In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
As a man of accessories, you might think that I pedal down the trails in a new outfit on every ride. But that's not true. I have my absolute favourites and I ride them until they literally rot off my body - according to the motto: never change a running system. Here are three pieces that I would put under the Christmas tree for my best friends without hesitation.
Scott Vest Trail Storm Insuloft Alpha
The Trail Storm is the best waistcoat I've ever had. It accompanies me from autumn to spring, on summits, descents and home trails. Fluffy Polartec Alpha on the inside keeps you warm, while a softshell trim on the back protects you from splashing water. The rest blocks the wind, but not completely. It rarely gets too warm - and when it does, I open the easy-action zip. I usually stuff a hat or headband into the small pocket on the back. Only the pack size is a little large for a gilet.
Data and price Scott Vest Trail Storm Insuloft Alpha
- Weight: 190 grams (size L)
- Polartec Alpha Insulation
- Water-repellent trim on the back
- Small back pocket
- Price: 99,95 Euro >> at Bobshop or Mountain friends available
Ergon BA Hip Pack
At some point I decided to only pack the essentials on tour - and the BA Hip Pack with its 3 litre volume is the perfect size for this. Top features: Extra compartments for mini-tools, small items and mobile phones as well as the fold-out straps for attaching protectors on the outside. The hip belt can be shortened and is extremely stable. This means that the BA Hip Pack is as stubborn as hip fat, but rocks much less when the terrain gets rough. Ultra robust and not too expensive!
Incidentally, the Hip Pack also fulfils a somewhat unusual purpose for me: it keeps my lower back warm and thus prevents back pain - three herniated discs send their regards.
Data and price Ergon BA Hip Pack
100% Brisker gloves
I fished the Brisker gloves from 100% out of the rubbish bin especially for you. After years of constant use, I finally realised that my favourite gloves for cold days in winter and for the transitional period in autumn and spring have had their day. Although all the silicone prints had gone and the threads for the touchscreen function were already hanging loose on my fingers, I couldn't part with the hand warmers. The light lining under the thin softshell outer shell had also slipped a little. So it was with a heavy heart that I let the gloves go - not without organising a replacement pair first, of course.
The ingenious thing about the Brisker? Although it is made for the colder days of the year, it wears like a normal glove. The single-layer palm fits like a second skin and provides a perfect grip on the handlebars when the trails are wet and the roots are slippery. A soft towelling trim on the thumb dries the snotty nose. Thanks to the Velcro cuff, it's easy to slip the glove on even if you're slightly sweaty. And the Brisker also makes it easy to use your mobile phone. The 100% is available online for well below the manufacturer's RRP. An absolute bargain for me.
Data and price of the 100% Brisker glove
- Weight: 69 g
- Touch function on thumb and index finger
- Silicone prints index finger / palm
- Terry thumb
- Insulated outside of the hand
- Velcro cuffs
- Price: 34,50 Euro >> available from Maciag Offroad
Stefan Frey
Editor
