GIFT GUIDE

Off-Road Edition

Keen mountain biker, bike-packer, gravel cyclist and Sigma Sports ambassador,Phoebe Sneddon, talks us through her go-to Christmas gifting ideas. If you’re still not sure what to buy for the off-road rider in your life, between Phoebe’s top picks and our Gift Shop, we're sure you find them something they really want this season!

SHOP LIKE PHOEBE

Does your other half pedal off into the wilderness for days on end?

Do they enjoy bedding down in the bushes? Or perhaps they are planning a few weekends away on their mountain bikes in 2022? I've put together my ultimate off-road gift guide for experienced pedalers and novices alike.

OFF-ROAD TOP PICKS

Lumbar Packs

Rucksacks are ideal for many adventures, but when it comes to bike packing, I find they can give me a sweaty back and interfere with my riding position after a few days in the saddle.

I am a true convert to the “fanny pack”, “bum bag” or in this case, “Lumbar Pack”. Osprey’s selection of hydration Lumbar Packs has enough space for all your essentials for a day on the trails as well as a decent-sized bladder to keep you hydrated.

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags can be quite a personal choice. It very much depends on the time of year you are planning your adventures.

Some are super lightweight and ideal for spring/summer trips. If you’re looking for something warmer for this time of year, you may need to spend a little more and be prepared for it to be slightly heavier and bulkier. I use a lightweight sleeping bag but also pack a warm jacket to wear as well if the temperature drops overnight.

Trailside Repairs

Most of us are now running tubeless, especially off-road. Keeping a tyre repair kit in your pocket or bag will hopefully get you out of trouble if needed! The Dynaplug Micro Repair Kit is my personal pick, but there are plenty of options available for an easy, lightweight solution to punctures on the fly.

I'd also highly recommend a good quality multi-tool, set of tyre levers and pump or CO2 inflator if you're looking for gifts that can be popped in a pack.

Merino Socks

Nothing is more important out on the trails than riding with warm and comfortable feet.

If it's a multi-day adventure, the added benefit of merino is that even when worn for more than one day on the trot, they don’t smell. While there is a lot of choices when it comes to socks, my personal favourite are made by Universal Colours. Not just functional and environmentally friendly, they look pretty stylish as well!

Camping Accessories

No trip would be complete without a sunrise brew. A cooking stove is an essential bit of kit to bring that all-important comfort to the wilderness.

If you are planning to bivvy overnight you will also need a sleeping pad. There are a few different options but picking something robust yet lightweight that packs away easily will mean you can't go far wrong. Most can also roll up easily and be strapped to the top of your handlebar bag!

Essential Electronics

It is impossible to bikepack without a bike light or head torch. You need something high quality with a good battery life ideal for rummaging around in the dark. My advice is to buy one that can be worn over your helmet, it can then act as a backup if your main bike light dies!

My final must-have for any keen rider navigating far from home is a GPS computer. In my opinion, the best and most easy-to-use GPS system out there is the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM. It's light, intuitive and packed full of features - my favourite off-road companion on every adventure.

MY GO-TO BRANDS

Endura

Endura is the OG of off-road brands. They have been making high-quality, sturdy kit for years and their shorts are an essential item in any mountain bikers kit bag.

Their waterproof offerings have enough panelling to keep your bum dry but not so much that it feels like you are wearing a bin bag, while their regular shorts are as tough and comfortable as they come. Pair them up with some of Endura's waterproof socks and you’re truly sorted for those winter sessions.

7mesh

Sticking with another of my favourite brands. 7mesh was spawned in Canada and they make highly technical and functional gear.

In a world where we are trying to eliminate waste, buying one good high-quality item that will last you forever makes sense. From waterproof jackets to hardy shorts, their kit is a long-term investment, built to last and to be used and abused.

Mons Royale

Mons Royale makes some of the nicest mountain bike clothing I've ever worn. Utilising sustainable and ethically sourced merino wool this New Zealand based brand ticks a lot of my boxes.

Their base layers and jerseys make an ideal Christmas gift being both functional and stylish. They have a good range of men's and women’s wear and have done some great work supporting female mountain bikers - making them one of my go-to brands.