• Expeditions,  Hiking / Trekking,  Hiking / Trekking,  My Blog

    Extreme Trekking Training with These Practical Tips for Success

    ‘Head to Toe Fitness’ is crucial for extreme trekking due to the demanding physical and mental challenges involved. On Hiking Trails and during all Outdoor Activities, being well-prepared allows you to handle the rigorous demands, enhancing your safety, enjoyment, and overall experience. Whilst Extreme Trekking you can experience the awe-inspiring beauty and formidable dangers of Mother Nature. She is such a powerful force; from cold of the Arctic to the searing heat of the Desert; from the majestic Mountains and serene Forests to turbulent Storms, Mother nature captivates and Challenges us. Mindset for Endurance and Extreme Trekking Events One key ‘suggestion’ for all types of endurance adventures is to “take…

  • Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure,  Hiking / Trekking,  Hiking / Trekking,  Overlooked Survival Items

    Ultimate Head Protection : Buffs, Snoods, and Bandanas in All Weathers

    Call it a buff, a snood or a magic scarf; the ‘Wuffler‘ is the ultimate multifunctional headwear for the Adventurous….. Buff ; a ‘fabric tube’ and they have many different intended ways to keep your neck, face and head warm, dry and protected from the sun. Snood / neck gaiter/cowl; is a lightweight hybrid of ‘scarf & hood’; protecting your face, head and neck against the sun and wind. Bandana; is an efficient way to protect you from the sun & wind, often worn as a skull cap or usually as a headband.  It will keep you warm during the cold winter days and breathable; protecting you from the sun and in the heat  quick…

  • Climbing,  Climbing / Caving,  Hiking / Trekking,  Hiking / Trekking,  Overlooked Survival Items

    Stay Hydrated on the Go : Best Water Bladder Systems

    A backpack/rucksack with a Hydration Bladder System is a fantastic choice for outdoor activities such as when hiking, camping, or even on long walks. The hydration bladder, usually positioned inside the backpack, allows you to sip water through a tube without having to stop and open a water bottle; convenient and efficient giving you constant access to enjoy a drink hands free. Ideal choice while you are trekking in the mountains, scrambling over dunes and for runners. Plus, it’s a lifesaver in hot weather—enabling you to enjoy a steady flow of refreshing sips, shielding your water from the sun, and outperforming traditional water bottles with its generous capacity. Stay hydrated…

  • Camping / Equipment & Accessories,  Hiking / Trekking,  Hiking / Trekking,  How To's

    Trail Etiquette: How to Respect Nature and Fellow Hikers

    Exploring the great outdoors is a cherished activity for many, offering a chance to connect with nature and experience its beauty firsthand. To ensure that these adventures are enjoyable and respectful for everyone, it is essential to follow proper trail etiquette – leave only your footprints. My, not so secret tips on Tent Etiquette My, not so secret tips on the Trail Etiquette What to bring when hiking – a smile and a kind word! My, ‘not so’ secret Toilet tips in the Cold *You, nor your colleagues, want a frozen surprise on the next visit… #livealifetodiefor  #MoreThanMyPast #itsrogerx

  • Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure,  Hiking / Trekking,  My Blog

    Insect Repellent Clothing: Stay Protected from Bugs and Comfortable Outdoors

    Anti-Insect Bite Clothing Based on my own experience I support Craghoppers anti-insect bite clothing range. NosiLife is a treatment built into the fabric that offers defence from the worries of irritating insect bites; also reducing the possibility of infection and contracting diseases. Anti-insect bite clothing gives campers, trekkers and adventurers peace of mind and the opportunity to enjoy travel anywhere! Scottish Midges feasted on me. #livealifetodiefor  #MoreThanMyPast #itsrogerx

  • Adventures,  Hiking / Trekking,  Hiking / Trekking

    Discover the Majestic Beauty of the Sahara Desert: A Trek into the World’s Largest Hot Desert

    To me, the Sahara displays an awe-inspiring uniqueness as did the North Pole. They share extremes of contrasts yet alike in so many ways; legend, mystery and raw beauty. Both can and will kill you if you don’t respect them. The Sahara is the largest non-polar desert on our planet; 3,320,000 square miles (8,600,000 square km) If you take the wrong dune and lose your way, you’re in deep do-do, (shit)! A desert is a barren area, defined by averaging less than 10 inches / 25cm of precipitation (rainfall) each year. Clear skies, light wind and dry air helps the air temperature cool off significantly at night.  Insufferable heat during the…

  • Adventures,  Climbing / Caving,  Expeditions,  Hiking / Trekking,  Mountaineering

    “How I Climbed Kilimanjaro Twice, Once with a Metal Knee”

    Kilimanjaro demands respect, this mighty dormant volcano, soaring from the African plains, stands as the tallest freestanding mountain globally, reaching a staggering 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. Undertaking the challenge of conquering Kilimanjaro is not merely a physical feat; it’s a journey of personal determination and endurance. Embarking on this adventure with friends, I faced the monumental task of ascending Africa’s highest peak. In 2010, we tackled the Machame Route, we ascended through heavy scree that tested our limits. Descending was not without difficulties – a dodgy knee and tired legs. In 2012, armed with a newly replaced knee joint, I returned to Kilimanjaro to test the effectiveness…

  • Adventures,  Climbing / Caving,  Hiking / Trekking,  Mountaineering,  Speaking

    Highest Rugby Match Ever Played at 20,771 ft on Mount Everest 2019

      In April 2019 we trekked in the footsteps of Mallory and Irvine, up the Magic Highway’ to Mt Everest’s Advance Base Camp (ABC3) 6,500m/ 21325ft ; which is just below the North Col to play two games of Rugby on a glacier. Myself and Lesley, trekked and played alongside, Rugby stars Lee Mears, Ollie Phillips, Shane Williams, Tamara Taylor plus 20 inspirational men and women to help raise more than £250,000 for children with disabilities and facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland. The Rugby Challenge took place across 24 days; our group battled acclimatisation and altitude to play the World Record for highest ever game  of mixed seven-a-side ‘Touch Rugby’ at…

  • Adventures,  Camping / Equipment & Accessories,  Expeditions,  Hiking / Trekking,  Hiking / Trekking,  My Blog,  Speaking

    The Polar Race : to the Top of the World

    On April 9th, 2009, I faced an extraordinary challenge— “Probably the World’s Toughest Race” At 61, with 28 years of sobriety strengthening my resolve, I stood alongside my 34-year-old teammate, James Trotman. Embarking on the Race to the North Pole was more than just a contest; it was a daring expedition and the ultimate test of survival in one of Earth’s most breathtaking yet merciless terrains. Our epic odyssey commenced at Resolute Bay, Nunavut, situated precisely at coordinates 74°43’N and 94°53’W. Our ambitious quest? To conquer the formidable 648 kilometers (403 miles) that stretched ahead, aiming to reach the elusive North Magnetic Pole. Furthermore to accomplish this extraordinary feat, we…