We’re now deep in the winter months, and January is where the cold and dark really start to bite. With several weeks of record breaking cold across Europe behind us, spring seems an impossibly long way away. However, panic not. We’ve hit the conceptual January sales to bring you an awesome selection of winter-busting gear that’ll make anything from training in the dark to your daily commute better, warmer and happier!

ALARM CLOCK OF THE FUTURE: WITHINGS AURA

The biggest problem with short days and dark mornings is actually getting out of bed at all – luckily Withings have applied technology to the problem, coming up with the rather funky Aura. This futuristic system aims to improve your sleep patterns by using “revolutionary and scientifically-validated light and sound programs” to put you to sleep and wake you up gently, as well as recording and monitoring your environment to offer you a “deep understanding” of your sleeping experience. The bedside device screens your bedroom environment (noise pollution, room temperature and light levels), there’s an app to keep you informed, and even a jet lag recovery programme.

$299

SEE THE LIGHT: PETZL TIKKA RXP

The best thing about winter is the excuse to upgrade that old head torch. TheTikka RXP is a top-of-the-line option, featuring new reactive lighting tech that predicts what level of beam pattern and brightness is required for the conditions, saving on battery power. On top of that there’s a new ultra-stable headband so running and cycling are covered, and with 215 lumen brightness and 115 gram weight it’ll not leave you in the dark.

$94.95

WINTER WARMER: MERRELL BASELAYERS

Obviously, when you’re out on the trail there’s nothing better than a brilliant baselayer to keep you warm, and the Merrell Alpino half zip top and Contour Base Layer Pant is the ideal combo. The Alpino half-zip top not only looks good but sports two different fabrics – a blended wool fabric on the front and back that helps inhibit moisture from forming while simultaneously keeping your core warm.  The quick-drying  fabric at the sides and sleeves give you flexibility yet provide your underarm and sides with enhanced airflow. The Contour feature a gusseted crotch for those more energetic moments, and flatlock stitching that’ll minimise chafing.

$89 – Alpino top

$55 – Contour pant

POWER UP: BLACK DIAMOND EMBER TORCH

There’s a lot of dark about in the winter, and cold tends to destroy mobile phone batteries quick-smart, so this new combo light-and-power-source from Black Diamond is well worth a look – not only is it a robust but slim 150 lumen LED torch, but it can also charge your phone via the neat USB slot carved into it’s alloy body.

$49.95

CYCLE OF LIFE: MISSION REFLECTIVE BIKE JACKET

This packable and water-resistant jacket deflects the weather by day, and also reflects the light by night. It’s been laced with 3M reflective stripes to keep you visible and safer at all times, but without the construction worker look of a yellow hi-viz. It packs down into it’s own back pocket, and has reflective cuffs  into the bargain…

$219

CULT FOLLOWING: ILLUMINATI BIKE LIGHTS

Drop into any high street bike shop and you’ll find hundreds of clone bike lights that will do the basic job of lighting your bike, but these are something a little more special. Handmade in Scotland, machined from solid aluminium, these arebeautiful bespoke works of art, and measure a mere 16mm in diameter. Because they’re made to order you can request almost any kind of fitment, and you can also specify either self-contained power (button cells), remote AAA battery pack or a dynamo kit. Ideal for a special project bike, or simply as one of the most luxurious bike lights on the market.

£110 ($166)