Last weekend marked our now-annual pilgrimage to the National Outdoor Expo — a buzzing celebration of all things adventure, nature, and community. As always, it was a weekend packed with hands-on activities, great conversations, and a strong sense of belonging among like-minded outdoor lovers.
Watch our video of our highlights and interviews with adventurers at the National Outdoor Expo 2025
Caving, Climbing & Big Smiles: Iona’s Highlights
Iona was completely in her element this year. One of her favourite parts of the show was exploring the indoor caving experience, a brilliant simulation that gave kids a safe yet thrilling taste of what it’s like to crawl and squeeze through dark, rocky tunnels. She lvoed it and made several repeat visits.
She also tackled the climbing wall like a natural, swarming her way up the tower — a great reminder of how these events help build confidence in young adventurers. Ewan also made it to the top, heights aren’t his thing, so really proud of how conquered that fear to hit the “made it” button at the top.
Cooking Over Camp Stoves with Ewan & Fell Foodie
Ewan and I had the joy of joining a campfire cooking session with the legendary Fell Foodie (aka Harrison Ward), whose passion for combining gourmet food with rugged outdoor living is always infectious.
With some help from Stephen J Reid, we whipped up a surprisingly delicious curry on a tiny camp stove — proof that campsite cooking doesn’t have to mean boring packets or burnt sausages.
It’ss such a great hands-on experience and I think Ewan is hoping that it means that he won’t have to survive on Aldi Tortellini on our next bikepacking trip (though it is a great quick camping meal) !
Inspiring People & Conversations
A huge part of what makes the Expo so brilliant is the people you meet — adventurers, creators, and storytellers from all walks of life, each with something different to share.
We had the pleasure of interviewing on our vlog:
- The Mountain Girl Channel – talking about women in adventure, confidence in the outdoors, and how to break down barriers.
- Jamie is Adventuring – chatting about his new book and his beautifully authentic approach to adventure and mental health.
- Zero Carbon Adventures – discussing sustainable travel, climate-conscious expeditions, and how we can explore more responsibly.
Off-camera, it was also lovely to briefly catch up with two inspirational forces in the outdoor world:
- Markus Stitz – known for his beautiful bikepacking videos and amazing route planning and the Dirt Dash Events.
- Mark Beaumont – record-breaking, round the world cyclist and adventurer who always brings passion and insight to every conversation.
The Speaker Stage: Ideas, Laughter & Life Lessons
The speaker lineup this year was as strong as ever. From practical survival skills to personal stories of growth and grit, every talk we caught left a lasting impression.
Some highlights included:
- Real-life expedition stories that made you itch to get outside.
- Panel discussions on sustainability, gear innovation, and inclusive adventure.
- A few unexpected moments of humour and honesty that reminded us just how human the outdoor community is.
Why We’ll Keep Coming Back
Whether it’s watching Iona conquer a climbing wall, cooking with Ewan, or having deep chats with adventurers who’ve walked the walk — it’s always worth it.
We’re already counting down to the 2026 show. See you there?
Recent Comments