We know first hand (and foot!) that the products you choose can make or break an experience. That’s why we’ve put together a list of brands and products that always live up to our expectations. We reached out to some of our favorites to learn more about what makes each brand unique, and even got some news about new products they'll have available soon.
Read on for more about these brands we love.
Brand: Vango
Industry: Outdoor
Website: www.vango.co.uk
Social media handles:
- IG: @vango.outdoor
- Facebook: @Vango.outdoor
Brief history of the brand:
Our roots go back to 1847, crafting ship sails on the River Clyde.
Thomas Black found that our tough fabrics made strong tents, and as outdoor pursuits became popular, our tents became icons of the outdoors lifestyle.
We pioneered inflatable tents and caravan awnings, establishing AirBeam® as the market leader of air tents and vehicle awnings.
With our lightweight, technical tents and rucksacks, we are the recommended equipment supplier to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
What sets you apart?
We continue to keep learning and growing. We strive to continue to innovate great products and build strong partnerships, and in every area of our business, we are always looking for the next opportunity.
Any new tech you can share that we can look forward to?
Vango are proud to have a 50 year history of supporting the environment, upcycling and recycling camping equipment through both our Spares and Repairs services and Camping Recycled business. For 2021 we are continuing our environmental efforts to ensure we can enjoy the great outdoors as much as possible and have created our new Earth Collection, made using materials that have been 100% recycled.
Brand: Wolf & Grizzly
Industry: Outdoor, Run, Ski
Website: www.wolfandgrizzly.com
Social media handles:
- IG: @wolfandgrizzly
- Facebook: Wolf and Grizzly
Brief history of the brand:
George Rizkalla started Wolf and Grizzly in 2016 with the firm belief that if outdoor tools could be usable, durable and well designed, they would help us to adventure on a whim — without all the planning, searching and packing. These tools would enable people to experience and live an outdoor lifestyle all year round.
The name "Wolf and Grizzly" is meant to represent the unity of city and wilderness. Wolves, typically pack animals, represent the city. Grizzlies, normally living alone, represent the wilderness.
What sets you apart?
We design tools for people who find adventure around every corner. People who know it’s not where you are, but how you spend the time. People who seek to unplug, unwind, and appreciate the small moments in life.
Wolf and Grizzly was founded on the idea that tools should be functional and beautiful, simple to use in any condition and that they should age beautifully with use.
Any new tech you can share that we can look forward to?
The recently launched Cook Set, will be readily available from the mid Spring
Brand: Hill Country Collective
Industry: Outdoor, Run, Ski
Website: hillcountrycollective.co.uk
Social media handles:
Brief history of the brand:
Training for our first ultra marathon we were looking for ways to support our recovery and found nothing that worked for us. Too many potential side effects. Too artificial. Too chemical. Nothing out there that reflected our values, or that we felt comfortable putting into our bodies on a regular basis.
A later Hill Country Collective CBD range was launched!
What sets you apart?
To us, Hill Country Collective provides more than a tool in an adventurer’s kitbag. It’s a manifestation of how we feel about spending time in the hill country and all it has given us.
We want to bring together a group of people with adventurous minds – a collective willing to explore together, recover together and discover together. No matter how you enjoy the hills, on wheels, ski’s, boards, or your own damn two feet, we just want to help you get out there!
Any new tech you can share that we can look forward to?
We have a few exciting plans for new products in 2021, keep your eyes peeled...
Brand: Tecnica Outdoor
Industry: Outdoor, Run
Website: https://www.blizzard-tecnica.com/global/en
Social media handles:
- IG: @Tecnica_sports
- Facebook - @Tecnicasports
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BlizzardTecnica
Brief history of the brand:
Born in 1960 from a small shop specialized in work boots, Tecnica became along the years one of the biggest brands in the worldwide market of sports shoes, from outdoor shoes to skiboots.
What sets you apart?
Tecnica walking boots and trail shoes offer a fantastic anatomical fit straight out of the box but our shoes and boots with CAS technology offer something unique in the marketplace with the ability to be thermo moulded from the mid foot back to get an even more precise fit and reduce breaking in time to get on the hill directly after leaving the shop. Using the latest technology and branded components from our partners Gore-tex and Vibram our shoes are at the cutting edge of design, style, comfort and technology to provide the best experience for the customer.
Any new tech you can share that we can look forward to?
Our new Tecnica Magma all mountain/terrain hiking shoes are super versatile and lightweight to be used for a variety of activities and suitable for all. They have an anatomical last and footbed. They have the CAS upper with an integrated lacing system. The XO Shield Litebase MegaGrip Vibram sole along with the ESS shank and forefoot rock plate offer all terrain grip and protection. The high rebound EVA midsole and oversize heel give increased downhill performance and shock absorbency.
Brand: Lifesystems
Industry: Outdoor, Travel, Pharmacy, Military
Website: www.lifesystems.co.uk
Social media handles:
- IG: @lifesystemsuk
- Facebook: LifesystemsUK
Brief history of the brand:
Lifesystems was started when the owner was injured whilst travelling. He was luckily travelling with a doctor with a great medical kit with needles and sutures. These were not readily available so he got back to the UK and started making some. The Lifesystems Sterile Kit was born and it is still in the range 30 years later, with a few amendments.
What sets you apart?
We make products that have to perform in difficult circumstances. We test our products to the nth degree in the field and in labs to ensure that the product will not let you down when you are injured or in a survival situation. We insist on quality, hence our repellents, water purification and first aid kits are still made here in the UK and our mountain survival products are designed to be more durable, more heat reflective, easier to use that others out there. You don’t want to compromise here, although many do.
Any new tech you can share that we can look forward to?
In 2020 we launched a revolutionary new technology in repellents, called DermaLOC. The Expedition Max repellent is the only repellent with DermaLOC, this traps the repellent on the skin rather than it soaking into the body. This means it lasts longer and you can put it on more regularly. This is the only high strength DEET repellent you can safely use to protect you for 24 hours a day. It is a game changer in terms of technology, you just can’t see it!
