Companies that have helped me on my journey
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The Pulk
The Pulk is a Nordic short, low-slung small sled used in frozen Arctic conditions for transporting all your gear. When we set off from Resolute,on Resolute Bay, (74° 43’ N and 94° 53’ W), in the territory of Nunavut, Canada, to walk/ski for 648 km (403 miles), pulling our food and equipment on an Aiguille pulk, bound for the Magnetic North Pole. My body harness was attached by rope and bungee cord to a heavy load with no braking system, the pulk was remarkably stable whilst being manhandled over sea ice rubble! The Aiguille Expedition Pulks are a simple and bombproof, with easily adaptable hauling systems and has a load carrying capability of up to 100 kg ; designed to perform to below…
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Rain Poncho
The ‘Understated’ Rain Poncho is an ideal choice to carry on your adventures whether hiking, camping, fishing or braving a music festival. I favour the Highlander Adventure Hooded Poncho it’s extremely versatile, simply pull it out of your pack and protect yourself against heavy rain. It’s a tough, lightweight, waterproof poncho that can be used again and again. Not only is it a poncho but also doubles up as an emergency shelter. With its built in eyelets, it can be pegged down or fixed between trees to provide a short term shelter. Being loose-fitting it offers good ventilation; which is important when you’re exploring hot-humid, rainy climates. On cold and wet…
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Rucksack
A good quality, versatile rucksack is a must have for any trek…. I am a supporter of Aiguille‘s reliable products; ranging from Rucksacks that are crafted to accommodate from a day’s hiking to gear that can withstand the rigours of long expeditions into the wilderness A good quality, versatile rucksack is a must have for any trek- short, medium or an adventure in both the Summer or Winter. The main requirements > Comfortable : Capacity for your Essentials : Showerproof : Bomb-proof Whatever Adventurer you are going on, your durable rucksack’s capacity must be sufficient to carry a day’s worth of gear, food & water. To be comfortable your rucksack needs to be stable; a padded…
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Knife Blades and for what tasks they’re best suited…
There are many types of knife blades, each with their own advantages and disadvantages for different tasks. Here is a brief overview of some common knife blade types and what they are best suited for: Drop-point : This is a versatile blade type that has a curved edge and a slightly sloped spine; good compromise between strength and utility. Good for hunting, camping and general purpose cutting. Sheepsfoot / Wharncliffe; These blade types that have a straight edge and spine that curves down to meet at the tip, no-nonsense utility knife, cutting, slicing, whittling & ideal to cut rope. Lambsfoot : popular with farmers, amongst its many uses is the…
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Travel Underwear
Boxers, Thongs or Briefs? Boxer shorts are breathable, with plenty of ball room, but rather lacking in support, best for casual wear. Thongs, also known as ‘cheese cutters’, may look good on some, some of the time: they may look good on others all of the time, but they never look good on me at any time. Practically speaking, they are not designed to keep the ‘bad boy and his two chums’ properly tucked in. They mercilessly chafe and ruffle where they touch, or so I’ve been told. I wore my lucky, merino wool, snug-fitting boxer briefs every day, for the whole of my 25-day polar plod. They always kept…
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Footwear…Socks
Footwear is an important item on your kit list… Socks The essential but often ‘overlooked’ Socks can make or break your adventure. A suitable pair of socks are a must have for any hiker, runner, climber or outdoor enthusiast. Over many years and on many adventures, inc. Everest BC and Mt Kilimanjaro, I discovered that 1000 Mile Socks are so comfortable, durable and cool; they feel like I’m walking on a luxurious, deep pile carpet. Importantly they really help to protect my feet and prevent blisters so I truly enjoy my days on the trail. My, not so secret, few basic Tips, for Healthy Feet ·…
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FOOD… is Fuel
An average person can survive up to 3 Weeks without Food Our body and brain require a steady supply of food and nutrients: without the body’s many systems will begin to deteriorate. The effects may include you feeling tired, weak, cognitive changes and ultimately organ failure. When on an Adventure – I recommend freeze dried meals for your health, enjoyment and survival. I have eaten freeze dried meals on many adventures and climates; including trekking to the North Pole , climbing Mountains and rowing the Atlantic; they are quick and easy to prepare, high in energy, carbohydrates, protein and other essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Firepot has a delicious selection of dehydrated meals: meat,…
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Survival…Finding your way
Adventure start here …. Always carry a Compass and Map as backup It is essential to know how to use a compass, it is a skill that everyone who enjoys the outdoors; trekkers, orienteers, kayakers and sailors will find indispensable. A map and a compass are still my basics for navigating and locating my position with confidence and ultimately surviving the wilderness. My favourite is the navigation Suunto MC-2 G Mirror Compass, and a great sighting compass for global mountaineers; insensitive to water pressure, handy for sailor and adventurous kayakers. It is accurate, durable and able to handle the difficult conditions encountered in our changing world…. #livealifetodiefor
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Acclimatising
If you “Acclimatise” safely your body will respond and adapt; allowing you to enjoy the mountains *Walk with your head up, suck it all in – take plenty of pictures. You may pass this way only this once! Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). *Health and Safety’s Mountain’ Mantra; “better safe than sorry”. #livealifetodiefor
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Disoriented or Lost in the Wilderness.
How to Survive if Lost or Disoriented in the Wild. Don’t Panic stay Calm. Panic can cloud your judgment, waste your energy, and make you more vulnerable to dangers. Staying calm can help you assess your situation, conserve your resources, and make rational decisions. Firstly – get your head in the right place Face your fears: challenge your fears Do not panic, stay calm S.T.O.P. (Stop- Think – Observe – Plan) Stay put. … Don’t wander!!! Take a good look around, pinpoint your location, identify landmarks Signal for help: Use any means available to attract attention and let rescuers know your location. Shout, blow your Acme survival whistle Flash your mirror to attract…
