Sonder Bikes
Outdoor Guides & Advice
Understanding the gear you rely on is just as important as choosing the right piece. In this section, we break down the materials, fabric technologies, and design features that shape our outdoor equipment. From the science behind waterproof membranes to the durability of different fabrics, our goal is to give you the knowledge to make informed decisions and get the most out of your gear. Think of it as a deep dive into the “why” and “how” behind the tools of adventure.
Outdoor Clothing Guides - Introducing the Layering System
Find out how to get more out of your clothing by layering. Designed for British weather, used around the world. This is the Complete Guide to Outdoor Clothing.
How to Layer for Hot Summer Days: Staying Cool and Sun-Protected Outdoors
When the sun comes out, the instinct is to strip off. But if you're heading into the hills, traversing open...
Merino or synthetic base layer: which to wear and when
A base layer is the layer of clothing next to your skin. Its job is to keep sweat off your...
Fleece and midlayers: how to choose one for the hills
A midlayer is the layer between your base layer and your waterproof. Its job is to hold warm air around...
Down or synthetic insulated jacket: which to choose and when
An insulated jacket keeps you warm by trapping still air in a layer of down or synthetic fibres. It's the...
How to choose a waterproof jacket: ratings, breathability and fit
A waterproof jacket keeps rain out with a waterproof layer in the fabric and taped seams, and lets the water...
Hiking and walking trousers: how to choose the right pair
Walking trousers are made to move with you, dry quickly and keep off wind and light rain, which jeans and...
How to choose walking boots and shoes for the way you walk
Choose walking boots for the roughest ground you'll walk on, then pick the pair that fits your foot best. Fit...
Layering socks: how two pairs prevent blisters and keep your feet warm
Wearing two pairs of socks, a thin liner under a thicker hiking sock, cuts the risk of blisters on long...
Outdoor gloves: how to layer them and which to choose
The best way to keep your hands warm outdoors is to layer your gloves, the same way you layer your...
Product care
How to wash, clean and reproof your outdoor clothing to keep it waterproof and breathable.
Outdoor clothing care: how to wash, reproof, store and repair your kit
Most outdoor kit needs four things to keep working: a wash with the right cleaner, a fresh water-repellent treatment when...
How to Care for Leather and Fabric Walking Boots
A leather walking boot is an investment. Some boots with serious leather uppers are still going after a decade of...
13,143 Repairs. Repaired by hand. Worn with pride.
Fixing other brands gear for our customers is officially our best selling product. Our down wash and repair service is...
How to Wash and Reproof Your Waterproof Jacket
If you’re not sure how to wash and reproof your waterproof jacket and trousers, then here’s our guide to get...
Care Guide: How to wash down jackets and sleeping bags
With the right care, your down jacket and sleeping bag can last for years and years. Here's how to wash,...
How to wash and care for Merino and lambswool wool clothing
Merino wool is known for its softness, warmth, and moisture-wicking properties, making it a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts. However, to...
Care Guide: How to clean a tent
We've all done it at some point: come back, thoroughly worn out after a camping trip, and dumped our dirty...
Why you need to waterproof your jacket
Keeping your waterproofs clean and regularly reproofing them extends their useful lifespan and keeps them working at their best. For...
PFAS in outdoor gear: what they are, why they matter, and how Alpkit became PFAS-free
Every Alpkit waterproof jacket, sleeping bag, and insulated jacket we make today is fully PFAS-free — a journey we started...
Hack Patch and Sew
Gear needing a little pick-me-up? We repair all brands, all products and have become quite the experts in the range...
Materials and processes
Grab a brew, kick back and relax with in-depth features, tales of derring-do and Go Nice Place Do Good Things.
Everything You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About the Sheep Behind Your Alpkit Jumper
A deep dive into British wool, the hardy breeds that produce it, and why these sheep are basically outdoor enthusiasts...
The Technology Inside Gloves
The thinking behind gloves that keep your hands warm, dry, protected, and dexterous when outdoor adventures demand it most. For...
Designing clothes to be worn from the valley floor to the summit
Most people don’t think about who designed their waterproof jacket, or the hands that shaped their favourite pair of leggings....
The Story Behind Yulex, Tarka and Straven Swimsuits
There’s a moment, standing at the edge of a cold-water tarn or winding river, when everything else fades away. No...
The technology behind Alpkit trousers: Engineering comfort for the outdoors
How invisible innovations solve the fundamental challenges we face in designing trousers to help you stay comfortable, protected, and mobile...
What is Polygiene and why do we use it?
None of us want to be smelly – even when we’re out on an adventure! But clothes washing facilities are...
Our Use Of Natural Fibres - Traditional Technologies, Modern Design
We've introduced lots of natural fibre products to our clothing and equipment ranges over the last 5 years. From base...
A Fit for Purpose: Sizing Matters
We’re working on size inclusivity. We’ve been steadily increasing our size ranges and leg length options over the last few...
How Waterproof Jackets Work: Membranes, Ratings and Breathability Explained
Buying a waterproof can feel like learning a new language. But knowing how breathable waterproof fabrics work helps you decide...
PFAS in outdoor gear: what they are, why they matter, and how Alpkit became PFAS-free
Every Alpkit waterproof jacket, sleeping bag, and insulated jacket we make today is fully PFAS-free — a journey we started...
Trakke Waxed Cotton Crafted in Britain
Our waxed cotton is dyed, finished, and perfected in Dundee, Scotland, by Halley Stevensons - a mill with over 150...
What Is Merino Wool and Why Should You Wear It?
Naturally breathable, temperature regulating, odour resistant, warm, lightweight and comfortable to wear? You won't baa-lieve how good it is. But...
What is the Responsible Wool Standard?
As part of our continuing efforts to be an ethical company, our wool products including Rathlin, Tryfan, Brenin, Idwal, Norge,...
Our Responsible Cotton Sourcing Policy
From bouldering trousers that shrug off granite scrapes to canvas shelters engineered for years of UV punishment, every cotton fibre...