This week, we’re talking about what you should be looking for in a headlamp and, considering many locations are experiencing higher temperatures, we have a conversation about walking (or not walking) in the heat.

Interview times:

03:44 Fenix 26:16

Adventure 360

360 Adventures – dealing with heat

Recently, the term coolcations has been a common one, as people look to avoid hot climates for holidays, especially if it involves walking or other strenuous activity.

There have also been some high-profile rescues in hot climates as people ignore closed trails and find themselves getting into trouble.

One company that deals with activity in a hot climate is 360 Adventures, which is located in Arizona.

The company takes the worry out of adventure vacations by providing travellers with the expert guides and equipment needed to experience Arizona's wilderness through a variety of activities from hiking to cycling, canyoneering to rock climbing and much more.

We had a conversation with 360 Adventures’ owner, Bruce Leadbetter, to talk about what the company does, how to walk safely, how to spot signs of trouble, alternatives to walking in the heat, and much more. While Bruce is based in Arizona, his advice applies pretty much anywhere!

Fenixlight UK

While it might not be the time of year people think about headlamps and torches, the long dark nights are approaching.

If you’ve never bought a headlight, or have an old one, you may be surprised at their evolution. For walkers, a headlight has a multitude of uses, from being able to see far ahead, and around, to being seen by approaching vehicles if you’re walking on a road.

Fenix has a wide variety of solutions, from sturdy, waterproof torches so powerful it seems like they could work at a football game if the floodlights fail, through to versatile and lightweight rechargeable headlights.

Jamie Bowen is the marketing officer at Fenixlight UK, and in our conversation he provides practical and useful information on what you should be looking for in a torch or a headlamp, what recent developments there have been in the field, and gives some advice on what headlamps and torches can do in the 2020s. You may be surprised!

To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at jim@walkingpost.com

This week, we’re talking about a new book, Het Wilde Vrouwenpad. Avontuurlijke wandel (The Wild Women’s Trail. Adventure Walks) by Brigitte Ars, and water purifier bottles, with US company Grayl.

Interview times:

05:29 Grayl

23:26 Brigitte Ars

Brigitte Ars

There are countless hiking trails based on the paths of conquerors, philosophers and male saints. However, few hiking trails are dedicated to women, discovered researcher and lecturer Ars, who works at the Academy for Tourism at Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.

This prompted Ars to explore women’s trails in more depth. In her book Het Wilde Vrouwenpad. Avontuurlijke wandel [The Wild Women’s Trail. Adventure Walks], the journalist and adventurer takes the reader along trails that are connected to free-spirited women from history.

She walked the Dorothy Wordsworth Walking Trail (England), Brigid’s Way (Ireland), the Astrid Lindgren Trail (Sweden) and the Via Matildica (Italy), among others. She also discovered the influence of adventure hiking on the resilience of women.

Grayl water purifier bottles

Grayl, a US company, makes water purifier bottles that are available globally.

The company set out to revolutionise portable purification and designed a versatile, fast, and easy to use purifier so walkers could safely drink water drawn from spigots, hotel sinks, murky rivers, wells, or lakes.

Designed for use anywhere on earth, Grayl purifiers provide global protection from all waterborne pathogens plus a range of chemicals, heavy metals, and even microplastics.

To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at jim@walkingpost.com

This week, we’re talking about a new book, A Ramble Through the History of Walking, with author Bill Laws, and the diversity of travel in Africa with Acacia is Africa director Vivian McCarthy.

Interview times:

05:05 Acacia is Africa

20:50 Bill Laws

Acacia is Africa

Acacia is considered as an expert on travel to Africa and offers a range of tours from its original adventure tours to treks, city stays and tailor-made packages.

The company says its goal is to provide adventure through exciting, affordable tours.

Active for more than 20 years, the company, a member of ABTA, takes people from the plains of the Serengeti or the River Nile to Victoria Falls and Cape Town, and many places in between.

Bill Laws: A Ramble Through the History of Walking

Bill Laws is an author and journalist, with more than 20 books to his name. He writes for publications including the Telegraph, and has penned books on history, Herefordshire, gardens, homes, and walking.

His book A Ramble Through the History of Walking was originally published in 2008, and has been updated along with a new cover design and title.

The book was published earlier this year through The History Press. It is available through bookstores, and online through many outlets including amazon.

To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at jim@walkingpost.com