More and more of us are turning to the outdoors for adventure and whether it’s a local walk, a weekend hike, or something a bit more off-grid, having the right kit can make a big difference.
Nikwax aftercare products are made for real adventures, for both new and old kit that’s treasured, well-used, and taken just about everywhere. We believe that good outdoor gear should last and perform for years, and we know that today’s generation of outdoor lovers feel the same way.
We asked some of our millennial Nikwax Partners to share their own favourite pieces of kit that they rely on and always pack for a day (or night) outside…
David Tattersall – Website Developer and Support Manager
Your top piece of outdoor kit?
Páramo Bentu Windproof Jacket.
Why do you love it?
It’s thin and lightweight, so easy to roll up and keep stored in a bag and then whip out when it starts to drizzle. Paired with the Bentu Plus Fleece, it keeps me warm and dry in winter, and I can leave the fleece at home in the summer but keep off those April Showers we’ve been so sorely lacking this year.
Anything you always pack for an adventure?
My Chilly’s 1L bottle with the Sports Flip Lid keeps a refreshing drink nice and cool even in direct sunlight. Conversely, a His and Hers thermos full of hot chocolate for those colder winter walks.
Fiona Soesan – Ecommerce Marketing Coordinator
Your top piece of outdoor kit?
My Páramo Torres Jacket.
Why do you love it?
It never fails to keep me warm and dry, whether I’m out on a social walk with friends, on a family adventure, or nipping to the shops in the rain. Its generous sizing means it goes over most jumpers and hoodies without restriction, and it has plenty of pockets for the essentials – phone, keys & most importantly……. snacks (normally used to bribe my children to go on a walk with me!).
Anything you always pack for an adventure?
A picnic blanket and snacks! The blanket always comes in handy in case there is no seating on your adventure. It’s lightweight with a waterproof lining and in cases when someone forgets a jumper, it can be used to wrap around a child or two for warmth. No doubt our family adventures will be etched in my children’s memories for years to come – “do you remember when mum wrapped me in a picnic blanket after I fell into that stream?!” 😊
David Sexton – Graphic Designer
Your top piece of outdoor kit?
My North Face Backpack.
Why do you love it?
It holds everything I could ever need on an adventure (including snacks).
Anything you always pack for an adventure?
I normally pack a lightweight Rab Jacket just in case some unexpected British weather makes an appearance. In the winter, I wouldn’t be without my Anatom boots (Nikwax’d of course), nothing breaks the spirit of an adventure more quickly than wet boots! I also keep my Fujifilm camera to hand; it’s not the newest or lightest camera but is always with me, from slow family ambles to more challenging adventures. Finally, I always have an insulated flask – what adventure is complete without a cup of warm tea in the winter or ice-cold water in the summer?!
Kathleen Davies – Market Research Manager
Your top piece of outdoor kit?
A good (real) wool jumper!
Why do you love it?
When I go camping, I find it’s helpful to bring a real wool jumper. Even if it gets soggy in the rain, wool is excellent insulation once you stop moving and the sun sets, and if you are lucky enough to be relaxing around a campfire, pure wool is self-extinguishing and won’t catch fire or melt like some synthetic materials can. Plus, if you forget your camping pillow, a rolled-up jumper is a decent substitute!
Anything you always pack for an adventure?
Having been both drowned and sunburned in the space of 12 hours, a dependable waterproof and a bottle of high factor sun cream are staples in my pack. I also bring water and try to remain properly hydrated when out and about, and remember that even if there is some summer cloud, wind can still be very drying!
Georgie McLoughlin – Sustainability Manager
Your top piece of outdoor kit?
Oooh, it’s a hard one! Either my Osprey backpack or my Big Agnes Blacktail bikepacking tent.
Why do you love it?
My backpack is a great size, waterproof, has lots of zips and pockets, and is comfortable to wear on long walks – it comes on every outdoor trip without fail. The tent has so much space (it even has a fancy porch!), is easy to put up and comes with lots of handy design features, all while packing down and being small enough to fit on your bike’s handlebars.
Another favourite is my Passenger down blanket. We tend to camp all year round, so this is a staple – it is so cosy and great around the campfire, or as an extra layer on a chilly night.
Anything you always pack for an adventure?
One thing I always pack is binoculars! I’m a budding twitcher 🤓 and also do a lot of coastal walks where you never know when you’re going to spot a seal or dolphin.