Highlander Echo Sleeping Bags

Camping under canvas is a great way to get back to nature and experience the outdoors what ever the weather. The Highlander Echo Sleeping Bag range has been developed to surpass the demands of today’s diverse climates and its special design features aim to keep you cosy and snug in severe cold weather conditions.

The Highlander Voyager Sleeping Bag range caters for night time temperatures as low as -7°c, however, if you are planning an adventure in colder climates then you will need to consider an alterative range.

Echo Sleeping Bags

The Echo Sleeping Bag is Highlander’s warmest range consisting of the three high loft Echo bags, the Echo 250, 350 and 400. These sleeping bags are ideal for the all weather, 4 season camper, and for those intending to camp in cold weather climates.

Unlike the Highlander Voyager Sleeping Bag that is filled with siliconised hollow fibre,  insulation for the warmer Highlander Echo range is provided by QXF3D Spiral Hollow fibre. QXF3D is a specialist fibre filling with spiral hollow fibre, featuring 4 insulating cores with a resilient spiral structure that retains loft and insulation. The QXF3D insulating fibre compresses effectively to minimise pack size, retains insulating properties even when damp, and this easy care filling can also be carefully machine-washed. The Echo Sleeping Bag range features a square pattern rip-stop polyester outer fabric with a soft polyester lining.

Highlander Echo 250 Sleeping Bag

Highlander Echo 250 Sleeping Bag

The Highlander Echo 250 Sleeping Bag is a 3-4 season sleeping bag and is supplied with a compression sack and cold weather bag for general use.

The 3D neck padding and shaped hood will substantially reduce heat loss.  The sleeping bag with a breathable inner lining is filled with 250gsm 3D Spiral Hollowfibre, and can be used in temperatures as low as -10°c.

The Highlander Echo 250 Sleeping Bag weighs 1.8 kg and measures 230 x 80 x 50cm with a pack down size of 43 x 22 x 22cm.

A great sleeping bag to keep in the car - just in case, and is also ideal for teenagers when they have sleepovers.

Priced at £45.98 including VAT this great value sleeping bag is available in black/red.

Highlander Echo 350 Sleeping Bag

Highlander Echo 350 Sleeping Bag

The Highlander Echo 350 4 season sleeping bag is for serious winter campers and is filled with 350gsm 3D Spiral Hollowfibre to keep you extra snug at night.

Perfect for those camping weekends or festivals in early Spring or late Autumn when you need that extra bit of warmth at night.

The Echo 350 will hold its own down to temperatures as low as   -15°c and has a breathable inner lining. Use it with a sleeping bag mat and you have the perfect camping set up without breaking the bank.

The soft touch polyester black/charcoal coloured Highlander Echo 350 sleeping bag weight 2 kg and is priced at £49.98 including VAT.

Highlander Echo 400 Sleeping Bag

Highlander Echo 50 Sleeping Bag

Highlander Echo 400 Sleeping Bag is designed for extreme cold weather as low as -25°c and is the warmest in the Echo sleeping bag range. The Echo 400 is a 4 season sleeping bag designed to contour the body and has a shaped foot box and hood to give you extra warmth .

“Mummy” style sleeping bags are the great for campers as the narrow, tapered design is efficient and lightweight.

The Highlander Echo 400 weighs 2.2 kg and measures 230×80x50cm with a pack down size of 48×27x27cm. It has an affordable price tag at £55.99 including VAT and the available colour is black/blue

Always remember to lay the sleeping bag out or hang it and dry it fully prior to storage.

Don’t forget to buy your sleeping mats to place under you sleeping bags for extra comfort. The Highlander Echo Sleeping Bags are great value for money, and available at The Outdoor Store in Weymouth or can be ordered from our online shop.

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Rock Climbing on Portland

The coastline of Dorset provides one of the most varied climbing areas in the whole of lowland Britain with the Isle of Portland being one of the most popular sport rock climbing venues in the South West.

If you are new to the area and thinking of Rock Climbing in Weymouth and Portland you will find over 900 routes, to suit varying abilities, and along with spectacular views of the Jurassic Coastline it make this an unforgettable experience for rock climbing enthusiasts.

One of the Best Rock Climbing areas in Dorset

Portland is justifiably famous for the wealth of quality rock climbing available on its lofty white cliffs and is one of the best venues for well-bolted sport routes, bouldering and deep water soloing across the grades.

The World Heritage limestone cliffs of Portland are fortunate in not having too many overhangs making it a popular location for climbers in the UK. The majority of the climbs are steep but suit most abilities from lower grades right through to plenty of E grade climbs, many of which are bolted with good stainless resin anchors.

Popular Weymouth & Portland Rock Climbing Rocks

Rockfax is a world rock climbing information website that has a graded list of routes for each climb in the Weymouth & Portland area. Each route is shown as high in the grade (red), average, or low in the grade (green), based on thousands of votes by ROCKFAX users.

Here are a few routes that are worth mentioning:-

The Cuttings is an excellent and popular inland crag with a fine aspect looking out towards the Purbecks across Weymouth Bay. The crag is an old railway cutting that has left several contrasting walls rising directly from a flat clear base, and offers climbing on good clean vertical rock. The majority of lines link up numerous features giving routes that need lots of finger strength and tenacity.

The Cuttings has routes to suit all grades of climber from 2 to 8a. There is also a beginner’s wall set up for groups and individuals to cut their teeth on, which has an array of short bolted easy routes.

Blacknor North is justifiably one of the most popular areas on the Isle with towering lines in abundance on some of the most amazing flowstone formations you will see anywhere. It is home to the classic Reptile Smile and Slings Shot.

The Blacknor North is often busy at weekends and bank holidays.

Wallsend is the largest and arguably best cliff on Portland. The Wallsend North consists of a series of small bays and walls perched above the sea.

Due to its important nature conservation value, Portland’s World Heritage coastline is a designated Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is also a European Special Area of Conservation (SAC). To help protect this important coastal environment, climbers, conservation organisations and the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) have agreed seasonal restrictions and sanctuary areas.

Areas where restrictions are found are marked with circular disks attached to bolts at the boundary points of the restricted areas. The first bolts of each climb in the restricted areas are also tagged to help climbers identify the restricted areas.

Rock Climbing Tuition

Rock Climbing - nothing like an adrenhaline rush

If you are interested in learning to rock climb or improving your rock climbing skills, courses and tuition for both young people and adults are available from Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre. Give us a mention if you decide to give rock climbing a try after reading this article!

You can start with a taster session to find out what the activity is like. Adult sessions include instruction on how to use a guidebook, setting up a top rope and general climbing skills and techniques. These sessions take place each Tuesday between 6.30pm - 9.30pm from 20 April to 24 August and cost £15.00 per session.

There are also rock climbing courses for young people aged 8 - 16 years in the school holidays. Taster sessions are £14 and a course is £65. Those who have completed the beginners climbing course and aged 10+ are eligible to join the Climbing club.

Key Points to Remember

Do familiarise yourself with the seasonal bird nesting restrictions before climbing  and avoid climbing in the sanctuary/restricted areas, such as those found at the East and West Weares or below the MOD compound at Portland Bill. Avoid walking under, leaving equipment or swimming close, to restricted areas to help prevent distress for nesting or feeding birds.

To protect fragile cliff top flora avoid abseiling over the cliff top wherever possible.

• For your own safety please do not try and climb active “working” quarries on Portland.
• Take all your litter with you when you leave.

Parking

Many of the popular climbing areas on Portland are close to residential areas. Church Ope car park, opposite Portland Museum, provides free parking for “The Cuttings” area, Cheyne Weares car park, found to the north of Southwell, provides free parking for visitors to the Neddyfields and Godnor areas.

If your are thinking of Rock Climbing in Weymouth and Portland please visit The Outdoor Store in Weymouth where we would be delighted to help equip you for your outdoor adventures with a range of quality affordable clothing, boots, waterproofs, binoculars, guide books and maps.

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Highlander Voyager Sleeping Bags

Spring is fast approaching and the days are getting longer. Many of us are now thinking and planning our holidays and the camping season will be soon upon us. Camping under canvas (or should it be nylon with today’s modern materials), is a great way to get back to basics, and somehow seems to appeal to our hidden caveman instincts.

It’s certainly the only way to truly get close to nature and enjoy the great outdoors (then again for Festival goers it’s just about the only option really worth thinking about). But let’s face it, when it comes to a good nights’ sleep, you just have to choose your kit wisely, starting most importantly with your choice of sleeping bag.

What do you need to consider when buying a Sleeping Bag?

Fill Material

To cope with potentially wet conditions you should consider sleeping bags filled with a modern synthetic material such as lite-loft, primaloft, polarguard, hollofil, microloft, etc. These materials are all superior for wet conditions as they retain a great deal of their insulating ability when wet, are relatively easy to clean, resistant to mildew and rot and they dry faster when compared to natural insulators such as Goose down.

Shell Material

The material needs to be breathable and options include nylon, polyester, microfiber (a tightly woven material), and Dryloft which is the most water resistant shell material. Dryloft is the most expensive followed in turn by microfiber and then nylon and polyester.

Type of Bag

“Mummy” style sleeping bags are the de-facto standard for backpackers as the narrow, tapered design is efficient and lightweight. This style of bag heats up fast and packs into a small space – although they don’t provide a lot of room for manoeuvring so choose a semi-rectangular sleeping bag if you need additional space to toss and turn. The semi-rectangular bag has room in the middle but generally will still have the mummy hood and tapered toe box – ideal when thermal efficiency is less critical. Don’t forget you will also need a comfortable sleep mat as a base for the sleeping bags.

Highlander Voyager Sleeping Bags

One of the top manufacturers of sleeping bags is Highlander (Scotland) Ltd, established over twenty years ago in Edinburgh. Highlander Voyager Sleeping Bags are on eof the most popular range of sleeping bag. Combining warmth with small pack sizes, these bags are affordable and an excellent option for the majority of campers and backpackers.

Options available in the Highlander Voyager sleeping bag range include the Voyager Compact, Voyager Compact Ultra Lite, Voyager Lite and Voyager Super Lite designs.

Highlander Voyager sleeping bags come supplied with baffled zips and in a mummy shape making them more resistant to drafts or ingress of cold air during the night. The breathable polyester lining is perfect for keeping you cooler on balmier nights. Hexagonal rip-stop polyester shells provide increased durability and there are affordable options that are suitable for both cooler and warmer temperatures.

Highlander Voyager Compact Sleeping Bag

The Highlander Voyager Compact Sleeping Bag makes an excellent summer bag for new campers with good warmth to weight ratio and is ideal for temperatures in the range 13°c to 5°c.

The compact sleeping bag priced at £32.98 including VAT is filled with 150gsm 7 hole siliconised hollow fibre fill and weights 1.1kg.

It measures 215×70x50cm when spread out and can be packed into a sleeping bag carrier measuring 28×17x17cm. Colour available is stone.

Highlander Voyager Compact Ultra Lite Sleeping Bag

The Highlander Voyager Compact Ultra Lite Sleeping Bag is similar to the Compact in style, however, it is filled with 100gsm instead of 150gsm fill, and as a result its pack size is reduced to 24×13x14cm.

The Compact Ultra Lite Sleeping Bag is a 1-2 season option and suitable for slightly warmer temperatures 15°c to 7°c.

The Compact Ultra Lite is priced at £28.00 including VAT is an ideal sleeping bag if space is a premium.

Highlander Voyager Lite Sleeping Bag

The Highlander Voyager Lite Sleeping Bag is the warmest Voyager bag and provides good warmth to weight ratio.

Filled with 250gsm 7 hole siliconised hollow fibre it is a 3 season sleeping bag and can be used in temperatures as low as -7°c.

It weighs 1.5kg, measures 225×70x50cm with a pack down size of 33×21x21cm.

Priced at £36.99 including VAT and the available colour is mocha.

Highlander Voyager Super Lite Sleeping Bag

The Highlander Voyager Super Lite Sleeping Bag is also an excellent general use bag for new campers and can be used over 2-3 seasons.

It is lighter than the Highlander Voyager Lite Sleeping Bag, weighing 1.35kg, and is suitable for temperatures as low as -3°c.

The blue coloured Voyager Super Lite Sleeping Bag is priced at £34.99 including V.A.T.

Cleaning and care for your Sleeping Bag

Try to keep to keep the sleeping bag clean so as to avoid the need for frequent and aggressive washing – which can compromise the benefits of the design. Always follow the cleaning instructions attached to the sleeping bag, typically a mild powder is required not a liquid one which can damage the bag’s shell and wash in warm or cold water. If you can, use a larger commercial washer in a laundrette as they have more capacity to accommodate your bag and do not have centre agitator which can damage the materials.

Lay the bag out or hang it and dry it fully prior to storage. Never store your sleeping bag in a compressed bag or sack, store it in a cotton sleeping bag storage bag.

Highlander Voyager Sleeping Bag Gallery

The Highlander Voyager Sleeping Bags are great value for money, and available at The Outdoor Store in Weymouth or can be ordered from our online shop.

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Viper LA Special Forces Vest ideal for Airsoft

Paintballing, Skirmishes and Airsoft are increasingly popular Outdoor activities with those who like to take their fresh air with a big dose of adventure , thrills, and excitement.

Getting yourself correctly kitted out can just give a little edge over fellow competitors, and, lets face it, is pretty sensible if you’re to make the most of the day. I figure that when you are in the line of fire you need to have pretty quick access to your ammunition so you can reload in the heat of action – there’s just no time to waste fumbling around in deep pockets. That is why something like the Viper LA Special Forces Vest is an essential piece of kit.

Viper Special Forces Vest

When you are participating in Airsofting you need to carry spare magazines into the field along with BB’s, map, torch and any other essentials. The Viper LA Specials Forces Vest is a great vest for anyone just starting out in the Airsofting world.

Aimed at military, security and airsoft markets, Viper have been involved in military markets for over 20 years, offering equipment manufactured to the highest standards using quality materials at affordable prices.

The Viper LA Special Forces Vest is priced at £36.77 plus VAT and is available in two colours, Camouflage and Black.

Viper LA Special Forces Vest Specification

Camouflage Viper Special Forces Vest

The Viper LA Vest features include:

• 600D Cordura The Viper LA vest is made from 600 denier cordura, is well stitched together and it can take a fair bit of abuse out in the field. The sides are laced together, it is a one size fits all solution and is adjustable for those with larger frames. Adjustments are made by altering the lacing on either side of the vest.  A plastic toggle is used to hold the lacing in place and any spare lace can then be cut off or tied back. Once adjusted the vest is very comfortable to wear, lightweight with no restriction of movement. Essential when you want to make a quick get away.

• 6 adjustable magazine pouches and 3 utility pouches The vest comes with 6 adjustable pouches, 3 either side of the vest, plus 3 utility pouches and loops for shotgun cartridges. The 6 adjustable pouches are of adequate size, and can accommodate M14/M16, SiG552 and G36 (a tight fit) magazines. The pouches could also be used as a holster for a  pistol with the Velcro cover holding this securely in place.
• Large Utility PouchThe largest of all the external pouches will easily fit a bag of 3000 BB’s additional magazines, numerous other accessories or is even large enough to fit a couple of small BB grenades.
• Small Utility PouchLocated on the right side of the vest it has a Velcro front and when the flap is tucked in you can attach a name/team patch.
• Radio PouchThe radio pouch on the left shoulder of the vest is ideal for small radios, for larger radios you could use the large utility pouch or one of the magazine pouches.
• Map Pouch Two Velcro pouches are available inside on the left and right hand side of the vest. Useful for storing maps, however as access to these requires you to unzip the vest it’s not something you want to keep doing during the middle of a skirmish (keep less used items here).

• 9 shell loops, belt loopsIt is possible to fit additional pouches to the back of the LA Viper Special Forces Vest as there are attachment loops available of the ALICE variety. However, it may be possible to fit MOLLE pouches with a little fiddling.

• Belt includedThe belt helps to hold the vest in position. The belt is fitted to the vest using the belt loops attached at the bottom and adjustment of the belt is done via Velcro and, like the vest , the belt is large enough to fit people with bigger waists. The belt buckle is made from plastic and has a button release mechanism which prevents accidental opening

• Adjustable lace up system ensures comfort fit The lightweight LA Viper Special Forces Vest is easy to put on. The adjustable lace up system ensures a comfortable fit no matter what you size is.

The LA Viper Special Forces Vest is great value for money, and is available at The Outdoor Store in Weymouth. Why not pop in for a bit of advice, and try it for size.

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Nothe Fort

Nothe Fort is located at the entrance to Weymouth Harbour and has a labyrinth of underground passageways and outdoor areas with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Nothe Fort is an award winning attraction offering low cost family entertainment and great value regardless of the weather.

Nothe Fort, built by the Victorians in 1870 was strategically sited at the end of the Nothe Peninsula to provide protection to Portland Harbour.

Constructed on three levels, the lowest level, the Magazine Level, was originally designed to store gunpowder and shells. The middle level, the Gun Deck Level, was designed to accommodate the cannons and provide accommodation for the soldiers manning the cannons. The top level formed the ramparts from where muskets could be fired and cannons loaded during an attack on the fort.

Each level on the Nothe Fort is easily accessed by means of a lift.  It is one of the best preserved Victorian Forts of its kind in the country.

Nothe Fort is filled with displays, mammoth guns and cinema areas that chart the history of this large and magnificent Victorian structure. The history of the fort spanning 150 years is explained through many displays, exhibits and audio visual facilities located on the ramparts, gun decks and throughout the maze of underground passageways.

Events at Nothe Fort

The Nothe Fort is operated by the Weymouth Civic Society, a Registered Charity run by volunteers who organise events for the public throughout the year.

Nothe Fort Artillery

Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month (excluding December & January) the Fort’s Artillery Volunteers show off their musketry and cannon handling skills with several big bangs.

Nothe Fort Evacuee Experience February 2010 Half Term Special

Nothe Fort Evacue Experience

Nothe Fort’s Evacuee Experience is second to none when it comes to reliving life as an evacuee in the 1940s.

The event is held during the February half term holiday on Monday 15th and Wednesday 17th February from 10.15am to 2.30pm (not suitable for children under 5).

Tickets are priced at £3.50 per person for this special event. Attendance is by ticket only and numbers will be restricted so please book early at The Tourist Information Centre (Weymouth) to avoid disappointment. There is a council operated car park in Nothe Gardens and the Fort is just a short walking distance.

The Nothe Fort offers great educational value and fun for children. They can experience an old 1940s school room supervised by a very strict headmaster complete with cane, an air raid shelter drill, and a Weymouth at War display. Visitors can also see a recreation of a 1940s kitchen with Mrs Mop doing the washing and cooking without the aid of fancy kitchen gadgets and facilities. At the Nothe Fort’s 1940s shop you will see the effects of rationing and witness the difference between the relatively sparse ranges of food available during World War 2 compared with the vast selection of foods we take for granted today.

The whole experience offers great educational value and fun for both children and adults alike. The World War II Evacuee Experience for primary school children is very popular with schools in Dorset and Somerset. For senior members they may find reliving this real life experience fascinating and pass on their knowledge to their family and grandchildren. Dogs are welcome providing they are kept on a lead and supervised at all times.

The British Restaurant will also be open for rations bags for the children & soup and bacon sarnies for the adults. You can enjoy your meal in the canteen, or take advantage of the picnic areas and enjoy the spectacular views of the Dorset Coast.

Visiting Nothe Fort

The Nothe Fort is also open during the Easter holidays 2nd April to 18th April 10:30am to 5:30pm, please check the Nothe Fort website for opening times during the reminder of the year.

When there is not a scheduled event, children aged 5 to 14 are admitted for £1, Adults £6, seniors £4 and members (Friends of the Fort) pay a reduced rate. School & College groups are also welcome for self or guided tours.

Nothe Fort Views

The Fort’s terrace area has unrivalled views of Weymouth Bay and is an ideal location to hold social events with friends or colleagues. The Nothe Fort also makes an ideal viewing platform from which to view the 2012 Olympic sailing events. The venue is licensed to sell alcohol and holds a full entertainments licence.

If you are in Weymouth and fancy visiting the Nothe Fort it is about a 15-20 minute walk from The Outdoor Store shop. Stroll along the beach and round to Brewers Quay. Follow the path around the peninsula and you will see the Nothe Fort in front of you.

All images Copyright Nothe Fort

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Regatta Fleeces

Regatta Fleeces can be found in a lot of wardrobes up and down the country and are loved by all who enjoy the outdoor world. The fleece jacket is arguably one of the biggest revolutions in outdoor clothing. One of the big factors that has contributed to the popularity of the fleece is its warmth to weight ratio. They are incredibly light and can be packed down very small, making them a great addition to any walker’s rucksack or day sack.

With the unpredictable nature of the British weather many users require versatile multipurpose clothing and this has led to the introduction of multilayered jackets where the warm fleece zips in to a waterproof and windproof shell.  With the layers combined the wearer has protection and warmth, whilst both components also be worn as separates as the conditions dictate. Over the past five years fleece design has benefited from technical input and with advances in breathable materials, both windproof and shower proof options are now readily available. That said one of the big advantages of fleece jackets is that when they do get wet they dry out incredibly quickly.

How to choose a fleece?

Intended use will help guide you in your selection from the vast range of options. For dog walking, short walks or a trip to the shops, then style and warmth may be the key factors. However for serious hiking, or mountain walking you will want to consider other benefits such as weight, packed size, wicking ability and waterproofing.

Fleece Materials

Fleeces are generally made from 100% polyester with Polartec® being the main producer of fleece material with Regatta being one of the leading producers of fleece clothing. Most technical fleeces will be made from Polartec® materials and their weight is denoted as a 100, 200 and 300 type.

The 100 is a light weight fabric more suited to a base layer and with its low bulk bridges the gap between heavy base layers and mid-layer insulation. This option is generally highly breathable and suited to active athletes who generate lots of body heat.

The 200 type is a mid weight, versatile and popular fleece material which is commonly used as a mid-layer. It can also be used as an outer layer in moderate temperatures and is still breathable enough for aerobic activity in cold weather.

The 300 is a heavy duty, extreme cold condition, type material, generally worn as an outer layer in cold weather although still breathable enough to be used as a mid-layer in extreme conditions. This is a good choice for relatively stationary activities in cold or windy weather.

Windproof materials are also available in light, mid, and heavyweight fleece clothing. Typically this material is constructed with the windproof membrane sandwiched between two fleece layers.  The material is less breathable than standard fleeces and is usually worn as an outer layer in cold or windy weather.

Fleece Pockets

If you are planning to wear your fleece as an outer layer you will definitely want pockets. Look for zipped hand pockets and if you plan to carry a rucksack on your back look for pockets on the arms as access to them will be less restricted.

High neck

A high collar will help prevent drafts and water getting in, so shorter collar options are really best kept for use as a base layer inside your coat.

Fleece Zip Length

Fleeces come with either a full length zipper or a chest zip. Having a full length zip makes it easier to get the fleece off, but does give more opportunities for drafts to creep in.

Elastic hem cord

Some fleeces come with an adjustable hem; which can be pulled in tight in colder weather.

Regatta Fleeces

Regatta is one of Europe’s leading names in outdoor clothing with over 80 years experience in making high quality waterproofs. Regatta make a fantastic range of affordable fleeces in a variety of sizes and colours.

Options include:

Regatta Perspective Fleece

The Regatta Perspective Fleece is lightweight with a superb heat to weight ratio and incorporating Thermal Balance Plus® microfleece technology.

The Perspective Fleece is available in two colours Navy and Black and in sizes Small to XXXL.

It has a half-zip for quick on-off wearing and is priced at £13.28 reduced from RRP £21.99.

Regatta Mercury Fleece

The Regatta Mercury Fleece is a Unisex Jacket with 2 zipped lower pockets, benefits from the 280 series Symmetry anti-pill material both sides for quick drying, and has an adjustable shockcord hem.

The Mercury Fleece is available in four colours Navy, Black, Olive Green and Seal Grey to match your existing wardrobe and comes in sizes Small to XXXL.

It is a full-zip fleece and is currently priced at £13.00 including VAT, reduced from RRP £21.99.

Regatta Nova Ladies Fleece

The stylish Regatta Nova Ladies Fleece is available in eye catching colours, morado (Lilac) and beetroot. The 2 zipped lower pockets are ideal for storing your keys and mobile phone. The Regatta Nova Ladies Fleece is available in sizes 10 to 20 and priced at £14.99 reduced from an RRP £24.99.

The Outdoor Store in Weymouth stocks a wide range of outdoor Regatta jackets and Regatta fleeces. Visit our store to try the extensive range, and for expert advice.

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RSPB

The recent cold winter weather has resulted in an array of birds flocking to our shores. We get quite a lot of “twitchers” in our Weymouth shop buying maps and outdoor accessories - here is an article on Bird Watching in and around Weymouth.

You may be surprise to learn that in the Weymouth and Portland area there is a wealth of fascinating flora, fauna, birds and wildlife on your doorstep. The area is a major migration point for birds and is visited throughout the year by hundreds of dedicated bird watchers.

The RSPB nature reserves at Radipole and Lodmoor are situated close to the town centre and are excellent for birdwatchers and those who are interested in being close to nature.

Radipole Lake RSPB Nature Reserve

The Radipole Lake Reserve is in the centre of Weymouth in an urban setting and has plenty to offer to families and birdwatchers alike. It is considered to be one of the most important areas for migrating birds on the whole of the south coast of England. As one of the country’s premier bird-watching sites, it was declared a bird sanctuary in 1929 and has

Birdwatching at Radipole Nature Reserve

been managed by the RSPB (Royal Society for Protection of Birds) since 1976. It is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reedbeds at Radipole Lake are now home to many rare birds, including Cetti’s warblers, bearded tits and bitterns.

There are panoramic views of the reserve from the visitor centre and there is easy access to the rest of the reserve along firm paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The large reedbed, open water, flood meadows and native shrubs attract a good range of birds all year. The reserve is currently undergoing a transformation with excavators clearing reeds at the northern end of the site and ditches being restored. It is hoped the completed works will encourage more breeding birds as well as otters, water voles and bats, to use the reserve.

Lodmoor RSPB Nature Reserve

Lodmoor Nature Reserve offers a mixture of habitats with its grazing marsh and ditches, shallow pools, reedbed, wet grassland, saltmarsh and native shrubs. There is easy access to the reserve along firm paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Birds to see during Spring and Summer in the Reserves

Birdwatchers can identify the arrival of spring as the reedbeds burst into life. Chiffchaffs and Sand Martins welcome a host of other birds including reed and sedge warblers and steadily the reserve become noisier with various bird songs. Out on the open water, there is a host of water birds and dabbling ducks, whilst, Coot and Moorhens are seen regularly holding territory and tending their young on the open water. At Lodmoor Nature Reserve you can see Bearded Tits and Cetti’s warblers all year and there is a large colony of common terns in summer. You may also glimpse the occasional Kingfisher.

Birds to see during Autumn and Winter in the Reserves

The Little Egret a visitor to Radipole & Lodmoor

As the long summer months draw to a close, the reserves change from a home for nesting birds to a re-fuelling stop for migrating birds visiting from the Baltic, Siberia and Eastern Europe as they seek refuge during the harsh winter months.  The full extent of the migration phenomenon indicates that many thousands of warblers and other small birds pass through on their way to warmer climes, so the realisation of just how important this reserve is, becomes only too apparent.  Swallows and Martins congregate in vast flocks, chattering noisily before finally dropping into the reeds at dusk to roost – truly one of nature’s great wildlife spectacles.  It is a time of change, as the reedbeds fall virtually silent and the open water becomes crowded with feeding and nesting fowl. Bitterns which visit most winters at Radipole are one of Britain’s rarest and most secretive birds.  Pochard, Tufted Ducks and Little Egrets can be observed. The reedbeds are being nurtured for them and it is hoped that in the future they will remain here to breed.

In autumn at Lodmoor Nature Reserve you can see hundreds of Swallows and Martins preparing for migration. The reserve also provides a safe winter refuge for large numbers of wading birds ducks and plovers and its saltmarsh areas attract rare and unusual migrants from Europe and further afield.

The RSPB visitor centre at Radipole Lake offers guided walks, special events, advice on bird identification and much more. It is open everyday except Christmas and Boxing Day.

Portland’s coast has for years been a haven for nesting sea birds, including some protected species. From Herring Gulls, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars and Kittiwakes to Peregrine Falcons, all of these birds are an integral part of the island wildlife.  Visitors can take either the East or West-cliff route to observe and monitor the migration of birds, some of which are nationally or globally protected species..

A visit to the Portland Bird Observatory, at the Old Lower Lighthouse, is worthwhile to obtain local information on birds. The Observatory offers hostel accommodation which should to be booked in advance. The Observatory has a full time warden who, along with volunteers, undertakes bird ringing and counts on a regular basis.

Spring and autumn months are the best time to visit Weymouth and surrounding areas for bird watching with April and May being the peak months for migration.

The many prime coastal sites in the vicinity offer a superb bird spotting opportunity for both novice and regular alike.

If you would like further informal guidance and direction please feel free to chat with us at  The Outdoor Store where we would also be delighted to help equip you for your outdoor adventures with a range of quality affordable outdoor clothing,  waterproof jackets, binoculars, guide books and maps.

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High Visibility Security Jacket

High visibility clothing is an essential health & safety requirement for many industries, workplaces and working environments. Visibility clothing must conform to strict EU guidelines that ensure it is manufactured to the highest quality standards and that designs provide sufficient visibility in a range of working environments and environmental conditions.

High Vis Vests for Drivers

Use in working environments is common place, but most of us are not aware that in many European countries including France and Spain there is a traffic law making it compulsory for drivers and passengers to carry high visibility clothing for use in the event of breakdown. So in addition to the reflective triangle, a high visibility orange or yellow vest or jacket must be provided for each occupant.

The driver’s vest or jacket also needs to be stored so that he or she can put it on before getting out of the car. There is potential for an on the spot fine for non compliance. This new law has important safety implications and helps to make drivers more visible when exiting or working on a broken down car at night. The AA recommend that you check the latest safety advice and road rules for your destination country before you travel.

High Visibility Security Clothing and Workwear

Although the regulations governing the manufacture of high visibility clothing mean high initial quality, it doesn’t follow that such security clothing will last forever, or continue to comply with changing standards. It is advisable that any workwear or safety clothing is regularly checked to make sure that it still complies with legal requirements.

Purchasing high visibility safety clothing is relatively straightforward, with a wide range available for on-line purchase including helmets, goggles and gloves. We are more than happy to help you choose the correct or most appropriate garments and colours. Generally one can be safe in the knowledge that the suppliers of such high visibility attire will ensure that all their products conform to the rigid security guidelines laid down by EU regulation or Health & Safety bodies.

If you are unsure whether your safety clothing no longer conforms then it is best to replace the items without delay. Not only is it vital to ensure that users are suitably protected to the best possible standard, but there is also the consideration for company providers to avoid inadvertently facing claims of negligence for not making adequate or current provision.

Choosing a High Visibility item of Clothing

There are different classes of safety clothing with each class providing a different level of protection or visibility.

Full jackets or overalls with reflective strips provide the highest level of visibility and protection, whilst slip over waistcoat or tabards provide the lowest level of visibility.

Reflective strips are essential for night time use and are particularly useful when walking or running as the added movement enhances the reflective effect.

Highly reflective vests provide maximum visibility in an emergency situation, and should be an essential part of your car safety equipment, whether or not a trip to Europe is planned.

The reflective strips or clothing material can become less effective over time due to wear and tear, and damage through regular washing, UV damage or discolouration.

Even if the item of clothing appears to be still wearable, it is important to replace reflective clothing before its potential impact is diminished.  Keep the old jacket for gardening by all means, but do not rely on its impact in providing essential visibility and protection when needed.

High visibility vests and jackets are very affordable these days and last for many years.

Visit The Outdoor Store to find a range of high quality Outdoor Clothing , Jackets and Waterproofs that are luminescent and also for other items of High Visibility workwear and security equipment.

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Winter Walking in Dorset

It’s ‘New Year - New You’ time again as fitness gurus update us on the latest trends for keeping fit and celebrities launch their latest endorsed exercise regimes. TV based plans such as Nintendo’s Wii Fit or a range of fitness DVDs are great for indoor exercise, but don’t let the cold weather keep you inside this winter.

There are many great, low cost, ideas for keeping fit outdoors, that all the family can enjoy.

Outdoor Fun in West Dorset

West Dorset has an abundance of stunning walking routes, with a network of countryside footpaths and bridleways and coastal walks along the Jurassic Coast. Always try to walk briskly whenever you can - even short bursts of activity are effective. Winter is also a great time to take your dog on the beach, with many of the summertime restrictions lifted. For the more energetic these same routes offer great choice and variety for your jogging routine. So get your walking boots or runners on because with so much accessible countryside on our doorstep it really is easy to go running and walking this winter.

Geocaching in Dorset

Looking for something different? Geocaching, is the new fun intensive walking activity that is sweeping the nation.

Essentially a technological scavenger hunt, all you need to participate is a hand-held GPS device, and some good outdoor clothing.

Here’s how it works: people hide objects almost anywhere you could imagine (the caches), and list them online identifying their location only by latitude and longitude co-ordinates. Geocachers, as members of these online groups, select caches to find based on general location and difficulty of the search. Caches are inexpensive, fun and quirky.

When you find a cache, you leave something else for the next person. To learn more, go to www.geocaching.com.

If you like to cover a lot of ground then consider a combination of Geocaching with a Winter Bike Ride. Dust off your bike, wrap up warm and spend a couple of hours exploring the beautiful Dorset countryside. With specific cache targets to aim for exercise becomes fun, and far less monotonous than treadmills or repetitive TV based regimes.

Fossil Hunting in Dorset

For a slightly more gentile exercise idea, why not take the family fossil huntingalong Dorset’s Jurassic coast, where the winter months generally offer the best chance for new and exciting finds. Mud flows and cliff falls will have exposed fresh material for enthusiasts to explore. It’s surprising how much energy you will burn up scrambling along the rocks searching for the next big find.

With regular exercise your body shape and muscle will become more toned and you will burn calories quicker. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins – known as feel-good hormones. Endorphins give you a natural high, so exercise will not only make you look great, but can help take away those New Year Winter blues.

Wrap up warm - See you out there!!

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Dorset Winter Cycling

It’s been 50 years since almost half of Dorset received official recognition as a very special landscape. Its designation as the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1959 placed it safely in a family of nationally important protected landscapes. Winter Cycling in Dorset is a great way to explore this area, to discover its many ancient monuments and hill forts and to experience and marvel at the abundant wildlife.

On two wheels you can cover a good distance , but at a gentle enough pace to feel at one with the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful part of the world.

So why not dust of your bike, wrap up warm and spend a couple of hours exploring the beautiful Dorset countryside this winter.

To get you going, here are a couple of suggested routes to enjoy.

Abbotsbury and Bride Valley Bike Ride

Distance: Approx 11 miles

This route starts at Abbotsbury the beautiful village with its world famous Swannery, and visits Littlebredy and Litton Cheney before returning to Abbotsbury. As you leave Abbotsbury you can enjoy the views of Chesil beach and the Jurassic coastline before cycling North East on the side road signposted for Littlebredy.

On the way you will pass the Valley of Stones with its circle of haphazardly arranged stones that almost looks man made.

The Valley of Stones has been a National Nature Reserve since 1999. Take a short detour to visit Hardy’s monument and take in the superb views across the Dorset landscape, before heading North West into Littlebredy. Littlebredy lies near the head of the River Bride and is a beautiful, picturesque and serenely quiet village.

Continue along the Bride Valley to the village of Litton Cheney with its many 17th and 18th century stone and thatched cottages built alongside the road winding its way alongside the stream as it rushes through the valley.

Complete the circular route by heading south towards Abbotsbury Castle and join the B3157 to return to your starting point.

Frome Valley and Chalk Hills Bike Ride

Distance: Approx 11 miles

If you enjoy climbing hills then The Frome Valley route includes a couple of testers as you traverse the chalk downs that lie between the adjacent valleys of the river Frome and Sydling Water.

The suggested route starts at Sydling St Nicholas, a scenic village lying deep in a chalk-stream valley, and takes in Maiden Newton and Frampton before returning to your starting point as you cycle up the Sydling Water valley.

On your route a short diversion allows you to visit the Butterfly site at Lankham Bottom managed by the Butterfly Conservation group.

All approaches to Sydling St Nicholas are beautiful, whether you choose to cross the hills from Cerne Abbas or Maiden Newton, or take the gentler option along the river valley. This route is a real joy of contrasting scenery, and beautiful villages.

Winter Cycling

For those tempted by these routes, and perhaps planning to buy a new bike, do visit your local cycle shop for advice. There is a wide range of specialist terrain kit available as well as a number of good quality all-rounders to consider. With mountain bikes and their rugged tyres designed for tough off road work, you may be better advised to consider a touring or hybrid bike. These combine strength and comfort, with equipment, wheels and tyres more suitable for road use.

A visit to The Outdoor Store will provide all the choice and advice needed for a selection of waterproof jackets and warm clothing to ensure you enjoy your cycling in Dorset this winter, whatever the weather.

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