Kit reviews and more
Our blog is a place to keep up to date on our latest kit reviews, organisational plans and much more! Read on to see what we’ve been up to.
Kit review: Lomo Nuotare 3/2mm Ladies Swimming Wetsuit
This wetsuit from Lomo Watersport is designed for outdoor swimming - while not quite as technical as some triathlon suits, it's much more durable and resilient to tears, and so suitable for most outdoor swimmers. It's designed with inclusivity in mind, offering an impressive range of 16 women’s sizes. As someone who often struggles to find wetsuits that fit comfortably, I was thrilled to discover a brand that caters to a broader spectrum of body shapes.
Kit review: D2D SkinMesh+ Long Sleeve Baselayer
Keeping the right temperature is important when cycling but can be different to manage in changing weather and terrain. This base layer from D2D Cycling Clothing is a great option to have!
Kit review: TOG 24 Drax Mens Funnel Down Jacket
I had been looking for a warm, lightweight jacket for ages, even visiting every outdoor shop in Fort William to no avail in my size. TOG24 online seemed to do larger sizes (up to 6XL in this particular coat), so this looked like just the ticket. It was also fairly good value compared to other makes!
Kit review: Findra Elsie Merino Hoodie
For many people, merino wool is one of those fabrics that once you've discovered it, you don't want to wear anything else. This hoodie from FINDRA Clothing is designed to transition from home to the hills and keep you warm along the way.
Kit review: D2D WinterBlock Performance Bib Tights
Bib shorts and bib tights are often more comfortable to cycle in - especially on long rides - as you don't have a tight waistband. These winter tights from D2D Cycling Clothing are designed to keep you cycling during the coldest months.
Kit review: D2D Coldstop II Softshell Winter Jacket
Love cycling in the winter but struggle with the cold? This warm jacket from D2D Cycling Clothing might be the one for you!
Kit review: Mountain Equipment Saltoro Jacket
When you are out walking in the seemingly never-endingly rainy UK winter weather and you want to stay dry, the Women’s Saltoro Jacket by Mountain Equipment is lightweight, waterproof, and breathable to keep the rain out in the worst of conditions. It packs down really small to carry in a backpack, fits inside its own hood.
Kit review: Outdoor Research Aspire Rain Pants
Lightweight waterproof over trousers, made from Gore-Tex Paclite fabric. These feature 3/4 waterproof length zips that can be opened from the top or the bottom. There is an adjustable elastic waistband and a back pocket that you can use as a stuff sack for carrying the trousers in your bag.
Kit review: Sprayway Era Jacket
Finding a waterproof that will keep you dry for a day in the hills and mountains, but that is also packable and light enough to carry with you can be a challenge. As part of their expansion into size 20 items, Sprayway have a number of jackets available including this GORE-TEX Era jacket.
Kit review: Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit
This bag has lots of features! There is large back compartment, and then two pockets on the front - the larger of these is perfect for carrying a laptop and notebook, with mesh pockets for the cables and the smaller is great for keys or your wallet or your hat and gloves.
How to measure your body
Let’s talk measuring! We all know that the plus size kit that exists is available online rather than in shops. So getting familiar with your measurements is important for the best chance of getting clothes that fit.
Kit review: Fat Lad At The Back Bobby Dazzler cycling jersey
It may be chilly outside, but I'm already planning my cycling adventures for 2024, and that means thinking about the kit I'll need. This is a bright and vibrant short sleeve jersey from Fat Lad At The Back for your warm weather rides (but fear not, long sleeve are also available)!
Kit review: Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco Women's Jacket
Winter is coming/here and it's getting cold! Having a warm jacket in cooler temperatures can definitely make being outdoors more comfortable, and this jacket from Mountain Equipment is one of the warmest out there!
Kit review: Alpkit Fortitude Waterproof Jacket
When you're in the hills and mountains, you want to be able to trust your waterproof jacket to keep you warm and dry. This 3-layer waterproof jacket from Alpkit is designed for this terrain and this weather.
Kit review: Acai Thermal Skinny Outdoor Trousers
Finding good walking trousers is tricky, and I'm already a fan of ACAI Outdoorwear trousers - I live in their Aventurite trousers that I've had for years, but in the winter I really struggle with my legs getting cold when I'm on the hills. I've tried wearing thermals underneath but it doesn't really work, so I thought it was time to try Acai's thermal walking trousers
Kit review: Plus Size Swimsuits
Our friends from Outdoor Swimmer magazine have shared their plus size swimsuit reviews with us - find out which editor Ella loved, and which she was less impressed by
Kit review: Plus Size Wetsuits
Our friends from Outdoor Swimmer magazine have shared their plus size waterproof reviews with us - read on to see which hit the mark, and which fail to impress.
Kit review: Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Insulated Jacket
Really lightweight synthetic insulated jacket from Outdoor Research, available in plus sizes with or without a hood. The super strand insulation is soft and light and fluffy and warm, and the ripstop fabric keeps the wind out and protects against the odd bit of drizzle. It’s got two generous zipped pockets, and it’s really easy to bundle the whole jacket into one of them if you need to stash it in a bag.
Cotswold Outdoor Q&A
As part of our ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor, we quizzed them with some of our top questions about their aims, the journey they’re on, and some of the challenges they’re facing as a retailer.
Kit review: Outdoor Research Aspire II Gore-tex Jacket
The Outdoor Research) Aspire II jacket is a waterproof shell designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, and its wide range of sizes makes it a standout choice in the realm of waterproof jackets (the 4X will fit up to a 59 inch bust/61 inch hip.