Author of Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering…, a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat Kinsella has been writing about outdoor pursuits and adventure sports for two decades. In pursuit of stories he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked across the Norwegian Alps, run ultras across the roof of Mauritius and through the hills of the Himalayas, and set short-lived speed records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s nine Great Walks. A former editor of several Australian magazines he’s a longtime contributor to publications including Sidetracked, Outdoor, National Geographic Traveller, Trail Running, The Great Outdoors, Outdoor Fitness and Adventure Travel, and a regular writer for Lonely Planet (for whom he compiled, edited and co-wrote the Atlas of Adventure, a guide to outdoor pursuits around the globe). He’s authored guides to exploring the coastline and countryside of Devon and Dorset, and recently wrote a book about pub walks. Follow Pat's adventures on Strava and instagram.
Latest articles by Pat Kinsella
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I’ve tested multiple running packs over the years, and these are the three I'd recommend in 2026Three very different vests and packs for a range of running and speedhiking escapades
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Hoka Mafate 5 review: trail running shoes that go further (but not faster)The latest iteration of this eyebrow-raising, mile-munching trail shoe has taken some surprise turns, but it’s still built to bounce.
By Pat Kinsella Published
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I’ve tested lots of fleeces over winter and these are the 3 I’ll be wearing in 2026Three top fleeces for keeping warm without carrying weight or bulk
By Pat Kinsella Published
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I’ve been testing backpacking tents all my life and these are the three I’ll be using in 2026A trio of lightweight shelters for different outdoor adventures across the year
By Pat Kinsella Published
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I’ve tested dozens of trail running shoes this year – these are the three I still useThree very different trails, three shoes that earned a permanent spot in my rotation
By Pat Kinsella Published
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MSR Hubba Hubba LT2 review: a classic backpacking tent, reinventedAfter 21 years, the iconic Hubba Hubba has had a major update
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Keen Seek Trail Running Shoes review: A confident move into runningHiking hoof gurus Keen have jumped feet first into the trail-running space – but is the new Seek shoe any good?
By Pat Kinsella Published
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BioLite Dash 450 Headlamp review: Brilliantly balanced, lightweight head torch for outdoor adventuresIt might seem simple, but the BioLite Dash 450 headlamp is brilliant
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Lifesystems Solo Peak Tent review: a 1kg ultralight shelter built for fastpacking and solo adventuresA light-as-you-like one-person shelter for backpacking adventures, wild camping and fastpacking forays
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 review: My pick for 2025’s best everyday trail-running shoeIt might not be pretty, but the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 is my perfect everyday running shoe
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Tent review: Wild testing the world’s first fully bluesign-ticked backpacking tentThe new version of Nemo's Dagger Osmo is a lightweight weapon of a tent, with super-sharp eco-friendly creds and cool cutting-edge features
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Olight ArkPro review: a compact no-faff multifunctional flashlight for after-dark adventuresThe night is no match for this powerful pocket torch with myriad features and multiple beam options
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad review: The backpacking mat that feels like a bedThe NeoLoft serves up home-level comfort for overnight hikers
By Pat Kinsella Last updated
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TentBox Go review: set up camp in seconds… on top of your carCan’t afford a campervan? This is the next best thing
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Ledlenser HF8R Signature RGB Rechargeable Head Torch review: Brains, brawn and brightnessWith Bluetooth connectivity and a range of digitally advanced focusing and features, this high-tech headtorch lights up the future
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Keen Hightrail EXP Waterproof Hiking Shoes review: grippy, slipper-comfy hiking hooves for 3-season saunters on the wildsideLightweight, robust and waterproof walking shoes for all-conditions clambering, scrambling and trekking escapades (just don’t aim too high)
By Pat Kinsella Published
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I tested these high-tech Merrell hikers and was taken aback by their biggest strengthThe SpeedArc Surge Boa combines speed, comfort, and adjustability but has some issues with figuring out its target audience
By Pat Kinsella Published
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AceBeam H35 review: a five-bulb barrel headtorch with a belter of a beamAn idiot-proof headlamp for hiking, camping and working in the dark
By Pat Kinsella Published
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AceBeam P20 review: A skinny flashlight that packs a mighty punchFeel the force and slice the night with this light sabre, which has a range of over a kilometre
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Black Diamond Distance LT 1100 review: a night blaster of a headlampA highly featured head torch with an excellent range, a broad selection of beams – including the ultra bright PowerTip - and an advanced tilt function
By Pat Kinsella Published
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MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2 review: Lightweight, storm-proof shelter with room to stretchA superb tent, tweaked to make it perfect for pedal-powered adventurers
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Shell review: the most waterproof (and shiny) jacket I’ve ever wornIt might not have the matt finish most people expect from a jacket, but the Wyldwood really shines when it comes to protecting you from wet and windy weather
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Olpro Stafford 2.0 review: 2-person backpacking tent made from plastic bottlesGood for backpacking couples, this mid-range, 3-season shelter is constructed from recycled trash
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: Smart bone conduction headphones with enhanced bassShokz's headphones changed my opinion about running while listening to music, and now I struggle to go out without them
By Pat Kinsella Published

