We've been playing out again
As summer finally dawns and the weather permits people to go
outside without a dead buffalo wrapped around them, we've been trekking high
and low and generally just being, well... outside-y. We know, we're just as
shocked as you. Those bed sores have healed up and we can take a breath without
spluttering.
While we've been out on our adventures we have, of course,
been testing the latest kit from some of our favourite brands. And so, as we
delved once more into the wild, we take with us some pretty things from
Craghoppers, Helly Hansen and ToneTee.
Craghoppers NosiLife
Lucas Shirt
Sure, stick on that tatty old t-shirt when travelling the
world; we're sure the customs officer in Lahore airport will really love the
look of you. Or instead, pop on this excellent styled insect-repellent shirt
from Craghoppers. Not only will you look like the bee's knees (and then repel
them), you'll be wearing something packed with technology. Which is what we
like.
With the NosiLife Lucas shirt you'll benefit from added UV
protection, a stretchy fabric that is ultra strong and water resistant, a
zipped pocket that almost completely blends into the pattern of the shirt
(seriously, we didn't even find it until the second wearing), a cooling collar,
drying hoops, roll-up sleeve buttons and even a little pocket for sliding your
shades in. Phew.
And phew isn't something you'll say often in the NosiLife
Lucas shirt, as the material is breathable and comfortable, even on the hottest
of days. Available in three colours, this shirt is for the adventurer that
likes to look good as well as feel good.
£70
Visit www.craghoppers.com
Craghoppers NosiLife
Cargo Shorts
Using the same insect-repelling, moisture-avoiding,
UV-defying technology as the Lucas shirt, the NosiLife Cargo Shorts are the
perfect thing to put the top half of your legs in this summer. If you're
looking for somewhere to stick all your gadgets and gizmos then these are the
shorts for you, having nine pockets cleverly built in to them.
Just like the shirt, these shorts are damn comfortable while
still retaining a smart look. We really loved the choice of pockets in these,
as not only will you find the traditional side and bum pockets, but you also
get a dedicated phone holder and also a dry-bag. A handy fold-over closing lip
with buttons keeps whatever you put in there super dry and safe, no matter what
you're up to.
£45
Visit www.craghoppers.com
Helly Hensan Verglas
Down Vest
Still in love with the great kit we reviewed from Helly
Hansen in the last Great Outdoors feature, we were keen to try something from
them that was more suited to warmer conditions. As the British weather can be
slightly unpredictable (shocker!) we were happy to test something that could be
used in all weathers - the Verglas Insulator Down Vest.
Regardless of whether you call them vests, body warmers or
gilets, there's no denying that the extra layer over your vital organs is
always welcome, especially when the weather turns. The Verglas represents the
same high quality of clothing that we've seen before from Helly Hansen, but
with the added interest of being insulated not by super-clever and hi-tech
systems, but good old goose down.
The outer shell of the vest is soft, comfortable and
water-resistant (aided in no small way by the YKK zip) and whole thing is
super-light. Perfect for rolling up and packing in your bag just in case, we
absolutely loved it- not just on adventures but around town as well.
£105
Visit www.hellyhansen.com
BONUS: Tone Tees Vest
Apart from the outdoor adventuring, another thing that
summer brings in droves is having to strip down to not much at all. For some
chaps (say, those that sit and write about gadgets and toys all day) this can
be a bit embarrassing as a beer belly and back fat never tends to shout 'Come
and get me, ladies!'
And so we were keen to take a look at some more compression
tops, after the success of last time. Tone Tee were kind enough to send a couple
of samples, and boy did they help. A far cheaper alternative to the Spanks vest
in our previous review, but still a high quality top that sucked, pulled and
compressed right where a guy needs it most.
Tone Tees (available in both vest and tee styles, and in
black or white) actually work pretty well as a standalone t-shirt, as although
they look figure-hugging there's certainly nothing clinical about them.
Breathable and comfortable, these are just what you need if that New Year exercise
routine didn't really work out.
£19.99
Available from www.highstreettv.com