Weekly Newsletter

It's the last OUTDOORSmagic newsletter before we all dive into a Christmas pudding-flavoured alternative dimension, so we'd like to wish you all a very happy outdoors Christmas and say all the best for the New Year.

And speaking of the best, we've got some tips for you if you want a happy, healthy outdoors Christmas, as opposed to a miserable, toxic, inside sort of one. Plus with winter finally looking like arriving in some shape or form, we've put together a handy compilation of all our winter articles from kit to winter skills courses, it's all there.

It's also just about your last chance to buy an outdoors Christmas present before the fat Santa sings. We've been running a regular daily Christmas Cracker outdoors gift suggestion, so if you're still frantically searching for an inspired gift for the mountainy person in your life, have a look. And don't forget our very useful shopping partners :-)

Also on the site, our man Gear, Richard Gear, has been getting into the festive spirit with some handy kit advice for Santa and this week's walking route takes in an ancient monument.

So from me, Susan and routes editor Dave, have a good one and we'll see you in the New Year :-)

Jon and the team at OUTDOORSmagic.com
editor@outdoorsmagic.com

---

Elsewhere on the Site

Christmas Cracker Twelve - Funky Poles... Who says trekking poles have to look boring? New from Switch Sticks are proper technical trekking poles, but in a range of rather more interesting colours - rock on granny :-)

Walking Route: Stonehenge, Wiltshire When you're tired of ruffy tuffty mountains or simply want an atmospheric stroll on flatter terrain, maybe with family or friends, you can't beat an ancient monument...

BMC Launches Alpine Essentials DVD Following in the boot prints of the BMC's Winter Essentials DVD, this is an essential skills aid for anyone heading to the Alps, novice or experienced. Also has an excellent section on Via Ferrata safety.

---

Latest User Reviews

The North Face Genesis Jacket 'Side pockets are a decent size. No wind resistance, but it's just a fleece. I personally wouldn't buy one for use on the hill - too warm for me, no hood, limited pockets and too bulky when packed.'

Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher TDS 750 'Good all round winter sleeping bag for all but the coldest conditions in Britain and Ireland. Elastication works well. A little heavy though. It could do with a better fill weight down.'

Outdoor Designs Winterflex Inferno 'For all their Gore-Tex and other fancy bits and pieces the performance is pretty poor. They are marginally waterproof, and not particularly warm, I have a cheap pair of M+S woolly gloves which are warmer.'

---

Latest Forum Threads

Hillwalking - and the joy of taking your time...... I couldn't imagine rushing or racing through walking areas as they encompass such feelings of isolation and awe. Not having a pop at the performance dudes, just offering a different viewpoint. Anyone else?

Merino - How Should It Fit? Just bought my first Merino top in the Craghoppers sale, size medium as usual, and it is huge. Is this normal for Merino? Is it to allow for shrinkage? Or should I have got a small?!

Snowdon's New Name - Hafod Eryri The name of the new £8.3m visitors' centre on the summit of Snowdon has been revealed as Hafod Eryri. The centre will replace the demolished mountain cafe once called Britain's highest slum by Prince Charles.

---

Latest Gallery Images

---

Competitions

Cairngorm by Richard Roworth enlarge picture	Langdale Pikes by Michael S enlarge picture	Sgurr Choinnich Mor by Paul Sammonds enlarge picture

Win 10 Copies Of Quo Pro Worth £99 Each
In Quo PRO you'll find a host of digital mapping tools and the whole of Great Britain at OS 1:50k scale. Win £280 Of Vango Gear
Vango is giving away a TBS Spirit 200 Lite tent and Venom 225 Sleeping Bag to mark its sponsorship of the Original Mountain Marathon. Win Bridgedale Trekker Socks
Post your photos in the gallery and whichever gets the most user ratings bags the socks.

---

Support Our Partners

Jacksons of Old Arley The largest independent outdoor retailer in the Midlands, we have everything for the outdoor enthusiast.

Woodland Organics We sell only the best lines of outdoor clothing and equipment, including innovative new products like the 'Gorillapod' that secures your camera to any rock or tree while you take that perfect photo.

Explore! With over 20 years' experience Explore has pioneered over 300 small group trips worldwide. We aim to get you closer to the different people, cultures and landscapes.

Hike Kit Hike Kit Outdoor Gear is an independent store owned by Outdoor enthusiast for outdoor enthusiast. We supply an extensive range of equipment for walkers, climbers, campers and adventure seekers.

Craghoppers Outdoor and travel brand Craghoppers are famous for their KIWI trousers but their new AW range includes much more than that - from eVENT waterproofs through to soft shells and winter travel clothing.

Freetime We are Carlisle's only ski and mountain shop - a true specialist outdoor sports retailer stocking a full range of equipment and accessories, with new cut-price offers every month.

Wild Trak Equipping expeditions throughout the globe for over 25 years, from mountain summits to deep jungle, family walks to professional excursions. In short something for everyone!

Peak Pursuits Situated on the doorstep of the Peak District and leaders in outdoor adventure, Peak Pursuits offer a variety of activity holidays, including tuition and guidance in a range of activities.