DIG FOR VICTORY
With spring fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to give your local trails a bit of love
1 Bulldog garden spade (48in)
A decent spade is a trail building essential. One like this, with a long handle, will let you dig without nailing your back and be ideal for sculpting jumps. £38.44 www.bulldogtools.co.uk
2 EVOC Trail Builder backpack
This heavy-duty pack has storage for nearly every type of tool, including axes and a chainsaw! It’ll hold everything secure as you ride to your dig spot. £229.95 www.silverfishuk.com
3 Fiskars 21in bow saw
Embrace your inner lumberjack – clear undergrowth and tackle fallen trees with this lightweight bow saw. £16.86 www.fiskars.co.uk
4 Fiskars Xtract Garden Saw SW73
The retractable blade and small size of this saw make it perfect for stashing in your rucksack for some mid-ride trail maintenance. £25.84 www.fiskars.co.uk
5 Silverline folding shovel
Need to do a bit of trail work but can’t be bothered to carry a full-size spade? This lightweight folding shovel will fit in your bag and won’t spoil your ride. £8.55 www.silverlinetools.com
6 Leatherman Crunch multi-tool
With pliers, knives, screwdrivers and more, this pocket-size tool is useful for all sorts of stuff. £149.95 www.whitbyandco.co.uk
7 Petzl Reactik + head torch
Don’t let dark evenings stop your digging. This 190-lumen head torch automatically adjusts its brightness to suit the ambient light. £65 www.lyon.co.uk
8 LOWA Renegade GTX Mid boots
A pair of sturdy waterproof boots will protect your toes and help you find traction on muddy hillsides. £140 www.lowa.co.uk
9 Burton Hearth Snap-up leece
Bin that ripped old jumper – a fleece makes a great mid or outer layer, with zip pockets for valuables. £80 www.burton.com/uk
10 Race Face Beer Hammock
Get your mates to come digging and keep morale high with a few beers from this sling tube. £19.95 www.silverfishuk.com
11 BTR Fabrications Trail Tool & Tough Rake
Handmade by Somerset frame builders BTR, these trail tools are perfect for chopping and raking in fresh lines, and should last for years. £75 & £80 (inc. handle) www.btrfabrications.com
12 Ortlieb Cyclist’s First Aid Kit
When you’re swinging tools around, it’s best to prepare for the worst. £45.99 www.lyon.co.uk
13 Outdoor Tech Turtle Shell 2.0 wireless speaker
Connect your phone or music player to this rugged Bluetooth speaker and whistle while you work. £79.99 www.madison.co.uk