Tag Archives: outdoors

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

Old wolf
Sep 10 2020

Original rule of 6 had nothing to do with COVID-19

Old wolf

old wolf – just because I like the photo

It was a concept I think I heard of years ago and think it was north American Indian culture from memory. though I may well be wrong. It was concerning looking at something, a problem or concept and identifying 6 possible reasons, outcomes or possible rationales for actions. Effectively expanding your understanding and perception of the activities

So, if you take this onboard I have found it very useful when looking at computer systems, working processes and from coaching. Some of the ideas might be pretty straight forward or sensible others might be more out of the box, but it is a good exercise to broaden your perspective.

To give you an example of what I mean let’s look at why someone might post something on Facebook or a blog

  1. To share their thoughts / experiences – we are social creatures and some like to share ideas, concerns and thoughts.
  2. To be seen as knowledgeable in an area – possibly when talking about specific topics or theories, often something seen in work places.
  3. To building their fan base – you see this with internet social influencers, they wish to boost their own presence or perceived standing online or in the specific area, whether they have knowledge in the area or not.
  4. They might be trying to build self-confidence – COVID-19 has seen an impact on the mental health of many and some might find posting on social media or other sites help boost confidence.
  5. Doom bringers – some come across as always wanting to be negative and pull everyone down, destroy ideas.
  6. Like to hear own voice – possible gregarious and like talking and expressing views on everything.

As I have said I have a tendency of doing this, I would say almost naturally in that I do try and look at things from multiple angles, I think partly due to my struggles with health and education over the years, from childhood and onward. I have found this approach useful when coaching archery and in my working life.

So why am I talking about this?

The last few months have not been easy for many people and the new restrictions of group sizes due to arrive on the 14th of September in the UK, local lockdowns, return to office work after working from home, and more  is affecting lots of people so my example 4 of self-confidence is possibly even more important.

Lots of people are struggling with their stress levels, physical and more importantly mental health. I know personally I have been and am struggling a bit, probably more than a bit, if I am truly honest. I miss being out and about in woods. I really miss the coaching and social interactions that come with helping people. I think that was one of the instigators of me starting the podcasts in an attempt to reach out and support people.

I started this site and more recently podcasts to share thoughts and experiences, not to be seen as knowledgeable or expert,  as the one thing I have learnt is the more you learn, the more there is to know. I have no interest in being a social influencer and despite what some think I don’t want to be negative or enjoy hearing my own voice. Yes, I often see the possible problems but this is because I want to be aware of them and have counter measures, plans or ideas to overcome them. A problem shared is sometimes a problem halved as others contribute to the solution or offer support.

So, next time when you read something, hear something or have a problem to solve, take a moment and try to note down 6 options. You might not be able to come up with 6 initially, but over time you will find you broaden your perspective. You never know it might help.

Stay safe, stay well and thanks for reading.

 

May 14 2020

Impact of COVID-19 on archery clubs

Apologies for not getting much material out there at present. I’m trying to finish off the series on target panic and hope to have a “walk with Roger Massey” out in the next few weeks.

What little time I have spare is being spent on trying to work on the logistics of whether we can open our clubs field range safely based on current government guidelines.

This involves both risk assessment paperwork for insurance requirements and trying to identify work rounds for the physical limitations of the sites access routes etc. I think we will have to go down the route of bookable time slots due to restrictions of parking space and range spacing.

I would be interested in hearing from any clubs that are going through the same process as I now there is a push by many to get people out shooting again.

The National Field Archery Society has posted some guidelines on their website (https://nfas.net/) for clubs looking to open their grounds.

This is from ArcheryGB site for reference

Thanks for reading and stay safe everyone.