Our go-to winter riding apparel

We were asked to list one item of clothing that we always pick out of the pile for a wintery mountain bike ride. Here’s what we picked.

Following on from our Make winter riding actually fun article from last year, we thought we’d slightly revisit the theme but this time focus purely on apparel.

Benji – PNW Rover Hip Pack

• Price: £79.99
• From: PNW Components UK

Is a bumbag ‘apparel’? This ace Rover from PNW is certainly used for holding apparel at least. And it does feel like cosy cuddle around your midriff. So I think it counts as apparel yes. This is just a really well made hip pack that holds spare gloves, a Buff and an extra layer (gilet or thin windsmock type thing). And it keeps things dry too by virtue of its waterproof zips and generally chunkiness. As mentioned in my PNW Rover review from a couple of years ago, I used to use this just as a camera bag but it’s now also got a second life as my winter handbag.

Chipps – Shimano XM9 Shoes

• Price: £199.99
• From: Freewheel (Technically discontinued but still available online if you dig around!)
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Not actually walking boots, although they should be comfortable for any hike a bike that comes your way, these are boots for all weathers and all adventures. Waterproof and breathable and never far from Chipps’ feet when winter hits.

Hannah – Madison DTW 3-Layer Waterproof Bib Trousers

• Price: £199
• From: Freewheel
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Fully taped seams and a DWR coated waterproof fabric. “Designed to withstand strong winds” (more tea vicar etc). Constructed from a 4 way stretch fabric. Pre curved knees and a tailored cut. Strategically placed reflective inserts. Central chest pocket and a hip pocket, both get full closure zippers. Long side access zip, and stretchy quick release straps over the shoulders.

Hannah: “Sod the official name, these are dungarees. These come in three lengths and I’ve been wearing the Regular length, which is actually fairly long. The three-layer waterproof fabric has a slight stretch to it, but you should plan to have these moderately loose fitting, not tight – they’re not that stretchy. The fit is good. There’s plenty of room for knee pads. You can use the two-way zip on the right to let a bit of heat out.”

James – Mons Royale Redwood Merino Wind Jersey

• Price: €149,95
• From: Mons Royale
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James: “This top was actually an off-cast from a friend for whom it was fractionally too big. At first, I was fairly dismissive of the gift, thinking it to be just another long sleeve merino top, yet it very quickly became a go to. The wind-proof front panel keeps you warmer than plain merino, while the merino sleeves feel nicer and allow it to breathe more than a pure windproof. It dries quickly so can cope with a light shower, and because it’s merino it lasts that much longer between washes before getting stinky. Ideal for those days when the weather looks like it could deliver any one of four seasons, this now lives in my riding pack all year round, and comes into its own when the temperature drops.”

Mark – Spada MTB Hydro Mountain Biking Trousers

• Price: £119.99
• From: Spada
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10K waterproof and 10K breathable fabric. Taped seams. Stretch panelling at ankle and calf. Waterproof zip pockets. Waistband adjuster. Also available in olive. Well, while stocks last anyway.

Ross – 100% Brisker Cold Weather Glove

• Price: £31.99
• From: Silverfish UK
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Standard issue for the UK Mountain Biker. Thin palm for feel. Insulated back for battling the cold. Can usually be found in a sale somewhere. I personally don’t use any gloves that are thicker than these. I carry a spare pair of Briskers with me instead so I can switch to a dry pair mid-ride. When it’s proper cold you’ll need something beefier but you still definitely need some Briskers in your kit box.

You – Comment below!

What kit gets you through the coldest and wettest times of the year? Let us know below.