Bright and bold wetsuits, fresh new running gear and other lovely rugged bits and pieces that are perfect for all your spring adventures. Because it’ll stop being cold soon, right?
1. Bamboo leggings, £35 from BAM
Bamboo clothing is a whole bundle of moisture-wicking, temperature-controlled, anti-bacterial, anti-static and UV protective good stuff, making it perfect for running, yoga and any other sport where you want to feel as light and free as possible. I love these black and raspberry running leggings – watch out for my full review of BAM gear coming soon.
2. Rock Star Climbing helmet, £35 from Cotswold Outdoor
If you’re just starting out in outdoor rope climbing (like me!) then a comfy helmet at a purse-friendly price is a must. Get even more protection for your pennies at Cotswold Outdoor by using a discount code from Voucherbox.co.uk.
3. Colourblock Hunter wellies, £70 from Blacks
It’s gone all muddy and floody round these parts, so I’m adding to my already sizable wellington collection with these sea-blue colourblock boots from Hunter. Because Hunter are still the best, even if they have gone mad and started making high heeled wellingtons (just say no).
4. Eseld short wetsuit, £85 from Neon
Neon’s super-flattering, colour-customizable short wetsuits are my new addiction, and I’m in good company, as they’ve been featured everywhere from The Times to Vogue. Pick the style you like, play with different hues (warning – you can spend an entire lunchtime doing this) and Neon will make your bespoke suit to order. There’s absolutely no excuse not to hit the surf for a dawnie when you’re rocking candy-striped neoprene.
5. Mountain equipment duffel bag, £40 from Cotswold Outdoor
Tough and dependable for travel and sport, these duffle bags are made from waterproof tarpaulin and have reinforced straps. Ideal for surfing, diving and deep water solo trips, or just to look rugged at the gym. They’re a flight-friendly carry-on size, too.
6. Diver Chic watch, £460 from Watches of Switzerland
If you’re after a posh new timepiece to last you the next decade, invest in a seriously chic watch from the Diver collection, available at Watches of Switzerland. They’re waterproof to 100m, embellished with mother of pearl and dangerously Bond-girl gorgeous.
7. Thermarest NeoAir sleeping mat, £150 from Simply Hike
I’ve been inspired by my recent interview with Extreme Sleeps author Phoebe Smith to get wild camping in the great outdoors, so I’ve been hunting for a four season mat warm enough to cope with wintery, mountainous conditions. This Thermarest sleeping mat is light to hike with and packs up as small as a water bottle.
8. GoPro Hero3 Silver edition, £279 from Simply Hike
If you haven’t got a GoPro already then you probably know that you need one – these tough, sports-ready little cameras are sea-proof, ski-proof and skater crash-proof and they’ll mount on anything from helmets to surfboards. Felix Baumgartner took his into space. ‘Nuff said.
9. Long sleeved Waveline wetsuit, £60 from Roxy
Take a look at Roxy’s bright and beautiful new Outdoor Fitness collection and it will instantly become your go-to sports wardrobe inspiration. I’m especially coveting this stripy short wetsuit for my upcoming surf trip to Morocco. If you’re a fan of form and function you’ll be hooked on Roxy’s magic combination of acid bright colour and sports-friendly features – all the pieces are water repellent, UV protected and quick drying, ready to take you from land to sea in style.
10. Salomon Fury sunglasses, £129 from Pretavoir
I love my Salomon Furies – they’re the perfect wraparound sunglasses for cycling, hiking or skiing, with lenses that are shock, impact, scratch, bend and heat resistant. Sounds a challenge to go big or go home, does it not? Grab some summer-ready shades from the fantastic selection at Pretavoir.
11. TrailFreak barefoot shoes, coming Spring 2014 from Vivo
Vivo have upped the game with the new TrailFreak barefoot trail running shoe, launching this spring. A naturally wide, breathable design lets toes splay and perfectly distributes your weight across the entire foot, whilst the grippy sole will let you leap over rocks and dash through wet mud slip-free. Read my review of Vivo’s road shoes here.
12. Painted surfboard price on request from Pistache
Cult surf lable Pistache are whizzkids at painting unique hats, shoes and skateboards, and now they’re turning their talents to surfboards, too. From the summer of 2014, they’re going to be running Surfboard Painting Workshops at Quiksilver’s HQ in St Jean De Luz, France. Check out this cool time lapse video of them working on a fish scale-inspired creation.
Love this post! My fiancé has just bought one of the Mountain equipment duffle bags – really handy size for active holidays as it fits perfectly into airplane hand luggage dimensions.
Thanks so much for the post and links, great work on the site as well 🙂