Enjoy the Great British outdoors!
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
With the onset of winter and the Christmas break drawing closer, and finances tight for most of us, many families are looking for ways of enjoying free time together that won't break the bank.
The good news is that by getting out of the house and enjoying the Great British countryside, you will be doing yourself a number of health favours without spending a pretty penny. You don't have to fork out a fortune on entrance fees, food and drink and the like. And you won't need any special training to do it.
We're lucky in the UK that our countryside is so varied, with much to explore and enjoy, from woodland and forests to beaches, hills and mountains. For extra fun, offer to walk a friend's dog if you don't have one of your own, fly a kite, have a picnic, collect acorns or conkers, watch the sunset or explore sand dunes or rock pools.
Even on a modest budget, you could consider an activity such as pony trekking, horse riding or boating. If you have GPS, think about going geocaching. Get the clues and co-ordinates from one of the various geocaching websites, and then use GPS to find the hidden treasure! This is usually a small waterproof box with a few cheap goodies inside. There's also a log book to fill in, and the idea is that you take one of the treasure items and replace it with another, something small and inexpensive.
But, whatever you get up to, of course the British weather is not always as glorious as the countryside. Especially at this time of year, you'll need to protect yourself against rain, which could be anything from a slight drizzle to a full on downpour, as well as the wind and the cold.
Wherever else you make savings, don't skimp when it comes to buying waterproof jackets. A good one will last for years, especially if you take care of it.
Over time, the waterproofing of your jacket will reduce, and it can become grubby. Clean your waterproof jacket with pure soap flakes or one of the specialist washing liquids around, do not use regular washing powder or fabric conditioner. Once your jacket is clean and dry, reproof it. There are sprays you can use to do this, or products you pop in the washing machine.
You'll find a wide selection of women's and men's waterproof jackets on sale in the High Street and online, and it's worth doing a little research before you make your purchase. Depending on the activities you plan to undertake good waterproof boots could also be a prudent investment.
There are tougher garments aimed at mountain-based activities, or lightweight waterproofs for the more causal user, which pack away neatly when they are not being used. Insulated and fleece jackets offer comfort and warmth when you stop for long breaks, especially during the colder months.
Membrane coated waterproof jackets perform significantly better than a regular coated waterproof version, with greater efficiency on moisture movement and control.
Finally, soft shells are a relatively new development, and combine elements of a middle and outer layer in one. They are especially well suited to active users such as climbers, mountaineers and cyclists. Most soft shells do not need to be completely waterproof or windproof, since the wearer is generally moving at speed. They are highly wind and water resistant and insulated, so are incredibly versatile. Equally, the close cut of most garments means they look good for general wear as well as on the hillside.
With a little research, you'll soon find a jacket which is absolutely right for you; however you enjoy your free time in Great Britain's countryside.
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