The realm of convertible helmets has a new contender. As the name suggests, Leatt's DBX 3.0 Enduro helmet seems like the right lid for enduro riding. With its sharp looks, angular removable chin bar, and unique Turbine technology, this helmet is a very welcome option against the powerhouse Bell Super 3R MIPS. This helmet was purchased from Mountain Bikes Direct. An interesting note is that this did not come with the advertised magnetic Fidlock clasp in the chin strap. I was informed that this design feature was omitted since it did not meet the Australian Safety Standard. Very strange!

So, convertible lids. Enter two for the price of... two. The Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro is not downhill certified placing it within the same realm as the Super 3R MIPS. Enduro rides encompass a mixture of terrain, downhill included, at higher levels of fatigue in most cases. In such conditions, a full certified DH helmet is in my opinion a must. Also in my opinion ,the Leatt would better suit the trail rider who has a tendency to ride aggressively but not at the max speeds downhill riders or bike park flyers hit.

Leatt have provided an interesting solution to minimising damage caused by rotational force to the brain during impact. They call it their 360 degree Turbine Technology. The 11.1g round plastic turbines are made of a 3D In-Molded V Foam designed to absorb impact by compressing and sliding during a collision. Think of it acting as the bubble wrap in a box, wrapped around a crystal vase. On impact, the bubble wrap both creates leeway in a restricted space as well as help minimise the direct blunt force transitioning directly toward the vase.

The aesthetic junkies would get a positive kick out of the overall size of this helmet. It is in fact quite "slim" with less bulk. This prevents the mushroom head look that is common with 

As with many new terms that seem to pop up in the mtb industry, each facet of the market seem to be covered by singular titles. So you ride a mountain bike you say. Oh, are you a XC, Trail, Trials, Downhill, or Enduro rider? Grab a ticket and move along the line please. I used to hear about a time when bikes were clipped in death traps and daring dukes would ride downhill, across long stretches, then trick out in carparks. They used to just be called mountain bikers. Savage times for the savage man and woman.

What could possibly go wrong with a title like that?

​Last September Aldi unveiled their second iteration of their 29er mountain bike offering to the outdoor budget-conscience market. For the cost of a few drinks on a standard night out in Sydney ($350), you could get yourself a mountain bike rolling on the controversial 29 inch wheelsize. Does the age old belief 'you get what you pay for' still stand?

Purchased in a reputable outdoor adventure store in the heart of Shinjuku Japan, Helly Hansen's Map Bag is something that has had me scratching my head for the last few months. This is the item that pushed me to start writing my own gear reviews. With a roll down closure and construction details that looked like that of a dry bag, for some reason, I still had my doubts as to whether or not this was actually a dry bag. With no information on the accompanying tags other than the words "Map Bag" and a price, I immediately had my suspicions about this hipster-centric designed dry bag. ​

Gravity is great and all, but when it comes to portable showers, you're going to crave a bit of pressure.

Able to seek out each nook, cranny, and crack on you, Helio is an 11L portable shower that uses a foot pump to pressurise the container allowing water to find its way into the deepest corners of your darkest nether regions. The simplicity and effectiveness is a great luxurious feat. The capabilities are much broader than a gravity fed camp shower that require you to hang them from a high tree branch or another overhead fixture.

I can't even begin to describe the feelings of elation my Snow Peak Pack and Carry Fireplace gives me. There are those few products that absolutely nail their purpose in life, while still showcasing a well designed clean aesthetic. They're born from the ideas and experiences of adventurous minds with a passion and the right know how. A rare quality that can make your experience in the outdoors, a little too good for your liking. This is a record of the first time I took my fireplace out for a hot date. We're kayak camping along Lake Yarrunga, Morton National Park.

When it comes to outdoor footwear, I would not be the best, or even a great person to talk to about recommendations and comparisons. All my outdoor adventures prior to this, whether canyoning in the Blue Mountains or multi day hiking Wilson's Promontory were all done in $30 Dunlop Volleys. I loved the cheap bastards in a sort of cruel manner. A few modifications (replaced original insoles with Asics trainer insoles taken from my dad's shoes!) made them some lightweight, comfortable hiking shoes with plenty of flexibility. However, as the hikes became longer, and my pack became heavier, it was obvious that I needed to invest in some better support that didn't  have a tendency to hold captive within it's rubber bucket sole, any water that leaked in through the canvas. Sorry Volleys.