Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view

Category: Unsponsored (Page 1 of 37)

Sweet Protection Hyper Violet

After a bit of hype over the last week or so Sweet Protection have released a limited edition Hyper Violet colour scheme on their Rocker and Strutter whitewater helmets.

Sweet Protection Hyper Violet
Sweet Protection Hyper Violet
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Palm Equipment Cobra Sling – First Look

Purchased from WWTCC this week, we have a Palm Equipment Cobra sling in for review.

Space saving compared to the other two Palm Equipment tapes and super strong the Cobra looks like a great bit of kit to have in your PFD rescue gear. Although it looks like a dyneema climbing sling the Cobra should not be used for climbing. I suspect that this is due to the dynamic forces that kit endures during a climbing fall.

Palm Equipment Cobra Sling – First Look
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Unsponsored Special – Christmas Day 2024

Christmas day is always a big visitor day here on Unsponsored. In previous years visits go up by around 30%+. We started doing a Christmas day post a few years back and it has always been well received. I hope this post goes down at least as well and offers a little bit of escapism to those who need it.

Unsponsored Special – Christmas Day 2024
Unsponsored Special – Christmas Day 2024

Stay safe.

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Present Ideas For Paddlers 2024

A great deal of outdoor equipment passes through the halls of Unsponsored HQ. Some great, some good and some not so good. As we get closer to the 25th of December it has now become a little bit of tradition (and to save me answering loads of “What should I get ….. for Christmas, they have just got into kayaking/canoeing/SUP?” type questions via email) to put together a list of gear that paddlers and general outdoors type folk might appreciate as presents at Christmas time.

Present Ideas For Paddlers 2017
Present Ideas For Paddlers 2024

So here it is.

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The Importance Of Good Footwear

I came to the conclusion that footwear selection is often seen as secondary to some of the other gear being used..

The Importance Of Good Footwear

Let me clarify my thoughts a little. Most river banks are damp and greasy. Rocks can be sharp and spikey. It is probably one of the most testing places for any type of footwear.  A slip on a river bank could have very serious consequences in both the short and long term.

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Mark Gunter Photo Awards

UK National Hill Climb Championships 2024

I just entered the 2024 Mark Gunter Photo Awards — and this year they have a Fan’s Favourite Award. 

I’d love you vote for my photo and increase my chances of winning!

Check out my photo via the link below and ‘Vote Now’ — and you’ll also be raising money for cancer research. 

Your first vote is FREE! 

Please vote for my entry:


Title: UK National Hill Climb Championships 2024


Description: The UK National Hill Climb Championships 2024. Rider catches up with his minute man with only a few 100 metres left until the finish line.

Link to vote:

https://markgunterphotoawards2024.us.launchpad6.com/mgpaphotocompetition/entry/98

GuiGui x Pyranha Helectron Kayak

Pyranha have partnered with GuiGui-Prod to produce the Helectron Freestyle kayak in plastic.

GuiGui x Pyranha Helectron Kayak
GuiGui x Pyranha Helectron Kayak
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Smidge Insect Repellent – Review

Due to the sports I do I am always wearing some of kit that doesn’t like coming into contact with chemicals. Dry top neck seals for example simply get eaten away by some sun tan lotions and insect repellents. So I wanted something that didn’t contain DEET and was OK on my skin and technical gear.

Smidge Insect Repellent - Review
Smidge Insect Repellent – Review

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I’ve tried my fair share of insect repellents, but none have impressed me quite like Smidge.

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Movie Monday 17 June 2024

Welcome to Unsponsored and Movie Monday 17 June 2024.

Movie Monday 17 June 2024

Enjoy!

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Movie Monday 3 June 2024

Welcome to Unsponsored and Movie Monday 3 June 2024.

Movie Monday 3 June 2024
Movie Monday 3 June 2024

Thank you Bren.

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Movie Monday 20 May 2024

Welcome to Unsponsored and Movie Monday 20 May 2024.

Movie Monday 20 May 2024
Movie Monday 20 May 2024

Enjoy!

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Movie Monday 1 April 2024

Welcome to Unsponsored and Movie Monday 1 April 2024.

Movie Monday 1 April 2024

Enjoy!

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