The Gear Guide
We put the latest outdoor clothing and equipment to the test
The best outdoor kit on the market is put to the test
Lifesaver Liberty Water Purification Bottle, £124.99
THIS is the world’s first and only portable water purifier that combines a bottle with an inline pump. The purifier removes 99.99% of viruses, cysts, chlorine and bacteria, and includes a 1.5m (five foot) scavenger host. The price may seem steep, but this beauty filters 2000 litres before you need to replace the carbon disc filter. In Scotland we are lucky to have clean water in our burns, but for hiking elsewhere in the world – especially on multi-day adventures – this bottle is a must-have, saving time waiting for purification tablets to dissolve or buying endless plastic bottles of clean water.
Smartwool Merino Sport 150 Tee, £38.49
IT’S always a bonus to have clothing that multitasks. This handy technical tee works just as well on the walking and cycling trails as it does off them. Comfortable, with a flatlock seam construction, and made of a lightweight Merino blend, it will wick away excess moisture and regulate temperature. The beauty of Merino also means it’ll stay fresh longer and, with the stylish Jonas Claesson flamingo design, is ideal to wear again later – to the pub! The addition of durable polyester to the fabric makes for an easy machine wash and air-dry in no time. A perfect all-rounder.
Berghaus Tephra Stretch Reflect, £119
AS the months get colder, this insulated, windproof jacket is the perfect investment. Expect a boost in body heat by up to 20% – and thanks to the Berghaus Hydrodown® fabric, you will stay equally warm in wet weather. The stretch hood also works against the elements to keep your head and ears cosy and protected. Zip pockets on the sides keep your essentials secure during every hike or climb you tackle. As a lightweight jacket, this is a snug fit, ventilates well thanks to the stretch fleece side panels, and can be easily packed away should the weather change.
Leatherman FREE T4 Multipurpose Tool, £74.95
WHEN I was a child I really wanted a Swiss Army Knife – I’m not entirely sure why and sensibly I was never given one. But now, as a keen camper and gardener I find it useful to carry a multitool. This Leatherman T4 has everything I might need – scissors, knife, screwdrivers, wood/metal file – also handy for dealing with a broken nail – bottle opener, tweezers – haven’t tried them on my eyebrows yet – and more. It is very light and can be clipped to your pocket for easy access. Rather than having to keep all those larger tools to hand, I find this an affordable and very handy piece of kit.