Piers Ellison

An eager explorer of the great outdoors from an early age, Piers has hiked and cycled for more than six thousand miles across North America, Europe and the United Kingdom. These days you’ll likely find him traipsing around the South Downs National Park, riding around Colorado on his 49 year-old Schwinn “Benny the Super Hip", or helping to encourage others out into the wilderness as well.

Nitecore NU25UL Headlamp Review (Tested 2023)

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Piers staring into the sunset while he tests his headtorch for our Nitecore NU25UL review.

Headlamps – that’s just Black Diamond and Petzl’s department, right?  Well, having had the chance to conduct this Nitecore NU25UL headlamp review, I think they might have to welcome a third contender into the night-vision game… Here are the latest prices for the Nitecore NU25UL: Retailer Price Amazon Check Latest Price Our verdict on the … Read more

BRS-3000T Stove Review (5 Years Tested)

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Two campers sit next to a brs-3000t stove review on the pacific crest trail.

The BRS-3000T is the smallest, and probably the cheapest camping stove you can buy.  I’ve had one since June 2018, and have carried it on the John Muir Trail, the Camino de St Jacques, the Pacific Crest Trail and a little bit of the Continental Divide Trail – and this miraculous piece of equipment is … Read more

How to Seam Seal a Tent

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A person seam seals a tent

Is water coming in through the seams of your tent? Or are those seams just beginning to peel away? If so, you don’t need to shell out your hard-earned cash on a new shelter – you just need to learn how to seam seal a tent! Seam sealing a tent can help immeasurably with re-waterproofing … Read more

How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag

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Piers showing you how to wash a down sleeping bag and holding the sleeping bag in his arms.

“Why isn’t my down sleeping bag as warm as it used to be? Why does it smell like that? And most of all, where’s all its beautiful fluffiness gone?” Had questions like this? It sounds like you need some advice on how to wash a down sleeping bag. Yes, washing down gear can be daunting … Read more

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Review

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Looking at the side of the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 mesh without the rainfly attached.

Big Agnes, one of Colorado’s best-known gear companies, has got a solid reputation – but how does this newest version of one of their most popular models fare when tested for over 1000 miles of hiking? Keep reading our Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 review to find out! Check the latest prices for the … Read more

Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT Review (2023)

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Our reviewer stands holding the Therm-a-rest Neoair Xlite NXT sleeping pad before the testing begins.

The Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT (2023) is the latest iteration of Thermarest’s somewhat legendary NeoAir XLite sleeping pad. Used by backpackers, thru-hikers and general camping enthusiasts the world over, do Thermarest’s changes to its famous yellow mat justify the NXT’s hefty price tag? Keep reading our Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT review to find out! Check … Read more