Companies that have helped me on my journey
-
Microfibre Towels
Microfibre Towelling are super absorbent, ideal for every outdoor adventure They’re amazingly fast drying; which is remarkably good for a day’s hiking, gym, the beach, camping and the rigors of expeditions into the wilderness. Importantly they help you warm up pronto! Whatsoever my adventure, I always carry a lightweight microfibre sports towel; it packs down into such a small pouch. I strongly suggest to my fellow adventurers to do the same. They are very absorbent and can hold up to seven times their own weight in water and are antibacterial – removing up to 99% of bacteria with just water; importantly making them eco-friendly, hygienic and safe for health. They’re incredibly soft and…
-
Hygiene – Outdoor
Toilet Paper or Wet Wipes ??? Wet wipes are the best innovation for personal hygiene and gentle on your bitsduring events and adventures.Some brands are very eco-friendly, for example; My Happy Planet’s GenieWipes –are 100%biodegradable and best of all, they’re totally plastic free.Toilet paper is light but bulky and must be protected from getting wet; no onewants soggy tissues. As with all supplies you carry with you, they are rationed;you are issued 3 sheets per dump: one up, one down and one too polish!Opus Genie Wipes are tiny pellets that take up almost no space, light and easyto carry in your pocket or bag. However, when you add just a…
-
Sleeping Bag
A Sleeping Bag is your must-have when ‘Sleeping under the Stars’. An average person can survive up to 3 Hours outside of the body’s core temperature** Choosing the right sleeping bag is like picking the perfect companion for your adventures. With a plethora of styles, sizes, and features available, it becomes a deeply personal decision tailored to your preferences and needs. There’s a diverse range of options, from singles to doubles, square-shaped to snug mummy designs, each crafted to cater to specific requirements. Some boast water-resistant materials, others feature antibacterial fabrics, and a few even come equipped with built-in mosquito nets, offering not just comfort but also protection. From camping…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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. In damp or wet conditions I need waterproof yet breathables socks – comfortable socks that…
-
Holistic Gym Tips
Holistic style of training addresses the ‘whole’ person , not just a physical training schedule Simple Mental – Holistic Gym Tips • Set realistic goals: build strength, increasing flexibility and boosting endurance• Create a ‘fitness habit’; don’t skip workouts.• Always warm up and cool down • Pre & Post Workout Stretches• Basic weight-training; push yourself hard, “lift like you mean it”. • Cardio machines and circuit training gets your heart rate up and increase your blood circulation. • Always keep hydrated – drink a lot of fluids; before, during and after your workouts. • Eat a healthily and balanced diet; remember to refuel after your sessions with high-protein snacks and…
-
Hygiene in Rural Africa
Personal hygiene is paramount for me, a Mgeni, whose internal system is relatively fragile compared with locals. Everything I touch has some form of bacteria on it, in it and around it; this is the case everywhere except possibly in sterile labs and hospital theatres. Lucky most ‘English Bacteria’ my body is capable of dealing with when in the UK; but here in rural Africa those little bu…ers will run riot if I let them in! It has become a pastime for locals to bet with each other on the number of visits to the long drop a queasy Mgeni makes per hour! Records are made to be broken Shower…
