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Apparently the Garmin inReach devices now do weather forecasts (using the companion app) in addition to messaging, although it does seem to cost a fair bit (maybe less than you'd pay for mobile data over a satellite phone?) On top of the device (at least ~£250 new from Garmin) the minimum cost...

It's been a while since I've dabbled in ham radio, but wouldn't you be dependent on someone else running an APRS station or repeater being in range of you to use it for anything useful? also, for someone based in the UK to legally use amateur radio abroad, they'd need a full (Advanced) UK...

How remote is remote? Iceland (for example) seems to have surprisingly good 4g mobile coverage, even away from civilisation: https://www.siminn.is/en/network. I'd assume that you can find a similar map for most countries to get an idea of coverage where you're hoping to go (for example, OFCOM do...

Very much a trek from Northwest England but one of the Cotswolds Outdoor shops in Betws y Coed has a Fjallraven specialist 'shop-in-shop' and had an almost OTT number of different size/length combinations of various FJ trousers last time I was there. I'm not sure if any of their other stores...

My personal recommendation would be a Savotta Jääkäri S, (https://www.savotta.fi/products/jaakari-s) which seems to be available from a few places in the UK. It is fairly bare bones (webbing straps, single compartment with a smaller zip pocket at the top for small things and a water...

Not got a Barbour myself but my partner has a Barbour Beadnell jacket: I think the Barbour is pretty similar in the thickness of the material, I'd be more inclined to trust the smock in a downpour tho. My partner keeps nicking my smock to walk the dog too so I'm not sure if that's a vote towards...

no problem!

So i finally managed to get some time to make the mk.2 version... Switched to a length of aluminium tube this time, and tapped some threads in either end. Two spools this time, one with microcord and the other with some waxed thread. Needle is stored in the tube. Still have some issues with...

A cotter pin is a great idea! Wish I'd thought of that .. I'm waiting on some more hollow material for the Mk2 version, still can't drill a deep enough hole to add needle storage without blowing through the side of the bar stock I have.

I've liked the idea of the Exotac Ripspool mini repair kit (https://heinnie.com/exotac-ripspool) for ages, but I've been too tight to pony up 30 quid for one. If you can't buy it... bodge it: the Mk1 mini repair kit! A simple bit of aluminium rod that was knocking about the shed, with a...

No worries! If I'm honest, I'm not that familiar with the other Tecsun PL models, a quick look online suggests that their other models seem to share similar controls (slightly easier to see and use on the larger models, I'd hope) and features (like the automatic tune feature, which was pretty...

AFAIK the countycomm GP-5 worked off of AA batteries, although it did have an inbuilt NiMH battery charger. The countycomm radios were based off the Tecsun PL-3 series of radios, which seem to be a bit more readily available in the UK than the countycomm versions. I can't say I'd recommend the...

As a bit of a counterpoint to @Hodge thread about the best kit buys of the year, what has been your worst kit buy of the year? Doesnt necessarily have to be an absolute clanger due to quality either... mine is a Olight Perun 2 headtorch. It feels absolutely bombproof, all the mod cons too...

I thought I'd post a full long-term review of the Keela Ventile smock based on some of my comments in another thread. Keela are a Scottish outdoor clothing company, perhaps best known for their Munro jacket, used and abused by mountain rescue teams across the UK and internationally. Whereas...

Probably the Keela Ventile Heritage Smock. I've had a Paramo Velez smock for years, bought from the Paramo 2nds shop on Ebay, but after multiple rounds of washing and reproofing, it seemed to be giving up the ghost when it comes to waterproofing. I also had my issues with it: it could be an...

Costco Merino Wool Blend Socks. Quite impressed with these: they come in a pack of 4 pairs for ~18 quid, 57% merino, 40% nylon. Feel pretty well made, very warm. They seem to be designed in a similar way to Bridgedale merino socks, with a smooth toe seam and reinforcements to the heel and toes...

Hi all Are there any manufacturers of decent quality wellies that fit those with large calves? I currently have a pair of Dirt Boot Pro-Sports which have not impressed me (other than the fact they fit my legs): comfy, but the soles have worn remarkably quickly and the rubber has cracked...

I'd probably go with the Anker: the one I have (similar but not identical to the one you've linked) feels pretty sturdy, and has shrugged off a fair few drops and seems to have maintained capacity quite well. Not sure if it would have pass-through charging however. I'm a bit unsure of Alpkit's...

Not sure what the power draw from your fish finder/chart plotter would be, but if you' prefer to stick to USB, you can get little power converters to boost the 5 volts from the USB to 12 volts, such as https://www.amazon.co.uk/MeetUs-Cigarette-Converter-Lighters-Recorder/dp/B07CY1C6V8/ You...

"Solely the dose determines that a thing is not a poison." is a quote from Paracelsus , himself an expert on folk medicine. Yep, medicines have side effects. Almost *everything* has a side-effect, if you take too much of it. That includes herbal medicines... In fact, the only reason that we...