Alpkit Outpost - Issue 20

ALPKIT AUTUMN/ WINTER 25

there are many ways to winter Stay indoors, turn up the heating, and scroll yourself to distraction.

It’s comfortable, right?

But unlike badgers and hedgehogs, we aren’t the hibernating type.

Find ways to adventure this winter, whatever that means for you.

Somedays, gingerly stepping out into the cold. Take the flask, go in search of solitude, knowing you’re more likely to find it on those wind-wrapped days when the hills are only braved by the few. You might be treated to cerulean skies and the clarity of mind that comes when you can see for miles. Or you might be fastening your zip as your head disappears into the rainsplashed hood.

Embrace the cold. And it's ‘effing cold. Let the ice-fringed lake take your breath away. Swim the slush.

Embrace the elements. All the elements that are splatted into your face as you grin down on the final descent. It’s not called ‘gritting your teeth’ for nothing, given the amount of grit (plus mud, sweat, mucous) in your teeth by the time you pull home.

Embrace the darkness. A single beam is enough to navigate as your toes dance up those familiar-enough trails. Pause as you summit. The breath you heard hardening as you climbed is now visible as brightened steam.

But winter doesn’t have to be an endurance event.

Pick your moment: from a one-minute dip to a mini getaway.

Do enough, feel enough, of the cold to savour the coming warmth.

In the bothy, in the pub,in a blanket. With the whoever or nobody you choose.

Or follow the path of the mountain blackbird. She finds her summer nest in upland crags, but now she's headed to the rocks of warmer climes.

Find your way to winter. nicholasjrwhite

Find inspiration for your next adventure in our Mountain Journal

4 / UK Antarctic Heritage Trust

alpkit.com

welcome to

What's it like leaving the UK at the start of winter to spend the summer in Antarctica?

Oh, it's fantastic. I love going away in the winter, swapping the UK winter for 24-hour daylight.

I am an early riser, so to actually have daylight in the early morning is really special. I'll never forget, I was making myself a cup of tea at around five one morning, and I was just looking out of the kitchen window and watching humpbacks breach in the bay.

What are the conditions like?

On the Antartica Peninsular it can be four seasons in one day. Some days are just grey, like a Scottish winter. It can be snowing, and there can be extreme wind and blizzard conditions. You can also get low clouds rolling in. Sometimes there are those real tingle days: blue sky, sunshine, mountains. The scenery glows and glitters it's just captivating.

What about the other senses?

People often don’t expect that Antarctica can be so noisy. There are around a thousand gentoo

penguins on our tiny island. With all their mating calls and chicks jabbering away, it can get raucous.

On warmer days, you get the carving of the glaciers. At Port Lockroy, we’re surrounded by several glaciers, so you can get near-constant cracking and crashing sound as pieces of ice break away into the water below. And then in the evenings, there are the sheathbills on the top of the hut, pattering back and forth.

They'll peck at the chimney, and it sounds as though someone is out there with a hammer.

For me, it’s most magical when it’s silent.

You might just hear a pshh, pshh, and it'll be a humpback blowing. Pure peace.

What does a typical day at Port Lockroy look like?

The days at Port Lockroy are extremely busy.

Fortunately, you have enough light to fit everything in! I wake up early, often around five, to get a head start. The main tasks involve opening up the historic buildings and ensuring the landing site is clear and safe. When the first expedition ship arrives, usually around nine,

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Autumn / Winter 2025

Every year the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust sends a small team to operate the world’s southernmost post office, monitor the local penguin colony, and carry out conservation work on some of the most remote historic buildings on Earth.

Now embarking on her third season, Lisa shares what it’s like to live and work at this remote outpost.

lisa

the team welcomes visitors to the island and staffs the facilities. This pattern repeats for the afternoon.

What have you learned from your time in Antarctica?

For me, it's about getting outdoors and soaking Of course, there is always conservation work to do. up the atmosphere, whatever the weather. In a Some of our historic buildings are over 80 years time when we are just bombarded with imagery old and were never designed to endure decades and noise, finding peace and some moments of the brutal winds, sub-zero temperatures and for yourself in nature is essential. relentless freeze-thaw cycles of the Antarctic climate. We work with skilled heritage carpenters and conservators who use traditional materials Alpkit tried and tested by the UKAHT and techniques to make repairs and preserve the expedition team. Tough, durable, structures and their authenticity. Their time is weather-proof. Protective limited and they’re often working in severe against penguin poop. weather, so where possible, the Port Lockroy team pitches in with anything from repainting woodwork to repairing a window frame.

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expedition gear:

In the evenings, we invariably have admin tasks to complete, but it’s also so important to find a few moments to simply enjoy the environment: going out to take photos, soaking up the atmosphere, or just having some quiet time to ourselves. Overall, it's an intense but profoundly rewarding experience.

1. Nautillus 3-layer waterproof overtrousers £159.99 • 2. Katabatic PrimaLoft® Gold synthetic insulation £179.99 • 3. Definition 3-layer impenetrable storm protection £299.99

Waterproof

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Cut from a different cloth We're obsessed with fabric. We develop our own using the latest technical and environmental developments. Fabrics that protect us from nature and protect nature from us.

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Autumn / Winter 2025

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3 layer durability: waterproof, breathable & abrasionresistant

Definition 4 season bombproof mountain hardshell. Our most technical waterproof to date, designed to thrive in the toughest conditions and built to last.

This is the Definition of winter protection. 30K hydrostatic head offers exceptional waterproof protection and 20K breathability means you’ll keep dry inside even when you’re active. £299.99

active fit for arm movement and harness compatible pfc free dwr

“Absolute monster of a jacket. Light to wear, great fit and plenty of cuff, hood and helm adjustment. Kept me bone dry over 27 miles on the Purbeck tops during Storm Bert this weekend.”

Hugh

NEW

Gravitas Ultralight highly breathable 3 layer waterproof. £199.99

Sigma Versatile recycled 3 layer, multi activity, packable. £179.99

Fortitude Hillwalking waterproof protection. £219.99

Balance Mountain waterproof, fully featured, durable. £239.99

8 / Glowing Cold

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Kat Hill heads to a bothy in the bite of a Scottish winter. Her hike is a reminder of the beauty and adventure to be found all year round.

Words & pictures by Kat Hill

There’s a particular quality to the light when you walk to a bothy in winter. The sun low in the sky rakes across the landscape, slanting in soft beams on icy pools or snow dusted hills. It’s one of the things that makes bothying special in winter.

Kat's book 'Bothy: In Search of Simple Shelter' now available

As we made our way to Guirdil on the Isle of Rùm, we felt the light fading. Nicholas and I could still see without head torches, but the sky was deepening to velvet blue, and the temperature had dropped. Coming over the hill, the bothy appeared, and we were grateful.

It was a cold night; I am not going to lie. Carrying lots of camera equipment meant little room for wood and comforts, and there’s hardly any fuel to gather near the bothy. As the temperature dropped to well below freezing on a bitter January night, we huddled together for warmth in the attic.

Cold, but our dreams were filled with the sight of the sea and sky under moonlight. The twisted alder trees arched towards the snowy top of Bloodstone Hill. The twisted rocks reached for the dark swell of the midnight tide. Above, Orion wheeled in the frozen heavens.

On the walk back the following morning as we reached the bealach, we could see the Skye Cuillin and the mainland ridges. Fresh snow had fallen, and the diffused sunlight gave the scene an otherworldly feel.

I’d always done the majority of my bothy trips in summer, but over the last few years I’ve delighted in snowy Cairngorm walks or treks across frozen peat bogs in Wester Ross, normally armed with more fuel than on the Guirdil visit. The challenges and joys are similar but different from bothying in kinder conditions, with only a few short hours of daylight and a keener awareness of the shelter these simple places bring from harsh weather.

Looking back through old visitor books from bothies, I always enjoyed winter stories of heroic adventures through driving snow and joyful sketches of ‘first footers’ on New Year’s Day.

I haven’t yet spent the festive season in a bothy, but I can share that sense of deep satisfaction in front of a fire, whisky or wine in hand, whiling away the darkness before a deep sleep.

Winter bothying might be a little harder work, mean you have to carry a little more, and be more aware of the daylight, but with it come the rich rewards of the warmth of the fire and the cool, golden glow of Scottish winter sun illuminating the quiet majesty of frozen hills.

kat’s winter bothy tips

Plan your route carefully, taking account of winter conditions which can add time to a hike, and the length of the day.

Anything need charging? Make sure you have spare batteries or a power pack. It’s easy to forget how quickly batteries drain in the cold.

Layer up. To keep warm in winter it’s all about layers, so bring plenty. You’ll warm up as you hike but bring extra for when you stop or the wind picks up.

Gloves. Double gloves are helpful, some thicker ones to keep you really warm when you don’t need your hands and a lighter thermal pair which you can use with a phone or when folding a map.

Fuel. If you can, bring some fuel as there will be much less on the ground to collect and anything left in a bothy is likely to be in high demand.

Light. Bring a mini lantern or a couple of candles to light those long bothy nights.

Cold Protection

Down

PFC-free

IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE THAT MATTERS

We love natural down. It’s light, soft and insulating.

Recycling down significantly reduces your environmental impact. Once processed, our recycled down is as good as new. So help us give old duvets, sleeping bags and jackets a new adventure. Refill not landfill.

NEW Filoment Our lightweight, packable, recycled superhero.

We combine recycled duck down with super-durable recycled fabrics to create an articulated micro baffle jacket with excellent warmth to weight ratio. It's long lasting, repairable and, ultimately, recyclable. For a lifetime of moments when you just need a big, cozy, feathery hug.

Not all down jackets are created equal! £159.99

100% recycled nylon fabric

excellent warmth to weight ratio: 630 fill power

packs into it's own hood

perfect travel pillow

If you have a down product that you'd like recycling please scan to find out more

micro-baffles for even warmth and freedom of movement

pfc free dwr

“Love this jacket. I spent a lot of time deliberating about which brand of down jacket to buy, but went with alpkit in the end as I love the company's ethos and eco credentials. Perfect warmth to bulk ratio and the high neck/hood keep all the draughts out.

I really love that it is from recycled fabrics and down - well done alpkit.” Vicky

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finding your perfect insulated jacket just got easier

Scan for our insulated jacket buying guide

WARM. WARMER 3

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2. Talini Light, lofty and packable jacket using PrimaLoft® Silver ThermoPlume® synthetic down. Worry-free warmth, even on wet, cold and windy Scottish hillsides. £119.99 1. Jura Mountain Smock Keep comfortable and warm even in filthy weather: a weatherproof and windproof smock jacket that does it all-in-one with a hardwearing, weatherproof outer and thick fleece insulation. £169.99

3. Heiko With PrimaLoft® Silver-eco warm, Heiko punches well above its weight on breezy belays, showery summit stops and chilly evenings around the tent.

Windproof, water resistant and packs down into its own pocket. £134.99

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Autumn / Winter 2025

Cold Protection

Down

Synthetic Insulation

PFC-free

R. HOT. HOTTER...

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4. Katabatic PrimaLoft® Gold Active with a breathable and wind-resistant fabric keeps you warm and comfortable for everything from hillwalking in the Lake District to climbing Alpine icefalls. £179.99 5. Solace Warm and waterproof PrimaLoft® insulated jacket. Use as a walking jacket, a ski jacket, or for instant warmth after a winter swim or ride. Made with 70% recycled fill and a PFC-free DWR. £269.99

6. 0Hiro Our warmest PrimaLoft® jacket, with 5K/5K waterproof membrane providing protection and safe refuge in harsh and sometimes downright grim British winter mountain days. £199.99 7. Fantom The quintessential down jacket for cold weather conquests. Chunky baffles of 650 FP down, a lightweight construction and mountain-ready features. £229.99

14 / Run winter

RUN THE WINTER What motivates you to go running when it’s cold, and dark and rainy outside?

I wouldn’t say winter is my favourite month as the cold, wind and rain can hold me back from my plans. But stepping out into the night with just my breath, my footsteps, and the beam of a headtorch gives me something solid to hold onto.

The elements strip everything back. It’s raw, uncomfortable, but also healing. Out there I find resilience, a reminder that even in the bleakest seasons, I can still create my own light.

Embracing the comfortable in the uncomfortable.

Do you have a favourite mountain trail that you rely on for some endorphins in the winter time?

Tell us about it!

Living in North Wales means I’m never short of incredible places to run. From steep mountain ascents to gentler hills and winding coastal paths, the variety keeps every run fresh and stops me ever feeling bored. One of my favourite loops begins in the historic town of Conwy and climbs up to Mynydd y Dref. From there, I can either push on towards Tal y Fan or cut it short, depending on the day and the legs.

Keep running through the colder days.

See some of our tips for staying warm and active this winter

When the weather’s wild and the higher peaks feel a little too gnarly, I’m lucky enough to have a Grade 2 scramble right on my doorstep — the perfect mix of running and scrambling when I’m craving adventure. These are true home trails at their best.

What are your kit essentials for running in the mountains during winter?

For me the things I don’t leave without are...

A warm paid of gloves with a waterproof mitt (like the Specta pullover gloves). Depending on how long I am planning on being out for I will pack a spare pair of gloves.

A winter fleece hat and buff (kepler draight excluder). Having spare layers when its cold and windy is super important, it’s also vital to have some extra layers in case you’re injured and need some help to get off the mountain.

A head torch - 500 lumen or higher is really important for winter. I wouldn't go into the hills or mountains without one.

Words by Kat Roberts

Pulling on your trainers when it’s grim outside? As winter approaches, it’s tempting to stay inside by the fire. We caught up with North Wales-based adventurer Kat Roberts.

She shares what keeps her heading out the door throughout winter – and why it’s exactly in those moments that running matters most.

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1. Gravitas Ultralight 3 layer waterproof jacket. £199.99 2. FKT Briefs Fast-drying, high wicking, non-chafing briefs. £11.49 3. Norden Beanie Soft merino wool and acrylic blend beanie with a fleece liner. £31.49 4. Kantju Stretchy and breathable running gaiters. £26.99 5. Specta Pullover Glove Midweight fleece running gloves with stowable windproof pullover mitt. £23.99

6. Nanolite Pole Twins Ultralight folding carbon pole for trekking, fastpacking and long-distance trail running. £73.49 7. Koulin Trail Long Sleeve 100% recycled technical tee with Polygiene® anti-odour technology. £31.49 8. Kepler Draught Excluder Pure merino neck warmer. £26.99 9. Qark 580 lumen USB rechargeable head torch with an adjustable beam. £42.99

10. Artlu 10L 10-litre running backpack for trail, fell and ultra runs or fast and light days in the hills. £54.99 11. Swiglet Soft water bottle for running and fast-paced activities. BPA-free. £7.99 12. Repeat Blended merino running socks. £17.99 13. Morphosis Fleece-lined windproof jacket. £119.99 14. Koulin Trail Tights Technical trail leggings with stash pockets and excellent wicking and breathability. £44.99

16 / Adventure microdosing

alpkit.com

How do you want today to end? As we enter the colder months, here’s how I’d like my day to finish: tucked under a duvet, rain rattling windows. Eyelids heavy, ready for sleep, legs nicely worn and weary from running, and my mind drowsily drifting. The images of the day fade into snores.

Find inspiration for your next adventure in our Mountain Journal

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Autumn / Winter 2025

Words & pictures by Al Humphreys

Here is how I love a winter run to end: peeling off muddy shoes and soggy socks in a stinking heap to be dealt with later. The steaming recovery of a hot shower, fingers and toes thawing back to life.

And then toast. Always toast. It’s the same on the days I choose to bike or hike or stroll out taking photographs – earning the tea and toast!

Here is how today’s run went: relaxed, head up, not breaking records, but listening to the jackdaws raucously roosting as the streetlights came on in the town below. My friend turned to me and said, “Look, you can see the whole route we’ve run to get here.”

And here is how my runs begin: panting on the first few strides, fiddling with my zip and hat and gloves. Not yet comfy. Then I settle into my rhythm, feeling the cold air in my nostrils and tightening on my cheeks, and I feel so, so glad that I made the effort to squeeze in this quick trot to make the most of the precious few hours of winter daylight. I’m stuck indoors a lot at this time of year, and even though I know fresh air makes me feel better, I sometimes feel intimidated by the harshness of the outdoors and more inclined not to bother.

But my mood always soars out here, crunching through frozen puddles past the old oak tree with its bare midwinter branches silhouetted against the pale sky. I never regret this burst of fresh air and nearby nature.

And so this is how I get myself out of the house on winter days when the world is gloomy, and life feels somehow both more busy and more pointless than in the golden days of summer.

I do it by thinking how grateful I’ll be tonight when I’m in bed, remembering all these small

things that are so good, so valuable, but which only happen if I lace up my shoes, step out the front door, and begin.

The most important days to do this are the days when I don’t want to – when I’m too busy, too lethargic, or when the winter gloom feels eternal.

These are the days when the tiniest dose of adventure reminds me what I really want to be living for. And so I will go outside today, perhaps only for a cup of tea under a tree, or maybe for something more epic. They both count.

So how do you want today to end?

What memories and winter moments do you want to make? Once you know, lacing up your shoes and opening your front door is much easier.

for every layer of the day Scan for our guide to layering

“Love this top. The fit is superb and it is very comfortable to wear. It is light and warm, so ideal for long hikes and being in the mountains. Great midlayer.

Made a great option for climbing the Cuillin on Skye. This is coming with me on every trip.”

Paul

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Autumn / Winter 2025

NEW Griffon This lightweight, ultra versatile and highly breathable fleece punches well above its weight in warmth. Wear it under a shell and its voided grid-back structure traps air next to the skin; wear it on its own and it becomes super breathable, allowing you to dump heat like a demon when pushing hard.

Polygiene anti-odour treatment stops your fleece from ponging, meaning you can wear it more and wash it less - pretty handy on multi-day trips. The Griffon adds warmth without the bulk to your layering system.

Available in 6-20 and S-XXL. Full zip or half. £59.99

Baselayer, midlayer, outerlayer. We've challenged what a fleece can do, now it's your turn.

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1. Vayper Long Sleeve High-performance base layer made from 100% recycled fabric £41.99 2. Griffon Half-Zip Gridded zip-neck microfleece £54.99 • 3. Heiko Lightweight and packable PrimaLoft® insulated jacket £134.99 • 4. Balance 3 layer 20k/25k waterproof jacket £239.99

Experts in every stitch Thousands of repairs, one goal: make your gear last longer

We repair all brands, all gear, in every one of our stores.

Our skilled and experienced team will keep your favourite gear going - fixing zips, patching rips, washing and reproofing.

Save your gear for more adventure, less waste. Pop in to one of our stores, grab a brew and chat through what's possible, it's a truly personalised service we've perfected since 2004.

all repairs available online too

people helping people

Scan for more information on how to get involved

Our continuum project gets your unwanted kit into the hands of people who change lives. Here are a few examples of where your gear ends up...

Essex Boys and Girls Club Essex Boys and Girls Club support around 120 independent voluntary youth groups and grassroots sports clubs, to enable young people aged 11-25, in Essex and East London, to reach their potential.

Donations into Continuum have been passed on to help their Respect Project, an early intervention programme for 13-14 year olds designed to help those struggling in school to re-engage with their education, deal with life’s problems, build their mental resilience, self confidence and improve their mental wellbeing.

It builds to a 7 day residential where they put the skills they have learned to the test as they work together to overcome mountaineering and scrambling challenges that lead up to a 24 hour expedition.

Stride Cornwall Stride Cornwall is an independent community organisation that brings together young people and their families in the great outdoors to form strong communities and access opportunities which lead to personal growth, increased independence and a sense of wellbeing. This takes the form of challenges, events and conservation projects. Linking in with Continuum, donations have been passed on to support the work they do, including their teams recruited for the 35 and 45 mile Ten Tors challenge.

wake up somewhere new

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Base camp mid layers NEW

Sastrugi Our fleeciest fleece, the Sastrugi is a proper winter-weight midlayer jacket. It's our most flexible and warmest fleece jacket for the frostiest of days mountaineering and bone-chilling winter camping. £79.99 Jaran 2 Ultralight, twin porch backpacking tent: 2-person, 3-season, 2kg. £259.99

NEW

Soloist Ultralight 1-person, 3-season backpacking tent that packs small and weighs 1.2kg. £159.99

Loki Award-winning snap neck pullover fleece for instant warmth on chilly crag days, post swim or days out in the hills. Secretly technical with classic styling. Made with 100% recycled fabric. £59.99

Legs get cold too. Chilly, soggy trousers in winter will soon affect your core temperature and kill those big day vibes.

That's why we developed a winterproof trouser range for all adventures.

Colca Full-length waterproof gaiters for hillwalking and backpacking in wet, boggy mountain areas. £39.99

Packable waterproof protection 1

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1. Cloudburst Lightweight, packable 2.5-layer waterproof trousers. Ideal for wet weather hikes or as a just-in-case layer. £84.99 2. Parallax Lightweight waterproof trousers with a breathable 2.5 layer fabric and comfort that’s made for movement. £124.99

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3. Nautilus 3-layer waterproof overtrousers. All-day-deluge protection, reinforced for serious mountain use. £159.99

Autumn / Winter 2025

Warm and dry.

Best of both worlds Equinox Equinox are warm and high-performance waterproof trousers for 4-season hillwalking in changeable weather conditions. Designed to be put on and left on all day long, so there's no need to scramble for your overtrousers when the heavens open. £139.99

Winter ready, built to last Ardent The Ardent trousers are what we’d pick for winter walking, climbing and mountaineering.

They’re warm, protective and abrasion-resistant, and reinforced on the seat and the knees.

Built to last you forever and ever and ever and ever. £109.99

Scan for our guide to choosing the best outdoor trousers

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THANKS MILL every order opens up the outdoors to someone new

For the past 10 years Alpkit has put 1% of sales into the Alpkit Foundation. The foundation gives out small grants that support grass roots, direct action projects. We’ve given awards to tackle issues such as diversity and inclusion in the outdoors, participation, education, conservation and protection of our natural environment and health and wellbeing.

A ION 10 years of

£1M 3,000 donated

projects supported

COLD 28 / Cold Fix

alpkit.com

FIX Words by Sara Barnes Ross Jarman

Cold water is guaranteed in November, be it a misty lake, a gasping waterfall or a stony beck. But in the damp grey Sara Barnes finds some of her most memorable swims.

Here she shares how she finds her way through winter.

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How do I motivate myself and keep myself safe on a gloomy afternoon when the clag is down and the sound of my breath is all I can hear as I step across sheep-nibbled grass?

I don’t shrink from a solo adventure but always make sure I have my jar of fully-charged fairy lights, a hot drink, a snack, and the normal ‘winter’ swim kit. I am very familiar with being outdoors on my own at all times of year and have learnt to adapt my adventures to my own ability. Turning back is always a good option if the signs are growing into warnings.

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My inner warrior is triggered when I leave my house full of physical and emotional comfort.

All around me nature is slowly closing down, retreating into winter. I soak up the echoes of falling leaves, toffee-crisp bracken and mistybreathed sheep. My mittened hands are toasty and ready to cringe at the first bite of the water.

I have everything I need with me, in me and all around me. I know that, once home, a warm dinner, cosy slippers and pjs await me.

First, I need to earn my comfort.

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A moody swim in Windermere really stands out for me. I’d been to the Kendal Mountain Festival.

I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and I grew cold right down to the bone. With only an hour before darkness I fled to the lake. I don’t think I have ever needed a swim quite so much.

The jetty was semi submerged, which matched how I felt completely.

I walked out to the end of the jetty and stood looking out into the gloaming. First, a man appeared on a paddleboard, we spoke briefly.

He had been to the festival and now felt the need for a quiet moment too. As he floated past the jetty I jumped into the dark water. My jar of lights twinkled in complicity. Then a second man appeared on the lakeshore. He wanted to photograph winter twilight. Three of us, random strangers, drawn to this place by its reflective stillness.

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Moments like these are banked as a sparkling reminder for those days I need extra motivation to get outdoors.

cold water kit list:

1. Outdoor Swimming Cap £34.99 • 2. Silvertip Fleece lined cold water swimming wetsuit £249.99 • 3. Outdoor Swimming Gloves £44.99 • 4. Nori Tow float £31.49 5. Outdoor Swimming Socks £39.99 • 6. Skomer Outdoor changing mat £34.99 7. Haven Insulated changing robe £139.99 • 8. Cwtch Bobble Beanie Double layered merino blend bobble hat £36.99 • 9. Airlok 12L 12 litre roll-top Sara's book 'The Cold Fix' drybag. £20.99 • 10. Peak 750 Double wall insulated 750ml flask £17.99 now available

30 / Alpkit Wool

Super natural performance Cosy, capable, credible. Our knits are built for a lifetime of adventure. Breathable, insulating, tough - wool works as hard as you do, wicking sweat, regulating heat and lasting season after season.

From sheep to summit, move more naturally and harness nature's original technical fabric.

alpkit.com

NEW

Pennine A warm and naturally antibacterial men's jumper made in Britain from 100% British wool in its natural undyed colour. Tough, warm and dependable. Built for life outdoors. £129.99

Tryfan Warm, breathable and odour-resistant chunky knit jumper made with pure merino lambswool: a 100% sheep-powered natural midlayer. £94.99

NEW

Stora Made from pure RWS-certified wool, it’s warm, breathable and durable. A jumper built for long walks, bothy nights and quiet fireside evenings.

With raglan sleeves for freedom of movement and a regular, slightly boxy fit, it’s a technical midlayer disguised as a lifestyle favourite. £94.99

‘Knitwear’ at alpkit.com

Kepler Long Sleeve Breathable and comfortable long-sleeved premium merino base layer. £64.99 Kepler Draught Excluder Luxuriously soft, lightweight pure merino neck warmer. £26.99 Kepler Leggings Ultrafine merino leggings for cold weather layering: moisture-managing, temperature-regulating, odour-resistant. £69.99 We only use ultrafine 100% natural merino from non-mulesing farms. You can’t get finer.

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TREATS

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Winter gifts for someone you love or treat yourself!

1. Trig 250 Insulated 250ml stainless steel mug £15.99 • 2. Woodsmoke Hollow core mountain shirt £94.99 • 3. Bothy: In Search of Simple Shelter by Kat Hill £10.99 • 4. Talus Heavy-weight lambswool hiking socks £25.99 • 5. Ushbar Mid-weight lambswool hiking socks £24.99 6. Hydrater 3 litre collapsible flask £16.49 • 7. Frazil Technical climbing gloves £55.99 8. Manana Insulated camping quilt blanket £59.99 • 9. Graviton 400 lumen head torch with charging case £39.99 • 10.Radiant Insulated inflatable camping mat £109.99 • 11. MytiMug 650 650ml Recycled titanium cooking mug £41.99 • 12. Iona Pure wool UK made roll neck jumper £129.99 • 13. Rago Pure wool jumper £99.99 • 14. Tryfan Pure lambswool jumper £94.99 15. Peak 1000 1000ml double wall insulated flask £20.99 • 16. BruKit All-in-one cooking system £62.99 • 17. Cwtch Bobble Beanie £36.99 • 18. MytiBurner Liquid fuel camping stove £47.99 19. FKT Boxers Wicking underwear £13.99 • 20. MyMokka Camp stove coffee maker £15.99 21. Juice Holder 20,000mAh power bank £31.99 • 22. Ionic 350 lumen compact head torch £25.99 23. Juice Tank 10,000mAh power bank £26.99 • 24. Kula 550 lumen adjustable angle head torch £31.49 • 25. Rifugio Insulated hut slippers £47.99

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SHIRT just GOT REAL useful

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GIVE THE GIFT CARD OF ADVENTURE We're all very particular about our outdoor gear and we've all got different gaps that need filling or kit in need of an upgrade.

We're a gift buying nightmare.

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Woodsmoke shirt The most comfortable, easy going and versatile shirt you will ever own. It looks like a shirt but because of the clever ThermocoreTM hollow fibre fabric, it traps heat to work like a fleece. It never needs ironing so is perfect for a throw on jacket as you run out of the house/hut/tent.

Wear it riding, hiking, climbing, working, relaxing (and maxing), you’ll never want to take it off. And with Polygiene® anti-odour technology you won’t need to.

Your new favourite do-it-all shirt. Buy well, put less in your wardrobe. £94.99

turns out everyone loves the woodsmoke...

“The perfect shirt” Pippa

“The best shirts” Paul

“Go to shirt” Jay

“So comfortable” Sze

“Great riding shirt” Kevin

“Love this shirt” Kathryn

“I wear all the time” Tom

“I own 5” Swayndo

‘Woodsmoke’ at alpkit.com

Available in Women's 6-20 and Men's XS-XXL

UNITED BY ADVENTURE For 15 years, Trakke has been creating timeless, hard-wearing bags in Scotland, inspired by its landscapes and built to last. Every bag is still handmade in Britain using durable waxed canvas - combining heritage craftsmanship with modern adventure.

And now, as part of the Alpkit family, a new chapter begins to take this spirit even further. Expertly crafted to the highest standards by a team of skilled sewers and makers. Crafted with care for a lifetime of adventures.

Trakke bags are now available online and in all 10 of our Alpkit stores.

THE CRAFT OF CARRY

BANNOCH PRO Redefining Excellence in Outdoor Gear

VOLUME: 25 LITRES

WEIGHT: 1.49KG

OUTER FABRIC: DRY-FINISH WAXED CANVAS

The Bannoch Pro backpack is the ultimate choice for those who demand only the best. Designed with precision and crafted with the finest materials, this backpack stands out as a paragon of functionality, durability, and style. Whether you're navigating urban landscapes or embarking on rugged outdoor adventures, the Bannoch Pro ensures your gear is organised, protected, and easily accessible. £359

Olive Whisky Port Black

The Winter Gravel Series is back! What’s better than a day out in the saddle with good company, ‘eh?

Find your nearest, or become a true gravel hero and ride the full series. All proceeds to the Alpkit Foundation.

Scan to sign up and for more information

metrocentre th 5 October

inverness

19 th October

keswick

kingston

11 th January

hathersage

25 th January

ambleside

2 nd November

8th February

edinburgh rd

23 November

22 nd February

bristol th

8th March

7 December

Ilkley st

21 December

betws-y-coed alpkit campus

‘Gravel Series’ at alpkit.com

We can’t promise blue bird skies, but we can promise a crackin’ time.

With organised rides from all corners of Britain led from our stores, each ride offers a unique take on UK gravel. Soak up the scenery, and be welcomed back with a warm brew and sticky bun as we crown you a gravel hero. Let’s ride together through winter.

sonderbikes.com Where next?

Santiago is a truly comfortable, fast, assured bike, both in its own right (audax slaying, winter riding) or when racked up for multi-month adventures.

Crafted from cold-worked, air-hardened Reynolds steel, steeped in the history of long distance riding.

This is the bike for a lifetime of adventures.

Load up, bug out.

Spread the cost up to 36 months with V12 finance.

Available to purchase with cycle to work scheme.

Reynolds Steel, mile-munching tourer Santiago 105 £1,999 Frameset £1,099

alpkit.com

38 / Chris Marton

Battling the biting cold of Transylvania Words & pictures by Chris Marton

Romania was never really on my radar as a destination for this trip but I took a week long detour through the Romanian Carpathians and I am so glad I did.

I was cycle touring across Europe towards Central Asia and arrived in Bratislava ahead of schedule and realised I could visit Romania too before heading through to Serbia and back onto my original route.

My first day riding into Romania included a very wet border crossing from Hungary. I received a stamp and left with a glare from the guard which asked the same question I was asking myself: why was I riding there in such bad weather?

I arrived at my hostel in Oradea with shoes and pockets full of rain and parked the bike safely in the common room before anyone could protest. By the time I'd had a shower, a huge bowl of ciorbă (sour soup) and a beer, I was ready for bed.

Snow fell overnight but the roads and sky were clear when I woke. As I left the city I could already see the mountains ahead of me, their tops covered in snow. I climbed a couple of small passes up to around 400m to enter the valley of the Untu River. By the late afternoon the snow clouds were building so I started to look for a place to pitch my tent. This was when I had my first encounter with a famed Carpathian Shepherd dog. I turned off the road and down a rough track looking for a patch of grass I could hide away on for the night. The dog must have heard me rattling along the track and appeared in an instant to block my way, barking and braying but standing

its ground. I wasn’t going to argue with this one.

I retreated back the way I came and found a less well guarded patch to pitch up instead. Happily, I managed to cook up some noodles and get into the tent before the snow hit.

Waking early to a thick covering of snow, I packed up as fast as I could manage and didn’t even try boil a coffee. Within a few kilometres I was warm and climbing a pass up to 660m with the mountains all around me looking even more imposing with their fresh covering of snow.

That day I was aiming for Deva in the western edge of Transylvania, a historic city within the Apusani Mountains, overlooked by a 13th century fortress on a rocky outcrop at the head of the valley.

It was here I was hoping to find a place to set up camp.

This turned out to be my coldest night so far and my bike computer told me it was -6 degrees in the tent by morning. If I’d had any water left it would have frozen again so no coffee to start this day either. What I did have to start the day was a stunning view of the mountain snow being lit up in a dazzling orange glow as the sun crept above the hills in the east. Setting off with a descent back to the main road I was chilled to the bone again and despite my best efforts at riding one handed with the other hand tucked in my armpit, my fingers were numbed and painful and my exposed face gave me brain freeze.

Find inspiration for your next adventure in our Mountain Journal

My penultimate day involved five climbs, the first of these being the largest and I fought against wind and rain for 17km before another cold descent dropped me into a much drier valley where I neared the edge of the mountains.

The air felt dry and warm and the sun was back.

At last, off came the waterproofs and out came the knobbly knees. I rode for almost seven hours to reach a Warmshowers host where I had a bed and a roof over my head lined up. After the last few days I was so relieved to also have a wood burning stove in my bedroom which kept me warm all night. My host was a herboligist who had left her life in the rat race to move into the country and live more self sufficiently. Her house was in a quiet village in a bowl shaped valley with hills on all sides. She had an infectious energy and passion for life. We shared a salad of freshly foraged leaves and a big loaf of bread all washed down with some local beers while she told me about the local bear and wolf population.

After a long time in fairly adverse conditions I really appreciated how warm, clean, dry and well fed I was at that moment and I slept deeply.

I left late the next morning full of pancakes, coffee and excitement for the day ahead.

The forecast was unfortunately accurate and it really did rain all day from the moment I set off to the moment I arrived at the Serbian border crossing.

The border was empty beside some stray dogs and two guards so I passed through smoothly.

On arrival at my very low-budget hotel, soaked through and cold again, the hotelier explained with more hand signals and fewer smiles that he’d double booked the last room and I would have to spend the night at his house. He’d give me his bed and he would sleep on the sofa.

That is another story and something I was too tired to begin to care about.

Looking back on my week in Romania, there were a lot of times where I could have decided I’d made the wrong decision detouring there.

Something about the country, the roads, forests and snowy peaks meant I never really stopped smiling. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I stopped at a petrol station cafe where I must have looked like a love child of the Michelin man and a yeti, wearing all my clothes at once and groaning as I struggled to take off my gloves. After sipping my coffee for an hour I had thawed my fingers and toes enough to set off again.

40 / New El Camino - electric gravel bike

s e l i M

E R M Fun

The new El Camino is about freedom. It gives riders the confidence to go further, to explore longer routes without worrying about the last climb. It’s everything we love about gravel — with a little more wind in your sails.

Neil Sutton Sonder Product Manager

El Camino enables you to explore more than ever before.

Featuring a 250Wh downtube battery the 3 power options allow you to redefine your limits, from fast local loops to more challenging climbs.

You decide the route regardless of terrain. The awardwinning progressive geometry makes this bike quick, agile and comfortable. El Camino is adventure ready with 50mm tyre clearance and internal cable routing, plus multiple frame mounts for unlimited bikepacking options. Made with 6061 heat-treated aluminium makes this bike robust and versatile taking you from the road to the trail.

More miles, more climbs, more fun. Stretch the big days and maximise those stolen evening rides.

Enough range to ride all day while still being light enough to lift over a gate!

Out-front display

Integrated 250Wh battery, charges in only 3 hours

Bar mounted controls

Internal cable management 250W rear hub motor with standard 12mm thru-axle

NEW

Fork cage mounts

Clearance for 50mm tyres

E LECTRIC G R AVE L BIKE

Midnight

• Lightweight – only 3kg more than the non-electric Camino

Candy Apple

• Same progressive geometry as our award-winning Camino • 250Wh battery integrated in the downtube gives a real-life range of up to 70km of assisted riding

Dark Teal

• 250W thru-axle rear hub motor gives 38Nm of torque • Compatible with HG-L, Micro Spline and XDR freehubs • One piece carbon monocoque fork with mudguard & cage mounts • Rear mud guard and pannier rack mounts • Ride tyres up to 50mm • Internal cable routing Full builds from £2,849 Spread the cost up to 36 months with V12 finance.

Available to purchase with cycle to work scheme.

Scan to find out more and build your dream El Camino

“I was stood still for 8 hours straight in the Arctic Circle and the Fantom jacket kept me warm.”

WARM AF

Nick

alpkit feathers

Fantom Jacket Get toasty on an icy belay. Stuff it to the bottom of your winter pack.

For baltic days, autumn bivvies and winter bothies.

Ethically sourced, PFC free, hydrophobic down. The warmest jacket we have ever made. £229.99

650 FP

HYDROPHOBIC DOWN

find your way to winter Slushy rides, crisp hikes and syrupy swims. There are many ways to winter - what's yours? We'd love to hear what you're up to! Share your adventures (big and small) with us.

Tag us @alpkit or email moments@alpkit.com

Find adventure in our stores. Scan to see events near you

YOU'LL NEVER BE COLD AGAIN Jason

Jura Mountain Smock The Jura Mountain Smock is an all-in-one winter system designed to be worn over bare skin or just a base layer.

A cosy, sherpa fleece lining traps warmth and is super insulating even when damp. It pulls moisture away quickly to stop that clammy, chilly feeling you get after some serious effort. Fully windproof outer and giant vent zips mean you can customise your temperature to suit the activity. It's not hard to see why it's loved by everyone, winter climbers, ice bikers, park rangers, early morning photographers, birdwatchers and outdoor professionals. £169.99

‘Jura’ at alpkit.com

5 057012 158118