Expert Advice

By Sam Healey There's no doubt that trekking poles and walking staffs can be of great use out on the trails. From helping you set a walking rhythm and taking a load off when going downhill to getting across rivers or fending off aggressive stray dogs, a pole can be indispensable...it can even act as a tent pole for specially designed bivvies and tents. The trekking poles that we have in The Outdoor Store fall broadly into four categories: Standard: Come in pairs, suitable for rough terrain, ...

By RacingThePlanet Staff What are the benefits of wearing compression garments before, during and after an endurance race?   We've had a lot of anecdotal evidence from competitors at RacingThePlanet events that compression garments help their muscles recover more quickly, and improve their performance. Use of compression garments began over 50 years ago as researchers examined compression's effects on poor venous blood flow in postoperative patients. Their use crossed over into sport, in th...

We're all aware now - mostly it seems through our mothers - that in order to stay warm, cool or generally comfortable in the Great Outdoors we should layer our clothing. We've all seen the product descriptions of baselayers, midlayers and outerlayers, but do you actually know the theory behind the concept? Are you layering wisely and not wasting money on clothes that might work against each other making you cold and clammy, or even overheat? Why Layer? When we exert ourselves our bodies sweat...

By Jenny Main The bottle versus bladder debate is one which continues unabated at every race meet, in every store and in blogs and forums online. For many, the decision is personal but there are some key considerations which you will need to evaluate when you are deciding on your water solution for your next race or training. It is important to think about the length of run you will be doing, the temperature, your access to fluid replacement along the course and your own general personal cons...

by A. Prendiville With an ever-increasing number of products available in the market, choosing a backpack is largely about identifying how the pack will be used and then going through the smaller details to make just the right selection. A backpack used for running stage races, for example, is significantly different than a backpack used for hiking expeditions or traveling. In this article we look at some popular uses for backpacks, the distinguishing characteristics of each, and the primary...

By Stephanie Case To be successful in a hundred-mile race you need strong legs, mental fortitude, a little bit of luck and a lot of heart.However, you also need the right gear to get you to the finish line.  This is especially true when it comes to competing in the formidable Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB). The course takes competitors through three countries, over mountain passes in the middle of the night, across valleys in the middle of the day, through the rain, mud and sometimes snow. ...

A Guide to Caring for GORE-TEX Garments Here are some handy hints to help you maintain all your GORE-TEX garments, ensuring their performance and extending their life. What is GORE-TEX? Most people know GORE-TEX® improves protection against water. It’s actually a membrane that’s laminated between high-performance lining and outer textiles. How to wash GORE-TEX garments Before you wash your item make sure the zips and pockets are closed, and fasten all flaps and straps. -Machine wash on a...