Garmin Forerunner 310XT Available To Pre-Order At OutdoorGB.com

OutdoorGB.com are offering outdoor enthusiasts the chance to pre order the exclusive Garmin Forerunner 310XT training watch ahead of its official launch in May.

The brand new addition to OutdoorGB.com’s already extensive range of outdoor equipment, is not only the latest fitness watch in the Garmin Forerunner range, it is eagerly anticipated as the first swim-proof Forerunner model.

Chief executive of OutdoorGB.com one of the leading outdoor clothing and equipment retailers, Edward Giles, said, “We are really pleased to be able to offer our customers the opportunity to be among the first to own this stunning new model in time for its release next month. Tracking distance, pace and power data, the new Garmin Forerunner 310XT training watch is designed for tri-athletes and swimmers but will also appeal to rowers and canoeists too. At the push of a button, the Forerunner 310XT will also change the sport in which you are training. This gives you the power to track multisport activities into one workout, enabling you to log transition time in the process so you can analyse your performance from start to finish."

When paired with optional heart rate monitor, the Garmin Forerunner 310XT training watch, continuously tracks heartbeats per minute and uses heart rate data in advanced calorie computation. The Forerunner 310XT also utilises HotFix technology, giving it faster satellite reception than previous GPS enabled Forerunner units. The highly sensitive GPS receiver now boasts the ability to acquire satellites even quicker and provides the user with an end to the problems associated with acquiring satellites when near tall buildings or under tree cover. For those who struggle to train alone and lack the required motivation, the brand new Garmin Forerunner 310XT training watch comes complete with a ‘Virtual Partner Mode’, allowing you to set achievable goals and race against a digital competitor.

Mr Giles, from the firm which specialises in big brands including Deuter, Casio and Petzl, said, “The new addition to the Garmin range really is a must have accessory. The unit even has a courses mode, which gives you the option of racing against your past times, in order to better both your stamina and performance.“Compatible with Garmin Connect online application, users can analyse , share and store workouts using ANT+ wireless technology, with no cables or hook-ups necessary. This unit just keeps on giving and is an excellent choice for those serious about fitness and outdoor activity.”

Customers who wish to own this stunning new model in time for its May release date; can pre-order from OutdoorGB.com with a deposit of £5.00 now.

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.

New Garmin Forerunner 310XT Available At OutdoorGB

Just unveiled by Garmin, the Forerunner 310XT is the latest fitness watch in the Forerunner range and is available to pre-order at OutdoorGB now, ahead of next month’s release.

The innovative 310XT follows the success of the Forerunner 305 and Forerunner 405 and is Garmin’s first swim-proof Forerunner model.

Waterproof to a depth of 50 metres, the Forerunner 310XT is designed to be used by swimmers and those competing in multiple sports, making it an ideal tool for Tri-athletes. With the optional Quick Release and Bike Mounts, the transition between sports is effortless, jump out of the water and on to the bike and easily move the 310XT unit from your wrist to the handlebars. Keeping track of your workout is made easy too, as the 310XT will categorise multisport activities as one workout and will also log transition times so you can analyse your performance from start to finish.

In regard to features, the 310XT will track distance, pace, power data and when paired with the optional wireless heart rate monitor will continuously track heartbeats per minute and will be able to use heart rate data in advanced calorie computation.

Like previous Forerunner models, the 310XT will enable you to better yourself and improve your times by using the Virtual Partner mode to train against a digital partner or you could use the Courses mode to compete against your own previous workouts.

A stand-out feature over previous Forerunner models is the application of GPS. The 310XT features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that utilises HotFix technology to give it faster satellite reception than previous GPS enabled Forerunner units; acquiring satellites quickly even near tall buildings or under tree cover.

Utilising ANT+ wireless technology, the Forerunner 310XT will automatically be able to send swim, bike and running data to your PC or Mac. Using this technology the user will also be able to analyse, categorise and share data using the Garmin Connect online community. With the optional Garmin Training Centre software, the user will even be able to plan workouts at their computer in advance before sending them to the Forerunner.

The 20 hour battery life means the Garmin Forerunner 310XT will really go the distance, to find out more and to pre-order click here.

Girls Guide To Outdoor Essentials

It seems there has been a huge increase in Brits taking up these lofty outdoor pursuits, particularly women. For girls who like to take it to the limit, outdoor equipment and clothing experts Outdoor GB have compiled their Girls’ Guide to Outdoor Essentials, which features everything you need to know about essential kit for the great outdoors. They have scoured the land for the best products and gadgets to make life on the go, and up a mountain, that little bit easier.

Footwear : You will get absolutely nowhere without a quality pair of hiking boots or special outdoor footwear. Your feet are your most important tool when braving the outdoors, and poor quality footwear will probably put a stop to your plans before they’ve even begun. Zamberlan are one of the leading names in women’s hiking boots, and for good reason. The Zamberlan 636 Baffin Boots for example are perfect for long distance backpacking and tough hiking, and offer solid, durable support. Designed specifically for women’s feet, Zamberlan’s range of women’s hiking boots provides comfort and durability at a reasonable price.

Clothing: The chances are you are going to get cold and wet at some point , that is an accepted part and package of your outdoor adventure. , however as any experienced climber or skier will tell you there is a big difference between being a bit cold and getting stuck in a snowstorm. To ensure you are prepared, whatever the weather, you will need a good quality mountain jacket. There are three requisites when it comes to a mountain or ski jacket: it has to be waterproof, it must keep you warm, and it must be breathable. There are a great range of women’s mountain and ski jackets out there. Vaude Women’s jackets are always reliable and they offer a great range of styles. Other names to look out for are Keela and Montane, both of which are available from www.outdoorgb.com.

Protection: While everyone loves a good adventure, whether you choose to explore the outdoors by foot, rope or ski, to be able to enjoy it again and again you have to come back in one piece. Outdoor safety equipment, such as ski and climbing helmets, are of course essential, and with these it is vital to know the equipment you are using is reliable. Outdoor GB stock a wide range of climbing helmets from top brands such as Edlerid, Grivel and Petzl, all of which meet international safety requirements.

Technology: Although we are trying to throw away the shackles of modern living and get back to the elements, there’s still room for a few choice gadget to help us along our way. Our two favourites are handheld GPS and navigation units, guaranteed to get you to your destination, and GoPro Action Sports Cameras to capture every second of your hair raising adventure. These nifty little cameras come with all the usual video camera functionalities, are hard wearing, and are easily mountable on a bike, helmet or wrist strap. These are the absolute basics for any skiing expedition or mountaineering adventure, but Outdoor GB stock a wide range of outdoor equipment to suit all needs. From a full range of outdoor clothing, to backpacks, watches, sunglasses and heart rate monitors, as well as solar panels, wind turbines and generators, military goods, radio communications, camping equipment, snowboards and climbing equipment, they have it all.

A Survivor's Guide To Camping

Camping can offer you complete freedom when choosing a holiday. There is nothing better than escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and taking in the great outdoors. Anything is possible when camping, you can get away to the beach, escape to the mountains, take time out by the lakeside or retreat to the country; there will always be a natural location to suit you.

Forward planning and organising quality camping equipment is essential, and can ensure your trip is a success. Outdoor equipment and clothing experts Outdoor GB can introduce you to the world of camping and make sure you are fully prepared for a budget yet adventurous holiday.

The word camping may be synonymous with the phrase ‘sleeping in a tent’, but don’t be fooled into thinking you are going to be restricted and it is going to be an uncomfortable experience. Outdoor GB stock a vast array of tents in many sizes and styles, they also stock sleeping bags, ground mats and ground sheets to make camping experience completely comfortable.

Outdoor cooking can be great and is one of the highlights of a camping holiday. To save you eating cold packaged rations you will need to invest in a quality outdoor gas stove. Outdoor GB can make eating alfresco safe and easy with their great range of camping stoves that are specially designed to be compact and reliable. They also stock a wide range of camping equipment sure to make your camping adventure goes according to plan. From furniture and polycarbonate camping cutlery and dinnerware to cool boxes, tools, hammocks and lanterns Outdoor GB has it all.

Outdoor GB stock a wide range of outdoor equipment to suit all needs. From a full range of outdoor clothing, to backpacks, watches, sunglasses and heart rate monitors, as well as solar panels, wind turbines and generators, military goods, radio communications, snowboards and climbing equipment, they have it all.

Sail GB Make A Splash With Essentials From Baltic

Marine equipment specialists Sail GB have launched an innovation in survival technology, by extending their current product line to include the latest Baltic Lifejackets, buoyancy aids and floatation jackets. The new range for 2009, was officially launched earlier this week and is set to attract increased sales and interest from those who actively participate in water sports and sailing in both the UK and Europe.

Chief executive of OutdoorGB.com and SailGB.com the leading outdoor clothing and equipment retailers, Edward Giles, said, “We are delighted the new range includes the new lifejackets, buoyancy aids and floatation jackets as well as updated colour ways and new accessories. Baltic are a forward thinking Swedish brand with over 30-years worth of experience and so it made sense that they would feature highly in the new range.”

As well as lifejackets and buoyancy aids for adults, Baltic is also one of the largest manufacturers of lifejackets and buoyancy aids for children, babies, dogs and other pets. Ideal for sailing, dinghy racing, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, wakeboarding and waterskiing, there is no better brand in which to put your trust. A core feature of the new range is the Baltic Axcent 50N Buoyancy Jacket, which is all-purpose buoyancy aid, which is divided into panels to provide flexibility, comfort and fit.

Mr Giles from the firm who offer everything from backpacks to fitness watches added, “Another great product now available at Sail GB is the unique Baltic 50N Nature Buoyancy Aid, which is ideal for the avid fisher as it features two front cargo pockets which are ideal for storing hooks, floats and bait. This product is extremely lightweight and robust at the same time, making it a must have for anyone interested in wet and wild activities.”

Baltic Surf&Turf Cup Buoyancy Aid also features highly in the new line and is an item ideal for use on land or at sea, created in the fashionable Gilet style, this buoyancy aid is as comfortable as it is nifty, with inside pockets ideal for your mobile phone or GPS.

Mr Giles added, “This really is an exciting time for us all here at Sail GB, we are really pleased to be able to offer our customers with the very latest outdoor equipment technologies, and this is certainly the case with the new Baltic line of products.”

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 728 233.

Speedo Watches

Synonymous with Swimwear, Speedo is a truly global brand. Go to any public swimming pool throughout the world and you will find someone wearing a Speedo product. Whether it is goggles, a swim cap or swimming trunks, Speedo will have brand presence.

The influence of Speedo is so great that across the world swimming trunks are now known and generalised as Speedos, regardless of their brand. Started in Australia, by Scottish immigrant Alexander MacRae, Speedo began life in 1914 as Fortitude. The Speedo brand name being established in 1928. 81 years on and now truly a world leader, the Speedo brand is available at OutdoorGB in the form of the new Speedo watch collection.

The new Speedo watch collection brings the technology, comfort and creativity of the Speedo world to your wrist. As the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo is passionate about life in and around the water, supporting swimmers from beginner to elite level. This passion is translated to the watch range, with swim inspired timing instruments for the swim and fitness consumer. Cutting edge technology, unique design and sophisticated style combined with extreme comfort and practical functions are the basis for the Speedo watch range.

With Men’s, Ladies and Kids styles available, Speedo watches go beyond the pool and are perfect whether by the beach or on the street. Innovation and technology are both present in the Speedo UV Sensor Watch, a unisex watch that is perfect for those who train outside and are proactive about sun protection. Featuring an accurate UV sensor and a UV timer, the watch will help you protect your eyes and skin from the sun’s radiation. Calibrate the UV timer to the needs of your specific skin type and the onscreen LCD index will warn you automatically when the sensor detects a UV index that is harmful to you. The UV Sensor Watch ensures you are prepared and gives you peace of mind whilst featuring more traditional fitness features such as a countdown timer and a 50 lap memory.

Putting the FUN into Functionality is the Speedo Kids Active Swim Watch. Bringing bright colours and a vibrant design to a training watch, the Active Swim is an ideal for those younger swimmers. Whilst the Active Swim is perfect for splashing about in, it is not all about messing about in as it has more grown up features such as a stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm and dual time.

For the ladies, the Speedo Women’s 150 Lap Watch is the perfect combination of sports and fashion. The beautiful and ergonomic design is inspired by hydrodynamics and offers the right balance of sportiness and elegance. The Women’s 150 Lap Watch isn’t just about the look however, with a 150 lap memory stopwatch and 10 interval timers; this is the perfect watch for the performance swimmer or indeed any other athlete.

The Speedo watches at OutdoorGB are all feature packed, but there are two relatively simple but very effective and unique features that are found across the majority of the watches in the Speedo range, Hydro Pushers and the Aqualock closure system. Hydro Pushers allow the buttons of your Speedo watch to be easily pressed in when underwater, whilst ensuring the water is kept out. The Aqualock closure system is a unique strap closure system that features a pinless buckle that is simple to use and is extremely comfortable for wearing, making the Speedo watch quick and easy to take on and off.

To see more of the Speedo range from OutdoorGB, click here.

A History of Zippo Lighters

“It works or we fix it for free” – that has been the official line from Zippo since the very beginning. For over 75 years, this unconditional lifetime guarantee has seen Zippo lighters gain iconic status and become a popular choice the world over. OutdoorGB has recently joined the Zippo revolution by selling a wide range of these iconic lighters.

Known for the famous “click” sound, the Zippo story goes back to the early 1930’s, when Zippo founder George G. Blaisdell watched as his friend awkwardly used a cumbersome Austrian-made lighter. The lighter worked well, even in the wind, all down to its excellent chimney design. Blaisdell was very impressed by the functionality of the lighter. What he didn’t like was the fact it required two hands to operate and how easy its thin metal surface dented. Inspired, Blaisdell decided to refashion the Austrian lighter. Fabricating a rectangular case and utilising a hinge to attach the top of the lighter to the case whilst retaining the chimney design, Blaisdell created a lighter that not only looked good but was easy to operate. The Zippo was born and the design basically remains the same to this day.

Developed just before WWII, the military and Zippo lighters have always had a strong connection. Upon America’s entry into World War II, Zippo ceased production of lighters for the consumer market and dedicated all production to the U.S. military. Production for the military lead to the creation of the steel-case Zippo with the black “crackle” finish, of which we sell a replica here.
Zippo’s have been carried by American GI’s in every war from WWII to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The fact millions of US military personnel carried the lighter into battle during World War II was a significant catalyst in establishing Zippo as an icon of America throughout the world. At OutdoorGB we sell many military dedicated Zippo lighters including The Battle of Britain Lighter, Green Matte Special Forces Lighter and RAF, Royal Marines, Royal Navy and British Army chrome lighters.

Branded Zippo’s are a favourite amongst collectors and from the very beginning Zippos have been used as a medium for advertising. The first company-advertised lighters were produced for the Kendall Refining Company of Bradford, Pennsylvania. Today at OutdoorGB, we have branded Zippo’s from the Ford Motor Company, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam.

A major milestone for Zippo lighters was the launch of the Zippo Slim model in 1956. Retaining everything Zippo is known for but with a redesigned case, the Slim was primarily designed to appeal to women. Still available today, at OutdoorGB we have many Slim versions of the Zippo lighter including the Black Ice Slim Lighter, the Brushed Chrome Slim Lighter, the High Polish Brass Slim Lighter and the Playboy Bunny Pink Slim Lighter.

One of the most iconic associations the Zippo lighter has, is that of being raised aloft, waved and swayed at many a gig, concert or festival as a salute to a favourite performer. Nicknamed the “Zippo Movement”, this gesture common at so many musical events since the 1960’s, cemented Zippo’s status within the music scene. Zippos have been featured on album covers, wielded in Rolling Stone photo shoots, tattooed on rockers’ skin and the famous “click” sound has even been sampled on songs. A nice music inspired Zippo is the one we have here dedicated to the Fab Four.

In 2006, Zippo production surpassed the 425 million milestone. Ingrained in the fabric of both American and global culture, the Zippo brand enjoys an unaided awareness rate of more than 98 percent, meaning 98 out of every 100 people surveyed have knowledge of the Zippo name and lighter without being coached in any manner – an astonishing recognition factor.

In an age where most products are either disposable or only available with a limited warranty, the Zippo lighter is a unique product. Backed by the famous lifetime guarantee, “It works or we fix it free”, in over 75 years no one has spent a penny on the mechanical repair of a Zippo lighter regardless of the lighters age or condition.

See the full range of Zippo lighters sold by OutdoorGB here.

Speedo Watches Now Available At OutdoorGB

Just added to the OutdoorGB website - the watch range from world-renowned swim and beachwear brand, Speedo.
This new range of watches brings the technology, comfort and creativity of the Speedo world to your wrist. Take a look for yourself here.

OutdoorGB Mountainbiking Guide

As a few of us here at OutdoorGB.com are pretty keen mountain-bikers, we thought it was about time we put together a guide to some of the best biking and cycling products we sell. Whether you regularly ride downhill trails or just use your bike for the daily commute, we have products to make your ride a whole lot better and more fun too. However we don't sell bikes, but we are assuming if you are into cycling, you will already have one.

Base Layers

Wearing a simple cotton t-shirt is fine if you aren't going to be pushing yourself too hard. But if you are going to be riding for extended periods of time, the cotton t-shirt quickly becomes a hinderence. Unless you are a robot or something, you are going to sweat. Sweating is good, sweating cools you down, its just not good when it comes to cotton t-shirts. Your simple cotton t-shirt will gladly soak up substantial amounts of lovely perspiration, the problem is, it just won't let it go. Very quickly you are left with a t-shirt that looks like it has just emerged from the washing machine. A t-shirt that will chafe you to bits. And once you stop riding, a t-shirt that will make you get very cold very quickly.

The answer is to wear a base layer. Base layers are thin garments designed to be worn next to the skin with or without other layers on top. Unlike your cotton t-shirt, a base layer will "wick" moisture. "Wicking" means instead of holding onto moisture like a t-shirt, the base layer will magically transport it from your skin to the outside world, where it evaporates.

An ideal base layer should sit unnoticed under your winter mid-layer and work in conjunction with the rest of your layering system. A lightweight base layer is an extremely versatile garment and should be standard wear in any cyclist's wardrobe. If you're an active, sweaty rider go for a base layer with good moisture management. If you like to ride at a slower pace, then warmth and thicker insulating base layers are more suitable, of course the best solution is to find a compromise between the two.

Short sleeves are more versatile and you can add arm warmers if extra warmth is need, if you get cold easily then go for long sleeves for more warmth. Long sleeves should go all the way to the wrist and should be a tight fit to prevent them rolling, bunching, or billowing.


A good t-shirt style base layer to look at is the Montane Bionic. A high wicking, lightweight technical base-layer, the Bionic combines all the well-known performance properties of both Merino wool and knitted polyester. The Bionic rapidly moves moisture away from the skin for dry-to-the-touch comfort. The Montane Bionic can be worn underneath clothing or on its own.

The Montane Bionic is also available with Long-Sleeves.


The Helly Hansen Men's Longsleeve Crew Top is ideal for high-intensity mountainbiking, keeping you warm when stationary and dry and comfortable when working hard.

The Longsleeve Crew Top's utilises LIFA sport fabric to keep you dry by pushing moisture away from your skin and onto the surface for quick evaporation. Bacteria-resistant, the Longsleeve Crew Top also eliminates any bad odours that often occur after strenous exercise.


Mid Layers


Achieving a 5 star review in Mountain Biking UK, the Helly Hansen Stripe Men's Half Zip Top is designed to be worn over a base layer. Featuring Lifa stay-dry technology, sweat isn't absorbed by the fabric but transported through to the outside. Works well in winter when worn with a base layer underneath and a waterproof over the top.

Outerwear

In the UK, a good jacket isn't a seasonal accessory, its a year round neccessity. The right jacket can change cycling from being a tiresome chore into a warm, enjoyable experience.

The first thing to work out is what you want to use your jacket for as this affects fit, style and features. Will it be a multipurpose Sunday ride stalwart? Does it need to look good for the post-ride pub, or will you only ever pull it on for trail raids well away from the fashion police?


Lighter than a apple and smaller too, the Montane Featherlite Vélo Jacket is ideal for stowing away in your pocket, saddle bag or in the side pocket of your rucksack. For its size, the Featherlite Vélo Jacket offers excellent water resistance, windproofing and breathability.


Probably the coolest hoodie ever, the Loki Morf is ideal for wearing when riding on chilly days or pulling on after a strenous ride. With a built in face shield and mitts, the Morf is perfect for when the temperature drops. Handily the Morf features a MP3 port for when you want to listen to some tunes as you ride, without getting tangled up in wires.


Awarded recommended buy by MTB Magazine, The Vaude Dundee Zip-Off is a high performance wind breaker that has quite a few special features. Feeling a bit too hot? In no time at all you can zip off the sleeves to turn the Dundee into a vest, offering the ultimate in climate control.

Gloves

Gloves are just one of those riding essentials, they stop your hands getting cold on bitter winter rides whilst also protecting your mitts too. In a crash it is human instinct to extend the arms, as a result, damage to the palms of cyclist's hands is common. A decent pair of riding gloves will protect the hands from abrasions and road rash, as well as providing extra padding to reduce uncomfortable vibrations and bumps.


If you are after gloves that are waterproof and offer a great level of dexerity, look to the Sealskinz Mountain Bike Waterproof Gloves. Using Porelle SXT technology, these gloves are 100% waterproof and offer excellent breathability making them perfect for use in all-weather conditions.


As the name suggests, the Dakine Defenders are designed to protect. Equipped with composite reinforced knuckle deflectors and a palm skid pad, the Defenders soften the blow on contact with solid objects. The moulded ballistic nylon knuckle is ideal when you're thrashing through the undergrowth.

Hydration Packs

A hydration pack is a backpack that contains a plastic bladder for water, with a tube and a mouthpiece to get the water to your mouth.

In mountainbiking, waterbottles are old news, hydration packs enable riders to carry more water. Rather than carrying 1.5l of water in two waterbottles, a good hydration pack will enable you to carry 2 - 3 litres of water all contained on your back.

Fluid Capacity - How much do you need? This depends on how long you ride for, the temperature and how often you can refill. A 80kg rider is advised to drink 600ml water per hour in cool conditions, rising to 900ml water per hour for racing in hot conditions.

Straps and harness - Look for padded shoulder straps and possibly a hip belt or sternum strap. Where the pack sits on your back, look out for channels for airflow to help you stay cool.

Adjustability and fit - So you pack stays snugly on your back, you should look out for adjustable straps.

Care - Cleanliness is key. The hydration pack bladder should be emptied immediately after use and hung out to dry. A regular rinse with baby bottle sterilising fluid is good to prevent mould growth in the tube. Storing the bladder in the fridge will also keep it clean and mould-free.

A final note, we recommend you only use hydration packs for water as other liquids can be hard to clean out and will actively promote mould growth!


The Dakine Nomad is a solid built pack with plenty of storage space for tools etc, perfect for those wishing to carry larger loads. Awarded 5 stars on the Bike Radar website, the Nomad features a 3 litre reservior with aquaguard anti-microbial treatment.


For those who don't need to carry much except for their water of course, the Deuter Hydro EXP 6 SL is perfect. Allowing you to carry 2 litres of water, the pack capacity of the Hydro EXP 6 SL can be easily expanded from 6 litres to 8 litres. Features like the helmet holder and 3M reflectors saw this pack gain a What Mountain Bike Gold award.

Cycle Computers

A cycle computer is a must for some, while others feel absolutely no need for such a device to grace their handlebars. If you are in the "must" camp, continue reading, if not, get lost!

We find cycle computers are like normal computers, you have your real basic models right the way up to your complex er "supercomputers"! Basic models will give you a few essential features such as speed, distance, odometer and the time. While your complex computers will have additional features such as heart rate, power output, GPS functions and PC connectivity.

Basic functions

• Current Speed - expressed in either miles per hour or km per hour

• Average Speed -displays the current average speed by dividing the distance traveled by the ride time. Average speed readings usually update at specific intervals like 5 or 10 seconds

• Maximum Speed - the top speed achieved

• Trip Distance -how far you have travelled since the last reset

• Total Distance - all of your trip distances added together

• Ride timer - amount of time ridden for this trip

Advanced functions

• Cadence - the number of times per minute the pedals go around

• Dual Bike Settings - a dual bike computer holds 2 different calibration numbers, so you can swap the computer from one bike to another and change the setting at the press of a button

• Speed Comparator - an indicator that displays whether the current speed is above or below the average speed

• Programmable Odometer - allows you to set the odometer at what ever number you wish. For instance if you need to change the battery you can write down the odometer reading, change the battery, then set the odometer back to where it was

• Altimeter - know how high you have climbed and more. Most computers equipped with an altimeter will have several altitude features like grade, total feet climbed and max altitude

• Power - some advanced units will have a way to measure power in watts. Most require additional sensors, special cranks or special hubs.

• Heart Rate- some units come with a chest strap to display heart rate while riding

• GPS Function - more expensive models feature GPS recievers, allowing you to know your exact position at any particular time

• Calories Burned - displays how many calories you have worked off when riding

The CicloSport CM 4.2 is an ideal entry level cycle computer. Current speed, average speed and total riding time are just a few of the features of this computer. With a optional transmitter belt, the CM 4.2 can also display heart rate (average/current/maximum) and calorie consumption.


More than just a cycle computer, the Garmin Edge 205 is more like a GPS-enabled personal trainer. Measuring speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, the Edge 205 knows where you are going and how far you have gone. Along with 204 other features, this computer has a high sensitivity GPS reciever that knows your position even in tree cover and canyons.

Bike Gadgets

Just a couple of gadgets we think make the ride even more interesting!


With the optional bike mount, the Satmap is an excellent way to discover new trails and ride fresh ground. The Satmap is a revolutionary GPS device displaying OS maps in digital form. Waterproof and shockproof, this GPS is rugged whilst remaining easy to use whilst riding.



The GoPro HERO WIDE 5 Helmet Action Camera lets you relive your extreme action from the comfort of your own home. Film yourself riding every trail in TV quality, then go home and relive your ride.

10 Things You Should Take On Your Camping Trip

After continuously being told we are in the middle of a "credit crunch", it seems many people are shunning foreign climes and will be holidaying closer to home this year. Camping is certainly going to be a popular choice, it's fun, it's cheap and you don't just have a holiday, you get an experience. So whether you are shunning the Costas in favour of the Cotswolds or taking to sleeping in a field at a festival, here we have a rundown of the things you will need to make camping that bit more comfortable.

1. A Tent


It may seem obvious but this list has to start somewhere right? Well unless you want to literally sleep under the stars that is. However if you do want to stay warm and dry, we recommend the Coleman Exponent Phad. Available in either 2 man or 3 man capacity, the Exponent Phad is a lightweight tent, designed to be carried around. Both capacities are roomy and feature a main sleeping compartment and a porch area.

2. A Sleeping Bag/Some Sleeping Bags

We have tried camping without a sleeping bag and we have to say its not a pleasant experience. The only people who sleep in tents without a sleeping bag are madmen and well perhaps those camping in tropical climes, but then it could be argued they are madmen. The Snugpak Travelpak Lite Sleeping Bag will stop you becoming a madman, whilst the ultra-lightweight high loft insulation will keep you nice and warm at night.We recommend more than one sleeping bag if there is a group of you going, as again from experience we know sharing sleeping bags involves elbows in faces, which put simply equals an uncomfortable nights sleep. If however you do want to double up, the Travelpak Lite features compatible zips so two sleeping bags can be zipped together.

3. A Camping Stove

If you want mealtimes to consist of bags of crisps, packet sandwiches and trips to a dodgy van to buy burgers for a fiver a piece, then don't take a camping stove. If however you want to indulge in some fine campsite cookery, bring along a Jetboil. They weren't lying when they named the Jetboil, this beauty can boil water in only 90 seconds, using an ordinary camping gas cylinder. The Jetboil is impressively small and lightweight (425g without gas) so can be easily stored in a backpack pocket.

Have a look at some tasty campside recipes here.


4. A Multitool



A Multi-Tool is one of those things you don't know you need until you actually do need it! Ever tried opening a bottle with your teeth? How are you going to get rid of that painful splinter? What about opening the packaging of that food? All of these problems can be solved with Leatherman Squirt. Not too flashy and expensive, the Squirt is small and light enough to just keep in your pocket or attach to a keyring. The Squirt also features a ruler, nail file and 3 types of screwdriver, you never know when you might need this things.

5. A Mallet


So simple but so often forgotten. If you are at a festival, this is the thing that will make you a lot of friends and will ease your own frustration. Save yourself bashing tent pegs in with rocks, shoes and whatever else looks like a makeshift mallet and get yourself a real one that won't bend your pegs. You can get mallets everywhere but this Thatchreed one we sell, not only helps you bash the pegs in, it also helps you get them out with the handy hook on the handle.

6. Wet Wipes


Like the Swiss Army Knife of hygiene, this things have millions of uses. So they may have a picture of a baby on the front, but don't be put off they are not just for kids! Wash you hands with them, clean your shoes with them, use them as an alternative to toilet paper, have a full all-over body wash with them, we guarantee you will feel fresh and clean(er).

7. A Torch

When it gets dark rooting round your tent can be a nightmare, finding your round the campsite is even worse and you don't have to trip over many guylines to realise you should have taken a torch. The Shakelight is perfect, it doesn't even need batteries, so no need to worry about them being dead, just give it a shake for literally a minute and you will 10,000 lux of LED light for up to an hour. Light goes out? Give it another shake, it's the simple things really isn't it?

8. Emergency Charger

If you can't bear to live without your electrical items, you need an emergency charger. Imagine if the batteries ran dead on your phone or your iPod, oh no it would be the end of the world. Well not quite, but that said it's a good idea to have some juice in your phone battery and its always nice to have some tunes playing round the campsite, so for that reason the Powerchimp is a godsend. This little monkey puts up to 48 hours of power at your fingertips and all from a couple of AA batteries. Included with Powerchimp is an attachment for pretty much every phone and all iPods about.

9. A Guitar

An absolute must for any campsite, remember we told you earlier that we once camped without a sleeping bag? Well it was because we couldn't carry everything and was faced with the dilemma, sleeping bag or guitar, guitar or sleeping bag? Of course guitar won. It doesn't matter what guitar it is, even if it is old, battered and out of tune its ok, actually its better if its old, battered and out of tune! The guitar is a campside necessity, all you need is a couple of tunes, some willing backing singers and you can keep yourself entertained for hours.

10. Something to stop you getting soaked

If you are not planning on leaving these shores, there is no getting past the fact that this is Britain and it is going to rain. Don't let the rain stop you though, if you are at a festival you should remain rock and roll and shrug off the rain. Rain isn't going to hurt you wherever you are, all we would do is pull on a Montane Lite-Speed Jacket and carry on camping. The Lite-Speed Jacket is perfect because it packs down smaller than an apple, remaining just as light and is shower and windproof. It comes in some pretty decent colours unlike binbags, which don't make good waterproofs.

Finding the right backpack for you

We stock many different types of backpacks but how do you know which is for you? Should you choose a daypack, a rucksack, a courier bag, a waterproof bag or a laptop bag? Well here we aim to help you. Believe it or not, finding the right pack is not just a case of which one looks the best. Sure looking good should be part of the criteria, you don't want to be walking around with some lairy ugly old pack, but it shouldn't be your main consideration when it comes to buying one. The biggest thing and what a lot of people don't consider is comfort. Rather than just buying the backpack that is in the sale or the one with the prettiest colours, you need to look at the right pack to fit your height, body shape and size.

When purchasing a backpack you should consider the following things:

What are you going to be using it for?

Are you going to be carting this thing round the world with you as you travel from country to country on your gap year? Are you going to be using it for camping, hiking or trekking? Or are you on a one-man (or woman) mission to save the planet by using a backpack to carry your shopping rather than using carrier bags? Is it going to be a school bag? Think about how many pockets you need, whether you need to attach things, eg. sleeping bags, roll mats, pots and pans, snowboards or skis. Does the pack need to be waterproof? Are you going to be carrying a camera and accessories?

Decide what your main activity is, then choose a rucksack designed for that activity, that way you'll be most satisfied with its design and features.



How long are you going to be wearing it?

Is the pack going to become your new best friend, never leaving your side (well back)? Are you going to be lugging it around on public transport, round airports and just about everywhere else you go? Are you going to be walking miles with it up steep hills, mountains and round treacherous trails? If so you need to look at backpacks with specialised comfort carrying systems, hip belts and anatomically cut shoulder straps.


Comfort...

... are the shoulder straps and the hip belt padded enough to take the bulk of the weight? A chunky hip belt will probably be more comfy than a thin waist belt, particularly with heavier loads.


Your backpack should be proportional to your body size...

...put simply, your pack shouldn't be so large that you and couple of your closest friends could fit inside. No rucksack is worth having if it isn't the right size for you. Some sacks have adjustable back lengths, some are "one size fits all" while others are designed specifically for women.


Stability...

...when the sack is fully loaded it should hug your back like a monkey up a gum tree!



Ventilation...

..some backpacks just make your back sweatier than others. If there is good air movement around your back, the sack will be less sweaty. So check out how breathable the areas are that come into contact with your body.

Hydration System...

...if you use a hydration system, make sure there is an internal pocket for the bladder and an exit hole for the hose, the backpack listings indicate if this feature is available.


Choose your pack volume wisely...

...buy too small and you are going to find yourself stuffing everything in, buy too big and you will be tempted to carry more than necessary or worse just end up with a floppy half-filled pack.

Less than 10 litres - short or fast half days

10-25 litres - fast action or super light trips

25-35 litres - short valley and hill walks

35-45 litres - hill and mountain walking, scrambling and mountaineering

45-55 litres - winter hill-walking, mountaineering, hut-to-hut trips, short or lightweight camping expeditions

55-75 litres - camping expeditions, long distance path backpacks

over 75 litres - travelling, camping expeditions to remote locations where supplies will be unavailable for days on end


Durability...

...as with most outdoor gear, you get what you pay for. Low-cost rucksacks are often less durable than their most expensive equivalents. If you want a durable sack look for double stitching, touch fabrics, double layers of fabric (particularly on the base), reinforced areas, and chunky buckles and zips. The best buckles can be bent and twisted without breaking, while the best zips can be pulled back and fourth without tearing or jamming.


though the most expensive backpack is not necessarily the best for you...

...there is no need to buy a massive double stitched 90 Litre trekking backpack when you are just going to use it to carry shopping, because first of all you are going to look like a fool and second of all you have just wasted a load of money.

Here are a few examples of backpacks for different situations:

Perfect for hiking and camping. The Aircontact PRO 70 + 15 Rucksack is designed for carrying heavy loads and is ideal for balanced and comfortable walking. Offering 70L capacity this is supplemented by the lid compartment which is readily converted into a separate 15 L daypack for when you don't have as much to carry. Features plenty of padding and anatomical moulding, separate bottom compartment, lid pocket and plenty of outer attachment points.


For snowboarding photographers, the Dakine Mission Photo Pack holds all the gear you need for a successful photography mission, a day of riding, or both. A removable Photo Block holds an SLR camera body and five lenses while the Mission Photo Pack's two-strap snowboard carry system doubles as a tripod holder to carry the gear you need.


The perfect backpack for the worker on the move, whether you commute to the office or just need to cart your laptop around, the Jansport Boost is the backpack for you. Featuring two main compartments, a front organiser compartment, a padded laptop sleeve and dual water bottle pockets, there is a place to put everything. There is no need to worry about this pack failing as this and all other Jansport products are covered by a 30 year warranty.


The ultimate backpack for those on or near the water. Like the name implies, the Overboard Premium Waterproof Backpack is 100% waterproof, it could be left in a puddle all day and the contents will come out dry as a bone. Not only is this backpack waterproof, it also floats safely if dropped in water.


The Tatonka 75L Great Escape Travel Backpack is perfect for lugging your stuff around the world. Spacious and opening like a suitcase, the Great Escape enables you to easily store everything you will need when travelling. For carrying lighter loads there is a detachable daysack.

These are just a few specific backpacks for sale at OutdoorGB, to see more of our backpack range, click here.