With Christmas just around the corner, here’s some great ideas for the outdoors person in your life.
Gloves
I love the retro look and feel of these boiled wool gloves from Cumbrian company EDZ. The gloves are knitted oversize, using merino wool, and then boiled to shrink them. This creates a denser knit helping to keep out those chilly winds. They come in grey, green and blue and also in a mitten version.
£19.99. www.edz.co.uk
Socks
I have a soft spot for Darn Tough socks. I’ve been wearing mine for over 10 years and they refuse to wear out. I don’t expect they ever will – they do carry an unconditional lifetime guarantee! I have a collection of hiking socks in a variety of weights and colours, but the company also make socks for runners, cyclists, skiers and the army.
From £15. www.darntough.com
Baselayers
It’s got to be EDZ again for these great superfine merino long johns/leggings. Coming in two weights (200 or 260 gsm), you barely notice them under your normal hiking trousers. With flat seams and a boxer style waist band, they are great value too.
£49.99/£59.99 www.edz.co.uk
Head torch
I have a few head torches, but the one I keep reaching for is the Regatta Montegra 175. It’s affordable, but really packs a punch. It throws out 175 lumens at up to 73 metres, so those night time trails don’t feel so dark anymore. Oh, and batteries ARE included.
£35 (on offer at £13.95 on the regatta site now). www.regatta.com
