What is a power kite?

A power kite such as the HQ Kites Symphony is a soft canopy kite that provides enough pull and traction to lift you off your feet. Power kites are used in a range of extreme sports for pulling you along. These include:

• Kite Surfing is an extreme sport where you use a power kite to pull you across water whilst standing on a specialist power kiting surf board.
• Kite boarding is where you use a power kite to pull you along whilst you are mountain boarding.
• Snow kiting is an extreme sport where you use a power kite to pull you along on your snowboard.
• Kite buggying is a sport where you sit in a buggy and use a power kite to pull you along a beach.
• Power Kites for Ships – Power kites are so powerful that you can tow ships with a power kite.

Choosing the Best Power Kite for You

There are several key players supplying power kites, with the best brands including Flexifoil, HQ, Ozone and Peter Lynn. The key characteristics of power kites are whether they have two or four line (quad line) control, and how big they are.

Two lines or four lines?

The main two lines on a power kite are used for steering it. If you pull the left line the power kite goes left. If you pull the right line the power kite goes right. On four line power kites, there are two additional lines that are attached to the trailing edge of the kite. These are the brake lines. The brake lines on a power kite are used for reducing the amount of pull the power kite is giving, and also for bringing the power kite down.

How to fly a 4 Line Power Kite

On four line power kites, you control the power kite using two bars, one for the left, one for the right. The top lines are for power, the lower lines are the brake lines. Some power kites also have bungee cords that attach to your wrists to act as a safety device. When you let go of the control bars, the bungees release the power lines and pull on the brake lines which brings the power kite down.

What Size Power Kite Should I Get?

The size of power kite you choose depends on your body weight, fitness and the strength of wind you will be flying your power kite in. Power kites come in a range of sizes. To help you understand what size will suit you, here is a comparison of the different Flexifoil power kite sizes.

Flexifoil Buzz and Big Buzz

The Big Buzz kite is the 2.05m version of the Buzz 1.45m. The only performance difference between the Big Buzz and the Buzz is an increase in power due to the increase in size yet the kite is still a super-easy and safe-to-fly kite.

Flexifoil Sting

Flexifoil’s entry-level 4-line power kite. Designed to provide a precision flying experience, perfect for learning to fly on 4-lines and bridging the gap into the world of traction kiting (skidding, buggying or landboarding). Available with 4-line handles or a 2-line bar.

The Flexifoil Sting power kite comes in several sizes.

• 1.2m The most junior of the Sting power kites, guaranteed to keep you smiling long after you have finished flying for the day.
• 1.7m Gives more power to your moves and introduces the traction element to your flying. Perfect for the younger first-time flyer wanting to get into power kiting.
• 2.4m This is where power kiting can become a reality. With a good wind, the 2.4m Sting power kite is powerful enough to move you on a mountain board or buggy. You will start to get a real sense of power in your kite flying.
• 3.3m Flexifoil’s new 3.3m size bridges the gap between recreational static flying and zooming along in a buggy or mountain board.  This kite is the perfect first time power kite.  If you’re keen on progressing with kite sports then this is the best way to learn.

Flexifoil Rage

A full on 4-line traction kite. The Rage power kite provides fantastic grunt in all sizes and is the ideal first power kite for older teens or adults who want a kite that they can learn with, yet with enough power to use with a buggy or mountain board. The Rage power kite can propel you up to great speeds with a buggy or mountain board. It is the power kite of choice for all kiters wishing to harness the elements.

Available in five sizes sizes from 1.8m to 6m, with either 4-line handles or 4-line bar.

Please seek advice on which size to go for, but for most adults the 2.5m or 3.5m is the right place to start.

Supplied ready to fly with all you need to get power kiting. A legend amongst kite flyers. Pure fun, pure adrenalin, pure power!

Flexifoil Blade IV

The Blade IV is not a power kite for the feint hearted – it is seriously powerful and designed for the most extreme power kiting activities. Flexifoil Blades have an exciting history – sailing the first kitesurfers across the English channel, pulling explorers across the South Pole, and powering our outrageous freestyle buggy team.

The BladeIV is an ideal second kite in your kite bag, best suited for people with some previous flying experience!

It is available in four sizes from 4m to 8.5m. If you already have a Rage then you can buy the BladeIV power kite only and fly it on your Rage lines. Due to the awesome power of the BladeIV, you may need to upgrade your lines in strong winds.

Recommended Best Power Kites

HQ Symphony

The HQ Symphony is an excellent power kite. It comes as a 1.3 metre size and 2.2 metre size power kite.  It allows you to do a lot of stunts and has quite a pull when in full flight. Easy to launch, and because it does not have any solid spars, it survives all crashes.

Children aged 8 and up should be able to fly this power kite with ease and supervision. Also lots of fun for adults who want to practice their stunt flying. Excellent value for money and makes a super gift to get someone outside.

Peter Lynn Hype

The Peter Lynn Hype is incredibly easy to set-up and suitable for all ages and skill levels. Flying the Hype does not require any prior kiting experience, as it’s docile flying behaviour ensures that there are no sudden power surges when flying the kite through the wind-window.

It is a 2-line fixed bridle kite with straps. It has an extremely robust construction, with great control and easy handling. This power kite is easy to launch and relaunch.

Flexifoil Buzz and Flexifoil Big Buzz

The Flexifoil Buzz power kite is suitable for ages 5 to 95. The 2-line Flexifoil Buzz is the perfect first power kite. Simple, robust and set up ready to fly straight out of the bag – all you have to do is unwind the lines.

Great in winds from 10mph up to 30mph, you will be able to practise precision flying with manageable power in all weathers making this the perfect fun family kite that you can fly time and time again.

The Flexifoil Big Buzz is the Buzz’s big brother. With a 2m wingspan, the BIG Buzz creates a strong but manageable pull across the sky. This gives you a more radical experience, with the same user friendliness as the Buzz.

The BIG Buzz is ideal for older kids, teenagers and anyone who wants to have fun with a traction kite that
will pull them in stronger winds. No trip to the beach or park is complete without the Buzz or BIG Buzz.

The Big Buzz comes with 18 metre colour-coded flying lines to ensure easy set-up and pack-down. When packed away, the carry bag is 40x20x10cm so can easily be stored in the boot of the car or suitcase.

You don’t have to buy the best power kite to have fun. Kids stunt kites provide plenty of entertainment for kids of all ages.

For more advanced power kite users, you should get some kitesurfing lessons.

The post The Best Power Kites For Beginners appeared first on Active Outdoors.

What is stand up paddle boarding?

Stand up paddle boarding involves standing up on a board that floats on water and using a paddle to move around. The paddle board looks similar to a surf board and is made from glass-reinforced plastic around a polyurethane or expanded polystyrene foam core.

Guy Fisher, Director of SUP Rentals Ltd in the UK explains, “Stand-up paddling has become one of the fastest growing sports all over the world. The water based activity can be enjoyed on any pool of water, be it a river, lake or sea at any time. In addition to the fun that can be had, it is a great sport that provides full body and low impact exercise which improves body balance and overall strength.

How was stand up paddle boarding invented?

Stand up paddle boarding was said to have originated on the African coast where people stood up in their dugout canoes to get a better view of what was around them, especially looking out for danger. This is the reason that lifeguards also use stand up paddle boards to look out for anyone who might need help and to be able to quickly get to them.

Another reason that stand up paddle boarding came into favour as a sport was in Hawaii where it was adopted as a different way to go surfing when there weren’t many big waves. SUP enables you to practice your surfing technique and balance in the sea when there isn’t much swell.

Due to the stability of stand up paddle boards, they have become increasingly popular as a recreational activity, allowing you to get unique views of nature from the water.

What do you wear for stand up paddle boarding?

You can wear whatever you want for stand up paddle boarding, however you might want to think about the temperature and getting wet if you fall in.

In warmer weather, T shirt and shorts will be just fine, but if the water is a bit cold for you, a wetsuit may be required. You can buy wetsuits or rent them from the place you rent your board from.

Where Can I Try Stand up Paddle Boarding in the UK?

Being an island, the UK is a great place to try stand up paddle boarding. There are an enormous range of places where you can go to hire one. But if you fancy trying stand up paddle boarding on a patch of water near you and there isn’t a board hire shop nearby, you can now get a paddle board delivered to your door!

SUP Rentals Ltd in the UK – Stand up Paddle Boards for Hire and Delivered to Your Door

SUP Rentals Ltd is an Oxfordshire based stand up paddle board hire business offering inflatable paddle boards to rent in the UK.

SUP boards are larger boards and the desire to travel with them has led to the development of an inflatable system where the board and pump can be carried in a back pack.

SUP Rentals Ltd offers the rent of stand up paddleboards from one day, up to two weeks with prices starting at £15 per day per paddle board.

Each stand up paddleboard – the Zray Tourer Elite 330 cm / 10’6” – is perfect for adults or families and comes with its own pump, ensuring quick and easy inflation.

The inflatable stand up paddle boards are lightweight and pack down in to a rucksack and the company will deliver to the customer via courier to their doorstep – or customers can collect from their base in Oxfordshire.

The inflatable stand up paddle boards can be rolled up and packed in a lightweight pack for easy transportation. The boards are safe and durable, with a more rigid construction technology than other inflatable boards currently on the market. SUP Rentals have a long history in renting equipment for water based activities and the quality of their equipment and safety of their customers is second to none. It is awesome to be able to rent a stand up paddle board that is delivered right to your door. In addition, when hiring the SUP boards, life jackets and dry bags can be reserved through the online booking process.

If you want to buy your own inflatable stand up paddle board in the UK, it will set you back around £500. You can buy them from stores such as Decathlon, Surf Boutique or Amazon.

The Great Social Stand Up Paddle Boarding Trip

Stand up paddle boarding is pretty straightforward and easy to learn. The boards are very stable and make for a great way to spend your recreational time at the weekends with friends. You can go online and rent a couple of inflatable boards, get them delivered to your door and then have some fun at the weekend.

If you are still wondering if it is easy to learn how to stand up paddle board, this Youtube video explains everything for you.

The post Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards to Get You On the Water More appeared first on Active Outdoors.

Whoever the outdoor man in your life is, trying to find the perfect gift can be a challenge. As an outdoorsy man, I thought you might like a few hints as to what gifts would be very much appreciated.
I have split these outdoorsy gift ideas into categories, just to make it easier for you to find a gift that is most suitable for your boyfriend. One word of advice, always check to see whether he has them already. I have specifically chosen these gifts because any outdoorsy man will appreciate them even if he has one already. Always good to get a newer version.

Toys for Outdoorsy Boys

To round up this collection of rather nice gifts for outdoorsy boyfriends, I thought I would include a few toys for those with bigger pockets. I have used all three of these gifts, although I don’t own them, yet (hint hint!).

Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) gives you the ability to get out on the water and control where you go with a spot of paddling. What’s more, you don’t even have to lug around a massive board on the roof of your car anymore because you can rent inflatable stand up paddle boards delivered to your door nationwide in the UK. Fits easily in the boot of your car to add a bit of adventure to your weekend outing with friends or family.

This little beauty is brilliant in that it doesn’t take up much space and can be inflated to provide hours of fun on the water. You can use it on lakes, rivers and in the sea. I have had lots of fun using it in Cornwall where the waves weren’t quite big enough for decent surfing, but were enough to play around in. The beauty of the SUP is that you can then paddle back out into the sea, provided you haven’t fallen off and stacked it coming in on a wave. Oh the days sent with sand in your face.
If you want to find out more, I have a comprehensive review of stand up paddleboarding.

Sublue Underwater Aqua Jet Scooter

The Sublue aqua jet is a battery powered device that pulls you along on or underwater. The WhiteShark MIX PRO can run for 60 mins & fast charging within just 2 hours.  You can capture epic moments using your smartphone by securing it onto the designated phone mount located on the floater. You can still easily attach your action camera onto the universal mount to transform into an underwater filming tool without additional cost.

We have had a few sessions on these at Center Parcs in Eleveden. It is basically a propeller in a secure housing that you hold in front of you. You can position it to move you in any direction. They are awesome fun and allow you to dive under the water and cruise along at quite a good speed.

It makes the perfect gift if you have your own swimming pool or regularly go on holiday near the sea where the water is clear. If you happen to have a golf villa in Portugal, you will probably want to have one.

The Essential Fitness Tracker for The Healthy Man

Now I don’t have my own fitness tracker because I’m not that competitive. I do however know how well I am doing using my phone stats and everyone else’s fitbits. I am such a cheapskate that I use their times and distances from our group runs that they put on Strava. All I have to do is keep up with them.
Having said that, if you want to know exactly how much activity you are doing and how much sleep you get, the Fitbit is the defacto activity tracker. If you get the Fitbit Charge 2 with the heartbeat monitor, you can use it for interval training, and also for calming meditation sessions.
If you want to track routes, distances, times and heartrate, then you might prefer the Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Running Watch with Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitor.

Tools

Swiss Army Knife

If you’re indecisive whether to buy this, I’ll make your mind up for you. Buy it. This version of pocket knife is pretty much the perfect Swiss Army Knife because it has fantastic can/bottle openers which double as screw drivers. The scissors are much better than you think, with both blades being very sharp out of the box, and easy to keep sharp. The saw is quite sturdy and top quality. I have cut through three inch diameter branches with it for backwoods camping easily. Great for cutting through branches for a fire pit.
Some say “but do I really need the cork-screw?” – it’s surprising how many times I’ve saved the day with the cork-screw on one of my Swiss Army Knives over the years, when at a party and the host cannot find his/hers for the wine. Oh, and it’s good for untying knots too as well as tangled necklaces.
All round the Huntsman is probably the most perfect of the range, as it has all the main tools you need/want and none of the tools that you’ll probably not really use.

Leatherman Tool

The Leatherman Wave BLACK (with Free Nylon Pouch) multi-tool is a must have to keep in the glovebox. The Leatherman Wave multi-tool is made famous by its outside-accessible blades that can be deployed with just one hand. The new Wave has larger knives, stronger pliers, longer wire cutters, and all-locking blades. Perfect for any job, adventure, or everyday task.
This is just as good quality as you’d expect from a premium brand and so far it’s done all the minor tinkering I’ve set it to without complaint. It has a good selection of tools and the bit driver works well. I got the bit driver extender as well and this feels good in use. It starts to look expensive when you add in the leather case but it ends up being a really compact combination, which is important for motorcycling, camping etc. Expensive but you pay for quality and I’m not disappointed.

Portable Battery Charger Universal Power Bank

Auto-detect: Detects your device to deliver its fastest possible charge speed with 3.4A (max) output. 20,000mAh Portable Charger External Battery Power Bank for iPhone, iPad, iPod, Samsung, most other Phones and Tablets
Huge Capacity 20,000mAh: it charges an iPhone 7 six times, Samsung S6 more than five times, a large capacity of iPad Air 2 almost two times
High-Speed Charging: 2A unique input enables the portable charger to recharge itself twice as fast as 1A input; Dual USB output ports can charge 2 devices at the same time
Safety Protection: Built-in multi-protection system protect the power bank against over current and short circuit. It’ll automatically turn itself off when short circuit or overloading occurs.

Torches

Small Compact LED Lenser Pocket Torch

The Boost light delivers an outstanding 320 lumens from the CREE LED and an amazing 50 hours battery life is achievable on the Low Power (still 40 lumens) light. The re-configured Advanced Focus System optics deliver a wider area of light in either flood or spot beam options than its predecessor the T7 and the new larger Dynamic Switch makes the torch easier to use with gloves on.
I am very possessive over this torch as it has become my household torch, my holiday torch, my cycling torch.
It is very good and very bright. It fits on my mountain bike with an attachment and is perfect in that on roads you can use the half power setting and unlit areas on full power which is excellent as with the beam adjustment it lights up a wide field of view.
On holiday it is perfectly sized for carrying out on those dark beach walks and for lighting the walk back to the villa.

I have a detailed guide to choosing the best LED pocket torch to help you decide.

USB Rechargeable Head Torch

I did a 6am off road run this morning (in absolute darkness, no rain) using this USB rechargeable head torch light. I’m delighted with it. It’s super light weight, has excellent ‘brightness’ allowing me to see hazards such as fallen branches and is comfortable to wear ( I had no cap or hat on). I had been concerned that it might bounce around; not a bit of it!
It is simple to use, then again it’s a light, so you’d expect that.
So if you’re looking for a light for a bit of light running in the dark, this product is exactly what you are after. Easy to charge via USB. Love the idea of no batteries. Very powerful for size glows white or red via button selection.

Body Worn Running Torch

No more holding a torch or having the one strapped to your head bouncing about in that really irritating way. 90-250 lumens of super brightness: High intensity light within 20 meters area illumination distance to ensure you can see potential obstacles or hazards; red taillight with warning triangle for better visibility from oncoming traffic drivers

3 Light Modes With Rechargeable Micro-USB: High beam,low beam, and flashing;synchronous function for headlight and taillight; USB charging only 5 hours, can be used at least 3-5 hours. Please charge every 6 months if you don’t use it for a long time
PERFECT PRESENT: Christmas present or Xmas stocking filler for running lovers. Great birthday gift for men, women or kids
Adjustable Strap With Elastic Chest Band: This running light with flexible strap and adjustable length for comfortable wearing. Fully adjustable fit for runners large and small, just like the straps on a headlamp, you can tighten and loosen the straps to fit your needs
Best Substitute For Headlamp And Flashlight: You’ll Forget You’re Wearing It – It is so comfortable compared to a headlamp that you might just forget you’re wearing anything at all; It keeps your hands free (no holding a flashlight any more)

Food and Drink

Biolite Camp Stove That Recharges Your Phone

Turn fire into electricity! CampStove 2 generates 3 watts of usable electricity and stores it in it’s internal powerbank for USB charging of LED lights, mobile phones, and other devices. The internal, rechargeable 2600 mAh battery stores excess power to charge devices, even without a live fire.
USB charge output with 50% more power than our previous CampStove 1, with updated thermoelectrics creating even more electricity from fire, and Smart LED Dashboard gives you real time feedback on fire strength, power output and fan speed settings
Internal jets have 4 fan speed settings to circulate air for improved combustion and efficiency to boil 1 liter of water in 4.5 minutes
Lightweight aluminum legs fold up for nested portability and durability for camping, backpacking or power outages
The FlexLight is a portable, pliable USB gooseneck for quick, controlled light and internal fire-starter makes setup a breeze.

Drinkpod Pocket Flask for Commuters and Walkers

A 200ml or 300ml flask that is brilliant for taking your favourite hot drink with you when out walking the dog or commuting. A strong and lightweight vacuum-insulated capsule flask made from 18/10 Stainless Steel. This flask keeps liquids hot for 6 hours and cold for 24 hours.
Featuring a plastic lip for comfort – Simply unscrew the lid and enjoy your drink straight from the flask.
100% leak proof even when stored or carried horizontally. Available in a variety of attractive colours and sizes.

Chilly’s Bottles Water Bottle

24 HOURS HOT – 12 HOURS COLD: Carry ice cold water or freshly brewed coffee anywhere you go. Using advanced double wall vacuum insulation, your favourite drink can be kept cold for up to 24 hours or hot for 12 hours no matter what the outside temperature is!
LEAK-PROOF: Designed with an airtight and leak-proof lid to prevent any spills. Feel confident when you throw your Chilly’s Bottle into your bag – No Leaks, ever!

ECO-FRIENDLY & DURABLE: Stop using single use plastic bottles with a reusable Chilly’s Water Bottle. We use premium, food-grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel, a metal recognised for its strength and purity. It also protects against flavour transfer. BPA-free, phthalate-free, toxin-free.
TAKE IT EVERYWHERE: The Chilly’s Bottle’s stylish, revolutionary design is lightweight & the narrow mouth makes it easy to drink out of on the go. Perfect for hiking, yoga, sessions at the gym, traveling, long transport, school, & work. The 260ml & 500ml sizes fit most cupholders & the 750ml fits larger cupholders.
CONDENSATION, SWEAT FREE EXTERIOR: Designed for an active urban lifestyle, the Chilly’s Bottle will never cause water rings on your office desk, slippery hands at the gym or a damp mess in your bag.

Comfort

There’s nothing worse than feeling cold when you are out and about. Coats and trousers are a personal preference, but you can always buy a few things to keep your man warm.

Waterproof Beanie Hat

Hats have to work as both a base layer and outerwear, but they should be considered as an important bit of kit. The waterproof beanie is fully breathable and waterproof which can’t be said for all of its competitors, whilst including a micro fleece lining for warmth and comfort. It has knitted acrylic for minimised water absorption, and also maximised water repellency. This close-fitting comfortable beanie is suited to a multitude of outdoor uses. reflective logo on the front.
Sealskinz also make waterproof socks which are ideal for winter cycling on that wet commute.

Rechargeable Hand Warmer

I have a full review of hand warmers detailing the pros and cons of each type.

The XGUO hand warmer is the perfect solution for blending a phone charger with a hand warmer.
If you are outdoor enthusiasts, the hand warmer is good equipment to hike, camp, hunt, fish and other sport events.
And it’s also good choice for outdoor workers and those who have blood circulation problems.
I bought this because I wanted to keep my hands toasty when out walking the dog in all weathers, as well as having a power backup for my phone. This product solves both problems. It takes a couple of hours to charge up fully using the included USB charge lead.
As a hand warmer it has 3 different heat settings. The highest setting is great for rapid warming when your hands have got freezing cold but the second or lowest setting is fine for maintaining temperature when placed in the palm of the glove or in a zip pouch in the back of mitts.
I am getting about 6 hours heat on the lowest setting (not 8 hrs claimed) and about 4 hours on the middle setting.
As a phone charger using a USB to lightening lead it works fine. When I go skiing or climbing in the extreme cold I plan to put it in a pouch alongside my phone on a low setting to keep the phone warm and I can switch it over to phone charge if I run low on battery.
I found it to be an ideal size for a man’s glove (large). My wife finds it fine in a mitt but on the large size for her small palms in a glove.
My only criticism is that it is possible to accidentally change the settings by knocking the button on the face of the warmer. A recessed button or slide switch might be better. However you soon realise it has got too cold or too warm and it is easy to correct.

The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy Men who have Everything

If you just can’t find anything to buy the outdoorsy boyfriend or man in your life because he has pretty much everything, this is the solution. Get him this ultimate gift experience voucher from Buyagift. It allows him to choose from thousands of different experiences from cars, adventure, flying, food and weekends away with you. Unbeatable.

The post Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy Men appeared first on Active Outdoors.

In searching for the best hand warmer, I compared three types of hand warmer to decide which is best for my needs:

• OCOOPA USB Rechargeable Hand Warmer – best for ease of use, recharging and style
• Zippo Hand Warmer – Best for durability and lasting all day long
• Gel Hand Warmers – best for reusable ease and fun designs
• Little Hotties – best for ease of use and long lasting

USB Rechargeable Hand Warmers

The OCOOPA USB rechargeable hand warmer is the perfect solution for blending a phone charger with a hand warmer.
If you are outdoor enthusiasts, the hand warmer is good equipment to hike, camp, hunt, fish and other sport events.
And it’s also good choice for outdoor workers and those who have blood circulation problems.  For those of you who get painful white fingers in the cold and have had problems with your smartphone packing in in really cold conditions in the mountains, this USB hand warmer solves both problems. It takes a couple of hours to charge up fully using the included USB charge lead.
As a hand warmer it has 3 different heat settings. The highest setting is great for rapid warming when your hands have got freezing cold but the second or lowest setting is fine for maintaining temperature when placed in the palm of the glove or in a zip pouch in the back of mitts.
I am getting about 6 hours heat on the lowest setting (not 8 hrs claimed) and about 4 hours on the middle setting.
As a phone charger using a USB to lightening lead it works fine. When I go skiing or climbing in the extreme cold I plan to put it in a pouch alongside my phone on a low setting to keep the phone warm and I can switch it over to phone charge if I run low on battery.
I found it to be an ideal size for a man’s glove (large). My wife finds it fine in a mitt but on the large size for her small palms in a glove.
My only criticism is that it is possible to accidentally change the settings by knocking the button on the face of the warmer. A recessed button or slide switch might be better. However you soon realise it has got too cold or too warm and it is easy to correct.

The Best Durable Reusable Hand warmer

The Zippo Hand Warmer is built for winter warriors. It features a sleek and compact design and fits easily into pockets and gloves without the bulk of other warmers.

The Zippo Hand Warmer uses Zippo premium lighter fluid to produce more than ten times the heat as traditional models and lasts for up to 24 hours. Plus it comes with a one-year guarantee making the Zippo Hand Warmer a perfect fit for any outdoors activity such as golfing – fishing – hiking or walking.

It burns without a Flame – The platinum-catalysed glass fibre burner offers quick and sure lighting. It produces a radiant heat without a flame – Extra Warmth – Produces around 10 times more heat than most disposable warmers – Economical – Constant warmth for around 24 hours with just 0.4oz of zippo fuel – Environmentally friendly – Virtually polution free , low odour. Low cost replaceable burner after around 70-80 uses.

Easiest Hand Warmers to Use

Little Hotties hand warmers are the easiest hand warmers to use. They come in a plastic sachet that keeps the hand warmer ready to use. To activate the Little Hotties, all you have to do is to open the sachet. The hand warmer will quickly warm up once exposed to the air. They provide warmth and comfort in all cold conditions for approximately 8 hours. Once it has finished, it cannot be used again.
The pack of 40 Little Hotties hand warmers is the bestselling hand warmer on Amazon for Snowsports enthusiasts. They provide an average activated temperature of 135°F (57°C), can be used by athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen, spectators, skiers, construction workers and anyone who wants warm hands.

The Best Reusable Hand Warmer for Convenience

Reusable gel hand warmers are in my opinion the best and easiest pocket hand warmers to use.
Gel hand warmers instantly heat up by simply clicking the metal disc inside the hand warmer and waiting for the liquid to crystalise and heat up. On the first go it may take a few clicks.
Gel hand warmers last for about 3 hours, which is more than enough to get you to work, and you can have another one ready for using on the way home.
To reuse gel hand warmers, you need to boil them in water for around 10 to 15 minutes. Another great thing about gel hand warmers is that you can buy them in a variety of shapes.

So, that was a quick comparison of the different types of hand warmer. I always keep a few Little Hotties hand warmers in my car for emergencies and holidays. We also have four gel hand warmers for those wintry school trips. Much appreciated by children to keep them toasty on the journey.

• OCOOPA USB Rechargeable Hand Warmer – best for ease of use, recharging and style
• Zippo Hand Warmer – Best for durability and lasting all day long
• Gel Hand Warmers – best for reusable ease and fun designs
• Little Hotties – best for ease of use and long lasting

The post Best Pocket Hand Warmers appeared first on Active Outdoors.

One of the first questions that will always ring in your mind at the mention of camping is where you will spend the night when you have finished your day of adventure. Hammock camping is just the thing to have if you plan to have an activity that will last for days.

Camping hammocks are designed to offer the comfort you could have enjoyed while at home. Apart from the comfort, the ease with which they are set up or taken down is amazing. If you are not familiar with camping hammocks, you will be eager to know how to choose the most suitable one for you and how to use your camping hammock.

Types of camping hammocks

There are mainly two types of camping hammocks. They are:

1. Gathered-end camping hammocks – These type of camping hammocks are asymmetrical with the ends gathering together to form a single bunch. It is suspended between two points forming a flatter position while sleeping.
2. Bridge camping hammocks – These camping hammocks have non-gathered ends. It is reinforced with a gather bar to form a flat design.

How to choose camping hammocks

A camping hammock is not something that you can just walk into a store and pick. There are features that you must consider before making a purchase. Which season have you planned your camping to take place? This is a very important question that must be answered.
Remember that winter camping hammocks have different features as compared to the summer camping hammock. These form the basis of making a good choice. Are you planning to use bug nets? How do you plan to use the hammock? These are important questions that must be answered before choosing a particular camping hammock.

Below are some of the things you should look for in a camping hammock.

Weight

The best hammock should be light enough to minimize the stress of carrying heavy backpacks. The lightweight hammocks are mainly made of polyester, canvas or cotton. Lighter hammocks are easy to suspend.

The best hammock straps become useful when it comes to the suspension of the camping hammocks. Take note that the lightest models will not be very durable. The size of the hammock is also a contributing factor when it comes to the weight.

Comfort

Your comfort at the campsite is very essential. The hammock should be large enough to accommodate you without straining. The hammock should be able to provide the warmth that is within preferred standards.

Most light models are known to be less warm since a lot of effort has been put on the material at the expense of comfort. There are however some isolated cases where lightweight and comfort have been combined to give the best camping hammock.

The water-repellent features are very important especially on extremely cold or rainy seasons. You cannot afford to spend your money on a product that will have your body completely covered with water when you wake up. This will be probably one of the worst camping experiences ever.

To enjoy a bug-free sleep, you can add a net as an accessory. There are however hammock models that have been designed with bug prevention mechanisms for maximum comfort if the camping area is known for bugs.

Ease of setting up

Hammocks are easy to set up if you have the straps or the best carabiner for a hammock. Without any of these, you will find it difficult to suspend the hammock. The carabiners and straps are known to hold the hammock firmly to the trees or rocks so that incidences of you falling are eliminated in totality.

Once you have these materials with you, the hammock will be easy to suspend in any location so long as the distance between the two anchors, be it trees or rocks, is convenient.

Protection

The hammock should have protective features to keep you safe from natural conditions such as wind and rain. Nylon hammocks are known to be the best when it comes to protection against windy conditions. Some camping hammocks have also been specially designed with underquilts to protect against the winds flowing on the downward side of the hammock.

Protection against any falling bugs from the tree and light rains is very essential as well. Some are even fitted with extra pockets that you can use to store some of your gear that you won’t be using at night.

Benefits of Camping Hammocks

You might be asking yourself why you should go for a hammock instead of a tent. There are lots of reasons why hammocks are preferred when it comes to camping. Some of the benefits you are likely to enjoy are:

1. Having your hammock suspended at least 18 inches off the ground helps keep you away from dangerous creeping animals such as snakes and spiders. They will crawl below the hammock, therefore, leaving you safe.
2. You will be comfortable as you will be away from the uneven grounds, rocks and roots that are often associated with most fields. Having the hammock is the best way to keep from such discomfort. Your body will enjoy comfort in its entirety.
3. Muck-free and dry sleep all night. The raising keeps you from floods and debris. You will not need to do any cleaning when you wake up making it even more convenient.
4. The hammocks are easy and quick to set up. Once you have proper straps and carabiners, you will be done with the setup in a few minutes and have enough time to concentrate on other activities.
5. Hammocks are known to endure all kinds of weather making them durable. You will, therefore, use them for many camping activities more than you have thought. The carabiners and straps alike are also made from long-lasting materials.

Conclusion

Camping is a perfect way to get to relax and enjoy yourself away from the busy daily lives. Your comfort and safety throughout the entire period are very essential. That is why you need to choose the best hammock available as this will be your bed for the entire period. This is the reason why I had to stress on the need for the best and how you can find one.

I hope that you enjoyed reading this article and above all, you managed to learn something new so that the next time you go camping you get the best experience.

If you are thinking of going camping with your boyfriend or girlfriend, you might want to buy a double camping hammock and read these top tips for going camping with your boyfriend.
​Buy Camping Hammocks on Amazon

The post Choosing and Using Camping Hammocks appeared first on Active Outdoors.

Whether you’re looking for an electric skateboard that will become your new favorite hobby or an electric motorcycle that will become your new main form of commuting, this article is designed to help you find the best fit of an electric ride for you. Sound good? Then let’s get started.

Buyer’s Guide for Personal Mobility Devices

This guide will be the perfect introduction for anyone who doesn’t yet know how to select the perfect electronic ride. While there are a lot of elements to consider, you will be able to figure out what the best customized device for yourself and your needs will be once you make it through this section.

Choice (Fun vs Utility)

The first thing you need to ask yourself when deciding to get a personal mobility device is why you plan on getting it in the first place. Do you want an electronic mobility device primarily for fun, for utility or both? 

Different rides will cater to different needs and it is important to pick a ride that is best suited for either leisure or commuting. A couple of easy examples would be that you would want an electric kick scooter for fun or an electric folding bicycle with good battery life for transport or utility.

Portability and Size

The next thing you should be thinking about is portability. This is one of the most important factors to consider, especially if you live in a small place or need to have an easy time storing your device when on the go. For obvious reasons, folding electric bikes are a great choice for this, but many electric scooters have portable or folding mechanisms as well.

Portability and size are important when storing away your device as you are charging it overnight so that it causes little clutter in your home. You may not care much for this aspect depending on the nature of your own domicile so use your better judgment with this aspect. 

When on the go, portability can come in handy if you need to park your mobility device outside or need to bring it indoors with you when going to work or school. Always keep the buildings and environments you enter on a regular basis in mind when thinking about the shape and size of the electronic ride you will buy.

Wheel Size

Speaking of size, you may also want to keep a wheel size in mind when purchasing a motorized ride but not so much for reasons of portability. Wheel size will have an impact on how the device feels when in use. It is also important based on the kind of terrain you plan on using it on.

This aspect is especially important for electric mountain bikes. Mountain bikes are designed to be used on rougher terrain like mud and dirt trails. This means that taller and thicker wheels will offer a faster top speed on certain terrains but something like 26’’ wheels will be better for going downhill on dirt trails and that smaller wheels will offer slightly better acceleration.

It is also important to keep in mind that you should select wheel sizes based on your own height, as wheels that are too big may expand the size of your mobility device to a state too large for you if you are shorter than average.

Battery Life

The next factor we’ll be discussing is one that should never be taken for granted as it’s an area everyone will want to be in good shape: the battery life. Battery duration is very important to all electronic mobility devices, regardless if they are hoverboards or scooters, or meant for leisure or transport. The better the battery, the longer you can use it per day, the longer it will last without needing a replacement, and ideally, the faster it will charge.

Better batteries will generally make the price of the device go up considerably, but this higher price may be well worth it if you plan on using your device on a daily basis or if you need to use it for many hours at a time due to long trips. Lithium-ion batteries are generally the best kind.

Now that we’ve gone through several different aspects of what makes a good personal mobility device, we can finally get to the part you’ve probably been waiting for: what kind of ride to choose.

Type of Ride

Personal mobility devices can come as bicycles, folding bicycles, electric scooters (with or without seats), kick scooters, hoverboards, electric motorcycles, skateboards and unicycles. All of these rides operate differently and provide a unique experience. 

If you want a device you can sit down on while using then that will pretty much limit you to bikes or motorcycles. If you like mobility devices that can offer a lot of potential for tricks and more active riding styles then you will want to get a skateboard or unicycle instead.

Safety

The next feature to keep in mind is by far one of the most important ones: safety. It is absolutely imperative that you select a motorized ride that has good safety features. Dual disc brake systems are particularly great, especially for bikes, but any mobility device should have gone through rigorous safety tests to make sure they are ready. That’s why you should only buy personal mobility devices that have the proper approval ratings.

Learning Curve

One other feature you may want to keep in mind is the learning curve of the device in question. If you already have experience with the ride you plan to buy then this section won’t apply to you. However, if you plan on purchasing an electric unicycle and have never used one before, you may want to buy one that is beginner friendly. Ideally it should have a reduced top speed and also have some self-balancing technology that makes it harder for you to fall off.

Security Measures

Another handy feature your electronic ride should have are security precautions. Some devices have an optional smartphone app that can be downloaded. While these apps often have features such as a speedometer, they can also sometimes include a remote alarm that goes off if someone tries to tamper with or steal your mobility device. 

You can also sync your device with the app so that you can have a GPS signal in the event that it gets lost or stolen. Keep an eye out for these apps if these features sound appealing to you.

Storage

The last feature you should keep in mind when setting out to buy yourself a personal mobility device is if it has any extra storage or carrying capacities. This feature may not be important to you if you are looking for a unicycle or skateboard to do tricks with, but it will certainly come in handy if you are looking for a bike or motorcycle that will primarily be used for commuting and transportation.

Some extra storage space will really come in handy if you are bringing materials to work or if you are heading back home from the grocery store. These devices should be as comfortable as possible and that can only be achieved if you aren’t lugging everything on your back using a backpack. Extra storage rarely if ever jacks up the price of the ride so feel free to get an electronic ride that has enough storage for your needs.

Now that we’ve finally finished with the buyer’s guide, let’s take a look at the different kinds of mobility devices available to purchase today, including their pros and cons.

Types of Personal Electric Transportation to Choose From

 1. Electric Bicycles

The electric bicycle is the original and quintessential electronic ride. It takes the classic bicycle format but adds a motor and a battery to create a type of bike that is faster and easier to use thanks to minimal, if any, peddling. It’s a great all-rounder that can be customized easily, comes in various wheel sizes, and can be used for both leisure and utility.

Pros:

• Provides good exercise
• Can be easily customized and personally tailored
• Cruise control functions means easy, peddling-free rides

Cons:

• Initial cost can be pricey
• Heavier than other electronic rides

2. Electric Folding Bicycles

Similar to the previous item on the list, electric folding bicycles come with the added function of improved portability. These are the kinds of bikes one needs if they have limited storage space in their home or constantly need to have their bike stored away when at work or school.

Pros:

• Much easier to store in a car trunk or on a bus than regular bikes
• Takes up less space at home
• Weighs no more or less than non-folding electric bikes

Cons:

• Will inevitably be slightly more expensive than their non-folding counterparts
• Some folding bikes feel more stiff

3. Electric Scooters without seats

One of the most popular personal mobility devices of all time has got to be the electric scooter, particularly the variant without seats. These are great items for those who want the feel and tricks of scooters but with less kick-pedaling and more power.

Pros:

• Easy to learn to use
• Easy to park and store
• Tend to have solid battery life
• Great choice for those who like doing tricks
• Lightweight and easy to handle and turn

Cons:

• Not the best choice for long distance rides
• Don’t offer the speeds of bikes or motorcycles
• Not the best choice for exercise

4. Electric Scooters with Seats

The electric scooter becomes a completely different kind of device once a seat is added. It feels less like a scooter and more like a bike but it still has a unique feel of leisurely relaxation that can’t be found elsewhere. Electric scooters with seats are one of the best choices for those who want a great combination of leisure and commuting.

Be sure to also check out our Top 5 Best Electric Scooter with Seats review for more info.

Pros:

• Great leisurely cruising feel
• Very easy to learn and ride
• Often comes with extra storage
• Good maximum load capacity
• Seats are usually adjustable

Cons:

• Not as portable
• Usually expensive

5. Electric Kick Scooters

The electric kick scooter is the scooter variant for those who really want to bring out their inner daredevil. This is by far one of the best electric rides to get if you really want to get some exercise and blood flowing by performing a wide variety of tricks. They also offer the best of both worlds by allowing you to switch between kicking for movement and throttling for an easier boost.

Pros:

• Great for leisure and exercising
• Cheaper than bikes and other styles of electronic rides

Cons:

•  Extra maintenance will be required to maintain the bearings

6. Electric Motorcycles

The electric motorcycle is similar to the electric bike except they tend to offer more power and speed. This makes them better choices for those who want to go as fast as possible.

Pros:

• Excellent top speeds and battery life
• Excellent for long distance rides covering dozens of miles
• Good extra storage capacities
• Great load capacities
• Usually are low maintenance
• Tend to be quiet
• Great acceleration

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Are very heavy
• Not portable at all
• Battery charge time will likely be very long

 7. Electric Trikes

The trike is just like the bike but it has three wheels instead of two. This means they offer exceptional balancing which is great for those who want slow, easy commutes but they will not provide the speeds or tricks associated with other personal mobility devices.

Pros:

• Great for beginners
• On the less expensive side
• Little maintenance required

Cons:

• Not the best for tougher terrain
• Can’t go at fastest speeds

8. Electric Hoverboards

The hoverboard is arguably the device that made electronic rides a household name as they exploded all over the world and the internet. They have a bit of a learning curve to them but they are undeniably addictive once one gets the hang of them.

Pros:

• Fairly cheap
• Not too difficult to learn
• Fun to use
• Short battery charge times

Cons:

• Can’t be used for commuting or long distances
• Fairly bulky for their size

9. Electric Skateboards

Electric skateboards are another classic choice of personal mobility devices as they allow your whole body to feel the thrill of the wind blowing through you without the extra effort of kick pedaling. Be sure to also check out our review of the Top 5 Best Electric Skateboards for Adults for a more in-depth look.

Pros:

• On the cheaper side
• Great for tricks
• Good choice for short and medium distance rides
• Relatively quick to charge
• Easy to customize

Cons:

• Not known to be the safest or the fastest ride available

10. Electric Unicycles

While this may seem like a gimmick or novelty item to some, the electric unicycle can offer a very unique kind of balancing experience that is impossible to find with other electronic mobility rides. They can also offer speeds and safety features that makes them a viable option for mid-range commuting.

Pros:

• Portable
• Surprisingly fast considering the small size
• Cheaper than other rides

Cons:

• Can be hard to learn how to operate
• No storage capabilities

11. Electric Single Wheel Skateboards

 Last on our list is perhaps the lesser-known of the personal mobility devices, the electric single wheel skateboard. This is similar to the unicycle but your feet will be placed vertically rather than horizontally and offers its own unique take on a balanced ride.

Pros:

• Riding gives a sense of freedom
• Portable and relatively small in size
• Surprisingly easy to learn, especially for fans of regular skateboards

Cons:

• Don’t have the best range
• Limited to use on simple terrain like roads or asphalt

Conclusion

Electric devices are great fun. Not only that they’re practical and useful. Pick one of the devices from the above list that fits you best based on your needs and enjoy riding daily! 

The post How to Choose the Best Personal Mobility Devices Depending on Your Needs appeared first on Active Outdoors.

What are Glow Sticks?

Glow sticks are made by encasing two chemicals in two tubes, one inside the other. The two chemicals in the glow stick are kept separate. By bending the glow stick, this breaks the inner tube and allows the two chemicals to mix. The mixed chemicals in the glow stick react and glow.

Glow sticks are safe to use, and last for many hours. You can get glow sticks in several different colours. They differ in brightness, ranging from the yellow and green being the brightest glow sticks, through red and pink to the blue which tends to give out less light.

Everlasting glow sticks

Once the chemical reaction inside a glow stick stops, the glow stick stops glowing. There is a great form of glow stick called a Krill Lamp, or Krill Light. A Krill lamp works in a slightly different way in that it uses a single battery to power the glow stick. This works more in the way of a fluorescent tube. Krill lamps come in 180 and 360 degree forms. You unscrew the bottom and insert an AA battery inside the glow stick.

A Krill lamp is totally waterproof and provides a great diving lamp. It has an eye on the top so that you can tie it onto rope.

Uses for glow sticks

There are many uses for glow sticks. Glow sticks are used for camping, raves and clubbing, safety markers, fishing float tips, fishing lights, diving lights and markers. If you are going to a festival or concert, you will definitely need some glow sticks.

Glow sticks are used by the emergency services, military, outdoors enthusiasts and sporting people, and most notably those who are out at night clubs.

Where to buy glow sticks

You can buy glow sticks from Amazon.co.uk at anytime of the year. Around bonfire night, people buy glow sticks in bulk and get wholesale glow sticks cheap. They then sell them on at bonfire nights and fireworks parties. You will see the street vendors seeling glow sticks and other novelty glow toys on your way in. You will pay a premium for them though.

If you are looking for free glow sticks, find out where the local council is promoting safety advice and the like. They will sometimes give away free
party glow sticks. Perth and Kinross Drug and Alcohol Action Team gave away thousands of free glowsticks bearing an important safety message to festival-goers at T in the Park.

Other forms of glow sticks

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• Glow sticks and light sticks
• Glow necklaces
• Glow stick bracelets
• Light up glasses and glow glasses
• Glow Pens
• Glow wands
• Glow rings
• Glow stars
• Glow keyrings
• Glow earrings
• Glow flashing novelties

So whatever your occasion, if you want to stand out from the crowd,buy some glow sticks.

Buy Glow Sticks from Amazon.

The post Glow Sticks and Glow Bands for Seasonal Fun appeared first on Active Outdoors.

As we move into winter, the weather can change quite unexpectedly. If things become severe (torrential rain or deep snow), the best thing to do is leave your car at home and go sledging

Winter Driving Hazards

If you do go out driving in winter, expect other drivers to do something really stupid, as they will. Last winter in the snow, I saw people using mobile phones whilst skidding all over the place. People expect a 4×4 to have perfect grip and end up getting into trouble. You need to understand how your car behaves in different winter conditions. Watch out for these hazards:

Wet Leaves

Being a movable slippery carpet, these can be a right pain if you need to brake or turn, especially on a motorbike. Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns or quick acceleration. Plan ahead by watching what is happening as far ahead of you as you can see. Also, leave a good distance between you and the car in front. If they stop suddenly, you want to make sure you don’t end up in the back of them.

Rain

Rain and spray from other cars can make it difficult to see and be seen. Slow down and give more room. Watch out for unexpected big puddles.

Floods

Big rain makes big puddles. Hitting puddles at speed will mean you are no longer in control of the car. If you have to drive through a flooded bit of road, drive slowly in first gear to avoid stalling the engine.

Fog

Fog can be solid or patchy. You can suddenly find yourself going from sunshine into thick fog, and if you aren’t paying attention, you may hit those in front who have most likely panicked and slammed on their brakes as they can’t see anymore. Slow down. Use your dipped headlights (the ones you normally use for night driving). Sidelights aren’t visible in fog. The high beam or main beam will just reflect off the fog. You also need your fog lights on, but remember to turn them off when it is not foggy.

Winter Sun

The sun is low in the sky in winter, and you often find yourself driving towards it. Keep a pair of sunglasses in the car ready to hand.

Ice

Did you know it takes ten times longer to stop on ice than a dry road? Leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front. If you get stuck on an icy or snowy bit of road, you can get moving by using first gear

The first gear trick on ice and snow

From standstill, press the clutch and put the car into first gear. DO NOT touch the accelerator! Then gently lift the clutch very slowly. It will seem as though the car is going to stall, but before you know it, you will find yourself moving. Then, carry on driving, carefully.

Carpets, mats and hessian sacks

Keep some old mats or pieces of carpet or sacks in the car boot. If you get stuck on ice, don’t go digging with a shovel. Just lay down your mats in front of the front wheels (or rear wheels if rear wheel drive – BMW), and slowly drive on. Don’t forget to go back and get the mats though, as you may need them again.

Snow

Slow and steady is the way to go on ice and snow. Be extremely careful on corners. Once you skid, you are supposed to steer in the direction of the skid, but I have experienced hitting ice at 15 mph on a corner and there is absolutely nothing you can do except ride it out. I did a 270 degree spin and the rear hit bushes at the edge of the road. No damage, but boy do I now be really careful. You can buy snowsocks to cover the tyres so that you have grip on ice and snow.

Don’t use Cruise control

Most cars sense slippery conditions and prevent you from using control. But, if you are using cruise control and hit water or ice, the car may sense that the wheels have slowed down and increase the accelerator, which means you take off like a rocket out of control. Modern sensing and traction control may now overcome this, but don’t risk it!

Gritting Lorries

Keep well away from grit lorries. They will shower your car with grit, which doesn’t do your paintwork any good. Also, don’t expect the road to be safe just because it has been gritted. The salt used only work down to -5c, so if it gets colder, then there will be ice!

Prepare your Car

As winter approaches, make sure your car is ready.

• Battery – This is the biggest problem drivers experience for car breakdown in winter. Make sure your battery is fully charged. replace it if it is unreliable.
• Antifreeze – Make sure you have the right amount of anti-freeze in your car’s cooling system. Also, use a screen wash that has anti-freeze in it to stop your windscreen from freezing. If you don’t, you are going to be in big trouble if you use your screen wash whilst driving as it will freeze on the windscreen and you will suddenly find you can’t see anything.
• Service your car – Make sure your car has been serviced regularly
• Lights – Check all of your lights work
• Tyres – Check that your tyres have enough tread. You can check this by running your finger in one of the grooves on the tread. Tyres have a little bump in the grooves that indicate the minimum tread depth. If the bump is at the same level as the top of the tread, then you need to replace your tyres
• Windscreen Wipers – Check that your wiper blades clear the water off the windscreen properly. When it gets below zero, you will find that your wipers freeze and don’t wipe properly. Before you get in your car, check that your wipers are not frozen to the windows, or you may break your wipers or wiping motor mechanism.
• Windows – Clear all of your windows and mirrors before you drive off. Remove all ice and snow. By law, your windows and mirrors must be clear and de-misted before driving.
• Emergency kit – Keep emergency kit in your car, and keep it stocked up!

Stuff to have in your car in winter

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1. Ice scraper
2. De-icer
3. First Aid Kit
4. Torch
5. Warm clothes, such as a thick woolly jumper and extra coat
6. Blanket
7. Sleeping bag
8. Snow shovel
9. Food and drink (thermos flask), chocolate
10. Jump leads
11. Tow rope
12. Welly boots
13. Warning triangle
14. Spare bulbs for car
15. A couple of carpet tiles or cloth sacks to use for grips in snow if you get stuck
16. Full tank of fuel

You can buy all of your winter car essentials from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

The post Winter Driving Safety Tips appeared first on Active Outdoors.

Whether you are hitting the trails offroad or onroad, for those of you who want to keep cycling this winter, you will need some winter cycling gear to keep you warm and dry. Cycling uphill soon warms you up, but it is very chilly on the downhills with the winter wind blowing at you. Your hands and face definitely will feel that icy blast. Then there are the shorter winter days, meaning that you are more likely to be cycling at night. This leads to the need for visibility.

So, what winter cycling clothes should you have?

Winter Headwear

That wind is pretty chilly in winter, so you will want to keep your ears warm when cycling.  Let’s start with cycling headwear. Most of you will probably be wearing a really cool cycling helmet, but they don’t exactly keep your head and ears warm. What you need is a VeloChampion Thermo Tech thermal cycling skull cap that fits unders your cycling helmet. A microfleece beanie hat will fit under your cycling helmet, or you could try a balaclava if you are not too fashion conscious. A thin powerstretch hat may look better, especially when used with a fleece tube around your neck. You can pull these down so that they cover your ears.

Keeping Your Neck Warm

A fleece tube is better than a scarf for keeping your neck warm. You don’t have to worry about it coming unwrapped. A Polar Buff is ideal. You can also pull it up over your nose to be really toasty, though some people find that it can steam up their glasses. You can pull it up over your nose when cycling downhill, and then easily lower it when climbing hills.

Winter Cycling Tops

You will definitely need a long sleeved top. Cotton is much better at ensuring you don’t get too hot and sweaty under all of your layers. One recommendation is a Frosty Boy top from Ground Effect. They also do a ladies version. It is excellent as it has a windproof front to keep you warm when cycling downhill.

There are plenty of dayglo bright yellow cycling jacket on the market. Just have a look at Evans Cycles, or Wiggle. They should be reasonably waterproof, with a cotton mesh lining. The mesh reduces the amount of sweat you get inside. The cycling jacket should also be windproof. My jacket has a fold down flap at the bottom of the back which covers my backside when cycling. This stops the spray from the road going down the back of my trousers.

Cycling Gloves

Make sure that you have a really warm pair of winter cycling gloves, as your hands are really exposed to the winter wind. You should still be able to grip the handlebars, as well as operate the gears and brakes. A great idea for cycling gloves is to make sure they have reflective strips on them. when you are cycling in the dark, cars won’t see you indicating to turn. If your cycling gloves don’t have reflective strips on them, you can get sticky strips to put on, or buy reflective wrist bands. You may also want to put reflective strips on your cycling helmet as well.

Winter Cycling Trousers and Leggings

Now we’re getting close to the wet road. Waterproof trousers are recommended to keep out all of the spray. Evans Cycles sell waterproof trousers that are jsut the job when cycling in winter. The reflective strips on them light up really well in car headlights.

Winter Cycling Footwear

For keeping your feet warm and dry when cycling in winter, nothing can beat Sealskinz.
100% waterproof, you can get a knee high version which will keep your whole leg warm and dry. You could also wear waterproof overshoes. These are less sweaty than Seal Skinz.

For a cheap solution, just put some carrier bags on your feet before you put your shoes on. Or, you could always put them on top of your shoes, but you have to be careful that any loose bits don’t get stuck in your wheels or chain!

Outdoor Shops for Winter Cycling Clothes

You can get clothing suitable for winter cycling from most outdoor clothing shops. At this time of year they will have a good range of winter clothing that you can also use for all sorts of other winter outdoor activities. Be cool and stylish whatever outdoor activity you are doing, even if it’s just hanging out with your mates.

Bestselling Bike Lights for Winter

Technology is constantly evolving, and you can get some really super bright bike light sets. For road bikes or mountain bikes, you are going to want bike lights that have the 3 modes of always on, flashing slow and flashing fast. LED bike lights can provide seriously bright 900 lumens, are water resistant to cope with all of that rain, and are easy to mount.

If you really want to see where you are going in the dark, you have to get the Sahara Sailor 5600 Lumens Bike Light with T6 Cree LEDs. With currently 62% discount at £23, it has a 4400mAh 18650 rechargeable battery that lasts at least 2-4 hours on high lighting mode.

For a huge range of winter cycling gear, why not get your winter cycling clothes from Amazon

The post Essential Winter Cycling Gear and Clothes appeared first on Active Outdoors.

Skills – Strength: 1, Balance: 1, Flexibility: 1, Agility: 1, Coordination: 5
Time needed: 1 hour, Cost to try: £free

There are over two hundred Clubs affiliated to the BRCA (British Radio Car Association) where people can go to race radio controlled cars and bikes; in addition the Association has around nine thousand members!

In addition there are those who own radio controlled vehicles but use them just for fun, as well as the toy radio controlled cars, but those who are members of the BRCA tend to be people who enjoy the competitive nature of the sport and the social interaction that goes with it. As in full size racing there are three categories, Circuit, Offroad and Oval, with the Clubs tending to run in one.

Different Types of RC Cars

In addition there are different scales or size of car, ranging from the 1/18th Micros, through 1/12th, 1/10th, 1/8th to the largest scale which is 1/5th or 1/6th that we just call Large Scale. The smaller scales, Micros to 1/10th, are driven by electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries and tend to be used indoors on carpeted tracks, whilst the larger scales, including one form of 1/10th, are powered by internal combustion engines and use fuel, so are run on purpose built outdoor tracks. The 1/10th electric circuit and offroad cars can be run both inside and outside. The various scales and types of racing are known as Sections, with each Section having its own organising Committee within the BRCA, responsible for the Section rules, organisation of National events and, at the AGM when all the drivers from that Section get together, electing the Committee to run things for the next twelve months, before going on to elect the main Association Officials.

It is very easy to get involved in radio controlled racing, but first you need to find out what your local Club races, as not all Clubs race all types of car and a wrong purchase could find you having to travel to race. Check the BRCA web site www.brca.org and look down the Club menu to find your nearest Club. Most have a direct link from the site, so you can easily find out what they race, where and when, then go and pay them a visit before you purchase.

Buying a RC Car

Buying a car need not be that expensive, but remember you will need radio equipment to control it, as well as battery pack or packs to power it and charger to charge them if it is of the electric variety, and if it an i.c. car you will need fuel and a means of starting it. You can be racing in the electric car classes for £140 to £160, but you may need £200 plus to start in the i.c. classes unless you can pick up good second hand equipment from a Club member. Even at the most expensive end of the sport such as Large Scale, where 23cc two stroke engines power the cars, there is a class for Eco standard out of the box cars, which limits them to under £600 less radio, this of course is buying new. In most cases the cars come complete as rolling chassis with only the power source and radio to install, some will come as a complete package with everything, including radio gear already installed; these are referred to as RTR (Ready To Run) by the manufactures and model stores, but it is best to check with your local Club before any purchase is made as they will be able to point you in the right direction, as well as to the best place to make your purchase.

Radio controlled racing is open to all, with no particular skill apart from enthusiasm required. Racing is done at Club level, moving on to inter-club or Regional events, national events, and at the top of the list European and World Championships. Clubs cater for the novice, with help and advice always on hand and will help to move those with the ability and desire on to the next stage.

Go out and find your local Club and join in with hundreds of others. Your main link is through the BRCA at www.brca.org.

Courtesy of Mike Chilvers (BRCA PRO)

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