Gear Guide
We put the latest outdoor clothing and equipment to the test
1. Berghaus Embira Skort, £65
SKORTS are all the style and freedom of a skirt with the practicality of built-in shorts. The Embira adds to this functionality with lightweight breathable PFC free fabric, two stash pockets – big enough for my smartphone – plus a secure zipped back pocket. I found the A-line cut neat and flattering and the waistband sits at a good height – nothing too low! Testing my skort on a run, there was no need to fiddle and readjust thanks to soft grippers within the shorts. The stretchy fabric felt really light to wear and move in. So comfy, I kept it on for the rest of the evening.
2. Zippo Rechargeable Heatbank 6, £29.90
THREE-TIER adjustable heat seating that warms up to 50C and can last for up to six hours, depending on setting. Less wasteful than traditional single-use hand-warming gels, but fairly chunky so can’t be easily slipped into a glove as gel sachets can – and certainly not a boot. Fits nicely in a clenched fist. The lanyard allows it to be worn around the neck under a jacket. I’ve mostly used it as a powerbank to charge my phone and headtorch. I’ve had about
1.5 full charges on my mobile before having to recharge the power/heatbank.
3. Mountain Equipment Lumiko Zip T, £65
ALTHOUGH this top is sold as a T, I’ve found the Lumiko Zip T works best as a base layer. Its close fit and cover-stitched seams make it the ideal next-to-skin layer, and the performance stretch fleece fabric is quick to dry after strenuous exertion. It also has a handy Napoleon pocket – or a breast pocket in layman’s terms – big enough to fit a compass or essential trail snacks. The T comes in men’s and women’s active fit, and it’s Bluesign®-approved, too, which means the T has been produced using methods that are safe for the environment, workers and customers alike.
4. Vango Ultralight Heat Exchanger Cook Kit, £45
COOKING outdoors needs to be fast and efficient and with this new Vango kit things just got better. The sturdy 1-litre (1.75-pint) pot sits above a 230g (8oz) gas canister and stove – sold separately – and its improved thermal efficiency reduces boil time, meaning you use less fuel and get your hot meal quicker. The kit comes with two small bowls and fold-up forks as well as a stand. The bowls are small but OK for breakfast or a quick hot snack. The extras seem unnecessary, especially as it isn’t the full kit without the actual stove, but it is handy that they fit inside the pot for transportation.