Everything you need for a winter family adventure
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Hornit Hero 20in bicycle
Suitable for children aged six to nine, this sleek aluminium bike has a maintenance-free belt drive that doesn’t rust or collect dirt and grease. It has three Shimano gears – a perfect introduction to gearing that won’t be overwhelming yet still enough to give them the thrill of clicking through to some extra layers of speed (the gears are housed internally in the wheel hub, so again next to no maintenance should be required). At 7.9kg, it’s also very light for a bike of this size. £389, hornit.com
Deuter Kid Comfort hiking child carrier
This carrier is comfortable both for the wearer – with a nifty back panel system to give great airflow and a frame that distributes weight to the padded hip straps – and for the passenger, thanks to an integral pillow should they nod off on longer hikes. It can hold children weighing up to 22kg, there are plenty of pockets to stash snacks, and, considering its spec, it’s light at only 3.2kg. £310, deutergb.co.uk
Red Kid’s Dry Poncho
This is a really versatile and hardy outer layer to have when the weather takes a turn for the worse. The original version had to be zipped up from bottom to top – not ideal for tiny cold fingers or parents trying to do it up in the face of a tantrum. This latest take can just be thrown on poncho-style. It’s cosy on the inside too, with a soft lining and fleecy pockets. £69.95, red-equipment.co.uk
Out ’n’ About Nipper Sport V5 pram
This off-road-ready running pram is now in its fifth iteration – upgrades since it first launched include a longer hood, improved five-point safety harness and a rain cover. It’s around half the cost of other top running prams, yet doesn’t skimp on quality. It has a lightweight aluminium frame and is equipped with a hand-operated brake to keep control when going down hills or needing to slow. The suspension will keep your passenger (aged from six months to around four years) comfortable, and the wheels detach, making it easy to fold for car boot or cupboard. £395, outnabout.com
Adidas Terrex Trailmaker Mid Rain.Rdy hiking shoe
Be adventure-ready in all weathers and on any terrain with these lightweight, trainer-inspired kids’ boots. They’re easy to pull on and off, and are waterproof, grippy and offer good ankle support. £70, adidas.co.uk
Riese & Müller Packster 70 family ebike
This style of family bike is a common sight in the Netherlands, but it is now gaining traction elsewhere in Europe and in the US. It’s a unique riding experience with the front wheel some distance in front of the rider, but it shouldn’t take long to master. The 240-litre box will seat two kids comfortably, or three at a stretch, and can double up for carrying groceries or a dog around town. The suspension is silky-smooth and the Bosch motor offers great rider assistance, with huge range of 100 miles from the 1,250Wh DualBattery configuration. From £7,049, fullycharged.com
Wheat Thermal Rainsuit Aiko
Danish brand Wheat produces stylish gear in appealingly understated colours. Its new onesie is perfect for tots to wear on winter outings, thanks to its waterproof and wipe-clean outer, some light insulation and a detachable hood. Four sizes fit children from nine months to two years. £99.95, wheat.co.uk
Tern GSD e-cargo bike
Tern was one of the first to bring this “long-tail” style of e-cargo bike to market in 2015. The latest generation of the GSD has an impressive 200kg maximum gross weight and a claimed range of up to 128 miles with the dual-battery option – it’s also nimble and good fun to ride. Accessories that can be attached to the rear include the Clubhouse, which fits two children in compatible child seats, and the Storm Shield (a waterproof canopy that fits over the passengers). There are various models, from the basic S10 to the flagship R14: choose the latter if you plan to use the bike daily in place of a car. From £5,100, fullycharged.com
POC Pocito Omne Mips helmet
When it comes to kids’ safety gear – particularly a helmet – it’s best not to compromise. This high-spec model is lightweight and comfortable, looks great, and comes equipped with the Mips brain protection system that enhances rotational impact protection. It is available in four fun colours and two sizes for children aged between 18 months and six years. £95, pocsports.com
Hamax Caress child bike seat
Norway-based child-bike-seat specialist Hamax has 60 years of experience, and its flagship “Caress” model is a great option. This frame-mounted version (there’s a rack-mounted one too) fixes easily onto the seat tube of most bikes, can be removed at the click of a button and secures your child in comfort via a three-point harness. The seat’s back is height-adjustable and features a recline function of up to 20 degrees should your passenger doze off. At 4.4kg it’s also pretty light. £139, evanscycles.com
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Kids bicycle
Highly capable e-mountain bikes are not just the preserve of adults – if there’s the appetite for more serious off-roading, kids between the ages of eight and 12 can hop on this front-suspension e-bike with 24in wheels. The Specialized motor has plenty of torque to tackle steeper trails and the 320Wh battery will give hours of assistance. £3,500, specialized.com
Thule Chariot Cross 2 bike trailer
Whether you’re walking, jogging, cycling or even skiing, this trailer enables you to bring two kids of up to 22kg each (around six years old) with you on your adventures. It’s compact at 57cm wide (some similar products from other brands are nearer 80cm) and not too unwieldy to take into a shop or wheel through your front door. It’s comfortable, with reclining seats and suspension, plus it’s rainproof and has a generous storage compartment. To stow it, simply pop the wheels off and fold it up. Also available in a narrower one-seat version. £1,099.99, thule.com
Liewood Mason Thermo rain boots
These tall boots have a soft pile lining, adding a touch of warmth, a grippy sole and a toggle so they’re easy to put on. Available in eight cool Scandi colourways. €65, liewood.com
Raleigh Stride 3 E-Cargo tricycle
If you find the thought of negotiating a trip with child passengers on two wheels a little intimidating, this e-cargo trike may well be for you. It measures 107cm x 87cm, and can seat four kids with a seatbelt each. Range is around 40 miles with the Bosch Cargo motor. £4,499, raleigh.co.uk
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