Find it hard to choose between the urban sprawl and outdoor adventure when youre planning a holiday? These adrenaline-fuelled cities around the world combine theThe post The best cities for adventure appeared first on the girl outdoors.

Tog24 is one of those quietly dependable British outdoor brands that delivers great value without the eye-watering price tag. Ive been putting two pieces from their spring activewear collection through their paces, from breaks on the coast to a particularly wet and chilly weekend hiking in Snowdonia, heres how they held up. Read on for our full review.What Ive Been WearingArna Womens Lightweight Insulated Hybrid JacketFarby Womens Breathable Performance LeggingsTog24 is one of those quietly dependable British brands thats been kitting people out for the outdoors for decades, but without the premium price tag you often see elsewhere. Founded in Yorkshire, theyve built a reputation for creating practical, well-made clothing thats designed for real life, not just mountaintops.What Ive always liked about Tog4 is that balance between function and everyday wearability. Youre getting pieces that can handle a blustery campsite morning, a dog walk, a mountain hike, or a weekend wander into town without feeling overly technical or overpriced. Tog24 gear very much gives that throw it on and get on with your day vibe. Theyre also a solid choice if youre looking for great value outdoor gear and Ive recently been wearing their womens Farby leggings and their Arna hybrid jacket. Youre not paying for brand hype, but you are getting thoughtful design, reliable materials and styles that actually work for the unpredictable British weather. For camping, hiking and even snowsports, they sit nicely in that sweet spot between affordability and quality.Farby Womens Breathable Performance LeggingsIm a big fan of leggings, but if they dont have proper pockets, Im just not interested. They also need to stay put, whether Im in a yoga class or halfway up a mountain, because there are few things more annoying than constantly tugging your waistband back into place.Leggings are my default for working from home and my go-to on any walk, so when a pair ticks every box, I take notice.The Tog24 Farby Performance Leggings delivered on all fronts. They stay in place, theyre supremely comfortable, and yes, they have proper pockets too. The colourway and pattern are a nice touch too; it lifts them above the sea of solid-coloured leggings and makes them feel a little more considered as a design.I would say that they are generously sized, so if youre between sizes, youll probably be safely able to choose the smaller size in these. At their full price of 50 theyre reasonable, but at their current sale price of 30 theyre an absolute steal.Arna Womens Lightweight Insulated Hybrid JacketAs someone who is perpetually cold, the Arna Insulated Hybrid Jacket has already proven its worth during a brutally cold and stormy weekend glamping off-grid in Snowdonia. One minute I was shivering under waterproofs, being pelted with hailstones from every direction; ten minutes later I was reaching for my sunglasses and unzipping layers. The Arna is made for exactly that kind of unpredictability. It layers beautifully and makes it genuinely easy to stay comfortable as conditions shift, which, if youve ever spent time in Snowdonia, youll know happens approximately every fifteen minutes.Its just as useful around camp too, whether youre warding off the chill on a summers evening or just pottering between the tent and the campfire without wanting to commit to a full coat.Those that know me will be aware that this is absolutely not my usual colour palette, but slightly safe shade aside, its lightweight, seriously warm and ultra-packable, making it a surprisingly versatile addition to any weekend bag.The Farby leggings have already become a firm favourite and I can see them getting a lot of wear through the warmer months. As for the Arna jacket, the performance speaks for itself and if the colourway works for you, its a brilliant bit of kit. Either way, if youre looking for reliable outdoor gear that wont break the bank, Tog24 is well worth considering. Ive also got my eye on their Sienna Gingham Check Shorts and as a lover of a good one-piece, Im already coveting the Emmie Supersoft Jumpsuit. DISCLOSURE | Thank you to Tog24 for supplying the featured products for us to test. We were not required, or paid to write this review.The post Great Kit, Real Conditions Putting Tog24s Spring Activewear to the Test appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

Are Snow Tires Worth It? A Clear Winter Driving Guide

As he prepares to head to Nepal to attempt a record-breaking 20th (for a Western climber) summit of Everest, we chat to Kenton Cool about what motivates him to go back, how climbers can do their part in promoting sustainability on the mountain, and what to look for when choosing which guiding or logistics company to go withWhat motivates you to keep returning to Everest: records, money, love of the mountain/people/culture or all of the above?Ive got a deep affection for the mountain itself her history, her size, her sheer presence. You cant spend that many seasons on Everest without forming a bond with the mountain. The people are a huge part of it too. The Sherpa community have been my friends and colleagues for decades; returning each year feels a bit like coming home. Yes, guiding is my profession, and of course theres a financial element I have a family to support but if it were just about money, Id have stopped a long time ago. In truth, its the combination of culture, camaraderie, challenge and the privilege of helping others realise a lifelong dream.Youve climbed from both sides of Everest; how do they compare and do you have a preference?Ive actually only ever climbed from the South Side (Nepal) and its where my relationships with the Sherpa and knowledge of the mountain have formed. People often ask whether Id like to try the North. Perhaps one day. But the South Side has given me everything I could hope for: challenge, beauty, camaraderie, and a deep connection to the people who make the whole endeavour possible.Kenton could tick off his 20th Everest summit this season if all goes to planWhat are the main environmental factors affecting Everest at the moment?The big three in my opinion: 1. Climate change The Khumbu Icefall is becoming smaller and more unstable year on year. The monsoon and winter patterns are shifting, which means its warmer for longer around the Icefall. 2. Glacial retreat Base Camp itself is moving; the glacier underneath is thinning and changing shape and there are rivers running through Base Camp now they werent there when I first started climbing Everest in 2004. 3. Overcrowding Increasingly high traffic on the mountain means more footfall, increased waste, and more of a human imprint which strains a fragile environment. Whilst waste is being managed much better these days, it is still highlighted by many as a problem.Can Everest climbers be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem?Absolutely and they must be. Im conscious that I have a bit of a platform and I want to use it for good. As climbers, we bring money into Nepal, which funds conservation projects, waste management, and local livelihoods. Teams can insist on responsible practices: waste removal, minimal camps, ethical logistics. But climbers also need to be honest about their footprint and not hide behind token offsetting. The best contribution is to reduce impact, support local communities properly, and respect the mountain as more than a trophy.What are the main changes youve seen on the mountain in the 20+ years youve been guiding on it?Its almost unrecognisable in some respects. The professionalism of Sherpa climbers has skyrocketed. The kit is far better boots, oxygen systems, tents. Communication has transformed the experience satellite comms, weather forecasting, GPS. There are many more teams, and the spectrum of quality is wide. And, of course, the effects of climate change are becoming unavoidable. Everest, however, is the same majestic peak and she still commands the same level of respect.KC preparing his kit for the forthcoming seasonHow do you see the practical aspects of climbing Everest change in the future as climate change continues changing the conditions on the mountain? Will it eventually be a rocky scramble?!No, it wont ever be a scramble Everest will always be a high-altitude, oxygen-thin, brutally cold place. But I think we will see: More unpredictable weather; harder-to-read ice conditions; a gradually deteriorating Khumbu Icefall; less stable snowpack; longer periods of bare ice. The practicalities of climbing will continue to evolve, and guides will need to adapt their strategies each season.How do you reconcile encouraging clients to take long-haul flights with your awareness of the damage it is doing? (and bearing in mind that offsetting has largely been debunked)There is no doubt that international mountaineering has a carbon cost. I dont pretend offsetting magically fixes everything. What I can do is: Encourage clients to stay longer in Nepal and contribute meaningfully to the local economy; work with operators who run environmentally responsible expeditions; personally minimise unnecessary travel outside the guiding season; support long-term community and conservation projects in the Khumbu.What is a safe number of permits to issue each season, in your opinion?Somewhere around 250-300 climbers on the South Side is manageable if the teams are competent and well-spaced throughout the season. The issue isnt the number itself its the quality and timing of those attempting the peak. Ten excellent teams cause fewer issues than two poorly run ones.Given that the Nepal authorities have talked before about not issuing permits to climbers with proper experience, do you really think this will come into force, or will money trump ethics again?Nepal is in a difficult position. Tourism is its economic heartbeat. Id love to see stricter competence requirements, but realistically, politics and financial pressures usually outweigh safety considerations. We may see incremental changes, such as the suggested requirement to have climbed a 7,000m peak before attempting Everest, but a strict enforcement regime? Ill believe it when I see it.What Chez Cool looks like before an Everest expedition!What is the standard of Nepali-run guiding companies/outfitters these days, and is it true that a cheap Everest package is cutting corners?The best Nepali operators are world-class. Truly exceptional. But the bottom of the market is a different story. A cheap Everest package absolutely means cuts, usually in: Oxygen quality and supply; guide experience; ratios; safety equipment; weather forecasting; evacuation capability. Everest is not the place to bargain hunt.Where is the line between guiding and outfitting, and how can prospective Everest climbers be sure of what they are getting? (i.e. full guiding or just logistics)This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Everest. Outfitting = logistics: tents, food, oxygen, ropes. Guiding = decision-making, leadership, pacing, risk assessment, and personalised Sherpa support. Many companies advertise guiding but actually provide logistics only. A prospective climber must ask: Who makes the decisions on the mountain?; Who is my personal guide and how many clients do they have?; Does my guide climb with me, or just coordinate things from Base Camp?; What is included in the oxygen strategy?; What is the plan if things go wrong?. If you dont get clear answers, walk away. Everest is not the place to take unnecessary risks. As I always say, the summit is optional but getting back home is the goal.For regular updates on Kentons Everest 26 expedition, you can follow his or Trek & Mountains accounts on Instagram.More info at: www.kentoncool.comKenton is sponsored by www.lasportiva.com and www.petzl.comImages and video by @daniel_james_media

Whether youre a seasoned family camper who always seems to end up forgetting things or youre a first-time camper, the Camping with Style Ultimate Family Camping Packing Check List will ensure you never forget anything vital again!Packing for a camping trip can feel like a daunting task, especially for family campers when there are multiple people to think about, but with our ultimate camping check list, youll be well-prepared for a lifetime of unforgettable family outdoor adventures. One of the biggest challenges with family camping is not just remembering what to pack, but making sure everything is easy to find once you arrive. Theres nothing worse than turning up at a campsite and rummaging through bags trying to locate tent pegs, torches or that one crucial cable. A well-thought-out packing list doesnt just help you remember items, it helps you organise them too. Grouping your gear into categories like sleeping, cooking and essentials can make unpacking quicker, so you spend less time on tedious set-up and more time having family fun.Its also worth remembering that every camping trip is slightly different. The time of year, location, campsite facilities and even the age of your children will all influence what you need to bring. Thats why having a reusable, adaptable checklist is so helpful. Over time, youll start to tweak your list based on experience, adding items you wish youd had and removing things you never used. Before long, youll have your own perfectly tailored family camping system that makes packing quicker, easier and far less stressful every time you head off on an adventure.Download The Ultimate Camping Packing ListClick here to download you list to save or print.Simply bookmark and refer back to this page, take a screen-grab, download the pdf and keep it on your phone or go old-school and print a few out so youve always got a physical handy checklist that you can refer back to bonus points if you laminate it!Download The Ultimate Camping Packing ListClick here to download you list to save or print.Kids Camping Activity BookA camping activity book thats packed full of everything from camping skills to wellbeing, nature crafts to campfire stories, kids will love taking this away on their next family camping trip. Buy On AmazonThe post What Camping Gear Do I Need? Family Camping Packing Check List 2026 appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

The post Iniscarn Forest appeared first on WalkNI.

Travel Without Limits: Why RV Rentals Make More Sense Right Now

Planning a Devon road trip? Wondering which part of Devon is best or where the best places to visit for a fun day out are? Heres everything...The post Devon Road Trip itinerary- 19 Beautiful places to Visit appeared first on Wandering Bird Motorhome Travel Blog.