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How to Choose Best Gear for Water Activities and Conditions
Wetsuits are specialized garments designed for various water-related activities, such as surfing, diving, snorkeling, and triathlons. They offer several benefits to individuals participating in these activities, primarily by providing thermal insulation and protection. Here are some of the key benefits of wearing a wetsuit: It’s important to choose the right wetsuit for your specific activity and water conditions to maximize these benefits. The fit and thickness of the wetsuit should be selected based on the water temperature, the duration of your activity, and your personal comfort preferences. Picture shows a full latex Turbo Cag / Jacket, my preference. Rash Vest The Rash Vest is a type of clothing that can…
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First Aid Kit Essentials: The Best Items for Your Adventure
Always carry a First Aid Kit on any impromptu or guided outdoor adventure! First Aid Kit / Medical Kit is a collection of supplies and equipment used to give immediate medical treatment, primarily to treat minor injuries, such as cuts, burns, blisters, sprains, and insect bites, as well as provide some relief for pain, fever, diarrhoea, and allergies. A first aid kit can also help you prevent infections and stop bleeding in case of more serious wounds. There are many types of first aid kits available, depending on your needs and preferences; especially if you are travelling to remote areas or engaging in outdoor activities.. Some fundamentals to consider when choosing…
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Sleeping Bag – Silk Liner: The Best in Comfort and Hygiene
A Sleeping bag Liner offers versatile comfort, providing cooling relief in hot climates and essential warmth in colder environments: ‘creating happiness and fulfillment’. “A silk liner offers exceptional qualities: it’s lightweight, compact, and highly breathable, making it adaptable for year-round use when paired with the right sleeping bag. While it doesn’t significantly enhance warmth, its versatility shines on humid, balmy nights.” A silk liner can stand alone when a summer-weight bag feels excessive, offering that essential layer for comfort and adaptability.” Why Silk? It is a natural fibre giving great warmth for weight one of the lightest natural fibres; adds 2°C of warmth to your sleeping bag. It’s breathable, quick-drying…
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Explore the Challenge of Kayaking the Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way gives the adventurous a unique opportunity to paddle from the Atlantic to the North Sea; traverse across the Scottish Highlands from Fort William to Inverness. Myself and four friends took on the multi-day challenge……in single Kayaks. I’m so proud of my team – we nailed it ! 12th June – 16th June 2023 Mark ‘Ackers’ Ackred : Clay Smith : Rob Callaway : Roger Davies : Jon Ingarfield An early morning start on Loch Oich. In the late afternoon we had “Lightning”…. It’s recommended to get ashore and away from the water asap. I agreed, because water will transmit lightning strikes from further away, so the quicker you…
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The Fixed Blade Knife: The Best Tool for Outdoor Enthusiast
The fixed-blade knife is always ready to use; making them ideal for combat or survival situations. An essential tool for carrying out tasks such as hunting, skinning, shelter building, fire building/lighting, whittling, rope work and wilderness skills The fixed blades / full-tang are robust, reliable and easy to maintain; they need to be when used on tough camping / woodsman tasks. On your belt, ready to hand in a survival situation. Bushcraft knives tend to be around 3-5 inches in length and better suited for delicate tasks like making traps or skinning small game. My preferred is The Scout knife it’s designed to be your all…
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Signal Mirror: Essential in Lost and Rescues Survival Situations
A Reflective Survival Mirror stands out as your ultimate Emergency Sun Reflective Tool ; it’s a “Mayday Signaling Device.” The Signal Mirror—an often overlooked, despite our reliance on mobile phones, simple and practical tools like this can be lifesavers in unforeseen situations. Crafted from top-tier reflective materials, the signal mirror rescue delivers an exceptionally bright and visible reflection, ensuring optimal effectiveness in signaling rescuers during emergencies. Its durable construction guarantees longevity, making it a reliable tool in critical situations This indispensable tool belongs in every survival kit, boasting an extraordinary capacity to broadcast signals visible at distances of up to 10 miles. In an emergency, it serves as a beacon that captures the…
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Survival Throw Bag / Throw Line are Key for Water Rescues
If someone falls overboard, a rescue throw bag or throw line provides an easily accessible lifeline for them to grab onto and be pulled back to the boat. This would have been an ideal lifesaver when we tragically lost Mike Johnson while rowing across the Atlantic. https://www.livealifetodiefor.co.uk/the-toby-wallace-atlantic-row-januaryfebruary-2016/ Whether you’re a seasoned water sports enthusiast or a beginner, this indispensable piece of gear is a must-have for anyone engaging in water-related activities. It serves as a lifeline, allowing rescuers to quickly and accurately deploy a buoyant rope to someone in distress, whether they’re caught in a current, stranded in the water, or struggling to stay afloat. Especially in situations where swift…
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Discover the Best Outdoor Lunch Boxes for Alfresco Dining
For the more serious outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, climbing or walking in the Wilderness ; Meal Prep Sets have been designed specifically to be robust and multi functional; Ideal for meal prepping, food storage and eating on-the-go. On a long day, during my 650 km trek to the North Pole , I would occasionally dip into my lunch box and treat myself. We stopped every hour for five minutes to drink from our flasks, and that’s when I really attacked the munchies. All the contents had frozen together, you would break a bite-size piece off the goody clump. Pop one in and it slowly thawed in your mouth.…
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How to Select the Best Water Bottle – a Guide
Water is vital for survival….. your Water Bottle is the ideal ‘on the go’ hydration’ solution! During outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, mountaineering or walking in the wilderness the importance of remaining hydrated cannot be overestimated. Carrying a water bottle encourages you to drink more water throughout the day. My preferred Water Bottle is the Explorer, a 650mi vacuum insulated stainless steel bottle.. Two 650mi bottles provide enough water for about 15 miles of hiking; carry one on each side of a pack, provide balance and importantly make sure they are easy to reach. The Polar Race 2009 – Arctic Drinks, on the move! We stopped every hour for…
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The Best Ways to Keep Your Gear – Safe, Dry & Organised
In the world of outdoor adventures, gear protection is paramount. Keeping your essentials dry and safeguarding your valuables is not just a convenience, but a necessity. Here’s how these items can enhance gear protection: with Dry Bags, Stuff Sacks, and Ziplocs Dry Bags: When you’re out in the wild, you need reliable protection from the elements, and that’s where dry bags come in. Crafted from highly durable waterproof materials, these bags are your trusted companions for extreme activities. Whether you’re trekking through rugged terrain, navigating waterways, or braving the elements in snowy landscapes, dry bags are your shield. They are equally indispensable for activities like kayaking, boating, and swimming. With…
