Outdoor Gear Chat

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This week Cathy and Wayne talk about head protection with Petzl sponsored athletes and climbing giants: Emma Powell and Neil Gresham.

Whether you are trad, sport, winter climbing or dry tooling we delve into why you might choose to wear a helmet when you climb, different construction types, testing, safety, how to check your helmet, how to tell when your helmet should be retired and why recycling them is so difficult. Packed full of technical geekery, anecdotes and possibly a little too much information from Cathy, this an essential listen for climbers everywhere.

Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Young Minds Matter Appeal | Brathay Trust

For full information how how to check your helmet: Climbing Knowledge — The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy
To see our full range of climbing helmets: Climbing Helmets Climbing Equipment | The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops (climbers-shop.com)
Visit Neil Gresham's website: neilgresham.com
Visit Emma Powell's You Tube Channel: Emma Powell Climbing - YouTube
For a wealth of technical climbing information: Tech tips by activity - Petzl United Kingdom

Other Outdoor Gear Chat Posts you might be interested in:
Episode 7: Trad Climbing Gear - Nice Rack! (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 9: Rock Boots - Trust The Rubber (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 15: Ice Axes - Take Your Pick (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 20: Carabiners - I Need A Screw (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 37: Ropes - All Tied Up (buzzsprout.com)

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Cathy and Wayne talk about the NEW Mountain Goat Circuit/ Cylchdaith Yr Afr Fynydd, a spectacular 50km loop in Snowdonia along the skyline from the Joe Brown's Capel Curig shop to Llanberis and back.

Joined by Rab Global Sales Operations Manager Chris Vanderhoven, they discuss how the idea came about, the route, the terrain and there are lots of tips on what kit you'll need depending if you run, fastpack or backpack what is sure to become an iconic round of it's own right. The odds are good you'll see one of the famous Snowdonia Mountain Goats en route too!

For more details about how to get involved:
For suggested kit lists:
Check out the full range of great kit available at www.joe-brown.com
For tons of great skills and kit advice check out: www.joebrownoutdooracademy.com

Related Outdoor Gear Chat Podcasts:
Episode 1: Waterproofs - I'm Wet Through to My Undies (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 2: Layering - The Joy of Moisture Management (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 3: Socks - My Feet Stink (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 5: Gloves - Mittens vs Fingers (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 6: Walking Boots - When Size Really Matters (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 10: Rucksacks - What's in your sack? (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 21: First Aid - I've Got An Ouchie (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 22: Sunglasses & Goggles - Eye Eye! (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 29: Hats - The Importance Of Head Protection (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 33: Trail Running Shoes - Nice Lugs! (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 38: Baselayers - Tight Fit (buzzsprout.com)

Planning to camp?
Episode 4: Sleeping Bags - Slip Into Something Silky (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 8: Stoves - Burning Ring of Fire (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 11: Lighting - Beam Me Up (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 19: Tents - Erections Of All Sizes (buzzsprout.com)

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Cathy and Wayne are joined live from Colombia by Ben Davies and Felix Sullivan from the El Rio Hostel in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains.
This very special episode talks not just about the kit needed for the nearby trek to the Lost City but also the unique relationship between The Climbers Shop and the El Rio Foundation. Listen to how buying great kit from us helps fund vital work with children in post conflict Colombia - and how you can help kids learn simply by visiting the hostel and buying a beer!

Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider making a donation to help further the vital work of the El Rio Foundation here.

Follow El Rio Foundation:
Instagram: @elriofoundation

Find out more about El Rio Hostel: Rio Hostel Buritaca
Read more about the El Rio Foundation: The El Rio Foundation – We are the charity arm of Rio Hostel Buritaca (elriofoundationco.org)
How buying great kit in Ambleside can have a positive impact on kids in post conflict Colombia: How Your Purchases With Us Help Others Too — The Climbers Shop / Joe Brown Blog (theclimbersshopjoebrownblog.co.uk)
To see our travel and trekking range: The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK (climbers-shop.com)
Further kit information: The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Related Outdoor Gear Chat Episodes:
Episode 38: Baselayers - Tight Fit (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 27: Water Purifiers - That's Quite A Thirst (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 22: Sunglasses & Goggles - Eye Eye! (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 21: First Aid - I've Got An Ouchie (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 10: Rucksacks - What's in your sack? (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 6: Walking Boots - When Size Really Matters (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 3: Socks - My Feet Stink (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 2: Layering - The Joy of Moisture Management (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 1: Waterproofs - I'm Wet Through to My Undies (buzzsprout.com)

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Join Cathy and Wayne with Dr Matt Fuller, for a fascinating insight into down and it's amazing ability to keep us warm!
Matt has a PhD in Feather and Down Structure and is Product Engineer at Mountain Equipment.
This episode is a real journey, explaining how ethically sourced down ends up in your jacket, sleeping bag, or suit  from source. Learn how down is almost structurally perfect, how it works, it's longevity, why insulated legwear and skirts rock, what "clumping" is and what to do if you've got it.
If you have ever wondered about the difference between cheap down and responsibly sourced, what a Down Codex might be, or even if it is true that the original down jacket was invented by a chap named Finch (!) then this is definitely the podcast for you.

Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Young Minds Matter Appeal | Brathay Trust

If you would like to trace the down in your Mountain Equipment product, use the Down Codex here: Down Codex - Mountain Equipment (thedowncodex.co.uk)
Buy Mountain Equipment Products here: The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK (climbers-shop.com)
Learn more about outdoor clothing and equipment here:  The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy
Don't forget to listen to our other podcasts about down:
Episode 4: Sleeping Bags - Slip Into Something Silky (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 12: Insulated Jackets - Snug As A Bug (buzzsprout.com)

Episode 23: Kit Lists - Everest Basecamp Trek (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 24: Kit Lists - Polar Travel (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 26: Kit Lists - Expeditions with Andy Cave (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 30: Kit Lists - 8000m Peaks with Jon Gupta (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 36: Kit Lists - Trekking In Nepal (buzzsprout.com)

Join Cathy and Wayne with Dr Matt Fuller, for a fascinating insight into down and it's amazing ability to keep us warm!
Matt has a PhD in Feather and Down Structure and is Product Engineer at Mountain Equipment.
This episode is a real journey, explaining how ethically sourced down ends up in your jacket, sleeping bag, or suit  from source. Learn how down is almost structurally perfect, how it works, it's longevity, why insulated legwear and skirts rock, what "clumping" is and what to do if you've got it.
If you have ever wondered about the difference between cheap down and responsibly sourced, what a Down Codex might be, or even if it is true that the original down jacket was invented by a chap named Finch (!) then this is definitely the podcast for you.

Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Young Minds Matter Appeal | Brathay Trust

If you would like to trace the down in your Mountain Equipment product, use the Down Codex here: Down Codex - Mountain Equipment (thedowncodex.co.uk)
Buy Mountain Equipment Products here: The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK (climbers-shop.com)
Learn more about outdoor clothing and equipment here:  The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy
Don't forget to listen to our other podcasts about down:
Episode 4: Sleeping Bags - Slip Into Something Silky (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 12: Insulated Jackets - Snug As A Bug (buzzsprout.com)

Episode 23: Kit Lists - Everest Basecamp Trek (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 24: Kit Lists - Polar Travel (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 26: Kit Lists - Expeditions with Andy Cave (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 30: Kit Lists - 8000m Peaks with Jon Gupta (buzzsprout.com)
Episode 36: Kit Lists - Trekking In Nepal (buzzsprout.com)

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Cathy and Wayne are joined by outdoor cook and all round smashing bloke Harrison Ward to talk about getting out in the fells to cook.
Perhaps better known by his Instagram handle @Fellfoodie, Harrison shares his own version of haute cuisine among his native Lakeland Fells alongside his personal recovery from alcoholism and poor mental health.
Harrison openly describes how combining his newly found passion for hillwalking with cooking tasty nutritious food has lead him into a new realm of positivity and ultimately, the realisation of a childhood dream.
There is plenty of talk about kit, camping, laughter among the reflection and a sizeable plug for Harrison's excellent new book "Cook Out" packed full of scrumptious recipes to cook outdoors and enjoy with friends.

Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Young Minds Matter Appeal | Brathay Trust

You can buy signed copies of Harrison's book here
View our range of stoves here
Thinking of upgrading your kit? Read our wide range of Buyers Guides
Knowledge — The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy
Find out more about Harrison here: Fell Foodie | Outdoor Cooking | Mental Health Speaker
If you need support don't put it off, click here

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Cathy and Wayne are joined by Voom Brand Manager and Team GB Triathalete Beau Smith to seriously geek out on nutrition for endurance sports.
Listen and learn what energy bar ingredients mean, the difference between caffiene and guarana, what are the key causes of stomach issues (and potential solutions), why hydration is so critical alongside energy foods, how electrolyte drinks work, why B vitamins are so important, discover that Recovery Fudge is a "thing" and how plant protein is increasingly popular in race nutrition. From baby milk to hangover cures - we discuss the lot!

Grab a brew (and possibly a dictionary) to enjoy this episode to the max.


Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Wayne Singleton is swimming the coastline of Cumbria for Brathay Trust

Buy Voom nutrition here:
Nutrition | The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops (climbers-shop.com)
Full range of Endurance Sport nutrition here:
Nutrition | The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops (climbers-shop.com)
Learn more about endurance race nutrition here:
Running — The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy
Visit the Voom website here:
VOOM Nutrition | Leading sports nutrition, energy & recovery products

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Cathy and Wayne are joined once again by the brilliant Stuart Smith to discuss  undergarments.

You'll hear all about why a baselayer should be close fitting to work effectively in our climate, how they work, why some niff more than others, how to make a stinky baselayer smell better (and last longer), the difference between natural and man made fibres and what is good merino vs bad merino.
There are tales a-plenty (including vanishing underwear) but beware - you may never be able to eat a Polo mint again!

Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Wayne Singleton is swimming the coastline of Cumbria for Brathay Trust

Buy Men's Baselayer is available here:
Men's Baselayers (climbers-shop.com)
Buy Women's Baselayer here:
Women's Baselayers (climbers-shop.com)
Buyers Guide to Baselayers:
Buyers Guide To Baselayers — The Climbers Shop / Joe Brown Blog (theclimbersshopjoebrownblog.co.uk)
Need to wash those stinky baselayers?
Proofings Clothing Care & Proofing Essentials | The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops (climbers-shop.com)
Learn more about technical clothing here:
Clothing — The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Listen to Stu Smith discuss Stoves:
Episode 8: Stoves - Burning Ring of Fire (buzzsprout.com)

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Are you baffled by the number of different ropes available? Cathy and Wayne talk with Edelrid UK Representative Alex Smurthwaite and discover how not all ropes are equal......

Learn the difference between single/half/twin and triple ropes, why there are so many diameters, how a dry treatment keeps out more than just water, why colour is important, how to wash your rope, what the Bluesign logo means and why a "glorified angle grinder" is part of the Edelrid testing process!

Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Wayne Singleton is swimming the coastline of Cumbria for Brathay Trust

Click here to see our range of Edelrid climbing ropes and equipment:
Search results for 'edelrid' (climbers-shop.com)
Purchase a Beal Rope Brush here:
Beal Rope Brush (climbers-shop.com)
To learn more about climbing equipment click here:
Climbing Knowledge — The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy
Edelrid Cut Resistance of Rope Test:
EDELRID Knowledge Base - Cut Resistance of ropes - Part 1 - YouTube

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If trekking in Nepal is on your bucket list then join Cathy and Wayne as they chat with Denise Prior at Community Action Treks. She has 20 years experience and along with Nicola Terry from parent charity Community Action Nepal, explains not just the importance of packing the right kit but also how to travel and trek while having a positive impact on the country you are travelling in.
Both Community Action Nepal and Community action Treks were originally set up by mountaineer Doug Scott - who summited Everest in 1975 alongside Dougal Haston making them the first Brits to do so.

You can find out more about the Treks offered by CAT here:
Community Action Trekking (catreks.com)
You can donate to Community Action Nepal here:
About Us | Community Action Nepal (canepal.org.uk)
Everything you need to trekking anywhere; from water purification to boots to sun-cream to down jackets is available here:
The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK (climbers-shop.com)
Discover a TON of free equipment and clothing advice here:
The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy