CheapTents.com Outdoor Gear Blog

Mt. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain standing at 19,340 feet, thats almost 6,000m. It is due to the extreme altitudes that Kilimanjaro is considered be hard to climb. Earlier this month Matt Cutts (the head of Web Spam at Google) climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for Charity:Water.

Matt Cutts of Google Source: Flickr by Tony Young

As a bit of a tech geek I have known about this trek for a while, however to explain why Matt took on this challenge who better to explain than himself.

• Street View on Mountains with Google Sherpa-Cam
• The First Man to Walk The Amazon
• Khumbu Challenge is Under Way

There are many mountainous regions in Afghanistan and prior to the Soviet invasion in 1979 it was a popular destination for climbers and mountaineers. In May 2009 the new democratic government created the Band-e-Amir National Park which it hopes will boost national tourism to the area. It should also help to encourage the international community to take adventure travel and hiking holidays in the spectacular and remote countryside of central Afghanistan.

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• Hiking in Afghanistan!
• UIAA Mountaineering Federation Ethics Code
• Exclusive Interview! Indian Mountaineering Foundation

On April 2nd 2008, Ed Stafford an ex-army captain set off on what he thought would would be a year long hike along the amazon. 859 days later Ed has now completed his epic hike from source to sea, along with his travelling companion Cho. Cho was only meant to be Ed’s guide for 5 days at the beginning, not an inseparable companion over the 2 years.

Alien or Spiny katydid nymph? Amazon Critter
Source Flikr by ggallice

Far from being a “boys-own adventure” Eds reasoning for his amazon hike was “I am simply doing it because no-one has done it before.” he told AP.

• Adventure Blogger Kraig Becker Interview
• Nokia Coast to Coast Adventure Race
• Hiking in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Buying a new tent is never an easy task, there seems to be so many technical features these days that it can be more than a little bit confusing. So to cut the daunting task of buying a tent down to size, here is the CheapTents buying guide.

This article on buying a new tent is by no means exhaustive but is meant as a starting place by which you can get an idea of what features and requirements you have for a tent. Once you’ve read this article, if you have any questions or need some more advice simply leave a comment below or if you are looking for more detailed advice visit our camping tent advice section.

• Choosing a Family Tent
• Which is the best tent for you?
• Summer Family Camping Tips!

It was summer a few years ago when I and a few friends decided it would be good to go for a long distance walk and see some of the UK’s finest coastline. With the Anglesey Coastal Path falling within an Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty, this was the choice we made.

Be sure to checkout the amazing South Stack Lighthouse. Source Trinity House

• Chesterfield Walking Festival 2009
• Pembrokeshire: Best UK Coast Path
• A Guide to Best Walking Route Planners – Part 2

With the school (summer) holidays now upon us, it is that time of year we’ve all be waiting for, the family holiday. This year, as with the previous few, has seen a massive decrease in foreign holiday bookings, meaning that more and more people are staying in the UK for their family holidays. However, as with all things camping holidays take a lot of preparation - you’ve already found a camp site and booked your pitch… you’ve planned what attractions and walks you may do together… it’s now time to pack up and get on the road.

• Summer Family Camping Tips!
• Choosing a Family Tent
• Which is the best tent for you?

Adventure racing is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. The Adidas Terrex Adventure Race will be a 4 day non-stop event held in the Lake District. The race will follow a 400 km linear course across Cumbria, with shortcuts available for novice teams.

Good navigation is essential for the race, and you will be provided with detailed maps to follow. The race will include fell running, mountain biking, kayaking, orienteering and a few surprises taking you to those hidden gems. Attitude is everything, so be prepared for the unexpected!

Since this Adventure Race is being held in the Lake District there could well be some open water swimming.

• Nokia Coast to Coast Adventure Race
• iRoc 2010 Now Open for Entry
• Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge

If you’re going travelling around the world in your gap year or going on a multi-point city break holiday, the Lowe Alpine Travel Trekker Pro 70 + 17 is definitely worth considering for your backpack luggage. This rucksack is well thought out with many helpful features that will make travelling easier.

The Travel Trekker Pro 70 + 17 consists of a large 70 litre rucksack and a small 17 litre daysack. The travel daysack fits snuggly onto the back of the rucksack, secured by clips and is semi-covered by protective flaps, described by Lowe Alpine as a clamshell pouch. This clever design will help to protect the daysack from being accidentally torn off the main rucksack whilst your luggage is being man-handled during your travels.

• Berghaus Arete Tour 40 Extrem Review
• Do I Need a Rucksack Cover?
• Lightwave Fastpack Rucksack Review

Which walking route planner websites are the best? In the second part of our guide we are reviewing five websites that include walks in specific areas of the UK. We conclude with a review of John Dawson’s Lake District Walks.

• A Guide to Best Walking Route Planners – Part 2
• Walking Northern Ireland Route Planner Review
• Walking North Wales – Route Planner Review

Which on-line walking route planners are the best? In the second part of our guide we are reviewing five websites that include walks in particular regions of the UK. In this particular review we are going walking in the city with Walkit.com.

• A Guide to Best Walking Route Planners – Part 2
• Lake District Walks Route Planner Review
• Walking Highlands Route Planner Review