CheapTents.com Outdoor Gear Blog

Paul Bride, Outdoor Photographer

We love getting inspiring outdoor athletes on for interviews and have another one this week who kindly gave up there time to answer a few questions for CheapTents.com readers!

Paul Bride a photographer of whom work has been seen in the Rock & Ice magazine and multiple.  Here’s a bit more about Paul and his adventures…

About Paul Bride

Paul Bride is an adventurer & travel photographer/videographer specialising in expeditions with a focus on climbing and travel. Paul’s work appears consistently in the climbing and outdoor world - in high profile . He currently resides in Squamish British Columbia Canada.

Paul has done a wide range of photography for editorial clients including:

• Rock & Ice, Gripped, Pacific Yachting, Men’s Journal, Canadian Alpine Journal, Outpost, Beautiful British Columbia, Alpinist, Canoe& Kayak, Powder, Skier, Climbing, Explore Magazine
• The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, The Province, The Chief

In addition to editirorial photography Paul Bride has done a wide range of phtography work for huge outdoor brands including: Mountain Safety Research (MSR), Arc’teryx, Patagonia, BlueWater, Julbo, Canadian Mountain Properties, Therm-a-rest, Platypus, Sea to Sky Air, Sea Eagle Boats, FiveTen, Blurr, Valhalla Pure, Backpacker Pantry, Custom Color, Pelican, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Whistler Mountain,

Paul Bride Expeditions

Paul has been on a wide range of expeditions, sending him and his camera to places to places all over the world allowing him to come back with some truly spectacular imagery.   Expeditions include:

• 2008 India – Documentary photographer for climbing in Southern India
• 2007 Australia - Documentary videographer for climbing/surfing expedition
• 2006 Nepal - Teng Kang Poche, 21,000 ft peek - expedition photographer
• 2005 Malta - Deep water soloing – climbing expedition photographer
• 2004 Waddington Range BC - First accent of the ‘The Smoke Show’ – climbing expedition photographer
• 2004 Vietnam - Deep water soloing – climbing expedition photographer

Specific highlights of footage from worldwide expeditions have included:

• 2006/07 Banff Mountain Film Festival -Winner of Best Short Mountain Film – ‘Cobra Crack’ filmed by Paul Bride
• 2007 - Carte Blanche Photography Book 1. Chosen as one of the top practicing Canadian editorial photographers.

Paul Bride is a key part of MSR’s sponsored outdoor sports athletes - testing gear and a photographer for the company.  MSR is a strong advocate of sponsoring the best outdoor athletes to achieve such things amazing.  Here’s a snippet of their outlook on sponsoring outdoor athletes;

MSR, Therm-a-Rest, SealLine and Platypus support a group of outdoor athletes who are constantly redefining the notion of outdoor recreation and the spirit of adventure, as well as using their notoriety for a greater good. Their personalities and adventures provide inspiration to everyone; from beginners to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

And because these athletes rely implicitly on their gear for survival, we’re inspired by their trust and feedback to continue creating the best outdoor gear available.

Here at CheapTents.com, we love MSR tents and all their other outdoor equipment, and it’s clear to see why…it’s this in-depth research and time spent on specialist areas of outdoor gear that improves their product development processes.

Paul Bride, Outdoor Photographer

CheapTents.com: What inspired you to get into photographing the outdoors?

Long before I even knew I wanted to get into outdoor adventure photography I was always inspired by images of far away places and expeditions. It wasn’t until my girlfriend (now wife) loaned me a point and shoot camera for my first big adventure that set me on my path.

CheapTents.com: What has been your biggest adventure or other achievement?

One of my most memorable adventures took place in Vietnam with only one other climber in search of deep water soloing routes (Climbing sea cliffs without ropes, eventually falling in the water). We spent 3 weeks floating on the South China Sea on a homemade raft, constructed of 2 inflatable kayaks, a portaledge, and the MSR fusion tent that we brought from home.

Paul Bride, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Locals had warned us to avoid the military at all cost so keeping our expedition stealth was very important. There are thousands of limestone towers that jet out of the sea and with no maps available to anyone but the military we set off with a placemat from a restaurant that had a animated drawing of what Ha Long Bay looked like as our nautical chart, getting lost was not an option. At the end of a 5-day stint we would rendezvous with a boat to pick us up so we could re-supply food and fresh drinking water.

Floating in the middle of the South China Sea on a homemade raft and watching the boat that just dropped you off disappear leaves you feeling very far from home, ‘Are you sure the captain understood he is supposed to pick us up again in a week?’ can play heavy on your mind.

CheapTents.com: What is you biggest weakness? Sport, photography or otherwise…

Sitting at the computer for days after an expedition editing images. I always want to be in the field shooting.

CheapTents.com: When did you feel like you ‘made it’ in your field of outdoor sports and photography? And do you feel like you’ve satisfied your goals?

Outdoor photography is an ongoing commitment. I feel I’m only as good as my last shoot. I don’t know if I’ll ever be satisfied there are so many trips and places I want to go.

CheapTents.com: What do you find most challenging about training? Any tips to overcome these challenges?

I really enjoy training. If I’m not moving then I’m not happy. Being in good condition I feel is one of the key components for a successful expedition. I’m always learning in the mountains from better climbers but if you can’t keep up then you can’t capture the image.

Paul Bride, Ice Climbing in the Rockies

CheapTents.com: Blood thirsty question now, what has been your worst injury (if any) from your adventures and how did it happen?

Worst injury by far was hitting a tree while shooting skiing in the Kootenays my first winter there, I broke my ribs, ruptured my kidney, and did all kinds of damage to my back. Peeing blood and passing all the dried flakes of blood from my kidney makes for a long winter, ouch! Lol

CheapTents.com: What will be your most challenging climbs / expeditions / adventures for next year?

We are in the works of putting a trip together to the Arctic Circle but I’m not supposed to talk about it yet. Sorry!!

CheapTents.com: You’ve obviously been heavily involved with climbing and photography for a number of years, can you pick out a favorite expedition, and explain why?

One of my most favorite expeditions was to the Waddington Range right here in British Columbia Canada. I had done a lot of climbing up to that point but this was the first time I really felt like I had thrown myself into the fire, I will never forget stepping out of the chopper on to the Tiedemann glacier in a snowstorm in the middle of August. We had to ferry 600 pounds of gear over a heavily crevassed part of the glacier up a 500ft bench over the biggest Bergschrund I’d ever seen, just to reach basecamp. A friend of mine had described Waddington to me before I left as an easy place to die. Sitting in my tent soaked and alone that first night I felt like I was part of something serious.

CheapTents.com: Where would you like to be in 5 years time? Main Ambitions?

I hope in 5 years time I’m still healthy enough to be traveling and photographing in remote places.

CheapTents.com: For other budding outdoor sports enthusiasts, what tips can you provide to help other compete at a higher level?

I think the most important thing to remember is do what you love and not to sell yourself short. Outdoor sports and photography is a journey that is full of highs and lows. Testing yourself in the pursuit of personal goals can be very rewarding but different for each individual. Do and photograph what you love and enjoy the ride.

CheapTents.com: What are your favorite bits of outdoor gear, and why?

Gear is always changing so my attitude towards it changes as well.

I like to be comfortable in the outdoors and being a photographer I have to haul around a lot of [bleep!] so space is very important to me. My new best friend in the Asgard tent from MSR, this thing is bomb proof and the ventilation is excellent. Light enough to carry on long approaches yet with 2 vestibules and plenty of room inside I can share it with a partner and still have room for all my camera gear.

Eating is a bit of a hobby of mine and I don’t mind cooking so I always pay attention to stoves. The Pocket Rocket from MSR is the perfect stove for fast and light and has never failed me once (thank god) If there are a few members to our team then I have to go with the Dragon Fly from MSR as well, easy to clean, burns any fuel and sounds so cool at full throttle.

CheapTents.com: Any people or sponsors that you’d like thank? Any other comments?

Over the past years I’ve been able to use a lot of gear and work with different companies. Some of those business relationships have turned into friendships that I would like to continue.
I would very much like to thank Jim Ault at Cascade Designs for giving me a chance in the beginning.

To view Paul’s truly spectacular photography please visit:  http://www.paulbride.com

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The laser Competiton is quick and easy to pitch…the amazingly low weight of the Laser Competition - less than half that of the similar sized [Hilleberg] Akto…I had no concerns about it collapsing in 40mph winds.

You can read more Terra Nova tent reviews on their website.

Conclusion

Terra Nova really design and manufacture a great range of tents, and are certainly one of the best for lightweight backpacking tents…If you’re looking at buying a Terra Nova tent not many people serious about outdoor gear are going to put you off, that’s for sure!

But make sure you take a look at the full range of Terra Nova tents to learn more because they really are fantastic for a variety of purposes and weather conditions…choose the best tent for you.  Otherwise, if you’re still wanting to look at other tent brands, such as MSR, Mountain Equipment and Vango head over to the tent section in the outdoor shop.

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I like Nikwax.  I really do.  I think it is really good value stuff, especially when you consider the value of the outdoor clothing and equipment it protects.

Every so often we like to do a little write-up about the manufacturers of outdoor equipment, simply to show you why we choose to sell the one’s that we do.  And this time, lucky Nikwax has hit the limelight.

Nikwax for Protecting your Gear and Outdoor Clothing

Nikwax helps ensure that your clothing continues to do what it was supposed to well after you bought it. Over time, and wear and tear,

Nikwax Direct

The item I like the most from the range of Nikwax Gear Care products is the Nikwax TX Direct Spray or Nikwax Wash-in.  There are a load of other gear care produts in the shape of wax, sprays, lofters, proofers, etc, etc, but these are the most used by me.

Like most, I’m a big fan of breathable waterproof jackets - got a couple for different outdoor sports - mountain biking, running and general/other use. I think this works best, but I have to say, it’s my mountain bike jacket that get’s put through the worst of it.  The biggest test is the abrasion from the dirt that sprays-up I find…this kind of abrasion can do some serious damage and reduces the water repellancy of my jacket.

How Nikwax Works

OK, the techy geeks are going to love this, hold on to your hats!  Here’s a bit of blurb on how Nikwax was developed and why it works:

Many years ago, Nick Brown the inventor of Nikwax, developed and patented the Nikwax TX.10i water-repellent elastomer. The TX.10i elastomer was based on EVA, the same material found in the flexible soles of footwear. The patent also involved altering the molecular structure of mineral wax which is typically brittle. This strengthens the molecule making it very elastic and resilient. This TX.10i polymer was the primary active ingredient in all Nikwax footwear and fabric treatments.

Nikwax treatments coat fabric and leather fibres with a network of elastic TX.10i water-repellent molecules. They bond to anything that is not water-repellent, but leave the spaces between fibres open and breathable. Nikwax treatments can flex and move with the fabric and leather fibres. That is why Nikwax treatments can withstand several washings and remain whereas the competitors must be re-applied after each wash.

The TX.10i elastomer adds tear strength to fabrics as well. Enhanced tear resistance is achieved through lubrication of the fabric which allows the fibres to slide easily over one another. the treatments also coat the fibres with the elastic polymer that is resilient and allows the fibres to flex a limited amount and return to their original position. This reduces the stress at the intersection of the fibres adding tear strength to the fabric.In 2004-5, Nikwax introduced a new and improved active elastomer. The culmination of several years research, these new class of formulations bring better value for money due to increased number of doses from one bottle and an even more durable finish. Unlike fluorocarbon products, you do not need to heat garments to activate the waterproofing treatment. This new class of formulations is being carried across the range so watch out for even greater performance from Nikwax in the future.

Now, I’m not a Scientist, but that makes Nikwax one tough cookie.

More reasons to love Nikwax

• As proofers go they are amongst the best in their field
• Safer to the environment so ticks lots of eco-boxes too
• Easy to use, just a few instructions - even I can follow them!

Nikwax’s environmental stance:

If Nikwax were manufacturing petroleum-based or aerosol products, there would be an additional 500 tons of organic solvents and propellant gases evaporated into the atmosphere. Nikwax’s commitment to WaterBased emulsions does a lot to reduce global warming and ozone depletion. The so-called ozone friendly solvents and propellants used in aerosols are very powerful greenhouse gases. Weight for weight, petroleum solvents contribute far more to global warming than carbon dioxide.

In addition, Nikwax improves the performance and extends the life of outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment, thereby reducing the consumption of materials and energy that would be needed to replace these items. Fewer things in land-fills too!

Nikwax also doesn’t use fluorocarbons either, and as some research has suggested that they are persistent chemicals (i.e. they do not break-down in the foodchain), then we think that this is a good thing.

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Nothing beats a special offer, especially when the special offers are permanent!  but we have come up with an extra way you can save money by writing about the gear that you use…

We’re offering an extra 10% OFF anything in the CheapTents.com outdoor gear shop, on top of current discounts! Simply write an outdoor gear review…

So share your views and get money off Christmas Presents…We already discount almost all of our outdoor clothing and equipment so this is a pretty good special offer for those who like to share their opinions!  It’s pretty good timing too, as if you’re shopping for Christmas presents, then this can help you save a load of money - (disclaimer: we’re not saying you’re a cheapskate!!)

Before you write your Outdoor Gear Review

Please make sure it’s a outdoor gear brand that we sell:

• Tents
• Rucksacks
• Sleeping Bags
• Outdoor Clothes
• Walking Boots
• Climbing Equipment
• Camping Accessories
• Dog Walking Gear

12 Tips for writing Outdoor Gear Reviews

To help you put your thoughts and feedback down on to paper, we have devised a few ideas to help structure your review…

1. Product specification (from manufacturers website)
2. The approximate month and year the product was bought
3. General overview or summary of the product
4. What sort of outdoor person is it designed for?
5. Form - opinions on the styling (if appropriate)
6. Testing - how have you used it so far?
7. Functionality - does it do what it’s supposed to?
8. Best thing about it…
9. If you could change one thing…
10. Would you recommend it?  Why?
11. Overall, how many stars would you give it?
12. Finally, please make the outdoor gear review as constructive as possible (not just: I love it, or, I hate it!)

Credited and Published Author

And of course you will become a published author!  We will credit your writing with your details, so you can build your name to become a super-star outdoor gear tester!  You’re review will be published on the blog homepage and be categorised into the outdoor gear review section to provide advice to others!

Your Discount Coupon

Once you have written the content we will email you a personalised discount coupon for you to use in the CheapTents.com shop.  This discount will then be applied by a member of staff after you have placed the order.

The Special Offer expires Christmas (ish) and terms…

This special offer will expire just after Christmas, but depending on the success of people’s feedback we may well extend it.  Although if you do wish to repeat the offer again and again in the mean time, then by all means you can…

We naturally have the right to change / remove this special offer as and when, but we really hope you enjoy making the most of it!  And the special offer does not include sale items or tents as these are heavily discounted already!  Contact us with any specific queries…

What you need to do next

Either email us using the 12 tips above or write your comments/queries in the box below and we will happily reply…

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I’ve been writing the blog for about 3-4 months now, and I’m really wondering whether anyone would like to share there views on the information and service we provide.

Decide on what content you want to see

As our outdoor blog is in it’s infancy, if you would like to share your views on what is here already or items that you would like to see more of, you could really influence what content we put together for you.  All ideas appreciated!

If you feel like this blog needs more videos, more camping and outdoor gear advice, outdoor industry news, or less bad jokes, then tell us!

Any other comments and ideas appreciated too!  Thanks in advance!

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Berghaus Short Sleeve Tech T came 1st in Country Walking magazine’s test of baselayers / active outdoor t-shirts.

Baselayers and Thermalwear

Your baselayer is one of the most underestimated items of gear.  You should read more about  the importance of baselayers, but the generally you need to make sure they are part of your gear list, in addition to a thermal / fleece mid-layer or insulated layer and a shell / waterproofs.

Berghaus Tech-T Baselayer Product Specification

Argentium is an engineered polyester fabric exclusive to Berghaus.  Argentium offers permanent moisture management and wicking properties through the use of a denier gradient knit structure and channeled yarns.

Berghaus Tech T Baselayer T-Shirt

Interestingly, Argentium has permanent odour resist properties through the use of a silver ion technology. The knitted fabric structure in these tees has been body mapped to maximise air flow, hence creating the breathability quality we see.

• Permanent moisture management and wicking properties.
• Permanent odour resistant properties through the use of a silver ion technology.
• Permanent UV blocking properties (SPF>30).
• Argentium is an engineered polyester fabric exclusive to Berghaus.
• Weight: 185g.
• RRP: £20.

Here’s Country Walking’s review of the Tech-T’s performance…

COMFORT & FIT 8/10

Perfect cut and length, but I’d have preferred slightly longer sleeves.  The polyester fabric felt great next to the skin.

PERFORMANCE 10/10

Dealt with perspiration and dried as well as any, but with less noticeable odour after use than the runners-up.  Appealing sporty yet casual looks.

VERDICT 18/20

About as good as a crew neck synthetic T-shirt can be and at an excellent price to boot!

…looks like it’s a winner!  You can find a range of reduced baselayers and thermals in the outdoor shop.

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• Baselayer Advice and Climate Control
• Gore-Tex Pro Shell Technology for Waterproof Clothing
• Which Mid-layer Fleece is best?

We love discounting gear and providing excellent customer service - that’s why people come back!  Here’s a few more for you to take a look at…

Needing winter gear? Getting wet?  Wanting a bargain?

Check out the camping gear sale and discounts on clothing and gear…along with extra discounts on waterproof clothing!

There’s nothing better than getting a bargain!

Want to hear about special offers?

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Feedback and Ideas

We love to hear from our visitors, whether it’s a review of some gear you’ve just bought, a subject you think we should be covering or simply hearing your views via the comments box of each blog post.  Always feel free to contact us which will help us to continue to provide the great service we think you guys deserve!

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Outdoor People

Outdoor gear, sports and camping are definitely our thing.  Each of the team at CheapTents.com, enjoys their own range of outdoor sports and activities from leisurely walking to travel and triathalons, or from climbing to mountain biking and bivouacking.  For this reason, we take a great interest in a wide range of outdoor gear and how it performs for it’s designated purpose.  So for this matter we thought we would plant this knowledge down into a library of outdoor resources for others to share…

Outdoor Resources Galore

In addition to the resources available on our outdoor blog, we also provide extra helpful tips and advice on a wide range of camping and outdoor topics, including:

• Tent Advice
  • Mountain Tent Advice
  • Lightweight / Ultralight Tent Advice
  • Bothy Bag Advice
• Sleeping Bag Advice
• Outdoor Clothing Advice
• Walking Boots and Footwear Advice
• Camping Advice
• Camping Equipment Advice
• Ultralight Backpacking Tips
• Travel and Gap year Advice
• Glossary of Outdoor Terms
• Scout Info and Discounts
• Climbing Gear Advice
• Camping Stoves Advice
• Ice and Walking Axes & Crampons
• Head Torch Help and Advice
• Festival Gear Advice

…and that’s in addition too all the great products we have available in the outdoor shops of outdoor shops!  We continue to discount year round in order for you to be reassured that you’re getting a great price, always!

And for those seriously into lightweight gear and who consider themselves to be an ultralight backpacker, runner or mountain biker, take the ultralight quiz to find out!

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• Are you a heavyweight, lightweight or ultralight?
• Which is the best tent for you?
• Where’s my nearest indoor climbing wall?

A whole lot of support

A quick post to say thank you to all those that keep on coming back to our website. Each month we get up to 50,000 visitors, or more, so we really want to thank you for showing your support!

Independence

Being an independent retailer we are so grateful that our reputation online has been appreciated to this extent, and it’s all come on the back of word-of-mouth recommendations, along with blog and forum mentions that we’ve been able to do this.

Your suggestions

But remember, if there is anything we can do better, any info you want to know, or anything at all in fact, please do contact us via email or in the comments box below, and we will be happy to help!

Though our blog and the website’s help pages, we’re now working even harder to provide more and more gear reviews, advice and athlete interviews online so let us know if you want us to share anything outdoor-related via the CheapTents.com blog.

Thanks again,

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• Got any outdoor news you would like to share?
• Launching the CheapTents.com blog!
• Glossary of Outdoor Gear Terms

Let us know if there’s something you would like adding to the CheapTents.com blog.

We’re more than happy to add your achievements, events and anything else newsworthy to help the outdoor community.

Maybe you would like to recount a feet of bravery, news of an upcoming event or show-off about your biggest achievement!  or even share your opinions on gear through a gear review…

Contact us using the comments form below or via email.

And thanks from all of the CheapTents.com Team for reading this blog!

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