Posts

GEAR | Cycling The Monsal Trail On The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ eBike – Review

Image
When Specialized got in touch with me it couldn’t have been at a better time. I was just days away from visiting the Peak District and was planning on hiring a bike to cycle the Monsal Trail, so I jumped at the chance to try out the new Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ bike. What is it? Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ £3,600 Overall Rating (4.5 / 5) Stockists Specialized Features Integrated Turbo Connect Display to view key ride data quickly and safely. Fully integrated and secure Specialized 320Wh downtube battery w/optional Range Extender compatibility for up to 120 miles of range. Specialized SL 1.1 custom lightweight motor, peak 240W / 35Nm, 2x you rider amplification (180% assistance), assist up to 15mph. Turbo SL mounted rear rack, Racktime-compatible for your favorite bags and panniers, and DRYTECH fenders to keep the spray away. 12-speed Shimano SLX shifter and XT derailleur for lightweight, precise performance for the long haul. DT Swiss R500 disc wheels paired with f...

NEWS | Black UK Family Sends Sunshine from Antigua Glamping Site to Mark World Vitamin D Day

Image
When a Black Nottinghamshire family heard Matt Hancock, the UK Secretary of State for Health, claim that Vitamin D did not appear to have any impact on the Coronavirus, they knew that he was wrong and set about raising awareness of the importance of Vitamin D, especially for people with Black skin. To highlight the importance of this vital hormone, which is especially important amongst Black people, they chose World Vitamin D day November 2nd to launch their Caribbean inspired Vitamin D3 supplement range and glamping wellness retreat on Valley Church Beach in Antigua. Husband and wife team Paul and Vennetta Johnston, and their daughter Chloe, had returned to Antigua and their Caribbean roots, to set up Wild Lotus, a luxury beach glamping resort . In March 2020, when borders around the world started closing due to COVID-19, they knew instinctively that their best chance of survival was to build their physical resilience. This meant staying in Antigua in the sunshine. To date, with...

GEAR | Versatile Performance From The Trespass Matilda Women’s Water Resistant Softshell Jacket – Review

Image
What is it? Trespass Matilda Women’ Water Resistant Softshell Jacket £64.99 Overall Rating (4 / 5) Stockists Trespass Features 2 envelope stud-fastened pockets 2-way front zip fastening Adjustable hood Wind-resistant and breathable Waterproof fabric Available in black, navy and green tea What we thought This is my first article of Trespass clothing and the jacket has definitely exceeded my expectations. I’ve worn the Matilda on lots of autumn walks, in all weathers. From bright and relatively warm days to cold and wet days and it has performed really well in all conditions. Features The jacket has large pockets on the outside, which meant for shorter local walks, I didn’t need to take a bag out with me as there is enough space in my pockets for my phone, face mask, keys and cash. The jacket has a 8,000mm waterproof rating and is breathable too and In the Peak District last weekend, the weather was pretty grim! I got caught in a couple of torrential downpours ...

GEAR | Summit Pack Away Ultra Lightweight Folding High Back Camp Chair – Review

Image
If you’re looking for a great value lightweight and highly portable camp chair with decent back support, read on for our review of the Summit high back lightweight folding camp chair… What is it? Summit Pack Away Ultra Lightweight Folding High Back Camp Chair RRP: Overall Rating (4 / 5) Stockists D2pAutoparts What we thought The chair is light and easy to carry and as well as using it on camping trips, we also found it super useful for taking to the beach with us whilst we were down in Cornwall last month. The chair is really quick to assemble, taking under than a minute and it takes up less than half the space of a standard camp chair when packed down, so it’s ideal for those who don’t have much space. All of the legs and frame are attached by bungee cords and are super quick and easy to slot into place. The canvas and mesh seat cover is then easily slotted onto the frame. The one problem that all chairs like this suffer from, is that they can sometimes sink ...

GEAR | Christmas Gifting Guide 2020 – Camping, Travel & Outdoors Gifts

Image
It’s that time of year again! We’re spreading some much needed Christmas cheer with our hand picked selection of Christmas gift ideas for people who love camping, travel and the great outdoors…. Shop the camping Christmas gift guide Kelty Bestie Blanket from £24 Simple Modern Insulated Coffee Travel Mug from £15.99 Millican The Mavericks Smith Roll Pack 15L £115 Wild Guide Central England £10.76 BioLite Headlamp 200 £35 Paul Smith Swirl Leather Passport Holder £140 Swimming Wild In The Lake District £13.40 Vango Radiate Heat Mat from £34.99 TEVA Ember Men’s Commute Waterproof Boots £120 Hedgehog Barn £59.99 Craghoppers Faith Gloves £20 Roxy Endless Ocean 32L Sports Bag £50 North Face Nuptse Tent Mule III Slippers £44.95 Corkcicle Origins Triple Insulated Tumbler from £28-£30 Kathmandu Merino Pro Hooded Jacket £159.99 Trekmates Clean / Dirty Organiser Bag £14....