THRILLING ADVENTURE TECH

Dream extreme-sports gear, including badass boards, mind-blowing bows and supreme spearguns

VIA FERRATA 1 OAKLEY SPLIT SHOT SUNNIES

One of the hidden secrets of the mountains, via ferrata (iron way) mean you can get into astonishing scenery in safety. But the sun beating down on a reflective south-facing rock face can easily get taxing on the eyes. Even in less extreme circumstances, the Oakley Split Shot’s polarised lenses will protect and improve your vision in difficult light, as well as looking pretty damn awesome into the bargain. A retaining cable makes them almost impossible to drop from the face… or sit on in the cafe afterwards. £192, oakley.com

2 ARC’TERYX ALPHA SL GLOVE

Following the steel safety cables and precarious footholds of via ferrata routes may be less perilous than traditional mountain climbing but you’re only as safe as your gear. Apart from the mandatory safety kit, you’ll need some excellent gloves, which these ones from Arc’teryx emphatically are. Lightweight, windproof and highly dexterous, you’ll be able to handle gear easily but stay warm and avoid minor scuffs and grazes into the bargain. £90, arcteryx.com

SURFING 3 GARMIN INSTINCT SOLAR – SURF EDITION

Surfing is one of the rising stars of the UK outdoor sports scene, due to the impressive range of coastline in the UK, and partly due to the minimal amount of equipment needed to have a boatload of fun. It’s even more fun if you’ve invested in the Instinct Solar. With precision tide times for wherever you are, as well as the inevitable range of heart rate and activity tracking tools, you’ll never miss a wave again.

£359.99, garmin.com

4 OLAIAN HARD SURFBOARD 5FT 10IN SHORTBOARD 900

Often the waves just aren’t quite up to world class competition standards, which is where a board like this comes into its own. Designed for weaker waves and to be easy to use, this is an ideal intermediate board for good surfers looking for a strong performer in a wide range of conditions. £399.99, decathlon.co.uk

SCUBA DIVING 1 GARMIN DESCENT MK2I

It’s pretty easy to rent a set of dive gear, but the one thing to buy first is a dive computer, for performance and safety reasons, as well as streamlining your luggage. The wrist-watch-sized Garmin Descent is not only a competent smartwatch, but also integrates with your air supply and tracks your performance underwater as well as on land via a host of preloaded sports such as running or cycling. There’s even turn-byturn navigation, making this a real allrounder for the keen outdoors person. £1,399, garmin.com

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY 2 NIKON D780

Getting that elusive wildlife shot makes the difference between global acclaim and complete failure, and having the right tool for the job is key. That’s where a proper DSLR comes in, and you won’t find much more proper than the Nikon D780. Robust, reliable, long battery life and an ingenious dual Hybrid-AF/Phase-Detection AF all in one weather-sealed magnesium alloy body makes this the DSLR to beat. £2,199, nikon.co.uk

CYCLING 3 BROMPTON BLACK EDITION

Even for those stuck in cities, there are plenty of outdoor thrills to seek out – even cycling through the city at night can bring out a whole new perspective. The ultimate night-cycle for the job is this limited edition classic folder from Brompton. Featuring the famous folding action but with gloss black or black lacquer extremities, this is a sleek and stealthy urban option that’ll fit on public transport with ease. £1,225, brompton.com

4 KNOG COBBER MID

Riding at night may up the fun stakes, but does also mean those bike lights had better be up to scratch. Especially in urban areas, it’s better to go big or stay home, and the Cobber Mid is – quite literally – a big, blinding bike light. USB rechargeable, and knocking out a titanic 320 lumens on flash (200 on steady), you’ll certainly be safely seen toting this. £59.99, knog.com