Here at Hip & Healthy, we laugh in the face of harsh winter weather, and let nothing stand in our way of a good, energizing workout. So, if you’re like us, you’re always on the lookout for the best activewear to support and protect yourself from the outdoor elements. By dressing correctly for your activity, you give yourself the best chance of performing to your optimum active ability, which allows you to reap the benefits of all those pleasure-inducing endorphins that exercise enables.

But this is precisely where the problem lies: sometimes it is not the lack of motivation that prevents us from working-out outdoors; it’s actually our lack of adequate gear that prevents us from venturing beyond our regular gym studio.

But this is where Cotswold Outdoor comes in…

Starting up in 1974 by selling a range of basic camping accessories from a small outbuilding in the Cotswolds, four decades of subsequent experience in outdoor retail has enabled the company to grow and prosper into an award winning, multi-channel retailer with stores throughout the UK. Evolving from the heavy, sub-standard outdoor kit on offer from the 70s, in the present day, Cotswold Outdoor supply the most cutting-edge products, from an impressive selection of over 250 internationally recognized brands. Presenting collections from Berghaus, Osprey and Regatta to name a few, Cotswold Outdoor really do live and breathe all your outdoor needs and desires by providing a unique retail site to set the foundations for your outdoor adventures and pursuits.

But don’t just take our word for it – check out the products for yourself. We love the women’s Ashford 3-in-1 Parka from Jack Wolfskin. With Texapore technology to keep you dry and warm with a clever, practical and detachable faux-fur hood to protect your head, face and ears through extreme weather conditions, this is a must-have if you love skiing or hiking – their really ‘ain’t no mountain high enough’ when wearing this brrrriliant Parka (see what we did there?)

But whilst Cotswold Outdoor pride themselves on the newest, most innovative technology (they have tents that weigh less than 1 kilogram, watches that can navigate and ultra-warm jackets that fold into their own pockets!), what hasn’t changed is their absolute passion for the outdoors. Offering expert advice, kit-talks, personal fittings (and not to mention the countless partnerships with other outdoor organizations, race teams and sponsored expeditions!) it is clear to see that the brand is truly passionate about outdoor products, people, and places.

Here at H&H HQ, it is this passion that sets Cotswold Outdoor apart from other outdoor-wear companies. We all know that living a healthy, active lifestyle promotes the very best version of you, therefore wearing the correct gear for your desired activity, indoor or outdoor, is crucial for achieving your goals, and promoting overall happiness and wellbeing. And so, when deliberating as to whether you wish to get your jog on in the snow, or snuggle safely on the sofa, take a moment to glance at Cotswold Outdoor – and your decision will be made for you, as if by magic.

Visit www.cotswoldoutdoor.com for more info.

words by Olivia Murphy