A leather hide undergoes treatment

Leather is the single most important factor in determining a boot’s waterproof credentials. Good quality leather will give longer lasting waterproofing than any other material. Although bad leather can be waterproofed by adding synthetic lining it will only remain waterproof as long as the synthetic fibre lasts: there really is no substitute for good quality leather.

The best leather is known as ‘full grain’ leather, a term that is only correctly applied to the upper layer of leather from the unblemished hides of the best kept cows. Full grain leather gets its waterproofing qualities from the hide’s tough upper layer. Known as the epidermis, this is upper layer is where the skin’s tiny air holes narrow to the point where water cannot penetrate. The thicker the epidermis, the better quality and more waterproof the leather: simple as. Full grain leather can be buffed to make full grain nubuck which takes very well to waterproofing protective wax and is equally durable.

Full grain leather under the microscope: notice the small pores

Since its introduction as a useful term for distinguishing top quality leather, the term ‘full grain’ has fallen into misuse, in many cases being used in place of the old seal of quality ‘100% real leather’. Although many of the leathers described as ‘full grain’ are of good quality, the term should only be used in reference to the very best leather.

Often sold as full grain leather, ‘grain’ leather is the next rung down on the leather quality scale. Still perfectly OK for making boots, grain leather comes from thinner skinned cows (often from hotter countries) and has a thinner protective epidermis and hence is more susceptible to water. Boots made from lesser leathers tend to rely more heavily on supplementary synthetic waterproofing which, although effective for a while, will eventually fail leaving you in the long grass with wet feet.

Further down the scale are leather ‘splits’ which are taken from the inward facing side of the hide. What makes this leather worse than ‘full grain’? The answer lies in the skin’s tiny air holes mentioned earlier. Whereas with full grain leather the air holes become narrow and waterproof at the epidermis, leather splits, shorn of the epidermis, have air holes wide enough to let in water. Although comfortable and stylish (suede leather is made from leather ‘splits’) this makes split leather a poor material for boot manufacture. That said it can be, and often is, combined with synthetic material to bodge together a nearly-waterproof upper for cheaper boots.

Alternatives to full grain may be waterproof for a while but no ammount of synthetic insulation can substitute for the long term waterproof protection provided by quality full grain leather: bear this in mind when you’re next buying boots.

A modern OS Explorer Map

Interestingly, Ordnance Survey maps have their roots in the Jacobite rebellions of the 18^th century. Fearing the wrath of the Scottish Clan, the British government sanctioned the mapping of Scotland in order to give nervous British generals a strategic advantage in the event of further uprisings.

An olde Ordnance Survey map shows the historic town of Finchley which still exists to this day.

With Jacobite enthusiasm waning after defeat at Colluden, Ordnance Survey broadened its survey. Throughout the 19^th century OS charted the whole of the UK and, during the First World War, mapped areas of strategic importance in Europe. The Second World War saw their cartographic remit extend to Germany, France and the rest of Europe in preparation for the allied invasion.

Bumped from warfare’s centre stage by improved technology and the significantly reduced risk of Nazi invasion, Ordnance Survey focussed on the leisure market in the latter part of the 20^th century with their ‘Landranger’ and larger scale ‘Explorer’ maps.

Since the dawn of the GPS era many feared the death of paper OS maps but, as is always the case, the many were proved wrong. Hard-learnt lessons from the early days of the satnav era have seen many conscientious orienteers back up their hi-tech handhelds with a paper counterpart which has helped keep traditional map n’ compass navigation alive and well in the 21^st century.

In service of this time-honoured tradition, Loving Outdoors is now offering a range of Explorer OS maps in both standard and plastic coated ‘Active’ format; check them out by clicking here. If you can’t find the map you want give us a call on 0161 241 5500 and we’ll get it for you.

TV's Bear Grylls snacks on a shrub

TV adventurer Bear Grylls has spent years trekking in the back of beyond to bring tales of mysterious faraway lands to the comfort of our living rooms. His pioneering spirit has propelled him to a number of unprecedented achievements, leaving world records smashed in his wake: he was (briefly) the youngest Brit to summit Everest, the youngest young man ever to be appointed chief scout and is the current record holder for the highest paramotor flight after sailing to a height of 9 kilometres over the Himalayas (higher than Everest) in 2007. Gerber’s new range of Grylls-endorsed bushcraft gear channels its namesakes’ spirit and drive into a range of outdoor kit that will give young adventurers the best possible start in the noble art of bushcraft and survival.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Fixed Blade Knife

With a 4.8 inch half-serrated carbon steel blade it’s easy to imagine Bear using the Ultimate Fixed Blade Knife to cut branches for a bivoac or whittling tools from pine. Incorporating a fire-starter kit, the Ultimate Fixed Blade Knife has everything you might need in a survival situation.

Though designed with survival in mind, much of the Bear Grylls ranges performs equally well in more prosaic situations. The fierce-looking high-carbon steel Parang Machete might conjure images of intrepid explorers hacking their way through the Amazon jungle, but would be equally at home clearing Nana’s overgrown back yard.

Gerber Bear Grylls Compact Scout Knife

As you might expect considering Bear Grylls’ history with the Scout Movement, the Bear Grylls range caters well to upstart survivalists with a range of quality scouting knives. Both the Compact Folding Knife and the larger Folding Clip Knife offer a half-serrated carbon steel blade, offering a range of usage to give budding scouts a head start on the trail to success.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Multi-tool

For those who take their wild adventuring with a measure of practicality there’s Bear’s range of multi-tools. Combining a host of quality tools including pliers to scissors and knives these ingenious devices will prove an indispensible addition to your kit wherever life’s adventure takes you, be it the rainforests of Borneo or the garden shed.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit

Although surplus to requirements for visits to the garden shed (hopefully), Bear Grylls’ survival packs are ideal for Duke of Edinburgh or for eking out an existence in the event of nuclear war. With a range of tools and fire lighting equipment, Bear’s survival kits contain everything required for sustaining life in an emergency situation; as the scouts’ motto reminds us, it is always best to ‘be prepared’.

Snugbug Crochet Brooklyn Peak: Noo Yoik cool

With cruel gale force winds ravaging UK coastlines and hail stones battering our towns and cities it’s never been more important to have a nice woolly hat; lucky for you, then, that Snugbug hats are now available through Loving Outdoors.

Snugbug Floppy Beanie: ski slope chic

A company with a zero tolerance policy on cold ears and windswept hair (and a strong ethical and environmental stance), Snugbug hats are handmade in Nepal and the UK from 100% New Zealand wool or Polartec fleece to ensure the highest standards in warmth retention whatever the weather.

Snugbug Neck Flap Peak Hat: warm ears

If you’ve ever wondered why sheep are impervious to foul weather, it’s not because they’re senseless animals that know no better, but rather because of their lanolin enriched wool; the secret ingredient in Snugbug hats.

Snugbug Pillbox Trio: Polartec

To save you a visit to Wikipedia, lanolin is the oily substance secreted from a sheep’s sebaceous glands (yum!) which coats the wool to give it natural water resistance and enhanced insulating properties. Rather than remove lanolin through intensive chemical treatment, Snugbug retain it with gentle wool processing leaving its useful natural properties intact and reducing environmental impact.

As you can tell from the smiling face of the Snugbug model, Snugbug hats offer the ultimate in warmth and outdoor style and we strongly advise you to check out the full range on the Loving Outdoors website.

Loyal, unselfish, affectionate, servile; just a few characteristics that have made dogs mankind’s number one animal for the 15,000 years since man first said ‘fetch boy’. And yet for all our professed affection for dogs, rarely do we think of them when it comes to Christmas gifts. With as many as 90% of UK Christmas presents going to peripheral or unwanted friends and acquaintances, without so much as a sniff for our quadrupedal comrades, dogs are often left out of the festivities. Whilst Ian from work enjoys the bottle of wine randomly bequeathed to him by the mysteries of secret Santa, poor Rex sits in his bed chewing a new hole into his once-squeaky Christmas tree toy: it’s a dog’s life sometimes.

Part of the reason for this is the difficulty of buying presents for dogs. Buying for humans is easy; a quick 5 minute dash round HMV and you’ll have a clutch of presents to satisfy all but the pickiest of recipients. Uninterested in the latest albums by M People or Kaiser Chiefs, Dogs are much harder to cater for. You might find a forlorn squeaky toy in some far-flung corner of Tesco, but nothing really worthy of Man’s Best Friend.

Loving Outdoors are set to change that with the release of an extensive range of dog accessories from esteemed doggy brands Kurgo and Ruffwear. Paws for a moment for a moment to peruse our ruff, pun-laden guide to canine Christmas presents…

Kurgo Backseat Bridge

Most dogs fit awkwardly in car seats which can make them restless, irritating and unsafe. The Kurgo Backseat Bridge makes your car’s backseat area more suited for dogs by bridging the rear footwell, converting the back seat into a flat platform to give your dog a much more comfortable and safer ride. There’s also a built in centre barrier to prevent any unwanted intrusions into the front seats. With plenty of room underneath the bridge for baggage storage, the Kurgo Backseat Bridge is essential for long distance trips.

Kurgo Wander Carrier

The Kurgo Wander Carrier brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘doggie-bag’ and although it would accommodate a healthy amount of Chinese food, small dogs and puppies are its intended cargo. Mesh windows and a padded interior give total breathability and comfort, whilst strong padded straps make carrying easy. Great for getting small dogs out and about.

Kurgo Auto Zipline and Leash Combo

The Kurgo Auto Zipline and Leash Combo aids in-car safety by confining your dog to the backseat area. Hook the zip line between the roof-handles and clip on the leash and your dog will be allowed to move freely along the back seat but will not be able to breaching the front seat area. Combine with the back seat bridge and you’ve got a complete canine car-safety package.

Kurgo Tru-fit Harness

A fully adjustable harness that will allow you better control of your dog on walks or in the car. Ideal for bigger, stronger dogs, the harness provides a dependable mooring for leads, features a loop allowing it to be clipped to a seatbelt and is also compatible with the Kurgo zipline.

Ruffwear Portage Float Coat

A buoyancy aid for sea-going dogs, the Ruffwear Float Coat comes in a choice of vibrant colour with reflective trim and fits comfortably with a full adjustable harness.

Ruffwear Palisades Pack

The Ruffwear Palisades Pack will teach your dog the importance of being self-reliant with two saddle bags giving plenty of room for dog food, bowls and water- you might even fit a first aid kit for true mountain rescue authenticity. Looks particularly good on a St Bernard.

We also have a range of indestructible dog toys which, like dogs, aren’t just for Christmas.

Polar RS800CX

The Polar RS800CX is an advanced heart rate monitor watch that gives detailed insight into your training performance and overall fitness. Rather than leave you to draw your own conclusions from diffuse performance information, the RS800CX makes data meaningful by putting it into simple concrete terms such as ‘fitness’ and ‘calorie burn’. Simply strap on the heart rate monitor unit and in just 5 minutes the RS800CX’s ‘OwnIndex’ monitors your heart and lung function to generate a fitness score which you can use to gauge your fitness over time. When your workout is over, the R-R interval measurement will measure the interval between heartbeats during post-workout recovery; often the best indication of general fitness.

Another great feature of the RS800CX is the range of workout options available. Workouts can be grouped according to their distance, duration or heart function with configurable performance zones for each. Audio alarms and an on-screen performance indicator lets you know when you dips below or exceeds your pre-set performance zone to make sure you train at optimum intensity. The RS800CX is also GPS ready and cycle compatible.

Polar RF60

The Polar FT60 HRM watch has configurable performance zones as well as ‘OwnZone’, a dynamic feature that configures bespoke performance zones based on your performance history. A personal trainer function provides weekly targets and performance feedback to help you stay focussed and motivated. Also featured is ‘OwnCal’ which calculated not only calories burned but also energy burned as a percentage of body fat.

Polar FT40M

Polar FT40 is a personal training watch that sets performance targets based on previous performances. FT40 also features configurable training zones which show when you’ve reached your optimum fat-burn and will emit an audio warning when you’re under or over doing it. As well as heart rate information it gives information on calories burned all on one screen.

Polar FT7M

Strap the heart rate monitor to your chest and the Polar FT7 will give a wide range of performance metrics including heart rate and calories burned. An audio alarm will sound if your performance strays outside your pre-set performance zone to ensure you train at the optimum level: a great work out companion bringing new meaning and enjoyment to your daily workout or jog.

Zamberlan: The Story So Far…

The Zamberlan story begins with Giuseppe Zamberlan being distinctly cheesed off with the studded leather soled boots he endured as a soldier in WWI. On his return from the Great War and spurred on by his love of his native Dolomites, Giuseppe Zamberlan began working with outdoor footwear and went into production with Zamberlan in 1929. Teaming up with the godfather of sole, Vitale Bramani- originator of the Vibram outsole- the Zamberlan family business began producing the first rubber-soled walking boots and set a new standard that survives to this day.

With further breakthroughs in boot and outsole design throughout the 20^th century, Zamberlan assumed their place in the highest echelons of the outdoor firmament and were sought after by outdoor enthusiasts all over the world. Even now, more than 80 years into their story, Zamberlan continue to clear up at outdoor awards ceremonies, most recently for their range of Norwegian welted boots and remain at the vanguard of modern boot design.

Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect from the Zamberlan range available at Loving Outdoors…

Zamberlan Sella: Norwegian welted construction

The Norwegian Zamberlan Welted range are Zamberlan’s top flight boots. Hand made by expert cobblers with serious backpackers in mind, Sella boots represent the very highest standards in boot construction and are manufactured using the Norwegian welted method. With this method the upper is stitched to a cork midsole which is then cemented to the outsole to give superior waterproofing and allowing the boot to ‘breathe’. From this range, the Tofane boot was a recent award winner at the Outdoor Industry awards.

Zamberlan Vajolet: climb any mountain

Representing the Alpine range are the best selling Zamberlan Vajolet range. Designed for the rigors of serious mountaineering and cramp-on compatible, Vajolet boots strike a fine balance between protection and sensitivity making them ideal for negotiating demanding terrain. A split leather and Cordura nylon upper gives exceptional breathability whilst keeping weight down. Inside the boot, Gore-Tex enhances water resistance and breathability whilst precise lasting gives a snug fit for added sensitivity. Banded with a rubber rand and fitted with a custom Zamberlan Vibram outsole the Vajolet boot will stand up to plenty of punishment and will have you conquering mountains for years to come.

Zamberlan Vioz: European backpacking

From the Backpacking range come Zamberlan Vioz GT. With a name derived from the word ‘Visigoth’, Vioz boots are engineered for some seriously epic adventures with a design informed by the epic migration undertaken by their historic namesakes. Cut from full-grain leather with minimal seams, Vioz offer excellent water resistance,  further bolstered by a Gore-Tex lining. A cushioned perforated collar offers additional ankle support and further assists moisture control. Available in women’s and men’s.

Zamberlan Braies: a way of life

From the Lifestyle range, Zamberlan Braies are designed to offer comfort, durability and style. A nubuk leather shoe built to Zamberlan’s meticulous standards, Braies feature a Vibram outsole and a half ‘n’ half leather/ antibacterial Cambrelle lining. Water resistant and comfortable, this is an ideal for travelling or general leisure purposes.

Zamberlan Parrot: who's a pretty boy then?

A rather fetching shoe from the Zamberlan Ascent range, available in a range of colours for men and women. Designed for more extreme end of outdoor leisure, the Zamberlan Parrot offer excellent range of mobility, sensitivity and good grip for conquering tricky terrain or climbing.

www.lovingoutdoors.co.uk/Loving-Zamberlan

Silva was born out of the orienteering boom of the 1920s and 30s when navigating the wilderness became a popular pastime with many across Europe. After toiling for years with unreliable an inaccurate compasses, the growing orienteering community gave a collective jump for joy when in 1928 some Swedish orienteers invented the liquid-filled compass and founded the Silva brand. Their revolutionary design with its improved accuracy and stability made field navigation easier than ever before and set a new standard in compass design. Following on from this early success Silva went on to become world leaders in navigation, their compasses finding their way into the hands of trekkers all over the world and eventually into the cockpits of the world’s aeroplanes. Since that pivotal moment in navigational history, Silva have expanded their range to include their amazing technical headlamps, binoculars, pedometers and a whole host of other outdoor gadgetry to enhance and enrich you outdoor experience. Let’s have look…

Silva Ranger Compass

Silva Ranger Compass

A simple compass great for using with maps or out on the hill. It’s got a ruled base plate that’ll measure in 1:25 or 1:50, magnifying glass and declination scale so you’ll seldom need anything more sophisticated. Buy this for your D of E and it’ll see you through a lifetime of fulfilling orienteering.

Silva Expedition 15TDCL Compass

Silva Expedition 15TDCL

If you fancy something a little more specialist, look no further. The Silva Expedition 15DCL has all the features of the Ranger with the addition of a neat sighting mirror which allows you to take far more accurate bearings and, when closed, protects the bezel to ensure a sincere bearing.

Silva Ninox Headlamp

Silva Ninox Headlamp

The headlamp equivalent on bi-focal glasses, the Ninox headlamp projects 2 beams; one directed at the floor, the other shining into the distance to illuminate the path ahead with up to 70 lumens of retina-scorching bright white light. A super efficient battery saving mode can give as much as much as 90hrs burn time making the Ninox headlamp a reliable companion when you go to the dark side.

Silva Sprint Headlamp

Silva Sprint Headlamp

If 70 lumens sounds a bit too discreet, the Silva Sprint headlamp might be more up your street. Producing an unimaginably bright 1030 lumens, the Sprint headlamp transforms the wearer into a human lighthouse with only the Sun and Cyclops from X-men to rival its light-giving prowess. The rechargeable lithium-Ion battery gives 20hrs maximum burn time (2.5hrs on the 1030 lumen setting) and fits comfortably into the head strap. Silva Sprint headlamps are used by top cyclists and runners so you know you’re in good company.

Silva ADC Summit Anemometer

Silva ADC Summit Anemometer

Drawing from Silva’s aeronautical expertise, the ADC Summit is a fully fledged mobile weather station capable of accurately measuring an array of different atmospheric conditions and altitude. Point the impeller into the wind and you’ll get an accurate wind speed reading in a range of different scales from m/s to the Beaufort scale. There’s also a thermometer giving accurate temperature readings and 24hr temperature history. The inclusion of a barometer allows the ADC Summit to forecast weather by monitoring humidity levels and will also give accurate altitude readings. Chronograph and race timing functions top off this versatile and highly useful piece of kit.

Silva Map Measurer Plus

Silva Map Measurer Plus

A handy accessory to the Silva compass, trace your route on a map and the Map Measurer will give its length in kilometres, miles or nautical miles and a rough estimate of how long it’ll take you to complete: much easier than the old ruler and brain method.

To browse the full range of Silva products, click here.

Loving Outdoors teams up with App55 to bring secure and easy payments to customers

Great news, we have  teamed up with online payment specialists App55 to add a secure pay-by-password capability to our website.

We are committed to providing the best customer service on the web and now with App55’s Card Hub, our customers can pay by entering a password – just like Amazon- safe in the knowledge that their card details are secure.

And because Card Hub works with any device with web connectivity, customers will be able to use the same fast and secure checkout process on their mobiles when we launch their app and mobile site later in the year.

App55’s Card Hub is a cloud-based payment service that takes care of all security, banking and technical issues so online retailers can offer enhanced payment and checkout capabilities to their customers.

App55 is backed by WorldPay, the leading payment acquirer in the UK and Europe, and the fourth largest in the world, who process millions of secure payments every day.

App55 CEO, Richard Beaton said, “There’s no doubt online retailers constantly have to think of new and innovative ways to improve their customer experience. Offering an Amazon-like payment-by-password option will make it quicker and easier for Loving Outdoors customers to buy from their website”.

Scott Woodhead, CEO of Loving Outdoors added, “When we wanted to improve our customers’ online experience by making it faster and easier for them to buy, App55 were our first choice for. Our customers will be able to pay with just a password and, because App55 are backed by WorldPay, the largest provider of card payment services in the UK and Europe, they can be confident that all security issues have been taken care of.”

One click payments will be available on the Loving Outdoors website in the coming months, we will release an update once it’s launched…

As is so often the case this time time of year, September has turned to October and has brought with it the icy chill of winter. With the Sun’s nurturing embrace gone, thoughts now turn to wholesome things: families huddled round steaming cauldrons; man and beast trudging steamy-breathed through icebound forests; flinging snowballs wantonly in the village square after several pints of locally-brewed stout ale. All good, cockle-warming stuff but none of it possible without some sturdy and affordable outdoor clothing- which is where Regatta’s new winter range steps in.

One thing that immediately struck us about the new Regatta range is amount of attention given to kid’s wear. Whereas with most outdoor brand children are neither seen nor heard, Regatta have taken a far more nurturing approach with a huge range catering to kids of all shapes and sizes, from tiny tots to terrible teens.

As anyone who’s ever been a child will know, small children can be a bit of a handful, which is something Regatta have sought address with their range of toddler wear. With the Puddle II Splash Suit, Regatta have put paid to the stress and misery that can result from a sodden child. Featuring waterproof and breathable Isolite polyamide fabric and head-to-foot coverage, the puddle splash suit will keep your bundle of joy dry without impeding their enjoyment of pools of standing water.

Regatta Puddle II Splash Suit

Older children are also well catered for, with products such as the King fleece and Porpoise jacket offering an excellent introduction to the world of outdoor clothing. Both windproof and waterproof, the Porpoise jacket will keep kids warm and dry and is smart and durable enough for every day school use. It’s a great value jacket that’s more than fit for Porpoise.

Porpoise Kids Jacket

Impressive as the kid’s range is, Regatta have truly excelled themselves with their new adult range, particularly with the all-new Alpha Pro boot. Though commonly regarded as a ‘budget’ or ‘value’ brand, with the Alpha Pro boot Regatta are announcing to the outdoor world that they can compete at a more technical level. With features including a highly waterproof and breathable X-ert synthetic upper, a Vibram sole and all the moisture-wicking cushioning your foot could ask for, the Alpha Pro delivers pro-level technology at prices that will see many a techie lured into the Regatta fold.

Regatta Alpha Pro: nifty

Also attractive to the technically minded is Regatta’s range of Isotex clothing. Similar to Goretex, Isotex is an advanced wonderfabric that allows skin to breathe through tiny pores that expand and contract according to temperature change and remain breathable even in extreme cold. Featured in most Regatta products, from the low cost Perdita and Lagun waterproofs through to the higher-end Wallace, Eliana and Hereford 3-in-1 jackets, Isotex bridges the gulf that once existed between technical and supposed ‘budget’ brands.

There are plenty more products from the Regatta winter range on our website alongside all the old classics such as Ghyllbeck and trusty old Regatta Formation boots…take a look at the full Regatta range at Loving Outdoors now.