Nov 17 2025

Episode 134 – How to build confidence in distance judgement

In my latest podcast I provide a quick update on what has been going on over the past couple of weeks, including appearing in both Bow International magazine in a contributor’s sections and the official National field Archery Society members magazine, as the author of an article on encouraging children into the sport.

I would to say thank you to those who reached out to me after the last episode (Episode 133 – Is it time to license bow ownership in UK?). I really appreciated the feedback and insights you all offered.

In the second half of the episode I launch into the coaching content of the episode where I explain a technique I’ve used myself and have coached other archers with. It is surprisingly straight forward and can help build confidence in distance judgement and overall shooting. It revolves round the basic idea of shooting 2 arrows, the goal to have them both land the prime spot of the target. It sounds simple but I go into a more detailed explanation in the episode, outlining how it can build confidence and factors to consider concerning consistencies etc.

As I’ve mentioned before I can embed Spotify material on this site but for those of you who use amazon music I can only provide a link.

As always if you have any questions or queries you can drop me an email on or via this website  There is my YouTube channel if you enjoy the content, where I will be hosting the shooting style outlines, I mention in the podcast. I think the Traditional Bowhunter will be the first one out. If you enjoy the content, please hit the Like button and consider subscribing to the channel.

Most of all remember to enjoy your shooting and as always thanks for listening, watching and supporting.

Nov 13 2025

Autumnal walk

I had the choice of hitting the gym or going for a walk today and decided on an autumnal walk. While out and about I record this quick review of a poncho I’ve been using for a few months.

This light weight poncho from Kombat UK is one I’ve been using for a few months. Overall I feel it works pretty well as a lightweight poncho, that packs down small, meaning it can be thrown into a pack for summer showers.

I’ve been using it for 6-9 months off and on and it’s proved really useful on a couple of occasions when I was carrying my laptop bag and need to ensure it and me kept dry. I am a bit of a convert to ponchos over carry waterproofs when out and about for short walks. It is very light weight weighing about 350 grams and comes in a small bag.

One tip I forgot to say in the video is to carry it into a small zip lock or dry bag. This way when you are using it and packing it away wet it won’t get you bag wet.

The one downside I have for it is the neck hole is a bit small as is the hood. I have caught the poncho on brambles while testing so I don’t think it’s really ideal for full on bushcraft use as I think it’s a bit too thin, but for a light weight quick throw over to keep you dry it works ok, especially if you want something to cover a day sack. It’s not the largest poncho on the market, but for me being 5ft 8 it works ok, though I would like it to be longer to cover the back of my legs.

I’m not going to give it a rating out of 10 like some sites do. What I will say it’s comparatively inexpensive and useful. I do need to re waterproof mine though as it has seen a fare bit of use and abuse. It’s good for light showers and not something to rely on in an emergency situation.

You can check out their website https://www.kombatuk.com/ and the poncho I was showing is the US style Poncho in black (https://www.kombatuk.com/product/us-style-poncho-black/) retailing for £24.95

I bought it from T.W Ryder Ltd in Birmingham where I’ve bought loads of kit over the years https://www.twrydersinbirmingham.co.uk/ The hoodie is from Northern Movement and is probably one of my favourites and been using for a couple of years https://northernmovement.co.uk/

Just as a quick update, I took the opportunity to test it out in strong wind and heavy rain today as storm Claudia hit the area. You can check out my thoughts, definitely need a couple of paracord loops for the eyelets.

Thanks for reading and watching