SummerGearGuide

Summer Essentials
CLASS OF 2023
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE
BLISTER PLASTERS £4
These are among the most sophisticated and
effective blister plasters we’ve ever tried. They are
hydrocolloid, which means they form a soothing
gel to cushion the blister, protecting it from
further rubbing so it can heal quickly. Available in
a mixed pack containing two small and three
medium-sized plasters that are
individually wrapped, making them
easier to carry with you.
upmedical.co.uk
LIFESYSTEMS EXPEDITION MAX
MOSQUITO REPELLENT 100ML £9
With a revolutionary new formula, this new
product has been developed to replace
Lifesystems’ popular Expedition 100+ insect
repellent but with half the amount of DEET.
It combines the proven performance of 50%
DEET with DermaLOC technology that locks
the repellent on the surface of the skin to
provide long lasting protection from malarial
and non-malarial mosquitoes.
lifesystems.co.uk
LIFEVENTURE
FLIP TOP WATER BOTTLE £13
This flip-top water bottle is made from an
impact-resistant Tritan co-polyester and
benefits from a nicely tactile two-tone
rubberised finish that is easy to hold
comfortably. With a 750ml capacity this
reusable bottle will keep you hydrated while
on the move and features a watertight lid
with easy-drink straw and a finger loop for
easy carriage. The Tritan material also offers
the added benefit of not retaining tastes or
odours, and it’s BPA-Free. lifeventure.com
NIKWAX TECH WASH
& TX.DIRECT £13
Possibly the most all-round useful
pair of products on this page.
Sold in a great-value twin pack,
they are the simplest and most
cost-effective way to clean your kit
and restore the water-repellency
of anything waterproof. Tech
Wash does the washing (from
base layers to tents); TX.Direct
reproofs any membrane system,
including Gore-Tex. nikwax.com
TREKMATES AMIRA NIQAB
£17/HAYA HIJAB £35
Designed in partnership with Amira
Patel, founder of the Wanderlust
Women, here we have the first ever
waterproof hijab and niqab. Both are
made with lightweight and durable
materials which are waterproof,
windproof and breathable, to
keep you warm and dry in any
challenging conditions.
trekmates.co.uk
VAPUR 700ML EZ-LICK PORTABLE
DOG WATER BOTTLE £23
Hailed as the most convenient way to keep
your dog hydrated, this foldable bottle has
none of the mess or bulk of other bowls and
gear. Simply remove the dust shield to reveal
the lick-ball water dispenser, and hold the
bottle to your dog’s mouth; they can drink all
they want without wasting a drop. It stands
when full, and once empty you can simply
roll it up, stow it away, and keep on
adventuring together. whitbyandco.co.uk
ALPKIT RENI BUCKET
HAT £25
We’re not absolutely sure if
this was named in honour
of Stone Roses drummer
Alan ‘Reni’ Wren (a
noted fan of the bucket
hat in the band’s nineties
heyday), but whatever the
inspiration, it’s a fine bit of
kit. Made from 100% organic, breathable cotton, it’s a
great way to keep the heat off your noggin this summer.
Sound as a pound, mate. alpkit.com
CROSSFLY IKON 6”
BOXERS £25
CW deputy editor Nick has
worn a pair of these for over
a year now (not continuously
– they’re not that good), and
thinks they might be the
comfiest dedicated outdoor
boxers he’s ever tried.
Super-smooth yet
super-supportive where
you need it, they are just
absurdly comfortable. crossfly.com
18 SUMMER GEAR GUIDE 2023