| |
| If you've got a comment, or want to submit a product to our test team - click here |
|
  La Sportiva Crosslight
Mixed terrain running shoe |
|
 Edelrid The Shield
A value-for-money comfortable multi-sport helmet, but not as light as the popular Kong Scarab and not as well ventilated |
|
 Lake MX190
Vibram soled MTB shoe for adventure biking |
|
 Ice Bug Pytho BUGrip
Excellent trail shoe with unique sole unit featuring carbide studs |
|
 Royce S644 Impact Free
A sports bra that works is worth every penny |
|
 Rab Neutrino Endurance Down Jacket
Top of the range goose down jacket from Rab. About as warm as you'll ever be outside a sleeping bag! However probably not the next must-have item for UK racing. |
|
 T.ESS Megalight
Warm baselayer with excellent wicking properties. |
|
 Inov-8 Race Pro 30
'In fact, I'm not sure I've ever come across a newly launched pack that gets so many things right first time' |
|
 Honey Stinger Energy and Protein Bars
A natural and tasty way to boost protein and energy intake during races |
|
 Honey Stinger Gel Packets
Great tasting gels, with the natural goodness of honey. |
|
 Trackstick 2
GPS logging device to record your route for later analysis |
|
 Ranulph Fiennes - Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know
The updated autobiography of 'The World's Greatest Living Explorer' - it's the ulitimate 'true adventure' story. |
|
 Shimano SH-M225S cycle shoe
Overall the M22's are a great cycle shoe but probably more suitable for enduro style bike races than mixed terrain adventure races. |
|
 Inov-8 Race Pro 12 Hydration pack
A fantastic all round hydration pack which trumps most others out on the market |
|
 Iditarod - A Thin White Line DVD
Inspirational, compelling and beautifully shot film of one of the world's toughest adventure races |
|
 Inov-8 Debrisoc
One piece running sock with integrated gaiter to provide total debris exclusion. |
|
 SkinFit Klima Windblock tights and trunks
Lightweight, quick drying base layers with windblock patches. Suitable for use in all outdoor activities and very reasonably priced. |
|
 Kong Scarab Multi sport helmet
A great lightweight multi sport helmet, but buy in Europe to get the best value. |
|
 Vasque Blur
Surefooted, durable trail shoe worth looking at for extended trail runs and expedition adventure races |
|
 Schwalbe Smart Sam and Albert Alpencross
Top class tyres, well made and highly recommended for AR |
|
 Open Adventure Map board
Fills the gap in the market- affordable, no fuss, no faff, map board. |
|
 Alpkit Carbonlite poles
Lightweight, value for money full carbon trekking poles |
|
 Salomon Raid Revo 20L
The most popular pack on the market for short/stage adventure races, and rightly so. |
|
 Salewa Krypton Helmet
A multi-day multi-sport masterpiece. |
|
 Garmin ForeRunner 305
Garmin ForeRunner 305 - 'high-performance personal trainer' |
|
 Mountain Hardwear Cooper Short
If you want a pair of comfortable shorts to climb, run, bike and kayak in, these shorts are the shorts for you… |
|
 MacPac Epic 300SF
Warm, waterproof and wonderful |
|
 Avid Ball Bearing 7 Disc Brake
Simple mounting, excellent performance and adjustability and micro adjustment on the trial |
|
 Lupine Wilma 6
Versatile, as much light output as you could possibly ever need, burn forever, compact and light. A set of lights that compromise on nothing. |
|
 Garmin Edge 305
The whole concept of the Garmin Edge 305 is to enhance your performance in training. |
|
 SKINS She Long Tights
SKINS are the new bread of Compression Garments, designed to aid muscle function and recovery |
|
 Cackle TV This is the Sea
Kayak Porn - 2 hours of compulsive viewing. |
|
 Ice Bug DMG BugGrip Extreme
Extreme grip with a price tag |
|
 Panaracer Rampage 2.35 Tyres
Great tyre for recreational technical trail riding, but probably too heavy for most people's AR tastes. |
|
 Extremities San Remo Glove
Excellent, lightweight, windproof cycling glove that can be used throughout all British seasons |
|
 Helly Hansen SLX seamless long sleeve top.
Helly Hansen's new breed of thermals |
|
 Blackburn System X6 Lightset
Very versatile, double lamp set that is easy to mount and set up. Efficient run time with a variety of light settings. |
|
 CAMP Coral harness
The C.A.M.P Coral harness is a great choice for adventure racing it is lightweight, frill-free and sturdy. |
|
 Nordenmark MTB Map Board
The best map board I've ever used |
|
 Rab Drillium Jacket
Multi-activity jacket with minimal features, but excellent specifications |
|
 CamelBak Octane 14
In summary; a good lightweight AR rucksack which is stable, comfortable, robust and most importantly in our sport versatile. This is the most versatile rucksack I've see so far. |
|
 Mountain Hardwear Hooded Compressor PL jacket
The Hooded Compressor PL jacket is an excellent lightweight thermal jacket with small packing size for pre and post events, Climbing/Belaying or just sitting in your rucksack; it excels in any cold weather action |
|
 ForGoodnessShakes Recovery Drink
Great tasting over the counter recovery drink, that's 30% cheaper than a well known version. |
|
 Brooks Cascadia
The Brooks Cascadia is a neutral shoe, specifically designed for rough trails. |
|
 Crane Creek Thudbuster LT
Make your hard tail go faster with this 3'' travel seat post. Semi suspension for a 10th of the price. |
|
 GoLite Reed pants
Maybe the lightest breathable waterproof overtrousers on the market. Also, longer in the leg than other brands, so especially suitable for tall guys. |
|
 Helly Hansen SLX seamless long sleeve top.
Helly Hansen's new breed of thermals |
|
 Extremities San Remo Glove
Excellent, lightweight, windproof cycling glove that can be used throughout all british seasons |
|
 Solid Lights 1303
UK made LED bike light. Great performance and very good value. |
|
 Golite Phantem Jacket (W)
A lightweight, performance waterproof suitable for all aspects of adventure racing |
|
 Puma AX-Alps XCR
Puma's new offering to the trail shoe market |
|
 Nuun Electrolyte Replacement
No mess, refreshing, portable, electrolyte replacement system |
|
 Scottoiler Active Fluid System
Lubrication on the move that works! |
|
 SKINFIT SCUDO Waterproof Shell
SCUDO is totally waterproof and will breath as well the best comparable garment, is simple, functional, a great fit, suitable for competition use and is incredibly light. |
|
 Columbia Cinder Cone
A great looking, feature-packed all-round waterproof shell, though possibly not the best choice as a dedicated jacket for AR because of its weight and slightly short body, which doesn't cover up enough of the back when biking. |
|
 Helly Hansen SLX seamless long sleeve top
Helly Hansen's new breed of thermals |
|
 LewisKIT Merino Wool Ox and Padley Socks
LewisKIT socks are the ones I will be grabbing for a run or bike when the weather has turned on the cold side. |
|
 Lupine Wilma 4 & Edison 5 2007
These lamps are without doubt the best lights I have ever used, or seen being used |
|
 Helly Hansen Trailcutter
If you are looking for a shoe for the hills and also for the trails this is a good option and is cheaper than it's rivals. |
|
 Light & Motion Solo Logic
A real quality piece of illumination to do the job |
|
 Petzl Tikka XP
An excellent all-round headtorch - perfect for beginners or occasional adventure racers. |
|
 SealSkinz Beanie Hat
Fantastic non itchy hat for all outdoor adventures |
|
 SealSkinz Mountain bike gloves
Brilliant all round winter bike gloves |
|
 Skinfit Klima Long Sleeved T-shirt
Consider buying a Klima top from Skinfit if you are in the market for a new base layer |
|
 Lafuma Active Trail Mesh
Very Good AR shoe with Innovative twinlace® lacing system |
|
 Merrell Overdrives
Lightweight trail running shoe with limited abilities on rough terrain. Great ventilation makes it an ideal summer training shoe. |
|
 RuffWear Quick Draw
piece of mind - that you can run with your dog without worrying about carrying a lead. |
|
 Silva Helios Lighter & Visilight LED Keyring
Both of these items are now permanent pieces of my kit. |
|
 Croc Beach
The most comfortable shoes I have ever worn |
|
 Golite Team Cap
Reduces glare, sheds water, wicks sweat |
|
 Terra Nova Laser competition
Wickedly lightweight tent ideal for events such as the Polaris and the OMM where two tired dirty competitors can gain enough useful shelter in order to do it all again the next day! Ideal for lightweight solo trekking |
|
 Golite Streak Pack
Just the thing if you want a lightweight hydration system |
|
 Primus Micron Stove
Extremely lightweight stove with built-in piezo igniter with a speedy boil time |
|
 Mountain Hardwear Lightpath 2 All-Mountain Tent
A high quality, versatile, two-man lightweight tent. |
|
 Leki Traveller poles
Your legs will thank you after a racing with these |
|
 The North Face Spectrum 23
If you are looking for a lightweight, two person tent; that gives plenty of room, the Spectrum 23 would be an excellent buy |
|
 Helly Hansen DRY Baselayer – Charger V neck
A great top and definitely a worthy successor to the eternal classic. A 'No Longer Smelly Helly'. |
|
 Extremities Power Dry Beanie - Christmas Stocking Filler
The kind of hat you would always want to have in your pocket |
|
 Helly Hansen Freeze ½ zip turtle
The ultimate cold weather killer |
|
 Quechua (Decathlon) Trainer gaiters
Designed for intensive trail and mountain running |
|
 Golite Team Pouch - Christmas Stocking filler
So you don't miss a beat on the trail or racing |
|
 The North Face Angstrom 25
Pedigree, features, looks. Great pack? |
|
 Lafuma Active 20
Relatively lightweight 20 Litre rucksack, generous in it's sizing, marketed for adventure racing, and light hiking. |
|
 Panaracer Cinder 1.95 Tyre, folding bead, all black ZSG, ASB
A serious tyre to consider AR, especially for anyone who accepts there is more to bike components than weight. |
|
 GoLite 24 hr Pack
Race pack fully loaded for adventure racing. |
|
 Quechua (Decathlon) Diosaz 20 Raid team sack
Another good piece of kit from Quechua which includes a wide range of features and offers great value for money. |
|
 Golite Hex 3 Shelter and Nest Configuration
Light weight, roomy Race Base Tent. |
|
 Wild Country Venturi 4
A well built family tent that makes a good race base tent for pairs or teams of 4 |
|
 Smartwool Lightweight Crew
A garment that shows that nature can still get one up on modern technology. |
|
 Nemo Hypno PQ
A tent designed for expedition adventure racing using unique 'air supported technology'. |
|
 Quechua (Decathlon) 2 Second XL Tent
The easiest tent you'll every use, well made and great value. |
|
 GoLite WISP Wind shirt
Light weight wind shirt for a wide range of activities when there's a risk of wind and drizzly rain |
|
 Rab Microlight Windshirt
Simple windshirt, made from Pertex microlight fabric |
|
 SkinFit Vento Tights
Good cycling and winter tights with a loose fit |
|
 EDZ Windproof Innershell
A lightweight good value windshell perfect for high intensity exercise |
|
 Salomon Fast & Lite Jacket
This is an excellent jacket which is loaded with features. ... |
|
 Diosaz Raid Persimon Jacket
Good quality, affordable windproof which can be used for a wide variety of activities. |
|
 Buff Summer & Summer Visor
If you are going to be working or playing hard in hot and bright conditions then the summer buff and visor buff are ideal. |
|
 SkinFit Vento Jacket
A very handy jacket, one that is fast becoming my most used cycling garment. |
|
 The North Face Prolix Delta Jacket
Personal niggles are the only things that mark this jacket down |
|
 Camelbak Spill Proof Drinks Bottle
Doesn't leak, won't spill, won't break, and looks pretty good |
|
 Endura Knee Warmers
A bit of comfort and protection for those chillier days |
|
 The North Face Flight Series™ Diad jacket
An ultra-light, very well cut, waterproof and breathable jacket. Perfect for short events |
|
 Salomon XA PRO 3D XCR
A classic all round adventure racing shoe which continues to improve every season. |
|
 Ocean Kayak Sit on Top Kayak Seats
So, I've aimed this summary at the Ocean Kayak seats, mainly because they are good products, but mostly because in the UK, Ace Races, Questars and the WARC use their kayaks. |
|
 iO Training iO Altitude Training
I certainly think it helped me train better, but that is a subjective opinion. |
|
 EAS Energy Range
Overall, the products tested fared pretty well on my palette and I would certainly use them again, but food is very much a personal thing so best to try for yourself. |
|
 Paramo Velez Smock
The BEST Adventure Racing Jacket for Tough conditions |
|
 CILAO Oz22 Race Climbing Harness
Race harness for weight weenies. |
|
 Polar 625x Running Computer
A serious training tool for those keen to improve multisport fitness. |
|
 iRule Ninja Shorts
A unique AR specific product with subtle styling. |
|
 Black Diamond Zenix Headlamp
A really well crafted small headtorch, with the right combination of price and performance for novice racers moving into night-time adventure racing |
|
 Smartwool Adrenaline 3/4 Crew socks
Warm, comfortable, well-fitting socks that continue to perform when damp. |
|
 Cyclaire Bicycle Pump
Good for technophobe mountain bikers and adventure racers with bad backs |
|
 Black Diamond Ion Headtorch
The lightest useful headlamp on the market. |
|
 Leki Makalu Ultralight Air Ergo Long Grip
An invaluable accessory for anyone taking part in longer races, or who needs to protect their dodgy knees or back. |
|
 Sprayway 247 Powerstretch Pants
Excellent maternity wear for cold days, but good for the more well built gentleman adventure racer too. |
|
 Banana Guard Banana Guard
A plastic case that will stop your banana getting bashed. |
|
 The North Face Running Tight Capri
A good value autumn/winter garment from the North Face that will help take the chill out of biking and running. |
|
 Cyclosport XC Altimeter/Compass Watch
A great watch for everyday use with a very good range of normal and outdoor functions. Not quite as good for serious navigation as the best alternatives on the market, but then they would cost you a lot more. |
|
 Paramo Cambia T-shirt
OK, but it wouldn't get onto my Christmas list. |
|
 Brasslite Turbo 1 Stove
Feather light alcohol spirit stove which works well, but can be fiddly to use, and is only effective used with a windshield. |
|
 Salomon Raid Race 300
The larger of Salomon's two race packs – At 30 litres it's ideal for longer expedition races or for staged races where the kit list is as long as your arm. |
|
 Aqua Pure Traveller
A water purifier and filter all contained in a water bottle. Removes more nasties than you knew existed and actually tastes OK. Perfect for those long stages when you don't want to carry a huge bladder on your back. |
|
 The North Face Flight Trail Short
Tough, durable running shorts from TNF with a surprising number of pockets - a little pricey, but nice. |
|
 Sidi Dominator 4 Cycling Shoes
A very comfortable performance mountain bike shoe with just enough flex to make walking or running possible. |
|
 Capestorm Aerovest
A nicely designed version of one of the most under-rated garments around. |
|
 Nookie Dry Pack – 50 litre
A dry pack, hmmm - An interesting take on a traditional dry bag. Bomb proof and unbelievable value for money. |
|
 Inov-8 Flyroc 310
A lightweight trail running shoe for fast paced adventure racing that gives superb grip on almost all surfaces. |
|
 Kimmlite Kamleika Pants
Understated soft (and quiet) black breathable waterproof trousers – perfect for outward-bound Ninjas. |
|
 Salomon XA Tech-T
At last, a base layer that's designed for people who run with a pack. A light and quick drying base layer that'll keep you cool during the long summer months. |
|
 Salomon Pro Amphib Shoes
Yet another new shoe from Salomon for '04; building on the success of the Tech Amphib, the Pro Amphib is the frogs bo**ocks for when things get wet and wild. |
|
 Mountain Equipment Pneumo Dry Bag
A very reliable and well designed accessory. |
|
 Mountain Hardwear Phantom Jacket
A fantastically lightweight anorak perfect for high aerobic activities. A very cool looking piece of kit that you won't even notice be it on you, or in your pack. |
|
 Balloonbed Balloonbed
A bizarre idea, but it works! Comfortable enough to sleep on and tiny to pack. |
|
 Salomon Aquastream 150
A versatile hydration pack, that's best suited to short stage races or training. Even comes with a 1.5 litre bladder – Bonus! |
|
 Mountain Hardwear Ignition Base Layer
A quick drying comfortable stylish base layer that performs as well in the pub as in does in a race. Ideal for summer and warm weather use. |
|
 Salomon XA Comp Shoes
Another new shoe from Salomon for '04, whose performance shines so bright you'll need to wear your shades. This is THE shoe for adventure racing! |
|
 The North Face Aurora Zip Neck
A light weight close fitting fleece with good attention to detail in the design. |
|
 Lendal 'Kinetik Touring S' Paddle
Not just a paddle, but a complete AR paddling solution. |
|
 Capestorm A3 Shorts
Comfortable and light weight shorts for running or paddling. |
|
 Mountain Hardwear EPIC Jacket
A fully loaded jacket perfect for AR that offers unbelievable value for money. |
|
 Suxes Bike box
A great gadget to help you stay fuelled up on the bike. |
|
 Salomon Raid Race 200
The latest incarnation of Salomon's 20 litre race pack. If you need one pack for most racing situations, this is it. |
|
 Miry Map Board
A very well engineered, reliable product – an ideal (if not essential) accessory for AR, MTBO, Trailquests etc. |
|
 Science In Sport GO-Gel
High Tech, High Performance Anti-Bonk Race Fodder. |
|
 SealSkinz Mid Thermal Merino socks
Comfortable warm waterproof socks – great for winter runs. |
|
 Gerber E-Z Out Rescue
A well made lightweight locking knife that does exactly what it says on the tin, well box. |
|
 Salomon XA Harriers
All new adventure racing shoe from Salomon for those of you wanting more grip in wet muddy conditions. |
|
 Bridgedale Trail Runner Socks
Very comfortable socks to run in – no lumpy bits and they don't slip or ruck up. |
|
 Salomon Flagstaff Shoes
Salomon Flagstaffs are great all round adventure racing and running shoes and don't cost the earth. |
|
 Pearl Izumi Therma Fleece Arm Warmers
A great bit of kit for heat control when you are stopping and starting a lot or in changeable conditions. |
|
 Macpac Transition Buoyancy Vest
Very comfortable AR specific PFD with an excellent built in hydration system. |
|
 Reed Chill Cheater Aquatherm Top
Versatile top for use in or on the water. Does as the name suggests – keeping off chills. |
|
 Terra Nova Laserlite Tent
A very light double skinned tent with a sturdy design. It's well suited to mountain marathons and does not suffer the condensation problems some single skin tents do. It is a bit tricky to pitch fly first though. |
|
 Lowe Alpine Dryflo long sleeved tops
Stylish, close fitting and comfortable shirts for use as a base layer or running top. |
|
 Macpac Zone Jacket
An excellent AR specific jacket with masses of well thought out details. Not cheap, but a top quality product. |
|
 Salomon Aquastream 100
A very reasonably priced comfortable pack, but you'll need to find somewhere else to keep a few snacks handy. |
|
 Adidas ClimaCool Adventure Shoes
The ClimaCool effect does work, but whether this is really important in AR is questionable. |
|
 Salomon XA Pro GTX
Salomon X-A Pro GTXs are an excellent all round adventure racing and running shoe and the addition of the Gore-tex liner is a real benefit in the wet. |
|
 Adidas Swoops
Adidas Swoops are excellent shoes with good grip and some cushioning. |
|
 Lowe Alpine Rush Anorak
A light (but no longer ultra-light) waterproof anorak that is excellent value for money. Perfect for shorter events where weight is less of an issue, or for the cost conscious. |
|
