We’d be the first to admit that we tend to focus on kit from top-end brands on OM, but we know there’s plenty of interest in budget-priced outdoors clothing and equipment from those who are just starting out and don’t want to blow a small fortune on the latest kit, from D of E Award participants and anyone who’s on a tight budget, which is what we popped over to visit Gelert’s St Helens showroom last week for a quick preview of their new for spring 2013 range.

We’re not going to take you on an exhaustive tour through the whole caboodle, but we thought we’d pick out a few interesting bits and bobs from the revamped brand just to give an idea of where it’s coming from. During our visit, we were asked several times what we thought of the new kit and it’s basically this: we can’t tell you right now how well it works, but what we can say is that it doesn’t half look a whole bunch better than budget kit used to.

As an example, take the pack range. Budget sacs used to look basic and angular and, well, ‘budget’, but the top-end Gelert big packs actually have a quite nice designer look to them with smooth contoured lines to go with more practical features like easily adjustable back systems. Or at the other end of the pack line, you can pick up a simple hydration pack complete with slick looks and a reservoir for 20-odd quid.

Or how about a 1700g, single-person tent for £49.99? One of Gelert’s top-sellers in the tentage area apparently. Anyway, check out the images to the left for some more examples.

More Gelert info at www.gelert.com.