OutdoorGB - Mountainbiking with Montane

Billed as the "world's lightest multi-activity clothing", Montane's Featherlite range has quite a bold claim to live up to.

With a claim like that, I was as intrigued as anyone else to see just how well the Featherlite range performs. Having recently got back into mountainbiking, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to get out on my bike, head out to the local woods, ride out in the rain and try out some of the products we sell at OutdoorGB.com, all in the name of scientific research and good business.


The first Featherlite product I tried was the Smock Jacket, my first thought was that I had wrapped myself in a giant cigarette paper, but how I was wrong. The Featherlite Smock is more of a shirt than a jacket, mainly due to the fact it has no pockets or hood. I'm not saying a shirt is officially a shirt and not a jacket when it has no pockets or hood though, it just feels lighter and fits closer to the body, hence the comparison to a cigarette paper! Not having a hood wasn't too much of a problem for me anyway as I was using it for mountainbiking and was wearing a helmet, people using this for running however would probably make use of a hood in the rain. No pockets isn't the end of the world, they would be a nice addition but adding them would just increase weight.













At just under 100g, the Featherlite Smock Jacket certainly lives up to its name. Lighter than an apple and smaller too, the Featherlite Smock Jacket easily fitted into my trouser pocket when it got too hot to be wearing it. The weight and how compactable the Featherlite Smock Jacket is, is definitely its key feature, any other jacket would be big and bulky and have to be stored in a backpack. When you feel the weight of the fabric you really see the advantages of having such a lightweight breathable jacket. It doesn't take much effort to build up a sweat, even in the wettest and coldest conditions and this is where the breathable material comes into play, allowing much more air to circulate than usual.

Trying not to be blinded by science, I am told the material used in the Featherlite Smock Jacket is called Pertex Microlight with shield technology, this is apparantly what makes it reasonably windproof, fairly waterproof and very breathable. For this jacket reasonably windproof is rather impressive, considering how lightweight it is, I was very suprised it stopped any wind at all. But it is and was for my early morning ride. Now what I mean by fairly waterproof is don't go falling into any lakes and be expecting to emerge dry. This jacket will shrug off a shower but it won't work miracles in anything heavier, but for something this small it is utter genius.

The Montane Featherlite Smock is available in electric blue, fluro yellow, graphite (pictured), mango and olive. Find out more information on OutdoorGB.com, here.

Onto the second Featherlite product and if my rudimentary French is anything to go by, this is a product designed especially for using when cycling. The Montane Featherlite Vélo Jacket features a full zip, which makes it much easier to take it on and off without taking off your helmet.

This one is definitely a jacket and not a shirt yet there isn't a hood nor pockets again. The lack of hood is probably down to the fact it is bike-specific but I don't think it would of hurt to have added some pockets.

Like the Smock Jacket, Montane certainly aren't going to have any problems with trading standards, this jacket is truly Featherlite. Again the Featherlite Vélo Jacket comes with it's own stuff sack, which made it easy to stuff in my pocket when I couldn't be bothered to wear it. The Vélo is slightly heavier than the Smock Jacket, slightly being about 25g, making it weigh in at 125g, which is hardly heavyweight.

Again using the same Pertex Microlight material, the Montane Featherlite Vélo Jacket gave good protection from the wind and great breathability. As for protection against the rain, it saved me from the showers but when it started to get heavier I did start to get wet.

The Montane Featherlite Vélo Jacket is available in electric blue/graphite, fluoro yellow/graphite (pictured), red/graphite and black/graphite

After a good old ride and a few scientific tests, I have come up with the following results:

• Both of these jackets are perfect for stowing away for seemingly dry days that could take a turn for the worse

• For their weight the windproofing, water resistance and breathability on both jackets are absolute genius

• For cycling your best bet is the Featherlite Vélo, the full zip stops you having to mess around with your helmet if you want to take the jacket off, the Featherlite Smock is more suited to running or walking
  

• Reflective fabric is carefully positioned making you visible at all angles

• The drop tail stops you getting splashed with mud

• Neither Montane jackets will stop you getting wet if you like riding out in torrential rain, these jackets are for light unexpected showers, any heavier and you should have checked the weather forecast

• These jackets are freakishly small and light to store

• They do however look a bit creased up when worn!

• They do indeed weigh less and pack smaller than a apple

View the full range of Montane products at OutdoorGB.com here.

Jetboil campside cookery

We know it is still cold outside, but thats no reason to stop you getting outdoors and maybe doing some walking, hiking, bike-riding or if
you are really brave, camping.

Getting some good, warm food down you, in our experience is pretty much the best motivation for doing anything outdoors when it is bitterly cold. But food when out and about shouldn't just be about flasks of soup, energy bars and super noodles. If you think beyond those predictable foodstuffs and make nicer, more wholesome food you will enjoy being outdoors more.

While you are aren't exactly going to be conjuring up haute cuisine in a tent, there is no excuse to eat poorly. Eating good wholesome food can lift your spirits, motivate you and help you enjoy being outdoors, even when it is chucking it down with rain. Making this good wholesome food is not exactly a difficult task, all it needs is a good camping stove, some favourite old recipes (see below) and some common sense!

We find the ideal camping stove to use is the Jetboil, whether you are camping out in the woods, at a festival or going fishing for the day, the Jetboil reigns supreme. The Jetboil is ideal because it weighs only 425g and can easily fit in the pocket of a backpack, leaving more room for the ingredients you are going to be needing to cook up some good food. We sell a few different accessories for the Jetboil to make your cooking experience even better, here.

Have a look at some of these tasty recipes:

Spaghetti Sauce Noodles

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water

• 1 pack of instant noodles

• ½ package spaghetti sauce powder

• Half a can of tomato paste

• Pinch of oregano

Bring 2 cups of water to boil in Jetboil cup, drop to lowest setting after water starts to boil. Add crushed package of instant noodles. Stir continuously. After 2 minutes add ½ package of spaghetti sauce mix and oregano. Stir for 20 seconds to mix powder, add tomato paste. Continue to stir for 2 minutes. Turn off heat. Let cool for 3-5 minutes. Eat and enjoy!

Rice and Avocado Burritos

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup instant rice

• 1 Avocado

• A few flour tortillas

• Cheddar cheese

• However much hot sauce you can handle

• Salt and pepper to taste

Bring 1 cup of water to boil in a Jetboil cup, turn off heat, and add rice. Let rice stand for five minutes until rehydrated. Slice some cheese onto a tortilla, adding a couple of spoonfuls of rice to melt it. Cut in some avocado, top with salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Roll it up and chow down.


Quick Chilli

Ingredients:

• 1 Tin of Corned Beef

• 1 Tin of Tomatoes

• 1 Tin of Baked Beans

• Chilli Powder or Chilli Sauce

• 1 Onion

• A few Garlic Cloves

Fry up up sliced onion in oil, then add chopped garlic, Throw in your chopped corned beef, tinned tomatoes and tin of baked beans, add chilli to desired taste. Warm through for 5 mins or so. Omit the onion and garlic if desired. Goes well with boiled rice or crusty bread and a nice bottle of red wine.


Splash 'n Pinch Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 Tin of corned Beef (chopped)

• 1 Tin of oxtail Soup

• 2 Tins of mixed vegetables (drained)

• 1 Small tin of potatoes (drained)

• Large splash of Worcester Sauce

• Large pinch of dried mixed herbs

• Salt and pepper to taste

Chop corned beef, drain mixed vegetables and potatoes. Pour oxtail soup into a cooking pot, mix in all ingedients whilst warming through. Add a splash of Worcester sauce, a large pinch of herbs, add salt and pepper to taste.

OutdoorGB - The Mighty Morphing Garmin GPS

Here at OutdoorGB we have just started selling a new product that has impressed everyone, the Garmin GPSMAP 620. Just when we thought we had seen everything GPS could do, Garmin go and launch this.

Need navigation on land and at sea? Until now it has generally been accepted that if you have a boat, the GPS unit you use on your boat won't be the same unit you use in your car. But why bother buying two GPS units, when you can have one GPSMAP 620? Prepare to be impressed, we were! With just a simple touch on the 5.2 inch screen, the GPSMAP 620 switches from a state of the art Marine GPS to a state of the art Car GPS. No need to bolt anything on, no need to mess around, this is GPS metamorphosis with just a simple touch.

When we say state of the art, we mean state of the art. When you load up Garmins acclaimed BlueChart® G2 Vision charts, you get high quality vector charts together with tidal charts, 3D views of major features and aerial and approach images of harbours. In the car? Switch to City Navigator mode and get Garmin's superb Car GPS routing maps including voice prompts, safety camera information and turn by turn guidance. Once you have done in the car, if you really want to, you can switch the unit to Walking Mode! In Walking Mode, Garmin's street maps and points of interest markers make venturing into new territories a whole easier and more fun too.

When out on the water, the GPSMAP 620 will provide a 3D 'mariner's eye view' above the waterline and also the wonderfully named 'fish eye view' below the waterline. Guidance technology searches chart data to suggest the best passage with optional BlueChart® g2 Vision data. You’ll always get the big picture with a worldwide basemap that comes as standard on the GPSMAP 620. The GPSMAP 620 is also NMEA 0183 compliant, so it can be easily added to an existing marine network. With access to fishing charts, tide and current data, marine services, coastal roads and more via optional BlueChart g2 Vision data, you’ll always be in the know while you’re on the water.

When back in the car, the GPSMAP 620 provides turn-by-turn directions with optional City Navigato. Route planning has never been easier, whether you’re searching for a boat shop or just looking to get a drink at a beach side taverna, you’ll be able to plan the quickest and most efficient route. You can also create custom points of interests (POIs) and set up proximity alerts to let you know what’s in your path as you travel down the road.

Amusingly elsewhere on the internet they are suggesting this could be a useful tool for drug smugglers in Miami! We are not sure about that, but we do think the GPSMAP 620 is the ultimate navigation solution for those who need GPS in both the car and the boat.

Find out more about the Garmin GPSMAP 620 here.

Oh and if you have just read this and been inspired to smuggle some narcotics off the coast of Miami using the GPSMAP 620, do watch out for Crockett and Tubbs!

OutdoorGB will stop you getting piste off when trying to find Ski equipment.

As skiers ourselves here at OutdoorGB, we know how important it is to have quality equipment that will last season after season. Ski equipment shouldn't be disposable, when buying your equipment you should see it as an investment that will last you, not something to be binned as soon as you get home.

Skiing is an ideal way to relax and forget the stresses of everyday life, but with the wrong equipment your stress-less ski session can turn into one big headache. Fogged up goggles, unbreathable base layers and feeling absolutely freezing are just a few of the hiccups that can threaten to ruin your ski holiday.

We have put together this guide to help you select the best products that won't be binworthy after a week on the slopes.

Choosing goggles

The most important thing to consider when buying ski goggles is whether you will be able to see properly, especially if you wear corrective lenses. For those who don't wear glasses, regular ski goggles are the best good choice as they are smaller and more compact than the goggles which fit over your glasses. Those who wear glasses should look out for over-the-glasses (OTG) goggles.

Tints are for varying sunlight conditions and the tint determines how well the contours of the mountain stand out. Yellow or yellow/brown tints are the most popular and will work well in all levels of sunlight.

Goggles should fit comfortably over your helmet, they shouldn't be pinched or tight on your face. Goggles that fit correctly over your helmet should be able to rest comfortable on the top of your helmet. When pulled down to cover your face, they shouldn't feel too tight. There should be enough adjustment length in the goggle strap to guarantee that the goggles will fit any size helmet. There is a strap in the back of the helmet that holds the goggle strap in place. Make sure the goggle strap has adjustment room there also. If goggles are too loose, they will not keep the snow and wind out of your eyes. If they are too tight, they will be uncomfortable. So, it's extremely important to find goggles that will fit you when wearing on your helmet.


When it comes to goggles, newbies who don't know if they are going to make skiing the hobby of a lifetime, should look to the Bolle Sharkfin Ski Goggles. Offering great value for money at £22.66 at OutdoorGB, the Sharkfin Ski Goggles feature a double lens thermal barrier that provide exceptional optics and a superior seal to prevent fogging. The anti-fogging lenses offer full UVA and UVB protection.


More seasoned skiers who will be spending a bit more money should cast their attention to the Uvex Apache Pro Goggles. The Apache Pro Goggles just refuse to fog up. Good enough for the pros these goggles can take some punishment featuring impact resistant construction and scratch-proof lenses. At £78.83 at OutdoorGB, these goggles are a professional product at an amateur price.



Featuring a deeper chamber with frame cut-out, the Bloc Spirit 2 OTG Goggles allow you to wear your everyday glasses to give you the best vision for safe skiing. A vented lens air system helps equalise the temperature between the lenses, thus reducing fogging.

Caring for your goggles

Nobody wants to put on their ski goggles and find that they are scratched or scuffed. Your ski goggles need to be clear for optimal vision. The following tips will help keep your ski goggles clean, clear, and scratch-free.

• To keep your goggles smooth and unscratched, always store them in the soft bag they came with when you purchased them. This will make sure that your goggles do not get scratched by other gear in your ski bag. If you do not have your goggle bag with you, you could always store them in your fleece gaiter/neck warmer.

• When cleaning your goggles, always use a very soft cloth.

• When handling your goggles, treat them gently and try not to touch the lenses.

• Do not place your goggles lens-down on the table. Instead, place them so the lenses are facing up towards the ceiling.

Choosing a Ski Helmet

There has been much debate over wearing a helmet whilst skiing, some say it is the preserve of snowboarders, but here at OutdoorGB, hopefully without sounding like you mother, we think it is better to be safe than sorry. To put it this way a crash at 30mph is equivalent to falling onto concrete from a second-floor balcony.

Before you buy a ski helmet you will need to find your helmet size or your "hat size". Finding this isn't difficult, as most helmets are sized in centimetres based on the circumference of your head. To get a measurement, use a tape measure around your head, just above your eyebrows.


A good entry-level ski helmet to look at is the Uvex X-Ride Motion Helmet, ideal for both skiing and snowboarding, this helmet will protect your head whilst also meeting EN 1077 and ASTM F 2040 standards.


When it comes to children wearing a helmet is an absolute must, the Uvex Jet Ride Flash Junior Ski Helmet is an ideal helmet to protect little heads. Featuring a climate regulating system, the Jet Ride will ensure your child's head is kept at optimum temperature.

Sorting out your Ski Clothing

Your ski clothing has a bigger impact on your ski day than you might think. Skiing in ill-fitting ski clothes is not only extremely uncomfortable, but it can hinder your performance too.

The ideal way of dressing for skiing is to use different layers. In order of importance, the keys to a successful layering system are warmth, weight, moisture management, and packing the right number of layers. Generally, it is advisable to follow the 3 layer system. The first layer is the base layer which consists of thermal underwear . The middle layer is general clothing or a fleece jacket. Lastly, wear an outer jacket which protects you against the elements.

Although not a traditional item, everyone at OutdoorGB thinks Buff scarves are a perfect item to add to your ski kit.


When optimum performance is necessary, the Helly Hansen Prowool Pants are perfect. Designed to provide warmth, moisture control and overall comfort even in the coldest conditions, this bestseller is available for both men and women.

Available in a range of colours.


With it's polar bear-like hollow-fibre technology and warm merino wool combination, the Helly Hansen Ice Men's Crew Top will ensure that you'll be comfortable and in style all day, even in the coldest temperatures.

Available in a range of colours.


The Montane Extreme Jacket is the definitive high-specification soft-shell, lightweight jacket offering comfortable use over a wide range of winter temperatures.


Never think "damn if only I had my gloves and scarf" with the Loki Tak Light Shell Jacket. A sensational high performance jacket, the Tak features integral mittens and scarf that easily stow away when not needed.

What to wear "Apres-Ski" - The OutdoorGB guide to fashion off the slopes.

While some skiers choose to stop at the apres-ski scene right after their last run, spending the night in insulating layers, snow pants, and worst of all - ski boots, is not going to make for the most comfortable experience. Consider what you might wear for an ordinary night out, but keep in mind the cold weather. After all, because you're at a ski resort, you have the excuse to incorporate a few "alpine" pieces (such as what's already in your ski wardrobe) which you might not be able to get away with at home. As important as fashion might be to your apres-ski attire don't forget function too. Your apres-ski clothes should be comfortable. Also, if you are coming right from the ski resort, it might be a good idea to remove a few of your layers, because it's likely that you're going to heat up quickly in the a buzzing bar or restaurant.

What's Great to Wear for Apres-Ski

• Your Favorite Fleece - A nice fleece jacket is perfect for casual socialising after the last run of the day.

• A Vest - Whether it's fleece or down, a vest can be thrown over the most basic shirt and still look great. Vests are also practical because they can be easily removed if you feel too hot.

• A Sweater - A sweater is always a great option for the apres-ski scene. Even if it's just a sweater that you ski in, a sweater is perfect for the apres-ski scene.

• Your Ski Jacket - Especially if your ski jacket fits well and looks modern, it's great to wear to an apres-ski event. However, if your ski jacket is too bulky to keep track of once you take it off, it might be a good idea to reserve your ski jacket for the actual slopes.

• Your Soft Shell Jacket - If you have a soft shell jacket, consider wearing it to the apres-ski scene. After all, it looks great because it just screams "Skier!"

What’s Not so Great to Wear for Apres-Ski

• Your Ski Accessories – Ski goggles, ski helmets, ski masks, neck gaitors, and gloves are just too much for a night on the town.

• A Ski Suit – If you prefer to ski in a ski suit, don’t wear it for apres-ski, you will overheat, and removing the ski suit will just be an unnecessary hassle.

• Heavily Insulated Snow Pants – If you have heavily insulated snow pants, don’t wear them for the apres-ski scene, most likely, you’ll find yourself uncomfortable as they’ll be too bulky and much too hot.

• Your Ski Boots – After a long day of skiing, why spend unnecessary time in your ski boots? Indulge your feet and put on a comfortable pair of apres-ski boots, plus, the uncomfortable “ski boot walk” is slightly unattractive and much too awkward in a tight crowd!