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: Stolen Goat Utah Ibex Bodyline Jersey
The fabric for this Stolen Goat jersey is buttery soft, very stretchy, quick drying and really lightweight, so great for me as I tend to overheat really easily when I’m exercising! There are the usual cycling jersey features - three pockets at the back, full length zip, soft elastic cuffs.
Kit review: Craghoppers Kiwi Pro II Trousers
The plus size community are desperate for walking trousers. Walking trousers that fit. And by that I mean trousers that come over our stomach, cover our bums and don't dig in to our belly. Enter the Craghoppers Kiwi Pro II Trousers that have just been through a fit review, which covers their regular trousers, the zip off ones and their insulated winter trousers.
Kit review: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
It's feeling a lot like autumn, so it's time to start looking at some warmer layers. This jacket from Patagonia is a lightweight synthetic insulated jacket, so it provides a lot of warmth but still folds up really small.
Kit review: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Last year, Patagonia Europe brought out a range of their clothing in an extended XXL sizing. Among this range (and one of the items stocked by Cotswold Outdoor) is this Torrentshell jacket. A 3-layer waterproof shell jacket, it uses the Patagonia H2No waterproof specification.
Kit review: Osprey Ariel 65 litre extended fit pack
I’m pretty well placed to do this review - the Osprey Ariel 65 litre has been my go-to pack for adventures for the last 5 years, taking me wild camping on Dartmoor, on the South Downs Way and two weeks of solo hiking/camping in Norway.
Kit review: Fat Lad At The Back ‘She is Fierce’ jersey
It’s a long sleeve mid-weight jersey, perfect for mild autumn or cooler summer rides, or for layering up on cooler days. The fabric is pretty soft and feels pretty lovely to wear! I’ve worn it in both rain and sun and it both dries quickly and breathes well.
Kit review: Osprey Tempest 20 litre extended fit pack
I thought having a specific women’s fit bag would be the best I could get until I tested this backpack.
Kit review: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Trousers
A decent pair of walking trousers is one of those bucket list items for many plus size people.
Kit review: Labo Mono Puffer-Puffer Jacket
Sometimes it’s nice to stand out, and this jacket will definitely help with that.
Kit review: Gregory Packs Amber 44 litre plus size rucksack
Kumbi has been testing out the new Gregory Packs Amber 44 litre plus size pack
Kit review: Gregory Packs Maya plus size rucksack
Steph and Dee have been testing out the new Gregory Packs Maya plus size daypack
Kit review: Stolen Goat Womens Kubrick Kiko Bodyline Jersey
I started to wonder how I'd manage to keep cycling over the colder months. Cue a foray into this warm long sleeve cycling from Stolen Goat
Kit guide: Why you need padded cycling shorts
Want to get into cycling but finding it a bit… uncomfortable? Perhaps you’ve been pootling around locally on your bike but keen to try longer distances and wondering how to keep comfy?
Kit review: Astrid Wild Elsa Cargo Pants
Astrid Wild kindly sent their Elsa Cargo Pants for review, and Emily has been trying the out the size 54.
Kit review: Acai Outdoorwear mid length trail shorts
The folks at Acai Outdoorwear sent us some of the new mid-length trek shorts to try out, which are now available up to a size 22
Kit review: Labo Mono Go-Go Jacket
A good plus size waterproof is VERY hard to find, and this jacket is described as having an inclusive fit.
Kit review: Acai Outdoorwear Shape Skinny Outdoor Trousers
These are the latest release in Acai’s plus size offering, designed to fit better on folks with a bigger hip to waist ratio