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What to pack: spring in the Alps

The thing that no one tells you about the Alps is that they’re actually better outside of winter. The crowds have thinned, the sun is shining and you can truly appreciate the region’s many astonishing design hotels, explore their grounds and swim in the lakes. And once the snow has melted, the mountaintops turn into this kind of high-octane, ultra-fun playground for adults, all hiking trails, vertiginous drops and serious off-road thrills. When you’re there, don’t try to over-style it: you want technical clothes, comfortable cuts and neutral tones (with just a little pop, here and there, of colour)

His Bag – Trail Running

Satisfy CloudMerino T-Shirt

When it comes to running in mixed terrain, the Satisfy Running CloudMerino T-shirt will thermoregulate in all weather conditions, and makes for an ideal first or second layer. And this is a company that thinks of everything, with detachable labels on the outside, so that nothing rubs against your skin while running. In a tie-dye effect you certainly will be the coolest cat on the mountains.

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Satisfy TechSilk™ 5″ Shorts

These TechSilk shorts by Satisfy Running are not only primed to reduce heat absorption, give UV protection and keep you cool on the run, but they also have built-in sweatproof pockets to keep your credit cards, keys and your mobile phone safe. These have separate inner key pouches, too, which means there will be no annoying jangling as you climb or descend from the highest peaks!

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Kavu Organic Strapcap

Kavu’s organic Strapcap is a classic bit of design created by the brand’s founder/designer Barry Bar who, in the 1990s, was inspired by a Teva sandal after growing tired of losing his caps at sea. He created and applied the same webbing idea around the base of the cap to stop it from being blown away – hence a perfect cap was born for adventures both on water and land.

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NORDA 001 G+ Mesh Running Sneakers

It’s true to say that Salomon trainers are as fashionable on the street today as they are in hard-terrain environments. But when it comes to keeping your grip while keeping cool under pressure, these Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 trail running shoes are both light, strong and have an all-terrain grip. Perfect for starting you off on the right foot.

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Arc’teryx Covert Pullover Hoody Men’s

When you stop running, you might want to cover up and this Arc’teryx Covert pullover hoody is a great base layer to keep you warm. Made from 100% recycled polyester, it’s both soft and holds the heat. The hood also adds another layer of warmth, and a laminated pocket to secure any small essentials gives it an iconic Covert style. 

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Osprey Talon Earth 22

This Talon 22 backpack by Osprey is multi-purpose, as versatile as it gets and can equally accompany you on a trail run or mountain bike ride or a business excursion across town. As well as holding all your essentials, from water to extra layers and protein bars, this 22-litre bag also has an internal laptop sleeve. For extra comfort, whatever your sport, the backpack contains a breathable, close-to-body AirScape back panel, and a flexible BioStretch harness and hipbelt that allows for dynamic movement. 

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Her Bag – Mountain Biking

fēnix® 7S – Sapphire Solar Edition

There is not much that the Fēnix 7S Sapphire Solar Edition multisport GPS watch cannot do. With preloaded activity sport profiles from skiing to biking, it has MTB dynamics tracking of every mountain bike ride. You can literally measure everything from the trail difficulty to how smoothly you descend, giving you a score to beat for the next time. But one of the neatest features is the Nextfork Map Guide, allowing you to plan and navigate safely while out on the next trail. 

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FP Movement Trail 2650

Danner makes great trusted hiking boots, so if you are looking for a lighter trail-inspired hiker with more movement and a super-tough grip for stability, then look no further than the FP Movement Trail 2650 shoe. With a Vibram sole these are the perfect hikers for navigating the toughest of terrains, and in fluoro red and yellow you will certainly stand out among the crowd.

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Rapha Women’s Trail Tank

When you’re out on the mountain paths it’s good to have ease of arm movement – and Rapha provides it with the perfect MTB Trail tank top. Great to wear on its own or over another T-shirt for added warmth, this tank top is made from recycled materials – and with the Rapha Repair Kit included, it’s eligible for the further Rapha repairs service if needed. The perfect roadside assistance for clothing.

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Endura Women’s SingleTrack Lite Short

It’s great to have the right gear when mountain biking over rough terrain, so investing in a pair of these breathable SingleTrack Lite shorts by Endura will make that mountain ride even more comfortable. Constructed from lightweight yet durable stretch-nylon fabrics and utilising perforated vents, they’ll prevent you from ever getting too hot.

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Smith Session MIPS Helmet

Style and protection do not get any better than this Smith Session MIPS mountain bike helmet. With its ultralight feel and innovative protection of Koroyd in strategic zonal impact areas you will be well covered and protected, allowing you to ride with confidence. 

As they say, “you earn your ride through the climb”, but you are really in it for the downhill – and in this Smith helmet there is no better way to do it with style.

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Osprey Raven 10 Backpack

The Raven 10 backpack by Osprey is made for biking. At 10 litres, it’s perfectly suited for every eventuality while out navigating the most epic of climbs or action-packed descents. As well as having a water reservoir built in for easy hydration, the Raven 10 is also ergonomically designed for shorter curved body types – compared to packs designated as men’s – and with a winged shoulder harness and air mesh wrap hip belt, you have maximum comfort and stability for the roughest of rides.

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By James Sleaford, style director of Secret Trips. James has worked in the fashion industry for 20 years and has held the post of fashion director of French GQ. You can find more of his work at jamessleaford.com

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