by Matthew Priest
25.11.2010
Bollé Monarch
Fire Spark
Forget the waterproof matches and refillable lighters – this eco-friendly firelighter makes starting a fire possible in any condition.
Consisting of a flint with a comfortable rounded wooden handle and a scraper, the Fire Spark is simple to use (and reuse) producing a 3,000°C spark. Recommended for anyone who loves to live outdoors - be it camping enthusiasts, hikers or survival experts.
£14.98
Cushe Tammerack WP Boots
Comfortable but functional hiking boots from the independent British footwear company, Cushe.
More than simply expanding their range of products, Cushe has done its homework in producing this hiking boot. Where the Tammarack excels is the technology in its sole - with a Vibram rubber traction outsole, shock-absorbing EVA midsole and a ventilated mesh lining EVA insole, this is a seriously comfortable and protective boot, fully waterproof, and with a rounded-off toe.
£85
Nextorch P6a Flashlight
This tactical flashlight is durable, rechargeable and powerful.
At the centre of the P6A’s powers is its Cree Q5 LED, as it can produce up to 110 lumens. Add that to that fact it can recharge its batteries while they are within its body and you have a winning combination. This latest option from NexTORCH offers the standard three modes – high-level, low-level and strobe, with a battery life that can last up to 110 hours on the low-level setting.
£83
Exped DownMat 7 Pump
Sleeping on the cold hard floor is a common complaint from those less keen on sleeping outdoors, but the DownMat 7 puts that concern to bed.
What sets this award-winning little bit of kit apart from its self-inflating competitors is that within its chambers it includes IDFL certified goose down. The Mat has an R-valve of 5.9, and weighs the same as a standard 2.5cm self-inflating mat with an R-valve of 2.5.
£115
Arc’teryx Veilance
Arc’teryx’s Veilance is a prime example of stylish and functional outdoors gear.
Our pick of the Canadian brand’s Veilance range has got to be the Men’s SS02 Blazer. Tailored jackets made from Gore-Tex 3L Pro Shell material allow it to be totally windproof. Its material and anatomical shaping ensures that it is breathable and also resists outside moisture.
£760
Bolle Monarch Ski Goggle
Let’s face it, if you are going to splash out on some high-quality ski goggles, you may as well get ones that look stylish as well.
Bolle Monarch’s ski goggles boast a double-vented Polycarbonate lens. The Carbo Glas and Flow Tech venting provides protection against fogging, so the lenses stay extremely clear. These goggles are also fully helmet compatible and protect against UVA/UVB – oh, and they also come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
£39.20
Helly Hansen – Verglas Hybrid Base layer
If the theory behind keeping warm is to wear several high quality layers, this is a great item to start with.
What sets Helly Hansen’s Verglas base layer apart from others is a combination of Helly’s HH Warm technology in the body and neck and a hollow fibre LIFA interior that traps warmth and keeps the body dry. Made from merino wool, the base layer is light and breathable, but still manages to maintain body warmth.
£65
Black Diamond Glidelite Mix STS Skins
Trekking off-piste is a sure-fire way to avoid ruining your ski holiday by having to go down the same old ski runs and negotiating your way through the throng of people.
The Black Diamond ski skins are stand-out performers. Glidelites are designed for longer skins and tours as they are lighter (644g) and more supple than Black Diamond’s Ascension Skins. Made from a 65:35 mohair-synthetic mix they offer excellent grip, and are easy to apply to your skis in cold and wet conditions.
£129
Reversible Polar Buff
Here at WideWorld, we've always been big fans of the classic Buff, and taking the step to creating a new winter Buff seemed both logical and a stroke of genius.
You know the drill, a Buff can be shaped into a variety of outcomes to suit your needs, however, the new Polar Buff is adapted specifically for colder conditions as it combines the wind-resistances of the standard Buff microfibre with Polartec Microfleece that retains your body heat. Although it is slightly heavier (73g) than the classic, the warmth generated makes this a must for your Christmas list.
£24
Berghaus GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shell Jacket II
An ultra-light, ultra-breathable and ultra-packable multi-activity waterproof jacket with GORE's extreme wet weather guarantee.
The Paclite Shell Jacket II is made from GORE's most lightweight fabric, Shell Helium and it fits easily into its very own little stuff sack weighing approximately 340g. The jacket features a roll-away hood with stiffened peak and two external pockets that also double as vents during high activity - perfect for your winter runs after work or weekend cycles. Wearing such a light jacket that isn't going to fill half your rucksack when you take it off is a real pleasure: you'll barely notice you have it with you.
£150
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