TIM HIGGINBOTTOM
Long Distance Mountain Running, Mountain Marathons and Adventure Racing
For many years I have been pushing myself as hard as I can in the mountains. I found that by combining my core disciplines of international mountain running and orienteering I could challenge the best in Europe and beyond at long mountain races where navigation is a key skill. Add in to that some cycle racing and my occasional job as a mountaineering instructor and you have all the necessary skills to be an elite adventure racer. My usual racing partner is fellow friend Chris Near, and together we have been unbeaten in UK pairs adventure races, and have notched up over a dozen elite Mountain Marathon wins around Europe.
In 2009 Chris helped me to better his record for the classic Paddy Buckley Round in Snowdonia, a route taking in 47 of the park's peaks in 17hrs and 38minutes.
Haglöfs clothing and equipment is simply the 'Rolls-Royce' of the outdoor world – quality and functionality is assumed and the equipment quickly earns itself a reputation for longevity and performance without fuss. This makes it the natural choice for sports and challenges where weight is everything, but to compromise could spell disaster.
Favourite gear;
Gram Jacket - A genuinely 4 season UK jacket for mountain sports. The fabric feels really robust and inspires confidence despite it being a light jacket. The generous hood easily takes a bike helmet and the volume adjustment works well with one (gloved) hand. Elasticated cuffs are simple and no-nonsense and the hem cinches in easily to seal up well. Cut to fit running and cycling it breathes remarkably well considering the thick feel of the fabric. It feels like it’s going to take loads of abuse and will be used for those days when it’s just going to be wet from start to finish.
Intense Beanie - Not sure why I haven’t had one of these before now. Great for wearing under a bike helmet, loads warmer than a buff and long enough to completely cover your ears. I’m a convert.
Puls Tight - Finally a really great cycling and running tight for UK conditions (ie cold and wet)! Thinner material than the intense range means lighter when wet, but still giving great warmth and protection. Lovely tight cuffs cut to fit the leg rather than a high boot tuck into socks and don’t flap around, and the support from the fabric feels just right – no sense of restriction in use in any weather. A great piece of kit for the Great British winter (and summer!).
Shield Comp Vest - Much like the comp hood but for warmer forecasts, this one is going to be part of my bike tool kit or wrapped round a gel. Just enough to take the chill off on a long swooping descent, or when you’ve slogged up a lee-side slope and emerge sweating onto a windy ridge. Indecently light and small and a good fit thanks to the elasticated arm holes.