Archive for October, 2009

Highlander Hexamine Fuel Tablets

Sunday, October 25th, 2009
Hexamine Solid Fuel Tablets

Hexamine Solid Fuel Tablets

If you are a seasoned camper then you will probably know how useful it is to have a pack of Highlander Hexamine Fuel Tablets in your bag to help start a fire quickly. If camping isn’t your thing then you will have probably used these white solid fuel tablets for lighting your barbeque.

Made from high density hexamine, these compact solid fuel tablets burn smokelessly and don’t leave any ash when they burn so they are perfect for camping and also great for military and survival experts.

You can use them on their own to light a simple fire or partner them with a Highlander Solid Fuel Cooker and you have the ideal simple camping cooker. As the burning tablets are quite sensitive to wind, the setup of the Cooker with its pressed metal windscreen makes sure the tablets keep burning.

You will be surprised how much heat is given out from these small fuel tablets, but you do need to remember that you can’t turn them down - great for boiling water, but cooking can be difficult when you need to simmer food.

Each fuel block burns for approx. 8-10 mins, depending upon conditions.

Highlander Solid Fuel Cooker

Highlander Solid Fuel Cooker

Highlander Solid Fuel Cooker

Superb for camping, hiking or fishing - these solid fuel cookers take up so little room, you’ll hardly know it’s there in your pack, but you’ll certainly know it’s NOT there if you’ve forgotten it!

Used by the Forces worldwide, the Highlander Solid Fuel Cooker is fully adjustable so they will suit virtually all sizes of cooking utensils. Made from pressed galvanised metal, they won’t rust and are extremely durable. Although they are designed for use with hexamine tablets, you can use tinder card, fuel gel sachets or even twigs and sticks.

The lightweight and compact design makes them easy to pack in a rucksack Truly versatile.

Size closed: Approx. 11.8 x 9.5 x 3.0 cms

Size fully open: Approx. 11.8 x 9.5 x 7.0 cms

Highlander Camping Equipment and Accessories available online now.

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Waterproof Jacket Technology

Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Regatta Waterproof Jacket Technologies

Regatta Waterproof Jacket Technologies

Buying a waterproof jacket in 2009 is a totally different to purchasing an outdoor jacket, say 10 years ago. The biggest developments in waterproof jackets is the fabric technology that ensures you stay warm and dry.

Waterproof jacket technology has come along way since the age of the “Mac”, the classic waterproof jackets popular in the 1800’s. Named after the designer, Charles Macintosh who found a way of adding a rubber formula to clothing fabric and effectively waterproofing it, the Mac is the forerunner of waterproof coats we see today.

The R&D teams of th elikes of Dunlop, WL Gore and Sympatex have been responsible for taking the technology to new levels in the last few years meaning that even the cheapest of jackets can now include very high performance waterproof materials.

With the addition of breathable materials such as Gore-tex and Hydrafort and the option to zip in an extra layer, today’s jackets are designed to cope with the harshest of conditions but also keep you warm and comfortable.

Waterproof Jacket Features

Today’s waterproof jackets offer a multitude of features that mean you can enjoy the great outdoors without having to worry about your clothing:-

  • Hardwearing materials
  • Ultralight / lightweight / heavyweight
  • Snag-free
  • Rip-stop material
  • Detachable Hood / climbing helmet hood / hood peak
  • Storm flaps
  • Deep chest pockets
  • Map pockets
  • Breathable
  • Warm
  • Windproof
  • Waterproof
  • Cinch cords
  • Weatherproof / waterpoof zips
  • Full length, 3/4 length or half length
  • Active sports cut design
  • Long-tail cut
  • Resistance to contaminants such as body oils, cosmetics, salt water, insect repellent and other environmental contaminants.

Breathable Waterproof Jackets

One of the greatest developments in outdoor jacket technology is breathable waterproofing, a technique that not only keeps the water out but also stops any condensation building up on the inside of your jacket. Not only do these materials have excellent water repellant properties but they “breathe” allowing any internal moisture to be wicked away.

Regatta Waterproof Jackets

The latest Regatta Waterproof Jackets include many of the features above and have several patented technologies including:-

Isotex 5000: Waterproof, Windproof, Breathable Fabric

Isotex 5000 fabric is both waterproof and breathable to keep you dry and comfortable in the outdoors.

Isotex 5000 diagram

Isotex 5000 - Waterproof and Breathable

Isotex 10000 XPT fabric

Waterproof, breathable and windproof fabric. X-treme Performance Technology (XPT) fabrics offer increased levels of breathability being 30% more breathable than standard Isotex fabrics.

  • Isotex 10000 XPT offers a barrier against water droplets to protect you from the elements
  • Highly permeable to water vapour allowing perspiration to escape more effectively to keep you dry and comfortable
  • Windproof performance eliminates windchill
  • Atl Durable Water Repellent (DWR) outer fabric treatment helps rain water run off

Hydrafort

Hydrafort fabric is both waterproof and windproof, providing reliable protection from the elements in the outdoors

Buying a Waterproof Jacket

If you are considering buying from the range of Regatta Waterproof Jackets it is worth thinking about the conditions you are going to use it in. With so many styles and technologies now available there is a jacket for almost every occasion, whether it is simple casual wear around town or using it on camping and walking trips in the harshest of weathers.

Keep this information in mind when you are choosing your next waterproof jacket, read the labels and do some research on the technologies listed. If you are still not sure by all means give us a call and we would be happy to discuss which jacket would best suit your needs.

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Walking in Weymouth

Friday, October 9th, 2009
Walking around Portland - click to maximise

Walking around Portland - click to maximise

Although the Autumn feels like it is well and truly upon us, this time of year can be perfect for walking in Dorset - particularly if you know there is a warm pub and a drink waiting for you at the other end.

Dorset is just bursting with fabulous places to walk - whether you want the exhiliration of hiking along the Coastal Path or spending a few hours in the beautiful countryside just a few miles inland.

Having a shop in Weymouth and living nearby we are spoilt for choice, but one of our favourite Weymouth Walks has the best of both worlds. Starting off from The Outdoor Store this walk takes in Weymouth Harbour and then follows the South West Coastal Path across to Portland.

  • Start from The Outdoor Store and wander through the town and across the bridge towards Brewers Quay.
  • Pick up the South West Coastal Path and head south around the Nothe Fort
  • Cross the Causeway between Weymouth and Portland, a great stretch of land to watch the windsurfers and kitesurfers. You may want to stop and see the sailing facilities for the 2012 Games.
  • Leave the Coastal Path at the foot of the hill and head east, steeply up the hill to the prison entrance (which is on the north side of the Verne Prison).
  • Head for Portland Castle then climb the disused tramway. Once at the top head towards the north west corner of the castle.
  • From here you can walk around the fort on its moat - look out for the remains of the gun emplacements on the hill top.
  • It is back on to the South West Coastal Path past the remains of the quary to Church Ope Cove. It is quite a way down to the beach but if you can manage it, it is well worth the walk.
  • We tend to retrace our steps at this point and pick up the old Easton and Church Hope Railway line back up towards Fortuneswell.
  • It is here that we normally stop for a coffee or a pint at the Portland Heights Hotel. There are fantastic views across Portland Bay and beyond.
  • If you are not feeling too energetic after your break you can always hop on a bus at this point and take the easy way down back in to Weymouth. The buses run every 10-15 minutes and take about 20 minutes to get back into Weymouth.

This is a fantastic walk that takes a good part of the day to complete. However, there are plenty of opportunities to break off and explore other parts of Portland island.

Don’t forget, we sell lots of walking equipment, boots and maps at The Outdoor Store. Wrap up warm and enjoy the Autumn walking in Weymouth.

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