June brings the official calendar start of winter, but that shouldn’t stand in the way of adventure. We’ve found great ways to keep warm outdoors with this useful winter gear.
Also read: Affordable bush breaks for winter
1. Atlasware Bottle
From R250, atlasware.co.za
Is it a bottle? A flask? Both actually. We’ve tested the insulated Atlasware Bottle and found it keeps your drink steamy for a good four hours, but also keeps cold beverages icy for use in the summer. It doesn’t leak and bottles are available in various sizes, choose from a 500ml, 700ml, 1-litre, 1,75-litre bottle.
2. Vacuum Coffee System
R880, campandclimb.co.za
The iconic green Stanley flask got an update. Still just as timeless and durable, the Vacuum Coffee System features some useful insides that take the bottle from flask to full portable brewing kit.
The vacuum bottle fits a pot to boil up water, a French press to whip up the java, two cups that screw into each other for sharing and a dry storage stopper holds the coffee grounds. We also dig this insulated Vacuum Travel Press.
3. Neckwarmer Knitted and Polar Reversible Buff
R369, duesouth.co.za
Without sacrificing performance the Neckwarmer Knitted and Polar Reversible Buff is still a classic neck protector, but trendy. Available in different lengths and colours the neckpiece features a stylish knitwear exterior and a polar fleece interior. It’s great for outdoor activity being wind-resistant, breathable, moisture-wicking and takes up very little space.
4. K-Way Winter Expo News
R2 999, capeunionmart.co.za
This winter Cape Union Mart launches new K-Way gear including a rugged range of hiking boots featuring Vibram outsoles, self-inflating sleeping mats, great down-filled jackets and sleeping bags plus trekking towels that look like they’ll actually dry you off. However, the new K-Way Merak ’15 Tri-Lam Shell Jacket stole the limelight with clever design functionality for outdoor expeditions, like sticky gel-like shoulder pieces to prevent a backpack sliding off the wet jacket and three-layers of high-performance fabric for comfort. At the top-end of their expedition range it’s also windproof, completely seam-sealed for effective waterproofing and breathable.
5. Eiger Trek Down Sleeping Bag
R1 795, campandclimb.co.za
Camp without dread this winter and snuggle under this envelope-shaped Eiger Trek Down Sleeping Bag. It’s filled with 90% duck down – the best heat-trapping insulation on the market – and the generous proportions make it both big enough to turn over in without strain and lengthy enough for tall people. The comfort rating means its best for use between temperatures of -5°C and 2°C and there’s a zipper at the foot of the bag to better regulate heat.
Also read: How to buy the right sleeping bag here
6. Hi-Tec Briar Knit Fleece-lined Top
R799, hi-tecdirect.com
This stylish button-up Hi-Tec Briar Knit fleece-lined winter top is a good-looking, high-neck option for cool mornings.
7. Cape Storm Smart Touch Gloves
R159, capestorm.co.za
With the Cape Storm Smart Touch Gloves you don’t have to choose between cold hands and posting a picture of that snowcapped mountain on Instagram. The touch screen compatible glove tips and silicon on the palm helps keep your grip on your precious device and swipe away. It also features reflective detail for visibility.
8. Cadac Safire heater
R500, outdoorwarehouse.co.za
The Cadac Safire heater warms up quickly to keep the cold at bay and the chrome-plated reflector bowl spreads heat evenly, so several people can huddle around it. It’s quick to set up with a simple screw-in mechanism and safe to use as long as there is some kind of ventilation. With load shedding rife, it’ll be put to great use whether you’re travelling or at home.
