Well, Christmas has been, the goose got fat and ended up in my tummy.
At Walk and Travel we are expanding our range, slowly but surely. Today saw the addition of the infamous Mini Maglite AA in four colours:
Blue Mini Maglite AA
Red Mini Maglite AA
Silver Mini Maglite AA - my favourite - it's shiny - I like shiny things.
Black Mini Maglite AA
Mini Maglite are a fantastic torch, designed to easily slip into a pocket or handbag and are great travel accessories as they are bright and light and the tail cap contains a spare bulb. If you take off the head of the Mini Maglite you can stand it up in it and, hey presto, you have a small candle lantern, great for playing cards with your travel companions. If you know someone who is going to leave work and head off travelling, or they have finished college and going on a gap year, then this makes one of those great gifts for travellers.
Got quite a few other little things to add on to the website. So make sure you keep popping back to the website and seeing what other little travel gifts you can find or other useful travel accessories.
Come and read my blog about travel accessories, walking gear, tips on outdoor gear, info and reviews. There is a smattering of advice posts on what outdoor gear you may want and outdoor gear you need. Hey, I sell outdoor gear, 'course I'll blog about it!. Will couple this with other interesting snippets on the outdoors as and when it pops up. Keep checking back and thanks for looking at the Walk and Travel Blog. Gareth Sear
Wednesday 26 December 2007
Sunday 25 November 2007
Ice Skaing at Somerset House
This post has now moved to http://www.walkandtravel.com/walk_and_travel_blog/ice-skating-at-somerset-house/
Tuesday 20 November 2007
Walking in the Peak District
Have just had a great weekend in Sheffield (kind of excluding the funeral I went to in Doncaster on Friday) - It's a great city - and so close to the Peak District (should I move up there)I love going out walking on the peaks, my favourite route is up from Edale and over Kinder Scout to Kinder Downs Falls and then back along the Penine Way via Jacobs ladder to the pub, best way to end a fantastic, blustery walk across desolate peat bogs with hardly anyone around.... Get up there! Want to know more about the route - send me an email and I'll ping back all the details.
Make sure you wear your comfortable walking socks, pack your water bottle and outdoor safety gear for walking and of course don't forget your waterproof jacket!
Make sure you wear your comfortable walking socks, pack your water bottle and outdoor safety gear for walking and of course don't forget your waterproof jacket!
Friday 22 June 2007
The last month at Walk and Travel
Life has been pretty hectic over the last month at Walk and Travel . I've got a great new range of products, to include Pacsafe travel security products, Bridgedale Walking Socks, Spenco Blister kits and Foot First Aid and some other little bit and bobs such as Sigg Bottle Cleaners and Sigg Spare Washers for the lids of their water bottles.
When you go through to my site, www.walkandtravel.com you may not find these products straight away as it does take time to load them up! Hopefully over the next two weeks they will all start to appear.
We have also been to the South of England Show, to sell our wares. This was great fun, it is great to be interacting with customers again rather than just selling through the website. What also made it great was the weather, the constant risk of pouring rain and howling winds as we only had a cheap Homebase part marquee, carefully lashed down (we are Scouts after all!), copious amounts of Market Stall clips and a little bit of sellotape to give it that sort of broken glasses look! In the future we will look out for another better quality type tent that means you can sleep at night and not worry about the stock getting wet or blown away!
We did the South of England Show with our friends at www.girlstravelclub.com, so if you want some good girly travel products and advice, then check them out.
The plans for the Poland expedition are coming along well, though slightly changed from not being able to stay at the mountain hut at Morskie Oko, we are now staying at Schronisko Roztoka, about another hour and a half down the valley, this will make our summit bid on Mount Rysy a massively long day. The preparation will need to be stepped up a bit to ensure that we have the stamina for this. The climb alone is likely to be around 1000m. However, we are all sorted and I can't wait to go trekking in the Polish Tatra Mountains. I'm even trying to learn some Polish - not the easiest language to get your tongue around I can assure you. But as I say in the Travel Tips section of www.walkandtravel.com, it is always good to learn some of the niceties of the local language as it goes a long way.
So what has been selling well on Walk and Travel? Currently our best sellers are the Nomad Sahara Raider Bag, the Nomad Sahara Travel Bag, at a bargain 20% discount, Snugpak Sleeping Bags are selling well into the camping season and as ever DEET insect repellent is the must have insect repellent for going abroad. It DEET insect repellent has been proven time and time again to be the most effective insect repellent again biting insects that can spread disease.
Well, that's it from me for now. Happy Walking and Travelling.
Gareth
When you go through to my site, www.walkandtravel.com you may not find these products straight away as it does take time to load them up! Hopefully over the next two weeks they will all start to appear.
We have also been to the South of England Show, to sell our wares. This was great fun, it is great to be interacting with customers again rather than just selling through the website. What also made it great was the weather, the constant risk of pouring rain and howling winds as we only had a cheap Homebase part marquee, carefully lashed down (we are Scouts after all!), copious amounts of Market Stall clips and a little bit of sellotape to give it that sort of broken glasses look! In the future we will look out for another better quality type tent that means you can sleep at night and not worry about the stock getting wet or blown away!
We did the South of England Show with our friends at www.girlstravelclub.com, so if you want some good girly travel products and advice, then check them out.
The plans for the Poland expedition are coming along well, though slightly changed from not being able to stay at the mountain hut at Morskie Oko, we are now staying at Schronisko Roztoka, about another hour and a half down the valley, this will make our summit bid on Mount Rysy a massively long day. The preparation will need to be stepped up a bit to ensure that we have the stamina for this. The climb alone is likely to be around 1000m. However, we are all sorted and I can't wait to go trekking in the Polish Tatra Mountains. I'm even trying to learn some Polish - not the easiest language to get your tongue around I can assure you. But as I say in the Travel Tips section of www.walkandtravel.com, it is always good to learn some of the niceties of the local language as it goes a long way.
So what has been selling well on Walk and Travel? Currently our best sellers are the Nomad Sahara Raider Bag, the Nomad Sahara Travel Bag, at a bargain 20% discount, Snugpak Sleeping Bags are selling well into the camping season and as ever DEET insect repellent is the must have insect repellent for going abroad. It DEET insect repellent has been proven time and time again to be the most effective insect repellent again biting insects that can spread disease.
Well, that's it from me for now. Happy Walking and Travelling.
Gareth
Thursday 17 May 2007
New Outdoor Gear Reviews and Info
Well, it was time to update the good ol' site a little bit more. I've now added in some of the great outdoor gear reviews that my customers have sent in. I've also added a few more outdoor gear questions and answers.
Further to this I've also added in some outdoor gear technical information on as well - been worked quite hard.
The outdoor gear reviews are a great place to let me know what you think about gear you buy from Walk and Travel. The reviews added recently are for: Rab Down Sleeping Bags, Snugpak Sleeping Bags, Tatonka Barrel Holdalls and Vaude Tents and Vaude Rucksacks. There's loads more there as well. So go have a look.
Want to know what travel plug adapter to use for the country you are heading off to? I've put in a neat table that show's exactly what travel adapter you need for the country you are heading to.
Ever wondered what you need to repair outdoor gear? McNett make some great products, such as Seamgrip for fixing most things, Freesole for the repair of walking boots and all kinds of outdoor footware, Gore Tex patches for repairing your torn waterproof breathable outdoor clothing and McNett Tenacious Tape for in the field repairs to your outdoor gear. It's all great stuff. The people at McNett are geniuses. Our technical guide tell you exactly how you use these products to repair your outdoor gear and clothing.
Walk and Travel isn't just about selling products, it's about the information that we have on there as well. Got a question about walking boots? Look at our walking question and answer section. Got a question about travel? Look at our travel question and answer section.
Further to this I've also added in some outdoor gear technical information on as well - been worked quite hard.
The outdoor gear reviews are a great place to let me know what you think about gear you buy from Walk and Travel. The reviews added recently are for: Rab Down Sleeping Bags, Snugpak Sleeping Bags, Tatonka Barrel Holdalls and Vaude Tents and Vaude Rucksacks. There's loads more there as well. So go have a look.
Want to know what travel plug adapter to use for the country you are heading off to? I've put in a neat table that show's exactly what travel adapter you need for the country you are heading to.
Ever wondered what you need to repair outdoor gear? McNett make some great products, such as Seamgrip for fixing most things, Freesole for the repair of walking boots and all kinds of outdoor footware, Gore Tex patches for repairing your torn waterproof breathable outdoor clothing and McNett Tenacious Tape for in the field repairs to your outdoor gear. It's all great stuff. The people at McNett are geniuses. Our technical guide tell you exactly how you use these products to repair your outdoor gear and clothing.
Walk and Travel isn't just about selling products, it's about the information that we have on there as well. Got a question about walking boots? Look at our walking question and answer section. Got a question about travel? Look at our travel question and answer section.
Friday 11 May 2007
Nomad Sahara Raiders and Trangia Cookers.
Hey y'all.
I find the internet an interesting place, and it amazes me how things sell off my website. SEO is a dark art - but I love the challenges of it!
I recently ordered in quite a number of Nomad Sahara Raider Shoulder Bags and these are flying out! I have to admit the manufacturer and supplier have got it quite right. They are a very cool bag, mine is looking great now it is worn in a bit and a little grubby. They are just the right size for everything - sadly mine get used mostly for carrying a laptop in and going to the office. The odd trip is does make is now mostly in the UK, but it handles this well! Let's face it, the bag has travelled a lot any way, it was made in china. The good old (looking - it's retro) Nomad Sahara Raider. I love it.
Another great product I've got and is selling well is the Trangia Cooker. This is something of a childhood memory. I used these a lot in the Scouts. They were heavy then, not the ultralight version that is available now. We used them on backpacking expeditions, trips to Scandinavia and the Alps. Awesome trips. We also used them as fondues in our evening programmes. I don't know if you are aware, but a Trangia Cooker runs of meths. A great fuel, only burns a vapour, you drop a match into it and the bottle won't explode as petrol would. One of the things about meths is that the flame is virtually clear. The golden rule of using a Trangia Stove is to make sure that the flame is fully out before refilling the burner. I didn't. I will always double check in the future. As I poured it into the burner which was still alight I spilt some and this caught fire, resultant mess on the wooden table. As with all types of stoves, gas, petrol, meths, you need to be very, very careful when you use them. Having said that, a huge amount of youth groups, such as Scouts and Duke of Edinburgh Award use the trusty Trangia Cooker as it is a safe, stable, compact group cooker that comes complete with windshields, pots and pans. What more could you ask for?
Got a question about outdoor gear? Try me out!
I find the internet an interesting place, and it amazes me how things sell off my website. SEO is a dark art - but I love the challenges of it!
I recently ordered in quite a number of Nomad Sahara Raider Shoulder Bags and these are flying out! I have to admit the manufacturer and supplier have got it quite right. They are a very cool bag, mine is looking great now it is worn in a bit and a little grubby. They are just the right size for everything - sadly mine get used mostly for carrying a laptop in and going to the office. The odd trip is does make is now mostly in the UK, but it handles this well! Let's face it, the bag has travelled a lot any way, it was made in china. The good old (looking - it's retro) Nomad Sahara Raider. I love it.
Another great product I've got and is selling well is the Trangia Cooker. This is something of a childhood memory. I used these a lot in the Scouts. They were heavy then, not the ultralight version that is available now. We used them on backpacking expeditions, trips to Scandinavia and the Alps. Awesome trips. We also used them as fondues in our evening programmes. I don't know if you are aware, but a Trangia Cooker runs of meths. A great fuel, only burns a vapour, you drop a match into it and the bottle won't explode as petrol would. One of the things about meths is that the flame is virtually clear. The golden rule of using a Trangia Stove is to make sure that the flame is fully out before refilling the burner. I didn't. I will always double check in the future. As I poured it into the burner which was still alight I spilt some and this caught fire, resultant mess on the wooden table. As with all types of stoves, gas, petrol, meths, you need to be very, very careful when you use them. Having said that, a huge amount of youth groups, such as Scouts and Duke of Edinburgh Award use the trusty Trangia Cooker as it is a safe, stable, compact group cooker that comes complete with windshields, pots and pans. What more could you ask for?
Got a question about outdoor gear? Try me out!
Wednesday 9 May 2007
New to blogging
I'm new to all of this blogging lark and I was wondering how I can get people to look at my blog? I'll need to do some research. I thought there would be a search facility on the front/home page or something, but I can't really find anything. How do I search out other peoples blogs?
Well, I've not booked the flight and some accommodation for the trip to Poland for walking in the Polish Tatras. Flying with Ryan Air - from Stansted flight at 6.10am. Leave Horsham at 1am - great! Booked the flight direct on the Ryan Air website -coming in at about £71, only to have to add on another tenner as I wanted to take luggage! Honestly! Why didn't they mention that in the price to start with, cheap airline? Watch out! British Airways were only £30 more expensive and that was from Gatwick - crap flight times though. The accommodation we booked through www.hostelbookers.com and chose the cheap, but well rated Seventh Heaven Hostel in Krakow. will let you know what it is like when I am back.
It's useful having your own outdoor gear website, as I've been reading that you need to take a lightweight sleeping bag, I'm taking a Rab Quantum 250, lucky me, and a karrimat to sleep on in the mountain huts if there are no beds. I get the pick of the outdoor gear. That'll do me. I like Rab Sleeping bags, they are the best, well made and lovely to sleep in. (I think it is a fabric thing, goes well with the silk liner).
Well, I've not booked the flight and some accommodation for the trip to Poland for walking in the Polish Tatras. Flying with Ryan Air - from Stansted flight at 6.10am. Leave Horsham at 1am - great! Booked the flight direct on the Ryan Air website -coming in at about £71, only to have to add on another tenner as I wanted to take luggage! Honestly! Why didn't they mention that in the price to start with, cheap airline? Watch out! British Airways were only £30 more expensive and that was from Gatwick - crap flight times though. The accommodation we booked through www.hostelbookers.com and chose the cheap, but well rated Seventh Heaven Hostel in Krakow. will let you know what it is like when I am back.
It's useful having your own outdoor gear website, as I've been reading that you need to take a lightweight sleeping bag, I'm taking a Rab Quantum 250, lucky me, and a karrimat to sleep on in the mountain huts if there are no beds. I get the pick of the outdoor gear. That'll do me. I like Rab Sleeping bags, they are the best, well made and lovely to sleep in. (I think it is a fabric thing, goes well with the silk liner).
Sunday 6 May 2007
Mountain Leader Training
Has anyone out there done their UK mountain leader training? I was wondering how beneficial you found it. I'm thinking of doing mine and trying to squeeze it in before I take my Scouts to Poland trekking in the Tatras Mountains. Main reason for this is because I was on an Expedition Medicine Weekend (run by Forest Knights in the sunny West Sussex countryside) and the guy who was running it asked me if I had a lost person policy and plan, i.e. what I would do if I lost one of my Scouts when I am out. In the mountains I imagine this could be quite important. So you learn how to deal with this on a Mountain Leader Training Course? Group management - I hope so. I think I'll do some reading up on it.
I'm also thinking about what kit I'll take and there will have to be a confidence rope in my day pack as well as the usual suspects of an Expedition First Aid Kit, survival bag and a group mountain shelter.
I'm also thinking about what kit I'll take and there will have to be a confidence rope in my day pack as well as the usual suspects of an Expedition First Aid Kit, survival bag and a group mountain shelter.
Tuesday 1 May 2007
New Outdoor Products and Poland
Life is quite exciting at the moment, my website is doing well; www.walkandtravel.com and I'm introduced some great new products! Have you heard of Rab Sleeping Bags? These down sleeping bags are are some of the best in the world and sexy as hell! The down bags that I am stocking at the Rab Quantum Range, both for men and women. They are ultralight and have an excellent warmth to weight ratio. Have a look at the Rab Quantum Sleeping Bags.
While all that is going on, I'm still helping out with running an Explorer Scout Unit in Horsham in the UK, it's coming up to summer expedition time...how cool! We are planning to go to the High Tatras Mountains in Poland and trek to the highest peak Mt Rysys over four days staying in the mountain huts while we are there. Naturally there will be some time to experience the Polish culture in Zakopane and Krakow and hopefully, if we can sneak one in, a cheeky Polish Beer. Anyone had one? Is it good? If anyone has some travel tips for Poland and High Tatras mountains it would be great to hear them.
Bye for now!
G
While all that is going on, I'm still helping out with running an Explorer Scout Unit in Horsham in the UK, it's coming up to summer expedition time...how cool! We are planning to go to the High Tatras Mountains in Poland and trek to the highest peak Mt Rysys over four days staying in the mountain huts while we are there. Naturally there will be some time to experience the Polish culture in Zakopane and Krakow and hopefully, if we can sneak one in, a cheeky Polish Beer. Anyone had one? Is it good? If anyone has some travel tips for Poland and High Tatras mountains it would be great to hear them.
Bye for now!
G
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)