Autumn here and winter looming

It's Scotland. Maybe it will be a mild sunny autumn, maybe it will be wet and windy. Maybe there'll be early snow and unpredictable temperatures. Could stay warm for a while. Who knows?

Be prepared is the best advice. Outdoor Spirit now has Didriksons ladies waterproof jackets in stock to solve this meteorological quandary...

New additions to Dr Martens ladies boots

We've added a few more varieties to the Ladies Dr Martens boot range: you can now get the wedge zip calf boot in Peacock colour, and we're introducing the ladies slouch boot, a more laid-back Dr Martens boot.

Also the full-length leather "Elena" Dr Martens boot is now available...

Dryzone boot dryers - perfect for Scottish summers

SOLD OUT

The almost predictably warm and wet Scottish weather in July and August make the Dryzone boot dryer a popular purchase for outdoor enthusiasts.

Plenty of good hiking and walking opportunities all over Dumfries and Galloway and plenty of rain and wet ground.

Try ascending Criffel Hill without hiking through marshy ground - even during dry periods it's a bit of a mire.

Is the Queen an outdoorsy sort of person?

Dumfries town centre witnessed the visit of Her Royal Highness the Queen on Wednesday 14th July 2010.

Nearby bystanders wondered if she'd be checking out the fishing tackle in Patties of Dumfries, or maybe even some of the tents and camping equipment to make her visit to the area more comfortable. Did she bring her own midge repellent? Maybe blue blood is not to the midges' fancy...

It is thought she bedroomed indoors, however, in more-luxurious-than-average surroundings.

Meindl hiking footwear

We've just added Meindl hiking and walking footwear to our stock - the Low and Mid styles for the Mens Respond. Gore-tex lining, air-active XCR and a contragrip sole.

Neema boots discontinued! Only size 7 and 8 left!

One of our popular Dr Martens ladies boots, the "Neema" has been discontinued so we can't get anymore. This has been a popular online choice but now we only have sizes 7 and 8 left in stock and we can't get any more...

Life is good...

The start of summer is kind of here in Dumfries and Galloway, temperatures climbing during the day but still cool at night. There's a new selection of Life is Good t-shirts on the outdoor spirit shop which are good for light summer-wear.

Maybe not ideal for the Stranraer half marathon on Saturday 5th June 2010!

Fitflop facebook

Patties of Dumfries shop window features in the Fitflop facebook window for April 2010...

Get fit by walking

We've been adding to the Fitflop footwear range on the outdoor shop. The sandals are proactive for walkers who can aim to benefit from the (here comes the fitflop marketing bit...) FitFlop midsoles that incorporate patent-pending microwobbleboard TM technology, to give feet a workout while walking.

Brief history of Fitflops:

• Developed by Darren James and Dr David Cook at LSBU
• Midsole places varying densities of EVA under your feet each time you step
• This challenges the support and balance muscles of the foot and leg.

Making a Buff into a skull cap beannie

There are many ways you can wear a Buff. This clip shows how to make it into a skull cap for under your cycle helmet.

Tour DoonHame

See the video of the finish of stage 3 of the Tour DoonHame, the British Premier road cycle race.
This race replaced the Tour of Girvan and Chris Newton was the overall winner.

Brasher boot polish

This is one of the recommended polishes for keeping leather boots waterproofed without softening the leather (what you don't want!)

Make sure you dry your boots thoroughly in a well-aired area and not sitting next to a radiator. Put kitchen roll or newspaper inside the boot if wet inside and replace often. You basically strip down the boots and clean and dry each part, laces, insoles, sole, etc. separately, before cleaning and waterproofing.

Outdoors in Dumfries and Galloway

There are too many outdoor activities to list in a blog post for Dumfries and Galloway - Patties of Dumfries supplies gear for fishing, camping, hiking and anything else that makes staying outdoors more comfortable - there's a Dumfries and Galloway information page on the Outdoor Spirit site to provide a taster of what you can do in the region from mountain biking to astronomy...

Dr Martens music videos

This year, Dr Martens are celebrating 50 years in business!
(official date 30th March 2010).
They have got 10 popular artists to record their own version of iconic cult classic tracks from this era. The first tracks to be released are ...

The Noisettes, with their cover of 'Ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn't have' originally by the Buzzcocks.

The Duke Spirit, with 'If the Kids are United', (Sham 69)

and Dam-Funk, covering 'Things that dreams are made of' by the Human League

They have also got 10 top music video directors to create videos inspired by Dr Martens wearers!

I've heard the Noisettes it's rockin!
New releases are due on 17th May, will post them as soon as I hear.
In the meantime, get your 1460 10 eye lace up boots on!

Get traditional with our Dr Martens boots for men

Boots Dr Martens

New Dr Martens patent pink boots in stock.

Magnesium fire starters

Don't get caught without a fire starter - no need for matches

Making sure your walking boots fit correctly

Check out this video for advice on how to make sure your walking boots fit you correctly...

Happy Hiking!

Fitflops- fitting advice

We've got fitflops now on the outdoor-spirit shop...

Travel Tips

Anyone out there looking to have a gap year, my advice is you must go to New Zealand! It's the most awesome place to travel. The south island was my favourite. There are cheap backpackers hostels everywhere, and the lifestyle is so laid back. Not to mention the real nice surf beaches and long , sunny days! :)
Heaps for the adventure lovers as well- everything from kayaking to heli-biking! My favourite places to stay were Queenstown(the adventure capital) and Wanaka (the quiter scenic nearby town).
There are loads of opportunities for seasonal work too - fruit picking etc so it's pretty easy to get by. There are loads of other backpackers there as well so heaps of young people to hang out with. Or if you can afford it, get together with a few mates and hire a campervan, thats a brilliant way to travel.
Can't wait to get back there!

Celebs sporting Dr Martens!

It's official , patent Docs are in! Hannah Montana has the yellow patent 1460, I love them!
Also rockstar Avril Lavigne was spotted wearting the patent red 14 eye lace boots.
Me , I prefer the McMartens tartan patent they are so funky!

I see Courtney Love is said to be furious with DMs after they published an advert with her late husband Kurt Cobain sitting on a cloud wearing black Dr Martens. Apparently they wanted to show that the brand is iconic. Anyway, since all the fuss they have now dropped the boot, shucks!!!

Smartwool tops

Tried out my new Smartwool merino wool baselayer last week on a wee walk up Screel. They are great, has anyone else used them? They are so much more comfy than the Lifa and a lot less smelly! I've got the sport crew, it gets quite warm though so probably wouldn't use for any serious exercise.

Got a misty day so didn't get much view from the top, and I see they have closed the track to Bengairn for timber felling, never mind will get up there next time.

Kayaking on Loch Ken

Great to see the first signs of Spring... got the yaks dusted off and had a paddle on Loch Ken at the weekend. It was...COLD!!! But great to be back on the water again. Huge blocks of ice in the middle of the loch and a few round the edges. Handwarmers a must! Roll on the longer nights...more adventure time. Pics to follow

Welcome to the Outdoor Spirit blog

Hey guys, this is the first post on Outdoor Spirit, hope you dig it! Going to be bringing you news of what the team has been up to, product reviews and top tips for all you outdoor adventurers out there. Oh, and check out our store too! :)