31/07/2020
Many of the Open Airists kindly shared some pictures from the last 12 months for the various places they visited pre-lockdown. We thought we’d share these with you as we start to look forward to making some new adventures!
21/07/2020
Text and images by Will Day Here at Open Air we all consider ourselves to be ‘outdoorsy’ and this article will therefore likely be slightly biased. However, what is all the excitement about the great outdoors? Over the last few years, the outdoor lifestyle has become highly desirable, with influencers and celebrities alike venturing into far flung places, armed with nothing but a pair of denim shorts and a Nalgene. And maybe some overpriced sunglasses. And of course their phone. And a team of photographers. And then someone to carry... Read More
27/05/2020
In our first few posts in the camp kitchen series, we gave an overview of camping stoves and types of fuel, and an in-depth look at gas stoves. In this post, we turn our attention to the exciting part: food! If you’re camping on a campsite, or able to restock with food each day, then you’ve got plenty of options for cooking. We’ll share some of our favourite camping recipes in some future blog posts which might inspire you for your next trip! If, however, you’re carrying everything in your... Read More
13/05/2020
In the opening parts of our camp kitchen series, we looked at how to choose a camping stove and the different types of fuel. Next week, we’ll bring you an in-depth look at dried food for backpacking and camping – a great way to save weight, time, effort, and fuel when cooking in the hills. To whet your appetite, here are some of our top tips for eating on the trail – enjoy! Embrace treats You’ve earned them! Keep things relatively simple At the end of a long day walking... Read More
29/04/2020
Review and Images by Will Day. Here at Open Air, we’re fortunate to stock a range of waterproof jackets from some of the best manufacturers around. For Open Airist Will, the temptation of a new waterproof jacket purchase was high and after deliberating long and hard, Will settled on the Roc Spire from legendary Swedish outdoor brand, Haglöfs. Today, Will shares his thoughts on the Roc Spire after a month of ownership. Take it away, Will! Want a recap of how to select the right waterproof jacket? Read our article!... Read More
28/04/2020
Text and Images by Angus Whitby. Your waterproof jacket is a very important piece of equipment in ensuring your comfort and safety in the outdoors during inclement weather. It is likewise an expensive bit of equipment and as we enter the warmer months, there has never been a better time to clean and refresh your waterproof jacket to ensure long lasting service. In today’s blog post, the Open Air team will provide some background knowledge on why it’s important to look after your waterproof jacket as well as answer some... Read More
08/04/2020
by Ashley Zheng A lot of climbers may find themselves ‘climbing the walls’ feigning boredom while trapped indoors over the coming weeks. To help fellow climbers, we’ve come up with a list of 10 home activities for climbers which will not only pass the time at home but help prepare for a future adventure! 1. Update your log-book Starting with a very simple task, make sure all your latest ascents are put into your log-book and that all previous entries are all up to date. Not only is this a... Read More
23/12/2019
Images and Text by Angus Whitby. Well-fitting walking boots aren’t just necessary to prevent bruised toes and blisters. They support your ankles and feet, reducing fatigue and injury over the course of your walk. Following on from our blog post on choosing the best walking boots or shoes, here is a more detailed overview of walking-boot fitting for those who are unable to visit our footwear department on Green Street for personalised walking boot fitting service. How should walking boots fit and feel? You want to be well supported and comfortable... Read More
23/12/2019
Images and Text by Angus Whitby. Outdoor walking boots are designed to be hard wearing but improper care and neglect can drastically reduce their lifespan. In this blog post, we’ll look at how to look after your walking boots and provide some top tips to ensure dry feet and long-lasting use. Regular cleaning Take the time after every outing to give your boots a good clean after every outing. Use warm water and a semi-stiff brush to remove mud and grit from the boots. Don’t forget to fill the boot up... Read More
23/12/2019
Images and Text by Angus Whitby. If your new walking boots don’t fit properly, you risk trip-ruining discomfort (or worse serious injury) so it pays to get the best fitting walking boots you can. That is where Open Air’s footwear department is here to help with nearly 30 years of collective experience in assisting boot and shoe fitting for men, women and children. Use these tips for buying the best walking boots. Footwear Styles Comfortable walking boots are an essential part of your outdoor experience. No one wants sore feet... Read More
