Winter fitness: hiking

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)

I’ve been wearing this Garmin for four months. It’s a huge, but hugely impressive, all-action premium smartwatch. There’s barely a sport or activity it can’t track, the heart-rate and GPS tracking is accurate, and there’s a dizzying amount of health and training data available.

Is it a good- looking watch? I think so, albeit in a very ‘rugged’ way. My 51mm option is large, and may struggle to fit under some shirt cuffs, so try the other sizes (42mm and 47mm) before you buy. The AMOLED screen is gorgeous and properly customisable, if arguably not as handsome or intuitive to use as the one on the Apple Watch Ultra, and the combination of touchscreen and buttons is welcome, especially with gloves.

There’s a barrage of new features too, with endurance and hill scores making the most of the advanced tracking; and for hiking, the full-colour maps, navigation and advanced GPS features make it an indispensable accessory.

I was impressed by the map detail visible on the AMOLED screen, and by the speed and accuracy of the navigation tools. It’s pretty remarkable just how much can be done with the new Epix Pro. If you’re serious about both fitness and exploring, it’s a brilliantly versatile tool.

From £730 / go.stuff.tv/EpixPro

Now add these…

Thule Alltrail X

To the unenlightened, Thule makes bike racks and roof boxes; but the Swedish brand also produces quality luggage and backpacks, including this robust hiking job made from 50% recycled waxed polyester canvas. Available in 25L and 35L sizes, it has a convenient front access panel, a 15in laptop sleeve for wild commutes and a plush, fully adjustable back support system with mesh panel.

From £115 / thule.com

Lifestraw Go Stainless Steel

You can fill up this water bottle from virtually any source on the planet, thanks to an advanced microfilter that protects against bacteria, parasites and microplastics plus sand, dirt and even cloudiness. The filter lasts for up to 4000L, helping you save thousands of plastic bottles, and for every purchase the brand provides safe drinking water to a child for a year.

€70 / eu.lifestraw.com

Klattermusen Skjold

Walking trousers for people who don’t like walking trousers, and who aren’t about to spend their cash on something they’ll only wear a few times a year, these have a super-relaxed tapered fit, with large reinforced stash pockets, plenty of airflow for when the terrain gets tough, and a seriously comfortable stretch. They’re also impressively wind-resistant.

£229 / klattermusen.com

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Cold.Rdy

The Free Hiker range has been a crossover smash, appealing to sneakerheads and walkers looking for comfort, style and protection on any surface. But here Adidas has created something for the dedicated winter hiker. As well as a grippy Continental rubber outsole, there’s a Gore-Tex lace cover and a generous dose of PrimaLoft insulation.

£220 / adidas.co.uk

Leki Hemp One Vario

Generally hemp fibres are used in textile design, but adventure specialist Leki has developed a new method to turn them into high-quality trekking poles. The main section of this fully adjustable design is created from natural fibres and represents a whole new eco-friendly construction – one that’s won a coveted ISPO Award. And no, you can’t smoke them.

€200 / leki.com

Berghaus Arnaby

£150 might not seem like a bargain, but for a seriously reliable waterproof jacket it really is. Berghaus has stripped away any unnecessaries here, leaving a no-nonsense lightweight design made with Hydroshell fabric that’s soft on the skin with enough stretch for free movement. It won’t survive for hours in torrential rain, but the zips and storm-flap will keep out the worst of it.

£150 / berghaus.com

66°North Vik

If they’re warm enough for Icelandic winters, we imagine they’ll cope fine in Blighty. These thin but mighty gloves are made from four-way-stretch Polartec with
a nylon outer for durability.

£50 / 66north.com

Silva Free 1200 XS

This modular head torch has been developed with a choice of lamp units, batteries and mounting options, so you can build the ideal light for just about any activity.

£140 / silvasweden.uk

Gramicci By F/CE Boa Cap

Style and warmth come together in this fleece-lined trapper-style hat, designed in collaboration with Japanese outdoor brand F/CE. It’s also water-repellent.

£85 / gramicci.co.uk