THUNDERPOLE T-800 Review: The Starting Point for CB Radio in the UK
The THUNDERPOLE T-800 is a £65 12V CB radio covering 80 UK/EU channels — the practical starting point for vehicle or home emergency comms. Here’s the full verdict.
Gear Reviews
Honest gear reviews of emergency equipment, preparedness gear, and essential supplies
BAOFENG UV-5RM Plus Review: The UV-5R, Upgraded
The UV-5RM Plus gives you USB-C charging, a colour display, airband receive, and a bigger battery over the UV-5R — for £39. Here’s the full verdict.
Faithfull Jerry Can Review: A Certified 20 Litre Jerry Can for Petrol and Diesel
Storing fuel at home is legal — but only in the right container. The Faithfull 20L is UN and TUV/GS certified, carbon steel, from a UK trade brand with a 5-year guarantee. 4.5 stars from 676 buyers. Here’s whether it’s worth it.
General Medi First Aid Kit Review: 309 Pieces, ISO Certified, Actually Complete
309 pieces, ISO 13485 certified — not just plasters and hope. Includes a cold compress, emergency blanket, moleskin pad and CPR mask. Here’s how the General Medi stacks up as a household emergency kit.
One Step Pet First Aid Kit Review: 80+ Items Actually Built for Animals
80+ specialist items in a waterproof case — tick remover, vet wrap, saline pods. Not a repurposed human kit with a paw print on it. Here’s what makes the One Step worth buying.
Sukeen Cooling Towel Review: 3 Hours of Cool, Just Add Water
Activate with water, cool for up to 3 hours, rinse and repeat. Made for UK heatwaves when you have no air conditioning — and nowhere to go.
Kuulaa Magnetic Charging Cable Review: 3-in-1 Cable for Every Device in the House
One magnetic cable that snaps onto USB-C, Micro-USB, and Lightning — leave a tip in every device, grab the cable, charge anything. 2,200+ reviews at £13.99 for two. Here’s what we found.
Braun PRT2000 Review: The Thermometer That Belongs in Every First Aid Kit
The Braun PRT2000 is a clinically validated digital thermometer used by doctors. At £13.09, it’s one of the most important — and most overlooked — items in a home first aid kit.
First Aid Manual 11th Edition: The Book That Belongs in Every UK Home
The official UK first aid guide — written and endorsed by St John Ambulance, the British Red Cross, and St Andrew’s Ambulance Association. At £8.55, it’s the most important book most households don’t have.
Tifosi Navar Review: Wrap-Around UV400 Sports Sunglasses That Actually Prove It
Cheap wrap-around sunglasses claim UV400. The Tifosi Navar proves it — shatterproof polycarbonate, 100% UVA/UVB, sold direct by Tifosi UK. 4.6 stars from early reviews. Full verdict.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat Review: Wide-Brim Sun Protection Done Right
A 4.7-star sun hat built for UV protection from the ground up — full brim, 6-inch neck cape, UPF 50+ through the ventilation too. £44.63 from a brand that only makes sun protection headwear. Full verdict.
Riemann P20 SPF50 Review: One Application, All Day
The once-a-day SPF50+ that stays on through a full working day, a bike ride, or a beer garden Sunday. Riemann P20 Sensitive reviewed.
Aloe Vera Gel Review: The Natural Aftersun That’s Been Working for Centuries
99% pure aloe vera in a 100ml kit-ready tube. Cools sunburn, soothes insect bites, treats minor burns. Amazon’s Choice, 1,197 reviews. Full verdict.
Craghoppers Kiwi II Review: Sun and Insect Protection in One Shirt
UPF 50+ sun protection and physical insect resistance built into one shirt. No reapplying, no bottles, no stopping mid-walk. 4.6 stars. Full verdict.
Lifesystems Sun Cream Sachets Review: SPF50 for Your Kit, Not Your Bathroom
Sun cream sachets that belong in your first aid kit, not your holiday bag. Lifesystems SPF50+ with 5-star UVA — 10ml, single use, no crusty bottles, no waste. Full verdict.
FRIO Insulin Cooling Wallet Review: 45 Hours Safe Storage, No Power Needed
Keeps insulin safe for 45 hours using only water — no electricity, no ice packs, no fridge. For anyone managing diabetes, the FRIO is the piece of kit a power cut suddenly makes urgent.
SentrySafe 1160 Review: UL-Tested Fireproof Document Safe That Actually Takes A4
The SentrySafe 1160 is UL classified for 30 minutes at 843°C, takes A4 flat, holds a USB alongside your paper originals, and comes with a lifetime after-fire replacement guarantee. Here’s why it’s the fireproof document safe worth buying.
SOL Collapsible Dog Bowl Review: £4.99 for Two, Clips to Your Bag, Job Done
Two food-grade silicone bowls with carabiner clips for £4.99 — folds flat, weighs 49g, attaches to any bag. The one piece of dog walk kit most owners are missing.
SnuggleSafe Microwave Heat Pad Review: No Electricity, 10 Hours of Warmth
The SnuggleSafe Microwave Heat Pad charges in minutes and keeps your pet warm for up to 10 hours — no electricity required. Here’s why it belongs in every pet owner’s emergency kit.
Pecute Dog Cooling Mat Review: No Freezer, No Plug, No Problem
The Pecute Dog Cooling Mat needs no electricity, no freezer and no setup — pressure-activated gel in six sizes from XS to XXXL. Over 19,000 Amazon reviews. Does it earn them?