
Mountaineer Chris Bonington: ‘I've come very close to death so many times, it's difficult to pick the closest'
Born in London, Chris Bonington, 90, joined the army and became an Outward Bound instructor. In 1975, he led the first expedition to successfully climb Everest via its south-west face. Ten years later, he reached the summit himself. In 1996, he was knighted for services to mountaineering, and his many books include the memoir Ascent. He has two surviving children by his late wife and is married for the second time. He has been an ambassador for Berghaus for 40 years. He lives in Cumbria.
When were you happiest?
When I was climbing I was absolutely happy. I can use a climbing wall, but that's not the same as real climbing.
What is your greatest fear?
Being senile.
What is your most treasured possession?
I've a huge shed with all my clutter, including all my ice axes. The most precious one is the ice axe I had when I finally got to the top of Everest. I'd led a lot of complex expeditions there and, if you're leading, your job is not to get yourself to the top. I finally got there in 1985.
Describe yourself in three words
Resourceful, resilient and compassionate.
What makes you unhappy?
Loss. My first son Conrad died in an accident at two and a half and you never get over it.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Two: Wendy, my wife of 52 years, and Loreto, my wife of eight years. It is wonderful in the autumn of your life to find another absolute love.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Smashing.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I was a huge daydreamer and imagined myself as a successful general leading his troops into battle.
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What is the worst job you've done?
I left the army and got a job with Unilever in Northern Ireland. They were very strict and you had to have a hat, and when you went into a shop you had to raise your hat to the shopkeeper and then sell your wares. I was selling margarine.
If you could edit your past, what would you change?
The loss of Conrad.
If not yourself, who would you most like to be?
Reinhold Messner, because he's an even better climber than I was.
What would you like to leave your children?
Compassion, resourcefulness and resilience form a rounded good person. So that's what I'd like to leave my children and grandchildren.
What is the closest you've come to death?
There are so many instances when I've come very close to death that it's difficult to pick one.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Becoming more physically active.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Everest the hard way in 1975: leading the expedition that succeeded where so many people had tried and failed. That was the most complex mountaineering challenge I ever faced. I spent hours at night in a little tent thinking about what the next problem would be and how to solve it.
What keeps you awake at night?
It's my snoring that keeps Loreto awake!
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Whenever things seem absolutely terrible, to see that you're alive and that's all that matters.

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Telegraph
20-06-2025
- Telegraph
The 11 best tents for camping trips and festivals, tried and tested
This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. In the same way that there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing, I truly believe that there's never a bad time to camp, only unsuitable tents. And I should know; I've slept in most of them. As an adventurer, wild camper and host of the Wander Woman podcast, I explore some of the wildest places in the world with just a trusty tent for accommodation. From snow in Antarctica to torrential rain in Wales and gale force winds on the flanks of Everest, having the right tent can transform a survivable night into a very pleasant one – as long as the model you've chosen is fit for purpose. And if you're heading into the great outdoors, check out my reviews of the best camping stoves and best camping chairs. But for this article, I've tested all this year's best tents for a range of purposes, from Vango to Berghaus. You can read my reviews below, along with some advice on how to use them, but if you're in a rush, here's a quick look at my top five: Which are the best tents? At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best tent Nowadays if you walk into an outdoor shop you'll be overwhelmed with choice. From pop-up or inflatable easy to pitch tents, to massive family tents (many of them larger than my first flat) and tunnels, geodesic or domes (free-standing; often heavier, but easy to move), back-to-basics super lightweight tents, bivvy bags and tarps and, of course, the ubiquitous glamper's tents of choice of bell tents and teepees, it's easy to get overwhelmed. While some of the quirkier options are often made of canvas, which is waterproof only after their first soaking, most are constructed from man made polyester and coated with silicone or polyurethane to make them waterproof. How to tell which tent is right for you? Consider weight, the total floor space and head height, not to mention the pack size, because if it won't fit in your car boot then it's no good. If you want to go into the wild, go light; if you plan only to use at festivals, go budget or blackout; and if you want to avoid arguments with the family, then definitely go for space and ease of pitch. But above all, go. Tents are not just a bunch of guy lines, collapsible poles and canvas. They represent a lot more: the freedom to explore. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From tents to walking boots, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. How we test tents I've slept in pretty much every kind of tent out there, both in the wilds and on campsites. Being as they represent the freedom that I crave, I take a particular interest in new technologies and always explore beyond the marketing spiel to find out if a particular model is fit for purpose. I've visited gear shows around the UK and Europe every year, checking out the latest offerings in detail and drawn upon my 14 years of experience of camping in shelters from a variety of manufacturers. Each tent style has its own criteria, but in general I look for a light pack weight to floorspace ratio, excellent waterproofing and temperature regulation, decent headroom and a tent that's simple to put up and take down. Here I've chosen the best examples of tents for every kind of camper. The best tents of 2025 1. Best Buy: Berghaus Air 600 Nightfall How we in the outdoor industry laughed when inflatable tent poles first merged onto the scene. It was easy to dismiss them as something for the casual camper crowd only, and dismiss them as a gimmick that surely offered no stability and little durability. But when outdoor brand heavyweights like Berghaus adopted the technology – and for their larger, family range – you know that there must be something in it. Case in point is this behemoth of a family option that comfortably sleeps six people in two bedrooms with space for inflatable mattresses or air beds. The bedrooms can be removed to make one giant room if you prefer, and there is a good-sized communal space in the middle. They claim it can be erected in minutes – which is technically true. It took me about 25 minutes (see below) and I'd recommend adding some time in for breaks, because it's quite a workout. It keeps the kids entertained, anyway. Once fully inflated it's very durable and extremely waterproof, with a 6,000mm hydrostatic head rating. It has some welcome well-thought-out features too, such as the small roof above the side door – great to stop you getting soaked while unzipping it. I like the darkened lining in the bedrooms to help stop kids waking up with at the first sign of sunrise, and the wheeled carry bag. In fact I fail to see how you could manoeuvre it otherwise. The main drawback may be the price, though it will last, and packed size – small car owners will struggle to fit it in the boot along with the rest of the camping paraphernalia. Key specifications 2. Best Value: Vango Voyager 400 Everyone likes a bargain, and boasting a 55-year legacy of making a host of great value offerings for Duke of Edinburgh participants across the country and beyond, it's perhaps no surprise that Scottish brand Vango strikes a good balance between cost and features. This tunnel tent is easily pitched using two poles which are colour-coded to match the sleeves they slide inside. When pegged out correctly (there's reflective tabs on the peg points so you can do it in the dark if needs be), it is a decent size for two, a bearable size when you add two kids and – honestly – a bit of a squeeze for four grown-ups. The waterproofing is good (3,000mm HH) and there are mesh panels for ventilation, though how well you pitch it can affect this. The groundsheet is made from a durable fabric and extends to inside the porch, which is an adequate size, but you'd struggle to fit in everything if four adults brought along large bags. There are a few niggles, as you'd expect at this price. The first is the weight; this is not really backpacker-friendly. The zip only opens from one side – so if you find yourself on the wrong end, nipping to the loo in the night could be awkward. Key specifications 3. Best Backpacking Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba NX Some people may be immediately put off by the price of this one. I will admit I was too before I used it. But this model is offering you something all the others cannot – total freedom. Hitting the scales at less than a laptop, it's ideal for throwing in your backpack and going properly off-grid. Normally that ability comes with a drawback of comfort and space, but not so here – instead they have used a single pole to make its dome/UFO-shape, which has shaved off kilograms found in its counterparts, all the while still giving ample headroom to enable you to sit up inside. I've used it by myself for a luxuriously spacious slumber. When used as a two-man tent the two porches and two doors make it feel much roomier, allowing you to choose one side to store bags and the other as the entry, or take a porch and entrance each. Despite the light weight, it holds its own in terms of waterproofing (1,200mm), and you can pitch it without the fly sheet on dry nights, since it's a free-standing dome, and watch the stars from your bed thanks to a mesh ceiling, which is also brilliant for ventilation. It can be tricky to get the fly to line up with the doors the first couple of times and if not pitched properly, it can flap about in high wind. I immediately swapped the tent pegs for more heavy-duty ones. But despite that, there is no denying it's a classic for wild camping aficionados like me. Key specifications 4. Best Lightweight Three-Person Tent: Nemo Dagger Osmo 3P Founded in New Hampshire over twenty years ago (NEMO stands for New England Mountain Outfitters) and still owned and operated by the man who started it all, this North American brand prides itself on designing gear perfect for far flung adventures – while still offering comfort and pledging to use sustainable materials. The Nemo 3 (also offered as a 2-person version) is a great example of this ethos. Not only is it by far one of the lightest 3-person tents on the market, it is also made from 100 per cent recycled fabric and is very quick to pitch. The lightweight aluminium poles as well as the inner and fly tabs are colour coded making erecting it intuitive. Waterproof-wise, it's chemical-free and still keeps rain out well (hydrostatic head of 2,000mm). Its structure is formed from a single collapsible, pre-bent pole that forms the spine of the tent with an arm to either side to create width, making for a decent amount of headroom inside (especially for a family or close friends). My only niggle is that though it's simple to put up in high winds, it can be a bit tricky if doing it alone. A nifty design feature is the inclusion of a 'landing zone tub' which is basically a large fabric trough that keeps your gear dry from the floor in the porch while not using up precious space inside. It's by no means cheap, but then for such a lightweight, packable, family tent, that's well-thought-through and worthy of backpacking into the wilds in comfort, it's actually a small price to pay. Key specifications 5. Best Festival Tent: Coleman Festival BlackOut Over the last few years the term 'blackout walls' has been bandied around in tent-making circles – promising the best and longest night's sleep for those who otherwise tend to wake as soon as dawn breaks. For a nature lover like me, rising with the dawn is a major part of camping's appeal – unless, of course I'm at a festival. With the associated late nights that dancing like a teen (or actually being a teen) involves, a lie-in is definitely welcome. Of the many brands jumping on this particular bandwagon, Coleman is the one that has achieved the best results eliminating, they claim, 99 per cent of daylight once inside. It is dark for sure, so dark in fact you will need a torch to find things or avoid tripping over your festival friends, but that does create a little problem when it's warm – it has a tendency to overheat. Luckily there is ventilation in the form of mesh panels, but you may need to leave the door ajar in a heatwave. However, it's still a good model – offering a generous-sized porch for gear and decent headroom inside (you can even sit in a camping chair and fit). It's very easy to pitch, fire retardant and very waterproof (4,500mm). Just be sure to pack some patience, because getting it back in its bag is not an easy job. Key specifications 6. Best Bell Tent: Boutique Camping 3m Bell Tent If there's a single tent that defines the glamping genre it has to be the bell tent. Many campsites offer ready-pitched numbers to rent, complete with proper beds and rugs inside. If you're a convert to this style, you can start saving money by buying and transporting your own bell tent with you on your travels. Boutique Camping was formed 12 years ago by two festival-loving friends. This online store has evolved from initially selling a single design to offering a multitude of options. This is their classic model but with a twist – whereas canvas needs to be wetted before it is naturally waterproof (no hydrostatic head rating here), this one has been made with a synthetic and anti-mould polyester canvas-look waterproof treated fabric, which will see you through rainy nights straight out the bag. I'll level with you, pitching will take practice. There's a single centre pole to create the height and an additional metal frame to shape the door, but once you get the hang of it, with a couple of pairs of hands it can be done within half an hour. There's plenty of ventilation (the side panels even lift up all the way round its base), the groundsheet is heavy-duty and you can even opt to pay more and add an inner tent if you'd prefer. Plus, the price is nearly as attractive as the limited-edition rainbow design. Key specifications 7. Best Teepee Tent: Eurohike Teepee Tent Perhaps the most iconic of all the tent shapes is the teepee. Usually, you'd be looking at an easy £1k to have your own, but renowned budget brand Eurohike has come up with a much more affordable alternative. From the outside it certainly looks the part, with the classic shape and single mast pole design, and inside the headroom is good and the floor space adequate – though four people and sleeping bags would feel squashed. There are low-level vents to help with airflow, plus a mesh door which can also help stop condensation – the only issue is that it's a single-skin model – so no separate fly and inner. The polyester fabric offers good waterproofing (2,000mm) however with no separate inner and four people inside, condensation could easily be an issue. For occasional use in summer, or a year-round addition to the garden this is a great option, but for the full glamping experience, you may need to pay a little more. Key specifications 8. Best Car Roof Tent: Quechua Roof Tent MH500 Can it go on any car? After much research, 'no' has definitely been the resounding answer, although, in all fairness, I do drive a three-door VW Fox. However, if you are lucky enough to have a five-door vehicle that can take a load greater than 75kg, doesn't have inbuilt roofbars that run lengthwise, has 78cm between both sides of it as well as a distance between the roof and roof bar greater than 7.5cm (with the bar tube itself less than 9.5cm in width), and no obtrusive aerial housing in the way, then you may be in luck. To experience this safari style of camping, I borrowed my dad's car and, indeed, my dad – there's no way you can install this tent on your own. By far the trickiest part was taking it out of the box, lifting it and slotting it (with a high potential for paint scratch) over the roof rack, using special screws to secure it in place. Once that's done, the rest is easy. Secure the waterproof cover using the inbuilt bungee cords, then pitching involves undoing the bright yellow straps and, quite ingeniously, using the included telescopic ladder to pull the tent open and lock it into place. Inside it feels sturdier than you'd think. Though it has a low roof it didn't feel cramped even with two of us. The inbuilt mattress is wonderfully comfy. The self-holding vents allow airflow through the waterproof polyester outer sheet and a black inner wall keeps it dark for lie-ins. On campsite, it's a great conversation starter and kids love it. A five-year warranty gives peace of mind that it should be durable, too. Key specifications 9. Best Tent for Cycle Touring: Terra Nova Hoolie Compact 2 ETC Look at a picture of this offering and you may be surprised to see it classed as a two-person model only – that's because it looks huge. And it is. With a whopping 6.8 square metres of floor space, a huge portion of the Hoolie is actually its porch. In fact it's so big you could easily sleep another two in here (albeit without a ground sheet). This makes it a great option if you're touring on bikes (you can store them safely in with you) or kids in trailers, or dogs. It also works well in bad weather as you have an area where you can comfortably get organised and dressed in without having to get wet. When it comes to rain you are more than covered with great waterproofness (4,000mm) and a thick groundsheet. Pitch-wise the three-pole tunnel is a breeze to erect with colour-coded poles and sleeves, and the inner and outer sheets are pitched as one, saving you faff. If there are a couple of you the tent weight can be split easily (detach the above) which then offers an incredible amount of space for the weight. Inside the sleeping area is a mesh door for keeping out bugs and, for added ventilation, the porch can be opened both sides to keep things cool in warm weather. Key specifications 10. Best Budget Family Tent for Occasional Summer Use: Outsunny 5-6 Man Camping Tent with Bag This tent is unbelievably cheap for the size compared to others here. But it is worth stating that the small print declares this model 'sits six', and I found it actually only sleeps four people comfortably. There are a couple of desirable features. It has a window on every side to let lots of light in and provide good ventilation, and there are storage pockets for stowing items. The raincover can also be left off to allow yet more air to circulate and you have the chance to sleep watching the stars on mild nights. However, in more typical British weather, this clip-on-clip-off mini fly sheet can be blown off fairly easily and allows water to get inside – so it's not surprising that Outsunny suggests using the tent in mild weather. That would certainly be my advice. There's no porch to sit or leave muddy boots in, the finish is not as good as others (as with most budget models) and the tent pegs will likely need replacing for a better pitch. Speaking of pitching, the instructions are tricky to follow but you can muddle through. It's a basic cross over central structure comprising two poles, then two further poles with which you create traction through pegging it out to create the tunnel shape. Be prepared that you do get what you pay for. A low-priced family camping option that will likely not last till the kids grow up, but it does come with a six-month guarantee for defects. This is a decent money saving option worth trying. Key specifications 11. Best Dome Tent for Groups of Friends: Teton Mountain Ultra 4-Person Founded in Utah, USA, a decade ago, Teton set out to manufacture affordable and easy to use outdoor equipment. And in pitching up the Mountain Ultra 4, it was indeed uncomplicated, consisting of two main poles that cross over each other to create a dome shape, and a further horizontal bar to help hold the fly out to increase ventilation. You pitch the inner first, then add the waterproof fly sheet afterwards. The first thing you notice is the height, which is welcome and rare for a mid-size tent. The fly goes on easily and can be left off if you're lucky enough to experience good weather to give a more open air sleeping experience. The finish is decent, though I would replace the tent pegs for more sturdy ones to make it easy to tackle all the different terrain in the UK. There is no porch, however, which for a four person tent is a bit of an oversight. It means there's nowhere sheltered to cook in or even for holding wet gear and footwear in during bad weather. It's also a bit heavy compared to some, especially as the price for this size is not as competitive as others. But it is worth noting that it comes in several sizes, from a one person offering (for as little as £60) to a two-, three- and four-person model. All in all an easy to pitch, potentially cheap option, good for friends to share a space to sit up at night chatting without feeling on top of each other. Key specifications Tent FAQs How are you supposed to fold a pop up tent? Gather up all the pole edges together in one hand and turn the whole thing vertically in front of you. Push down from the highest point, folding the poles in on themselves as they start to give and collapse into the base. It will eventually form the same shape it started as enabling you to easily pack it away in its bag. If all else fails there are videos on YouTube for most models. How do you waterproof a tent? A good tent will be waterproof from purchase but UV rays and dirt will lessen its effectiveness. Nikwax and Grangers sell tent reproofing sprays that you simply apply on an erect tent and leave to dry. What's the best way to clean a tent? As soon as you return from a camping trip, shake and brush off any dirt. Spray and scrub it with a tent cleaning solution (which will also restore waterproofness, prevent mould and offer protection from UV) then hang it out to dry. Is it legal to sleep in a roof tent in the UK? It is legal to physically sleep in one, but it is classed as wild camping so you would need the landowner's permission especially because you are technically in or rather 'on' a vehicle. To play it safe it's better to stay in a campsite. View the latest Blacks and Decathlon deals.


Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
£750 five-person tent that can be pitched in ‘twenty minutes' is now under £360
Whether you're heading off to Glastonbury this summer or simply planning a family camping holiday, this five-person tent may be your next best friend for sleeping outdoors - and it's better than half price As we head deeper into the summer, festivals and family holidays draw ever closer, and now's the time to stock up on all you're going to need to pitch up and sleep on your weekend away, whether for a festival or on a camping trip with your loved ones. And if you're looking for the perfect tent that's set to fit up to five people and won't have you struggling to set it up for hours on end. That's right, this Berghaus tent promises to be a breeze to pitch, claiming it can be done in "just twenty minutes". Normally retailing for a steep £750, this Berghaus Adhara Air 500 Nightfall Tent has landed on Millets' summer sale, slashing its price tag all the way down to £354. Perfect for your next weekend getaway in the hills, camping near a coastal town or having some downtime in the great outdoors, the Berghaus Adhara Air Tent is a perfect pick for families and groups of five or less. Pitching takes just 20 minutes, which means more time to relax and unwind in the great outdoors, without the dreaded hassle of complicated construction. Boasting airflow ventilation, the Adhara 500 Nightfall Tent promises to stay fresh no matter who is sleeping inside or for how long. Combined with the natural light from the clear window panels, it gives you a homely, liveable space that's perfect for downtime, especially during turbulent weather. With separate bedrooms sectioned off from the main space, this tent utilises darkening Nightfall technology to prevent rude awakenings from the early summer sun and comes with a removable divider for adaptable space. Featuring a spacious living area with enough headroom for everyone under 6'4' ft, this tent comes with high-performance air beams for an even simpler setup, ensuring an easy and complication-free pitching. Plus, this tent also boasts a fully sealed sewn-in groundsheet for easier pitching and enhanced protection from the ground. One five-star reviewer who has loved using this Berghaus tent left their praise in the following comment: "Owned this for 3 years now and am very happy with this excellent tent. Pitching is quick once you have practised a few times (peg four corners but do not stretch out too much; ensure the air valves are 'popped out'; inflating the air beams is then easy; adjust the four peg positions so the sides are taut; peg-out fully). Pump comes with a gauge, and there is a pressure relief valve so you cannot over-inflate. Feels very study, even in strong winds. Exceptionally high hydrostatic head and sewn-in groundsheet means it stays dry even in driving rain. Nightfall compartments are effective." This £750 is currently available to buy for the reduced price of £354 from Millets and Blacks, and for a limited time shoppers can even get their own for the lower price of £349 from Go Outdoors.


The Guardian
11-04-2025
- The Guardian
Experience: I was the youngest person to ski alone to the south pole
Growing up in Norway, I had heard a lot about polar exploration, including how Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen was the first person to reach the south pole in 1911. As a child I spent a lot of time outdoors – building bonfires, camping and skiing in the mountains. Aged 14, seven years before my south pole expedition, I decided I wanted to become the youngest woman to ski across Greenland. I'm just under 5ft tall, and people are still shocked that I'm a polar explorer. When I became interested in skiing across Greenland, several guiding companies were unwilling to take me because I was so young. Then I met Lars Ebbesen, an experienced polar guide. Straight away, I felt he respected my ambitions. I had to go on an expedition to Finnmark first – a county in northern Norway – to prove I was capable. It was dark and cold – temperatures dropped as low as -35C, but I fell in love with it. Crossing Greenland itself took 28 days because we had very bad weather. At one point, we couldn't leave our tent for three days. When our guide went outside to dig snow away from the tent walls, we had to hold him with a rope because the winds were so strong. I wasn't scared, which I think was a little naive. The others on the expedition have since told me that they were very afraid and wondering how to protect me if the tent blew away. I was 14; the next oldest person was the guide, who was 30. I really grew up during that time. My mum says she can't remember me being a teenager. It was on my 15th birthday that I decided to go to Antarctica. I didn't tell my mum about my plans at first. I just told my dad – he's like me, a big dreamer. My mum is more pragmatic. My dad and I contacted Lars to work out the logistics. When I told my mum, she realised I had already made up my mind. My parents are great role models – a lot of parents tell their children to wait until they're older to explore their dreams. But if you wait too long you'll have other commitments. When I began the expedition last November, I was 21. Pierre Hedan, the last person to break the record, was 26 when he arrived in January 2024. The journey is 1,130km: from Hercules Inlet, on the edge of the Antarctic continent, to the geographic south pole. I had to increase my body weight by 10% to be able to pull the supplies on my sledge, so I did a lot of strength training to gain muscle. In the two months before leaving, I often ate two dinners, lots of ice-cream and chocolate pudding. Because of my height, I found it hard to find expedition clothing that fitted me. But a company in London made a suit that was perfect. To prepare, I spoke to former polar explorers, watched documentaries and read every book on the subject. To keep me occupied on the trip, I had podcasts and music – my brother made me a playlist with everything from Norwegian house party music to the Beatles. But, the further I went, the more I enjoyed just experiencing the silence. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion On the expedition itself, I was surprised that there was so much snowfall – the Antarctic is technically a desert because it doesn't typically experience much precipitation. On the hardest days, I was in fresh snow up to my knees and could only go 9.5km in 10 hours. That tested my resilience. Then, when I arrived on the plateau 2,800m above sea level, I really felt the thin and cold air affecting my lungs. Towards the end, my lungs were painful, and I struggled to breathe. Before finishing, I didn't allow myself to feel much, because I had to be focused. So when I arrived, 54 days after setting out, it was fantastic to revel in what I had achieved, though I also felt a slight emptiness because my life for so long had been about planning this project. In January, I received official accreditation from Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions confirming I had broken the record. When I crossed Greenland, Lars nicknamed me 'the polar egg'. The idea was that one day I would hatch and do a bigger expedition on my own. When I reached the south pole I sent him an emoji of a chick emerging from an egg. Though with everything I've experienced I feel much older than that. As told to Rachel Halliburton Do you have an experience to share? Email experience@