Its
that awkward time of year again...
What
is spring exactly? There are cold wet days that freeze your fingers
to your smartphone screen, then there balmy, lovely days that make
you go “Ah, summer truly is on the way.” Then it pisses it down.
And so, to aid you deeply confused yet attractive people, we have
gathered together a small collection of clothing and 'stuff' to make
this spring time as bearable as possible. And so, from the top
down...
Fulton
Cyclone Umbrella
We
pity the fool who ventures out on a spring day without easy access to
a fine umbrella, and we think we've found the hot-damn finest.
Fulton's Cyclone range of umbrellas are not only easy on the eye and
the arm, but they have been tested in a wind tunnel which blasted
them with wind speeds of up to 76mph! Yes, this is an umbrella that
you can take out on windy day and not end up looking like a complete
buffoon when the bloody thing inverts.
The
Cyclone Umbrella features a rubberised grip, a quick-release button,
a Velcro tie strap, and also a nifty carry case complete with
shoulder strap. Not only will you feel pretty invincible on a rainy
day, but when the rain stops and you pop it back in the case, you
sort of feel like a soldier carrying your rifle around. Just us?
Never mind...
£40
Visit
www.fultonumbrellas.com
SnugPak
SV3 Vest
Is
it a gilet or a vest, a body warmer or a armless jacket? Whatever you
call 'em, spring is a great time of year to keep one handy. The SV3
Vest from SnugPak is one of those items of clothing that is
appropriate pretty much all year round, either as a throw-over to a
t-shirt on a surprisingly chilly day, or combined with the thermals
to go out snowman building.
The
SV3 is lightweight (despite it being a tad longer in the body than
other vests we've reviewed in the past) and features a waterproof zip
lining to help keep you dry. There are nice and deep concealed
pockets on either side, as well as an internal pocket on the left. It
is also fully adjustable with toggles on the hem and around the neck.
Lovely and snug, we've been wearing ours as an occasional jacket;
great for combining with other jumpers and coats, or just on its own
if the sun rears it's long-awaited head.
£84.95
Visit
www.snugpak.com
Weird
Fish Athena Fleece Lined Macaroni
We
effing love Weird Fish clothes, as evidenced here and also a special
feature we did on 'em here. So it is with happy hearts and cosy boobs
that we got to try out a couple more items from them for the spring.
The Athena Fleece Lined Macaroni is similar to the previous
Macaronis, the company's signature product, that we've reviewed, but
this new version is lined with fleece.
This
hoodie (which is listed under the women's section, but to be honest
it looks just as great on a dashing chap – real men wear pink)
features a full zip fastening, two open pockets on the sides, an
adjustable hood (which is also lined with fleece) and contrasting
colours which set out mind back to the lazy summer of 1986, weirdly.
The generous fitting makes it comfortable and snug, and so definitely
one for the chillier of spring days.
£60
Visit
www.weirdfish.co.uk
Helly
Hansen Daybreaker Half zip Fleece
We
also effing love Helly Hansen, and as well as gearing up Norwegian
sailors for the rigours of the North Sea, they also produce a fine
fleece in which to pop to the shops when the weather is
unpredictable. The Daybreaker half zip features – yeah, you guessed
it – a half zip fastening, as well as flat lock seams and Polartec
fleece fabric.
Despite
the warmth this top will deliver, it ain't half thin, mum. In fact
we've been wearing it while cycling as it's fantastic at keeping out
the chill air, while also being flexible and easy to move in. It is
also minuscule when rolled up and stowed in your bag, so if you're
unsure of how the weather will behave on any particular day this
spring, take this along with you.
£40
Visit
shop.hellyhansen.com/gb/
Weird
Fish Vaileo 1/4 Zip Fleece Lined Macaroni Sweatshirt
Our
second helping from Weird Fish, and another from the new range of
lined Macaronis. The Vaileo ¼ Zip is lined with the some soft spongy
fleece as the Athena, but, being cut for a guy, is a little trimmer
around the edges and lacking in hood. There are concealed pockets on
the seams of both sides, which are bizarrely uneven – one is
slightly higher than the other. At first we thought this might have
been a production error on this specific top, but we've seen the same
thing in the Weird Fish shop window in our home city of York.
To
be honest, you really don't notice the oddness when your hands are
plunged into the pockets; you're too busy being happy you wore your
Weird Fish Valileo Macaroni on a fresh and chilly spring day. As well
as the contrasting colours, we also really like the small details
such as the Weird Fish embroidery on the back of the neck, the badge
on the left arm, and the awesome little rubber bones zip pulls. We
received a large size, but this is obviously cut a little snugger
than usual, so bear that in mind when buying.
£55
Visit
www.weirdfish.co.uk
Carhartt
Moodymann MMC Triple-logo T-shirt
Going
under the outer layers now, and we were sent an awesome T from Fat
Buddha in Glasgow. The Carhartt Moodymann MMC Triple-logo T-shirt is
the product of a collaboration between the clothing makers and
Moodymann, AKA Kenny Dixon Jnr, one of Detroit's best-known music
producers. The finished t-shirt is a lovely 100% cotton top which is
easy on and very comfortable to wear. The printed logos on the front
are subtle and simple, while everything gets big and boisterous on
the back.
For
a musical tie-in item of clothing, its actually pretty subdued, and
the 'remixed' logos on front and back (nodding to Moodymanns' past
labels, Mahogani
Music and KDJ Records) are the kind of images and references that
only a select few will recognise.
It's like that t-shirt you own with the 'Greendale Human Beings' logo
on it. Only cooler. Oh, and its available in white as well.
£35
Visit
www.fatbuddhastore.com
Helly
Hansen Enroute
Half Zip Lifa Flow
If
the sunnier conditions that spring often drags with it, kicking and
screaming, has inspired you to improve your fitness, this top from
our pals at Helly is not to be sniffed at. Designed to be your go-to
running or cycling top, the Enroute Half Zip is a close-fitting bit
of kit constructed from Lifa Flow fabric, and featuring quick-drying
mesh panels under the arms and on the back.
It
looks a lot more complicated than it actually is, and once one it
feels very natural and comfortable. The shoulders feature very thin
rubber spots which are intended to help keep backpacks and water
bladders in place while you're bouncing around (and which feel really
weird and a bit kinky when you touch them!). The flat lock seams keep
everything smooth and flat, and there are even reflective bits on the
front and back. Perfect to kick start your summer workouts, and also
if you're considering becoming a super hero and need an outfit.
£60
Visit
shop.hellyhansen.com/gb
Interlude:
Thirsty?
EcoVessel
Boulder Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
No
way are we going to allow you to go trudging out in what may or may
not end up being a warm day without some water. The Boulder bottle
from EcoVessel is by far the best way we've seen of carrying water
since clouds were invented, but unlike clouds, the Boulder is made
from stainless steel, features a removable fruit, ice, and tea
strainer, and can keep liquids cold for up to 36 hours (or hot for up
to eight).
Ours has come on quite a few adventures with us already, as it makes the perfect vessel for taking a big glug of the refreshing wet stuff (20 fl. oz./600ml) or for conveying that all-important morning latte. The TriMax triple insulation not only keeps temperatures where they should be, but the double opening seal on top keeps all the liquids where they should be too. It's awesome, bruv.
£29.95
Visit
www.anatomfootwear.co.uk
Helly
Hansen Odin Enroute Guide Pant
It
would seem that Norwegians, quite like our American cousins, have
difficulty with the word 'trousers'. That is why the Odin
Enroute Guide “Pant” are so called. Anyway, surely it's 'pants'?
Despite our expected British confusion, the Odin Enroute 'trousers'
would be an excellent buddy for your new Helly
Hansen Enroute
Half Zip Lifa Flow that you just bought.
Waterproof, stretchy, yet also comfortable and breathable, we're not sure we've ever before found a more suitable pair of pan... ahem, trousers... to go cycling in. Although much snugger than most work-out clothing we'd normally wear, the Odin Enroute Guide Pant features zip-opening flare-like trouser legs, hand pockets, a thigh pocket, and an adjustable waist. Fastening the zips by the ankles is a bit like having automatic bicycle clips to keep your trousers clear of the gears. Now that's clever thinking.
£130
Visit
shop.hellyhansen.com/gb
Teko
Hiking Merino Socks
Down
to your tootsies now, and these socks from Teko are the bee's...
feet. Teko make awesome tough-wearing socks designed for hikers and
long-distance walkers, but we've so far tested them only during a
long weekend dashing around London. Merino wool is often called a
wonder material by clothing makers, but when it comes to socks it
really is worth it. The wool pulls moisture away from your body and
also helps to keep foot odour at bay as it is naturally
anti-microbial.
Comfortable on, even after a full day of pounding the pavement (thanks in no small part to the cushioning they offer your plates of meat), the Teko socks were a very welcome addition to our day bag.
£15.95
Visit
www.anatomfootwear.co.uk
Helly
Hansen Ahiga 2 Shoes
Once
again the language barrier might have to be carefully traversed when
reviewing this fine pair of 'sneakers', but its one we do so happily
due to how damn lovely they are. The Ahiga 2 from Helly are a
versatile 'every-day' kind of trainer that can either be pulled on to
shoot over to the nearest coffee shop, or applied carefully to go out
for a quick jog.
The upper section is constructed from a breathable mesh which is quick to dry (be it from sweat or a spilt double shot mocha), while the sole is rubber which gives plenty of grip while retaining a great deal of flexibility. The Ahiga 2 are available in three colour choices; all three of which look as if they could happily fit in at the gym, the local book shop, of your friend's wedding. If you don't like them very much.
£80
Anatom
Q1 Braemar Mens Ultralight Walking Shoe
And
finally, staying on your feet ,we have one last pair of shoes to keep
you safe and dry this spring. The Braemer walking shoes, quite like
the more informal effort from Helly Hansen above, are extremely
versatile and can be used in a number of sceneries. Sure, if you're
planning a hike up the side of grassy hill, these are great; the
waterproof leather and tri.ariaTM Membrane System will keep your feet
warm and dry all the live-long day.
Meanwhile, either after you've returned from the hike, or indeed if you never bothered in the first place, these are excellent urban exploration shoes. They are as comfortable and as supportive as boots, but with the reduced profile and weight of a pair of shoes. You can wear them just as (relatively) smart shoes, knowing that, unlike with normal, thinner and less well insulated footwear, you're ready for anything.
£109.95