Regatta

Kit review: Regatta outdoors shorts and t-shirt

The recent sunshine gave Mum Out & About – one of our regular kit reviewers – a chance to wear the Regatta Adventura T-Shirt and Women's Geo Extol shorts during a test hike/run. 

It's not often that a weekend in mid-March allows for shorts and t-shirts, and especially in the hills of Scotland. But there it was: A sunny and warm (if you kept walking) weekend and the chance to try the Regatta Women's Geo Extol shorts  and Adventura t-shirt.

The chosen hill was Ben Lomond, which is Scotland's most southerly Munro. (A Munro being all the mountains in Scotland with a summit of more than 3000ft, 914m). Ben Lomond is a popular outing, especially for people living in central Scotland and is only around 35 minutes from Glasgow. 

The Ben Lomond walk starts at Rowardennan, which is on the shores of Loch Lomond, and offers an easy-to-follow path, especially in sunny weather. This isn't a walk for you if you're looking for complete solitude but while you'll encounter many other walkers and runners en route to the top, it is a place for friendly outdoor chat and fabulous views.

There are two routes up and down, and they can be walked/run as a circuit. I chose Ptarmigan Ridge on the way up and the more popular tourist trail on the way down. I like to be different!

Starting out with shorts and t-shirt seemed a little optimistic even for a sunny March day so I added arm warmers (many cyclists use these and i've started to wear them for extra lightweight layering on the hills) and a lightweight waterproof jacket. I popped leggings and waterproof over-trousers to my lightweight rucksack, as well as map, compass, mobile phone, snacks and water. Even in good weather I don't take chances about sudden changes in conditions, such as cloud or rain. Just 10 minutes into the hike (incorporating fast walking and running) and I'd taken off the outer layers and enjoyed being on a sun-kissed mountain in just the shorts and t-shirt.

First impressions of the Regatta shorts and t-shirt

Both the Geo Extrol shorts and Adventura t-shirt felt so light against my skin, as though I was hardly wearing anything! I was really suprised by this because I usually find walking shorts to be quite heavyweight and stiff. Not the Geo Extols though. They also fit really, really well. I'm a tall size 10 and the shorts perfectly skimmed my hips and thighs and finished high enough my knee not to be annoying while walking, but low enough down my thigh to cover any fat bits! A stretchy waistband also adds to the comfort of the shorts. 

The label tells me there is an Extol stretch panel to seat for comfort and ease of movement. I think this design feature works really well.

I am also a fan of pockets! The Geo Extols come with two zipped front pockets, one zipped back pocket and two lower cargo pockets. Excellent attention to pocketing detail!

Added to this the shorts have SPF 40+ UV Protection (useful for the recent good weather), quick drying fabric (excellent for dealing with sweat) and a water repellent finish (it didn't rain and so I didn't test this but when I spilt water on the shorts it ran off!)

The Adventura t-shirt is made of  a lightweight polyester fabric, including SPF 20+ sun protection, and quick drying and wicking properties. 

Performance of the Regatta shorts and t-shirt

Wearing shorts and t-shirt that felt so lightweight was a blessing on a warm day. The hike/run upwards made me sweat and thanks to the fabrics I never felt too hot or wet with sweat. It was only when I reached the higher section of the mountain that a chill wind forced me to put on my arm warmers again.

I wouldn't normally wear brand new t-shirt and shorts for a long mountain hike but these didn't cause me any discomfort during the three hours spent on the hill. I felt no rubs or irritations. Just ease of movement and dry skin.

Even with a March sun, it is possible to suffer sunburn but I had no such anxiety. (I'd taken the precaution of a smear of sun lotion on the lower part of my legs!).

Added benefits of the Regatta shorts and t-shirt

As well as being practical and comfortable for walking, I wouldn't hesitate in wearing the shorts and t-shirt for a summer's day trip to the pub or to meet friends. The tailoring of the clothing is very flattering for the female physique and the colours and style make the outfit look "outdoors trendy". 

I'm all set for more walking and leisure pursuits this summer. Are you?

Everything you need to know about map reading and navigation tools

Ah, the invention of the GPS! Even a decade ago, few of us could have imagined that we would be able to hold a small GPS gadget in our hand – or even wear one on our wrist – as an aid to walking in the hills. But today, the range of GPS navigation tools is massive and the sight of a walker referring to their GPS is commonplace.

As a piece of walking technology the GPS can save lives. Its ability to track your exact position and to enable you to walk in the right direction through even the most difficult of weather conditions – that’s if you know how to use it properly! – can sometimes be the difference between making it home safely and finding yourself stranded in the countryside.

As well as the wide range of GPS gadgets, it’s now possible to download GPS tools to your iPhone or smart phone. Having a handy navigating app on your phone could save your life, or at least get you to the pub before closing time.

But GPS gadgets do not always work. Something as simple as the battery failing could have a catastrophic result, especially if you haven’t brought a map and compass along with you on the walk. We have also known a GPS to give inaccurate readings, although we’re never sure why, but it does happen.

It’s still important to read a map

Learning how to read a map and navigate by compass – even if it seems so last century – is vital if you plan to go walking in the hills. Even if you’re hiking with someone who is a good navigator you should be able to use the map and compass yourself as well. Occasionally things can go wrong while walking and if something happens to your walking buddy you need to know that you can guide them and you back to your car or a pub safely.

Navigation by map and compass isn’t too difficult and once you have learned how it can be great fun. (You might even like navigating so much that you take up orienteering or mountain marathons just to make use of your navigational skills!)

Across the UK you'll find a host of navigation courses to sign up to. Most are a day or weekend in length, but the more sophisticated the techniques, the longer the course will be.

The courses include basic navigation guidance, courses for women-only, youth courses and advanced map reading and use of GPS courses.

A navigation course should be led by an experienced navigator or Mountain Leader and will cover: Correct map orientation, basic compass use, how to identify aspects of the landscape, as well as OS map detail, such as grid sizes and contours.

You will learn how to plot a route form A to B on a map and then estimate the distance. Through the use of pacing you will be able to reach point B, and then mark a new course for the next point.

A navigation course will also teach you how to work out where you are on a map by looking around at the landscape. It could be that you’re next to a loch or lake, but which loch or lake is it on the map?

Another important inclusion on any navigation course is how to adjust the compass reading to take account of where you are in relation to magnetic north. If all this sounds like gobbledygook, then you probably need to sign up to a navigation course!

And once you have gained your navigation skills, don’t be tempted to let someone else do all the leading while hiking because your map reading skills will become rusty.

Outdoor clothing ideas for mother's day

Make your Mother’s Day gift something a little different this year. Whether you have been saving your pocket money for a whie, or perhaps you are being given a hand by dad, there is a lovely outdoors-style mum’s day gift to suit your budget.

Of course, not every mummy will welcome a pair of hiking boots and a full-on hiking jacket, but being outdoors also includes walking the dog, doing a sport of gardening, hanging out at the play park with the little ones and running. 

And while traditional mother’s day gifts of chocolates and flowers will always go down a treat, many mums will welcome a present that is more practical and gives them the added motivation to get out in the fresh air and burn a few calories.

Guide to great outdoor clothing mother’s day gifts 

Sporty mum: Does your mum like trail walking or running in the country? Is she always complaining that she doesn’t have a jacket to pop on while going to and from the gym? This Alessandra Softshell XLT jacket is the perfect pressie and comes in a mum-pleasing blue or vivid pink. 

Mum will be surprised how gorgeous-and practical the Lady Agility trail running and walking shoes are. Grey and pink with a floral design, the footwear looks good enough to wear to the pub. But these are built for the trail and come with Regatta’s “Speed Fit” last, maximum grip and a shock absorbing midsole. The waterproof membrane makes the shoes perfect for all seasons. 

 

Adventure woman: Does your mum love all that the outdoors has to offer, from climbing and kayaking to mountain walking and white water rafting? If so, she’ll be looking for a mother’s day outdoor clothing gift that is warm, waterproof and a great fit. There’s no need to go all blokey on her, either. These days women’s outdoor clothing is robust and practical yet gorgeous and well-fitting.

The Teja Jacket is Regatta’s top quality women's technical jacket. It has lots of techie cleverness including Isotex 20000 XPT fabric, enhanced waterproofing, amazing breathability and an active stretch fit. The colours are delish, too, in Blue Wave and Grape Juice, as well as smart black. 

Lady Alpha Pro VXT hiking boots are made to take your mum off the beaten track in comfort. Great fit and grip will give her a smile, no matter how many more miles uphill she has to go. 

Beach babe: So many mums will be looking forward ot a summer holiday, and hopefully near a beach. Bring a spring smile to her face with a few bits and pieces of outdoor kit. Beach sandals make a great choice – and pretty t-shirts.

City girl: Walking and being outdoors do not have to be all focused on the countryside. A street stroll or a city park outing also demands good quality jackets, trousers and footwear. Choose from all kinds of urban-purpose outdoor clothing such as fleeces, trousers and shorts  and waterproofs.

Garden princess: Some mums love to potter in the garden, with the occasional day of lawn mowing, weed pulling and pruning. Regatta outdoor clothing is the perfect thing to wear to avoid becoming too wet and muddy. Your mum will be dleighted with a pair of outdoor shoes, waterproof Packaway trousers for damp days and a midlayer or fleece. Layering clothing is the ideal way to stay warm while weeding, or cool off while cutting the lawn. The same theory works for hill walking, dog walking or strolling to the shops!

Exercise is the 'greatest gift for your kids

A new campaign has been launched in Scotland in a bid to get more children active. Take Life On aims to highlight simple steps that parents can take to help children to achieve the recommended 60 minutes of exercise every day.

Leading the new initiative is the recently appointed fitness champion, Dr Andrew Murray. The doctor, who famously ran from John O’ Groats to the Sahara Desert in just 78 days, is the Scottish Government’s new Physical Activity Champion.

Dr Murray, said: “As a day-to-day GP, I know that Take Life On is a fantastic investment in Scotland’s health. Getting your children active and keeping them active has huge and lasting benefits and can be great fun.

“Being physically active improves achievement and concentration at school, and also prevents heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer in later life. It is the single best present you can give your children.

“Just 60 minutes of physical activity per day will help your children become healthier, happier adults. I’d urge everybody to take life on today.”

A nation working towards healthier children

Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, also said that encouraging more children to take part in physical activity is a huge challenge but one that the Government is keen to tackle.

She says: “This year’s Take Life On campaign highlights to parents simple changes they can make to their children’s life to get them increasingly active and reduce the likelihood of illness later in life.

“But we recognise there is more we as a Government can do. That’s why we are investing in opportunities for young people to become more physically active in and around Scotland’s schools, such as the Active Schools Network, the delivery of 150 Community Sport Hubs across all local authorities by 2016, and action to help people make healthy life choices.

“And yesterday we announced an investment of £420,000 in the swimming Top Up programme, providing free swimming lessons for primary school children across Scotland focusing on deprived areas.

“We are a nation passionate about sport and the Take Life On campaign is an excellent opportunity, ahead of major events such as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, to inspire people to increase their levels of physical activity and build a healthier nation.”

The campaign also includes a number of community events where parents will be given one-to-one advice on low-cost and fun activities for their children.

Ideas for active fun with your kids

Go to a swimming pool with water slides

Draw up a hopscotch grid

Teach the kids to skip

Bounce on the trampoline

Set up a game of skittles with old water bottles

Window-shopping is fun and active

Challenge the kids to see how many trees they can touch in the park in one minute

Buy rollerblades for their birthday

Tell the to jump all the cracks in the pavement for fun

Take the dog and a Frisbee to the park or the beach

Try wheelbarrow and leapfrog games

Paddle in shallow waves at the beach

Cycling tig is great fun if done in a car-free area

Create a sand-pit in the garden

Give the kids an area of the garden for their own and let them sew veg and flowers

See who can rake the biggest pile of leaves in five minutes

Go mountain biking

Challenge older kids to run to the shops

Set up a reward chart and use a pedometre to see who in the family walks the most steps in a week.

* Do you have any other family fun and active ideas?