Extreme Adventure Clothing And Accessories
Northern European countries are used to dealing with extreme weather conditions, bringing innovation and practicality with a strong dose of Nordic flair but always rigorously tested and fit for purpose.
YETI Rambler Cocktail Shaker
Essential kit for either end of the extreme temperature spectrum. Yeti’s rufty-tufty collection of insulated beverage containers now includes the Rambler Cocktail Shaker (£60) that will keep your martinis deliciously cool, however hot things get on the beach, as well as adding panache to an arctic martini. Made with stainless steel, there’s a double-wall no-sweat design, and a 20 fluid ounce capacity.
Shackleton Women’s Challenger Expedition Salopettes
Ernest Shackleton, who conducted three expeditions to the South Pole, was the epitome of the Edwardian explorer. The company that bears its name has just produced a revolutionary collection of clothes for female explorers. The Shackleton Women’s Challenger Expedition Salopettes (£795) have been fully tested by Wendy Searle in Antarctica, the Alps, Norway and iceland. The salopettes are fully seam-sealed and are both fully waterproof and breathable with reinforced panels that protect against ski abrasions as well as having removable knee pad inserts. The full drop seat features side seams with 2-way zip openings and latest technology Aquaguard zippers and easy grip pulls at the top and bottom. There’s also a removable down panel that protects the thigh area.
Mous Extreme Commuter Backpack
The British company Mous has specialized in creating stylish and accident-proof tech covers since 2014. This year, it’s brought the same lightweight but deeply robust aesthetic to its Extreme Commuter Backpack (£199). The specs go far beyond the morning train, with top-of-the-range Fidlocks technology and lockable YKK zippers, plus AiroFoams compartments, carbonated nylon and a PU coating for weatherproofing and an 18 liter capacity.
Safeback SBX x DB Snow Pro Vest
Two leading Scandinavian companies – one Norwegian, the other Danish – have collaborated on this ground-breaking new safety vests for snowboarders and other winter sports participants. The Safeback SBX x Db Snow Pro Vest ($699) promises to keep people trapped in an avalanche with enough air to breathe for 90 minutes, in temperatures up to minus 22F. SBX creates airflow through the snow, securing access to oxygen and pushing away surplus C02 by pumping it into the backpack and through hoses on the shoulder straps.
Finisterre Field Jacket
The wildly beautiful coastline of Cornwall is the long-term inspiration of the Finisterre clothing brand. Founded in 2003 by Tom Kay, it’s named after the county’s most rugged headland which has regular gale force winds. Strong on durability and sustainability – the company is certified B-corp – it believes in innovation. The new Field Jacket (£325) has Finisterre’s highest waterproof rating, seven pockets with built-in lens cloth (for photographers), a boxy fit to allow for ease of movement and a hood with a generous peak that can be folded back as necessary.
Arc’teryx Aerios Nivalis GTX Shoe
This boot has been marching out of the stores since it was launched. It may be light but it excels in cold, wintery conditions. With the Arc’teryx Aerios Nivalis GTX Shoe (£200) , the upper combines Goretex for breathable waterproofness but also has a water-repellant stretch gaiter. The soul is Vibram XS Trek Evo with Arctic Grip zones to cope with wet and icy conditions and there’s a quick-lace system with raised perimeter sidewalls. And it looks great. Which also helps.
PHD Customized sleeping bag
There’s still time to order a bespoke sleeping bag (from £479) before Christmas from this British company based in Yorkshire. The possibilities are endless, with four different temperature ranges, five different lengths, four width options and a choice of outer and liner fabrics. On top of that are other enhancements you can make, including extra down at your feet if you feel the cold more there, as well as extra water-resistant panels at the base and a choice of zips.
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