TRIED AND TESTED

WHAT IS IT? Spyderco Bow River knife. RRP: £49.99. www.edgarbrothers.com

I WANT IT BECAUSE: This may be at the budget end of legendary knifemaker Spyderco’s huge range, but this excellent fixed-blade field knife was desgined by custom knifemaker Phil Wilson, an avid hunter and fisherman.

USEFUL FOR: This great value workhorse is good for stalking, fishing and general outdoors use. It comes with an excellent leather sheath that fits on your belt.

HIGH POINT: Like the best knives, the blade is one piece of steel that goes all the way into the handle giving vastly increased strength. The small trademark Spydiehole can be used for lashing, while there’s a tubed lanyard hole in the base.

LOW POINT: None.

WHAT IS IT? Swazi Torrent jacket. RRP £265. www.swazi.co.nz

I WANT IT BECAUSE: Swazi gear is from New Zealand so has been road tested in similar conditions to Scotland. My old Tahr jacket is my go-to, and my experience of the brand is resolutely positive – rugged, durable, light, and made with an incredible eye for detail.

USEFUL FOR: As its name suggests the Torrent is designed to withstand the worst downpour, with long back, water resistant zips, two layer storm flap, structured hood, velcro cuffs, internal chest pocket etc.

HIGH POINT: It’s effectively a shell jacket, so you can fit extra layers under it so that it’s perfect for even the coldest weather. At 1.1kgs it’s also very light.

LOW POINT: The hood can fly about a bit in windy weather. I’m also not a fan of erratic pricing: its RRP is £265, but it’s available for £202 on their website (the latter price is great value).