Tag: Cycling

The One Bike to Rule Them All: How to Choose Your Perfect Bike

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Road bikes leaning against trees

Many cyclists will claim that the optimum number of bikes to own is n+1, where n is the number of bikes they already own. Whilst generally, I am all in favour of shiny new purchases, the vast majority of us are unable to afford (or justify to our partners) the n+1 equation. And if you’re in the position of buying your first bike, the choice of steed can be a minefield.

“I just want a bike that can do everything!” I hear you cry. Well, tough. Such a bike does not exist. (Except possibly in the world of Harry Potter – you can do anything with a good wand.) There are bikes that can do most things, although there will be compromises. If you can only choose one type of bike, the decision comes down to what you want to prioritise most. And that’s where this handy guide comes in. We’ve distilled down the essence of each type of bike to help you figure out which is the perfect bike for you.

If you want one bike to do a bit of everything, your perfect bike is a gravel bike

You can take a gravel bike almost anywhere. With the dropped handlebars of a road bike, the fat tyres of a mountain bike and the gear range of a touring bike, these are the mongrels of the bike world. You’re not going to be tackling black runs in them, but for a mixture of road, off-road, easy trail riding and a spot of touring, they’re tough to beat. They’re a jack of all trades and master of none, but if you want a bike that can do a bit of everything, a gravel bike is the one for you.

If you’re erring more towards road riding (e.g. for commuting), then cyclocross bikes have a more aggressive riding position and are usually a bit lighter and faster on the roads.

If you want a commuting bike, your perfect bike is a hybrid

Someone’s going to disagree with me here, I know. So I will preempt you by saying that there are really two choices here: either a hybrid or a road bike. If you do a lot of road riding as well as commuting then a road bike may be your best option. For pretty much everyone else, a hybrid will be your perfect commuting bike.

Why? Well to start with, if you’ve never ridden a road bike before, it can be a bit nerve-wracking to get used to, especially if riding in traffic. A hybrid has a more upright, stable cycling position and with those nice wide handlebars, you won’t be worried about wobbling all over the road when indicating. If you cycle on rough roads or have some off-road sections (e.g. along a canal) then a hybrid will be a much comfier ride. Sure, it’ll be a bit heavier, but for most people, you’ll be stopping and starting often enough that that won’t make a huge difference. Check out our beginner’s guide to cycle commuting for more tips on cycling to work.

Of course, you may be forced down a completely different route depending on your commute …

If your commute involves travel by train, your perfect bike is a folding bike

If part of your commute to work involves travelling on public transport, then a folding bike is really your only option. Or at least, the only option that won’t earn you killer stares from fellow commuters on the 8:15 to Waterloo. (Mind you, even a folding bike might earn you killer stares on the sardine-tin trains.) They’re not the easiest bikes to manoeuvre on the roads and you won’t set any speed records, but they do the job they’re designed to do. A folding bike may also be your perfect bike if you like to keep your steed close to you at all times. If you don’t have secure bike storage at work, you can tuck her away under your desk until home time.

If you want a bike solely for commuting and live in a city with a bike share programme, you may not need to invest in a bike at all. With many schemes, the first half hour of cycling is free and you’ll never have to worry about your bike getting stolen.

If you’re a speed demon, your perfect bike is a road bike

If you’re not fussed about off-road cycling (and I mean any off-road), then a specialist road bike is likely to be your perfect bike. If you’ve never ridden one before, the body position and thin tires take a bit of getting used to, but once you’ve mastered this, you can get some serious miles under your belt. If you’re interested in getting into sportives, then this is the bike for you.

If you’re riding on rough roads or in cities, strong tyres are a must, but don’t go thinking that means taking a shortcut along the bridleway is ok. The one thing road bikes don’t have is suspension.

If you enjoy long cross-country rides, your perfect bike is a hardtail mountain bike

For general mountain biking, including long undulating rides and hitting the trails, a hardtail is going to be your perfect bike. It won’t be quite as bouncy on technical downhill sections as a full suspension bike, but you’ll appreciate the weight savings when tackling uphill sections or on longer rides.

A hardtail is also a good option for beginner off-road bikers who want to tackle a variety of different terrains. If this is you, a XC trail bike will be your perfect bike. If you’re looking at a bike for racing over moderate terrain, a lighter XC race bike may suit you better.

If you love the downhills, your perfect bike is an all-mountain/enduro bike

Enduro bikes are designed for races with fast downhills, complex terrain and short uphill sections. They have full suspension with plenty of travel in the front and rear shocks to tackle technical drops and obstacles. They’re not the easiest or lightest bikes to pedal back uphill and you wouldn’t want to use it for your commute, but it’s more versatile than a downhill racing bike. If you love downhills, an enduro will be your perfect bike.

If triathlons are your thing, your perfect bike is a road bike

What, not a tri bike? Nope. At least not if you can only choose ONE bike, which is the whole purpose of this buyers guide. Triathlon bikes are designed to reduce some of the impact of the cycling stage on your quads (so they’re ready for the final run), at the sacrifice of comfort. As well as a stiffer feel, tri bikes are typically fitted with fixed aerobars, so you only have one riding position.

They’re specialist bikes designed for flat-out racing on short, flat courses – pretty specific! A road bike is much more versatile: it’ll serve you better on hilly courses, be more comfortable for general riding and you won’t feel out of place riding it to the pub.

If you want a bit of extra help on the hills, your perfect bike is an electric bike

Regarded by some cyclists as ‘cheating’, electric bikes are becoming a more popular option for people who want the freedom and flexibility of a bike, but with a bit of assistance. They come in all shapes and sizes, from hybrid and road models to serious all-terrain mountain bikes.

An electric bike isn’t a free ride though – you still have to pedal, and they’re heavier than the equivalent non-electric bike so you’ll still get a good workout. If you live in a hilly area or suffer from joint problems, an electric steed may be the perfect bike to get you out and about.

How to choose your perfect bike

Now you know what type of bike you want, it’s time to go shopping. And that opens a whole new can of worms. What size frame? Which brakes are best? What size wheels do I need? This article from Jen Reviews gives a good overview of what you need to consider when buying a new bike and your local friendly bike shop staff will be more than willing to help you debate the options available.

10 Things to Do With Your Extra Hour of Daylight

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Extra-hour-daylight

British Summer Time is here! With promises of long, warm summer nights, sunny evenings at the crag and weekends packed with adventure from dawn to dusk. Admittedly, we’re still in March, which means for every day of sun you get one of rain with the additional bonus of the occasional hard frost, but hey, that’s what living in the UK is all about.

I love this time of year. Finally, the dark days of winter are behind us. There’s no longer the agony of staring out of the office window, knowing that by the time you get to leave work, the sun will have slipped away. And let’s face it, it’s much easier to get motivated to go for a post-work run when it’s still light outside.

If you’re itching to get outside, but lacking in inspiration, here are ten fun things to do outdoors with your extra hour of evening daylight.

Take a Different Route Home From Work

If you cycle, walk or run to work, winter commuting can be a punishing experience. Every day becomes a battle of your will versus the weather. Whether you have your head down, pedalling into a headwind, or you end up fighting with your umbrella as you get soaked by a passing lorry, the shortest route home is usually the preferable one.

The reward for your perseverance, is the warm, dry summer evenings, where commuting becomes a pleasure rather than a chore. So now you have a bit more daylight, why not choose an alternative route home and explore more of your local area? Use the CycleStreets planner to plan a longer route home on quiet back roads and cycle paths or swap your road bike for a mountain bike and go off-road.

Go Bouldering Outside

It may not be quite light enough to justify getting your ropes and trad gear out just yet, but there’s plenty of daylight for a quick bouldering session after work. With roadside venues such as Almsclife (Yorkshire), Bonehill Rocks (Devon), Burbage (Peak District) and Dumbarton Rocks (west of Glasgow), you can be parked up and have your bouldering pad out before most of your work colleagues have driven home.

If you’re new to climbing and have been training indoors over the winter, now is the perfect time to test out your skills on real rock. Just remember that bouldering outdoors can be quite different to indoors; check out these tips from the good folks at UKClimbing.

Get Out in the Garden

If you need some outdoor time, look no further than your own back garden. Gardening is relaxing, creative and can be pretty hard work! The combination of spring sun and rain means that everything is starting to grow, so it’s time to get the lawnmower out, tidy up the garden and start planting out those seedlings you’ve been nurturing in the greenhouse. Follow the RHS’s guide for jobs to do at this time of year.

Go on a Microadventure

Have you spent the winter snuggled up at home reading, planning and dreaming of adventure? Now is the time to get out there and have some! I know, I know, you need to ease yourself into this adventuring malarky. After all, the grey drizzle spreading over the M25 is quite different to the hot, wild African plains. But this is where microadventures come in.

Microadventures are pint-sized adventures. They’re not about taking on some huge daunting challenge that you need to raise thousands of pounds for. And there’s no need to go to your boss and beg for six months off work. Microadventures are simple, local and cheap, but most importantly, fun. Whether it’s cooking dinner over a camp fire, a mid-week overnight bivvy or even camping in your garden, microadventures are exactly what you want to make them. For more ideas and lots of tips check out Alastair Humphreys’ excellent blog.

Try Orienteering

If you’ve never tried orienteering (and if not, why not?), now is a great time to start. Most orienteering clubs put on friendly summer evening events at local parks and woodlands. These are ideal for beginners, and they’ll usually be someone around to show you the ropes. Check out this newcomer’s guide to getting into orienteering, and find an event near you on the British Orienteering website.

Take the Kids on an Adventure

I’m going to be a bit controversial, but hear me out. Spring is here. It’s time to turn the TV off, put the iPad out of reach on the top shelf and limit access to the Playstation. It’s time for a family adventure.

Now the evenings are lighter there are loads of (free) outdoor activities you can take advantage of. Cycle along a canal towpath, go on a treasure hunt or feed the ducks in the park. Go in search of the Gruffalo, roast marshmallows on an open fire or build a den in the woods. Your kids will have a great time and will be so tired, you’ll all get a great night’s sleep.

Get Fit with an Outdoor Bootcamp

Fed up of sweaty gyms? Give yourself plenty of arm-waving space by taking your work out outdoors. There’s also the added bonus of being able to breath fresh, unfiltered air. If you like being shouted at, British Military Fitness run classes at all levels across the country. UK Outdoor Fitness also offer nationwide classes (possibly with less shouting) and there are plenty of local trainers around if you’re looking for some one-to-one training.

Go to an Open Air Cinema

If you’re looking for something a little less active, then take a seat at an open air cinema. You can usually take along a picnic and drinks and they’re hosted in venues from castles and stately homes to rooftop gardens and cobbled streets.

If a spot of theatre is more your thing, then get along to a performance at Regent’s Park in London, Grosvenor Park in Chester or the stunning Minack Theatre in Cornwall.

Enter some evening running events

If your weekends are packed full of family commitments, opportunities to enter running races can be few and far between. The good news is, that as the evenings start getting lighter, there are more opportunities to compete in events after work. There’s a pretty comprehensive list of events here.

If you’re lucky enough to live near the hills, then there’s no excuse not to try out some of the local fell races. The
Fell Runner website has a full list of FRA registered races and you can search by region to find events in your area. Want to have even more fun? GO ORIENTEERING. (I’m not going to tell you again.)

Take a sunset walk

One of the nicest things about this time of year is that the sun sets at a perfect time for evening sunset walks. It’s not so early that you’re stuck at work, and you have plenty of time to get home for a late dinner afterwards. Take a stroll through your local park, woodland or fields. Close your eye and breathe in the sounds and smells of nature. Relax and enjoy the swathes of colour across the sky as the sun dips below the horizon. Be at peace.

What’s your favourite way to use the extra daylight we have in the evenings? Get in touch on Twitter and let me know, or drop a comment in the box below. Happy adventuring!

How to Keep Warm on the Bike in Winter

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keep-warm-on-bike

With the right kit, there’s no excuse not to get out on the bike in winter

Freezing temperatures, wind and rain is enough to send most cyclists scuttling back to the warmth of indoor training. But even in winter, a ride outside can be much more satisfying than spinning the wheels on the turbo trainer. Catch a rare day of winter sun and you may get some of the best riding conditions of the year.

Whether you’re heading off down the trails or hitting the road, here are our top tips to keep warm on winter rides. So you have no excuses for not getting out there!

Choose the Right Clothing

Cycling in winter is a tricky balance. It’s soooo cold when you leave the house that it can be really tempting to pile on layer after layer. But do this and half-way up that first hill, I can guarantee you will be sweating your socks off and regretting it. It’s best to leave the house a little chilly and warm up into the ride than cart around extra layers you don’t need.

A good base layer, such as the Spotti long sleeve cycling jersey, is a must for cold weather riding. Choose one that wicks away moisture as well as keeping you warm. Windproof baselayers are a good idea to block freezing north winds, but they’re often slightly heavier and thicker-weight. If you’re prone to overheating a better option may be to carry a super-lightweight windproof top in your jersey pocket for downhill sections.

Arm warmers are great for early and late season rides – when the air is just a bit chilly first thing, but it warms up nicely later on.

Look After Your Extremities

While your legs will be doing a great job of keeping themselves warm, it’s the outer parts of your body you need to look out for in the cold. Your fingers and toes don’t do much moving when you’re on the bike, so focus on wrapping them up warm. If you’ve ever experienced the dreaded hot-aches, you’ll appreciate just how painful cold hands can be!

Finding the right winter glove is always tough. You want something that’s going to keep your fingers warm, but still give you the dexterity you need to change gears and use the brakes. Plus you need good grip, particuarly in wet conditions. If dexterity is your top priority, then you may want to go for a full fingered glove such as the Craft Storm Bike Glove. However, if you can sacrifice a bit of dexterity in favour of warmth, then a lobster split finger glove such as the Pearl Izumi Ride Pro AMFIB glove may suit you better.

Make sure you pick a glove that’s windproof and ideally waterproof or water resistance. Long cuffs will help keep your wrists warm and improve blood flow to your hands. In the coldest conditions, a thermal liner glove such as the Pearl Izumi Thermal Lite Glove will provide an extra layer of warmth.

And don’t neglect your feet! Whether you’re cycling on wet roads or down muddy dirt tracks, your feet are likely to get wet in winter. Overshoes are a winter essential, to stop your feet freezing in your cycling shoes. Some overshoes are just windproof and are often made of neoprene to keep your feet warm even if they do get wet, but there are also waterproof options.

Some people swear by waterproof socks, such as the SealSkinz Hydrostop but I’d say this is a personal choice. They’re a bit like Marmite – you either love them or hate them. Merino wool is a popular choice as it provides warmth without bulk. If you get really cold feet, you could even opt for heated insoles. Mmmm…

Keep Your Head Warm

On whistling downhills your noggin can get pretty chilly, and frozen ears are one of my least favourite parts of winter riding. As bike helmets are designed primarily with weight and ventilation in mind, they don’t help with keeping your head warm in cold weather.

For spring and autumn rides, a thin buff may be a good compromise between warmth and breathability. We recommend going for two; one for your neck, and one for your head. But when the temperatures really plummet, you’ll be after a decent insulating hat. The Arc’Teryx Rho LTW Beanie is made of warm merino wool and looks just as cool walking about town as on the bike. If it’s windy and wet out, then the Castelli Tempesta Hood is made from waterproof and water-resistant materials – it also has a neck gaiter to provide full head and face protection. Riders with long hair may like the Pearl Izumi Barrier Skull Cap which has a ponytail-friendly rear flap.

Stay Dry

Getting wet is a sure-fire route to getting cold. Though you may not want to wear a waterproof jacket all day if rain’s forecast then it’s worth having a lightweight jacket to hand. The Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape provides a good compromise between waterproofness, breathability and cost and is small enough to roll up into your jersey pocket.

If you know you’re going to be out in bad weather, or are looking at a tougher option for the trails, then the Gore Bike Wear One jacket is a good all-rounder, or, for a less jaw-dropping price, the Enduro MT500 II jacket.

Plan a Pit Stop

It’s important to keep well hydrated and fueled on long rides, particularly in winter. But stopping for longer than five minutes is guaranteed to chill you down fast. Planning your route to take in a nice warm cafe is a good compromise (particularly if they do great cake). Hot tea will warm you up and you can take a break without losing all the heat you’ve been generating on the bike. The hardest part will be resisting the temptation to stay all day.

A Beginner’s Guide to Cycle Commuting in London

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Cycle-commute-London

You don’t need expensive or fancy kit to commute by bike

More people in London are cycling to work than ever before. If you’re in Zone 1 during the morning rush hour, more than thirty percent of vehicles you’ll see on the roads will be bicycles. The investment in cycling infrastructure such as the cycle superhighways may have been controversial, but it’s helping to turn London into the cycling capital of Britain.

But if you’re new to cycling or cycle commuting, London’s roads can still be intimidating. I understand that. When I started commuting by bike I was nervous of cycling on main roads, nervous of cycling in rush hour and most of all, nervous of buses. But once I started, I found cycling to be my favourite method of commuting and a great way to explore parts of the city you may not otherwise see.

If you’ve been thinking about commuting by bike, but are put off by the cost of kit or the state of the roads, don’t be. Here’s a beginner’s guide to cycle commuting in London.

Choose your kit

As a beginner the choice of bikes and cycling gear can be rather overwhelming. But cycling doesn’t have to cost a fortune – it’s perfectly possible to get all the essential kit you need for commuting for under £500. If you’re happy with a second-hand bike, you won’t even need to spend that. In addition to the obvious places to look such as eBay and Gumtree, try specialist websites such as BuyaCycle or Police auctions. There are also lots of bike recycling organisations around the country and your local bike shop may sell second-hand models.

Bikes

Your choice of bike will depend on the type of terrain you encounter on your route to work. For commuting in London, you’re likely to be mainly on roads or tarmac cycle paths so there’s no need for a mountain bike. Many experienced cyclists (and those with a need for speed) chose a road bike with drop handlebars. If you’re a newer rider and not planning on taking up racing anytime soon then I’d recommend a hybrid bike. These tend to be more affordable and allow you to have a more comfortable, upright riding position.

There’s a huge range of styles of hybrid bike from those that are essentially a road bike at heart, to others that are more adapted for off-road riding. If you’re commuting on roads, you’ll probably want to opt for a steed towards the road bike end of the spectrum as the bike will be lighter with thinner tyres. From personal experience, it’s worth investing in a decent pair of puncture-resistant tyres for all-season riding. Trying to change a tyre at the side of the road in the pouring rain is not fun.

If you’re confused by all the different types of bikes available, check out this useful guide to commuter bikes from from Evans Cycles.

Accessories

The topic of cycle helmets is guaranteed to lead to a lively debate if raised in a pub full of cycling commuters. For my part, I would always recommend you wear a helmet when cycling – your head is precious, let’s keep it intact. There’s a huge range of helmets in different shapes and sizes available on the market to suit every head.

Also essential in London is a good bike lock. How much you spend on this will depend on where you park your bike (e.g. if you have secure bike storage at work) and how precious your bike is to you. There’s a comprehensive guide here to help you make the right decision.

When it comes to bike lights, my view is the brighter the better, particularly when it’s dark and wet. If you don’t drive a car it’s easy to assume that drivers will be able to see you. They have big headlights right?

Well yes, but even on a lit road, it is surprisingly difficult to spot a cyclist riding in the rain at night who is wearing dark clothing and has no lights. And I’m a driver who specifically looks out for cyclists. Moral of the story: ALWAYS use lights at night.

Depending how much stuff you need to lug to and from work, you may want to invest in a bike rack or panniers to ease the load on your back. If you’re going for a backpack it’s worth choosing one that’s waterproof or has a rain cover. I use a reflective HUMP cover which keeps me visible and my bag dry – it also has a hand mesh pocket at the back which you can stash an extra light in.

Clothing

You don’t need any specific clothing for cycling. (Though long skirts and dresses are not advised. Been there. Done that. Got the bruises.) That said, if you’re commuting regularly and don’t want to turn up at the office with soggy trousers covered in chain oil, you’ll probably want a separate set of clothes for cycling.

If you have a short commute, you’ll probably be fine in a pair of leggings or fitness tights, but for longer rides, padded shorts or tights will make your ride a lot more comfortable. And in case you were wondering, you do not wear underwear under the shorts. Cycling shorts are a really personal thing – what suits one person doesn’t necessarily suit another – so do your research before shelling out a load of cash.

The other useful piece of kit is a reflective windproof or waterproof jacket. It may not look ‘cool’ but it’ll keep you warm and dry and could save your life (see point above about people cycling in the dark).

Get trained up

If you haven’t cycled for a while or you’re a bit wobbly on a bike, it’s worth booking onto a cycle training course. Even if you’re an experienced cyclist, you may learn some new tips and tricks for cycling in a city. Free cycle skills training is available at different levels in all London boroughs. Some boroughs will even loan you a bike for the training if you don’t have your own.

Choose your route

When I first started cycling to work in London, I chose the most direct route into work. It was along a main road, but it wasn’t a particularly fast road (especially not during rush hour) and there were cycle or bus lanes for part of the route. But after a couple of near misses and one incidence of being knocked off my bike by a careless driver, I started to get a bit more nervous. Although I didn’t commute every day, after a few months I realised I was subconsciously avoiding cycling into work. Making up excuses for why tomorrow wasn’t a ‘good day’ to cycle.

So I started to look for alternative routes into work. I tried following one of the marked cycle routes on designated quiet roads, which was fun but took too long to be practical. I then plugged my details into the TfL Route Planner, which was super useful. It gave me a list of route options, from quickest and most direct, to an easy route which avoided all main roads. I picked the ‘moderate route’ and amended it slightly using one of the free cycle guides Transport for London produce.

I ended up with a route that took me slightly longer to get to work, but was infinitely more enjoyable. I felt safer and more relaxed and began to look forward to my cycling days again. If you’re commuting outside of London, the CycleStreets website has a journey planner covering other parts of the country.

Learn the basics of bike maintenance

Now don’t panic, I’m talking about the BASICS of bike maintenance. Stuff that every bike owner should know. This doesn’t involve stripping down your bike or replacing components and doesn’t require fancy tools or special knowledge. It’s about making sure your bike is roadworthy. Sustrans have a useful 11-step checklist which covers basic bike checks and pumping your tyres up. It’s also worth practicing replacing an inner tube or repairing a puncture as there is a bit of a knack to it.

If you’re not sure about anything or want to try your hand at more complex maintenance, YouTube is your friend!

Above all, just get out there and enjoy a commute in the fresh air. It beats playing sardines on the tube any day.

16 Christmas Gifts for People Who Love the Outdoors

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Christmas-gift-guide-outdoors

Find the perfect Christmas gift for outdoor-loving people

As we’re well into December now, I thought a bit of Christmas gift inspiration was in order. You may all be more organised than me and have your presents bought, wrapped and under the tree. (Is it wrong to admit I haven’t started shopping yet?). But if you’re stuck about what to buy for friends and family who love the outdoors hopefully this guide will help.

I’ve tried to keep it budget friendly (under £50) and included a few more unusual options, for the person who has everything.

Christmas gifts for runners

I was really jealous of my fiance’s merino buff when we were running in snowy Scotland recently. For warmth without weight (or itchiness), check out this stylish selection of buffs. Plus, 1 percent of the proceeds will be donated to non-profit organisations working for the environment. From £22 at www.buffwear.co.uk.

At this time of year, most runners are having to train in the dark. To get away from the roads and have a real run, a headtorch is a must. Alpkit’s Prism 630 is reasonable priced, water resistant and kicks out an impressive 630 lumens. Perfect to make sure your runner gets out and home again in time for dinner. £43 from www.alpkit.com.

If your running friend really doesn’t need any more socks, trainers or running mementos, why not consider a subscription to a magazine? Trail Running is the only UK magazine dedicated to off-road running and packed full of inspiration. From £24 with a free baselayer top from www.greatmagazines.co.uk.

Christmas gifts for cyclists

Every cyclist likes a tick-list and this is one of the best. Great British Bike Rides covers 40 of the best road rides across England, Scotland and Wales. The book gives a detailed breakdown of each route with downloadable GPX files. £25 from www.v-publishing.co.uk.

Combining a tyre lever, spanner, screw drivers and a host of other tools, the Nutter Cycle Multi Tool is a neat, lightweight tool that should fix problems a cyclist may come across. It even has a bottle opener (though no drinking and cycling please!). £39.99 from www.fullwindsor.cc.

If you’re looking for an off-the-bike gift, this recycled punctured inner tube belt may fit the bill. Or these bike chain earrings made from upcycled bicycle chains. Belt, £34 and earrings, £8 from www.cyclegeezer.com.

Christmas gifts for climbers

I have been a religious fan of Climb On! bar for years. It’s about the only thing that sorts my dry skin out after a day of climbing – and gets it ready for the next day. £9.99 from www.urbanrock.com.

3RD ROCK is a family run clothing business based in the Peak District with an environmental ethos. I’m a huge fan of their clothes for climbing in: if you’re looking for presents for the climber in your life check out the Orbit Vest (£22) and Luna Recycled Bra Top (£33).

Keep your climber injury-free with Dave Macleod’s excellent book, Make or Break: Don’t Let Climbing Injuries Dictate Your Success. Drawing on his own experiences and existing research, Dave covers both prevention and treatment of different injuries with advice and techniques specific to climbing. £29 from www.davemacleod.com.

Christmas gifts for hikers

A set of Contoured Coasters from Alp & Ash would be a great present for anyone who loves the British Hills. Handmade, you can pic ‘n’ mix across the range of English, Welsh and Scottish hills to create a bespoke collection. From £8.

I was lucky enough to get a Sigg Hot & Cold ONE bottle for my birthday and so far it’s shaping up to be the best thermos flask I’ve owned. It has a handy one-hand opening system and it guaranteed to keep your drinks hot for hours. (Though be warned – I actually burnt my mouth forgetting how hot the liquid could be!) £22.99 from www.uk.sigg.com.

A map is a great gift for any hiker. But what about a whole set of them? A 12-month premium subscription to OS Maps gives unlimited access to Standard, Aerial, OS Explorer and OS Landranger maps, plus over 400,000 suggested routes for the bargain price of £23.

Alternative Christmas gifts

Still struggling for ideas? If your intended recipient doesn’t want ‘things’, how about these alternative presents:

  • If your cyclist has one too many bikes, how about donating one in their name? World Bicycle Relief donates sturdy bikes to students, healthcare workers and entrepreneurs across Africa, South America and Southeast Asia. Looking closer to home? The Bike Project is a London-based project that takes second-hand bikes, fixes them up and donates them to refugees.
  • One gift that will go down a treat for any active person is a sports massage. Whatever sport they’re into, a massage is a great way to loosen up aching muscles after a hard training session.
  • Treat your explorer to a bushcraft course to learn the basics of surviving in the wild. Various companies run weekends and longer courses across the UK. For a lower cost (and lower commitment) alternative, TheCanoeMan runs taster sessions from £30.
  • The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour87 brings the magic and adventure of the Banff Festival to cities across the UK. The films cover a wide range of sports and adventures, so there’s something to inspire everyone. Tickets are £14 (or £12 if you go to both shows).

These gifts can also make great birthday presents at any time of year. If you’ve got a suggestion for a great gift, add it to the comments below! I should also say that none of the links are affiliate links and I get no compensation from any of the companies listed for promoting their products – I just think they look great!