In the second and final part of this mini-series, Alun Richardson discusses the techniques and terminology you need to be familiar with when tackling higher-grade scrambling routesIn part one of The Black Art of Scrambling, we examined the fundamentals of safe scrambling, and introduced the notion that the line between harder scrambles and easier rock climbs is blurred. We discussed the techniques for easier scrambling routes and how to move together on this type of terrain; in part 2 we examine what to do when the difficulties increase and the route youre on starts to feel more like a rock climb.You will know when you have progressed to mid grade scrambles because the difficulties become more concentrated, the routes become steeper and moving together is too risky. This is a personal decision; one persons mid grade scramble is another persons rock climb. More difficult scrambles are often broken up into several sections called pitches, with a stance or belay in rock climbing parlance after each section. To tackle more difficult scrambles you will need to carry more equipment and start to use tactics and ropework more akin to rock climbing, but with some differences.There is a lot of information in this article and some of the descriptions of the techniques are minimal. If rock climbing terminology is new to you, then we would recommend you go out with some rock climbers to understand what is happening, or book an instructor to show you the ropes.What to do when the ground ahead looks too tricky to solo or to move togetherStep 1: Secure the second(s) (the person following the pitch) to the rock by tying their rope into a belay.Step 2: The leader climbs the pitch, belayed by the second (using a belay device) and placing protection to hold any fall. To reduce the forces experienced in a fall by the rope, the climber and the belay (called the fall factor), place a runner immediately after you leave the stance. Choosing the appropriate rock climbing gear for protection and placing it quickly is an art. I recommend discovering what works and what doesnt work at ground level before you venture onto a first lead. In addition to holding a fall there are a number of other reasons to place protection: to reduce the length of a fall; because there is loose rock; to help the second follow the route; and to protect the rope from sharp edges or loose rock. When traversing, the leader should also place runners to protect a potential swing by the second, or weave the rope around boulders and spikes that will snag the rope of a falling climber.Step 3: Once the leader has climbed the difficult section/pitch and reached a place where they can comfortably stand (stance), a belay is created and the second is belayed up the pitch using one of the methods below.Belays and belaying for scramblingCreating belays and belaying a second is where scrambling differs from rock climbing. The process is very much a judgement call and is why scrambling can be so serious. Try to match the seriousness of the pitch just climbed, the distance the scramblers are away from you and the quality of the anchors to decide on the type of belay and the method of belaying used. Scrambles often follow terrain that by its very nature is loose, so choosing sound rock to create a belay is a fundamental skill. Sedimentary rocks like limestone, provide plenty of protection, but have thin weathered layers and lots of cracks. The opposite is true of granite, which has fewer cracks, but provides more reliable placements. To assess a section of rock for how solid it is, first look for cracks that run around the placement. Look for soft rock and crystals inside cracks that can wedge a runner yet snap easily in a fall. Place one hand on the rock and bang it with the palm of the other. If a vibration is felt, try to kick or pull the rock, but take care that the rock does not suddenly come out and disappear over the cliff edge with you hanging on to it!Belays and belaying on non-serious pitchesBy non serious I mean that should the second fall, the ground is easy enough that they can get back onto the rock quickly and start moving again. If there is a chance the scrambler may have to be lowered back down or swing into space, the methods below are not suitable.1. A braced stance behind a boulder: Sit behind it and use a waist belay. This method is only to be used where the fall is non serious, but the scrambling is tricky and the second requires protection.2. Direct belay: Place the rope directly around a spike or boulder and use the friction created to hold a slip. The rope can be held using a waist belay. It is a very effective method, but one that relies on good judgement of the rocks security and how much friction it add (see image above).Belays when the fall is seriousIf there is a chance that the second scrambler can swing into space, then a belay must be created using climbing protection, rope or slings. The following factors should be applied when selecting anchors and creating a belay:1. Solid anchors: Two anchors are normally a minimum, but depending on the ground just climbed a single anchor is often used, because the forces are often less than in a climbing fall. Using a single anchor requires a huge judgement call to assess the impact of the second falling off.2. Equalised anchors: Forces should be directed equally to all the anchors.3. Independent anchors: Place anchors in separate sections of the cliff. Two runners in the same crack are effectively one anchor.4. Communication: Try to belay where you can communicate with the scrambler below.5. Direction of forces: It can be difficult to asses how the force created in a fall will be transmitted to the belay and belayer, but think about where the rope will be pulled if the second falls off.6. What if Finally, ask yourself what happens if the climber falls? If the answer is nothing serious will happen, then the belay is good.Using the rope to create a belay illustration by George ManleyAttaching the rope to the anchorsThere is a plethora of ways to attach the rope to the anchors; below we have a look at three of the most useful.1. Place a sling through a thread, or over a spike/ boulder and direct belay to it using an Italian Hitch or belay device in auto-locking mode. It is quick to use, simple and effective, but relies on finding a solid spike or thread. A sling on a spike should never be used to belay a lead climber either directly or indirectly because a leader fall will result in an upward pull and the sling may lift off the spike.2. Place protection, equalise them with sling(s) and direct belay using an Italian hitch or autolocking belay device. This is very versatile, but more time-consuming to create and relies on finding good cracks.3. Use the rope to create a belay this is a useful method when the anchors are further apart. Firstly pass the rope through all the anchor karabiners, grab the loop(s) of rope between the anchors and move to where you can see the scramblers below. Attach each rope to the central loop created by tying in using an HMS karabiner and a clove hitch. All the adjustments are at the harness which avoids constant walking back and forth adjusting knots. The downside of this method is that it may use a lot of rope, if the belayer is not close to the anchors. When the second scrambler arrives at the stance they can be simply clipped into the belay using a locking karabiner. If there are two scramblers, clip the rope between them into the belay. It becomes a little more difficult if the ropes have been used and you have two scramblers what you do will depend on the stance.Belaying method illustration by George ManleyBelaying a leader using a belay deviceAn attentive belayer is worth their weight in gold. A lapse in concentration can lead to painful burns or a dropped scrambler, so be vigilant. To belay effectively, attach the belay device to the rope loop created by tying into the harness. Ensure the rope runs cleanly through the belay device without any twists and use an HMS karabiner with the wide end towards the belay device to give a smoother action and improve holding power. The force the belayer receives in a fall depends on how much friction is created as the scrambler meanders up the cliff. It can vary from the belayer not realising the leader has fallen, to a considerable force slamming the inattentive belayer into the cliff. The upward movement of the belayer during a fall absorbs some of the force, but this can cause the belayer to let go of the rope, so beware. When the stance for the second is large and flat it is not always necessary to attach the second to the cliff, but be aware of large differences in the weight of the scramblers. Not attaching the scrambler means they can move out of the way of falling rocks.DescendingThe method you use depends on the size and experience of the scramblers, plus the steepness and condition of the descent. It can vary from down climbing while moving together, to abseiling. The best line for descent is the easiest line for the leader to protect the scrambler below. This may not necessarily be the same as the easiest line for the first scrambler descending. Decide whether you can hold a slip, or you need to lower the leading scramblers down the section, or even to abseil. Descending requires clear communication between the scramblers; you may want them to stop for you to sort your feet out on difficult ground, or use a boulder or spike to use as a direct belay. Make sure you maintain tension in the rope, and if the ground is difficult, put in some runners to protect the rear scrambler (see image above). Facing in when down climbing feels secure, but makes the terrain below look harder than it is. Facing out is faster, but less secure.And thats about it for this series. Good scrambling techniques will open up some great routes for you, but as ever, the most important thing is to stay safe, so practise these techniques on easy ground until youre proficient!Product Focus: deuter Durascent 30For mountaineers who dont shy away from any mountain challenge and want to know that their gear is safe and dry no matter what the weather, the deuter Durascent 30 is a great choice. The hard-wearing material, taped and welded seams, and TPU-coated, lapped zippers, combined with a roll-top lid ensure no moisture will penetrate this waterproof mountaineering backpack. Cleverly positioned attachment loops and hip fins that stow away at the sides also contribute not only to the outstanding comfort-to-weight ratio, but also allows alpinists to wear it with a climbing harness, making this a very adaptable pack.FeaturesLightweight at only 730gRope strap2-way adjustable sternum strap with signal whistleZipped front compartmentKey clipStowable hip finsRoll-top capacity extensionIce axe attachmentSOS labelAttachment loops for helmet holder (optional extra)Waterproof (IPX4)For more info, go to: www.deuter.com

Pack your bags for a summer to remember these clever travel hacks are your golden tickets to spontaneous adventures, sneaky savings and last-minute luxury.The post 10 travel hacks to help you holiday like a pro appeared first on the girl outdoors.

Its 2026, and working from anywhere in the world is no longer just for the few. The digital nomad dream has gone mainstream millionsThe post How to Be a Digital Nomad in 2026 appeared first on the girl outdoors.

Tomorrow is Halloween a night of fancy dress, lanterns, and a fair bit of chocolate but its roots are much older, and much closer to home than you might think

If youre in the market for a new sleeping bag, theres one obvious big question: do you opt for natural down filling or a synthetic alternative.In the past, the simple answer was that down was lighter, smaller packing and warmer, for its weight, but expensive and less tolerant of damp conditions. Meanwhile, synthetics were heavier and bulkier, but more resistant to water, easier to clean and cheaper. Have things changed? Are modern synthetic bags as good as down? Does water-resistant down change the equation and what else do you need to know to decide?Rab Mythic 400Down is still lighter for its warmthIf your absolute priority is warmth to weight ratio, a high quality down sleeping bag is still the way to go, though the best modern synthetic bags can now rival mid-range down for performance. For perspective, Mountain Hardwears HyperLamina Spark is arguably one of the best synthetic bags out there and has a decent warmth-to-weight ratio for a synthetic bag. It weighs around 740g and has a Comfort Limit rating of 0C. To put that in perspective, a Rab Mythic 400, the brands pinnacle lightweight down bag, weighs just 660g and has a Comfort Limit of -7C. To be fair it costs more than twice as much as the Mountain Hardwear bag. Perhaps more reasonably, if you compare the Mountain Hardwear bag to a mid-range bag like Mountain Equipments Glacier 300 offering a similar -1C comfort limit, the synthetic bag is actually slightly lighter 740g v 815g but offers similar performance on paper. Bear in mind though, most synthetic bags wont perform as well relative to weight.Gearhead says: Down still rules if you want the absolute best in warmth-to-weight ratio, but you will pay for it. That Rab bag, for example, retails for a cool 430. In the middle range, the best synthetics are now closer to down than ever before.Mountain Hardwear HyperLamina SparkWhat works best in damp conditions?Just like with clothing, synthetic fills are still the undisputed bosses when i comes to camping in damp conditions, particularly bivvying in the UK. They simply retain more loft and warmth when wet and, importantly, recover their loft completely once dry. New water-resistant or hydrophobic down has upped the ante though. Its still not as effective as a synthetic if it gets well and truly wet, but will dry faster and more effectively than untreated down. Its a good insurance policy and also helps bags maintain performance on extended, cold conditions expeditions where bags never get the chance to properly dry out. Finally, even untreated down is more resilient than you might think, particularly in large quantities and will cope just fine with most tent-based camping.Gearhead says: For bivvying where getting your bag damp is almost inevitable in time, synthetic fills are still the best choice, but for tent-based camping, down works brilliantly. Water-resistant down adds a sort of insurance policy, but still isnt quite as resilient as synthetics.What about fabrics?Another way of upping water resistance is to use a coated fabric thats either waterproof or near waterproof. The upsides to this are that you get more protection for your fill. The downsides are that you add some weight and bulk to your bag. Less obviously though, the slightly heavier fabric may restrict the ability of the fill to loft and make for reduced warmth. Finally, water-resistant outer shells mean that the fill dries out more slowly after use. Ideally you want to turn the bag inside out and air it before packing it away in the morning. Normal fabrics should be breathable enough for this not to be an issue.Gearhead says: A water-resistant outer fabric adds some welcome protection in damp conditions, but adds weight and bulk to the bag.Ease of maintenanceSynthetics have always scored a win on, erm, knock-about robustness. If a synthetic gets grubby or smelly, you just throw it in the wash and hang it out to dry. Simple stuff. By contrast down is harder to maintain. Its not so much that its hard to wash a down bag in the first place use a recommended soap / cleaner but drying it is problematic and means the bag needs to be agitated to stop the down clumping together in a large tumble drier at a low temperature. Tennis balls are a popular solution. Its a hassle, so its best to use a lightweight liner to keep the bag as clean as possible inside and generally take sensible care of your bag. Water-resistant down is easier and will retain around 80-90% of its original loft even when dried out without special techniques, but again its best to dry it with agitation to keep it working at its best.Gearhead says: For ease of maintenance, synthetic scores an easy win.Which is more durable?Mostly sleeping bags have an easy life. They dont tend to get dragged across abrasive rocks or walked over, mostly they get compressed, carried, decompressed, slept in and on, then compressed again. Down is fantastically resilient in long-term use. I still have a Mountain Equipment down-filled Lightline bag from the 1980s which is useable, even though the fabrics are a little tired and have stiffened up with age. Synthetics though tend to lose performance and loft as the fibres break down with repeated compression. In both cases, storing uncompressed in a larger bag usually supplied these days, but a pillow-case is a good alternative.Gearhead says: Down is a better long-term investment despite the higher initial cost. Properly looked after it can last for decades.Can you be allergic to sleeping bags?Apparently it is possible to be allergic to allergenic proteins in birds which can appear as down breaks down with use. That said, down is carefully cleaned and processed before use and the windproof / down-proof fabrics used should keep most of these particles in situ. The same should be true of dust mite allergens. If you have a genuine allergy to bird products though, a synthetic bag is a no-brainer. If youre very sensitive to dust allergens, a regularly washed synthetic bag may help. Think about where you store your sleeping bag as well under the bed may be convenient, but also a dust-trap.Gearhead says: Synthetics the winner here, but as a dust allergy sufferer, Ive never had a problem with a down bag.Down Codex is a standard for ensuring the welfare of geeseEthics: Is down cruel?A lot of people have an understandable concern over the ethics of down production and, in particular, live plucking. The good news is that pretty much every major outdoors brand producing sleeping bags now has a policy of sourcing down as ethically as possible. That means down and feathers are a by-product of the food industry and taken from birds which are kept in good conditions and are dead when plucked. The reality is that its very hard to be 100% certain that your supply chain maintains its standards, but outdoor brands like Mountain Equipment with its dedicated Down Codex project http://www.thedowncodex.co.uk are at the forefront of producing audited, sustainable and traceable down. If youre concerned about ethics, check out the site for more information.Synthetic fills, on the other hand, may be cruelty free, but are essentially plastics and products of the petro-chemical industry. They are also, when laundered, a source of the micro-plastic particles which are an increasing threat to our ecology. Recycled fills they are out there are a greener alternative to virgin plastic ones. Finally, if it worries you, technical sleeping bag fabrics are almost exclusively synthetic regardless of fill, though low-performance, cotton-shelled bags do exist. As an aside, if you really want an all-natural bag, there is a US company, Lucky Sheep, producing cotton-shelled bags with wool insulation https://www.woolsleepingbag.comSilk liners, by the way, work extremely well and are natural.Gearhead says: Its almost impossible to be 100% certain, but outdoors brands are making huge efforts to use certified, ethically-sourced down. There are different standards at play, if youre concerned, dig into the detail. Meanwhile synthetic fills come with their own set of ethical dilemmas.Down in full lofting mode at PHD HQThe big verdictSo should you buy down or synthetic? When it comes to ultimate warmth-to-weight ratios, and small pack size, down still has a major edge over any of the synthetic fills out there. High-end down and lightweight fabrics are expensive though, so expect to pay a lot for a premium, lightweight sleeping bag. You can offset that a little, by factoring in downs advantage when it comes to longevity. It will almost certainly carry on working when your synthetic bag is a distant memory.All thats fine and good in a tent, but if youre going to be bivvying or snow-holing, the knockabout resilience of synthetic bags scores big bonus points and the best of them are now broadly comparable with mid-range down alternatives. In short, if damp is going to be a regular issue wed still go synthetic, even though water-resistant down treatments have improved things on that front. Synthetics also score for ease of cleaning and simplicity of use. Who cares if you spill soup down your synthetic bag, you can simply throw it in the washing machine once youre home.Finally, ethics is one to dig into yourself, but outdoor brands are at the forefront of ethical down sourcing, despite confusion over standards. And while synthetic fills avoid any initial cruelty issues, they lose marks for being plastic-based and, in the longer term, less durable, meaning theyll need replacement before a down equivalent.Which brings the final question: is down worth the premium you pay? Values a moving target and a relative one too, but in broad terms, wed say yes. Even though cutting-edge synthetic insulated clothing is catching up with down, when it comes to sleeping bags, for all-round use, feathers from a reputable outdoor specialist brand still rule.

Chris Kempster tries out a down sleeping bag thats unbelievably light and warm... and great value tooReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersFounded way back in 1961 in the Peak District, Mountain Equipment, a brand beloved by mountaineers, mountain professionals and dedicated outdoor enthusiasts has always been known for having particular expertise in making cold weather products, and in fact down sleeping bags were one of the first products it ever produced. Since those early days, ME has stayed at the forefront of developments in the use of down, not just from a technical point of view, but sustainability too; it created the DOWN CODEX scheme in 2009, which allows consumers to trace the origins of the down in their clothing and sleeping bags, and since 2022 the DOWN CODEX program has been working alongside the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) to guarantee the highest animal welfare standards.MEs new Extreme Light range of sleeping bags consisting of the Xenith I, II and III models, is actually an update on the previous Fire models, which consisted of the Firefly, Firelite and Fireflash. There are plenty of improvements in the new range, which well come onto, but the concept remains the same to provide amazing warmth-to-weight performance. Most of the materials remain the same too, including the 900 fillpower 90/10 European goose down, and the PLASMA 10D fabric which, incidentally, is the same fabric used in Mountain Equipments Oreus jacket a firm favourite of team T&Ms.A combination of vertical box wall baffles on the chest, and slant (or V-tube) baffles elsewhere are usedExtreme LightThe three Xenith models largely follow the same warmth specs as the Fire models. The Xenith 1 (350) is a hoodless bag, ideal for alpinists who can pair it up with their puffa jackets for overnight bivis on ledges high up in the Alps; however theres nothing to stop lightweight backpackers taking advantage of its light weight (360g) and decent warmth rating (ME rates it on its Good Nights Sleep Temperature at 5C). The Xenith II (430) adds 110g and a hood, but now gives a Good Nights Sleep Temperature: 1C, which makes it eminently suitable for a wide range of trips, both in the UK and abroad. And finally the Xenith III itself, which for its 690g gives a Good Nights Sleep Temperature of -7C, and in MEs words makes it suitable for ultra-light backpacking and trekking in the high mountains during summer and at lower altitudes in spring and autumn.Got me baffledHow do ME achieve such impressive weight/warmth performance in their Xenith bags? Well the first part of the equation is the materials they use: in the case of the Xenith III, thats 373g of 90-10 European Goose Down with a minimum fill power of 900 (with the 90-10 meaning that at least 90% of the filling is down, with the remainder being feathers) this is among the best quality down available on the market. The inners and outers of the bags are made of PLASMA 10D, an incredibly light and breathable fabric that allows maximum loft of the down inside, and has a PFAS-free DWR coating to give some protection against damp.The second part of the warmth/weight equation is how the down filling is actually organised, and ME have used a combination of vertical box wall baffles on the chest, and slant (or V-tube) baffles elsewhere all with the aimof stopping the down from migrating, keeping it the right places. The footbox and hood on the Xenith III are again carefully designed to keep the insulation where you need it, and these are both areas ME say theyve improved on from the previous Fire bags.The supplied storage cube is a step up from regular storage sacksIn useWeve been using this bag for a few weeks now, and our initial surprise about how warm the Xenith III is for its weight has not diminished; the only comparable bags weve used are Rabs Mythic Ultra range. The Xenith III is certainly too warm for the summer months in the UK, but could easily be used the rest of the year, and would be ideal for trekking up Kili or in the Himalayas, for example. Although its light, you get a full-length zip thats sturdy enough for long-term use, and the hood is excellent, with a neck baffle to keep out drafts and giving you that cocoon effect that is so welcome when temperatures plummet. The alpine fit of the bag ensures there are no cold spots, but isnt so tight as to be restrictive. So far weve no gripes at all with the Xenith III and are looking forward to really testing it during some properly cold nights!SummaryTheres no doubting the quality and performance of these Xenith bags, and anyone wanting a down bag with exceptional warmth/weight performance should have these near or at the top of their list. The only quandary might be which model to go for! It all depends on what you are intending to use them for of course, but certainly the Xenith III we tested would suit a wide range of uses, from minimalist alpinism to backpacking and trekking in cooler temperatures, and for use in the UK in all but the warmest and coldest conditions.More info: www.mountain-equipment.comTemperature ratingsTemperature ratingsComfort-2C/28FComfort Limit-8C/18FExtreme-26C/-15FFeatures373g of 90-10 European Goose Down with a minimum fill power of 900PLASMA 10D fabrics throughout are incredibly light and breathable with PFAS-free DWRAlpine fit maximises thermal efficiencyVertical box wall chest baffles & slant main body bafflesSlant baffle backGround level side seams5 baffle low volume anatomically shaped hood4 baffle anatomically shaped and offset foot-boxFull length Gemini zip baffle with 140cm zip and integrated neck collarSupplied with roll-top stuff-sack and storage cubeFeatures373g of 90-10 European Goose Down with a minimum fill power of 900PLASMA 10D fabrics throughout are incredibly light and breathable with PFAS-free DWRAlpine fit maximises thermal efficiencyVertical box wall chest baffles & slant main body bafflesSlant baffle backGround level side seams5 baffle low volume anatomically shaped hood4 baffle anatomically shaped and offset foot-boxFull length Gemini zip baffle with 140cm zip and integrated neck collarSupplied with roll-top stuff-sack and storage cubeBuy online and in-store at:Ultralight Outdoor Gear

CollaborationWith the recent drop in temperature, were now well and truly into big coat season. After spending more than a year focusing on improving every aspect of my health, I was in need of some new winter outerwear step forward the cosy Kendal jacket from Craghoppers. Read on for my full reviewWhat is it?Craghoppers Womens Kendal Jacket in Tawny 90FeaturesShowerproof H2OShieldWind resistantAdvanced insulating ThermoPro layer for outstanding warmthRelaxed fit (if youre between sizes, you can probably size down)Main fabric, lining & fill are 100% recycled polyesterThe first thing to say about this jacket is that if you want something easy to sling on thats akin to wearing a cosy, mega warm sleeping bag, this is the jacket for you. Mine arrived just in time for the recent dip in temperature and it has rapidly become my go-to for chilly days.The jacket features H2OShield, a durable water repellent finish which stands up to light to moderate downpours, allowing rain to run off it. Its also wind resistant and features a ThermoPro layer of insulation for fabulous levels of warmth that make this jacket feel similar to wearing down, but without the questionable ethics of conventional down. In practice, these features mean this is a jacket that keeps you snug and comfortable even on very cold days, with a generous fit that leaves plenty of space for chunky knits or multiple layers.Im currently a size 12-14 and usually size up with jackets. Im wearing a 14 and did find it on the large side, so in hindsight, the 12 would have been a better choice. Do consider then, that the relaxed fit means that even for ladies with larger hips and/or chest, this is a jacket you most likely wont need to size up in and you can just choose your normal dress size. For those that prefer a snugger fitting jacket, you may want to size down.I love the length of this jacket on me, at 168cm/5.6 it comes down far enough that it covers much of my thighs, adding to the cosy and warm feeling. The rear hem drops lower than the hem at the front, which is a nice practical touch that makes sitting on icy or damp benches much less of an ordeal.Currently on sale for just 63 and with 3 different colours to choose from, the Craghoppers Kendal Jacket is an absolute bargain and a great buy for those seeking a winter coat thats warm and versatile.DISCLOSURE | The featured product was supplied by Craghoppers. We were not paid to write this review.Where to next?GEAR | Craghoppers x National Trust Launch Third Collection Autumn/Winter HighlightsGEAR | Craghoppers Rosario Waterproof Jacket ReviewGEAR | New Hiking & Outdoor Gear For Autumn/Winter 2025The post GEAR | The Craghoppers Womens Kendal Jacket Is Super Cosy & Great Value Review appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

We talk to the founder of The Polar Academy, Craig Mathieson about the affects its programme has on the lives of the young people who are chosen to join it..Imagine yourself as a child who struggles at school, or has trouble making friends, or doesnt have a stable family unit (or even a family at all) and then imagine what it would be like to be given a direction, a new group of friends, a supportive environment in which to learn new skills, and the opportunity to travel to another country and environment that is completely different to what you are used to. These are the children that The Polar Academy was set up for, and now, over a decade after its start-up, it is fine-tuning its hugely successful model and even exporting it to other countries.Founded by Scottish polar explorer Craig Mathieson in 2013, the Polar Academy has a comprehensive selection and vetting programme that aims to find the children that will benefit the most from the unique experience the academy offers. Once chosen, the kids embark on intensive training to teach them the skills they need to survive in the outdoors and in particular, polar conditions and this culminates in a full expedition to Greenland during which they can demonstrate the skills theyve learned and the team mentality that has been instilled in them. We talk to Craig Mathieson about where the idea came from, what the training programme involves, and the affect the programme has on the kids (and their families) livesYoung people learn all the skills they need to operate in the polar environmentHow did the idea for the Polar Academy first come about?The original idea came to me when I was 12 years old. School wasnt really the place for me, so I would read lots of books about exploration and travel, especially polar expeditions. I would hope that someone would walk into my school one day looking for volunteers to join a polar expedition, all the time knowing that it would never happen. It was then that I decided that one day I would be the man recruiting for expeditions.Can you tell us a bit about what being Explorer-in-Residence with the Royal Scottish Geographical Society involves?It was a true honour for me to receive this title from the RSGS. To be honest, it was totally out the blue; I had just started the Polar Academy so it couldnt have come at a better time. The role really involves helping others with their expeditions, logistics, planning, training etc. The best thing is doing the lectures around the country, as you get to meet some incredible people the RSGSs membership and staff are some of the most expedition seasoned and kindpeople out there.What did the first programme or initial activities look like?The first Polar Academy programme was with two schools in North Lanarkshire. I had no money, no kit, only a plan. The first thing I did was to recruit the young people; that give me the focus and drive to make it a reality. The training and expedition were an unbelievable success; Ive never looked back since.Northern Lights light up the sky during this years expeditionAnd how has the programme developed over the years?We have of course expanded, working with essentially 90 young people and their families per year. In addition, we have a very robust scientific element to our expeditions, working with Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews and Glasgow universities the team run climate change and statistical experiments while out on the ice, then present back to the universities afterwards. Weve also run exchange programmes with young Greenlandic children. In fact, were working with the Greenlandic authorities to establish Polar Academy Greenland. It will be based on every aspect of what we do (well also be training the Greenlandic trainers); however, instead of doing their expedition on ice, they will be coming to Scotland its a very exciting project.How do you go about finding suitable kids to join the Academy?This is a long process. After a school (Head Teacher and Leadership Team) have passed our interview process, which is a pretty intense day, we hold whole school assemblies to explain what we do and who we are looking for. We focus on the invisible kids, the victims of bullying, abuse, neglect etc, the ones who cant get help or the normal channels of assistance just havent worked for them. We usually get an average of 300-400 kids applying per school. Over a couple of months we work with the staff, interview the kids and parents until weve found the 15 kids who need it the most.How important a role do the kids families (or support network) play?The parents are part of the team from day 1 they even have to go through our Selection process, a 48-hour course held at Glenmore Lodge. It is pointless changing the life of a young person, then putting them back into a household that doesnt understand what theyve achieved. Therefore, parents are involved in every aspect of what we do, apart from the final expedition; I need them to see the change first hand that happening to their children.Teamwork and friendship are fundamental to The Polar Academy programmeWhat changes do you see in the kids as they progress though their Polar Academy journey?We could submit whole papers just on this question along. When we first meet these kids they are broken and in a very dark place some are even on suicide watch, its that bad. We start by building trust and then proving to them how incredible they are by way of our training programme. Their confidence starts to build, fitness and focus gets off the scale, academically they start doing better, families become closer through the shared experience. They now have pride in themselves and plan for the future they are unstoppable.Given that theyve had plenty of training before the expedition, how do the kids then generally react/perform in the expedition environment?By the time the team is on the ice, they are a slick professional team. Our training is very intensive and challenging. Weve been dubbed the toughest youth programme in Europe. However, I teach each individual kid in a way that they can understand and they all learn in different ways. Teamwork and kindness to each other is constantly drilled into them. By the time they are on the ice they are insanely fit, excellent navigators, cold weather camping experts and most of all, a very tight group of friends.Are you still in touch with some of the kids you first had along on the programme, and if so, are there any stand-out stories you can share?Im in touch with them all. Nobody leaves the Polar Academy; past graduates return to help us with selection and training. We now have three past graduates training as polar guides with us. We also have a huge selection of teachers, scientists, international rugby players and military personnel all of them still have a strong passion for the outdoors.It goes without saying that the right kit is essential in a polar environment what are the main challenges in that respect?We never compromise on kit. Where we go we have to have the absolute best kit available and to teach everyone how to use it properly. To be honest, the word cold doesnt get mentioned on our expeditions as all the kids know what kitto wear according to the conditions. I am a total gear junkie, constantly looking for and testing out new pieces of kit I love it!Rab are now supplying clothing and gear for The Polar Academy expeditionsDuring your career, what have been the major advances when it comes to technical clothing and equipment?As your readers will know, clothing and equipment is constantly changing which is great for the industry. However, there are certain pieces of clothing that were designed many years ago and they just got it right first time. Using Rab Expedition sleeping bags and Expedition parkas has got me to both the North and South Poles they are solid pieces of kit. We are lucky to have Asnes as a partner for our skis. These are simply fantastic; every aspect has been tried and tested in the most hostile environments; theyve never let me down.You are now partnering with Rab; what does that involve and do you help in the development on future products?Being partnered with Rab is a dream come true. Its still at the early stages but they have provided us with expedition sleeping bags, sleeping mats as well as a stack of other kit. However, just to be associated with such a great company as Rab is really important to me; they constantly strive to improve and innovate their kit. One thing that really stands out to me when working with Rab is the pride the staff have in their products. They are obviously a tight team with great values, so Im really looking forward to a great future with them.Is there a holy grail product that you would love to see developed for use in the polar environment?I constantly make wee notes when on expedition on kit improvements. Ive got so many things I would like to get developed whether its tents/clothing/stoves etc.What are the Polar Academys aims for the future?Simple to help more kids and their families. We have plans to expand into other countries, starting with Finland next year.More info at: www.thepolaracademy.org and www.rab.equipment