North West Propshafts
A clinking noise before a Scotland trip turned into a safety-related repair that needed sorting properly, not another short-term van fix.
Reviews
Honest assessments of vanlife gear, kit, apps, and stopovers – based on genuine use rather than a quick unboxing. The aim is to give you enough real-world information to make your own call, including what works well and what does not.
All opinions are independent. Nothing here is paid for or influenced by the brands and services covered.
The Scarsdale Hundred
A straightforward look at Steak Club at a Beighton Wetherspoon, covering food quality, service speed, and what you actually get for the price.
Crocs Baya
Crocs have always had a slightly complicated relationship with the public. I’ll admit, I was initially sceptical and, if I’m honest, a bit snobby about them myself. Going from quiet disdain to genuine loyalty was not something I expected. That changed after trying a pair of knock-off Crocs and realising, rather reluctantly, that they were … Read more
China Garden Benidorm
After a day in Benidorm, settling into a cosy Chinese restaurant for satay chicken, prawn toast and a well-priced set menu felt like an easy holiday win.
Pomodoro
The kebabs were some of the best they had eaten, but there is one thing worth knowing before you order the cheesy chips.
RAC Breakdown Cover
A warning light, an unfamiliar noise, and 100 miles from home. This is how a real RAC call-out played out on a coastal trip.
ALLPOWERS Portable Power Station 300W / 288Wh
A hands-on look at how the ALLPOWERS 300W / 288Wh power station works for weekend trips, charging essentials and fitting into a small campervan setup.
Mabove Aqua Shoes
A simple review of Mabove Aqua Shoes, covering comfort, quick drying, grip, foot protection and how useful they are for beach, river and outdoor use.
APEMAN 12X25 Compact Binoculars
A compact pair of binoculars reviewed for everyday travel use, with notes on portability, adjustable eyepieces, focusing and keeping them handy in the car.
Milestone Camping Tent Peg Extractor
Packing down is often where trips end on a low note, especially when pegs won’t budge. This looks at a small fix that makes that job less of a hassle.
Nuoshen 12 Pcs Tent Pegs
A simple look at Nuoshen Tent Pegs as a spare set for camping, covering their size, weight, ground grip and whether they feel strong enough in use.
QTshinee Power Bank
A straightforward look at how the QTshinee Power Bank performs for keeping phones, tablets and other devices charged while travelling or away from plug sockets.
Heyeco Beeswax Food Wrap
Useful for packed lunches, fridge leftovers and small travel kitchens, this review looks at whether beeswax wrap is less hassle than cling film.
Portable Outdoor Fire Pit
A hands-on look at a compact fire pit that packs down small, sets up quickly and gives off decent heat without taking over your boot or van storage.
Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor
I’ve been making a more deliberate effort to improve my general health and wellbeing, and part of that has meant using a few mobile apps to track my fitness. They were useful up to a point, but after a while my progress started to feel a bit flat. I wanted a clearer idea of what … Read more
Lixada Hydration Bladder
A straightforward look at how this 2 litre bladder fits, fills, drinks and cleans in real use, with notes from cycling and hiking.
Lixada Cycling Rucksack
Every cyclist ends up relying on their rucksack more than they expect. Whether it’s a short ride out or a full day on the trail, having something that carries well and keeps things organised makes a noticeable difference. I came across the Lixada Cycling Rucksack recently on Amazon, and after using it for a while, … Read more
Sixt
With Edinburgh on the cards for New Year, the first thing I did was check train prices from Sheffield. To say they were expensive would be putting it mildly. After comparing a few options, hiring a car actually worked out cheaper, and over the Christmas and New Year period it also gave me far more … Read more
Tesco 2 Man Tent Single Layer
Honest review of the Tesco 2 man single layer tent after real use in North Wales. Covers setup, condensation, wind issues, and whether it’s worth buying.
Peddler Night Market – Veg Out
A first-hand look at Peddler Night Market Veg Out in Sheffield, including layout, food options, pricing, and what to expect on the night.
The Park
A straightforward look at The Park in Hillsborough, including what the food is like, portion sizes, and how long you might realistically be waiting at busy times.
Apachie Wireless Charger
A budget wireless charger tested in everyday use, covering build quality, charging speed, and whether it’s worth choosing over pricier options.
The Garden Room
A midweek lunch spot turning people away at the door isn’t that common around here, so it raises the question of whether it’s worth the detour.
The Fox House
A clear look at food, service and value at a busy Peak District pub, including what works well and what falls short on a peak day.