RV Refrigerator: Types, Power, Safe Operation, Maintenance, and Buying Tips

This June, footwear brand KEEN and specialist independent mountain sports retailer Ellis Brigham, are excited to join forces with Trash Free Trails for the second year, as they roll out a series of purpose-led social walks, designed to clean up some of the UKs most-loved outdoor spaces.Part city or trail wander, part community clean-up, the free of charge events invite people to get outside, cover some ground and quietly make a difference along the way. Setting off from Ellis Brigham stores in Manchester, Bristol, London and Keswick, each route blends easy going group walks with litter-picking, citizen science and the occasional quirky discovery underfoot.Four events will take place across the UK:Manchester Social 6k Walk Saturday 6th June. 11am-14.00pmBristol Social 5k Walk Sunday 7th June. 11am-14.00pmLondon Social 5k Walk Saturday 12th June. Covent Garden. 11am-14.00pmKeswick Citizen Science Expedition 10k Walk Sunday 13th June. 11am-17.00pm.Gain first-hand experience of how you can remove, record and report vital data on terrestrial pollution, all while enjoying one of the UKs most beloved national parks. Powered by Trash Free Trails innovative research into single-use pollution.Each event will be led by Trash Free Trails brilliants ambassadors and shaped around relaxed participation whether that means logging data, filling a bin bag or just noticing whats been left behind on the trail. All events are family and dog friendly and free of charge to attend.Alongside the walking, participants can expect goodie bags and prizes for the most unusual litter finds (the stranger the better).Sign up at https://www.trashfreetrails.org/Individual links to event sign-up pages:ManchesterBristolLondonKeswick

Today is the first UK National Parks Day - a day to celebrate the landscapes, communities and stories that make these spaces so special

RV Toilet Guide: Types, Cleaning & Odor Control

How to Winterize an RV: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

British mountaineer Kenton Cool has reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 20th time, becoming the first non-Sherpa climber in history to achieve the milestone. The 52-year-old mountain guide first climbed Everest in 2004 and has spent the past two decades guiding clients to the summit of the worlds highest mountain. While the achievement marks a significant moment in British mountaineering, it also gives Cool a rare perspective on how Everest itself has changed during that time.Cool has witnessed the rapid growth of commercial expeditions, record numbers of climbers and increasingly visible signs of climate change. When I look back at my first climb compared to today, they are worlds apart. Due to disturbing amounts of glacial loss from the Khumbu glacier over the years, there is now a river running through Base Camp. Back in 2004 this only appeared at the end of the season, now it flows constantly. The changes I see every time I return leave me humbled.Scientific research supports those observations. Professor Duncan Quincey, a glaciologist at the University of Leeds where Cool studied Earth Sciences is currently working on the Losing their Cool research project which examines how mountain glaciers are warming under intense solar radiation, accelerating melt rates and making them more sensitive to global warming than previously understood.The glaciers here are melting at a rate beyond historic precedence, says Quincey. Were seeing surface lowering of several metres a year in places. Satellite data from the 1960s to today shows the area around Everest Base Camp has lowered by more than 50 metres, which is staggering.In recent years Everest has seen an unprecedented surge in climbers. Over the last 25 years 15,781 people have climbed above Everest Base Camp, nearly three times as many as in the previous 80 years combined. In total, more than 13,700 summits have been recorded on Everest, achieved by around 7,500 individual climbers. The growth in expeditions has increased mountain congestion. Busy seasons can see close to a thousand people on the mountain at once, with more than 200 climbers attempting the summit on peak days.Cool believes the future of Everest will require both experience and adaptation as conditions continue to evolve. He supports a proposal currently under discussion in Nepal that would require climbers to first summit a 7,000-metre Himalayan peak before being eligible for an Everest permit. Everest is an extraordinary mountain, but it demands respect and experience, says Cool, as the mountain changes, and as more people come here, we need to make sure climbers are properly prepared.Whilst Cools livelihood is closely tied to Everest, he is conscious of the impact his expeditions have on the mountain and has taken steps to minimise it. Cools company, In Cool Company, is a member of 1% for the Planet, an initiative that sees 1% of annual revenue donated to environmental charities and projects. His travel emissions are offset in line with the principles of the Gold Standard, supporting verified climate and sustainability initiatives. Cool also uses his expeditions as an opportunity to highlight the visible effects of climate change in high mountain environments, including glacial retreat. He regularly engages with scientists like Professor Duncan Quincey and environmental experts to better understand the actions individuals and organisations can take to reduce emissions. On a personal level, he follows a plant-based diet whenever possible, helping to further reduce his environmental footprint.Despite two decades on the worlds highest peak, Cool says the mountain never becomes routine. It never gets any easier or any less frightening. Its the tallest mountain in the world and with it comes an incredible sense of majesty. I rely on every bit of experience I have to move safely in this environment. Standing on the summit for the twentieth time is incredibly special.Kenton has successfully guided several high-profile public figures, celebrities and explorers on expeditions across the globe including Ben Fogle and Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

We test out the special 60th anniversary re-imagining of the classic Force Ten A-frame tentReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersAs a young boy in the 1970s, all my early camping experiences involved A-frame tents, firstly with my dads slightly moth-eaten, post-war cotton tent retrieved from the attic and pitched in the garden, and then later with the large, green canvas tents we used in the Scouts, with us boys packed in like sardines in rows down each side.About the time I was making my first tentative steps into the outdoors world, a certain chap called Christian Bonington was leading a bunch of his pals including the likes of Doug Scott and Dougal Haston on a grand adventure in the Himalaya to climb Mount Everest by its unclimbed South West Face. The tents they used for the approach trek and lower camps on the mountain were the distinctive orange Force Ten Classic A-frame tents made by Vango at their Glasgow factory. In fact, the Force Ten was a common sight on high altitude expeditions of the 1970s and into the 1980s, and the images of mountaineering heroes standing by their orange A-frame tents were burned into a thousand young (and old) minds.Force Ten Mark 5 tents were a mainstay of Himalayam expeditions in the 1970sFast forward to 2026, and Vango have introduced a range of products to celebrate the companys 60th anniversary, and one of the models in this limited-edition collection is a re-imagined version of the Force Ten Classic, using lighter materials and named the Classic UL2. Its looks and layout are very much in keeping with the tent it is inspired by, however in practice its a very different beast. Weighing in at only 2.5kg, it is a quarter of the weight of the tent of the Mark 5, and much smaller too the UL2 is, as the name suggests, designed for two people, whereas the Mark 5 was a 4-person tent. Vango did also produce Mark 4 (3-person) and Mark 3 (2-person) versions of the Classic, and the UL2s dimensions are more or less based on the Mark 3.But how does the classic A-frame design stand comparison to todays supposedly more sophisticated tent designs, and is the Classic UL2 just for those who want to relive their youth or wallow in nostalgia, or is it still a viable option? We find out these and other questions in the following review.Classic UL2 pitched below Goatfell on the Isle of ArranMaterials & designAside from the smaller size and footprint of the Classic UL2, its the materials that Vango have used that really set it apart from the Classics of the past. Not only have they opted for modern, synthetic fabrics for the UL2s flysheet and inner tent unlike the heavy canvas of the Mark 5 theyve actually used their all-new Protex 10.SRN fabric for the flysheet, an ultra-lightweight 10 denier silicone and PU reinforced ripstop nylon with a 3,000mm HH (waterproof) rating. This is 100% PFC free to reduce environmental impacts, and the bathtub-style groundsheet a 20 denier ripstop nylon groundsheet with 6,000mm hydrostatic head uses a 100% PFC free silicone and PU coating. To complete the tents weatherproofing, all flysheet and groundsheet seams are factory taped for a watertight seal.Roomy interior is a major advantage of the Classic UL2s designThe Classic UL2s poles are seriously chunky, however being made from carbon they are also incredibly light, certainly compared to the alloy poles used in the standard Classics. There are five pole sections two at each end and one across the top which are connected by an apex piece at the top of each A at each end, to form the classic A-frame from which the inner tent is attached to. Light but strong is a theme that runs through this tents design, and the use of high strength Dyneema core guylines, which are lighter and more durable than traditional guylines, and 16cm anodized alloy V pegs found exclusively on the F10 range, keep that ethos going. This all contributes to keeping the overall weight of the tent down, while maintaining strength and stability.PitchingPitching the Classic UL2 is straightforward, however for best results its important to be diligent in lining up guylines with seams to get a taut flysheet that repels wind and rain. After laying out the inner tent, you connect the poles together and place the free-standing structure over the footprint of the tent. Its obviously quicker/easier with two people (especially in windy conditions!), however we found that its certainly possible for one person to do it alone. The inner tent is suspended from the A-frame structure using a combination of loops and eyelets, before the flysheet goes over the top, connecting directly to the inner tent at both ends, and pegged out at middle and ends. Before pegging out though, its vital to remember to fix the toggles that connect the inner to the flysheet in the middle of each side, as this gives the inner tent structure holding the sides away from the occupants and is very awkward to do retrospectively.Carbon poles and apex connectors are far lighter than on previous ClassicsInner-first pitching tents have their pros and cons of course; in bad weather the inner can get wet in the time it takes you to get the flysheet on, however with the Classic UL2 this is an extremely quick process so its not a deal-breaker by any means. The advantage of this set-up is that you can use just the inner tent in warm/dry weather; its also easier to manage the tent, without guylines and flysheet/inner getting muddled which can happen with pitch inner/outer together tents. Without the flysheet the tent will stand up on its own, but you really need to connect a couple of guylines and peg it out to give extra stability if theres any kind of wind.In useCompared to todays array of sophisticated tent designs, which utilise all manner of shapes and configurations to maximise internal space or strength, or minimise weight, the timeless shape of the Classic UL2 is refreshingly simple. Its very practical too; we were surprised by how spacious it felt, and even with two people and two medium sized dogs inside, we didnt feel cramped. Theres room for two full-sized sleeping mats, and the fact that headroom and the width is the same at both ends make it really usable, especially when getting dressed/undressed and just generally moving around inside.We didnt find the one entrance particularly limiting, and although the porch space isnt massive, the fact that the internal space is so good means we didnt need to leave much gear in the porch. In fact, you could easily stow your gear down the far end of the tent and use the porch exclusively for cooking.The inner tent is mostly solid fabric, however theres mesh vents at both ends, and Vango suggest that you can also adjust the height of the sides of the flysheet to allow more airflow on particularly warm nights. Conversely, you can peg the bottom of the flysheet lower to the ground to keep out cold drafts in windy weather, and the relatively high (10cm) sides of the bathtub groundsheet which is thicker and more waterproof than the fly also helps keep drafts out. Certainly we felt very comfortable overnight in temperatures hovering just above freezing and in pretty strong winds.Classic UL2 behind another Vango 60th anniversary piece, the Ultra 35 packVerdictThe big question we had before testing the Classic UL2 was whether its existence was a purely an exercise in nostalgia, or whether it could actually compete with modern tent designs. The conclusion we came to pretty quickly was that yes, it absolutely can compete with the latest designs, and is as valid a design today as when it was first conceived all those years ago. The A-frame design gives a stable structure comparable with semi-geodesic tents, and the space inside is extremely generous, a real boon when camping for multiple nights, or in wet weather conditions. The 2.35kg (trail weight) is very respectable for the protection it offers, and we could see it being used for everything from UK backpacking trips and overseas trekking trips, to one-night mountain sorties.And aside from the technical and practical attributes of the Classic UL2, we found it just a joy to use its simplicity and familiarity making it so hassle-free and just fun to be in, and the experience only enhanced by childhood memories of using A-frame tents and images from the legendary Himalayan expeditions in the 70s always in the back of our minds. Sure, its not cheap at 500, but with only 150 of these tents being made the users club for the Classic UL2 is going to be pretty exclusive, and were certain that every one of those users is going to be camping with a smile on their face!More info at: www.vango.co.ukSPECSPitching time: 15 minutesCapacity: 2-person tentTotal weight: 2.5kgTrail weight: 2.35kgPack size: 58 x 14cmWaterproof rating: 3000mm Hydrostatic HeadFEATURESA-Frame Design A truly classic tent shape that provides maximum strength and stability in varied conditionsPitches inner first for rapid setup and takedown. Can also be pitched inner only in warmer conditions.Carbon Poles Extremely high strength carbon fibre poles provide maximum rigidity and stability in varied conditions whilst reducing overall weightProtex 10.SRN An ultra lightweight 10 denier silicone and PU reinforced ripstop nylon flysheet fabric with 3,000mm HH rating to protect against the elements. 100% PFC free to reduce environmental impacts.Inner tent made from durable, lightweight ripstop nylon and breathable mesh to increase ventilation and reduce condensation for a comfortable nights sleepUltra lightweight 20 denier ripstop nylon groundsheet with 6,000mm hydrostatic head to protect from the elements. A 100% PFC free silicone and PU coating reduces environmental impact.Bathtub groundsheet that extends 10cm up the inner tent to keep you dry in harsh weatherHigh strength Dyneema core guylines are lighter and more durable than traditional guylinesHigh grip guyline adjusters securely hold tension in even the harshest conditions and can be easily adjusted with one hand16cm anodized alloy V pegs found exclusively on our F10 range provide secure anchoring in varied ground conditionsFully Taped Seams All flysheet and groundsheet seams are factory taped for a watertight sealPartial mesh inner door ensures maximum airflow whilst keeping out bugsMultiple Reflective Points On pegging points for visibility in low lightSingle porch provides covered storage space for your kitFast Pack tent bag with an oversized top opening design makes it easier to pack away. Drawcord and compression straps keep pack size to a minimumInternal Storage Pockets Provides convenient storage within the inner tent, keeping essentials close to handFully Rain Tested Weather tested to standard EN ISO 5912 for peace of mind. This tent is suitable for use in wet and windy weather. Cautionary level storms and extreme weather should be avoidedFire Retardant Fabrics Meets European EN5912 safety standardThe following retailers stock the F10 Classic UL2 along with the other 60th anniversary limited-edition products:53 Degrees North (Ireland)Cotswold OutdoorsTisoAttwoollsNevisportNorwich Camping & LeisureOutback Jacks (Ireland)Outdoor ActionOutdoor WorldRivendell OutdoorTaunton LeisureUltralight Outdoor Gear

When we got back from our month in Nerja earlier this year, we said wed probably go quiet for a while as we got Zagan ready for some Spring trips and returned to our normal lives. Sadly, the last few months turned out to be anything but normal. Weve ended up trying to cling to []

We test out the latest iteration of Deuter's legendary Guide packReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersMany years ago when I first went to Chamonix, the Deuter Guide was the pack that was on not only many of the guides backs, but also on plenty of punters backs too and it wasnt long before I succumbed and bought one myself!The reason for its popularity was firstly its uncluttered design that still managed to include all the necessary features for mountaineering, but also its absolutely bombproof build you could really give it some abuse and it would shrug it off with ease. And if you managed to ever wear one out then you were doing well!Fast forward to 2026, and we have in front of us the latest version of deuters legendary pack, and as you would expect things have changed a little in the intervening couple of decades. The most obvious difference is the weight of the pack; the 34+ 6 version we tested tips the scales at just over 1.2 kg (and the largest model in the range, the 44+6 is only about 40g heavier), and this is probably around half the weight of an equivalent sized Guide pack from 20 years ago. And thats before you take off the strippable features the lid and hipbelt fins which reduces the overall weight even further. This huge reduction in weight is mostly to do with the use of materials, of which huge advancements have been made over the years, and some canny design choices.The 2026 Guide pack is lighter than everIts also worth noting that the Guide isnt even the lightest model in deuters climbing/mountaineering rucksack range the Guide Lite models are lighter still, but in order to shed so many grams deuter have stripped back the features on these packs, so you dont get a separate lid or the pocket and gear loop found on the Guides waistbelt, and theyve also used lighter fixings such as cord in the place of compression straps on the Guide. There is also another option the Durascent packs. These are not only very light but are also waterproof, with taped seams, waterproof material and a rolltop enclosure. They are also the most expensive of deuters mountaineering packs.Light fantasticThe Guide 34+6 uses a 210gsm recycled nylon ripstop, and this is both lightweight and durable. Its a far lighter grade of fabric than the Guide packs used in the past, which in hindsight were probably a tad over-engineered (and subsequently pretty heavy), but for todays fast-and-light mountain goer, the balance the pack strikes between weight and durability is pretty much spot on. The Guide 34+6 is no heavyweight to start off with, but the great thing is that you can strip off features that you dont need for specific outings, to save even more weight. So if you can do without the hipbelt fins because the packs not fully packed or you want them out of the way while climbing, then just whip them off. Dont need the extra storage the lid provides? Off it comes. You can even remove the backplate if you like, however unless carrying really light loads we wouldnt really recommend this as comfort/stability will be compromised,The Guide is streamlined yet offers plenty of storage optionsStorage optionsLike most alpine/climbing packs, the Guide 34+6 has a sleek profile that is not encumbered by external pockets that would potentially get in the way while shimmying up chimneys or attaching gear to the outside. So the main chamber and an external pocket on the lid is where most of your kit must go. But this pack has some clever tricks up its sleeve to maximise the storage options. The Guide comes with a stretchy helmet holder which attaches to the front of the pack via shock cord/toggles and frees up space in the main compartment. As well as the pocket on the lid, you also have a small, zipped pocket on the inside of the pack, and this is ideal for stowing keys and other valuables. On one side of the hipbelt you have a gear loop and on the other theres a small zipped pocket, ideal for snacks, gels, penknife etc. You even get a little stretchy sunglasses-holder on the chest straps, and its these numerous details that show how well thought-out the pack is. But the biggest secret weapons the Guide has with regard to storage is its extendable lid, and its direct-access zip to the main compartment. By extending the lid straps and over-filling the main compartment, you can get the full 40L capacity the Guide offers, and this will be especially useful when either winter mountaineeting or ski touring/mountaineering, when you will be carrying a fair amount of kit. And a killer feature on this type of pack is the U-shaped, dirct-access zip to the main compartment. This is invaluable when you need to access specific items of gear quickly, such as snow safety equipment (probe, shovel etc) in the unfortunate eventuality that youre caught in an avalanche.The well-padded lumbar pad and removable hipbeltBack systemThe Alpine backsystem found on the Guide has been developed over many years, and essentially consists of an ergonomically-shaped PE backplate with a sewn-in spring steel frame that gives stability and support even when filled to the maximum recommended weight of 12kg, plus strategically-positioned cushioning at the lumbar and upper-back areas, which provide both comfort and ventilation. The straps and hipbelt are also an important part of the carry system, and again deuter seem to have hit a sweet spot in terms of the amount of cushioning provided here without adding too much weight. As mentioned previously, the hipbelt can be removed if required, however given that the hipbelt should take the strain when carrying heavier loads, we would recommend that this is left in place during walk-ins. The backplate itself could conceivably be used to sit or lie on if sleeping/resting on a rocky ledge, however since it is rigid (unlike some others which are foam-based) then dont expect too much comfort! Overall the Guides backsystem provides about as much comfort, support and ventilation as you could expect from a lightweight alpine pack, and any upgrade to this would surely add too much weight.Left: technical tools can be attached securely Right: Front pocket is ideal for accessing your shovel and probeIn useWhat I like the most about this pack is its versatility. If youre into the more technical end of mountain activities, you could well be doing scrambling, alpine summer, Scottish winter, ski touring, via ferrata during the course of the year, and this pack due to its features and volume can really do it all. For climbing/scrambling you have a light and sleek pack that doesnt get in the way when moving on rock, and you can remove the lid and hipbelt fins after youve reached your route; plus you can use the side compression straps to reduce the pack size further once youve removed kit. For alpine or winter mountaineering you have the extra storage that the extendable lid provides, as well as the provision for carrying kit on the outside of the pack; ice axe attachments, helmet holder and a rope strap that enable you to carry a rope under the packs lid. And for ski touring/mountaineering the U-shaped direct-access zipper is a brilliant feature that enables you to get to essential kit quicker (e.g. shovel/probe), while skis can be carried in an A-frame configuration. Theres nothing to stop you using the Guide for day hikes either, of course; the pack doesnt have stretchy side drinks pockets, but it is hydration-system compatibe, so theres no need to go thirsty!In terms of quibbles, we didnt find much to fault the Guide 34+6 on. The packs hipbelt is an all or nothing situation, in that you can either have it on or not. Some alpine packs give you the option of just removing the padding and using a strap to keep the pack stable, however the Guide doesnt offer this. A strap on its own doesnt have any comfort or support benefits, however it does help prevent the pack moving around, so that could pethaps be seen as one small area where this pack could be improved.The author using a previous (heavier!) incarnation of the Guide while scrambling on TryfanVerdictThe Guide has come a long way; its always been a great pack, but has now been thoroughly modernised and updated to cater for the demands of the modern mountaineer. Todays technical mountain goer is likely to be participating in a range of activities throughout the year from rock climbing and scrambling, to mountaineering in the Alps in the summer and Scotland in winter, to a ski touring trip here, and a via ferrata route there and the Guide manages to cater for all of these activities, in a pack that is full of features yet is light and streamlined. The attention to detail is really impressive, and theres features that we havent even mentioned in this review, such as its SOS label and emergency whistle, or its internal wet compartment. We also havent talked about its sustainable credentials, which include the use of recycled fabrics, the absence of PFAS forever chemicals, and its certifications from Bluesign, ClimatePartner and Green Button.If youre in the market for an all-round technical backpack then you must check out the Guide range (and also the Guide Lite and Durascent models) as these really will fit the bill for many outdoorists who are involved in technical mountain activities.More info at: www.deuter.co.ukWeight: 1210gBackpack volume: 34 litresDimensions: 66 / 29 / 24 (L x W x D) cmRecommended load: 6-12 kgBack length: 44-54 cmFeaturesSOS labelDetachable hip finsFront opening with J-shaped zipperExternal compression straps at the sidesHip fin pocket with zipper closureGreen Button certifiedClimatePartner certified productErgonomic & padded shoulder strapsBluesign productWet compartment insideLid compartment outsideHydration compatible (up to 3L)Height-adjustable lidDetachable lidMade without PFASBody fabric recycledSki attachment at the sideAlpine back systemRope strapKey clipIce axe attachment on both sidesGlasses stow systemDetachable mesh helmet holderRemovable backplateSafety whistleSternum strap buckle with one-handed operationPull-Forward adjustmentErgonomic & padded hip finsVariFlex hip finsActiveFit shoulder strapsTop-loader with drawcord & lid closureBluesign certified body fabricStabilizer strapsHip fins with gear loop and ice clipper slotStockists of the deuter Guide 34+6 include:www.outside.co.ukwww.climbersshop.com