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Get Your Layering Right - Helly Hansen Base Layer Review
November 14, 2013
A base layer is a really important item of clothing as it sits next to your skin. Having a long sleeve base layer is good in the winter, and can be doubled up with a t-shirt underneath and a micro fleece over the top makes a good winter riding combination.
The garment is lightweight. I had a navy blue and a black one with the stripy arm-band which is good for visibility and looks great.
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Vaude Hogan Ultralight Argon Tent Long Term Review
November 14, 2013
Some people don’t like tents and prefer to sleep under a shelter or just in a protective breathable ‘bivvy’ bag. However, there are times when a tent has obvious advantages like if it is really cold, wet or there are a lot of insects.
A tent seems like such a simple concept; a sheet over some poles that keeps the weather out, but there is plenty of variation out there. With simplicity comes subtle clever design principles such as advanced material choice. With a tent focused on minimising weight there could be trade offs in terms of durability.
Tags: CampingKitCycle touring kit2 man tentTentUltralightHogan ULVaudeGreenGearsleeping
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A Three Year Test of the Leatherman Blast Multi-tool for Adventure Cycling
November 14, 2013
A really useful item for travelling overland is a good multi-tool. Gerber and Leatherman are the main brands. The blast is a lightweight, solid-feeling tool which comes (unsurprisingly) in a leather case.
Technical specification
It has the following tools:
- Bottle Opener
- Hard-wire Cutters
- Large Screwdriver
- Needlenose Pliers
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Regular Pliers
- Saw
- Small Bit Driver
- Small Screwdriver
- Wire Cutters
- Wood/Metal File
- Wire Stripper
- Spring-action Scissors
- 420HC Blade
Materials
- High-carbon (HC) form of 420 stainless steel optimized by heat treatment.
- Black oxide powder-based metal coating for reducing glare and reflection.
- Zytel® is an abrasion and impact resistant material that can be inserted into handles for comfort and protection from scratches and wear.
How I used it
The tool was useful for cutting fingernails with the small scissors. I used the main blade knife for cutting food and it took a while to lose its edge and was easy to sharpen.
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What is a Buff and Why is it The Most Useful Piece of Travel Kit You Will Take?
November 14, 2013
Before I had any experience of travel I had no idea what a Buff was and when we were sponsored by Buff they sent us about 12 of them featuring different varieties for warmth, visibility, wackiness of design. However, a Buff is now the first thing I throw in my bag if I am travelling anywhere. I even wear one in bed.
What Buff say
More than 20 years ago, BUFF® invented the tubular headwear category with our Original BUFF® product. As the outdoor industry has progressed, we have evolved with it, incorporating the latest in technical fabric innovations while remaining true to our heritage of quality and craftsmanship. It’s the reason that athletes and outdoor enthusiasts trust our products, and why BUFF® is the original multifunctional headwear. The manufacturing process takes place on a specially developed tubular loom to make the finished garment seamless. As you can imagine this makes them very stylish, functional, versatile and comfortable. Originally developed for wind protection while motorcycling. It can be worn as a scarf, bandanna, headband, beanie, face mask, tube top, helmet liner, wristband, cap, pirate, Sahara style and other variations.
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Loz Gazquez
November 10, 2013
I went to visit an art retreat in Southern Spain.
Stunning farmhouse conversion in traditional Andalusian style.
Agile planning for the organisation.
They also do food retreats.
Sierra Los Velez National Park, beautiful light and peaceful.
I’m going back next year.
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Why is Bicycle Touring the Best Way to Travel Through Europe?
October 30, 2013
Benefits
- Cheaper than public transport
- Getting fit whilst travelling
- Hugely diverse area, geographically and politically. The geography in Europe is variable from the flat lands of the Netherlands to the mountains of the Alps. You can put in good distance in the former and get really fit and go slow for the latter.
- Camping is widely available
- If you speak English then often many people in Europe will speak the language. Otherwise, you can get some good iPhone apps with phrase books on them, and you can get by on the basics or just with gestures if necessary.
Better if
- You have a lot of time to explore
- You don’t mind rain in some areas (otherwise head south)
- You have a decent budget if you want to eat out and stay indoors
What do you need
- Minimal bicycle repair knowledge
- Buy a bike and minimal gear, clothes and panniers
- Practice a little riding a bike loaded with luggage
- Decide a route and an itinerary of places to visit. Think about what your likely daily distance will be
- Book accommodation if required
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What Kit Do You Need To Go Adventure Cycling?
October 28, 2013
This post is one of a series about Adventure Cycle Touring that formed part of the foundation for my ebook Prepare Pack Pedal.
It is ideal if your bicycle touring equipment kit list contains only what is needed so that you don’t even need to think about your gear on your cycle trip.
A good kit selection will allows you to concentrate on the experiences of traveling by bike without your equipment being a distraction or frustration.
Tags: Bike touringEquipmentKitCycle touringGearTravelAdventure