James Redden

Hi, I’m James. I live in Oxfordshire and the great outdoors is my real passion in life. I spend as much time as possible trekking and hiking to locations in the UK and around the world. Over the years I’ve had the most amazing adventures, many of them here in the United Kingdom.
My journeys have taken me to Wales, Scotland, the North of England, the South West and even further afield. My international jaunts have included trips to the jungles of South East Asia, the Middle East, the Sahara Desert, Africa, South America and many other places of interest.
Before we go any further, please understand that I’m not some kind of rich guy who spends his time and money roaming the planet. I am a form soldier and have been fortunate enough to ‘be in the right place at the right time’, hence the many countries I’ve visited.
Around 2004, my work life was a greater priority as this was the point at which I left the Army. For ten years I immersed myself in IT and built a business. Always a keen runner, I decided to experiment with something a little more intense that trail running: I entered a Spartan Race. The bug bit.
In 2015, after a few years of competing in obstacle course races, I decided to try something far more adventurous: a ski to the North Pole. In April 2016 I arrived skied to the Geographic North Pole. And I wanted more.
That’s me. I have two daughters. They think I’m an old man desperate to keep the spirit of adventure and travel alive. They’re right.
Posts I’ve written
- Brooks Caldera 6 review: the best Brooks trail runner?
- Mindful hiking: where mindfulness meets the trails
- Hiking jackets: Mammut Taiss IN hybrid hooded jacket review
- HOKA walking boots: the complete hiking boots guide
- Fjern Aktiv down jacket review
- Akaso Brave 7 vs Brave 7 LE
- Altra Outroad review: a hybrid running shoe for all terrains
- Keen Targhee iii Review: a waterproof mid boot for all seasons
- Iridium GO! Exec Review
- Alpkit Fantom Review
- Best Satellite Communicator of 2023: off-grid messengers reviewed
- The Garmin Calories Accuracy Guide
- Garmin Instinct vs Garmin Fenix 6: which is best?
- Mountain Equipment Superflux insulated jacket review
- Iridium GO! review: lightweight satellite comms on the go
- Is GPS free to use? Satellite communicator questions answered
- What size backpack do I need for backpacking?
- Running vs Walking Shoes
- Hiking Tips and Trick
- Dartmoor Wild Camping: the best places to camp on Dartmoor
- Montane Pac Plus Review
- Vango Sherpa 60:70s Rucksack Review
- Garmin InReach vs PLB
- Hiking vs Trekking: what’s the difference between a hike and a trek
- Ultra Marathon Training Plan: how to train for a 50 mile ultramarathon
- Ultralight Backpacking Gear List: Keeping Your Rucksack Light
- Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next 2 Review
- Pen y Fan walk: four hikes to the summit
- McMurdo FastFind 220 Review
- Four Waterfalls Walk: Brecon Beacons waterfalls you must explore
- Polar Verity Sense HRM Review: A Good Armband Monitor?
- Amazfit GTR 2e Review
- Montane Trailblazer 25 Review
- Hoka Speedgoat 4 review: testing the Women’s Model
- FjellRaven Classic UK is open for applications
- The Hikers Guide To Black Toenails
- Halite Overbag Pro review: an effective overbag?
- Extreme cold weather sleeping bags: a guide
- What to wear hiking: a high level guide for hikers
- Akaso Brave 7 LE review: a budget action camera with serious grunt
- Hiking boots or shoes: the great debate
- Mountain Equipment Redline sleeping bag review
- Drive the Dalton Highway, Alaska’s most dangerous road
- Montane Extreme Softshell Jacket Review
- A Greenland Crossing in 20 minutes
- North Pole Expedition Cost for a Last Degree Ski
- Merrell Accentor Sport GORE-TEX mid-boot review
- Amazfit T-Rex Pro GPS watch review
- Montane Icarus Jacket Review: Worth the money?
- Apricoat Adventure 2.0 Review
- Deuter Guide 35+ review | An awesome Alpine and hiking rucksack
- The Big Garmin Earthmate app review
- 5k Training Plan: Fit in 6 weeks
- Built to Send X1 Alpine Rucksack Review
- Hoka Challenger ATR 6 review: epic running shoes, or not?
- Hiking Health: staying fit and safe on the trails
- The Ultimate Walking Boot Guide
- Hiking vs Walking: what’s the difference
- Roundup: How to choose a handheld GPS
- First Aid for hikers and expeditions
- The Running Blog is open
- Best Walking Boots of 2023
- Garmin Fenix 6 vs Tactix Delta
- Essential Hiking Skills and Gear You’ll Need in 2021
- Garmin Connect Review (the 2021 edition)
- Choosing the Best backpack for Hiking Is Easy (Honest).
- How to choose a smartwatch for hiking
- Softshell Jackets: OEX Stratosphere Review
- How to Use Trekking Poles (or Sticks): And Choose Them
- How to use the Garmin eTrex 10 handheld GPS and Avoid Geographic Embarrassment
- Top tips for expedition planning
- Become a hiking hero: aka How to get in shape for hiking
- Coros Apex Review: 46mm Of Serious Multisport Watch
- Hiking Boot Alternative: The Altra Lone Peak 4 Review
- What Is Rucking?: Awesome Cardio for Running Haters
- Garmin InReach Explorer+ Review: A Deep Dive
- Hiking Boots vs Trail Runners: Which are Best for You?
- How To Choose Hiking Boots That Work For You
- Garmin Vivosmart HR+ Review: An 8/10 Hiking Watch
- How to Wash A Down Jacket
- What Makes A Down Jacket Warm? Complete Guide
- History of Down Jackets: From Innuit to Catwalk
- What Is A Down Jacket? The Complete Guide
- Petzl Tikka Headlamp Review: Lumen Overload
- Sealskinz Cold Weather Sock Review: The Perfect Gift for Hikers?
- Spot vs Garmin InReach: The Best Satellite Communicator
- Lake Baikal: Crossing The Worlds Largest Lake
- Best Two Person Tent (2023): 8 Roomy Backpacking Tents Reviewed
- Best Down Jacket For Men | Keeping You Toasty In 2022
- Which Is The Best Hiking App? Here’s My Top 5.
- Ashridge to Ivinghoe Beacon Circular Walking Route
- Rab Vertex Pants Review: Hiking and Beyond
- Dartmoor Hiking: North to South Route
- The Huge Hilleberg Keron 3 GT Review
- Hot Weather Hiking Tips
- How To Cross A River: The Hiker’s Guide
- Montane Alpine Endurance Review: Worth The Money?
- The Very Best Hiking Snacks For Energy
- Merrell Moab 2 Review: The Ultimate Beginner’s Hiking Boot?
- Garmin eTrex 10 Review: An In-depth View of this GPS