Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket Review: Is it worth the price?
Arc’teryx just released the brand new Arc’teryx Beta SL rain jacket – their lightest Beta rain jacket to date. This summer I’ve been testing it while hiking in heavy thundershowers, and it’s performed beautifully. It’s kept me bone dry, is comfortable to wear, and has […]
Backpacking
Kula Cloth Review: Why I Love this Reusable Pee Rag
Back in 2014, I spent 22 days hiking the John Muir Trail. Prior to that, the longest backpacking trip I had been on was 5 days, so there was a lot I didn’t know. One of those things was knowing how to deal with peeing […]
Backpacking
How to Choose a Backcountry Campsite (that follows Leave No Trace)
After a long day of carrying a heavy backpack on the trail, I know what it’s like to just want to set up your tent, make dinner, and fall asleep. When you finally reach the point where you’re going to set up camp for the […]
Backpacking
3 UK National Trails you need to walk this year
Did you know that there are 16 National Trails across England and Wales offering some of the best walking routes in the UK? These trails pass through an array of the most beautiful parts of the country and offer something for everyone-from a family stroll […]
WALKINGDid you know that there are 16 National Trails across England and Wales offering some of the best walking routes in the UK? These trails pass through an array of the most beautiful parts of the country and offer something for everyone-from a family stroll along the Cotswold Way, to a long distance adventure on the Pennine Way.
We walked part of the South West Coast path a couple of years ago
I have walked parts of some of these National Trails over the last few years, and I would love to complete at least one in its entirety. There are many good reasons to walk all of them, so it’s hard to narrow down my shortlist, but here are the three that are currently top of my list.
Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way is top of my list for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s not too far away from our home, and we have visited the area several times. As well as being accessible to us, it’s also one of the shortest and easiest routes, which is perfect for small children. Since becoming parents, we have tailored our approach to walks, it’s no longer about conquering the highest peak or the longest route. Now it’s about enjoying the experience, taking in the scenery and spending time together.
The Cotswold Way passes through picturesque villages, such as Broadway
The Cotswold Way covers just over 100 miles between Bath and Chipping Camden, passing through chocolate box villages and fascinating historical sites, such as Sudeley Castle and Hailes Abbey. One thing that really appeals to me is the diversity of the route. As well as the villages and small towns, there are stretches of woodland, open countryside and a few climbs thrown in so you can appreciate the stunning views from up high.
The Barrow Wake viewpoint is worth a few moments of rest and reflection
There are plenty of options for accommodation along the route if you want to make it a multi day adventure. There are a few campsites along the route, plus some B&Bs, although they can get booked up quickly especially in the smaller villages, so it’s best to plan in advance. As well as starting (or finishing depending on which way you do it!) in Bath, the Cotswold Way also passes close by Cheltenham and Stroud which offer more amenities and easier transport links.
The Yorkshire Wolds Way
I’ll admit that I wasn’t familiar with The Yorkshire Wolds Way until I saw a BBC programme about it a couple of years ago. If, like me, you haven’t heard of it either, the 79 mile long trail runs from the seaside town of Filey in the north to Hessle on the Humber estuary in the south. It is one of the least known national trails and that really appeals to me! Some of the more popular routes, like the Pennine Way or Hadrian’s Wall Path are great, but can get very busy, particularly in the summer months.
The Yorkshire Wolds Way is one of the least walked routes and so perfect for you if you like having the trails to yourself
I went to university in Hull, so I have very good memories of this region and it’s an area that I’m already familiar with. I’d love the chance to head back to East Yorkshire and explore in more depth than I ever did in my younger days. The route passes through an incredible chalk landscape and offers rolling hills and lush green valleys. Highlights include the deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy and one of England’s most northerly vineyards in South Cave.
The Yorkshire Wolds Way starts in Hessle, in the shadow of the mighty Humber Bridge
As well as being relatively quiet, The Yorkshire Wolds Way is also one of the most accessible routes. It doesn’t require expert levels of navigation and so is a good choice for a first National Trail or for families. There are plenty of options for accommodation along the route, and both Hessle and Filey are accessible by train if you wish to use public transport. Not that I’m biased, but it’s also worth making a short detour and taking a trip into Hull. The old town is great, and The Deep, one of the UK’s best aquariums is a brilliant day out.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
We haven’t explored Wales as much as I’d like to, but we recently stayed at Bluestone in Pembrokeshire and had an amazing time. It is a beautiful area, and we particularly enjoyed the chance to get out and visit the coast. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path was the first to be opened in Wales and covers 186 miles along some of the most dramatic coastline in the UK. It goes from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, and takes in rugged cliffs, hidden coves and spectacular beaches. In its entirety, the route is tough, with a not inconsiderable 35,000 feet of ascent and descent, yet it can easily be broken up into shorter, more manageable sections.
Tenby North Beach and harbour is an iconic view on the coast path
There are larger towns along the way, such as Tenby with its many amenities, castle and impressive beaches as well as smaller, more hidden gems. We were particularly taken with Manorbier and its castle and beautiful beach. The region is rich in maritime history, and examples are littered along the path, including castles, and iron age and Napoleonic forts.
The landscape is largely formed by the centuries of farming and fishing, but there are parts of the route that are less touched by humans. There are plenty of opportunities to experience a wilder and more rugged walk, with a wide array of wildlife to spot. There are lots of accommodation choices if you fancy taking on a longer section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, including campsites, B&Bs and hotels in the larger towns. It is popular destination with holidaymakers as well as walkers, so it’s advisable to book in advance.
What do you need to walk a National Trail?
As with any outdoor activity there is an element of risk involved with walking, particularly long distances. It is advisable to wear appropriate clothes for the conditions, including well fitting walking shoes or boots. A first aid kit, map and adequate food and water is essential. I have written a more in depth post here about the essential hiking gear you need.
Although there are navigational apps and GPS units available, it is advisable to always carry a paper map as well. A full range is available from the Ordnance Survey shop.
Full details on all of the 16 National Trails can be accessed here
Have you ever walked a National Trail? Which one is top of your wishlist?
How To Survive Camping With Kids
Doing any kind of outdoor activity with kids is definitely a challenge first and fun later. Like adults, kids don’t really understand or know what’s dangerous or harmful for them and what’s not. Guiding them outdoors becomes a little tough because they are curious about […]
CAMPING TIPSDoing any kind of outdoor activity with kids is definitely a challenge first and fun later. Like adults, kids don’t really understand or know what’s dangerous or harmful for them and what’s not. Guiding them outdoors becomes a little tough because they are curious about the new environment they are in and want to be free to explore it.
However, what you can do is be prepared for camping with kids. Surviving camping with kids doesn’t just involve the right things to pack (although, that’s a major part of it), it also involves keeping certain things in mind at the camping site.
1. What to Pack
When it comes to packing things to survive camping with your kids, you can need almost everything that it’s in your home, at the camping site. However, carrying your entire home in a rucksack is not possible so here’s a list of essentials that you MUST pack and not forget.
- Extra pair of clothes
- Socks
- First aid kit
- Wipes, tissues and toilet roll
- Warm bedding and nightwear
- A door mat or floor towel
- Lots of energy bars
- Chocolates for the times they hurt themselves or just crave something sweet
- A small bike or sports equipment for them to play with
- Some board games
- Lots of food, juices and water
2. Camping Gear
Don’t compromise on buying a large sized family camping tent because you’re definitely going to need it. Kids need all the space to toss, turn and sleep. Make sure there is space for separate rooms for the kids and the adults because you don’t want the kids messing up your space with their toys. One thing that you must ensure is to keep your pocket knife or camping knife away from the easy reach of children. You can either lock it away in a bag or just keep it with you at all times so that the kids don’t end up playing with it and hurting themselves. Do invest in torches for each of your kids. Each camper should have at least one torch, these come in very handy in emergencies.
3. Set Some Rules
It’s important to set some rules for the kids to follow, if you want to survive your camping trip with them peacefully.
- They are not to venture out alone into the woods without an adult.
- They are not to eat any plant or shrubs even the ones that look like cherries.
- They should always take off their shoes outside the tent and wipe their shoes on the doormat.
- They should never leave any food outside, explain to them the reason behind it i.e. food can attract bears and hence bear attacks.
- Teach them how to go to the bathroom and use the washing station.
- Give them a brief about camping safety
4. Activities and Games For Children
Children are meant to play around and have fun anywhere they can and anywhere they are. This makes it important to be prepared with some activities and games for them at the camping site.
Here are some of the activities and games that children can enjoy.
- Reading books
- Colouring
- Sports like football, cricket, frisbee and kite flying
- Treasure hunt
- Board games like chess, scrabble, monopoly etc.
You can even get the kids busy with games on your phones and tablets but avoid that and get the children in the habit of enjoying nature and people more than screens.
5. Safety Measures
Safety is extremely important when it comes to surviving camping with kids. Apart from ensuring that they don’t play with sharp and dangerous camping knives, it’s also important to ensure that they don’t get themselves involved in dangerous situations.
Ensure that the kids are not left without supervision at any point during the camping. Make sure you zip up your tent and secure it at night so that the kids don’t venture out alone. Also, make sure you don’t leave any food outside for the bears to smell, hang them in a bag far away from your tents.
Keep the kids away from the bonfire and always supervise the barbeque, if you plan on doing one.
6. Don’t Forget To Have Fun
Don’t just think about how much your kids are running around and screaming all the time, do that with them and become a part of their adventure. You’re bound to enjoy your camping trip more if you have fun WITH your kids rather than just worry about supervising them. Join in on their little adventures, discoveries and use your camping trip to teach your kids about the nature.
Conclusion
Take your camping trip as a learning experience for yourself as well as your kids. You learn how to handle little ones and their curiosities, while the little ones learn about nature and experience a new adventure activity.
Beginner’s Guide to Nordic Walking
Did you know that Nordic Walking exercises 90% of your body’s muscles? If you compare this to running which only uses 45% and cycling which uses 50%, it’s unsurprising why Nordic Walking is set to become a huge fitness trend this year. In fact, the […]
WALKINGDid you know that Nordic Walking exercises 90% of your body’s muscles?
If you compare this to running which only uses 45% and cycling which uses 50%, it’s unsurprising why Nordic Walking is set to become a huge fitness trend this year.
In fact, the mood-boosting benefits of being outdoors have had such a huge impact that there are now 2,000 walks on offer throughout the UK.
So, to help you get your step on, Craig Manor, have created the ultimate beginner’s guide to Nordic Walking. Not only have they uncovered the unexpected benefits of this low-impact sport, but also explained how to – there really is more to it than walking with two poles!
If you do fancy giving nordic walking a try, there are also several unexpected benefits to be gained.
Did you know that:
- It can burn up to 46% more calories than regular walking.
- The Nordic Walking Association have researched the positive impacts of helping those with health concerns, such as arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and even cancer.
- It improves the mobility of your spine and can also help improve posture.
- A study revealed that those who suffer from osteoarthritis, saw a significant improvement in walking and standing, after twelve months of Nordic Walking.
- It can help you tone up your legs, arms and shoulders.
Have you ever tried Nordic walking?
5 Walks That Follow in the Footsteps of Myths and Legends
Myths and legends form an important part of a country’s heritage and history, with many based or inspired by real locations. For those who love walking this presents a good opportunity to get out and visit these locations for either a day out or a […]
WALKINGMyths and legends form an important part of a country’s heritage and history, with many based or inspired by real locations. For those who love walking this presents a good opportunity to get out and visit these locations for either a day out or a longer trip. For those interested, here are a few of the most notable walks, both in the UK and Europe, which were a key part of some of the most famous myths and legends across the world:
Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire
Sherwood Forest is one of the most famous forests in the world and it is the home of the UK’s most celebrated outlaw. You can follow a path through the forest that runs from Nottingham Castle, where there is a statue of Robin Hood, all the way to Edwinstowe. If that whole stretch is a bit too much, you can visit Robin Hood’s base, which is more popularly known as the Major Oak instead.
Nottingham Castle features a statue of the famous outlaw
Tintagel Castle in Cornwall
King Arthur is perhaps the most famous king in British history. So popular is the legend that almost every part of the country claims to have a link to King Arthur. Tintagel Castle in Cornwall is where many stories say Arthur was born, and there are many walks around the castle. For instance, the coastal walk takes you through several areas including Trebarwith Strand. It will take you through rocky tracks, grassy fields, villages, and a cove, too. After that, you can have some tea at Wyldes Cafe or some local fish at the Mill House Inn. For the more dedicated hikers, there is Arthur’s Way, which is a 130-mile walk to another Arthurian location, Cadbury Castle in Somerset.
William Tell Swiss Path in Seelisberg
Not only is this hike reminiscent of the legend of William Tell, it also follows the historic beginnings of Switzerland. The Swiss Path begins and ends in the quaint little town of Brunnen. From the Brunnen dock station, you take a ferryboat to Rütli. From the dock, the first section of the path will take you through an uphill hike with beautiful views of the lake and mountains to the east. From there, you go to the town of Isenthal, through Seedorf to Flüelen where Lake Uri is. After some water activities at Lake Uri, you can head to Tell’s Chapel, which honours the legendary story of the Swiss hero, William Tell. There is a mural inside the chapel that dramatises the Rütli Oath.
South Loch Ness Trail in Inverness
If you’re ever in Scotland, don’t pass up a chance to walk along the trails of the iconic Loch Ness. This particular trail will take you through the quiet, less-visited southern shore where you will find the Stratherrick borders on the foothills of the Monadhliath Mountains. You can also stop by Falls of Foyers, which is one of the most famous falls in the highlands. Once you’ve explored that, you can go to the picturesque pebbled beach of Dores and then have a pint at the 19th-century Dores Inn. You can also ride a cruise on Loch Ness that you can take from Fort Augustus, Drumnadrochit, and Inverness.
Loch Ness is perfect for a scenic walk
Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg
The Black Forest in Germany is one of Europe’s top woodland hiking destinations. Visitors from across the globe come to walk through the thick forest. The long distance hiking trail, the Westweg is described by The Independent as covering 280 km, which “makes for a fine fortnight’s walk for a moderately fit person”. One reason that visitors love to come to the forest is that it was the inspiration for many European fairy tales, particularly from the Grimm brothers. Despite many of the tales being over a century old they are continually adapted, in order to appeal to new generations. From reimagining Red Riding Hood as a romantic horror, to taking classic fairy tales and putting them on platforms aimed at adult audiences, the myths and legends are continually being adapted. Online, the Big Bad Wolf title on Expatbets takes the classic cautionary tale of a dangerous animal in the woods and converts it to appeal to modern gaming audiences. As with all modern adaptions of myths and tales it retains the essence of the story while adding its own twist. This continued interest is why the media continues to evolve these stories and keep them in the public conscious. For visitors going to the Black Forest, these famous tales will be at the back of their mind as they hike through the woodland.
The wide coverage of these stories in the UK and Europe is also why nature walks inspired by myths and legends have become increasingly more popular. Just make sure that you are fit and ready before you take on any of the climbs on this list. If you are interested in a wider selection of walks, I have a list of some of the best hiking trails in the world. Like the above trails these will take you to magical environments that seem straight out of fairy tale. So get your walking boots on and follow in the footsteps of the famous myths and legends.
6 Genius Camping Hacks using VELCRO® Brand Fasteners
Anyone who has followed our camping journey over the last few years will have seen our love of new (and often expensive) camping gear. However, it doesn’t have to be this way! We’ve found that some of our most useful bits of kit have been everyday […]
CAMPING TIPSAnyone who has followed our camping journey over the last few years will have seen our love of new (and often expensive) camping gear. However, it doesn’t have to be this way! We’ve found that some of our most useful bits of kit have been everyday items that we either already had at home, or could pick up very cheaply. Following this theme, here are 6 genius camping hacks using humble VELCRO® Brand products.
Tying up guy ropes
Some tents come with ties, but if yours doesn’t you’ll know only too well the struggle of pitching a tent with tangled up guy lines. In our experience, putting up and taking down the tent, are the most stressful parts of a camping trip, so why not make it as easy as possible?
Keeping your guylines tied up makes pitching and packing away your tent a much more straightforward affair.
In fact, VELCRO® Brand One-Wrap Ties are ideal for wrapping up any loose bits on the tent, making sure that lines don’t get tangled and hopefully saving a few arguments in the process.
Keeping chargers together
With me being a blogger and Luke being a keen photographer, we take lots of devices with us when we go camping. This is all well and good, but it means that we also have to take a means to keep them all charged. This often means lots of wires. We try to keep our tent as tidy and organised as possible while away, but it can quickly turn into a mess. One hack that has helped is to use VELCRO® Brand One-Wrap Ties to keep all of our cables together. This saves me scrabbling around looking for the right charger as the battery on my phone disappears before my eyes.
This is such a simple way to keep lots of chargers together and easily organised.
Hanging lights
VELCRO® Brand One-Wrap Ties are so versatile that I have another genius camping hack that uses them. They are ideal for hanging lanterns or torches up in your tent to provide a light source. Being super strong yet thin, and easily cut to size, you can use them to hang most lights in just about any tent.
These wraps are ideal for hanging useful items in your tent so that they are close to hand. This is particularly handy at night and saves you searching in the pitch black.
Keeping the tent carpet in place
We also found a couple of brilliant uses for the VELCRO® Brand Stick On products. Firstly, I used the squares, which are already cut to size (so no faffing about with scissors) and have incredibly sticky backs, making them ideal for holding just about anything in place. We used them for keeping our tent carpet in the right place and stopping it from slipping around. It’s a pet hate of mine, when I spend ages getting our tent set up nicely, and then the carpet ends up moving and things get lost underneath it.
I hate it when the tent carpet moves, so was very excited to have found a way to keep it still.
Hanging mirrors
I also used the VELCRO® Brand Stick On For Fabrics to attach a mirror to the inside of our tent. We all generally turn pretty feral when camping, but a few homely touches certainly help the tent feel more comfortable and make life a little easier.
Here I used a couple of squares to secure a compact mirror to our tent
This product came in the form of a tape, but it was super simple to cut to size and position as required. It reaches its full adhesive strength after 24 hours, but I found that it was quite secure straight away.
Rolling up sleeping bags and mats
I was really impressed with the VELCRO® Brand Stretch Straps and can see that they would have many uses for outdoor lovers. I used them to wrap up and secure a roll mat and also an old sleeping bag that no longer has its own storage sac.
Every camper has a random selection of old sleeping bags that need tidying (right?!)
It was much easier being able to wrap our gear up and keep it organised. It also means that it takes up less room in the car and is easier to transport.
What do you think of my genius camping hacks? Have you got anymore to share?
This is a collaborative post with VELCRO Companies.
The Ultimate Lighting Guide for Campers
Since we started camping a few years ago, we’ve amassed an impressive collection of torches, lanterns, head torches and lights. It might not seem important, but decent lighting can make life so much easier when camping. We’ve tried a few different options, but we think […]
Camping gear reviewsSince we started camping a few years ago, we’ve amassed an impressive collection of torches, lanterns, head torches and lights. It might not seem important, but decent lighting can make life so much easier when camping. We’ve tried a few different options, but we think we’ve cracked it now when it comes to having the most efficient lighting options when camping. I thought I’d share some of our favourites with you, especially as the nights are drawing in now.
Portable Floodlight
Just before our last camping trip I was offered the chance to try out and review a portable floodlight from LOFTEK.
I thought that I’d seen everything there was to see in lighting, but this has seriously impressed us. Firstly, the brightness is fantastic, perfect for lighting the whole tent. When it says portable floodlight, it really is a floodlight! I loved how compact it was, perfect for camping trips, although it could just as easily be used in workshops, sheds etc at home. The light is charged via USB, which takes a few hours and then offers up to seven hours of lighting.
We were so impressed with the quality of the LOFTEK portable floodlight
It’s compact size makes it perfect for taking along on camping trips
As if that wasn’t enough, it also doubles as a power bank. We tested it out with our tablet, and it charged super quickly. This did drain the power considerably, but we were very surprised with how well it acted as a charger. This has been a brilliant addition to our camping set up. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that it’s been our favourite new bit of camping kit this year.
The floodlight also doubles up as a power bank, which is super useful when entertaining a toddler!
EHU
If we are camping with an electric hook up, the only light we need in the tent is our Kampa Sabrelink. Not only does it have a remote control (it is AMAZING to be able to get into your warm cosy bed and then turn off the light) but you can adjust the brightness. Not the cheapest option, but a great all rounder.
Torches
We have a couple of great torches. Firstly, our LED Lenser has given us great service over the last couple of years. If you don’t have a decent torch, I really recommend you get yourself one. Not only are they ideal for camping, but they also come in handy at home in case of power cuts and in the car. It’s no coincidence that these torches are used by police forces around the world. The quality is second to none.
Our LED Lenser is a high quality, powerful torch, yet still sleek and compact.
We also have a VARTA torch, which we like. What makes this one stand out is it’s swivel head. Although we primarily use it outside, it was originally designed for use when doing DIY or working on cars etc where you need to be able to move the beam.
Headtorches
If there is one thing that makes life so much easier, it’s a good headtorch. When I’ve got my hands full trying to take a toddler to the toilet in the dark, or carrying washing up for example, a headtorch is a lifesaver. I also carry one in my walking rucksack in case we get caught out when we’re out hiking. They’re small, light but a vital bit of kit. We have a couple of VARTA headtorches, and also a new one from Coleman, which we’ve been very impressed with.
It might seem like a small, insiginificant piece of kit, but a good head torch is vital for camping.
Wind Up Lantern
We’ve used several lanterns over the years, with varying degrees of success, so I thought it was worth mentioning this wind up lantern from Quechua. What sets this one apart, aside from the fact that it actually works, is how compact it is. It takes up no space, yet is incredibly useful, especially when we don’t have EHU. It is also a budget friendly £11.99, which I think is a bit of a bargain.
This lantern has a USB point for charging, but is easily topped up by winding
Night Light
Getting a toddler to sleep in a tent is not for the faint hearted! Quite frankly, anything that helps is going to be a winner with me. We’ve got this VARTA Minions nightlight for Finn and it’s proved very successful. He’s happy to be left in bed with his light, it emits a cosy glow and stays on for thirty minutes-by which point he’s hopefully asleep! The push button means that he can easily turn it on and off himself.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, if you click through and make a purchase I may earn a small commission, there is no extra charge to you. We were gifted the LOFTEK portable floodlight for the purpose of this review. The Coleman headtorch and all of the VARTA products were also given to me free of charge, although it was my choice to include them in this round up. All views are my own.
Review: Sundried Activewear
Have you ever worn clothing made from coffee? Until recently I hadn’t either, but it’s been something of a revelation. I don’t go to the gym these days, but that doesn’t mean I’m not active. This is especially true when we go camping. I always […]
Camping gear reviewsHave you ever worn clothing made from coffee? Until recently I hadn’t either, but it’s been something of a revelation.
I don’t go to the gym these days, but that doesn’t mean I’m not active. This is especially true when we go camping.
I always wear a technical shirt as a baselayer, they are great for wicking away moisture on a warm day, but are also perfect for layering up when it’s a bit colder. I usually just wear old running t-shirts, so it was a great treat to be offered a new top from the premium ethical activewear company, Sundried.
I was immediately impressed with how the top looked and felt-certainly a class above my usual old gym clothes!
I was sent the Sundried Grivola 2.0 women’s top to try out, and I wasted no time in putting it to the test. I wore it out on a few walks and I loved how it kept me cool, but also, as shallow as it sounds, I loved how great it looked and fitted. I got a medium (I’m a size 12) and it was looser than my usual style, but I liked the feel of it. Sundried use 4 way stretch material in order to offer the most comfortable and breathable activewear possible and this attention to detail was clearly apparent. As well as walking, I wore this top while camping (believe me, setting up camp is a physical job!) and on a trip to the beach.
A trip to the beach offered a tough test; I needed to stay cool and dry off quickly after a paddle.
So far so good. So where does coffee come into it?
Earlier I described Sundried as an ethical company and this is clearly set out in their values. For example, they aim to produce the smallest carbon footprint possible, they prioritise the wellbeing of their staff and donate to charitable causes. Furthermore, Sundried offer the consumer complete transparency; once you have bought your clothing you can enter a unique code to trace the product’s journey from start to finish. Also, an important part of this is their production process. As well as basing their manufacturing in Europe to minimise the carbon footprint, Sundried also use recycled coffee grounds to produce their garments. This process was developed by a Taiwanese company in 2008 and has been increasing in popularity ever since. As well as being sustainable, this technology also produces a material that is fast-drying, sweat-wicking and deodorising.
This top has become my new favourite staple. It’s smart enough to wear as ‘normal’ clothes, but is also great at keeping me cool and comfortable while doing outdoor activities. We’re off travelling next week and this versatile garment is the first thing I’m going to pack!
Disclaimer: I was gifted a top for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.
Our perfect #homefromhome with Millets
One of the things that we love about camping is the simplicity of the whole experience. We enjoy spending time outdoors, we like the peace and quiet and we love being away from the stress of our everyday lives. However, that’s not to say that […]
CAMPING TIPSOne of the things that we love about camping is the simplicity of the whole experience. We enjoy spending time outdoors, we like the peace and quiet and we love being away from the stress of our everyday lives. However, that’s not to say that we don’t allow ourselves a few home comforts!
We’re generally very happy with our set up now. Over the last couple of years we have created our almost perfect home from home.
Our Montana 6AC with cooking shelter
We have are now lucky enough to have our dream tent, an Outwell Montana 6AC, which has a large living area and two big bedrooms. We’ve also added a kitchen extension, so we have somewhere to cook if the weather is less than ideal. We have plenty of cooking options: a barbecue, a double gas burner with grill and our Biolite stove for a quick early morning brew.
The Montana 6AC has so much living space, ideal for a family.
There is one thing that we haven’t quite got right though, and that’s our sleeping arrangements. So when Millets got in touch to ask if there was anything that I would like to improve about our camping experience to help us create the perfect home from home, I had no hesitation in asking for help with our sleeping equipment.
When we first started camping we had an airbed, and that let us down badly (pun intended!). We had researched thoroughly and it was meant to the be the best, however, the first time we used it I woke up in the early hours of the morning with my bottom on the cold floor. Now, I don’t know if it’s because I was pregnant and particularly grumpy at the time, but I vowed never to go back. So then we tried SIMs (self inflating mattresses), again investing in good quality, but they just weren’t quite luxurious enough. I don’t mind a SIM for the odd night here or there, but I’m too old to enjoy it for more than a couple of nights.
So we went all out and bought a double camp bed, which was very comfortable, but oh so squeaky! I also got tossed around like I was on the high seas every time my 16 stone husband moved in the night. With hindsight, we should have bought two single beds, but then there was the added problem of our ever increasing amount of kit. Camp beds are heavy and bulky and we already seem to have accumulated a lot of stuff. I started to think that maybe it was time to consider an airbed again…
So, I laid down the challenge! Could Millets provide us with an airbed that would change my mind?
Our new airbed and sleeping bags courtesy of Millets
They kindly sent us a Coleman DuraRest double airbed and a Berghaus Transition 200 sleeping bag each to see if we could improve our sleeping arrangements.
So far first impressions are really very good. After a trial run in the Lakes, the airbed performed really well. It didn’t lose any air and it’s very spacious and comfortable-can’t ask for more than that! The sleeping bags are also impressive. I find that the mummy shape is really good for keeping you warm and snug. It can get cold in a tent at night, so I like to be able to snuggle down and have some cover around my head and neck. Luke generally prefers the envelope style, as he moves around a lot in his sleep, but even he liked this new sleeping bag and slept well.
We have a couple of camping trips planned for next month and I can’t wait to get out there in our improved home from home, especially as we’re now sure to have a good night’s sleep.
Are you proud of your camping set up? Why not share with Millets using #homefromhome.
Disclosure: Millets kindly sent us an airbed and two sleeping bags for the purpose of this post
Review: Merrell Siren Sport Q2
If you’ve read my other Merrell review, you’ll know that I am already a big fan. Last year I tried out the MOAB Mid Gore-Tex boots and I loved them. In fact, they became my go-to boots over the winter. So would the Siren Sport […]
Camping gear reviewsIf you’ve read my other Merrell review, you’ll know that I am already a big fan. Last year I tried out the MOAB Mid Gore-Tex boots and I loved them. In fact, they became my go-to boots over the winter. So would the Siren Sport Q2 shoes impress me as much?
These days it isn’t good enough to simply take a man’s shoe and make it prettier. Men and women walk differently, and so need specifically designed footwear to support their feet and relieve pressure. For example, the Merrell Siren Sport Q2 has extra cushioning in the heel and a ‘contoured footbed’ to support the whole foot. From the first time I put them on, I was impressed by how supportive they were, my feet felt protected yet the shoes are very light at around 600g. I went for a size larger than normal to allow for thick socks and hot, swollen feet and I’m glad I did.
I wore them on a few short walks, and then really put them to the test by wearing them for the entirety of my 50 mile charity walk.
The Merrell Siren Sport Q2 walking shoes look good, but how would they perform?
It might have been a slightly unfair trial, but at least I can say that I’ve really tested them to the limit. I was certainly grateful for the M Select
FRESH antimicrobial agents that help to keep the shoes smelling fresh after 20 hours of walking!
My Merrell Siren Sport Q2 shoes had a good work out on my 50 mile walk.
So how did they perform?
Surprisingly well given the tough conditions. My feet held up much better than I imagined they would, plus the shoes stayed comfortable all the way. The only issue I had was that I got blisters right around the bottom of both my heels, basically where the insole meets the side. I’ve never had issues like this before, but then I’ve never walked so far. I’ve certainly had no problems since on any of my recent, more normal length, walks. As they are so light and flexible, I was worried that they wouldn’t stand up to a strenuous hike, but they really are quite sturdy. They have plenty of grip, perfect for uneven terrain.
In future, if I attempt another ultra long walk, I will definitely invest in some insoles to give my feet extra support. There are a few on the market, so it’s worth doing a bit of research here https://www.globosurfer.com/best-hiking-insoles/.
I loved the versatility of the Siren Sport Q2, they were perfect for our Go Ape adventure
The only negative I found was that the Merrell Siren Sport Q2 shoes were not as waterproof as I usually like. (Although I did submerge my whole foot in a stream to find this out!) There is a waterproof version or a Gore-Tex model if you require something a bit more rugged and weatherproof.
In conclusion, these haven’t quite replaced the MOABs as my go-to hiking shoes, but they are absolutely perfect for spring and summer outdoor adventures where you want something light and flexible. You can really tell that they are designed especially for women, it’s hard to explain but they somehow just fit better, and seem to support my feet so well when I’m walking, plus I really enjoy wearing them.
Looking to buy? Purchase here (affiliate link)
Looking for more walking boot reviews?
Merrell Moab FST Mid GoreTex Boots
Salomon X Ultra2 Gtx Mens Walking Shoes
Hi-Tec Altitude Alpyna Womens Boots
Disclaimer: I was given these shoes free of charge in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on it and consequently make a purchase, I earn a small commission to help fund my camping gear obsession, there is no extra charge to you.
Review: Salomon X Ultra 2 GTX Men’s Walking Shoes
Everytime I get a new pair of walking shoes or boots to review, Luke rolls his eyes, or he’ll moan about the amount of packages that arrive at the house. Funnily enough, he didn’t complain when a lovely pair of Salomon walking shoes turned up […]
Camping gear reviewsEverytime I get a new pair of walking shoes or boots to review, Luke rolls his eyes, or he’ll moan about the amount of packages that arrive at the house. Funnily enough, he didn’t complain when a lovely pair of Salomon walking shoes turned up from Millets Sports (now called Activinstinct) for him to try out.
He’s spent the last couple of weeks diligently putting them to the test, so here are his thoughts on the Salomon X Ultra GTX 2 walking shoes.
“My first impression was that they looked really smart and good quality. I was a bit unsure about the ‘Quicklace’ system as I’ve never worn shoes with that feature before, however it makes it really easy to take the shoes on and off. It’s also means that you can tighten the laces and they won’t come loose, even after wearing them all day.
The top of the shoes, showing the Quicklace fastening, which uses a toggle rather than conventional laces.
I’ve always preferred shoes over boots for walking, as I find that they’re lighter and more comfortable. This was certainly true of the X Ultra 2 shoes. Salomon have used technology from their range of running shoes, such as ‘Sensifit’, which ensures that the foot is well supported and stable, to produce a really lightweight, yet sturdy walking shoe. They are also breathable, so even in the hot weather we’ve had recently, my feet have stayed cool and dry.
The X Ultra’s got a good workout when we visited our local Go Ape recently
I really liked how cushioned and supported my feet felt, it also had lots of grip-perfect for any terrain. The best thing about these shoes, and the reason that they have become my go-to shoes, is their versatility. I wore them when we tackled Go Ape recently, I’ve also worn them on family walks and outings. They’re even smart enough to wear at the pub (although that probably says more about the type of pub I like than the shoes!)
They have become my first choice walking shoes, as seen here on a recent family hike
Although they are perfect for spring and summer, they do have a Gore-Tex outer, so I have no qualms about wearing them in the winter as well.
Overall I am really happy with the comfort and performance of these shoes, and very much recommend them to anyone looking for an all round walking shoe.”
So Luke was impressed, but what do you think of them?
I was given these shoes free of charge in exchange for this review, all opinions are Luke’s.
Looking for more walking boot reviews?
Merrell MOAB FST GoreTex Mid Boots
