Love getting outdoors? Outdoor Mole is your outdoor gear spy and a one-stop shop for information and advice on outdoor gear from walking poles to tents, waterproofs to rucksacks. Our articles will provide you with product specifications and reviews and information on how to choose the right gear.
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Choosing the correct type of axe is important because if you’re mountaineering in winter you will be heavily reliant on your ice axe.
Ice axes come in different sizes; short axes are best for climbing and long axes are best for walking, although very long axes – those over 60cm long – can be unwieldy to carry. The main difference between walking and climbing Read more about choosing an ice axe…
Walking poles are a hugely popular addition to your standard walking kit and are proven to help increase the calories you burn while using them as well as alleviating the pressure on your knees – especially when walking downhill. They also generally help with your balance on uneven ground.
Poles are sold in pairs but some people only choose to use one at a time – More about walking poles…
If you want to maintain a comfortable temperature in all weather conditions, choosing to wear a base layer is crucial. Base layers tend to be made from either Polyester or Merino Wool, two very different fabrics which both perform a critical function; wicking, that is, drawing moisture away from your skin. What that basically means is that you don’t get damp from perspiration as you undertake your energetic walk or climb. It also keeps any warm air next to your skin. Cotton however Learn more about choosing base layers…
A GPS unit is a useful handheld device for when you’re navigating areas that don’t have many distinctive features. They work by receiving data from satellites which are able to pinpoint your location anywhere on Earth!
They can be set to receive data across varying number of channels, usually 12-16. The general rule is the fewer channels, the harder the unit has to work to find the satellites. You can use them not only to help you navigate, but you can also store your favourites routes More on GPS units…
Sleeping mats serve two purposes, one to cushion, one to insulate. Which you class as the priority is your decision. A hastily spent fiver at the local army and navy stores for a plastic sleeping mat may seem like a good deal until you ‘ve used it for a couple of nights and have sore hips – especially a problem for women. More about sleeping mats…
Once you know what climate and situation you’ll be using your sleeping bag in, there are various things you might consider when investing in a sleeping bag. For best heat retention, choose a Mummy bag. These sleeping bags taper in line with the body to be much narrower at the feet. It can be a strange sensation however if you’re used to moving your legs around independently and stretching out – so if possible, try one out before committing to buying one. Also, don’t buy a sleeping bag that’s too big for you – it’s more to carry and you won’t stay as warm. More about sleeping bags…
Gaiters perform a single, simple function; they keep you from getting all types of foreign bodies (and we’re including rainwater in that category!) in your footwear.
They’re basically a waterproof garment worn over the top of the trousers at shin height so that they hang over the top of your walking boots, taking any rainwater away from your leg and preventing any little bits of grit More about choosing gaiters…
Choosing a tent can be a bewildering exercise, there are so many options! Do you go for an old-school rigid A-frame or a dome affair? What about a tunnel tent? Well as with most decisions relating to outdoor gear, first you need to have a realistic idea of what situation you’ll be using your tent in. Are you travelling light? Do you need to be able to carry the component parts with your backpack? Or are you taking a drive with family to pitch up and stay a few nights in the one place? Whatever you decide, Outdoormole has some tips for you… Read more about choosing a tent.…
Buying a pair of versatile outdoor trousers needn’t be a chore. If you want a pair for all eventualities, hill-walking trousers complete with their built-in stretch panels and hard-wearing materials are great for walking, scrambling or climbing. More about hill walking trousers…
Crampons allow the wearer to cross snowy slopes on uneven rocky terrain with confidence, but what are they key things to consider before committing to buying a pair? Well it makes sense to take your walking boots with you when you go to try a pair of crampons on, as you need to make sure they fit over your own boots, not just the boots that are on display in the store. Depending on the classification of your boots, only certain crampons will fit and… Read more about crampons and what to look for when buying crampons…