The Outdoor of French Days

Trekking or trail shoes: choose based on the terrain

A trekking shoe prioritises stability and grip: the adidas Terrex Anylander, with its Traxion sole and multidirectional lugs, performs well on the varied paths of a day hike. The trail shoe focuses on lightness and speed: the adidas Terrex Agravic SL, which is very lightweight, is suited for rolling trails, while the La Sportiva Mutant, created by the Italian brand founded in 1928 in Tesero, Trentino, grips well in mud and steep slopes thanks to its aggressive lugs and sock-like fit. It's best to choose a half size larger than your city shoes for descents, and make sure to break in your shoes before a long outing.

By type of item

Outdoor gear is organised by type:

• Trekking shoes.
• Trail shoes.
• Men's clothing.
• Women's clothing.
• Luggage, backpacks, and travel bags.
• Equipment, water bottles, chairs, and accessories.

Waterproof jacket, three in one or fleece: the layering system

Against the rain, the waterproof jacket is compact, like the Regatta Pack It or the Mac In A Sac, which folds into its own pocket and fits into the bottom of your bag. The three-in-one jacket Regatta, a British brand founded in Manchester in 1981, combines a waterproof shell with a removable fleece that can be worn alone in mid-season. The fleece Peak Mountain Coral Sherpa, made from thick knitted fabric resembling sheep wool, keeps you warm at camp, and the very lightweight windbreaker Trespass Qikpac blocks the wind on the ridges. For sailing, the quarter jacket Helly Hansen Pier, a descendant of a Norwegian brand established in 1877 known for its fishermen's oilskins, protects against spray.

The other French Days

The French Days are also divided by universe: sneakers, lifestyle, football, running, indoor, racket sports, combat sports, brands, on the page French Days.

By the water and at camp: flotation and accessories

For paddle boarding, kayaking, or wakeboarding, the life jacket Jobe Unify Life, or its neoprene version for women, helps you float without restricting movement; it does not replace a buoyancy aid for non-swimmers. The water shoes adidas Terrex Hydro Lace, with a draining sole, protect against pebbles and sea urchins, and the Billabong surf shorts, made from quick-drying stretch fabric, take you from board to beach. At camp, the Thermacell diffuser creates a mosquito-free zone around the table, without flame or smell, and the Stanley IceFlow water bottle, with double wall insulation, keeps water cold for hours, featuring a collapsible straw for drinking on the go.

Good deals all year round

Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The main highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

How to read a jacket's waterproofness?

It is expressed in millimetres of water column: from ten thousand, the jacket can withstand heavy rain. Breathability, often given in grams of vapour per square metre per day, measures comfort during physical exertion.

Should you waterproof your trekking shoes?

Yes, a spray or wax suitable for the material renews the water-repellent treatment of leather and textiles, which wears off with mud and washing. Apply it to clean, dry shoes, and let it rest overnight.

How to maintain an insulated water bottle?

Rinse it with soapy hot water using a bottle brush, then leave it to dry open. A mixture of water and baking soda removes coffee or sugary drink odors, and the dishwasher is only allowed if indicated by the manufacturer.

How to keep hands warm while skiing?

Mittens, like those from Reusch, keep heat better than gloves, as fingers warm each other. A hand warmer slipped inside takes over in extreme cold, and a thin wool base layer limits sweating.

What is the purpose of a locking carabiner?

It connects the rope, lanyard, or belay device to the harness, and its screw or automatic gate prevents accidental opening. Certified models, like those from Kong, have their strength in kilonewtons engraved on the body.