
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 4-season sleeping bags: warm and packable bags for a cozy night's sleep, whatever the weather
By Craig Taylor, Charlie Lyon last updated
Our selection of the best 4-season sleeping bags will keep you safe and toasty while camping, no matter how low the mercury

Haglöfs L.I.M ZT II GTX outer shell jacket review: A featherweight bad-weather warrior that's impressively protective in even the most challenging conditions
By Pat Kinsella published
Reliably wind- and waterproof, this ridiculously lightweight outer shell jacket is ideal for adventures ranging from wet hikes and fastpacking escapades, through to scrambling ascents, crag climbs and mountain epics

Air or pole tents - before shelling out on your next camping shelter, make sure you read our expert guide to the pros and cons of both types
By Pat Kinsella last updated
Should you choose an inflatable air beam tent or a tent with poles? We put both tent varieties to the test so you can choose the right one for you

The best hiking shorts: cool, comfy legs mean more miles on the trails
By Pat Kinsella last updated
In a pair of the best hiking shorts, warm weather walking escapades are a breeze, allowing you to stride free

Haglöfs LIM ZT Flex Trousers review: peak-performing pants for mountaineers and hill hikers, with a price to match
By Pat Kinsella published
Ultra-light and super-stretchy hiking trousers for tackling technical trails, scrambling routes, alpine terrain and proper tall peaks

The best camping mattresses: for thru-hiking and car camping, whatever the season
By Louis Dzierzak, Pat Kinsella last updated
Pitch up and kick back knowing a great night's rest is on the cards – the best camping mattresses deliver comfort and warmth on your backcountry adventures

Salomon Ultra Glide 3 trail running shoes review: Perfectly put together smooth operators for happy days off-road
By Pat Kinsella published
These bouncy versatile trail hoppers offering a comfortable relaxed ride and excellent performance levels

Right to Roam campaigners gather on Dartmoor to celebrate winning legal battle for wild camping rights - and call for more widespread change
By Pat Kinsella last updated
Speakers at the rally thanked the wealthy landowner who tried to end the practice for energising the movement, and demanded improved access rights across the whole country

Victory at last! Right to wild camp on Dartmoor saved as Supreme Court rules against landowners in final decision
By Pat Kinsella, Rosee Woodland last updated
We hear from the campaigners who led the fight for the right to roam and sleep out on the moor, and find out where the campaign for better access goes from here

Rooftop tents look ace, but do you really need one? We put the TentBox Go through its paces
By Pat Kinsella published
From staying out of reach of wild beasts to clambering up and down ladders at midnight – the pros and cons of camping on top of your car

Nebo Edge 2K pocket light review: A diminutive double-barreled beam gun for fighting the night (and keeping attackers at bay)
By Pat Kinsella published
This slim lightsaber is good for camping, hiking and Everyday Carry

Acefast Acefit FA002 Earbuds: open-ear speakers for on-trail audio
By Pat Kinsella published
Attractively designed and nicely balanced, but definitely not ace in damp conditions, these lightweight earbuds are better for hikers than sweaty runners

“Imagine being told you can’t run, just because of who you are”: how Free to Run is using outdoor sports to empower girls and women
By Pat Kinsella last updated
We meet up with a charity that uses running, hiking and camping to empower girls and women in places afflicted by conflict and gender discrimination

Stox Energy Socks review: crew-height compression socks for hiking
By Pat Kinsella published
These super-supportive socks cradle your ankles, cuddle your lower calf and reduce muscle strain during big trail days

Bluefin Heatwave Robe review: a cozy, convertible cloak for cold and changeable conditions
By Pat Kinsella published
This behemoth of a changing robe keeps you toasty after wild swimming or paddling adventures, and fends off the elements during camping and other outdoor escapades

Altra Torin 8 running shoe review: a versatile street flighter equally at home on dry trails
By Pat Kinsella published
Designed for the road, but decent on dry, hard-packed trails, the Torin 8 is an incredibly comfortable zero-drop running shoe

BioLite Dash 450 review: a headlamp for runners, ramblers, campers and climbers (but especially runners)
By Pat Kinsella published
Super light, well-balanced and very low-profile, BioLite’s new rechargeable head torch fires a brilliant bounce-free beam to guide after-dark trail runners

Tozo OpenEgo review: wireless open-ear headphones for rocking runners
By Pat Kinsella published
Well-balanced budget earbuds for bouncing along to your favorite tunes

Xero Scrambler Low EV barefoot running shoe review: grin and bare it
By Pat Kinsella published
This classic all-terrain barefoot running shoe is now tougher (but also rougher)

The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers
By Pat Kinsella, Charlie Lyon last updated
We've tested the best hiking shoes to see how they hold up in challenging conditions – including techy terrain, steep scrambles and boggy trails

CamelBak Dart Run Vest with 1.5L reservoir: an aqua-quiver for mid-distance trail escapades
By Pat Kinsella last updated
A clever and compact hydration vest for staying juiced-up while running

I’ve just discovered I’m a super salty sweater, and it explains everything about my running
By Pat Kinsella published
A sweat test and a training session in a heat chamber with a Marathon des Sables winner reveals I need to rethink everything

Reebok Men's Howe Long Sports Trunks: brilliantly supportive bottom-hugging base layers
By Pat Kinsella published
Super ventilated, very versatile and highly supportive underwear for running, hiking, biking and climbing
All the latest inspiration, tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture!