Stay
warm, look cool.
As
it seems that summer has now definitely jumped ship for another year,
we all start to prepare for the coming of winter. Are you going to
sit back in shorts and t-shirts and wait to freeze like a fool, a
God-damn fool? Or are you going to prepare yourself by buying some of
the following autumn-proof kit? Trust us, do the latter.
Helly
Hansen Odin Flow Jacket
This
versatile jacket from those darn clever Norsemen offers a heck of a
lot of insulation, despite being very thin and extremely light.
Designed to be a go-to coat for both a jaunt around the city on a
chilly day, and for trekking up the side of a mountain, the Odin Flow
features the H2Flow technology that Helly Hansen are famous for (and
which we've reviewed a few times before).
The
jacket features vents and outer mesh which actually allows air to
flow through, regulating your temperature and helping to stop you
sweating. There is Polartec fleece on the inside to keep you warm,
and a polyester exterior shell to keep the rain out. The front-side
vents can be zipped closed if you're getting a wee bit chilly, while
the bottom hem can be tightened to stop draughts. It is comfortable
on, feels exquisitely light, and serves as both a day jacket, and as
an adventure garment too – something our dear chums at Helly excel
at. Also, comes in blue or black, yo.
£200
Visit
shop.hellyhansen.com/gb
Weird
Fish Boyne Macaroni Jacket
Ah,
Weird Fish... this isn't the first Autumn you've kept us warm and
cosy while braving the worst of the weather. The British clothing
company's signature garment, the Macaroni, has been given a few new
tweaks to create the Boyne, a full-zip fleece-lined jacket that is as
comfortable as it is versatile.
Like
the other Macaronis we've reviewed in the past (we're a bit
obsessed), the Boyne combines Weird Fish's Mac Active outer fabric
with a fleece lining to make it one of the warmest in the range of
sweaters and jumpers. The full-zip up the front means there is no
need to mess up your hair while slipping it on (something very
important to us, obvs), while the sleeves are lined with deliciously
soft cotton to make sliding your mitts into them a breeze.
There
are two zipped hand pockets on the front, and wearing it is a real
delight. The mix of soft yet rugged material, coupled with the fleece
lining, means that this could be your reach-for outerwear right into
the bleak midwinter. When frosty winds made moan, eh?
£70
Visit
www.weirdfish.co.uk
Keen
Aphlex Waterproof Boots
You'll
definitely look like a right ninny poncing about the cold wet streets
and tracks of Britain this Autumn in nowt but your sandals, won't
you? To that end, get yourself a proper pair of waterproof boots;
ones with a bit more pizazz than your Granddad's wellies.
The
Keen Aphlex are hiking boots with city-cool styling that have been
designed to be tough yet comfortable on whatever terrain you're
treading. They feature a fairly rigid structure which holds your foot
well, all the way up to the ankle, and added thickness at the toe and
heel. Walking in them feels like a treat, as they seem to feature a
good amount of suspension, and the waterproof mesh-y membrane keeps
water out, but allows air to enter to keep your feet form
overheating.
We
wore them in pretty harsh conditions during a trek in the wilds, and
we can confirm that the waterproof boasts made by Keen are spot on.
However, unlike many other hiking boots we've reviewed, we could also
slob them on for a quick dash to the shops, without looking like an
idiot - due in no small way to the slender design and bold colours.
Perfect for crunching through dead leaves, and – as we'll maybe see
in a couple of months time – snow and ice.
£119.99