Sponsors
Odlo
I've been wearing Odlo clothing for several years and prefer their running kit to anything else I've tried. For warm undergarments I haven't come across anything better on the market. What I have found during extreme cold weather events is that having the right kit plays a more important role than in practically any other environment. I first came across Odlo a few years ago in Mauritania during the Trans 333. I arrived at a checkpoint in the middle of the night, cold, bewildered and shattered. Apparently I walked straight into a wall when I arrived. I was greeted there by Malcolm Croft, one of the other competitors, He owns Tortoise and Hare, the most idiosyncratic shop I have ever come across. (see contact details under the supplier section below). Malcolm saw I was shivering and took pity on me, giving me one of his Odlo tops to continue the race. I still have the same top and have raced with it many times since. I've NEVER been cold in it, although it probably needs a wash soon though. Arf arf. I'm hopelessly biased about Odlo because, after several years of wearing it I just know it's the only kit I want to wear. They also do a superb range of non-winter gear too, all of which is comfortable, non-chafing and well-made. It's highly durable too. So that's my connection with Odlo, a sponsor I'm immensely proud to be working with. Have a look at their site for an idea of the kind of kit they make.
Montrail
On the suggestion of a fellow runner I thought I would try out a pair of Montrails, manufactured by a US-made trail-shoe company. Designed by trail runners for trail runners I have now been using Montrails exclusively for two years and have found them to be head and shoulders above nearly every other brand on the market. They are comfortable, have a wide range of shoes for all kinds of runners and trails and are perfect for me. With Montrails I get virtually no blisters on even the toughest courses around the world. I hve used them in deserts, on mountains, on roads, wading through rivers and even in the Arctic. Outstanding every time. Availability can be found on this website.
Kahtoola
Before 2007 I had never worn snowshoes. Kahtoola kindly agreed to sponsor me, even before I had tried out their products. One of the most ethical and professional companies I have ever had the privilege to meet, I was very impressed with the FlightDeck and FlightBoot system which they gave me for the Rock and Ice Ultra. The boots were versatile, gave my feet great cushioning and support and, as a bonus benefit, kept my feet toasty all week during a race where temperatures dropped as low as -45 degrees C at one point. Fantastic boots and snowshoes. A company that never rests when all the staff want to do is keep on improving their products time and time again, seeking perfection in all that they do. A firm favourite of mine.
Tilley
I kept on seeing Tilley hats in outdoors shops and liked them - they looked robust and well-made. I did a bit of digging and researched them a bit and they seemed to have a good rep. So I spoke to them before racing in the Trans 555, Route du Sel and they kindly supplied me with one hat for the race. And what a hat it was! Sadly it got lost in Costa Rica during the Coastal Challenge, but until then it had been an absolutely superb piece of kit. I used their olive green hat for the Jungle Marathon and found it to be one of the best pieces of kit I took to that race. Never failed to impress me. Their site shows all the features of their hats. And I wouldn't hesitate to wear one again...
Hammer Nutrition UK
For years I hoped that E-Caps (a US-based company) would find a UK distributor for their outstanding products. And now they have - BodyNectar - so here is the link. E-Caps manufacture Endurolytes and HammerGel, among other great nutritional products. I have used Endurolytes for a few years and found that when using them I can sustain near perfect electrolyte levels, even in the Amazon Jungle during the Jungle Marathon in 2003 and 2004 where I had to drink up to 16 litres of water per day to counter dehydration. I never race without Endurolytes now. I just wouldn't. E-Caps also make a wide range of other products too, including HammerGel. I used HammerGel very successfully on a number of races. It tasted better than anything else I found in the UK. The link here is to their UK supplier.
