Gear Guide

Putting the latest outdoor clothing, accessories and equipment to test

1. Hill & Ellis Brook Bike Rucksack, £200

Designed especially for the iconic folding bicycle, this bag matches well in terms of functionality and quality. Crafted in Portugal from water-repellent canvas and vegan “leather” – recycled apple skins! – it has been constructed conscientiously. Featuring a large main compartment, with laptop sleeve and a zipped front pocket, I found the roll top and magnetic fastenings a doddle for access. It fitted all I needed for my commute to work or a wee jaunt to the shops. Two robust clip-on straps convert it to a rucksack or tote. An additional rain cover is supplied – handy in Scotland!

2. Keela Genesis Fleece Jacket, £104.95

To remain comfortable while active in Scotland’s changeable winter weather you often need a sweatwicking base layer, cosy fleece and an outer coat that is both wind and rainproof. With the Genesis jacket, Keela provides all this in one go. To be honest, it felt strange to go out in the rain with just a fleece coat on – but I remained dry and so cosy. It has a loose fit for ease of movement and additional layers, a snuggly neck baffle, handy zipped pockets, shock cords for a nice fit at the hem and is fully tape sealed. It feels so protective that I won’t be going outdoors this winter in anything else.

3. EDZ Merino Wool Baselayer T-shirt, £39.99

I think this is the first time I have ever tried any EDZ kit and, as first impressions go, this is pretty good! For base layers, I really can’t see past merino wool. It’s so soft, warm and comfortable next to the skin. This weighs just 135g, so you barely notice you’re wearing it at all, and there are no jaggy seams. My T-shirt is a nice emerald green colour, so it looks smart as well. As it’s merino wool, and a 100% natural material, it dries really quickly and is perfect for multiday trips into the wilds – even after some fairly strenuous days it remains fresh enough... at least to my nose!

4. Vango Volt Headtorch, £21

Light and comfortable to wear, this affordable torch can be easily removed from the headband and clipped on to your rucksack, clothes or used as a lamp in your tent. Handy for cycling after dark, either on my helmet – where it is adjustable and very comfy – or clipped to my jacket for extra visibility, it’s so light and small you barely notice it. Despite its relatively low price, the torch offers 100 lumens, with a collimator lens for long distance light projection while maintaining soft peripheral light. Its three AAA batteries have so far lasted a few trips and even a summer camping holiday.