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.
Choosing the right gear can make a significant difference to life on the road. Whether you’re fitting out a van for the first time, looking to upgrade a particular setup or searching for something specific to solve a problem you keep encountering, understanding what’s actually worth the money is valuable.
The products covered here span a wide range – from electrical systems and solar panels to camping cookware, storage solutions, comfort accessories and travel essentials. Where possible, everything reviewed has been tested in real conditions on actual van trips, not just unboxed and described from a catalogue.
Vanlife gear has improved significantly in recent years. The range of purpose-built products for campervans and motorhomes has expanded, and it’s now easier than ever to find quality kit that solves real problems. That said, some products are better than others, and the reviews here aim to give an honest assessment of what’s worth buying and what isn’t.
Whether you’re building a budget conversion or refining a well-equipped van, the product posts on this site aim to save you time and money by pointing you towards what genuinely works.
A clinking noise before a Scotland trip turned into a safety-related repair that needed sorting properly, not another short-term van fix.
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
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.
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.
A compact pair of binoculars reviewed for everyday travel use, with notes on portability, adjustable eyepieces, focusing and keeping them handy in the car.
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.
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.
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.
Useful for packed lunches, fridge leftovers and small travel kitchens, this review looks at whether beeswax wrap is less hassle than cling film.
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.
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
A straightforward look at how this 2 litre bladder fits, fills, drinks and cleans in real use, with notes from cycling and hiking.
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
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.
A budget wireless charger tested in everyday use, covering build quality, charging speed, and whether it’s worth choosing over pricier options.
If you’ve been looking for a simple way to get more accurate ride data, the Wahoo RPM Cycling Speed Sensor is one of those small upgrades that can make a noticeable difference. I recently picked one up from Evans Cycles and, after a few rides with it fitted, it has become a genuinely useful part … Read more
As someone who spends a lot of time on the bike, I’m always paying attention to the bits of kit that genuinely improve the riding experience rather than simply add more numbers to look at. After recently picking up the Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT Bolt Bike Computer from Evans Cycles, it quickly became one of those … Read more
If you’re looking for a dependable mountain bike that balances trail performance with sensible value, the 2017 Trek Marlin 7 remains a bike worth considering. It has long been a popular choice for riders wanting something capable enough for proper off-road use without stepping into a much higher price bracket. Originally purchased from Evans Cycles, … Read more