
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

Specialized/Fjällräven frame bag review: slim profile, large volume, no wobble
By Pat Kinsella published
The capacious, full-length Specialized/Fjällräven frame bag is ideal for bikepacking adventures on gravel-crunching steeds

Fjällräven/Specialized Top Tube Bag review: a bijou bikepacking bag with a lot to offer
By Pat Kinsella published
The rugged and versatile little Fjällräven/Specialized Top Tube Bag even has a weatherpoof portal for cables to run through

The best hiking socks: keep your feet comfy all year round
By Pat Kinsella last updated
Our roundup of the best hiking socks will keep your feet dry, comfortable and protected in any weather

Fjällräven/Specialized handlebar bag and rack review: well-built, very roomy and easy to get into
By Pat Kinsella published
The big, bold, retro-looking Fjällräven/Specialized handlebar bag has a large carry capacity and is easily accessible on the move

The best base layers: the foundation of your hiking garb
By Pat Kinsella last updated
The best base layers, from merino and bamboo to synthetic and hybrid tops, to keep you warm on your adventures – tested by experts

The best camping mattresses: tested for comfort and warmth
By Louis Dzierzak, Pat Kinsella last updated
The best camping mattress or airbed adds a whole new level of comfort to camping – here are the models we’ve enjoyed snoozing on most

The best running poles: for ultra distance training, epic races, and fastpacking adventures
By Claire Maxted, Pat Kinsella last updated
The best running poles for tackling tricky terrain are lightweight, compact and easy to assemble, collapse and carry

The best 2-season sleeping bags: for warm weather camping adventures
By Jonathan Manning last updated
Our selection of the best 2-season sleeping bags reveals superb lightweight down and synthetic bags for your camping trips in the warmer months

Pre-prepared meals vs DIY cooking: what's best for your camping trips?
By Pat Kinsella last updated
Purpose-made, prepackaged, ultralight meals can be pretty useful when you’re exploring the backcountry, but how do they compare to your own cooking creations?

Arc’teryx Vertex Alpine GTX approach shoe review: style and performance on above-the-treeline adventures
By Pat Kinsella published
The close-fitting Arc’teryx Vertex Alpine GTX approach shoe offers reassuring rigidity, protection and grip for battles against gravity

Smartwool Hike Classic Edition 2nd Cut Crew Socks review: recycled socks that walk the walk
By Pat Kinsella published
These (almost) circular Smartwool Hike Classic Edition 2nd Cut Crew Socks are comfortable on your feet and easy on your conscience

Felco 601 folding saw review: a compact beast
By Pat Kinsella published
An excellent multi-use folding saw, the Felco 601 is easy to carry and ideal for camping and route clearing

Arc’teryx Atom Vest review: a classy, multitasking three-season gilet
By Pat Kinsella published
The svelte, versatile Arc’teryx Atom Vest is ideal for low-profile torso protection during a wide range of activities

Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX hiking boots review: tough, grippy trailbusters, but don’t cross the streams
By Pat Kinsella published
Comfortable and classy, Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX hiking boots are ideal for overnight and weekend escapades, and low-alpine adventures

9 reasons you need trekking poles: stability, safety, speed, longevity and more
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our hiking experts reveal 9 reasons you need trekking poles for your backcountry hiking, backpacking and trail running adventures

Ethical down for jackets and sleeping bags: the vital information
By Pat Kinsella last updated
You may feel warm huddled in that down jacket or sumptuous sleeping bag, but are you aware of, or at ease with, where and how the materials have been sourced?

The best one-person tents: solo shelters for backcountry epics
By Matthew Jones last updated
Our roundup of the best one-person tents details the finest options for lone wilderness adventures

Smartwool Men’s Active Mesh Hoodie review: one highly effective shirt for multiple occasions
By Pat Kinsella published
The smart, long-sleeved lightweight mixed-material Smartwool Men’s Active Mesh Hoodie is perfect for outdoor pursuits on chilly and breezy days

Arc’teryx Norvan 7 Vest review: premium-quality hydration pack with more features than you’ll ever need
By Pat Kinsella published
The super-streamlined Arc’teryx Norvan 7 Vest is a highly breathable hydration pack with all the bells and whistles (well, whistle) to satisfy race requirements

Inov-8 Graphic T-Shirt review: feels great, especially for the price
By Pat Kinsella published
Beautifully cool and comfortable, the Inov-8 Graphic T-Shirt is a hardwearing hiking top for dry days on the trails and at the crag

Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Compression OTC Socks review: tough and supportive
By Pat Kinsella published
These long, strong Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Compression OTC Socks are always there to support your crying calves on tough runs

The best hiking shirts: choose one of these great fitting active tops with bags of technical clout
By Dan Hobson last updated
We've found the best hiking shirts with moisture-wicking, breathable, insulating super powers, to keep you comfortable when you're out on the trails

Saxx Roast Master Mid-Weight Tights review: warmth and comfort
By Pat Kinsella published
Men's thermal leggings with an in-built ‘ballpark’, the Saxx Roast Master Mid-Weight Tights provide extra support during cold-weather camping and outdoor activities.
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