I was a big fan of the original Columbia Helvetia sherpa fleece and had a much-loved hoody version that I practically lived in. After shrinking and selling most of my wardrobe on Vinted, I quickly discovered that less natural insulation meant that I was now perpetually cold. In my quest for a replacement fleece, Columbia was the first brand I turned to and the Helvetia II Cropped Fleece, is already a firm favourite. Read on for my full review.What is it?Columbia Helvetia II Cropped Sherpa Half Snap Fleece 65Shop Columbia on AmazonFeaturesDrawcord-adjustable hem seals out the elements Stretch binding on collar for comfort Stretch binding at cuffs seal out the elements Zippered chest pockets secure valuables Center Back Length: 22.0 in / 55.9 cm Uses: Urban ActivitiesLets start with the colour which is absolutely gorgeous, I love the lilac colour thats accented with pops of lime green, but I did find it hard to decide on a colour as there are so many lovely options available.Previously the word cropped wasnt part of my vocabulary, let alone part of my wardrobe, but cropped styles are something Ive learned to love recently making this cropped version of the Helvetia II particularly appealing.The first thing that threw me upon putting the fleece on was the lack of pockets, for both comfort and practicality purposes deep pockets are so useful and lets face it, a pretty basic requirement, but with this being cropped there are no pockets apart from a small zipped chest pocket.While ideal for small items like lip balm and keys, its not a pocket position I tend to use. Ive already got wonky boobs, I dont one of them to look deformed too. Pocket issue aside, I loved the adjustable drawcord hem which allows you to cinch it in, helping to keep wind out.The fit is lovely and roomy (for reference Im 168cm and a size 12 Im wearing a medium), and I also really like the snap closure neck, ideal for increasing airflow when you feel a bit warmer but lovely buttoned all the way up to keep the chill out.The verdictIve worn this every day since buying it, from countryside walks, lunchtime strolls, pootling around the garden and even just at my desk whilst working from home what can I say, the start of May has been particularly cold and grim this year.If you want a truly versatile snuggly fleece that brings the gorpcore vibes, the Columbia Helvetia II makes an excellent choice. Ideal for slinging off after a gym session, at the campsite and any time you need a bit of extra warmth.See the full current Columbia Helvetia range or you can check out my review of the original Columbia Helvetia Fleece Hoody here.DISCLOSURE | The featured product was privately purchased. This review is not part of a brand collaboration.The post Columbia Helvetia II Cropped Sherpa Half Snap Fleece Review appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

Heard about the Lifesaver Jerrycan? Wondering if its right for you? Heres everything you need to know about choosing and using a Life saver jerrycan- after 4...The post LifeSaver Jerrycan Review (Vanlife essential, or not?) appeared first on Wandering Bird Motorhome Travel Blog.

Sligo is an incredible county for hiking - if youre looking to get outdoors and explore, the north-west is consistently underrated. Today, Im sharing 16 walks and hikes around Sligo that Ive really enjoyed, and why I think youll like them too. These hikes are divided into the kind of area they traverse (eg. coastal or forest), and within that are listed from easier to harder. Have I missed somewhere? Let me know! Coastal Walks 1. Raghly LoopThe Raghly Loop is a lovely place to head for a sunset walk. With stunning views of the Sligo coastline, this modest trail is a lovely place to relax away from busier areas. This trail is very accessible - underfoot it is either a well maintained gravel path, or old laneways. Distance: 3.6kmFormat: Looped TrailTime: 30 - 90 minutesWho is it for: someone looking for a gentle walk with nice views and sit spots along the wayread the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 2. Aughris HeadThe Aughris Coastal Walk is a lovely 4km looped trail accessible for all the family. Take in the history of the small headland through the many inboards they have installed along the trail - covering promontory forts, WWII lookout posts, holy wells, and the surrounding mountains. The trail is well kept and waymarked, with no climbs or descents. There are a few kissing gates along the way, so not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Distance: 4kmFormat: LoopedTime: 45mins - 90mins (depending on route, fitness, and how long you want to take in the views)Who is this trail for: History enthusiasts or anyone looking for a gentle stroll. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 3. Killaspugbrone Coastal Loop Killaspugbrone Loop is easy to miss when standing on the busy footpaths of Strandhill. But spy the tidy infoboard, follow the purple arrows, and youll find yourself wandering along a rocky shore with small planes swooping overhead. Find the ruins of a centuries old church and learn the strange folklore of St. Patricks visit to the area. While the trail is fairly flat as it is a headland loop, the ground underfoot can be quite uneven and broken along some of the rocky beach sections. Distance: 7kmFormat: Looped trailTime: 1.5 - 2hrsWho is it for: anyone wanting to stretch their legs along the coast. The trail is easy, but a little rougher underfoot. Possibly a good one for any plane enthusiasts as the trail curtails the bottom of Sligo Airport runway, offering fantastic views.read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER Forest Walks 4. Hazelwood Hazelwood is a gorgeous woodland just outside of Sligo town. The forest is on a headland that juts out into the lake of Lough Gill, and so as the trails gently meander, viewpoints and follies emerge from the foliage around every bend. As its close to Sligo I often meet other people there, but I still find it peaceful. Distance: 3kmFormat: looped trailsTime: 45mins - 90 mins Who is it for: those looking for a gentle stroll through mixed woodland. Great for families - and a nice spot for birders, as I heard quite a few on my last visit. read more details on Sligo Walks | download the Coillte Map | find the route on HiiKER 5. Benbulben Forest WalkBenbulben is one of Irelands most distinctive mountains, surrounded by cliffs and ringed in mythology. This forest walk is a family friendly trail that gives you the best views you can get of this peak. With three different route options, you can go as far as you like, with get vantage points over to Donegal. The two highlight sections for me were the very northern corner for views of the cliffs, and the twisting trail through the southern edge of the mixed woodland.Distance: 6kmFormat: Looped trailsTime: 1 - 2 hrs (depending on route and fitness)Who is this trail for: those who want to see the incredible cliffs that Benbulben is famous for, without having to scale the mountain itself. All of the routes are gravel trails, with benches spaced out around the forest. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 6. Slish WoodAcross the lake from Hazelwood youll find Slish Wood, hugging the shoreline and climbing up onto the hills behind it. There are two options here - you can complete the forest loop (4km), or continue on along the lakeside and onto boardwalk to the Isle of Innisfree Jetty (8km out and back). Another lovely lakeshore stroll, this is the first of the forest walks with a climb (if taking in the upper trail of the 4km loop). Personally, I would walk out the whole way to the Jetty as the boardwalk section just after the forest is lovely as it crisscrosses the hillside above the lake.Distance: 4 - 8kmFormat: 4km looped; 8km out and back (can incorporate the loop of the 4km on the way back).Time: 1hr - 3 hrsWhos it for: By sticking to the lower paths this is still a very approachable trail for all fitness levels. If you are looking to incorporate slightly more challenging or heart-raising sections, you can take in the top loop and the further boardwalk while still being on accessible terrain. read more on the Sligo Walks website | download the Coillte Map | find the route on HiiKER 7. Union WoodUnion Wood is a small forest that sits between the villages of Collooney, Ballysadare, and Ballygawley, with a mixture of old native woodland, and more recent active forestry. This place is teeming with wildlife - as well as walkers, cyclists, families and trail runners. With trails from 4 - 12km, in this woods youll find a trail for everyone.Distance: varies by trail, average 5kmFormat: LoopedTime: 1 - 3 hrs, depending on route, fitness, and how often you stop to take in the views. However, I quite liked how the info board at the main car park answered this question: Union wood is a place you can easily spend a half day in, so we wont tell you how long each trail takes. That will be up to you, your level of fitness, or how soon you want to go home.Who is this for: there are trails here for nearly everyone, whether on pedal or foot. Stay to the low trails if youre looking for a gentle walk, or head up to lough Loman if youre looking for a more energetic hike. It is somewhere that is always busy no matter the day of the week, so not for someone seeking solitude.read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 8. Devils ChimneyThe Devils Chimney name in Irish is Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird, which roughly translates as stream against the height. The Irish name reflects the fact that when a strong southerly wind blows, the water can sometimes be blown back up over the cliff-face, looking like its defying gravity. The hills in this area are known as the Dartrys. The most famous of their peaks is Benbulben, a table-top mountain of cliffs and a plateau summit. However, Benbulben isnt the only visually striking hill in the range. So many of these hills undulate in ways you would never expect, making them look far more lofty than they are. In true Dartry style, this trail is short but steep, twisting and turning with the erratic flow of the land.Distance: 2.5 kmFormat: Out-and-back / Looped Time: 30mins - 90minsWho is this for: if you love a waterfall and twisting forest trails, and are looking for somewhere more peaceful than Glencar Waterfall further up the valley, this is for you. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER Upland Walks 9. Knocknashee Knocknashee is a small hill in the middle of Sligo and the eastern edge of the Ox Mountains. This local walk highlights the great places you can find in your own back yard. Distance: 2km round tripElevation gain: 100mFormat: Out and backTime: 30 - 90 minsWho is this for: a short walk, this is for someone looking for a quiet place to enjoy an evening stroll, taking in the views of the undulating terrain of Sligo. The climb is not long but it is steep, and so highlights an unusual tightrope of suiting a walker with good knees, but also someone not looking for a long or serious hike. Might be an enjoyable outing for families.read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 10. Caves of Kesh The Caves of Kesh feel otherworldly, and yet are just a hop skip and a jump up the hillside. While the trail up is vert steep, its approx. 750m from the car park to the caves. As you climb, it feels like youre not making any progress - until suddenly it levels out after a few switchbacks, and gently rolls towards the entrance to the largest of the caves. Once up, the paths linking the different caves are a little narrow and muddy, so I always wear boots when stopping by. Distance:1.5km - 3km (depending on how much wandering you do between the caves). Format: Out and backTime: 20 mins - 60 minsWhos it for: The caves are a great add-on to a day trip to the area. I personally really like visiting for sunset, as the views and light is gorgeous. I think they will be most appreciated by those who love history and folklore, but are an enjoyable exploration for everyone, as long as youre happy getting your shoes muddy. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the route on HiiKER 11. CarrowkeelSomewhere that I usually refer to as being part of Roscommon, the Carrowkeel megalithic complex of tombs is actually on the Sligo side of the border, and offer great views of the surrounding hills, lakes and farmland. The valley is sharply U-shaped, offering surprisingly hilly-feeling terrain for somewhere less than 300m tall. Distance: 5km Format: out and back Time: 1 - 2 hrs Whos this for: History and archeology fans will find the many tombs spread across the two hilltops incredible - while walkers will appreciate the uniqueness of the valley and the wild boggy hillsides. By following the Miners Way signage (mentioned more below), you can explore a bit more of the surrounding area. read the Miners Way write-up here | watch the video | Read more on the Sligo Walks website 12. Lough Talt LoopNestled in the Ox Mountains, the Lough Talt Loop channels the desolateness of the west of Ireland. Taking in grassy lakeside paths, old roads, and gravel forest trails, there is a lot of variety on this newly developed trail. Distance: 8km round tripElevation gain: 100mFormat: loopedTime: 2 - 3 hoursWho is this for: a quiet corner of the north-west, this trail is for those looking for some solitude. The trail is a long-feeling 8km, so its not a short wander. read the full write-up here | watch the video | read more on the Sligo Walks website 13. Knocknarea Knocknarea is one of Sligos most iconic peaks. Sitting on the south-west corner of the bay containing Sligo Town, this hill is small but mighty. While there have been walking routes around and across Knocknarea for years, it was in 2015 when the current trails were put in place. The route is now known as Queen Maeves Trail; named after the legend that the huge cairn and tomb on the summit of the hill is her resting place. Distance: 8km Format: LoopedTime: 2 - 3hrs Whos it for: Ive walked and run this route several times since moving to the North-West of Ireland, and its still one of my favourite spots to go for a couple of hours of energetic walking. Depending on how challenging an outing youd like, you can pick different car parks and trailsread the full write-up here | watch the video 14. Truskmore Truskmore is the County High Point of Sligo and Leitrim, and is the highest point in the Dartry Mountains. This lovely peak is part of the same plateau range that is home to the more famous mountain, Benbulben - which will hopefully conjure up the right mental image of cliffs and dramatic sweeping landscapes that this small mountain is nestled within. Distance: 10kmDifficulty: Easy - ModerateIf you follow the mast road up to the summit of Truskmore, it is an easy route.If you follow the route that we describe, it is a moderate hike. The trail up onto the plateau is distinct, however once up onto the main plateau, there is no trail to follow, and involves some bog navigating. Learn more about trail and hillwalking grading here.Whos it for: if not using the mast road, then this is a hike and requires some hill experience and knowledge of how to use a map. The Dartrys are stunning hills, and are less travelled than many other ranges in Ireland, so there are few worn paths linking summits and access points (like you might find in Wicklow). Our chosen route for this hike was to start at the Eagle's Rock viewing area car park, and follow the old miners zig-zagging trail up onto the mountain plateau. From there, we followed the stone wall towards the towering mast station that sits atop Truskmore itself.Please Note: this area (the Glenade valley) has had on-going access issues. At the time of hiking, to the best of our knowledge access to Truskmore via this route was accessible. This may not always be the case, and its important to check beforehand. There is currently no recognised access route to the dramatic free-standing rock pillar, Timpaun Mr. read the full write-up here | watch the video Long Distance Walks 15. Sligo WayThe Sligo Way is a trail that will take you through the lowland forests of poets, winding up to windy hillsides and desolate lake shores. It passes through many of the forests that I mentioned above - such as Slish Wood, Union Wood, and Lough Talt Loop. Distance: 75kmFormat: Linear trail from Dromahair - Lough TaltTime: 3 Days Who is this route for: a walker looking to experience the inland hills of Sligo, away from the busier areas. There are few resources (like shops and accommodation) located directly on the trail, and so will require some pre-planning. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 16. Miners Way & Historical Trail A real hidden gem of the north-west, the Miners Way takes in the counties of Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. Again, it takes in one or two of the places mentioned above (Carrowkeel), as well as showing off other incredible spots that Ive not singled out here. Distance: 120+kmFormat: A strange figure-eight shaped trail, lends itself to choose your own adventure when planning how far you want to go. Time: 1 weekWhos it for: someone looking to find the hidden forests, unseen lakes, and generally under appreciated midlands of Ireland. There are no lofty peaks along this long distance route, but there are plenty of wild places nonetheless. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER And so ends my list of great walks and hikes all around Sligo. For more inspiration and information, check out the Sligo Walks website.Find an overview of trails by county all over the country here.

RV Refrigerator: Types, Power, Safe Operation, Maintenance, and Buying Tips

This June, footwear brand KEEN and specialist independent mountain sports retailer Ellis Brigham, are excited to join forces with Trash Free Trails for the second year, as they roll out a series of purpose-led social walks, designed to clean up some of the UKs most-loved outdoor spaces.Part city or trail wander, part community clean-up, the free of charge events invite people to get outside, cover some ground and quietly make a difference along the way. Setting off from Ellis Brigham stores in Manchester, Bristol, London and Keswick, each route blends easy going group walks with litter-picking, citizen science and the occasional quirky discovery underfoot.Four events will take place across the UK:Manchester Social 6k Walk Saturday 6th June. 11am-14.00pmBristol Social 5k Walk Sunday 7th June. 11am-14.00pmLondon Social 5k Walk Saturday 12th June. Covent Garden. 11am-14.00pmKeswick Citizen Science Expedition 10k Walk Sunday 13th June. 11am-17.00pm.Gain first-hand experience of how you can remove, record and report vital data on terrestrial pollution, all while enjoying one of the UKs most beloved national parks. Powered by Trash Free Trails innovative research into single-use pollution.Each event will be led by Trash Free Trails brilliants ambassadors and shaped around relaxed participation whether that means logging data, filling a bin bag or just noticing whats been left behind on the trail. All events are family and dog friendly and free of charge to attend.Alongside the walking, participants can expect goodie bags and prizes for the most unusual litter finds (the stranger the better).Sign up at https://www.trashfreetrails.org/Individual links to event sign-up pages:ManchesterBristolLondonKeswick

Today is the first UK National Parks Day - a day to celebrate the landscapes, communities and stories that make these spaces so special

RV Toilet Guide: Types, Cleaning & Odor Control

How to Winterize an RV: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

British mountaineer Kenton Cool has reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 20th time, becoming the first non-Sherpa climber in history to achieve the milestone. The 52-year-old mountain guide first climbed Everest in 2004 and has spent the past two decades guiding clients to the summit of the worlds highest mountain. While the achievement marks a significant moment in British mountaineering, it also gives Cool a rare perspective on how Everest itself has changed during that time.Cool has witnessed the rapid growth of commercial expeditions, record numbers of climbers and increasingly visible signs of climate change. When I look back at my first climb compared to today, they are worlds apart. Due to disturbing amounts of glacial loss from the Khumbu glacier over the years, there is now a river running through Base Camp. Back in 2004 this only appeared at the end of the season, now it flows constantly. The changes I see every time I return leave me humbled.Scientific research supports those observations. Professor Duncan Quincey, a glaciologist at the University of Leeds where Cool studied Earth Sciences is currently working on the Losing their Cool research project which examines how mountain glaciers are warming under intense solar radiation, accelerating melt rates and making them more sensitive to global warming than previously understood.The glaciers here are melting at a rate beyond historic precedence, says Quincey. Were seeing surface lowering of several metres a year in places. Satellite data from the 1960s to today shows the area around Everest Base Camp has lowered by more than 50 metres, which is staggering.In recent years Everest has seen an unprecedented surge in climbers. Over the last 25 years 15,781 people have climbed above Everest Base Camp, nearly three times as many as in the previous 80 years combined. In total, more than 13,700 summits have been recorded on Everest, achieved by around 7,500 individual climbers. The growth in expeditions has increased mountain congestion. Busy seasons can see close to a thousand people on the mountain at once, with more than 200 climbers attempting the summit on peak days.Cool believes the future of Everest will require both experience and adaptation as conditions continue to evolve. He supports a proposal currently under discussion in Nepal that would require climbers to first summit a 7,000-metre Himalayan peak before being eligible for an Everest permit. Everest is an extraordinary mountain, but it demands respect and experience, says Cool, as the mountain changes, and as more people come here, we need to make sure climbers are properly prepared.Whilst Cools livelihood is closely tied to Everest, he is conscious of the impact his expeditions have on the mountain and has taken steps to minimise it. Cools company, In Cool Company, is a member of 1% for the Planet, an initiative that sees 1% of annual revenue donated to environmental charities and projects. His travel emissions are offset in line with the principles of the Gold Standard, supporting verified climate and sustainability initiatives. Cool also uses his expeditions as an opportunity to highlight the visible effects of climate change in high mountain environments, including glacial retreat. He regularly engages with scientists like Professor Duncan Quincey and environmental experts to better understand the actions individuals and organisations can take to reduce emissions. On a personal level, he follows a plant-based diet whenever possible, helping to further reduce his environmental footprint.Despite two decades on the worlds highest peak, Cool says the mountain never becomes routine. It never gets any easier or any less frightening. Its the tallest mountain in the world and with it comes an incredible sense of majesty. I rely on every bit of experience I have to move safely in this environment. Standing on the summit for the twentieth time is incredibly special.Kenton has successfully guided several high-profile public figures, celebrities and explorers on expeditions across the globe including Ben Fogle and Sir Ranulph Fiennes.