Why having the correct outdoor gear is essential.
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If you buy the right gear the 1st time, it is much more cost effective than replacing cheaper stuff over and over again, which is not fit for purpose.
There is nothing worse than being ill-equipped for all conditions – rain, hail or shine.
Jackets by Cotswold Outdoor
We learned the hard way on our first visit to the ski fields in Japan. We thought we would be ok with the clothing that we had purchased for our ski trips in Australia.
What we didn’t factor in, was that we froze our butts off in Tokyo before we even got to the ski fields. This was the wind chill factor in the city, and no amount of putting on layers could hold the cold at bay.
We got to the ski fields and were greeted with-20 degree temperature sand this hit us hard. We didn’t have the right gear. We love to ski, and we love to be outdoors, and we loved Japan. so we knew that we would have to come back home, research what would be the best for us and get them, and we did.
However, what we had to do was to purchase them from a variety of different places, with varying postage conditions and working out whether in fact they even delivered to Australia.
Let’s face it, now Gordon and I are walking billboards for brands. Look at any photo of us on the ski fields of Zermatt, Kitzbuhel, Gridelwald, Nozawa Onsen and yes even Australia, and you can see that we are kitted out in North Face. Look underneath and trust me we are in Icebreaker thermals. I have a Columbia coat that I love and wear on the streets, and yes I have Merrell boots, which are very hard to get off me.
The reason we do this is because we have learned that getting the proper gear the first time makes total sense. We no longer freeze our cute little butts off.
We jumped at a partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. This company stocks all of these brands and is introducing us to some more that we didn’t know. In this review, we are talking about the Jack Wolfskin men’s and women’s Mountain Creek 3-in-1 Jacket. Jack Wolfskin is a leading European provider of outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment.
Jack Wolfskin – Mountain Creek 3-in-1 Jacket.
Cotswold Outdoor have seen a rise in interest in Jack Wolfskin in Australia. We thought we might see why. Our jackets arrived and were true to size, and this is always a worry when you order from overseas. As we represent two very different shapes, neither of us had any issue with the sizing. Should they not have been the correct size, the return policy is easy and comprehensive.
The jackets arrived in less than a week. As a bit of online shopper junkie, nothing is worse than if you wait for ages. These were highly punctual. The out layer is made of Texapore, which is waterproof and breathable.
Taking to the Australian Bush
So when it started raining and the wind kicked up a fuss, we took it into the Australian scrub for a road test. It passed in both waterproof and breathability. They are as warm as toast, so I took out the fleece jacket underneath. This was easy as it has the 3 points on both cuffs and back of the neck. The pockets are hand warmers plus there is a secure pocket on the inside.
The jackets feel good. My women’s jacket is tailored for a woman’s body shape and is not just boxy. Gordon’s fitted him perfectly also, and he found it comfortable and liked the pocket size for storing camera bits.
Do you like the little spider who apparently came walking with us?
Taking to the sea
We decided to visit a friend of ours who owns a fishing boat, to really test the jackets…and they were perfect in all conditions that the ocean throws at you …even on a picture postcard perfect day.
3 in one – fleece layers
About Cotswold Outdoor
“Cotswold Outdoor started life in 1974 as Cotswold Camping, selling a range of basic camping accessories from a small outbuilding in the Cotswold’s. 40 years later, the company is an award winning multi-channel retailer with stores throughout the UK.”
They stock 250 internationally recognized brands and are bringing the latest in outdoor technology and styles. They have now established stores in the US and are making inroads into the Australian market as well. This is how we got together. They saw that we like to do different things and that we like to have the correct gear for whatever activity we are doing.
Another attractive thing is that Cotswold Outdoor are very much involved with supporting the outdoor community, and a quick search shows that they sponsor many charity events, and that is a good thing.
Check out the very extensive range available at Cotswold Outdoor
It was only after 3 years of traveling that I finally learned about the importance of correct outdoor gear, especially good walking shoes! I learned about jackets earlier. Your photos look so good!
Thanks Carol, shoes are so very important. This is what can make or break a trip. I swear by my Merrell’s in winter.
We learned about the importance of the proper gear on a trip to Costa Rica which involved some hiking. Our travel agent assured us that sneakers would be sufficient. When we returned and she asked me how the trip was, all I could say was, “What part of RAIN forest don’t you understand?”
Love your response. It would appear some hiking boots, waterproof and breathability may have made your feet happier. Hate sooty feet
You’re so right. There’s nothing worse than being cold on a trip and a good investment the first time makes so much sense. Cotswold looks like the perfect company for you to partner with. I love that red jacket!
Thanks Alison and I agree that you need the tight gear. The red jacket is cute.
The right gear and clothing certainly does make the difference between enjoying an outdoor experience and longing for it to end. I love the idea of pockets that are hand warmers.
I remember being so bitterly cold once in Tasmania in January. Wished I’d had my jacket then
We’re boaties and sometimes the weather on our crossings from Fremantle to Rottnest Island can be quite wild….it is so important to have the right jackets!
Definitely Jenny. That’s why we like Cotswold Outdoor, because they have everything.
Great looking stuff! As they say, there is no bad weather, only the wrong clothes.
So true. If have the right gear everything is achievable.
I learned about having the right gear once I moved to SE Alaska and could see my family and friends suffer each time they visit. It’s no fun being cold or uncomfortable when you don’t need to be.
I think Alaska would certainly require some good thermals for a start
Couldn’t agree more – we race yachts competitively and do a lot of hill walking and cycling. If we didn’t have the right gear then not only would we have had some grumpy days out, but there would have been some dangerous times too! It is always worth the cost!
Totally agree; pay for the best that will protect you and it lasts forever
I completely agree that wearing the right clothing is essential, even critical in some situations. We usually plan well for our extended trips but it is those quick outings which sometimes find me not sufficiently prepared! Thanks for a great posting.
Me too Denis. I am shocking at remembering for a weekend or even a day trip. However for a big trip I nail it.
I rarely order clothes online as I’m not a standard size – if something is big enough to go round my hips then it is hanging off my shoulders. I’m delighted to see that Cotswolds Outdoors have a branch very near me here in the UK and I’ll be paying them a visit next time I need something for sure.
They have excellent gear that is for sure. I am going to get some trekking poles because I feel safer with them on ice. They are generally good for posture anyhow.
Nice fashion spreads! I like the look of the neon yellow and black together, and also your red coat. I’m a real cold weather wimp (even though I’m Canadian), but if your have the right gear it’s really not a problem.
Thanks and totally agree. If you have the right gear then nothing is an issue. If you don’t then it is the worst
LOVE that red jacket! And yes, the wrong gear can really hamper your day, especially if you’re cold.
Thanks Patti, I wondered whether I should get red with my hair, and then thought ..why not
As someone who ended up climbing a mountain in patent leather sandals in the French Alps, I can’t agree more on the important of planning and having the right gear. Who knew Chamonix had snow in summer? I love your red jacket – very fetching!
Thanks Michele, I hiked up the Vosges mountains in a dress and boots https://contentedtraveller.com/dont-get-into-cars-with-strangers/
Love the fashion show! It is imperative to have the right clothing. On our recent trip to Costa Rica we purchased lightweight rain clickers and hiking shorts.
Fashion show LOL, but it was the perfect setting and experience to showcase the great outdoor wear
You are so right! The right gear is the difference between a great time and an awful one. I’m going to check out Cotsworld Outdoor.
So true. I like Costwold Outdoor because they have all of the gear needed for any activity or any experience.
This gear looks great and you look great in it!
Thank you, the gear is excellent and thanks for the compliment.
Wow, your photos look like they could be in a magazine! Well done! You’re so right about having the right clothing and gear. We’re freezing right now in Mallorca. Who would have expected that?
Thanks Betsy. I am watching the weather in Spain as we will be there in a few weeks. Will put my jacket in I think.