• Hiking / Trekking,  Overlooked Survival Items

    Water & Hydration Bladder System

    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…

  • Expeditions,  Hiking / Trekking,  Mountaineering

    Mt Toubkal 4,167m & High Atlas Mountain

    In October 2013, amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, our expedition culminated at the majestic summit of Mount Toubkal, soaring at a remarkable 4,167 meters above sea level. Venturing up this majestic summit during the summer revealed a remarkable truth: climbing Mount Toubkal necessitates no specialized mountaineering expertise. Rather, it presents itself as a non-technical ascent, a captivating walk-up peak achievable in a leisurely five-day journey commencing from the picturesque village of Imlil. Our expedition comprised a diverse and affable group of seven individuals, each bringing their unique spirit to the adventure. The team were three gentlemen—myself, Benno, and Adam—and four wonderful ladies, including Lesley,…

  • Adventures,  Hiking / Trekking,  Hiking / Trekking

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

    En Route to the Top of the World – North Pole

    On April 9th, 2009, I faced an extraordinary challenge—the Polar Race. At the age of 61, with 28 years of sobriety shaping my resolve, I stood alongside my teammate, 34-year-old James Trotman. Embarking on the Race to the North Pole was more than a mere contest; it was a daring expedition that served as the ultimate trial 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…