When you think of Carnival you may conjure up images in your mind of Notting Hill or perhaps Rio de Janeiro. Would you though think of Somerset?

Materials neededReplacement laces: If youre specifically replacing laces on Salomon shoes, make sure the replacement laces you buy are thin enough for the eyelets / loops on your Salomon. If youre changing other shoe brands, there tends to be more room to fit traditional laces, so you can buy alternative brands of locking laces (like Lock Laces). Scissors: for cutting off your old laces, and cutting the new laces down to size A lighter / controllable small flame (optional) View fullsize View fullsize Most lacing kits will come with their own simple instructions, so check if there are any obvious differences between what Im sharing and your own laces. Steps1. Cut off or unthread the old lace from your shoe. If it is just the mechanism thats broken you can consider cutting the very top of the lace so as to loose the least amount and reuse the existing lace. However, check the lace well to make sure that there arent any wear points, so that youre not re-doing this job in a few months time.2. Thread through the new lace (part C). From watching other peoples videos and reading reviews, this can often be the trickiest part for some, depending on how thin or narrow the eyelets are for the lace. If youve long loops to thread through, try applying pressure to the top or inside, to compress the shape and cause it to open slightly more. Others seem to find attaching a paper clip to the lace and pulling that through to be an easier option. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize 3. Attach the new locking mechanism (part A). This will vary depending on the locking mechanism you have. The style that I bought, the replacement was very easy. Simply hold the device in the open position, and thread the lace from the bottom and out the top. The bottom on my set was the narrower end. I was able to hold the locking device with one hand, and thread the lace with the other. 4. Thread on the new lace stopper (part B). To prevent you loosening your laces so much that the locking mechanism comes off the end, there is a piece that joins or holds the ends of both laces. For me, this was a small piece of plastic that, when held upright, almost looked like a pair of shorts. Thread your lace through the individual legs / the smaller holes. I then loosely tied the laces just to keep the stopper on the laces. 5. Measure lace length before cutting. The recommended way for my lacing system was to put on the shoe, gently close the lace, and then leave approx. 10cm of extra lace of putting on and off the shoe.6. Cut lace, and tie stopper knots. I then cut my laces and tied small knots. Using a lighter, I very gently burnt the freshly cut ends of the laces to stop them from fraying in the future. Once at the desired length, I pulled tightly to secure them in the lace stopper. View fullsize View fullsize And now you have replaced your quick-release laces! Time to go forth and frolic, enjoy the trails once more. If youre a more visual learner, I have a YouTube video that documented this whole process. Other gear repairs and how tos: How to wash your down insulationHow to clean soft flasksHow to wash waterproofsHow to fit hiking bootsHow to pick a head torch

Following my recent return to riding and with my ancient Jodhpur boots well past their retirement date, I needed a replacement suitable for novice hacks and lessons. The fit was perfect and the price was right, so I chose a pair of Brogini paddock Boots. Read on for my review.What is it?Brogini Tivoli Leather Paddock Boots RRP 55StockistsGo OutdoorsMountain WarehouseAmazon.co.ukFeatures100% LeatherElasticated side panels Pull toggle Front zip Secured hard wearing anti-slip grip rubber sole Stylish brogue patternEvery time Ive been away for a weekend this year, either camping or glamping, Ive found a local stable and taken the opportunity to go for a hack. Not only is hacking a great way to explore the local area, but it also gets you that bit closer to nature, and honestly, Im loving it. Rekindling my love for riding has also meant I needed to overhaul (and add to) my riding gear including replacing old jods that were now 3 sizes too big and an ancient pair of Jodhpur boots that had never really fitted me well.Im not sure if its a bit of the tism combined with the rampant dysregulation of perimenopause, but Ive found that the immense amount of processing Im doing whilst riding, means that my busy brain feels calm, something few other activities can achieve. Whilst by no means a regular rider, riding 2-3 times a month and given their age and poor fit, I felt justified in investing in some new boots. Essentially, what I wanted in a riding boot was comfort in and out of the saddle, but without a horse of my own and no yard duties, versatile boots that pull double duty werent required, so I quickly ruled out country boots.Having tried on my sisters long riding boots, I loved them, but felt that with such infrequent riding, I couldnt quite justify the investment, so based on price alone, I eventually decided to choose paddock boots.Riding boot requirementsMy old Jodhpur boots, with their classic elasticated sides, had a relatively smooth sole which never felt entirely practical out of the saddle. Paddock boots are typically a little chunkier (an aesthetic I prefer) and they have a grippier sole along with a front zip or laces, so thats what I opted for.I suspect that if I progress to sharing a horse, I might invest in long riding boots, but with no intention of ever competing (Im the least competitive person youll ever meet, Im strictly a vibes-only rider), for now, entry-level paddock boots are absolutely all I really need.Comfort and performanceFor the past few years Ive avoided wearing any footwear that doesnt naturally follow the shape of a human foot. Riding boots for the most part still retain that classic tapered point shape, a shape that isnt particularly natural and as such every pair I tried on felt immediately less comfortable than the trainers and natural toe box shoes I typically wear. That said, after trying on several options at my local equine shop, the Brogini Tivoli Leather Paddock Boots (first generation, without the heel pull) fit me well and felt relatively comfortable right away. Given they are leather, Im sure they will give and soften further, making them even more comfortable over time. I pair them with half chaps for a long boot feel and protection at a fraction of the price of long boots.Whilst I like the aesthetic of laced riding boots, Im only interested in things that minimise faff, and given I already have to faff around with half chaps, I didnt want to add to the tedium by having to tie laces up too.I recently wore these boots for a Snowdonia hack and was wet through to my underwear; my boots at least kept my feet dry and warm! Likewise, on a beach hack on Mull a couple of weeks later, which was wet and chilly and required a muddy field walk, my boots coped brilliantly. I cleaned them with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, dried them, and applied some Dr Martens Wonder Balsam wax. Good as newFinal verdictWith their front zip and elasticated sides, together with brogue styling, these boots provide the best of both worlds in my opinion and with a full leather upper and a chunky and rubber sole, Im pleased with my purchase.The design of this boot was updated to include a heel pull tab to make them easier to get on and off. I dont have an issue getting my foot in and out however, but for those with a wider foot, the addition of the pull tab may be welcome.As a novice riding infrequently, I just dont need anything too flashy or feature-packed and these are capable boots that do exactly what I need them to do. They are comfortable enough to wear whilst driving, and post-hack or lesson, out and about if I dont have time (or cant be bothered) to change. Im sure Ill have many more years of happy hacking and lessons ahead of me wearing them.DISCLOSURE | The featured product was privately purchased. This review is not part of a brand collaboration.The post Brogini Tivoli Leather Paddock Boots Review appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

Theres something wonderfully freeing about pitching a tent or parking up a motorhome in a beautiful corner of the countryside, and its no surprise that camping remains such a beloved pastime across the UK. Read on to find out what you should consider when choosing a campsite.From the rolling hills of the Peak District to the coastal charm of Kent and East Sussex, holidaymakers have no shortage of choice when it comes to finding the perfect spot to unwind. Yet with so many options on offer, from Suffolk to Essex and beyond, picking the right campsite can feel like a bit of a minefield. Get it right, though, and its the difference between a so-so trip and a holiday youll still be talking about years later.Main considerationsChoosing the right campsite is essential for a memorable holiday, as its about balancing location, convenience and personal comfort.Location should prioritise proximity to local attractions, shops and scenic walking routes, while also making sure the site suits your particular vehicle.Transport links and road access matter a great deal, especially if youre towing a caravan or driving a large motorhome down narrow country lanes.Practical facilities such as pitch type, electrical hook-ups and waste disposal should be weighed up against your own camping needs.Clean, well-kept sanitary facilities shower blocks and toilets in particular can make or break a stay.Families in particular should look for sites with clear safety policies, sensible pet rules and set quiet hours.Guest reviews and sustainability awards are usually a good shortcut to working out what a site is really like.Essential Location and Accessibility FactorsLocation is usually the first thing people think about when picking a campsite, and for good reason. Get it right, and it can transform the whole holiday, putting you within easy reach of the sights and activities that drew you to the area in the first place. Its worth deciding early on whether you fancy trying somewhere new or heading back to an old favourite. Either way, its a good idea to Explore different types of campsites on verycamping.com to get a feel for whats out there before you settle on a booking.Proximity to Local Amenities and AttractionsA site close to local shops, pubs and attractions is generally far more convenient than one stuck out on its own. Being able to walk to a village pub for dinner, or pop into a farm shop for fresh food, adds a surprising amount to a stay. Plenty of campers also look for nearby country walks and trails, especially those bringing dogs along, wholl want proper walking routes close by. Open, grassy areas are a bonus too, giving kids and pets room to run around, which tends to make the whole trip feel a lot more relaxed.Transport Links and Travel Time ConsiderationsIts also worth thinking about how easy the site actually is to reach, and how easy itll be to get around once youre there. A long, tiring journey can take the edge off even the loveliest destination, so it pays to check road access and travel times before booking. This matters even more if youre towing a caravan or driving a larger motorhome, since narrow country lanes can catch people out. Good transport links also make it easier to explore further afield during the stay, whether thats a day trip into town or a visit to a well-known local spot.Facilities and Comfort RequirementsOnce the locations sorted, the next thing to think about is the practical side of things the stuff that shapes your day-to-day comfort. This is very much down to personal taste, since what works for a family with young kids might not suit a couple after a quiet break.On-Site Amenities and Pitch QualityOne of the first decisions is pitch type. Grass pitches usually suit tents best, giving a softer feel underfoot, while hardstanding pitches tend to work better for motorhomes and caravans that need a level, stable base. Pitch size is worth checking too, especially if youre travelling with extra kit or just like a bit more space. Its also worth finding out whether electric hook-ups are included or cost extra, and whether water points and waste disposal are easy to get to. Companies like Sellers Leisure have built a name for privately owned sites with genuinely good facilities, covering everything from touring and camping to glamping and holiday cottages, depending on what kind of break youre after.Sanitary facilities are worth paying close attention to clean, well-maintained shower blocks and toilets really do make a difference to how much you enjoy a stay. Some sites take this further, with facilities that wouldnt look out of place in a hotel. Sustainability is becoming more of a priority for campers too, with many now favouring sites that take real steps to look after their surroundings.Safety Features and Family-Friendly ProvisionsFor families, safety and flexibility tend to matter most. Its worth checking a sites pet policy, along with check-in and check-out times, since these can vary a fair bit from one place to the next. Quiet hours are another thing to look out for, particularly if a peaceful nights sleep is high on the list.Reading guest reviews beforehand can give a much clearer picture of what a sites really like, and any awards or accreditations are a decent stamp of approval. Hartington Hills, tucked away in the Peak District near Hulme End at Hartington, is a good example its picked up the Environmental Quality Mark Award for its sustainability work. It is clearly a site built around family-friendly touches, welcoming pets and offering the kind of small details that make a holiday feel special. Taking the time to look into all this before booking is really what makes the difference between an average trip and a great one.DISCLOSURE | This post has been placed by a third party as part of an agreed brand collaboration.The post What to Consider When Choosing a Campsite for Your Next Holiday appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

My sister and I were pony mad as kids, as many young girls are. Every year wed go on a big family holiday to the South of France, and our parents would treat us to a hack. This meant riding side by side in sand dunes and on beaches in the blazing sunshine. As we got older, my sister got her first horse, while I settled for occasional riding lessons and hacks. Fast forward 20-something years, and we finally got to ride side by side once more, with Mull Pony Trekking.Despite not growing up in an outdoorsy family, like most kids of the 70s and 80s, we spent the majority of our time outside, biking, roller skating and building dens in the woods. We werent the type of family to spend weekends exploring the countryside or going for hikes though, so as adults, an active outdoors lifestyle is something weve both chosen to embrace.Weekends immersed in nature, whether camping, open water swimming or hiking have been a mainstay of my life for the last 15 years. There arent many activities that Ill say no to (just dont invite me caving, ever), and those who know me are aware that Im always outdoors and probably doing something random.With a dog, a horse and an active lifestyle that makes mine look positively sedate, my sister and I are similar in many ways. Well rarely turn down the opportunity to try something new, and were always up for doing something fun together. We went snowboarding earlier in the year, and in September we holidayed again together with our partners and parents, spending a week on Mull.Childhood holiday highlightThanks to my recently reignited obsession with riding, every time Ive gone away camping or glamping this year, Ive found a local riding stable and booked hacks, so when my sister suggested we ride on Mull, of course I was up for it.We quickly realised that despite me riding her horse once or twice, wed not actually ridden together since our childhood family holidays in the South of France! Apart from mithering for ice creams, the only thing wed reliably pester our parents for was a hack, so every year wed go riding together, with our younger sister joining us once she was old enough.Mixed ability groupDespite my sister having her own horse and being a far more accomplished equestrian than my novice self, we were able to find a hack suitable for not only the two of us, but our partners too! My sisters partner and I are probably most similar in experience, whilst my husband is a total beginner, having ridden only once before.Accommodating everyone, from a wobbly beginner to a confident equestrian, was no mean feat, but Liz at Mull Pony Trekking did a brilliant job. Upon arrival (following a farcical hunt to find the adjacent campsite toilets), we were matched with ponies. Forward and eager for my sister, sensible and steady for my husband, and somewhere in between for the rest of us. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shell Robshaw-Bryan (@shellswildoutdoors)Bonding with our poniesWeighing 74kg, Im used to being immediately paired with big horses when I hack out, and its not uncommon for me to be riding a 17hh giant. By contrast, Highland ponies are a native breed and, as such, are short, stocky and hardy little things. Typically standing at a maximum of 14.2hh, our ponies were super cute, and we had some lovely bonding time with them, brushing them down and tacking up.We led our ponies across the field and down to the outdoor arena, hopped on (the mounting block was probably overkill, but hey, anything for an easy life), and set about getting to know them. This also gave Liz and her colleague the opportunity to get the measure of us and make sure we were happy with our ponies.My pony, Brodie, was the newest addition to the stables and the youngest of the bunch. Willing, eager and kind, I found him immediately responsive and he didnt need too much encouragement. In contrast, my sisters pony was initially a little lazy and reluctant. Thankfully, once he got going, it was an entirely different story, and he did indeed turn out to be a little rocket.Its so important to be honest and not overstate your ability when booking experiences like this, and Liz noted that, when booking, Id been spot on in explaining our different ability levels. So, if youre new to riding and youre going away and planning a hack, please do consider what the words beginner and novice really mean. Being honest about your ability and weight is critical, both for your own safety and for the welfare of the horse youll be riding.Making precious memoriesWith her own ex-racehorse thoroughbred and having had horses for most of her adult life, I cant explain the joy I got from seeing my sister confidently gallop off down the beach. It was exhilarating just to watch her! She was absolutely in her element, and trotting alongside her later was extra special, having not done so since we were kids.After my sisters cheeky gallop, Liz set off with the two of us following for a more sedate canter, while my husband stayed behind and had the opportunity to trot.Between splashing through water and taking in the scenery at a walk, I managed a few trots and a couple of lovely short canters alongside my sisters partner. My canter seat is still very hit-or-miss, and my previous ride a couple of weeks earlier had really dented my canter confidence, but happily, the magical little Brodie fully restored it.Despite his first-ever ride being earlier this year, my husband was clearly in love with Laurie, the sensible little pony he was paired with, and seeing him so at ease and enjoying himself was wonderful.Despite the day being dull and wet, the Loch Na Keal scenery was still absolutely spectacular. There is simply no better way to explore the great outdoors and get close to nature than on horseback, in my opinion. While the eagle that often lands on the beach, and that Id hoped to spot, was absent that day, the grim weather couldnt dampen what was a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours.If you dont have your own gear, riding hats can be provided, and they are pretty flexible with footwear too, as they use caged stirrups. If youre heading over to Mull, our 2-hour beach trek cost 65pp and I cant recommend Mull Pony Trekking enough. Horse riding holiday plansWe enjoyed the experience so much that weve decided to forgo our annual snowboarding holiday next year in favour of a horse riding holiday. Well need to find something suitable for me as a novice and my far more experienced sister, and were yet to decide on a UK-based riding holiday or travelling abroad, but its something exciting for us to look forward to!If anyone has any affordable mixed-ability horse-riding holiday recommendations, wed be grateful to hear them and you can get in touch here. The post Pony Trekking With My Sister on The Isle of Mull appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

Outdoor, camping and outdoor cooking brand Petromax has launched a versatile new table top grill for outdoor dining and barbeque enthusiasts. The GS43 Griddle Spot Plancha Table Grillcan be ready to use in minutes and fits neatly on a table at home or on a campsite. With enough room to grill food for six, the Griddle Spot is ideal for group cooking.The Petromax Griddle Spot GS43 combines thoughtful design with genuine plancha performance, all on a table. Thanks to intelligent air regulation and the integrated chimney, the griddle is ready to use in just 15 minutes once charcoal is added and lit, ideal for spontaneous barbecues in the garden, at the campsite, or for any cooked lunch outdoors.The double-sided, enamel cast-iron grill plate features one smooth and one ridged surface, offering maximum flexibility when preparing food. Meat, vegetables, and fish cook evenly because the griddle stores and distributes heat evenly. The raised edge keeps fat on the plate and reduces smoke during grilling.With a generous 37.5 cm grilling surface, the Griddle Spot has capacity to cook for up to six people and fits on almost any camping or garden table. The body surrounds the charcoal tray with sufficient clearance, allowing the grill to be placed safely on a range of surfaces.A removable charcoal tray makes cleaning easier, while the chimney can be stored compactly inside after use. Made of stainless steel with beechwood feet, the Petromax Griddle Spot GS43 combines durable materials with a contemporary look, for any convivial gathering featuring plancha-style cooking.The GS43 Griddle Spot Plancha Table Grillretails at 219.95 and will be available from 28 September, alongside the full Petromax range at berryuseful.co.uk, and from selected specialist retailers.The post Get Ready to Barbeque in Minutes With New Petromax Table Top Grill appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

Pitching the tent, carrying the boxes, getting up off the ground and sleeping through a chilly night all play a role in determining how much you enjoy a camping trip. Every one of them relies on having a bit of strength, balance and of course, a decent nights sleep. The good news is that none of that needs a gym, just ten minutes at home, a couple of times a week can help. Read on to find out more.Anyone who read my Kelty Wireless 6 review will know that at 168cm I am, apparently, not tall enough to wrangle a 190cm tent without a degree of physical comedy, and that getting the fly sheet over the top involves what I can only describe as interpretive dance. Has the tent grown? Not a bit, and neither have I. Four years on, the fly sheet still gets the full performance, and now Im the far side of 50 I think its fair to say Im not alone in wanting a bit more spring in the throw.Honestly, most of the comfort side Ive sorted with kit. My folding camp trolley turned the unloading job into two trips instead of eight, and a raised camp bed means getting in and out of bed isnt a floor exercise. A hot water bottle goes on every trip because Id rather be too warm than too cold! Thats the kit side of things. The body doing the throwing, lifting, standing and sleeping is the other side, and whilst its less fun to shop for, its genuinely the more fixable of the two.Why the same jobs can feel harder as we get olderIn one study of 100 healthy people aged 65 to 89, the everyday tests included a timed rise from a low chair, lifting a weighted bag on to a surface and stepping up on to boxes, which, for reference, is a fairly complete description of setting up camp. Across that age range, strength was lower by the equivalent of 1 to 2% a year, and leg power, the quick kind of strength that also hoicks a fly sheet over a dome, by roughly 3.5% a year. Power is the one the throw runs on, which explains a lot.This is also the least stubborn part of getting older. A Cochrane review of 121 trials found that progressive strength training had a large positive effect on muscle strength in older people and a moderate to large effect on getting out of a chair, and in most of those trials people trained two or three times a week and worked fairly hard when they did. The NHS asks the same of all of us, strengthening activities on at least 2 days a week, and its list of what counts includes carrying heavy shopping bags, yoga and pilates. A cool box full of ice counts too, Id argue.Pitching, reach and a short sharp pushGetting a fly sheet over a 190cm peak is mostly reach and a short sharp push, with feet that stay put on a lumpy pitch. Two quick moves at the kitchen worktop do the job. An overhead press with a full water bottle in each hand (or your weights, if you have a pair gathering dust), 8 to 10 slow reps, and press-ups with your hands on the worktop, which is much kinder than the floor. Those steady feet come from the balance bit further down.Carrying, or why the trolley only does half the jobThe trolley will trundle the boxes across the campsite, but it wont hoist them into the boot at home or back out on arrival, and that lift is the bit that catches people out. Bend at the hips rather than the waist. Feet hip-width apart, bottom back, box tucked in close, then stand up with your legs rather than uncurling your back. Of course, two half-loads are easier than one heroic one, and I treat my trolleys 50kg limit as a limit rather than something to aim for.This is the least glamorous of the lot. A full water carrier in each hand, stand tall, and walk 20 to 30 metres up and down the garden. It works your grip, shoulders and back much the way the cool box does, and the neighbours will get used to it.Getting up off the ground (and out of that low chair)Camp chairs are low and tent floors are lower, and how far down they feel is mostly about the strength in your thighs, which a desk job like mine doesnt help. Sit-to-stands work well, and theyre as simple as they sound. Sit on a kitchen chair, fold your arms, lower yourself slowly for a count of three and stand up briskly, 8 to 10 times, twice over, and getting out of a chair is one of the everyday tasks the Cochrane review found improved most. For the tent floor, practise getting up the way youd get up from a picnic blanket. From sitting, roll onto one knee, hand on that knee, and push up to standing.Then theres balance, which nobody thinks about until a guy rope finds them in the dark. In one study of 1,702 people aged 51 to 75, around one in five couldnt stand on one leg for 10 seconds, and the researchers note that balance tends to fall away quickly after the mid-50s. Try it whilst the kettle boils, 10 seconds a side with the worktop within reach, and build towards 30. Its properly worth doing. A Cochrane review of 108 trials found that balance and functional exercises reduce the rate of falls in older people by 24%, which is not nothing when the camp loo is across a dark field. If youd like more structure than a handful of moves, theres a simple weekly strength plan for older adults worth a look in the strength section of huumans blog.The first cold night (and why its always the worst one)Sleep researchers have a name for that miserable first night in a tent, the first-night effect, and a brain-scan study found that in an unfamiliar place one half of the brain keeps a lighter, more watchful sleep than the other, a kind of night watch that stands down on the nights after. A tent, with its rustles and zips, is about as unfamiliar as it gets, so if night one is rough and night two is properly cosy, blame your brain, not your mattress.The cold, at least, you can do something about. A review of sleep and temperature research says it plainly enough. In real life its bedding and clothing that protect sleep in the cold (the authors call them critical), and cold may be a bigger everyday problem than heat. So for a perpetually cold camper like me, the hot water bottle, the raised camp bed with a decent SIM on top and every layer from my how to stay warm in your tent tips are what get me through the night.If, like me, youre a poor sleeper, the same moves have a side effect. A review of 13 trials found that regular resistance exercise improves all aspects of sleep, with the biggest gain in sleep quality. Dont expect one session the night before a trip to do it though. A few weeks of sit-to-stands and water carrier walks before a trip, on the other hand, should pay off after dark as well as at the boot of the car.The day afterEight loads and a fly sheet are more than most of us do in a normal week, and a review of muscle soreness research is pretty honest about what follows. Unfamiliar efforts bring on the soreness, and the lowering-down kind, like putting a box down on the floor, brings on the most. Exercise, kept gentle, is the most effective way to ease it, even if the relief is temporary, and new efforts are best introduced gradually over one or two weeks. In camping terms, that means starting the worktop moves a fortnight before the first trip, then a slow walk on the morning after pitching.Im not asking you to change how you camp. If youd rather have someone else set the reps and decide when to go easy, a coaching app such as huuman, which adjusts the strength work to how you slept, will do that for you, and so will a good pilates or yoga teacher in person.A gentle two-session weekTwice a week, around ten minutes, tucked in before or after the morning brew:Sit-to-stands, two lots of 8 to 10, slow down and brisk upOverhead press and worktop press-ups, two lots of 8 to 10Bend, lift and a 20 to 30 metre walk with two full water carriersOne-leg stand whilst the kettle boils, 10 seconds a side, then a proper walkAs always, start small, and if you havent exercised for a while, the NHS suggests a word with your GP first. Im inconsistent as all heck with this sort of thing, so one round of each is plenty in week one. People in the Cochrane trials mostly trained two or three times a week and worked hard when they did, so twice a week is genuinely enough, provided you go to the point of needing a breather, which is the NHSs own yardstick.Final thoughtsTrust me when I tell you comfort first is still the rule. The trolley, the camp bed and the hot water bottle are staying put. A couple of short sessions a week wont change much, but those boxes are less of a faff and the camp chair feels a touch less like a hole in the ground.The fly sheet will still need throwing over the top, but a shorter interpretive dance would happily do me!Find out morePhysical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64, NHSPhysical activity guidelines for older adults, NHSProgressive resistance strength training for improving physical function in older adults, CochraneExercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community, CochraneNight Watch in One Brain Hemisphere during Sleep Associated with the First-Night Effect in Humans, Current BiologyThe effect of resistance exercise on sleep: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials, Sleep Medicine ReviewsDISCLOSURE | This post has been placed by a third party as part of an agreed brand collaboration.The post Simple Strength & Balance Moves For Easier Camping After 50 appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

With a variety of colours to choose from, great cushioning and a well-shaped toe box, these hiking trainers are also grippy, comfortable, breathable and waterproof. But are they immediately comfortable straight out of the box and how do they stand up to the great outdoors? What are they?Womens Targhee Apex Waterproof Hiking Shoe RRP: 140Overall Rating (4.5 / 5)StockistsKeenGo OutdoorsAmazon.co.ukFeaturesOriginal Fit has generous space across the forefoot for toes to splay. Contoured arch for midfoot support.Light, compression-resistant KEEN.ReGENX foam with nearly 70% energy return.Removable, resilient foam insole for long-lasting cushioning. KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole for higher-traction grip. Multi-directional lug pattern provides superior traction. KEEN.TERRAIN SHIELD wraps around the midsole for protection and lateral stability Stability shank delivers lightweight stability.KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane seals out moisture from the inside.PFAS-free, durable water repellent repels water just as well as forever chemicals without harming the planet.Eco Anti-Odor for natural, pesticide-free odour control.What I thoughtIm usually a UK 5.5 but have some size 6 items of footwear and some in a size 5. Having read about the wider toe box, I decided to size down and opted for the 5. That was a good call, and I think the 6 would have been far too big on me.Styling-wise, Im vibing more with neutral tones these days and I love that I can throw these on with anything. They look great with a barrel or carrot-leg jean and they look especially great with sweat pants or leggings.Comfort & performanceFor some years now, Ive been stubborn in my footwear choice. If something isnt comfortable straight out of the box, Im just not interested. Likewise, if my toes feel squished, Im out. Despite sizing down, the Keen Targhee Apex did not disappoint, and like all other Keen footwear Ive worn, they were immediately comfortable straight out of the box.Ive been on plenty of autumn weekend walks and they didnt leave my feet on a recent holiday to Mull, where they coped brilliantly with wet weather, beach walks and climbing on rocks.Many other reviews mention that these walking shoes are great for those with wide feet, so if you have wider feet, or just like a proper foot-shaped toe box, these could be a good choice. For those with regular or narrow feet, you might find you can safely size down by half a size.They have a slightly wider, flared base which is great news for stability and grip, and they are a wear and walk all day choice thats practical and comfortable, making the Keen Targhee Apex a brilliant, versatile outdoor shoe.DISCLOSURE | The featured product was privately purchased and is not supported by any brand(s).Where to next?Kampa Dometic Dream XL Camp Bed ReviewExpert Guide To Camping SIMs Self Inflating MattressesThe Ultimate List Of Camping Tips 66 Camping Tips & HacksThe post Keen Targhee Womens Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.