Kieran Cunningham
Former Advnture editor Kieran is a climber, mountaineer, and author who divides his time between the Italian Alps, the US, and his native Scotland.
He has climbed a handful of 6000ers in the Himalayas, 4000ers in the Alps, 14ers in the US, and loves nothing more than a good long-distance wander in the wilderness. He climbs when he should be writing, writes when he should be sleeping, has fun always.
Kieran is the author of 'Climbing the Walls', an exploration of the mental health benefits of climbing, mountaineering, and the great outdoors.
Latest articles by Kieran Cunningham
9 reasons you need a camping lantern for your backcountry escapades
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Why car campers and backcountry heroes should add the oft-overlooked camping lantern to their essential kit checklist
What is hydrostatic head and why does it matter?
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Any hiker who has spent any time browsing wet-weather gear has probably found themselves asking “what is hydrostatic head?” In this feature, we provide the answer
How to navigate by the stars: the fundamentals of celestial navigation
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Learning how to navigate by the stars is great fun, plus it could also save your skin if you lose your compass or GPS device
How to make coffee when camping: delicious java in the wild
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Our guide on how to make coffee when camping reveals no less than 10 ways to get your caffeine fix no matter how far from home you stray on your adventures
5 reasons you need a tent footprint: added protection and insulation
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Our camping expert reveals his top 5 reasons you need a tent footprint for your backcountry adventures this year
Sleeping pad R-values explained: our expert guide to pad insulation
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Our expert guide to sleeping pad R-values enables you to choose the correct sleeping mat for your planned adventures
How to sharpen a camping knife: cutting edge techniques
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Our expert guide on how to sharpen a camping knife details three simple methods to get your blade back to its best
What are taped seams, and why are they so important?
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Our guide to taped seams, one of the most important features in any piece of waterproof gear, from jackets to tents
How to clean a backpack: launder by hand and by machine
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Our step-by-step guide on how to clean a backpack will have your trusty pack looking, feeling, and smelling good as new, no matter how much punishment it's been subjected to
What size backpack do I need? The right sized packs for the right adventures
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
“What size backpack do I need?” As we're often asked this, here are our guidelines on the ideal backpack size for day hikes, short camping trips, and multi-day thru-hikes
How to build a campfire: our step-by-step guide to craft a hearty campsite hearth
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Learn how to build a campfire in a trio of different ways in this straightforward, step-by-step guide for burgeoning campers and old hands alike
20 hiking facts to inform, inspire and intrigue
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Whether you’re a newcomer to the hiking world or a trail veteran, our 20 hiking facts will have something to surprise and inspire ahead of your next hiking trip
Why do so many people die at Angels Landing?
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
After at least 13 deaths since 2000, we ask why so many people die at Angels Landing, the "bucket list" hiking trail in Utah's Zion National Park
What are water shoes? And why you should get a pair!
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Whether you’re a kayaker, canyoner, wild swimmer, cliff-diver, or just a regular beach goer, owning a pair of water shoes for your adventures can make all the difference
How to purify water in the wild: 6 methods to avoid an upset tummy in the backcountry
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Our guide on how to purify water in the wild reveals 6 methods of removing water-borne nasties from water taken from wild sources when hiking and camping
Breathability ratings explained
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Breathability ratings are a key metric to consider in your pursuit of the perfect waterproof garments. In this post, we explain how they work
What is bluesign?
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
With more and more brands featuring the logo on their products, many outdoors-goers are beginning to ask “what is bluesign?” In this post, we reveal all you need to know
How to choose a GPS device for hiking
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Our guide on how to choose a GPS device for hiking provides all the info you need to find the best option for your budget and adventure type
How to stay warm in a tent: 19 tips for those chilly spring mornings and fall evenings
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Our top tips on how to stay warm in a tent will transform your chilly evening shelter into a pod of comfort and coziness
Types of sleeping bag: which shape will give you the warmest, coziest sleeps?
By Kieran Cunningham published
We consider the many types of sleeping bag and recommend their best use based on their advantages, quirks and features
How to stay cool while camping: 10 tips to beat the heat when camping in summer
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Our 10 tips on how to stay cool while camping will let you carry on enjoying your nights under the canvas even when the mercury’s through the roof
How to triangulate: to find your location in any terrain
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Learning how to triangulate is vital for safe and efficient backcountry navigation. Our simple, step-by-step guide shows you how it’s done
Average hiking speed: how to calculate it and why it’s important for hikers and backpackers
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Learn why knowing your average hiking speed is important and how to calculate it using Naismith’s Rule and other methods