News & Blog

24Mar 13 FWF - Fair Wear Foundation

Filed under Press

Outdoor and Sports Company Ltd (OSC) has become the first UK outdoor sports supplier to become a member of Fair Wear Foundation. OSC’s outdoor brands Mountain Equipment and Sprayway along with it’s running brands Ronhill and Hilly are all signed up to the initiative.

Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) exists to promote fair labour conditions in the garment industry worldwide. As an affiliate member, OSC commits to implement the stringent FWF Code of Labour Practices in both it’s own business operations and the supply chain of all of its brands.

“We joined Fair Wear Foundation after undertaking a significant programme of preliminary work. Our affiliation with this independent organisation reflects how seriously we take our social responsibility towards all people connected to the OSC business.” commented Mike Deegan, the CEO of Outdoor and sports Company Ltd.

The FWF Code of Labour Practices contains eight elements, which are based on United Nations and International Labour Organization principles:

  • Employment is freely chosen
  • There is no discrimination in employment
  • No exploitation of child labour
  • Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
  • Payment of a living wage
  • No excessive working hours
  • Safe and healthy working conditions
  • Legally-binding employment relationship


FWF regularly verifies the implementation of these labour practices through factory audits and worker interviews both onsite and offsite, and through annual ‘Brand Performance Checks’ which assess how well each member’s management policies support the Code of Labour Practices. FWF publicly reports on the progress of member companies towards implementation of the Code elements.

"Fair Wear Foundation is pleased to welcome Outdoor and Sports Company as our newest member company. Over the past several months, OSC has been working hard to fulfil all the prerequisites for becoming a member. We look forward to working with the OSC brands and supporting them in their ongoing efforts to improve workplace conditions" said Erica van Doorn, director of Fair Wear Foundation

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9Dec 12 Award winning Sales Team

Filed under Press

We are absolutely delighted to announce that our Sales Team has been voted 3rd best in the Outdoor industry. The survey conducted by OCC Outdoor magazine also named our very own Mike Booth as 8th best individual.

During November outdoor industry retailers were called and invited to nominate their first, second and third choice of Sales Representative. In all, votes were gathered from 152 retailers. 5 points were allocated to each first choice, 3 points to second and 1 point for third.

 

Congratulations to Mike and the rest of our special Sales Team!

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1Nov 12 Tweet, pin, tumble and follow!

Filed under Press

Follow, pin and tweet our Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, instagram and Vimeo sites!

We are now showcasing our staff, products and history; For all walks of life.

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30Mar 12 Dash Hoody - 5 Stars

Filed under Press, Products, Reviews

The good folk over at Gear We Are have just finished a review of the Dash Hoody and posted the results on line. To say we're chuffed is an understatement!

The fabric and alternative fleece fabric were bigs hits in the review and it gained the following summary:

SUMMARY: Sprayway’s Dash Hoody is feminine, warm and stylish and doesn’t look as cheap as a bog-standard ‘Fleece’. Its pockets are cosy and it’s a joy to wear when walking and generally as casual wear. It’s a little pricey, but feels like a quality product.

5/5

You can find the full review in our Product Tips Section here, or on Gear We Are's own website.

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27Mar 12 Trail Magazine Review Compass Shorts

Filed under Press, Products, Reviews

Trail Magazine have been testing a number of walking shorts lately and the Sprayway Compass Short got a look in for Best in Test, just losing out to some much, much more expensive shorts.

The full review reads a bit like:

"The fabric used in the Sprayway Compass / Escape shorts is two-way stretch so they are great if you struggle with getting a good fit. There is also stretch in the waist so again these can expand around  a tubby tum or hug a neater waistline.

There is no belt provided but you get belt loops in case you want to add one. I also liked the brushed lining inside the waist that make these a little more comfy compared to most shorts here.

The lower right leg pocket will take a small guidebook and at a squeeze you can get an OS map in the zipped hip pockets too. There’s a simple Velcro closure pocket at the rear. These are great shorts due to that stretch fabric and its general comfort, and at this price they are a real bargain.

But the pockets of the Sprayway Compass / Escape could be a little better as those two hip pockets are a notch small if you want to stash an OS-sized map. They also provide more of a hugging style of fit, rather than a baggy, airy fit, which you may or may not prefer in hotter weather. There is no additional crotch panel either, so again they feel a little closer than some. So not my favourite but still pretty good."

At £35 a snap, up against pairs over £65 we feel they're an absolute winner!

A new addition worth also checking out are our Kinesis Multi Activity shorts...perfect for any day on the trail or hill.

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26Mar 12 March Walk Idea's 1 - Canals

Filed under Events, Press

Each month on this "hub of walking" we will be suggesting perfect walks for you to go get the best from the outdoors. If you like what you see in our suggestions here you can find a full map of walks here.

This month our first suggestion is to get out and enjoy some canal side walks this Spring. The weather is due to be stunning from mid-March through to April, believe it or not, and before it gets summer hot, the canals of Britain are perfect for exploring.

Plenty of people have been recommending it of late from Julia Bradbury to the Telegraph, and we're no different!

Canal walks are perfect for this time of year, for a number of reasons:

1.) They're generally flat - so a nice introduction to the walking season and for taking buggies/pushchairs

2.) Canals are mini eco-systems - so you're surrounded by all kinds of life throughout

3.) The water - there's something nice about strolling alongside water in Spring

4.) There's loads to see for kids - frogs, ducks, birds, flowers, plants, trees, boats, locks!

5.) Cafes and Bars - most canal wharfs have cafes or bars near them for the canal boats!

So generally they're great for a nice sunny weekend walk.

We've already recommended Foxton Locks Walk as suggested by our Sales Director, Vicki. But there are so many more to be found!

Waterscape and Canal Walking are both great sites for some suggestions - check them out!

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22Mar 12 Adventure Travel Review Odyssey Jacket

Filed under Press, Products, Reviews

Reknowned gear and outdoor enthusiast Bryn Davies has been out thoroughly testing some waterproof jackets this winter and one of those was the mens Odyssey Jacket by Sprayway.

Being Bryn he put the jackets through a pretty extensive examination and we're happy with how the Odyssey came out given it was the only classic walking jacket in the test, up against some nyounger "fast and light" models.

He particularly liked the style and cut of this Gore-Tex Performance Shell jacket quoting "Out of the six men’s jackets on test the Odyssey comes out tops in looks, making it the most appealing as an everyday walking round the town, popping to the pub coat. And on the more outdoorsy side of things the jacket fits well, doesn’t ride up and has a classic walking jacket cut with a comfortable mesh inner lining."

You can find the full review in our products tips section here, along with a load of useful gear information on looking after your kit and what to wear for which activity!

It scored:

Hood: 8

Weight and pack size: 6

Value for money: 6

Overall: 7

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20Mar 12 Sprayway offers waterproofing for walkers on a budget

Filed under Press, Products

Walkers on a tight budget looking for waterproof protection can gear up from head to foot for £200.

Sprayway’s Trek collection includes the men’s Nyx jacket and the Eos for women, offering Gore-Tex reassurance.

Both retail at £130 and have fixed, two-way hoods with snap-away feature, tethered face drawcords and hidden cord locks.

The jackets each have two-way front zip with external double storm flaps and a map pocket under the storm guard.

The waterproofs have part-elasticated cuffs with Velcro and tab adjustment and each packs away into the internal pocket.

Both the Nyx and the Eos feature two-layer Gore-Tex, and the women’s coat weighs in at 506g and is available in sizes 8 to 18.

The men’s jacket is available in sizes S to XXL and tips the scales at 569g.

To complement the jackets, Sprayway has the All Day Rainpant which includes a durable water-resistant finish and waterproof taped lining. Sprayway says the overtrousers are cut for ultimate comfort to keep walkers dry and protected all day.

The pants retail at £70 and continue to be a bestselling design for the Hyde-based company.

The trousers have a semi-elastic waistband, zip-fly front, two zipped pockets and are available in short and regular lengths, sizes S to XXL. The All Day Rainpant weighs 410g.

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19Mar 12 TGO Recommends Sprayway Polaris Fleece

Filed under Press, Products, Reviews

Chris Townsend of TGO Magazine fame and arguably "the voice" on testing outdoor kit in the U.K. has reviewed the Sprayay Polartec fleece the Polaris and given it a "TGO Recommends".

The test saw our Polaris being pitted against fleeces up to £100 more expensive so we are delighted with the outcome a sturdy 4/5 stars.

His full review can be found in out product tips section here alongside some hints on layering and how to look after your outdoor gear.

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16Mar 12 Nyx/Eos Win 9/10 Rating

Filed under Press, Products, Reviews

Sprayway's stand out waterproof jackets for Summer 2012 the Nyx and Eos Gore-Tex jackets have rated an outstanding 9/10 on ARRSE reviews online.

Among many positives he's picked out hood, jacket performance and value for money as it's top assets. Things we've been singing about for years!

You can find the full review on our products tips pages, along with some tips on finding the right waterproof technology for you, and what waterproof ACTUALLY means.

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