The Outdoors Station

In episode 580, we embark on an exciting journey from Heathrow to Cambodia. We share our experiences from the bustling markets of Phnom Penh to the historical significance of the genocide museum. After navigating chaotic traffic and exploring local culture, we travel to Battambang, where we take a cookery course with Coconut Lyly. The course highlights Cambodian cuisine and fosters camaraderie amo...

In this lively episode of The Outdoor Station podcast, Bob shares his excitement about an upcoming adventure to Southeast Asia with his wife, Rose.  He reflects on past travel experiences and the evolution of travel, contrasting the simplicity of postcards with today's tech conveniences.  Bob humorously discusses the challenges of balancing responsibilities with the desire for adventure, and detai...

In this episode of The Outdoor Station podcast, host Bob Cartwright converses with Dr. Rose O'Neill, Chief Executive of the Campaign for National Parks, about a pivotal legal case concerning wild camping rights in Dartmoor National Park.  The case, brought to the UK Supreme Court by landowners Alexander and Diana Darwall, challenges public access to wild camping.  Dr. O'Neill discusses the histori...

In this episode of " The Outdoor Station ," Bob introduces Zara Lachlan , a 21-year-old adventurer preparing to row 3600 miles solo and unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean from Portugal to South America leaving in a few days time. Zara discusses her extensive preparation, including sea survival training, boat modifications, and navigation planning. She shares insights into her athletic backgroun...

In this podcast on "The Outdoor Station," host Bob Cartwright chats with adventure athlete Katy Parrott. Katy shares her thrilling experiences in the outdoors, her stint on the TV show "Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week," and her journey as an army reservist. Growing up in Bristol, Katy's love for adventure began early, leading her to study sport science and wildlife filmmaking. She recounts her...

In this episode of "The Outdoor Station," host Bob Cartwright interviews Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear and a pioneer in ultralight backpacking. Glen shares his journey into ultralight backpacking, starting from sewing his own gear to founding Gossamer Gear. He discusses the evolution of backpacking gear, emphasising the importance of reducing pack weight for a more enjoyable experience....

Ever wondered what it's like to balance the intense world of emergency medical services with a passion for outdoor adventures?  Join us as we welcome an EMT who takes us from the frontlines of emergency response to the serene landscapes of the Norfolk-Suffolk border. Growing up in Lowestoft, our guest recounts heartwarming childhood memories of canoeing on the Norfolk Broads and surfing, which set...

Ready to revolutionise your outdoor adventures? Discover groundbreaking insights from the UK outdoor trade show, where sustainability meets innovation in gear manufacturing. We kick things off with Fred Fendree from Big Agnes, who unveils their shift to PFAS-free fabrics and introduces the game-changing Copper Spur HV Ultra Light II tent and revamped backpack range. Then, hear from Richard Pine, C...

In this episode of the Outdoor Station Podcast, host Bob Cartwright speaks with Lindsay Morrison from Thermarest about their upcoming 2025 product launches, focusing on comfort and durability in backpacking gear. Lindsay highlights features of the new loft mattress and Thermal Boost 650 sleeping bag, emphasising their appeal to various outdoor enthusiasts. Later, Joe Nocito from Darn Tough discuss...

In this episode of the Outdoor Trade Show (OTS) mini-series, the latest developments in the outdoor world are discussed. Kate Hawker, co-founder of AdventurO.com, introduces a marketplace platform for learning adventure sports, offering a wide range of activities and equipment rentals. Damon Street, UK distributor for Sierra Designs, unveils the new Nexus Light pack, a versatile, zipless, and eco-...

Legacy Project (00:01:40) Sam Fernando discusses Keela Outdoors' legacy project, emphasizing repair and refurbishment of outdoor garments to extend their lifespan. Sustainability and Innovation (00:03:44) Sam Fernando explains Keela's innovative approach to sustainability, including reclaiming and reusing fabrics, and open-sourcing patterns for garment repurposing. Circular Economy (00:08:06) The...

The impact of PFAS on outdoor activities (00:00:18) Discussion on the dangers and persistence of PFAS in outdoor gear and the push to regulate and ban these chemicals. Approach to circular economy in the outdoor industry (00:04:27) Explanation of brands' efforts to promote repair, recycle, and reuse services, reducing pressure on the environment. Nikwax's sustainable practices and products (00:05:...

Episode Overview Bob's Podcast Success (00:00:19) Bob discusses the success of the podcast and his recent experiences at the outdoor trade show. Plans for a Night Out (00:03:00) Bob and Rose discuss their plans for a night out on the local hills and the impact of weather on their schedule. Sleeping Under the Stars Experience (00:04:26) Bob and Rose discuss their experience of sleeping under the st...

In this podcast episode, I reflect on the closure of Backpackinglight UK after nearly 20 years, discussing the journey and evolution of my company amidst significant changes in the outdoor retail industry. I highlight the challenges posed by mammoth retailers like Amazon and AliExpress, which impacted smaller independent businesses. I share our decision to close the business, feeling a need for a...

This is part two of my conversation with Nikki Love and her remarkable journey across Australia, spanning from Perth to Sydney, began on May 1st, 2023, at the scenic shores of Cottesloe Beach. Over the course of 76 days, 3 hours, and 43 minutes, she traversed the vast expanse of the continent, culminating her adventure at the iconic Bondi Beach. In her quest for a Guinness World Record, Nikki brav...

Welcome to part one of my podcast interview with ultrarunning adventurer Nikki Love, where we delve into her incredible journey across Australia. On May 1st, 2023, Nikki embarked on a monumental 4000km run from Perth to Sydney, a feat that tested her endurance and resolve. Nikki initially aimed to cover 60km each day, aiming to surpass the men's record. However, the reality of the terrain and cond...

A few interviews from the National Outdoor Expo and a sharing of time limited promo codes for listeners and viewers of The Outdoors Station. Please check out the full range of interviews and the livestream on the YouTube Channel. Thanks to the livestream sponsor Valley and Peak and all the others who are involved. Please check out the following websites and support all those involved.   Discount C...

Hey folks … I’m back!! This is a quick round up of what has been going on these last 12 months of silence, the new livestreams I am doing, in particular next week from the National Outdoor Expo and my new plans to get back producing enjoyable content for the any outdoors fans. It may be a bit cheeky but we have been nominated for an award at the Outdoor expo, so if you could drop in a vote I would...

This podcast and video is for people who want to understand the full impact of long term travel. To many, more than a couple of weeks travelling/hiking/backpacking/camping may seem like a long time. However there are those who have made it a life's journey or project to go further, much further for much longer. This is a story about two women who have travelled by self powered means almost 20 thou...

Most 'enlightened' hikers these days use trail shoes, so if you've an avid boot user who repeats the mantra 'ankle support' without ever questioning it, this podcast is not for you :) Like all outdoor manufacturing things have moved on in leaps and bounds in the trail shoe market as elsewhere. With the current need to change the manufacturing process to take in account sustainability, recycling an...

Advice is easy to come by when it comes to outdoors clothing and gear. But is it the ‘right’ advice? All you need to do is post a simple question on any of the social platforms and you’ll get endless replies, some of which may be from experienced professionals and others could be enthusiastic hobbyists, who are well meaning but limited in their product awareness. Just like asking Dr Google about y...

This interview is partly educational and partly entertainment. Tom Langhorne is a wilderness and survival instructor based in the highlands of Scotland. A superb challenging environment to learn and put skills to the test. Skills which really 'have' to work to keep you warm and create shelter when the famous Scots weather turns from the touristic beauty into harsh cold wet reality. A few years bac...

This is part two of my conversation with Mark Waring regarding the joys of Packrafting and his 140km trip in 2022 along the River Kaitum in Sweden with fellow packrafters David Lintern and Debra West. In the conversation he mentions that it involved a 2 day walk to the put in, some it along the magnificent Kungsleden Trail. Once they were on the water, the trip took on all kinds of grade challenge...

Todays interview is with Itzi Aldecoa Tamayo one of the co-founders of Bikepacking Buds. A UK based network and collective of bikepackers, who want to meet others interested in this past time leading to socially gatherings for Micro or Major bike based adventures. Open to all ages and sexes the social media network shares trips, gear tips, knowledge and enthusiasm for people who may not have the c...

The health benefits of cold water immersion is starting to become more well known with people like Wim Hof promoting the activity on main stream media on a regular basis. I have found myself there is certainly a feeling of rejuvenation after a cold water bathing experience, however this usually takes place on warm sunny days high in the mountains. Sara Barnes takes the other approach and swims wit...