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Christmas Delivery Dates

We're so lucky to have such amazing customers. Thanks so much for your orders, friendly emails, and little chats on the phone this year!

With a damp Christmas coming up, there's no better time to get a jacket or coat for husbands, wives, kids or your buddies. You'll need to be aware of our last day for dispatch on the 17th December though...

As well as this, we're offering an extended return policy of 45 days for orders placed up to our last date of dispatch. This means you can be sure that you have enough time to get any returns back to us in plenty of time.

Delivery will resume again on the 7th January - please bear this in mind when ordering in the new year.

Thanks again, and Merry Christmas everybody!

Winter Camping Tips for the UK

With the weather in the UK as unpredictable as it is, you never know what conditions you will meet when going hiking or camping. 

This having been said it also makes it a far more attractive prospect to get outdoors in winter months. If you wait until the cold really hits then you could get a lovely clear sky, with a fresh and cold feel which can be far more enjoyable than a warmer day. The key to enjoying your camping or hiking experience in a UK Winter is being prepared. If you've done your research and packed accordingly then you should be ready for anything. 



Plan your route



Scope out weather reports, and locate areas that are popular with winter campers. Ideally you want fairly even terrain, just in case it snows and you can't see the ground. Find out about campsites that are open year round and read reviews. If you're hiking from site to site then do plan where you will make camp each night ahead of time, and remember everything takes twice as long in the cold. Have back up campsites closer together just in case you're short on time, or daylight. 



Make sure you have all of your kit



Having the right equipment is absolutely crucial when it comes to winter camping in relative comfort. Cross the basics off your list first:

• Supportive and Waterproof Hiking Boots - either treated leather or Gore Tex®
• Heavyweight Socks - will help to keep your feet warm, the cushioning should keep them blister free.
• A Four Season Winter Tent - Designed to shed snow, and be easy to put up in low light conditions.
• A thermal ground mat to sleep on, so that your warmth doesn't disappear.
• A Speedy Cooking System and lightweight food - Warm food before a sleep is worth it.
• A Rucksack big enough to carry it all. Try to go lightweight though, it's easier.

Layering up for warmth



In the daytime your temperature will be in constant flux, so layers are the order of the day. Make sure it's easy to take you outer layer off if you get too warm; sweat is your enemy when hiking in winter - you'll lose heat as it evaporates and are also more likely to dehydrate. If you're stood still for a while then it's important to have your outer layer to hand though, as it surprising how cold you can get when you stop. 



Tent Pitching

When it comes to making camp in winter, and particularly in the snow there are few things so tricky as getting your tent pitched. You might think it's a good idea to camp under trees, but if it's snowing don't forget the amount that has or will accumulate in the branches. You don't want clumps of snow falling on your tent in the middle of the night so stick to the open. 



Try to find a clear patch with little snow to set up camp. If there aren't any then be sure to stamp the snow down where you'll be camping - otherwise your tent could sink into the snow in the night. Make sure you have a proper snow stakes, which are designed to get the most surface area should the weather get a little blustery. The most important thing to remember once you're prepared is to keep an open mind. The wonderful thing about the great outdoors is that anything can happen, and as long as you've done your planning 'anything' is not a problem!



Best Outdoor Events in the UK this weekend

Frosty weather, chilly winds and icy showers. Some might say winter is a time to batten down the hatches, curl up in front of the fire and emerge again when spring is in the air.

We think differently at Target Dry. With the right clothing to keep you and the family warm and dry, winter brings a whole host of outdoor activities for you to enjoy!

So without further ado, here is a round up of the best outdoor events happening in the UK this weekend...

The Electric Forest, Thetford

1st & 2nd Dec- booking required in advance

Follow a winding trail through the beautiful forest at Thetford and marvel at the amazing art installations which show off the forest in a whole new light.

Book your tickets here

Guided Fen Walk, Suffolk

1st Dec

If nature is your thing, then you'll enjoy this guided walk in the beautiful Redgrave and Lopham Fen. Wellies at the ready! 

Find out more at www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Newbury Festival of Racing

30th Nov - 1st Dec

Why not try something different and watch a spot of horse racing. The prestigious Hennessy Gold Cup will be contested on Saturday with some of the best horses in the world taking part. We think a full length Outback or Stockman Coat would definitely look the part.

Book your tickets now at www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk

Christmas Fayre, The Argory, Co Armagh

Throughout December

This gorgeous 1820's residence is a treasure of the National Trust. Have a stroll through the 320 acres of wooded riverside estate and then visit the beautiful courtyard with the abundance of stalls, selling all things Christmas. You never know - Santa might even pay a visit to his grotto!

Find more information at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/argory/

Hiking Socks Review - Target Dry HikeMid

Check out the latest glowing review of our Hike Mid Cocona Socks from the Army Rumour Service...

"I can report that the sweat level on my trotters has been seriously reduced; in fact my feet do not have the usual green haze wafting from then when I remove my boots. I have had to replace my boots as well this month, so I was pleased that I came off the hill with no rubbing or hot spots on their inaugural outing."

Praise indeed! With Christmas coming up, why not consider buying a pair of these for your outdoor-loving friend or family member? Only £14.99 for the Midweight HikeMids.

Discover Country Clothing Trends

Now that the winter's well and truly here, the need for a stylish yet practical winter coat is more acute than ever. There's nothing worse than being cold and wet, whether you're on the school run or walking in the hills...

Trends

The military look has been a big feature of design for a few seasons now, and coats with high collars and buttons down the front are big news on both the catwalk and the high street stores. For a look which will last through the changes of fashion the classic military style is definitely the way to go. The shape and styling of our Outrider coat brings in many elements of the military look along with practical features such as waterproofing and a removable hood.

Colour

Gone are the days when the only colours your could get a winter or outdoor coat in was black, grey or brown. All of the major designers featured colour heavily in their catwalk shows, with models wearing mustard yellow, red or pink. Apart from the practical aspects of bright clothing being easier to spot on an exposed hillside, it's nice to inject some colour into the colder weather by wearing a brightly coloured jacket.

Length

Like skirt lengths, coat lengths also go up and down as fashions change. A few years ago everyone was wearing short, boxy puffa type jackets but now the hemlines have come down again and three quarter length is the best choice if you want to follow the trends. Coats like the Outrider are the perfect length for this season and will fit perfectly whatever your height. Leaving fashion aside, three quarter length is a practical choice too as it will keep the tops of your legs dry and can be worn with shoes, wellies or other walking boots too.

Have you got some thoughts on country clothing trends? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook.