Pat Kinsella
Author of Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering…, a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat Kinsella has been writing about outdoor pursuits and adventure sports for two decades. In pursuit of stories he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked across the Norwegian Alps, run ultras across the roof of Mauritius and through the hills of the Himalayas, and set short-lived speed records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s nine Great Walks. A former editor of several Australian magazines he’s a longtime contributor to publications including Sidetracked, Outdoor, National Geographic Traveller, Trail Running, The Great Outdoors, Outdoor Fitness and Adventure Travel, and a regular writer for Lonely Planet (for whom he compiled, edited and co-wrote the Atlas of Adventure, a guide to outdoor pursuits around the globe). He’s authored guides to exploring the coastline and countryside of Devon and Dorset, and recently wrote a book about pub walks. Follow Pat's adventures on Strava and instagram.
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I walked through a car wash to test how waterproof Gore-Tex jackets are
When the wilderness feels far away, you need to take a creative approach to testing outdoor kit
By Pat Kinsella Last updated
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When is the best time for birdwatching?
No matter what the season, it’s always a good time to start twitching
By Pat Kinsella Published
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How to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding safely
SUPing is a fantastic outdoor activity, as long as you do it safely. Here are 10 tips to help you get home in one piece
By Pat Kinsella Published
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What is wild camping and should I try it?
I’ve been wild camping for years, and it’s one of the most liberating things you can do in the outdoors
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Campers go wild on Dartmoor after the court sides with outdoor sleepers
Wild camping is legal on Dartmoor once more – but the short-lived ban has given the battle for better access to the outdoors a massive boost
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Soto WindMaster 4-Flex Stove review: brilliant bonsai-sized camping cooker
A super small, ultra lightweight, highly efficient camping stove for backpacking and other multiday outdoor adventures
By Pat Kinsella Published
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AceBeam X75 Power Bank Flashlight review: destroyer of darkness
Light up the night (big time) and charge your devices with this massively muscular flashlight and powerbank
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Should you try bikepacking? Yes, you should. Here's why.
I’ve tried it, and this is my honest opinion
By Pat Kinsella Published
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10 tips for keeping your tent cool on summer camping trips
Planning a camping trip? Be sure to follow these tent cooling tips
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Two Bare Feet Entradia 10'10" Stand-up Paddle Board review: stable, inflatable SUP for families, beginners and bigger paddlers
Sensibly priced and nicely packaged together, the 10’ 10” Entradia SUP starter pack is a great first-board choice
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Decathlon Forclaz Trek MT900 10°C Sleeping Bag review: well-designed camping cocoon for summer sleepouts
Incredibly compressible and easy to pack and carry, this is an excellent down sleeping bag for backpackers and bikepackers
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 review: light-but-tough boots for hitting the hills
A rugged and protective waterproof walking boot, best suited for technical trails and hiking with a heavy pack
By Pat Kinsella Published
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20 backpacking essentials everyone should have when hiking
After backpacking for decades, I’ve boiled down my essential gear list to these 20 items
By Pat Kinsella Published
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I'm a camping expert and here are my nine best tips on how to ace your first trip
I have spent years sleeping in tents, quite literally, if you add up all the nights. Here are my top camping tips for beginners
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Best beginner surfboard 2024: brilliant novice boards
The best beginner surfboard will help you go from kook to serious ripper
By Rich Owen Last updated
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Gill Marine Verso Drysuit review: shiver me timbers!
Versatile, fully protective, sensibly priced dry suit for people who enjoy a range of water-based activities all year round
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Seven ways to reduce your carbon footprint when hiking and camping
These tips will help you tread more softly
By Pat Kinsella Published
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I’m a walking book author, and these are my top 14 hiking tips for beginners
Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity on the planet, but are you doing it right?
By Pat Kinsella Published
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I went surfing at full moon to ride the mystical tidal bore – it was breathtaking
River surfing on the Severn is a freaky full-moon adventure that every boardrider should try at least once
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Six reasons why I love fastpacking (and five mistakes to avoid)
Struggling to find the time to go backpacking? Try a fastpacking foray instead – following are some top tips for beginners
By Pat Kinsella Published
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WAU X Plus review: brilliant e-bike with big riding range and funky features
Fully charged, the charismatic WAU X Plus e-bike will give you up to 100 miles of power-assisted riding
By Pat Kinsella Last updated
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What's breathability: Understanding breathability ratings of fabrics
Manufacturers throw around all kinds of breathability numbers, figures and facts, but what do they all mean?
By Pat Kinsella Last updated
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Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore Sailing Jacket review: amazing waterproof jacket for boating
I stress-tested this jacket on a violently pitching sea during a storm, and it kept me bone dry
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Is this exoskeleton the equivalent of an e-bike for runners, scramblers and ramblers?
The Hypershell Omega combines electronics, robotics and AI to provide runners and hikers with 1-horsepower of smart assistance across all kinds of terrain
By Pat Kinsella Published