Budget-friendly Karrimor walking kit
I have praised Karrimor’s latest collections of walking kit before. See Karrimor walking gear. For good quality, no nonsense walking kit at very good prices it’s a brand that is well worth looking at.
The lastest products include:
This jacket does what it exactly as it says on the label. There’s a waterproof outer jacket and a warm fleece inner jacket. These zip together to form a warm and waterproof all-in-one jacket.
Most people will wear the combination jacket in the winter and on cooler summer days but it’s always useful to have a spare fleece for colder days and a solo waterproof jacket for warmer, wet days.
The jacket is not Gore-Tex and it’s not lightweight, it’s unlikely to be at £49.99, but it is a good rain resisting fabric that feels robust and durable. For summer hiking or general dog walking style outings the jacket is a good choice.
There are some good details, such as a padded collar, elasticated and adjustable cuffs, foldaway hood and a patch of soft fabric inside the collar where it touches the face when fully zipped up.
I also like the female fit of the women’s 3 in 1 jacket. They have got the sizing right and the design is flattering for a winter jacket.
See all Karrimor 3 in 1 jackets
Karrimor Pitch 18 rucksack
The Karrimor Pitch 18 is a small pack and ideal for day climbs, day walks in summer, mountain biking or running.
There is only 18 litres of packing space so you won’t get much in but on short summer walks or climbs it would be fine.
It is priced at an amazing £30. I say amazing because it packs in a lot of features and is well made.
Features of the Karrimor Pitch 18 rucksack include:
- Easy-access axe loop and retainer: Very easy to use, strong and sturdy.
- Chest and chest strap: Nicely padded and adjustable.
- Removable hip belt: Not so keen on how thin this is. I prefer a wider hip belt.
- “Airmesh Fform” back system for increased breathability: I have seen systems that are more breathable but for comfort and breathability this is good.
- Main zipped compartment with an elasticated divider for storage: The right amount of space and pockets. Any more and I lose things.
- Hydration system compatibility: Will take a range of water bladder sizes.
- Zipped front compartment: Useful with anon snagging and easy to use zip.
- Security pocket with key clip.
The features I really like and that make the pack stand out are the mitt-friendly grab handle and zippers. I often wear gloves, even in sumer, and I find most zippers are very fiddly. The Pitch 18 zip “handles” are wide and glove friendly. The carrying handle is also big and easy to loop your hand into.
The zips themselves are also really well thought out and do not catch on zip flaps like I have found on so many other bags.
This is a comfortable and sturdy back for shorter climbs or walking trips.
These have tons of features for just £6.99. They are comfy to wear thanks to the fleece and lycra fabric. Plus they have a pairing clip to keep your gloves together when not in use, smart phone finger tips to allow you to use your phone whilst wearing them, silicone finger grips and reflective detailing. These have become a walking and running favourite.
A tough alloy drinking bottle for carrying water. It costs just £3.99 butis robust, well made and very water secure.
Karrimor calf-length trekking socks
Again, for just £6 for two pairs you get a lot for your money. The socks have great cushioning and padding, heal and toe impact protection and elasticated arch support. See Karrimor calf-length trekking socks
I tend to wear a lighterweight buff but for colder days this super soft fleecy Karrimor snood is a good accessory. It has a drawstring adjustor to ensure you keep out the wind when wearing it around your neck. Priced at £3.