Testing Tekos Running Socks This Morning!

Testing Tekos Running Socks This Morning - Early Start Before The Rain Came!

We decided to get up bright and early this morning to try out some running socks Teko sent over to us and they definitely did the business even if my legs are a bit sore now! Tried experimenting with the camera again just to prove we don't make these stories up!

Petzl Climbing Gear - 10% Off Now

10% Off Petzl Climbing Gear - Now!!

*****

Heading to your nearest crag this weekend? Get 10% off any Petzl climbing gear right now from our online store.

*****

Want to go straight to the Petzl section just click on the link:-

http://www.rawoutdoors.co.uk/Brands.aspx?BrandID=43

Tried & Tested - Mountain Hardwear Epic Jacket

Tried & Tested - Mountain Hardwear Epic Jacket

Definitely one of my favourite pieces of kit! I've had this jacket for a few years now and use it for everything from biking through to mountain marathons. This particular jacket has taken some major abuse and I've even started using it as a good winter walking jacket by putting in on over my softshell jacket when it really begins to tip it down.

At only £80 it's a great alternative to a Gore-Tex Paclite at twice the price.

Check out the full specs at - http://www.rawoutdoors.co.uk/Models.aspx?ModelID=1388

Also comes in mens and womens.

Trail Magazine - Best Value Ultralight Rucksack

Trail Magazine - Ultralight Rucksacks - Best Value

"Salomon Raid Revo 30"

It's good - At 670g the Revo is one of the lightest 30 litre sacks. the back system has padded zones to allow some airflow and increase comfort, while wide, padded hipbelt fins are ideal for transferring the load to the hips. There are zipped pockets on the hipbelt for easy access to energy bars. On the side of the main sack you get very deep mesh pockets that could swallow a one litre water bottle. Compression straps are also provided to control the load. On the front of the sack is a good compression bungee system that is ideal for stashing gear. A series of daisy chain loops means you can attach extra gear if needed too. You get a good simple lid with a single buckle closure, sno lock extension and an internal and external lid pocket. Inside the sack you can fit a hydration system bladder too.

But - Some rucksacks have more reflective piping for night events. The sack is very durable but could be made lighter with thinner materials or for example by replacing the wide webbing compression straps with cord (as other sacks do). Some sacks allow more airflow on the shoulder straps and back system.

Verdict - A sinple, narrow sack that is great for adventure racing thanks to its weight and capacity, which are ideal for entry-level competitors.

Buy at RAW Outdoors - http://www.rawoutdoors.co.uk/Models.aspx?ModelID=1050

We Start Them Early At RAW Outdoors Part 2

You Can't Put A Good Man Down!

Well he was out again, you just can't keep this ten year old down, although he did fall off shortly after this was filmed and wrecked his knee. Oh well what do they say about practice makes perfect!

A Bit Of Biking In Between The Rain Showers!

Headed Out On The Bike This Morning!

Well, decided to head out this morning and try my hand at biking with a camera in hand, not the biggest success!! Anyway had a cracking morning out with plenty of thrills and spills per usual.

Teko - Named A Top 6 Eco-Gear Company

Teko - Named A Top 6 Eco-Gear Company

Trail polled outdoor experts to discover which companies they rated as the top environmental performers in the outdoor industry - Guess what Teko Socks were one of them!

Teko socks use sustainably farmed organic merino wool and recycled fibres to make durable socks dyed with the most eco-sound bluesign-certified treatments available. It uses 100% wind energy and washes the socks in ozone instead of chlorine. Packaging is recycled and has this year been reduced by 55%. It also offsets its carbon from sock delivery.

And guess what you can get your very own pair from RAW Outdoors!

http://www.rawoutdoors.co.uk/Brands.aspx?BrandID=76

Get Your Free "Surviving Adventure" Guide

Lifesystems "Surviving Adventure" Guide

What do you need to know?

Lifesytems encourage everyone to be adventurous and explore the world we live in - But they want you to be prepared for the potential risks and illnesses you may be exposed to. This booklet will help you prepare fully foryour trip well in advance of departure. It will give you a list of potential risks, where these could strike and how to prevent and protect yourself from them.

For your free complimentary copy of Lifesystems "Surviving Adventure" Guide, send an email with your name and address to info@rawoutdoors.co.uk

Sunday Times Snugpak Review

Snug Bedroll! - Sunday Times Review

SNUG BEDROLL - REMEMBER WHEN BEDROLLS WERE BIGGER THAN THE TENT? THE SNUGPAK TRAVELPAK HAS CHANGED ALL THAT . IT FOLDS UP TO THE SIZE OF A PAIR OF TRAINERS, BUT THANKS TO ITS ANTIBACTERIAL TECHNOLOGY, IS A LOT LESS SMELLY. AND THE BUILT-IN MOSQUITO NET MEANS YOU DON'T HAVE TO SLEEP WITH A ROLLED-UP NEWSPAPER IN YOUR HAND.

WHY NOT TREAT YOURSELF TO ONE FOR THIS YEARS ADVENTURES - NOW ONLY £38!

http://www.rawoutdoors.co.uk/Models.aspx?ModelID=524

And The Winner Is....

Well after a short delay, we've been moving office over the last few days which has caused the delay in getting the good news out to you guys - Sorry!!

The winner of the RAW Outdoors Summer Competition is

Mr John Cooper, Bristol

Congratulations to John and thanks to everyone else who entered. Don't worry if you didn't win this time around we plan to have lots more competitions over the next few weeks and months.

Good luck for next time!

"The Mad Mingulayans"

Mountain Hardwear News

"The Mad Mingulayans"

...or so we were called by Patrick, our skipper, whose unenviable task was to sail us to the island of Mingulay in the Outer Hebrides in June 08. My regular climbing partner Mark Garthwaite had been trying to get a team to Mingulay for the last four years, but every year we made our excuses. The amount of effort involved seemed disproportionate to the rewards. We had heard tales of teams who were stranded in their tents for a fortnight having managed no climbing whatsoever. But with Garth's persuasion we finally agreed to take our chances on what the Climbers Club website describes as 'the best sea cliff in the UK'. We can put up with a few days of rain with a claim like that.
We set sail from Ardfern and took turns to help Patrick sail throughout the night. Our main tasks were to make him tea and keep watch for lobster pots which might tangle with the propeller - God forbid that he would trust a bunch of sleep deprived climbers with anything more serious. My shift came at 4am as we turned passed Mull and headed out into the open water and I was awe struck as the sun turned the ocean turned crimson beneath the etched silhouettes of Rhum and Col. The boat was getting tossed around a little and with none of us being familiar with nautical travel, I was starting to feel a little out of my depth. The others were clearly failing to sleep in their cabins and soon appeared on deck looking worse for wear. To Patrick our host, it was all just a pleasure cruise but Garth had turned a shade of grey and Dave Pickford was trying his best to conceal the fat that he was vomiting over the side, much to Simon Tapin's delight. Least scathed from the turbulence was our final crew member, Charlie Woodburn, who even managed to out-class Patrick by preparing and consuming a greasy-spoon-style fried breakfast down in the galley.

Read the full story at http://blog.mountainhardwear.com

Back From The Good Old USA!

Well The Rattle Snakes Didn't Get Me!

Just to let you know I'm back with lots of views and reviews on gear we tested out in good old California. So check back over the next few days and we'll let you know what we thought of the bits and pieces we took with us.

Taking contributions for the blog yet?

Got this via email and thought it was definately worth sharing;

J


My icebreaker I got off you 2 years ago is something to shout about....

Used and abused….Icebreaker Bodyfit 200 Mondo Zip

Some articles in hillwalking magazines and websites had advised that the ultimate base layer is merino wool. The problem was the huge expense. I was sceptical but willing to try it as with some synthetic base layers I always seem to get itching sensations when I just begin warm up and sweat. Gross and annoying. Eventually, and after much consideration, I put an icebreaker merino base layer on my rawoutdoors wish list to Santa. Santa had deeper pockets than me.
At first I thought I made a mistake. It felt quite strange, a bit like itchy trousers. After a few outings things began to change and soon I did not feel anything. It certainly does not feel like wool or look like wool. It never seems to feel damp and if it is wet, it dries very rapidly. I have warn it straight out of the washing machine on many occasions with very little discomfort. It is warm when it is cold and cool when it is warm. The old base layers are left in the dust. The first choice is always the icebreaker. For the mountains, for a run, for orienteering, for cycling to work. The only time when I consider the old base layers is when the icebreaker is in the wash basket. To be honest I usually remove the icebreaker from the wash basket and wear it anyway as it is surprisingly resistant to funkiness. Now that is gross.

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