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May 30, 2006
TEN TOP TIPS FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES THIS SUMMER.
Rain's falling, winds are gusting and there's a chill in the air – the Great British Summer is here.
And while it may not be ideal weather for wallowing in the surf or relaxing on the beach, it's almost perfect for outdoor and adventure fans.
"British climate and weather can still bite back even in Summer, so it's well worth being prepared – but it's surprising how few truly are, and amazing how many don't prepare even the very basics," said Rob Willoughby of OutdoorGB.com.
There are perhaps ten top tips – or golden rules – and some fantastically capable and good value products on the market to help the outdoors brigade make the most of the landscape while risking the least in the form of injury or discomfort.
- Look after your feet - wash and keep your feet as dry as possible when walking, helping to prevent sores and fungal infections. Wear good walking boots and walking socks if possible. A thinner, second pair can be worn underneath or on top to ease the pain of blisters should you get any mid-expedition. When resting, air your feet allowing them to recover from being enclosed in walking boots all day.
- Eat regularly to help prevent exhaustion and keep you in a positive frame of mind. Lightweight stoves such as JetBoil (£49.98) or Trangia (from £46.99) allow quick and easy boiling for hot drinks and food.
- 'Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories'. Get a good rucksack (Eg. DEUTER 'Aircontact 45 + 10) that has waterproof compartments that will allow easy access to pockets so you can dispose of rubbish.
- Don't get lost. Take a good compass (Eg. SILVA Expedition 4 compass £22.50) and Ordinance Survey maps and a waterproof map case and you should be OK. If you have trouble reading maps then you could use a handheld GPS (Eg. Magellan Explorist series) to find your location.
- Find a good location to pitch your tent – somewhere dry and sheltered. If you plan on having a fire, pick somewhere that has the relevant resources close by so it can be done quickly and with little effort. Use the Ultimate Survival Blast Match Fire Starter (£16.99) in any conditions - wind, rain or snow - to light your fire.
- At night, when venturing outside your tent, it is important to see where you're going. A foot injury after stepping on a sharp stick or rock can ruin your expedition. Use a head torch such as the Petzl Myo XP (£38.95) to avoid accidents in the dark.
- Always take a good, strong, versatile knife, ideally a lock knife, which can be used in any situation where a sharp edge is required. The 'Buck Summit Folding Knife' is ideal and retails at £59.95.
- Check the weather forecast before you set off. Trekking in the rain is no fun no matter how hardcore you are. Weather can change dramatically in very little time, especially at altitude. Take waterproof jackets, trousers (Keela stash away trousers £14.98, Keela Atlas Hillwalking jacket £45.99) and boots. The weather can also be monitored with the Suunto X-Lander £155.69. This watch also has a compass, complete Barometer and multifunctional sports features allowing you to keep an eye on the changing weather.
- Always take a hat. In cold weather a hat will help keep you warm and in summer months provide shade from the sun. Buff headwear is ideal for winter and blustery conditions; a peak is needed in the summer to provide shade (Eg. Buff Visor Headwear £12.98).
- Don't be Silly. We all want to have fun when on expedition but this can be ruined when people become over-excited and accidents happen. Conserve you energy, stick to the footpaths and respect the country code. Always tell someone where you're going and take a mobile phone if possible.
ExtremeGB is part of the GB Group, an established online retailer providing marine equipment (www.sailgb.com), outdoor equipment (www.outdoorgb.com) and sports watches (www.watchesgb.com)
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
0161 929 0446 / 07788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
www.extremegb.com
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