By
'eck, it's chilly!
With
this winter forecast to be one of the coldest in recent years, we
decided to completely abuse our product testing powers to get some
warm clothes in. Test Pit Towers is a draughty old place, so we know
a thing or two about being cold. Fortunately several awesome brands
answered our call (issued through chattering teeth). So lo and behold
some great kit to don this season.
EDZ
Yeti Fleece Jacket
If
they actually exist, Yetis are probably the best creatures on the
planet for keeping warm. EDZ have realised that and produced a fleece
jacket with insulating properties like no other we've seen before.
The Yeti Fleece Jacket is... well... furry, innit? It is the softest,
fluffiest fleece there is and a real snug treat to wear. It is double
sided, so the fleece lines the inside as well, making it not only
warm but also very comfortable as well. Although it feels light –
and certainly not heavy – it provided far better insulation that we
were expecting.
£60
Visit
edzdirect.com
Scruffs
Expedition Thermo Softshell Jacket
Scruffs
is a new one on us, but a name you might recognise from providing
tough workwear to the likes of buildings and farmers. However, the
company also does some great everyday stuff, ideal for spending
prolonged time outside in the winter – even if it is just for the
Christmas shopping. The Expedition Thermo Softshell Jacket provides
all-round insulation, but with plenty of freedom of movement – just
in case you actually do want to do some building in it. It features
breathable underarm panels, zip pockets throughout, and even Velcro
adjustable cuffs. It's light, yet surprisingly warm.
£54.95
Visit
www.scruffs.com
Karrimor
Xlite Reflect Running Jacket
Just
because the weather is freezing, doesn't mean you have to cut back on
the old work outs. If you're venturing out on your regular jogging
route, you might notice how damn dark it is at this time of year. To
that end, get yourself a reflective running jacket, and this one from
Karrimor is perfect. The Xlite Reflect Running Jacket is thin yet
insulating, and boasts a foldaway hood, pockets front and back, and
also the all-important reflective details throughout – especially a
large panel just above your bum. If you wear this just as a winter
coat you'll be cold, but as a bit of kit for running in the dark,
it's ideal. And hey, why not pair it with this head torch from
Karrimor, too?
£49.99
Visit
www.karrimor.com
Snow
Finel Thermal Jumper
Snow
Finel make ski wear, which is basically standing on sticks and
sliding down the side of a mountain. That standing can easily (and
less frighteningly) be translated to the everyday world, so their
range of thermal jumpers are perfect as an under-coat layer. Crafted
from luxury merino wool, the jumpers feature a ¼ zip at the neck,
and a snugger fit all over. Obviously the merino makes it super soft
and comfortable, while also locking in your body heat on even the
coldest of days. It looks pretty swish, and carries a pretty swish
price tag too.
£85
Visit
snowfinel.co.uk
Scruffs
Classic Gilet
Ah,
the gilet – the go-to outer layer on days when it isn't quite
Arctic, but certainly not tropical either. The Scruffs Classic Gilet
is a fine vest indeed, with extra thick padding on the front and
back, a heavy zip up front with draught-defender over the top, and
also a removable hood with removable faux-fur trim. There are zip
hand pockets on the front, and a pocket on the inside for your phone.
Despite all that snug padding, it is actually pretty light on, and
looks awesome. So awesome in fact, that on the day we needed to film
a drone review on a biting winter morning on Scarborough beach, it
was the first thing we reached for.
£39.95
Visit
www.scruffs.com
EDZ
Merino Touchscreen Gloves
And
onto your mitts. Gloves are pretty essential at this time of year,
but so is live tweeting your delayed train journey into work.
Conventional gloves are no use at all, as they block the electrical
flow from your finger to the touchscreen of your phone, Fortunately
EDZ's answer to the problem are not only effective, but comfortable
to wear too – and they keep out the chill. The merino wool gloves
feature conduction elements sewn into the thumb and forefinger tips,
as well as rubberised dots on the palm to help with grip. This means
that they can also be pretty handy if you're a winter cyclist, when
grip on your handlebars is even more important.
£12.49
Visit
edzdirect.com
Karrimor
Thermal Gloves
For
a touch more warmth for your hands, while also being able to work you
phone, try these from Karrimor. These gloves use a stretchy elastic
material, so they hug your hands a little tighter, but won't bunch up
or slip off easily. The thumb and forefinger can manipulate a
touchscreen, while the palms and rest of the digits are covered in a
mesh-like grippy substance for great hold on whatever you're doing.
Tweeting, we assume.
£6.99
Visit
www.karrimor.com
Gelert
Heat Wear Socks
And
we've saved the most important for last. If you think the best way to
keep warm is to wrap up your torso in cold-blocking jackets, think
again loser. You need socks that Jack Frost can't penetrate, and
you'll enjoy your winter's day if you do. These Heat Wear sockies
from tent-maker Gelert are the thickest, toastiest, loveliest socks
we've ever worn. Not only will they keep you tootsies warm all day,
they are also soft and luxurious and replicate exactly what it's like
to walk on a cloud.
£5
Visit
www.gelert.com
