Outdoor Gear Chat

Cathy Casey and Wayne Singleton

Join Cathy and Wayne as they chat about the pro's (and the con's) of technical outdoor clothing and equipment.Outdoor Gear Chat takes a lighthearted peek inside the wonderful world of fabrics, garments, footwear and equipment helping you to understand some of the science behind how to stay dry, how to stay comfortable and how to choose the best outdoor kit for you.

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20 episodes
Updated June 23

Episodes20

Newest first

June 23 · 43 min
94: Iconic Climbs - Cenotaph Corner E1 5c
Get in touch! Our special guest on this episode is artist and climber Phil Gibson who celebrated 50 years since his first ascent of this iconic climb by creating a unique 90 degree artwork. Phil has added over 250 crag drawings to over 20 guidebooks since the early 70's, wrote a thesis on the evolution of climbing gear and chats about the gear he used on his first ascent vs his later ascent in the 90's. This immersive podcast melds the many layers that make up an artwork, the experience of a climb and the unique memories we make in our wonderful sport. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal Win! "The Corner" by Phil Gibson Blog - Cenotaph Corner Blog - Cenotaph Corner 70 Years Shop climbing gear The Lost Art of Crag Drawing To learn more about this weeks topic click through to: Buyers Guide to Building Your First Trad Rack — The Climbers Shop / Joe Brown Blog (theclimbersshopjoebrownblog.co.uk) Skills : Climb — The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Climbing Knowledge — The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy The British Mountaineering Council (thebmc.co.uk) You may also enjoy listening to: Episode 67: Joe Brown and Kangchenjunga Epsiode 37: Ropes with Edelrid Episode 20: Carabiners with DMM's Chris Rowlands Episode 13: Joe Brown & The Climbers Shop Big History Episode 9: Rock Boots Episode 7: Trad Climbing with BMG Libby Peter
June 10 · 45 min
93: Elite Ultra Running with Stephanie Case
Get in touch! Cathy and Wayne are joined by another stellar guest just bursting with stories, energy and a job lot of grit! You may have come across Stephanie Case when global headlines showed an image of her breast feeding her 6 month old daughter during an ultra-marathon. We chat about race tech, training data, documentaries, THAT photo and why placing third at the 2021 Tor des Glaciers was such an emotional experience. If you are needing inspiration to get out and run an ultra - this is for you! Happy 90th birthday Suunto and thank you for making this podcast possible. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to: Free to Run Watch Free to Run Film More about Stephanie Case Shop the Suunto range Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Previous Episodes you might like: Episode 68: Time For Tech with Suunto Episode 77: Sarah Perry @KMF 2025
June 1 · 38 min
92: 60 Years of Innovation with Berghaus
Get in touch! To celebrate the 60th Anniversaries of both Berghaus and the Joe Brown shops, Cathy chats with Head of Product Innovation Rosie O'Sullivan. Rosie gives a first hand insight into the passion and creativity that goes into every product way before production and a very long time before it arrives in the shops. From engineers to problem solving to sitting down with their test team and broader outdoor community, Berghaus remains at the forefront of innovation across it's vast range of clothing and products designed for all. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal Joe Browns and The Climbers Shop Extrem Scavenger Hunt Get involved with the Berghaus Test Team Episode 76: Berghaus Adapts @ KMF 2025 Episode 75: Sir Chris Bonington @ KMF 2025 Episode 71: Everest 50 with Mick Fowler Episode 69: Everest 50 with Sir Chris Bonington and Paul Braithwaite Episode 55: Berghaus Adapts @KMF 2024
April 22 · 40 min
91: Unleashed! Adventure Kit For Dogs
Get in touch! Joined by an audience of one snoozing Springer Spaniel, Cathy & Wayne chat about adventure kit for dogs with Fell Dog founder Carolyn Harker. From stink proof collars to personal lead preference, waterproof jackets to silent harness clips we delve into a vast array of topics so you can make the best choices for your adventure dog to enjoy the hills. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal Buy dog gear Buy Waterproofing Products Fell Dog Website Joe Brown Outdoor Academy
April 15 · 33 min
90: Stick It To 'Em - Poles for Walking, Trekking and Running
Get in touch! Ever wondered if walking poles are worth the investment? Why trekking poles are handy for more than just physical support? Or if running poles can make much of a difference to your race time? Join Cathy and Wayne as they dive into the construction, adjustability, grip type and length of poles including top tips of how to fit and use them for the best performance. This podcast covers the physical and mental benefits of using poles and how to decide which style may be the best for you. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal Buy Walking/Trekking Poles Buy trail Running Poles Buy pole spares Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Episode 65: Kit List - Lake District Sky Trails Episode 36: Kit List - Trekking In Nepal
April 8 · 27 min
89: Get Your Head Down - Sleeping Mats
Get in touch! Get all the knowledge you need for a great nights sleep out under the stars as Cathy & Wayne chat about the ins and outs of sleeping mats. Learn about different types of mat, insulation ratings, why shape is important, why thicker isn't always warmer and discover why a "schnozzel" is a very important piece of kit. Packed full of fun facts and plenty of fun and laughter, this podcast will have you sleeping like a baby. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal Buy Sleeping mats Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Episode 41: How To Keep Warm Episode 4: Sleeping Bags
April 1 · 45 min
88: JB Big Tick with Emma Twyford
Get in touch! Cathy chats about the Joe Brown 60th Anniversary Big Tick Summer Climbing Challenge with one of the UK's hardest climbers - Emma Twyford. The first woman in the UK to climb E10 and Sport 9a, she boulders 7c+ and loves getting out on the crags of her adopted home of North Wales. Emma shares her favourite routes on the list, talks kit, long term climbing partnerships and shares her thoughts on climbing psychology. Part route list and part kit list this chat wanders down memory lane and explores much more than just holds and belays. Thank you to Scarpa for making this podcasts possible. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal Get involved with the Joe Brown Big Tick Buy climbing gear Need an Instructor? Episode 44: Helmets with Gemma Powell & Neil Gresham Episode 37: Ropes with Edlerid Episode 20: Carabiners with DMM Episode 9: Rock boots Episode 7: Trad Climbing Gear with BMG Libby Peter
February 4 · 11 min
87: Kendal Mountain Festival 2025 Roundup
Get in touch! After an incredible Kendal Mountain Festival 2025 Cathy and Wayne chat through the incredible range of guests on another fantastic Kendal podcast season. Kendal Mountain Festival delivered yet again on a packed programme spread over four days - with more than 200 live ticketed sessions including 300+ speakers on stage, 150+ films, 10+ parties, and 60+ activities attracting more than 25,000 visitors. The festival kicks off a year of tours around the UK so you too can get involved in the incredible stories of people venturing into our stunning planet. You can link to the Kendal Mountain Player anytime to watch a wealth of collated films and talks from winners across the years. Kendal Mountain Festival Full KMF podcast season 2025 Full KMF podcast season 2024
February 4 · 16 min
86: Alex Staniforth @KMF 2025
Get in touch! Recorded as part of our Kendal Mountain Festival season of "Hope", Wayne and Cathy chat with "Adversity Adventurer" Alex Staniforth. Record-breaking adventurer, inspirational speaker, author and coach, Alex has already overcome more than many will in a lifetime. Before the age of 19, he survived the two most significant disasters in Mount Everest history in two consecutive years, whilst his biggest mountains have been even closer to home: epilepsy, bullying, mental ill health and a lifelong stammer. Founder of one of Kendal Charity partners: Mind Over Mountains, Alex chats about his most recent challenge the first and fastest person to climb all 446 mountains in England & Wales by human power in just 45 days. Listen to the kit he used, the logistics he overcame and how the charity works to restore mental well-being through nature. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to: Mind Over Mountains The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy More about Alex Staniforth Kendal Mountain Festival If you found this interesting then don't forget to download the full KMF 2025 season: KMF Full season
January 28 · 24 min
85: Sally Orange @KMF2025
Get in touch! Recorded as part of our Kendal Mountain Festival season of "Hope", Cathy and Wayne chat with endurance runner and adventure athlete Sally Orange MBE. Listen to learn why Sally holds the Guinness World Record for the first (and possibly only) person to run a marathon on every continent dressed as a piece of fruit, how she had to re-think her clothing while running the Everest Marathon with a cancer diagnosis and why running to her chemotherapy appointments was so important. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy More about Sally Orange Everyones Everest Kendal Mountain Festival If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes: Episode 71: Everest 50 - Mick Fowler Episode 31: Adaptive Outdoor Kit with Paul Pritchard
January 21 · 22 min
84: Professor Rachel Carr and Sonam Rinzin @KMF2025
Get in touch! Recorded as part of our Kendal Mountain Festival season of "Hope", Cathy and Wayne chat with Professor Rachel Carr and Sonam Rinzin about their vital fieldwork helping protect people in the Bhutan Himalaya. Rachel and Sonam specialize in the threat of Glacial Lake Collapse, an increasing issue due to climate change and spend weeks in remote, glacial regions on fieldwork. Listen to their descriptions of how they use their kit in the unique environments they work in and the broader positive impact of the work they do. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Mount Everest Foundation Kendal Mountain Festival If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes: Episode 60: Deuter Athlete Tamara Lunger @KMF 2024 Episode 46: Kit Lists - New Routes in Greenland Episode 41: How To Keep Warm With Dr Down Episode 26: Kit List - Expeditions Episode 22: Eye Protection
January 14 · 14 min
83: Nigel Vardy @KMF2025
Get in touch! Recorded live at Kendal Mountain Festival 2025, Cathy and Wayne catch up with global mountaineer and adventurer Nigel Vardy aka "Mr Frostbite" to chat about life after his fateful ascent of Mt McKinley/Denali in 1999. While surviving -60 degree temperatures, Nigel lost his nose, toes and fingers aged just 30. His film "Frostbitten" tells the story of what was the highest and most daring helicopter rescue ever accomplished, his recovery and subsequent return to the mountain and his incredible team of rescuers 25 years later. Warning: Dark humour from the outset! Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Nigel Vardy Kendal Mountain Festival If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes: Episode 76: Ed Jackson & Alice Sainsbury@KMF 2025 Episode 55: Berghaus Adapts @KMF 2024 Episode 41: How To Keep Warm with Dr Down Episode 31: Adaptive Outdoor Equipment with Paul Pritchard
January 7 · 16 min
82: Robbie Phillips @KMF 2025
Get in touch! Ever wondered how one of the hardest climbers in the UK chooses his rock boots? Recorded live at Kendal Mountain Festival, Cathy & Wayne catch up with Scarpa Athlete, professional climber, coach, You Tuber and Speaker Robbie Phillips delving into key rock boot fitting tips for all types of climbing. Through his career, Robbie has moved from comp climbing for Team GB through all disciplines including bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, winter climbing, and big walling. His lust for adventure and travel has taken him across the globe where he has climbed pretty much every type of rock type in every style. If you want rock boot advice from the modern master then this episode is for you! Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy More about Robbie Phillips Kendal Mountain Festival If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes: Episode 66: Kit Lists for Alpine Climbing with BMG Tom Ripley Episode 44: Helmets with Neil Gresham and Emma Powell Episode 37: Ropes with Edelrid Episode 28: Mountain Boots with Scarpa Episode 20: Carabiners with Chris Rowlands, DMM Episode 9: Rock boots - Trust The Rubber Episode 7: Choosing a Trad Climbing Rack with BMG Libby Peter
Dec 31, 2025 · 15 min
81: Caitlin Connor @KMF 2025
Get in touch! Recorded live at Kendal Mountain Festival, Cathy and Wayne chat with Scottish Climber, Mountaineer and Dry Tooler Caitlin Connor. Sponsored by Rab, Caitlin describes the gear and training she uses in this niche sport to compete on the World stage. Starting out as an indoor competition climber Caitlin transitioned into the outdoor arena enjoying both summer trad climbing and winter mountaineering. Now, she's a member of the GB climbing team and has her eye firmly set on the 2030 Winter Olympics. If you want to learn what's involved in getting there - listen in and brace yourself! Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy More about Caitlin Connor Kendal Mountain Festival If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes: Episode 50: Balance with Rab @ KMF 2024 Episode 44: Helmets with Neil Gresham and Emma Powell Episode 28: Mountain Boots with Scarpa Episode 15: Ice Axes with BMG Adrian Nelhams
Dec 24, 2025 · 13 min
80: Jesse Dufton @KMF2025
Get in touch! Recorded as part of our Kendal Mountain Festival season of "Hope", Cathy and Wayne chat with Climber Jesse Dufton who offers a fascinating insight into rock climbing without sight. The first blind person to climb the Old Man of Hoy, Montane sponsored athlete Jesse describes how his wife describes the rock in front of him which he then interprets with his fingers to place gear and build belays. Listen to how their unique relationship has lead to new routes and climbing all over the world. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy More about Jesse Dufton Kendal Mountain Festival If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes: Episode 44: Helmets with Neil Gresham and Emma Powell Episode 37: Ropes with Alex Smurthwaite, Edelrid Episode 31: Adaptive Outdoor Kit with Paul Pritchard Episode 20: Carabiners with Chris Rowlands, DMM Episode 9: Rock boots - Trust The Rubber Episode 7: Trad Climbing Gear with BMG Libby Peter
Dec 17, 2025 · 13 min
79: Hannah Mitchell & Sam Jagger @KMF 2025
Get in touch! Going through a rough time? Find a mate and take yourselves off to climb a 4000m peak in Tajikistan! That's exactly what Hannah Mitchell and Sam Jagger did earlier this year and they tell Cathy & Wayne all about it in this laughter packed episode. Recorded live at Kendal Mountain Festival as part of this years theme of "Hope", Hannah and Sam chat about their un-supported trek into the remote Fann mountains before tackling their mountain and share how their rucksacks went with them every step of the way through joy, tears and friendship. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Kendal Mountain Festival If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes: Episode 71: Remote expeditions with Mick Fowler Episode 60: Deuter Athlete Tamara Lunger Episode 26: Kit Lists for Expeditions with Andy Cave Episode 10: Rucksacks - What's in Your Pack?
Dec 10, 2025 · 16 min
78: Plas Y Brenin @KMF 2025
Get in touch! Recorded live at Kendal Mountain Festival 2025, Cathy and Wayne chat with Climber and Mountaineer Dave Evans about gearing up for Scottish winter mountaineering adventures. Head of Climbing and Mountaineering at Plas Y Brenin, the National Outdoor Centre; Dave knows a thing or two about how to prepare for vertical fun in some of the worlds foulest weather and talks through how the National Centre's long term relationship with one of the countries most established outdoor manufacturer's; Mountain Equipment, creates clothing and equipment offering consistent protection in all conditions. If you are hoping to gear up your adventures and head out in the Scottish Winter hills this is for you! Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Plas Y Brenin - Book A Course Kendal Mountain Festival If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes: Episode 52: Gloves with Mountain Equipment @KMF 2024 Episode 50: Everest Fast & Light with Tom Livingstone Episode 48: New Waterproof Fabrics - What You Need To Know Part 2 Episode 41: How To Keep Warm with Dr Down Matt Fuller
Dec 3, 2025 · 13 min
77: Sarah Perry @KMF 2025
Get in touch! Recorded as part of our Kendal Mountain Festival season of "Hope", Cathy and Wayne chat with new Women's World Record holder Sarah Perry about her incredible run at the Backyard Ultra in Tenessee. Listen to the worlds toughest Maths teacher describe how she kept running every hour, on the hour for 4 days non-stop and how she uses her Suunto Vertical 2 to help her compete, train and rest. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy More about Sarah's world record breaking run Kendal Mountain Festival If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes: Episode 68: Time For Tech with Suunto Episode 33: Nice Lugs - Trail Running shoes with Chris Worton
Nov 26, 2025 · 10 min
76: Ed Jackson & Alice Sainsbury @KMF 2025
Get in touch! Cathy and Wayne catch up with Berghaus Athlete Ed Jackson to chat about his success as the first disabled person to complete a first ascent of a Himalayan mountain. Ed is joined by Alice Sainsbury to share their experience of the Berghaus Adapts program creating bespoke clothing to help everyone of all abilities access the outdoors and how the charity Millimeters 2 Mountains, which Ed runs with his wife Lois, is using the power of community to help individuals re-define their limitations. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Millimeters 2 Mountains The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Ed Jackson If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes: Episode 71: Everest 50 - Remote Expeditions With Mick Fowler Episode 55: Berghaus Adapts @KMF 2024 Episode 31: Adaptive Outdoor Kit with Paul Pritchard You can listen to Ed's podcast series here: It's Good To Walk
Nov 21, 2025 · 13 min
75: Sir Chris Bonington @KMF 2025
Get in touch! Recorded as part of our Kendal Mountain Festival season of hope, Cathy catches up with the legend that is Sir Chris Bonington to chat about his incredible year celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Everest The Hard Way, what it has meant to him and the team members and how the legacy of that 1975 expedition is positively impacting the people of Nepal. Listen ,learn and if you are able, please consider donating to our chosen charity: Community Action Nepal The Climbers Shop and Joe Brown Shops | Outdoor Clothing & Equipment UK The Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Joe Brown Outdoor Academy Kendal Mountain Festival Buy: Everest The Hard Way - the story of the 1975 SW Face Expedition Buy: More books by Chris Bonington Buy: Mountain Guru, The Life of Doug Scott by Catherine Moorehead If you found this interesting then don't forget to download our earlier episodes: Episode 73: Everest 50 - Commercial Expeditions with Di Gilbert Episode 72: Everest 50 - Fast & Light with Tom Livingston Episode 71: Everest 50 - Remote Expeditions With Mick Fowler Episode 70: Everest 50 - Gear Innovation with Mike Parsons Episode 69: Everest 50 - 1975 SW Face Expedition with Sir Chris Bonington and Paul 'Tut' Braithwaite Episode 67: Joe Brown and Kangchenjunga 1955 Episode 62: Community Action Nepal @KMF24 Episode 13: Joe Browns and The Climbers Shop Big History