Products: Reviews Navfree – iPhone SatNav App


They say: OpenStreetMap is an open source mapping system that was created by over 250,000+ users and as such the map data is free to use. As the maps are open and rely on users creating and updating them there will be a chance that some of the maps are incorrect or missing all together, especially in more rural areas. The good news is you can add & improve the map yourself by getting involved at OpenStreetMap, using one of the freely available map editors or simply use Navfree's inbuilt map report tool to send mapping errors! GWA highlight: The interface for NavFree has a little icon on it which, if you’re the helpful sort of person, allows you to update the map where it has an anomaly with notes like ’1-way street’, thus the whole system is continuously improved by the thousands of people who are using it every day. In a while the accuracy should become better than one of the paid-for mapping systems. GWA summary: It’s a totally free SatNav app for iPhone. And whilst you might think that free means low-quality you’d be wrong. It looks great, is easy to use and intuitive. The compromise is that the mapping is occasionally in need of an update (for road restrictions) and it tends to heavily favour major routes rather than direct cut throughs.


GWA rating: www.navmii.com/navfree/?country=GB


For more: http://www.gearweare.com/review/navfree-iphone- satnav-app/


Platypus – Origin 32.30 Daypack


They say: The Origin 32 hydration pack boasts a full 32 litres of gear capacity–plenty for a gear-intensive day at the crags or a multi-day epic on minimalist terms. The added capacity of a 3.0L Big Zip SL reservoir holds enough water for a full day of just about anything. GWA highlight: The hydration system works well. The bite valve is chunky and simple, and the whole thing is easy to remove from its dedicated pocket and clean out when it starts smelling of old socks. The tube is held in place by fabric retainers and clips, so it never whacks you in the face if you break into a trot towards the ice-cream booth on the beach.


GWA summary: The Platypus Origin 32 is a big daypack with cavernous main pocket. It has an excellent hydration system built in to a pack which is finished to a very high standard. It’s lightweight (750g) and comfortable when not packed too heavily. Waterproof and good- looking, I’m just slightly confused by the compression panel and would end up removing it.


GWA rating: Price: £130.00 GWA rating:


www.cascadedesigns.com/platypus/hydration-packs/origin- 32/product


For more: http://www.gearweare.com/review/platypus-origin-32-20- daypack/


22 www.bridgedale.com


For more: http://www.gearweare.com/review/bridgedale-na-kd- socks/


Reviews courtesy of GearweAre.com www.sgboutdoor.co.uk Price: £10.00 GWA rating: www.growerscup.com/


For more: http://www.gearweare.com/review/growers-cup-the- coffee-brewer/


Price: RRP £2.00 Price: Free


Growers Cup – The Coffeebrewer


They say: The Coffeebrewer is best described as a disposable French press. Inside the pouch is a filter with 26g of freshly ground specialty coffee. To brew 3 cups of coffee, all you need is to open it, pour ½ litre hot water into it, and let it brew 5-8 min.


The unique brewing system is designed to preserve the coffee’s natural oils. This enhances the


delicate flavours and finer aromas of the coffee, which otherwise can only be achieved by using a French press. GWA highlight: If you are out and about far from civilisation, without access to one of those ubiquitous chain outlet coffee houses, and have an urge for freshly brewed coffee but you don’t want to use those coffee-bags, or don’t have room to carry a cafetiere or a stovetop espresso pot (and note, that if you want more than one serving of coffee you will need several of these bags reducing potential space saving over a pot), or you just can’t stomach instant coffee, and you really like gimmicky gadgets, then perhaps this is for you. GWA summary: It is an interesting and clever design but I am not sure it is the right solution to a problem I am not sure exists.


Bridgedale –Na-kd socks


They say: The Bridgedale Ladies Na-kd cool comfort, lo- cut, no-show sock. Highly versatile, from running and aerobic activities to everyday use with your trainers. Extra elastic in the heel area keeps the sock in place creating lasting comfort. High-performance microfibres create a cooling and fast wicking overfoot mesh. GWA highlight: The toe and heel is reinforced so they don’t fall apart, the seams are minimal and don’t rub (I wore mine while walking far too much around New York recently) and the Achilles area has a small roll of padding to reduce rub back there too. GWA summary: They’re socks. They go on, pull off and go in the wash ready to start all over again. They don’t rub, and are light enough that you can see through them. They breathe well, and look sock-like.


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