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X-Bionic short-sleeved base layer
Value: 5/10 Performance: 5/10
Base layer with more features than you can shake a stick at.
Sea to Summit Seam Sealed Stuff Sack
Value: 7/10 Performance: 6/10
Waterproof fabric stuff sack in a range of sizes
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight 0.7
Value: 7/10 Performance: 7/10
Well priced kit with most essentials
Bridgedale X-Hale Trailhead
Value: 6/10 Performance: 7/10
Comfortable and durable, about all you need in a sock
Marmot Zeus down jacket
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
Lightweight and small pack size down jacket
Regatta Fast Track X-LT Trail shoes
Value: 6/10 Performance: 6/10
Comfy trail shoes for wear about town
Victorinox Swiss Champ
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
Highly featured, superb quality multi tool
Sigg Sports Bottle
Value: 5/10 Performance: 5/10
Updated classic water bottle but not ideal for adventure racing
Helly Hansen Dry V-Neck T baselayer
Value: 8/10 Performance: 7/10
A really good piece of kit that you will forget you are wearing it.
Nike ACG Superlight jacket
Value: 4/10 Performance: 4/10
Lightweight wind-blocking jacket with a condensation problem
ForGoodnessShakes ForGoodnessShakes
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
Ready to drink recovery shake with added minerals and goodness
Less Wet Merino/synthetic Zip Collar T-shirt
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
Combination Merino/Synthetic fabric - the best of both worlds?
Salomon XT Wings
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
Hard wearing trail shoes.
Foot factor podiatry
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
Podiatry and orthotics from a highly knowledgeable, hands-on practitioner.
Marmot Precip cap
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
Baseball cap for sport giving great protection
Gerber Liquifusion Reservoir
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
An innovative take on hydration systems that puts the competition to shame
Sole heat-mouldable footbeds
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Off-the shelf footbeds which mould to your feet giving superb comfort.
Swiss One Falcon
Value: 7/10 Performance: 7/10
Tough glasses ideal for AR.
Puma Trailfox
Value: 7/10 Performance: 6/10
A solid low-level trail shoe
Uniross Hybrio Rechargeable Batteries
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
Ready to use rechargeable batteries
Sea to Summit Silk Travel Liner
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
Luxuriously soft sleeping bag liner with ripstop protection for durability
Nike ACG Women's Adventure Shorts
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
Comfortable, flattering, and practical all-purpose shorts
Nike ACG Vertical Shell jacket
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Excellent lightweight waterproof jacket
Maglite 3AA LED
Value: 6/10 Performance: 6/10
An impressive classic Led torch
ZYM Endurance tablets
Value: 5/10 Performance: 7/10
Makes a great-tasting drink, but at a cost
Dare2B Women's Adventure Race shorts
Value: 6/10 Performance: 4/10
A sadly failed attempt to inject some style into women's AR gear
Dare2B Dare2b Women's Blockade jacket
Value: 8/10 Performance: 6/10
A stylish all-purpose soft-shell jacket that you cannot resist wearing
Montane Atomic DT Waterproof Jacket
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
Lightweight waterproof jacket with all the features of heavier and bulkier jackets.
Montane Atomic DT Waterproof Trousers
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
Lightweight waterproof trousers with all the features of heavier and bulkier clothes.
Will Bars Snack bar with carbs, protein & caffeine
Value: 6/10 Performance: 7/10
These bars are a new entry to the energy-bar market which might find a use in adventure racing
Teva Sunkosi
Value: 6/10 Performance: 7/10
Versatile water activity shoe suitable for trail use too
Rab Bergen Pants
Value: 7/10 Performance: 4/10
eVent fabric waterproof multi-activity trousers
Marmot Essence Jacket
Value: 8/10 Performance: 6/10
Good value lightweight waterproof let down by hood
Marmot Ion Windshirt
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
Great value featherweight hooded windshell
Merrell Trek Women's Shorts
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
A great pair of multipurpose shorts which are great for racing, running or general wear.
Merrell Coppertec Merino T-shirt
Value: 7/10 Performance: 6/10
Base-layer T-shirt in a Merino/Polyester. Itchy (to me) but smell free!
Mulebar Energy Bars
Value: 8/10 Performance: 10/10
What looks like an energy bar, smells like an energy bar, and tastes like a Pina Colada?
Merrell Twist Women's vest top
Value: 5/10 Performance: 7/10
A comfortable vest with integrated bra which can be worn for a variety of activities in a funky colour.
The SheWee
Value: 8/10 Performance: 6/10
A surprisingly practical answer to one of women's genetic disadvantages
Dare2B Precipitate jacket
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
Wins the award for 'Best cycle commuting waterproof in the world!"
The North Face Triumph Anorak
Value: 6/10 Performance: 8/10
A great lightweight waterproof which is let down by the lack of a fold away hood.
Helly Hansen Womens Seamless Boxers
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Chuck out your M&S, bring on HH!
Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Trainers
Value: 7/10 Performance: 7/10
A good trail running shoe but a bit on the expensive side to make them a good value choice.
Dare2B Adventure Race T Shirt
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
A good quality well designed cycle top for every day use.
MaxiMuscle Recovermax
Value: 5/10 Performance: 8/10
A 'recovery and energy' drink from Maximuscle to aid recovery after exercise, and for before/during exercise energy.
Merrell Waterpro Maipo
Value: 5/10 Performance: 7/10
A great pair of shoes for sailing, but their only AR purpose is canyoning or coasteering.
Montane Bionic Long-sleeve T-shirt
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
A wicking base-layer long sleeve top made from a Polyester/Wool mix from Montane's 'Fast and Lite' range.
Buff Visor Cap
Value: 8/10 Performance: 10/10
A light weight peak cap that does the job - well.
Montane Jetstream Jacket
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
An extremely light-weight Pertex jacket with a handy carrying pouch from Montane's 'Fast and Lite' range.
Nomis Full Finger Cycling Gloves
Value: 8/10 Performance: 10/10
Incredibly sticky, great fitting, and excellent value for the performance provided
Look What We Found 'Almost ready' meals
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
A taste of home cooking in a transition-ready bag.
The North Face Coopers Hill Shoes
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
The North Face Men's Cooper's Hill is a light fell/trail running shoe that will bite into the most gruesome mud and slick surfaces
Sports Jock Super s'port bra
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
Support Bra
New Balance 800
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
Aggressive mountain trail shoe, suitable for fell running.
La Sportiva Crosslight
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
Mixed terrain running shoe
Edelrid The Shield
Value: 8/10 Performance: 5/10
A value-for-money comfortable multi-sport helmet, but not as light as the popular Kong Scarab and not as well ventilated
Lake MX190
Value: 7/10 Performance: 6/10
Vibram soled MTB shoe for adventure biking
Ice Bug Pytho BUGrip
Value: 6/10 Performance: 7/10
Excellent trail shoe with unique sole unit featuring carbide studs
Royce S644 Impact Free
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
A sports bra that works is worth every penny
Rab Neutrino Endurance Down Jacket
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
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
Value: 7/10 Performance: 7/10
Warm baselayer with excellent wicking properties.
Inov-8 Race Pro 30
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
'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
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
A natural and tasty way to boost protein and energy intake during races
Honey Stinger Gel Packets
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
Great tasting gels, with the natural goodness of honey.
Trackstick 2
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
GPS logging device to record your route for later analysis
Ranulph Fiennes - Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know
Value: 10/10 Performance: 10/10
The updated autobiography of 'The World's Greatest Living Explorer' - it's the ulitimate 'true adventure' story.
Shimano SH-M225S cycle shoe
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
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
Value: 9/10 Performance: 10/10
A fantastic all round hydration pack which trumps most others out on the market
Iditarod - A Thin White Line DVD
Value: 10/10 Performance: 10/10
Inspirational, compelling and beautifully shot film of one of the world's toughest adventure races
Inov-8 Debrisoc
Value: 8/10 Performance: 7/10
One piece running sock with integrated gaiter to provide total debris exclusion.
SkinFit Klima Windblock tights and trunks
Value: 9/10 Performance: 7/10
Lightweight, quick drying base layers with windblock patches. Suitable for use in all outdoor activities and very reasonably priced.
Kong Scarab Multi sport helmet
Value: 5/10 Performance: 8/10
A great lightweight multi sport helmet, but buy in Europe to get the best value.
Vasque Blur
Value: 9/10 Performance: 7/10
Surefooted, durable trail shoe worth looking at for extended trail runs and expedition adventure races
Schwalbe Smart Sam and Albert Alpencross
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
Top class tyres, well made and highly recommended for AR
Open Adventure Map board
Value: 10/10 Performance: 10/10
Fills the gap in the market- affordable, no fuss, no faff, map board.
Alpkit Carbonlite poles
Value: 10/10 Performance: 8/10
Lightweight, value for money full carbon trekking poles
Salomon Raid Revo 20L
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
The most popular pack on the market for short/stage adventure races, and rightly so.
Salewa Krypton Helmet
Value: 9/10 Performance: 10/10
A multi-day multi-sport masterpiece.
Garmin ForeRunner 305
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Garmin ForeRunner 305 - 'high-performance personal trainer'
Mountain Hardwear Cooper Short
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
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
Value: 8/10 Performance: 10/10
Warm, waterproof and wonderful
Avid Ball Bearing 7 Disc Brake
Value: 10/10 Performance: 9/10
Simple mounting, excellent performance and adjustability and micro adjustment on the trial
Lupine Wilma 6
Value: 8/10 Performance: 10/10
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
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
The whole concept of the Garmin Edge 305 is to enhance your performance in training.
SKINS She Long Tights
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
SKINS are the new bread of Compression Garments, designed to aid muscle function and recovery
Cackle TV This is the Sea
Value: 10/10 Performance: 10/10
Kayak Porn - 2 hours of compulsive viewing.
Ice Bug DMG BugGrip Extreme
Value: 7/10 Performance: 10/10
Extreme grip with a price tag
Panaracer Rampage 2.35 Tyres
Value: 6/10 Performance: 7/10
Great tyre for recreational technical trail riding, but probably too heavy for most people's AR tastes.
Extremities San Remo Glove
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
Excellent, lightweight, windproof cycling glove that can be used throughout all British seasons
Helly Hansen SLX seamless long sleeve top.
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Helly Hansen's new breed of thermals
Blackburn System X6 Lightset
Value: 9/10 Performance: 7/10
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
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
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
Value: 7/10 Performance: 10/10
The best map board I've ever used
Rab Drillium Jacket
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
Multi-activity jacket with minimal features, but excellent specifications
CamelBak Octane 14
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
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
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
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
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
Great tasting over the counter recovery drink, that's 30% cheaper than a well known version.
Brooks Cascadia
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
The Brooks Cascadia is a neutral shoe, specifically designed for rough trails.
Crane Creek Thudbuster LT
Value: 9/10 Performance: 10/10
Make your hard tail go faster with this 3'' travel seat post. Semi suspension for a 10th of the price.
GoLite Reed pants
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
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.
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Helly Hansen's new breed of thermals
Extremities San Remo Glove
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
Excellent, lightweight, windproof cycling glove that can be used throughout all british seasons
Solid Lights 1303
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
UK made LED bike light. Great performance and very good value.
Golite Phantem Jacket (W)
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
A lightweight, performance waterproof suitable for all aspects of adventure racing
Puma AX-Alps XCR
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
Puma's new offering to the trail shoe market
Nuun Electrolyte Replacement
Value: 10/10 Performance: 9/10
No mess, refreshing, portable, electrolyte replacement system
Scottoiler Active Fluid System
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
Lubrication on the move that works!
SKINFIT SCUDO Waterproof Shell
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
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
Value: 9/10 Performance: 7/10
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
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Helly Hansen's new breed of thermals
LewisKIT Merino Wool Ox and Padley Socks
Value: 8/10 Performance: 10/10
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
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
These lamps are without doubt the best lights I have ever used, or seen being used
Helly Hansen Trailcutter
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
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
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
A real quality piece of illumination to do the job
Petzl Tikka XP
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
An excellent all-round headtorch - perfect for beginners or occasional adventure racers.
SealSkinz Beanie Hat
Value: 8/10 Performance: 10/10
Fantastic non itchy hat for all outdoor adventures
SealSkinz Mountain bike gloves
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
Brilliant all round winter bike gloves
Skinfit Klima Long Sleeved T-shirt
Value: 10/10 Performance: 9/10
Consider buying a Klima top from Skinfit if you are in the market for a new base layer
Lafuma Active Trail Mesh
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
Very Good AR shoe with Innovative twinlace® lacing system
Merrell Overdrives
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
Lightweight trail running shoe with limited abilities on rough terrain. Great ventilation makes it an ideal summer training shoe.
RuffWear Quick Draw
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
piece of mind - that you can run with your dog without worrying about carrying a lead.
Silva Helios Lighter & Visilight LED Keyring
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Both of these items are now permanent pieces of my kit.
Croc Beach
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
The most comfortable shoes I have ever worn
Golite Team Cap
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Reduces glare, sheds water, wicks sweat
Terra Nova Laser competition
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
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
Value: 7/10 Performance: 7/10
Just the thing if you want a lightweight hydration system
Primus Micron Stove
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
Extremely lightweight stove with built-in piezo igniter with a speedy boil time
Mountain Hardwear Lightpath 2 All-Mountain Tent
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
A high quality, versatile, two-man lightweight tent.
Leki Traveller poles
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
Your legs will thank you after a racing with these
The North Face Spectrum 23
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
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
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
A great top and definitely a worthy successor to the eternal classic. A 'No Longer Smelly Helly'.
Extremities Power Dry Beanie - Christmas Stocking Filler
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
The kind of hat you would always want to have in your pocket
Helly Hansen Freeze ½ zip turtle
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
The ultimate cold weather killer
Quechua (Decathlon) Trainer gaiters
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
Designed for intensive trail and mountain running
Golite Team Pouch - Christmas Stocking filler
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
So you don't miss a beat on the trail or racing
The North Face Angstrom 25
Value: 6/10 Performance: 6/10
Pedigree, features, looks. Great pack?
Lafuma Active 20
Value: 8/10 Performance: 7/10
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
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
A serious tyre to consider AR, especially for anyone who accepts there is more to bike components than weight.
GoLite 24 hr Pack
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Race pack fully loaded for adventure racing.
Quechua (Decathlon) Diosaz 20 Raid team sack
Value: 8/10 Performance: 6/10
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
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Light weight, roomy Race Base Tent.
Wild Country Venturi 4
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
A well built family tent that makes a good race base tent for pairs or teams of 4
Smartwool Lightweight Crew
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
A garment that shows that nature can still get one up on modern technology.
Nemo Hypno PQ
Value: 6/10 Performance: 5/10
A tent designed for expedition adventure racing using unique 'air supported technology'.
Quechua (Decathlon) 2 Second XL Tent
Value: 10/10 Performance: 9/10
The easiest tent you'll every use, well made and great value.
GoLite WISP Wind shirt
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
Light weight wind shirt for a wide range of activities when there's a risk of wind and drizzly rain
Rab Microlight Windshirt
Value: 8/10 Performance: 6/10
Simple windshirt, made from Pertex microlight fabric
SkinFit Vento Tights
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
Good cycling and winter tights with a loose fit
EDZ Windproof Innershell
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
A lightweight good value windshell perfect for high intensity exercise
Salomon Fast & Lite Jacket
Value: 8/10 Performance: 7/10
This is an excellent jacket which is loaded with features. ...
Diosaz Raid Persimon Jacket
Value: 9/10 Performance: 7/10
Good quality, affordable windproof which can be used for a wide variety of activities.
Buff Summer & Summer Visor
Value: 10/10 Performance: 8/10
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
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
A very handy jacket, one that is fast becoming my most used cycling garment.
The North Face Prolix Delta Jacket
Value: 7/10 Performance: 10/10
Personal niggles are the only things that mark this jacket down
Camelbak Spill Proof Drinks Bottle
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
Doesn't leak, won't spill, won't break, and looks pretty good
Endura Knee Warmers
Value: 0/10 Performance: 0/10
A bit of comfort and protection for those chillier days
The North Face Flight Series™ Diad jacket
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
An ultra-light, very well cut, waterproof and breathable jacket. Perfect for short events
Salomon XA PRO 3D XCR
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
A classic all round adventure racing shoe which continues to improve every season.
Ocean Kayak Sit on Top Kayak Seats
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
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
Value: 0/10 Performance: 0/10
I certainly think it helped me train better, but that is a subjective opinion.
EAS Energy Range
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
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
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
The BEST Adventure Racing Jacket for Tough conditions
CILAO Oz22 Race Climbing Harness
Value: 8/10 Performance: 7/10
Race harness for weight weenies.
Polar 625x Running Computer
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
A serious training tool for those keen to improve multisport fitness.
iRule Ninja Shorts
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
A unique AR specific product with subtle styling.
Black Diamond Zenix Headlamp
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
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
Value: 7/10 Performance: 7/10
Warm, comfortable, well-fitting socks that continue to perform when damp.
Cyclaire Bicycle Pump
Value: 7/10 Performance: 5/10
Good for technophobe mountain bikers and adventure racers with bad backs
Black Diamond Ion Headtorch
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
The lightest useful headlamp on the market.
Leki Makalu Ultralight Air Ergo Long Grip
Value: 9/10 Performance: 10/10
An invaluable accessory for anyone taking part in longer races, or who needs to protect their dodgy knees or back.
Sprayway 247 Powerstretch Pants
Value: 6/10 Performance: 7/10
Excellent maternity wear for cold days, but good for the more well built gentleman adventure racer too.
Banana Guard Banana Guard
Value: 6/10 Performance: 8/10
A plastic case that will stop your banana getting bashed.
The North Face Running Tight Capri
Value: 8/10 Performance: 7/10
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
Value: 9/10 Performance: 7/10
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
Value: 5/10 Performance: 5/10
OK, but it wouldn't get onto my Christmas list.
Brasslite Turbo 1 Stove
Value: 6/10 Performance: 7/10
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
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
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
Value: 10/10 Performance: 10/10
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
Value: 6/10 Performance: 7/10
Tough, durable running shorts from TNF with a surprising number of pockets - a little pricey, but nice.
Sidi Dominator 4 Cycling Shoes
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
A very comfortable performance mountain bike shoe with just enough flex to make walking or running possible.
Capestorm Aerovest
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
A nicely designed version of one of the most under-rated garments around.
Nookie Dry Pack – 50 litre
Value: 10/10 Performance: 8/10
A dry pack, hmmm - An interesting take on a traditional dry bag. Bomb proof and unbelievable value for money.
Inov-8 Flyroc 310
Value: 9/10 Performance: 10/10
A lightweight trail running shoe for fast paced adventure racing that gives superb grip on almost all surfaces.
Kimmlite Kamleika Pants
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
Understated soft (and quiet) black breathable waterproof trousers – perfect for outward-bound Ninjas.
Salomon XA Tech-T
Value: 9/10 Performance: 10/10
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
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
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
Value: 8/10 Performance: 9/10
A very reliable and well designed accessory.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom Jacket
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
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
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
A bizarre idea, but it works! Comfortable enough to sleep on and tiny to pack.
Salomon Aquastream 150
Value: 8/10 Performance: 6/10
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
Value: 8/10 Performance: 7/10
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
Value: 10/10 Performance: 10/10
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
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
A light weight close fitting fleece with good attention to detail in the design.
Lendal 'Kinetik Touring S' Paddle
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
Not just a paddle, but a complete AR paddling solution.
Capestorm A3 Shorts
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
Comfortable and light weight shorts for running or paddling.
Mountain Hardwear EPIC Jacket
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
A fully loaded jacket perfect for AR that offers unbelievable value for money.
Suxes Bike box
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
A great gadget to help you stay fuelled up on the bike.
Salomon Raid Race 200
Value: 10/10 Performance: 9/10
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
Value: 10/10 Performance: 9/10
A very well engineered, reliable product – an ideal (if not essential) accessory for AR, MTBO, Trailquests etc.
Science In Sport GO-Gel
Value: 8/10 Performance: 10/10
High Tech, High Performance Anti-Bonk Race Fodder.
SealSkinz Mid Thermal Merino socks
Value: 7/10 Performance: 7/10
Comfortable warm waterproof socks – great for winter runs.
Gerber E-Z Out Rescue
Value: 8/10 Performance: 10/10
A well made lightweight locking knife that does exactly what it says on the tin, well box.
Salomon XA Harriers
Value: 9/10 Performance: 8/10
All new adventure racing shoe from Salomon for those of you wanting more grip in wet muddy conditions.
Bridgedale Trail Runner Socks
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
Very comfortable socks to run in – no lumpy bits and they don't slip or ruck up.
Salomon Flagstaff Shoes
Value: 7/10 Performance: 7/10
Salomon Flagstaffs are great all round adventure racing and running shoes and don't cost the earth.
Pearl Izumi Therma Fleece Arm Warmers
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
A great bit of kit for heat control when you are stopping and starting a lot or in changeable conditions.
Macpac Transition Buoyancy Vest
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
Very comfortable AR specific PFD with an excellent built in hydration system.
Reed Chill Cheater Aquatherm Top
Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10
Versatile top for use in or on the water. Does as the name suggests – keeping off chills.
Terra Nova Laserlite Tent
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
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
Value: 7/10 Performance: 7/10
Stylish, close fitting and comfortable shirts for use as a base layer or running top.
Macpac Zone Jacket
Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10
An excellent AR specific jacket with masses of well thought out details. Not cheap, but a top quality product.
Salomon Aquastream 100
Value: 8/10 Performance: 6/10
A very reasonably priced comfortable pack, but you'll need to find somewhere else to keep a few snacks handy.
Adidas ClimaCool Adventure Shoes
Value: 3/10 Performance: 5/10
The ClimaCool effect does work, but whether this is really important in AR is questionable.
Salomon XA Pro GTX
Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10
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
Value: 9/10 Performance: 9/10
Adidas Swoops are excellent shoes with good grip and some cushioning.
Lowe Alpine Rush Anorak
Value: 8/10 Performance: 7/10
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.
   
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