SIX OF THE BEST

It needs to be comfortable enough to let you swing freely while offering the protection you need to spend four hours walking in the rain…

Heading to the mountains this winter? We’ve got the most colourful, hi-tech and innovative kit required for an adrenaline-fuelled winter sports break, whether your main objective is staying safe on the slopes, exceeding the speed of sound on your favourite black run or dazzling other skiers with a spectacularly bright jacket

Frostbite will really ruin your mountain day. Lara Dunn and Peter Macfarlane keep their digits toasty with this selection of the best gloves for winter conditions

Is your trusty rain-repelling layer nearing the end of its useful life? Forking out for a new one is a financial commitment, so you’ll want to get it right. With climate experts predicting warmer, wet

Each pair of socks was worn over several weeks of mixed riding and also put through some controlled ‘lab-style’ assessments. I made the most of a few weeks of wet weather to see how well they performe