Back to School with Jansport Backpacks

It is “back to school” time once again and so thoughts are turning to purchasing our children’s uniforms, stocking up on stationery and buying backpacks, as we prepare them for their return to classes this September. OutdoorGB.com, who stock a range of outdoor equipment including fitness watches and sunglasses, have a range of hard-wearing and stylish children’s backpacks and rucksacks for sale, which are perfect for the new academic term.

Kids have a habit of being tough on their clothes and their belongings but they also want to impress their classmates with the latest gear. It can be difficult to combine both durability and style but the latest range of “back to school” bags and backpacks to purchase from OutdoorGB are both tough and good-looking – perfect for any child.

Edward Giles, Chief Executive of OutdoorGB.com who specialise in heart rate monitors and backpacks said, “Kids school bags have to be tough to cope with the rigours of books, dirty PE kits, shoes and the rough treatment they receive on a day to day basis. We now offer an affordable range of backpacks and rucksacks for kids of all ages and sizes which are not only extremely resilient but also come in a wide range of styles and colours.”

Jansports’ ‘Superbreak’ bag has been around for thirty years and is one of the company’s best-selling bags of all time. It may have been around thirty years, but the Superbreak Backpack keeps coming back year after year with updated colours in line with current fashion. With a good twenty five litre capacity the bag includes a large main compartment and a front utility pocket and organiser. The Superbreak bag features enough room for several textbooks, a ringbinder, books, a calculator, pencil case, lunch, mobile phone, sweatshirt and an mp3 player. OutdoorGB offer the Superbreak in sixteen colours from plain black to funky bright designs.

Another popular choice is the Jansport Beamer Laptop rucksack. This large backpack allows you to carry your laptop in comfort with clever weight dispersing support and a breathable mesh back. The Beamer Laptop Backpack has several compartments including a padded internal sleeve to fit a 15”4 laptop. The Rucksack also features a smart iPod/mp3 top entry zipped pocket with a music exit port for headphones.

Mr Giles added, “The perfect school bag or backpack should combine comfort, durability and style. For example, the Jansport Trinity Bag offers a large capacity for books and a laptop whilst being extremely comfortable due to the padded back, carry handle and foam shoulder straps. These bags are rugged enough for the roughest treatment whilst coming in a wide range of sizes and colours to suit any child.”

OutdoorGB, leading supplier of Ortlieb and Polar products, also point to the fantastic warranty offered on all Jansport Backpacks and Rucksacks. Jansport offer a thirty year warranty and during this time will repair (or if necessary, replace) any products with defects in the material or workmanship free of charge.

The Wondawedge Inflatable Lounger

Currently mesmerising and amazing all throughout the OutdoorGB office is this....

No, no, no, not the beach, but the blue thing on the beach. We won’t lie, the sight of golden sands and the blue sea along the coast of Australia does mesmerise and amaze us, a lot more than the view out of the window of grey skies and rain beating down off the dull car park, that’s for sure. But we haven’t got that, what we have got is the blue thing.....introducing the WondaWedge Inflatable Back Rest Lounger.

They say it’s the simple things in life that have the most impact, well in the case of our friend the Wondawedge that is very true. Boy is he simple, but like the majority of simpletons, being easily swayed and all, he has a lot of uses. The Wondawedge can be used just about anywhere, whether indoors or outdoors, for health or for recreation. Ideal for the beach as the picture shows (that we didn’t take!) or even our grey car park (which we did take, but won’t show as probably just describing it has depressed you.) However there is one key feature of all his uses....comfort.

We reckon that trip to the beach can be further enjoyed by bringing along your buddy, the WondaWedge. Cutting down what you have to carry, the WondaWedge stops the need for beach mats, loungers and deck chairs; instead you just need something that folds down to the size of a book, easily fitting into your bag. Inflating the WondaWedge is a breeze, no need for fancy pumps or air compressors, just good old human breath will bring it to life. From zero to hero, 1 minute the size of a book, the next minute big enough to sit on in complete comfort.

We have yet to take one, but the next festival we are going to, next month, a WondaWedge is coming along. We aren’t going to bother with camping chairs and stools, past experience from the long walk from the car park to the festival has taught us that no matter how small or compact they profess to fold, they still bash into you as you carry them, make other people angry as the chair bashes into them and are just generally awkward. Oh and camping chairs easily break, the fabric rips away from the frame far too easy, all it takes is you sitting down less than elegantly. The Wondawedge won’t break that easily, we aren’t saying it wont break (jumping on a lot of things destroys them) but it won’t break as suddenly and easily as them rip off folding chairs.

Although we said before the Wondawedge was simple, just like Dr Frankenstein and his monster, the creator isn’t. The WondaWedge was developed by physiotherapists to provide excellent lumbar back support and preserve spinal posture so is designed for health use too.

There are loads of things you can do with the WondaWedge, use it camping, at festivals, on the boat, when watching TV, by the pool, for recuperating with a bad back, for meditation, reading in bed, as a sleep aid, the list could keep going and going!

Want to know more? Find out more about the WondaWedge Inflatable Lounger. Oh and be quick and you could win a WondaWedge!

Splash Out With SailGB.com

With summer finally here, many of us are checking the weather forecasts regularly so not to miss the chance to enjoy the good weather that needs making the most of.. SailGB.com, who stock a wide range of marine equipment, from navigational charts to sunglasses, can help anyone heading to the coast this summer by offering a range of wetsuits suited to every kind of watersports enthusiast.

SailGB offer top specification wetsuits, catering for all purposes including sailing, swimming, surfing, diving and waterskiing.

A main usage for wetsuits in the UK is for surfing. Surfing has become a popular pursuit in the UK in recent years and SailGB.com stock a range of surfing wetsuits for both adults and kids. Featuring integrated buoyancy and shock protectors, multilayer prints and resistant seams the wetsuits offer style, flexibility, comfort and protection at an affordable price.

Edward Giles, Chief Executive of SailGB.com who also specialise in GPS Devices and sailing watches said, “Surfing has really taken off in the UK in recent years. Of course it is massive down in Newquay with the Boardmasters competition and festival taking place there only last week. But there are many other great surfing spots across the UK, with great surfing beaches in the North East, Scotland and Wales, which are all ideal for beginners to the surf. Summer offers the best chance of decent weather, although autumn right through to mid-November is still prime time for hitting the waves thanks to the relatively mild air and water temperatures.”

SailGB.com also offers a range of sailing wetsuits for both cool and warm weather. Rash suits, under vests, wetsuit boots and gloves are also available and complement the wide selection of sailing wetsuits.

Mr Giles added, “In warm weather we recommend a “shortie” suit with short legs and short sleeves which can be complemented with neoprene rashguards or shorts as necessary. In cool sailing weather we would suggest a full suit of 3mm thickness. 5mm suits are warmer but they offer less flexibility.”

In addition to sailing and surfing wetsuits, SailGB.com also offer a wide selection of wetsuits for kayaking and canoeing, waterskiing and for swimming. Specialist wetsuits for triathletes are also available which offer flexibility as well as quick-drying technology.

Editor’s Note: SailGB.com is represented by online advertising consultancy, Top Position. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726 233.

Put Your Best Foot Forward With OutdoorGB.com

Putting your best foot forward on challenging terrain has just got easier, thanks to the extensive range of speciality walking boots and hiking footwear now available to buy online from outdoor clothing and equipment experts, OutdoorGB.com.

The variety of shoes has been carefully chosen by the experienced team at the firm, and is designed to cater for the novice walker through to the well-versed hiker. Engineered for specific terrains and environments, your feet are sure to be the envy of all in your party whether you’re hiking in the Himalayas or just enjoy a more leisurely walk in the Peak District.

For advanced mountaineering and hiking along high routes in the mountains, Alpine boots are essential. Designed to be compatible with crampons, OutdoorGB.com’s range of Alpine boots are perfect for those requiring specialist support in extreme environments, such as glacier and ice climbing. The Zamberlan Kontact GT RR Alpine Boots 3900 utilises the best of leather and fabric to allow maximum movement while the microtex wicking nylon collar controls excess moisture. The Zamberlan easy “step-in” system makes the boots stiff enough to use with semi-rigid crampons.

Hiking boots for harsher trails are also available from OutdoorGB and give a superior level of comfort, grip and ankle support. The Zamberlan Napo GT Plus Hiking Boots 143 is supple and comfortable and features a low cut design for quicker and easier movement. The boots are lined with innovative Gore-Tex material for excellent protection and breathability and also feature Zamberlan Dual-Grip PU sole for traction, durability and better comfort.

Chief executive of OutdoorGB.com and SailGB.com, Edward Giles, said, “We know how important it is to have the right equipment with you when you set out on a trip, and to have high quality support that won’t let you down when the going gets tough. This is why we stock a high quality range of boots that will ensure your feet stay protected even when venturing in the most demanding of conditions.”

Mountains with harsh terrains call for undivided support for the feet and ankles, and the Zamberlan Baffin GT RR Mountain Boots 634 features a foot wrapping system, which firmly holds the foot in place and allows a precise fit. Zamberlan’s Rubber Reinforcement System enhances protection to the upper, giving a comprehensive mountaineering solution.

Mr Giles added, “We recommend Zamberlan because they are excellent in their craft, thanks to their years of experience. The company is based at the foot of the Italian Small Dolomite mountains, and so their expertise is born of necessity, because they live and work in a mountainous environment.”

The firm also stocks a variety of trekking boots suitable for hiking, long excursions and military use. La Sportiva Trango Trek 347 Micro EVO GTX GRIGIO Trekking Boots give a snug fit and comfort along with the rugged durability that is crucial when going off-trail and carrying heavy loads. For countryside treks and hillside walks, the firm suggest Contour Nevada Walking Boots. The lightweight boot gives padding for sharp or uneven surfaces while the supple calf leather and waterproof, breathable lining ensure feet stay warm and dry on even the most arduous of trips.

Editor's Note: OutdoorGB.com is represented by search engine optimisation agency, Top Position. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726233.

Hides Sunglasses Skins

Finding somewhere to put your sunglasses when you don’t want to wear them is one of life’s little dilemmas, you know the kind, not exactly handling the fate of the world but still enough to cause frustration for you. Put them on your shirt and they are likely to fall off with any sudden movement and are bound to stretch your shirt. Put them on your belt and you will probably crush them when you sit down or again fall off. So where to put them? You don’t want to carry them around, too much effort, not leaving your hands free and you will probably put them down somewhere and forget about them. What you need is a chain...err no wait that will make you look like an elderly librarian. What you really need are the Hides Multifunction Sunglasses Skins, a mouthful but hey they do a lot, so they probably deserve multiple names for their multiple functions.

Hides Skins will stop you from wearing that ugly chain around your neck, after all why would you want to accessorise your expensive polarised sports sunglasses with a fake bit of gold tat? So what makes the Hides different? Why should you wear the hides you may ask? For a start they look much cooler, coming in different colours and patterns, like snake print, camo and khaki. But funky colours are not the be all and end all, no the Hides Multifunction are a 3-in-1 sunglasses accessory. Why 3-in-1? Hides Sunglasses Skins are 3-in-1 as they easily transform from a cord to a case to a cleaner.

Developed from an idea thought up over a beer and a scratched pair of brand new sunglasses, Hides Sunglasses Skins offer security, protection and performance, all in one product. When they are in cord mode, they look small and sleek, so compact you wouldn’t believe they could stretch to fit over the entire sunglasses. But they can and it’s not some kind of weird practising of the occult either, just pure cleverness, the cleverness is all down to a patented tight double roll of lycra microfibre that will wrap around the lenses of the glasses because of its four-way stretch (sorry to ruin it). Take them off the lenses and as if like magic (remember its not!), the Hides will spring straight back into cord size.

Sunglasses looking a bit skanky? Sweat splattered lenses? As the Hides are crafted from super soft lens-safe microfibre material, the third part of the transformation sees the hides morph into a lens cleaning cloth. Once clean and tidy, either stretch back round to form the case or let the Hides spring back down to become a cord, pretty simple!

Here are at OutdoorGB we aren’t the only ones impressed by the Hides Sunglasses Skins, Hides have won the prestigious ISPO Brand New Award as well as awards from Motorboating Magazine, Backpacker Magazine, the North American Hunting Club and the North American Fishing Club.

Hides come in a few variations, all of which are available at OutdoorGB. For day to day use and for less strenuous activities, the Hides Classic Sunglasses Skins are ideal but when it comes to more high endurance activities and extreme sports like climbing, mountainbiking, sailing and backpacking, you should look to the Hides Technoskins.

Technoskins feature Impact Expansion Joint (IEJ) technology, IEJ acts like a shock absorber on a car and ensures additional security should a high impact situation occur. Technoskins also feature detachable straps which allow you to detach the case and the cleaner from the strap to enable the cord to be adjusted to be tight fitting during more mobile and physical activities. The detached case and cleaner section can then be used to protect/cover/clean a watch, be used as a sweat band, to form a fashion coordinated ponytail, protect another pair of glasses or be used as a low stress tie down.
Not just limited to Sunglasses, Hides also cater for bigger applications with GoggleSkins. Developed specifically for divers, skiers, snowboarders and motorcyclists, GoggleSkins offer the same 3-in-1 properties of the other Hides, just on a larger scale.

Have a look at our range of Hides Multifunction Sunglasses Skins for yourself here.

Water Relief From OutdoorGB.com

The often heard phrase “it won’t hurt, it’s only a bit of water” actually really couldn’t be more wrong, as figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) attribute 80 per-cent of all travel diseases to contaminated water. With all kinds of bacteria and germs lurking in the water, Outdoor clothing and fitness watches specialists OutdoorGB.com have taken these figures on board and extended their range of water purification products.

Many illnesses can be avoided by taking simple but effective precautions when drinking water in destinations where the source may be questionable, or on excursions where safe drinking water is not readily available.

Chief executive of OutdoorGB.com and SailGB.com the leading outdoor clothing and equipment retailers, Edward Giles, said, “Even a small amount of contaminated water can result in ill health and disruptions to your travel plans. Many outdoor and travel fanatics realise the importance of keeping hydrated and drinking plenty of water in hot and humid climates, especially when participating in rigorous activities, but it is necessary to treat this water before it is consumed.”

“At OutdoorGB.com, we stock a full range of products designed to purify, cleanse and sterilise your drinking water in quick and convenient ways. These are especially useful for times when you may need to rely on natural water sources, which could easily be contaminated.”

One such product comes from trusted brand Lifesystems, which offers Chlorine Tablets that are designed to easily disinfect water. Treating up to 75 litres, the tablets provide a quick and safe way to treat water to drink and to use when brushing your teeth. They are also ideal for rinsing fruit and vegetables in purified water before eating.

The Katadyn Pocket Filter is a comprehensive solution for the frequent traveller, and is suitable for use time and time again, unlike disposable filters. The heavy-duty components allow maximum use with minimal impact on the product, and the filter is the only one of its kind to be backed by a 20-year guarantee. Killing bacteria, protozoa and other disease-causing agents, this travel essential will prove to be a worthy component of any travel health kit. Designed for shorter trips away and also from Katadyn is the Hiker Microfilter, which is lightweight and convenient enough to carry in a backpack.

Utilising UV light as another method of decontaminating water, the SteriPEN Classic Water Purifier allows users to destroy many germs and agents known to cause dysentery, hepatitis and legionnaires disease, and all with a simple stirring motion in the water. The purifier produces results quickly, cleansing a litre of water in little over a minute.

For those who want to remain eco-conscious while travelling safely, the Aquapure Traveller - Portable Water Purifier is the right product for you. Capable of purifying up to 350 litres, the bottle saves the user from relying on buying water bottled in plastic. The portable purifier is the only purifier to be full endorsed by the Hospital for Tropical Diseases London.

Mr Giles added, “Safe water precautions apply to anyone and everyone that decides to travel – whether they are seasoned hikers on expeditions, or if they are embarking on their first journey away from home. As well as supplying our clients all they need to enjoy their activities and adventures, we can give them the essentials they need to stay safe and in good health.”

These products can be viewed here: http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhotos&albumID=1175474, in addition to on our Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php/?gid=57227299454.

Editor's Note: OutdoorGB.com is represented by online advertising consultancy, Top Position. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726 233.

Exped Sleeping Mats

Ah camping, the joy of the great outdoors, after an extremely active day outdoors, getting a good nights sleep is important. A good nights sleep in a tent you cry? Yes a good nights sleep under the canvas does exist. We know getting a good nights sleep at the best of times can be a challenge, there are always distractions, noises in the night keeping you awake, being too hot, being too cold, someone hogging the covers, the list goes on. So it is therefore no surprise from the word go that sleeping in a tent isn’t going to be the best environment in which to get some sleep. But this can be improved and you can, we repeat can, sleep in comfort.

Getting a comfortable nights sleep will see you feeling refreshed, ready for action, ready to take on the outdoors world and ready to endure another extremely energetic and active day outside, all the qualities of a happy camper. Not getting a good nights sleep will find you feeling tired, unmotivated, and grumpy, basically the perfect recipe for somebody nobody wants to be outdoors with.

If you want to be in the happy camp (you do, you do, miserable-ism is so last year), here at OutdoorGB we have a range of sleeping solutions from Exped that will see you sleeping like a baby (and none of them intoxicating substances!).

Exped Sleeping Mats are the perfect choice for anybody who wants a comfy nights sleep. Sleeping mats keep you warm, they stop you losing heat to the ground through conduction and enable your sleeping bag to work properly, keeping it compressed under you. Sleeping mats also of course keep you comfortable, instead of just being a thin groundsheet and your sleeping bag between you and the hard rocky ground that is littered with stones, roots and who knows what else, there will be a luxurious air filled dream machine. Sleeping mats basically work the night shift for you, leaving you to do some sweet dreaming.

The Exped sleeping mats we sell at OutdoorGB fall into 2 different categories, clever self-inflating types and then those that need a bit of puff.

Self inflating type mats are constructed with a layer of foam sandwiched inside an air tight shell with a valve. Opening the valve, causes the foam to expand and sucks air into the mat. When the foam is fully expanded, as if like magic the valve closes and the mat can be used. Packing away these mats is just as easy, just open up the valve, roll up the mat and squeeze out the air, then close the valve and the mat will stay the same shape.

The Exped Downmat Down-Filled Mats are self-inflating mats that as the name suggests are filled with feather down. Super comfortable, the mat will smooth out uneven ground and the down insulation means heat loss is dramatically reduced. As demonstrated when birds try to squeeze into small spaces, down compresses well too, so the Exped Downmats will pack small.

The other mats we sell are those that need pumping up using a bit of effort, which we will call er non self inflating mats. Non self inflating mats are constructed using the same air tight outer layer and valve as their more active brothers, self inflating mats but don’t feature the layer of foam, as it is the foam that sucks the air into the self inflating mats. Non self inflating mats tend to be thicker and contain more air, giving them a softer feel. Packing the same way as self inflating mats, non self inflating mats are better for those with limited space, as they are lighter and pack down smaller as there is no foam to compress.

A nice example of a non self inflating mat is the Exped AirMat 7.5. Built to be tough, yet incredibly lightweight, the Exped AirMat 7.5 is also amazingly compact. For improved slip resistance, the top surface of the mat is honeycomb patterned.

Find more snug sleeping solutions here.