable and safe way to charge any device. My current personal choice is the Mophie 5000mAh Powerstation Mini Powerbank. The Mophie Powerstation Mini is designed to work seamlessly with your electronic devices. The 5000-mAh battery is a serious power boost—capable of supplying an added 18 hours of use for most smartphones. You can also charge multiple devices at once by plugging one device into the USB-C port and another into the USB-A port; the integrated four-light LED power indicator then displays charging status and the current battery life. The Powerstation mini weighs just 130 grams, and it is super slim and minimalist—you will barely notice it in your pocket or bag. It is also surprisingly inexpensive at just £20-30 retail in many outl...