
Pat Kinsella
Author of Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering…, a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing stories involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises. En route he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. He’s authored walking guides to Devon and Dorset, and once wrote a whole book about Toilets for Lonely Planet. Follow Pat’s escapades on Strava here and instagram here.
Latest articles by Pat Kinsella

The best running backpacks 2023: for everything you need on the move
By Pat Kinsella last updated
The best running backpacks give you storage, freedom of movement and features built for speed

KEEN Zionic Waterproof Hiking Boots review: fast and furious, but not so protective
By Pat Kinsella last updated
Fast footwear for zipping along less-technical trails, KEEN Zionic Waterproof Hiking Boots prioritize pace over protection and feature recycled materials

Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex hiking shoes review: comfortable and robust
By Pat Kinsella last updated
We review Merrell's Moab 3 Gore-Tex: suede hiking shoes for proper walking that I found were instantly comfortable and capable for mile after mile

Rab Borealis Softshell Jacket review: an impressive rock climbing jacket that’s not just for rock climbers
By Pat Kinsella published
A super-stretchy softshell, the Rab Borealis is designed for rock climbers, hill clamberers and trail ramblers

BAM 73 Zero Recycled Fleece Jacket review: impeccable green credentials and a great jacket too
By Pat Kinsella published
100% recycled, 100% recyclable, 100% warm, the BAM 73 Zero Recycled Fleece Jacket is an impressive garment as well as being environmentally sound

Alpkit Whisper insulated camping mat review: despite the low R-rating, this pad performs above expectations
By Pat Kinsella last updated
The Alpkit Whisper is a lightweight three-season insulated sleeping pad that's comfortable and crafted from recycled materials – ideal for backpacking

Sierra Designs Gigawatt 60L hiking backpack review: intelligently designed and lots of volume
By Pat Kinsella published
The perfectly proportioned Sierra Designs Gigawatt 60L backpack is great for overnight trail adventures and multi-day treks

Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody review: a super-stretchy windbreaker
By Pat Kinsella published
A nimble windproof softshell, the Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody is ideal for face-paced adventures on the breezy side

Yeti Hopper M15 Soft Cooler Bag review: a deluxe cooler at a premium price
By Pat Kinsella published
It may have a soft side, but the classy Yeti Hopper M15 Soft Cooler Bag is as hard as nails

AceBeam H50 2.0 Headlamp review: long-lasting brightness in so many combinations
By Pat Kinsella published
Super-powerful and rechargeable the AceBeam H50 2.0 Headlamp is a three-beam torch with a killer range and a tough-as-nails body

Klättermusen Ansur hooded windproof jacket review: very impressive but with some material concerns
By Pat Kinsella published
Controversially made from from cotton, the classy Klättermusen Ansur hooded windproof jacket is designed for blustery days in the high hills and exposed trails

Air tents vs pole tents: which are the best shelters for your camping trips?
By Pat Kinsella last updated
We present the battle of air tents vs pole tents. Are inflatable beams set to trump traditional poles? We put these two varieties of tent to the test...

Xero Scrambler Low review: barefoot mixed-surface running shoes that very nearly live up to the bold claims
By Pat Kinsella published
A lightweight, all-terrain barefoot shoe, the Xero Scrambler Low is ideal for pounding paths and tackling trails

Mountain Warehouse Carrion 65L Rucksack review: cavernous carry capacity at a impressively low cost
By Pat Kinsella published
The comfortable, capable and well-featured Mountain Warehouse Carrion 65L Rucksack is ideal for multi-day escapades, and affordable too

Would you spend a night alone in Scotland’s most haunted Highland bothy?
By Pat Kinsella published
Ahead of Halloween, Colombia challenged a hiker to solo trek in and brave a night in Ben Alder Cottage, a ghostly shelter in one of Britain's most remote corners

Jack Wolfskin Routeburn jacket review: who knew a puffer could be so flexible?
By Pat Kinsella published
Made from recycled synthetic material, the Jack Wolfskin Routeburn is a lightweight puffer that fuses fashion with functionality and fantastic freedom of movement

Xero Mesa Trail WP lightweight running shoes review: a bit of a damp squib
By Pat Kinsella published
Waterproof and lightweight, Xero Mesa Trail WPs are for barefoot runners who want to feel soggy ground beneath their feet, but who can’t cope with soggy socks

The best hiking boots 2023: robust protection for wild trails
By Pat Kinsella last updated
The best hiking boots available today, for any distance, season, conditions or terrain

Haglöfs Duality AT1 GTX Mid hiking boots review: with midsole-swapping adaptability
By Pat Kinsella published
Haglöfs Duality AT1 GTX Mids are high-quality waterproof hiking boots with interchangeable midsoles that provide two different degrees of support

Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles review: quality, year-round striding sticks with a great grip
By Pat Kinsella published
These sturdy Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles are great for four-season use, but are especially good in warmer conditions

Salomon Sense Flow wind jacket review: a quality chill shield that weighs next to nothing
By Pat Kinsella published
The super-light Salomon Sense Flow is a smartly ventilated yet effectively windproof jacket for runners

Zamberlan Hike Lite GTX RR hiking shoes review: rigid, rugged, versatile and great all year round
By Pat Kinsella published
Reliably waterproof and immediately comfortable, Zamberlan Hike Lite GTX RRs can tackle all kinds of trail treks and off-piste missions

The best hiking gloves 2023: keep your hands toasty this fall
By Pat Kinsella last updated
We've tested the best hiking gloves in gnarly conditions on the mountain trails to bring you this guide

The best waterproof jackets 2023: robust and protective hard shells
By Pat Kinsella last updated
We've put the best waterproof jackets to the test in seriously challenging conditions to bring you this selection of the very best

1000 Mile Repreve single-layer three-season hiking socks review: comfy socks that can really put the miles in
By Pat Kinsella published
Super-comfortable and supportive, 1000 Mile Repreve single-layer three-season hiking socks made from mostly recycled material that protect your feet perfectly on the trails