Outdoor Gear Chat

Planning an expedition to Greenland?Cathy and Wayne are joined by Olly Sanders to chat about how to prepare, what kit to pack, why climbing style may be dictated by your kayak, the effect of comms and tech on expeditions and why wellies are always on his kit list.There are top tips on how to travel with minimal impact, information and funding advice for those planning their own adventures all interspersed with how to pack your boat, where to strap your gun and the very real discovery that Polar Bears are REALLY big when you're lying down!If that's not enough - we even talk Batman stunts.This show has it all!Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Young Minds Matter Appeal | Brathay TrustSee our full range: The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK (climbers-shop.com)Free kit advice: The Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyOlly's website: All About Rock & Sea Adventures (rockandseadventures.co.uk)If you found this interesting then don't forget to download: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 4: Sleeping Bags - Slip Into Something Silky (buzzsprout.com)Episode 5: Gloves - Mittens vs Fingers (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)Episode 21: First Aid - I've Got An Ouchie (buzzsprout.com)Episode 22: Sunglasses & Goggles - Eye Eye! (buzzsprout.com)Episode 27: Water Purifiers - That's Quite A Thirst (buzzsprout.com)Episode 37: Ropes - All Tied Up (buzzsprout.com)Episode 38: Baselayers - Tight Fit (buzzsprout.com)Episode 41: How To Keep Warm With Dr Down (buzzsprout.com)Episode 44: Helmets - Keep A Lid On It (buzzsprout.com)

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 TrustFor full information how how to check your helmet: Climbing Knowledge — The Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyTo 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.comVisit Emma Powell's You Tube Channel: Emma Powell Climbing - YouTubeFor a wealth of technical climbing information: Tech tips by activity - Petzl United KingdomOther 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)

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.comFor tons of great skills and kit advice check out: www.joebrownoutdooracademy.comRelated 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)

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: @elriofoundationFind out more about El Rio Hostel: Rio Hostel BuritacaRead 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 AcademyRelated 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)

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 TrustIf 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 AcademyDon'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)

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 TrustYou can buy signed copies of Harrison's book hereView our range of stoves hereThinking of upgrading your kit? Read our wide range of Buyers GuidesKnowledge — The Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyFind out more about Harrison here: Fell Foodie | Outdoor Cooking | Mental Health SpeakerIf you need support don't put it off, click here

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 TrustBuy 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 AcademyVisit the Voom website here:VOOM Nutrition | Leading sports nutrition, energy & recovery products

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 TrustClick 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 AcademyEdelrid Cut Resistance of Rope Test:EDELRID Knowledge Base - Cut Resistance of ropes - Part 1 - YouTube

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

In September 2023 Outdoor Gear Chat Co-Host Wayne Singleton stepped into the water at Bowness-on-Solway on the North Cumbria coast to "celebrate" an upcoming birthday. Some say he'd taken a wrong turn as originally, he'd started out planning to swim the English Channel. When he couldn't find a pilot he decided on a different type of swim challenge, one no-one had ever tried before - to swim the entire coastline of his home County of Cumbria.With no idea what to expect, no idea if three years of training was enough, 10 days off from work and an acute fear of sea wildlife, Wayne describes dark depths, terrifying tides and the truly monster jellyfish he came across on his journey.You can read a "real time" account of Wayne's epic swim here:News - The Running ConciergeTo donate to Wayne's Challenge and raise money for the Brathay Trust:Wayne Singleton is fundraising for Brathay Trust (justgiving.com)To learn about the great work of The Brathay Trust with young people in the North West:Inspiring young people to make positive changes - Brathay Trust

Cathy & Wayne are joined by Rab athlete Jon Gupta who has a wealth of experience climbing and guiding the worlds highest peaks - so many, in fact, just listening to the intro is exhausting!Kick back and join in the mirth as this chat offers a rare insight into life at high altitude and how little bits of kit and experience can make all the difference to being successful on a major expedition. Vital tips such as why you should never put your down suit on for the first time at 7000m, what is the ONLY eating implement you need, the importance of pillows, what type of deodorant works at altitude and just what is the mysterious item that always appears at the bottom of a pan of freshly melted snow?With thanks to Rab for making this podcast possible.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 TrustJoe Brown's and The Climbers Shop are proud to be pro stockists of the Rab range and have a wide range of expedition clothing and footwear in stock.The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK (climbers-shop.com)Learn more about our Expedition Event: Expedition Event 2022 Round up — The Climbers Shop / Joe Brown Blog (theclimbersshopjoebrownblog.co.uk)Expedition Tips: https://www.joebrownoutdooracademy.com/knowledge-expeditionsClimb with Jon: Home // Mountain Expeditions (mountain-expeditions.co.uk)

Cathy and Wayne are back to talk about the humble hat and the many headwear items designed to protect your head from the cold, the heat, the sun and vicious biting mcbeasties.What fabrics work well, what features should you look out for, why is a hat so important, does a hat define who you are, when would you want to wear one under a hood, why did Wayne look like a member of the French Foreign Legion while running the Marathon des Sables and does Cathy really have a collection of fascinators?All this and much, much more to help you remember to protect your head in every adventurous situation.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 To learn more about this weeks topic click through to:See The Climbers Shop and Joe Browns full headwear range hereFor tips on how to keep warm in the mountains click here

In this episode Cathy and Wayne are joined by The Climbers Shop Manager and Spine Race veteran Chris Worton to talk about the wonderful world of trail shoes.Why are there so many different types? How is a trail running shoe different from a road running shoe? Can the right shoes make you feel less tired? How can you make shoes last longer? What is the difference between pronation and supination? What is meant by drop? gait? neutral shoes? This episode is packed with facts and information about shoes, socks, gaiters, microspikes, laces and....... marmite - Wayne even get's grossed out about toenails.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 TrustClick the link to see our huge range of men's trail shoesMens Trail Running Shoes And Fell Running Shoes (climbers-shop.com)Click the link to see our huge range of women's trail shoesWomens Trail Running Shoes And Fell Running Shoes (climbers-shop.com)Click the "Running" tab to see our full range of clothing and accessoriesThe Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK (climbers-shop.com)Tips on fit, nutrition and ultra's:Running — The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Cathy and Wayne are joined by engineer, sewer and outdoor equipment and clothing repair specialist; Rosanna Watson from Snowdonia Gear Repairs to delve into how to make your gear last longer.Learn about tapes, sealants, zips, seams and all the little replacement gizmo's available to make your own repairs as well as the wealth of fixes that can be done to clothing, sleeping bags, rucsacks and tents so they can be used and kept out of landfill for as long as possible. Packed full of tips, Rosanna also explains how she can customise garments for MRT's, how to spot if a garment is easily repairable and how to get the best value for money (spoiler - this may not necessarily mean buying the cheapest).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 TrustOur shops have a large range of repair tapes, sealants, buckles, tapes and cords permanently in stock. They're dead easy to find in the shops and we're working on improving their visibility online:Clothing/Tent and Rucsack Spares and repairs: Repair Products Camping | The Climbers Shop And Joe Brown S (climbers-shop.com)Cordlocks: Lowe Alpine Cord Lock - Assorted Coloured (climbers-shop.com)Cord: Ropes Cords Climbing Equipment | The Climbers Shop And Joe (climbers-shop.com)Footwear Spares: Proofings, Aftercare & Repair | The Climbers Shop (climbers-shop.com)To find our how to send your item back to Snowdonia Gear Repair please click here: Snowdonia Gear RepairOur key brands all have their own repair/servicing and advice portals here:Rab Service Centre - Rab® UKReturns | Mountain Equipment (mountain-equipment.co.uk)Care of Your Product – Mountain Equipment (mountain-equipment.co.uk)Montane Repair Service | Extend the lifetime of your product. – Montane - UKClimbing / Walking Boot Repairs & Resoles (UK) - SCARPA UKLa Sportiva - Official WebsiteOther outdoor specialist repair companies in the UK:Outdoor Gear Repairs - LSR (lancashiresportsrepairs.co.uk)Scottish Mountain Gearhome | Llanberis Resoles | approved Scarpa and La Sportiva resoler.

Cathy and Wayne are joined by Scarpa UK Core Sales Director Glyn Padgett to discuss what sets mountain boots apart from regular walking boots.Learn the difference between B1, B2 & B3, why stiffness is critical when using boots with crampons, why size matters (even more than usual), why you shouldn't get the hump with gaiter zips, why it's not just materials that make a boot vegan friendly, amazing aftercare and the bizarre link between the boots on your feet and a famous Irish dry stout. All this and some serious tittering over lubricants!Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalTo learn more about our FREE Expedition Event please click here:Expedition Event - Capel Curig 29th - 30th October — The Climbers Shop / Joe Brown Blog (theclimbersshopjoebrownblog.co.uk)To learn more about this weeks topic please click below:Technical - SCARPA UKWhat is a B1 or B2 boot? | ISM (alpin-ism.com)Need to buy Mountain boots? The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK (climbers-shop.com)Want to know more about kit? Footwear — The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Cathy and Wayne are joined once again by World Extreme Medicine Joint Medical Director Dr Will Duffin as they tackle the murky world of water purification and how to keep healthy in the wilderness.Learn the difference between filtration and purification, understand the different types available and why there are so many, how to choose your water source, why it's not just drinking water that needs to be pure, why you should consider carrying a form of filtration to use in the UK and how you can get clean water to drink without spending any money at all!Not necessarily a podcast to listen to while you are eating; there is lots of discussion about "travellers tummy", the curious ability of a sheep to die in a water source, how drinking your own sweat can get you out of a sticky situation and, in the type of magnificent random deviation that you can only experience on Outdoor Gear Chat: a rather terrifying description of how easy it is to die in your own tent.A note on using chlorine tablets during pregnancy:"As a general rule it appears most chlorine-based products are considered ‘safe' if used at recommended concentrations. Having said this, as with all medicines in pregnancy, there is very limited good quality evidence and uncertainty remains. It’s important that the risk of harm from chemical treatment is balanced with the risks of water borne diseases in pregnancy. In my view, whilst chlorine-based products are probably ok, filtration and boiling should be preferred options while we await more definitive answers from the scientific literature. Always refer to manufacturer's instructions." Dr Will Duffin Listen, learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalTo learn more about our FREE Expedition Events please click here:Expedition Event - Capel Curig 29th - 30th October — The Climbers Shop / Joe Brown Blog (theclimbersshopjoebrownblog.co.uk)To learn more about this weeks topic please click below:World Extreme Medicine: Pioneering Remote MedicineWorldwide Expeditions — The Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyTo buy from our range of purifiers and filters click below:Water Purification And Treatment Camping | The Climbers Sho (climbers-shop.com)

Climber, Alpinist, Himalayan Mountaineer, International Mountain Guide, and Award Winning Author Andy Cave joins Cathy and Wayne to talk about life before Gore-Tex, ye olde plastic boots, fibre glass ice axes, layering, sweat management, why feathers are fab, glove choices, harness culture (yes, it is a thing!), why paying extra for a dry treated rope is well worth it and just when is it okay to use modern ultralight running kit in the mountains. Learn about layering in action, what to think about when buying kit and, in what is possibly THE most spectacular random deviation of the series ever: the marvels of victorian engineering which run underground between Thirlmere in the Lake District and Manchester.Andy is part of the Rab sponsored athlete team and has a huge experience of using their full range while pushing climbing to the limit on bold new routes in the Alps, Alaska, Patagonia and the Himalaya. He also hosts Rab's podcasts: The Mountain People Podcast - Rab® UKListen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalTo learn more about our FREE Expedition Event please click here:Expedition Event - Capel Curig 29th - 30th October — The Climbers Shop / Joe Brown Blog (theclimbersshopjoebrownblog.co.uk)To learn more about this weeks topic please click below:Speaker, Coach, Mountaineer, Author | Andy CaveBBC Radio 4 - Andy Cave's Expedition UndergroundTo buy Andy's award-winning books:Learning to Breathe - Andy Cave (climbers-shop.com)Need to buy kit for your trek? The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK (climbers-shop.com)Want to know more about kit? The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy

Cathy and Wayne delve into what to pack when tackling the three peaks at any time of year.What's in Cathy's rucsack? What should be on your feet? Why carry layers? Should you train? Why is the material of your socks surprisingly critical? and what is the optimum size packed lunch? (Answer: sizeable)This Outdoor Gear Chat outlines all of those little kit decisions that can make all the difference to having a GREAT day on the hill.Don't forget to listen to our previous podcasts to get all the extra expert info......Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: COMMUNITY ACTION NEPAL (canepal.org.uk)To learn more about our FREE Expedition Events please click here: Expedition Event - Capel Curig 29th - 30th October — The Climbers Shop / Joe Brown Blog (theclimbersshopjoebrownblog.co.uk)To learn more about this weeks topic click through to:Clothing — The Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyFootwear — The Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyKnowledge - Backpacks — The Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyHiking — The Joe Brown Outdoor AcademyNeed to buy kit? www.climbers-shop.com

Cathy and Wayne are joined by British Antarctic Field Operative Catrin Thomas who gives a fascinating insight into managing clothing systems in the harsh polar environment.Catrin was awarded the UK Polar Medal in 2019 and describes her wealth of experience in keeping warm and dry among the many climates of the Antarctic continent - a lot of which is surprisingly similar to Scottish winter!Learn how a mix of synthetic and natural fibres works best, why you can never have too many socks, how to keep your gloves warm when they're not on your hands, why glasses are good when you're working with Penguins, why goggles are better when you're working with Gannets and.............how to go to the loo when you're effectively living in a freezer.Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalTo learn more about our FREE Expedition Events please click here:Expedition Event - Capel Curig 29th - 30th October — The Climbers Shop / Joe Brown Blog (theclimbersshopjoebrownblog.co.uk)To learn more about this weeks topic please click below:Homepage - British Antarctic Survey (bas.ac.uk)Polar Medal winner Catrin Thomas and 17 Antarctic trips - BBC NewsJoe Browns and the Climbers ShopJoe Brown Outdoor Academy

Cathy and Wayne are joined by Everest Basecamp Trek Leader Paul Poole to chat about what conditions to expect and what kit to pack to enjoy this iconic trek.Paul has been travelling to the Khumbu region for 20 years and shares a host of top tips on the best time to travel, how to cope with altitude, pack size, what to wear on your feet, how many jackets are needed to star gaze comfortably and how you can save yourself from a world of discomfort just by looking after your wrists (!)Listen ,learn, laugh and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action NepalTo learn more about our FREE Expedition Event please click here: Expedition Event - Capel Curig 29th - 30th October — The Climbers Shop / Joe Brown Blog (theclimbersshopjoebrownblog.co.uk)To learn more about this weeks topic please click below:Mountain Leader Training Course | Paul Poole Mountaineering | WalesNeed to buy kit for your trek? The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK (climbers-shop.com)Want to know more about kit? The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy