As Advnture's lead gear analyst, Ord specializes in translating technical outdoor innovations into actionable insights for endurance athletes. His work bridges materials science with human performance, employing rigorous testing protocols that have become industry benchmarks.
Chris Ord has carved a 15-year career translating technical outdoor experiences into accessible wisdom for adventure enthusiasts. His journey began as editor of Walk magazine in the UK before migrating to Australia to helm publications like Trail Run Mag and Outer Edge. This editorial foundation honed his ability to dissect complex gear technologies while maintaining narrative flow - a skill evident in his current role as lead gear analyst at Advnture.
"The art of endurance is to find that zone between maintaining forward momentum and avoiding hitting the infamous 'wall'"
This 2,800-word masterclass combines physiological research with firsthand accounts from Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc competitors. Ord deconstructs carbohydrate loading strategies through a comparative analysis of Kenyan marathoners versus Western ultrarunners, introducing his "Glycogen Mapping" framework. The piece's impact led to adoption by three Australian trail running clubs as required preseason reading.
Revolutionizing gear guides, this article introduced Ord's "TERRAIN" matrix - a weighted scoring system evaluating shoes across six technical parameters. The methodology was later adapted by Outdoor Retailer Magazine for their 2024 industry report. Through 18 comparative infographics and pressure-map visualizations, Ord demonstrates how sole lug depth affects downhill braking efficiency on granite versus sandstone.
Ord's 543km durability test across Blue Mountains terrain became the benchmark for Australian outdoor media. The review popularized his "Impact Decay Index" metric, measuring midsole compression rates under controlled loads. Manufacturers now routinely submit prototypes for his abrasion resistance assessments using patented rock-tumbler simulation rigs.
Ord prioritizes technologies validated through peer-reviewed studies, as seen in his analysis of Vibram Megagrip compound hardness ratings (Shore Scale C-65 vs C-80). Successful pitches might explore: graphene-infused midsoles' thermal regulation properties or machine learning applications for personalized gait analysis.
His review process demands minimum 300km wear-testing across three terrain types. Pitch products with unique testing methodologies - like GPS-integrated pressure sensors or environmental chambers simulating tropical storms.
The 2023 Fjällräven Polar expedition coverage demonstrates Ord's interest in equipment enabling human endurance limits. Pitches could explore: high-latitude battery performance or nutritional systems for multi-week autonomous treks.
Ord's critique of "greenwashing" in recycled materials requires life cycle analysis data. Effective pitches provide ISO-certified carbon audits or closed-loop manufacturing diagrams.
His Australian Geographic collaboration on desert-running adaptations shows preference for region-specific solutions. Pitch products addressing unique antipodean challenges: UV-resistant adhesives or saltwater corrosion inhibitors.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Outdoors, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
