Ridgeline; Built for British Weather?
2025 has been a funny old year here in the UK. We actually had what you might call a proper summer for once, with sunshine that lasted longer than a weekend, droughts that had us eyeing up our paddling pools guiltily, and wildfires that made parts of the countryside look more like the Australian outback than the Yorkshire Dales. Then, almost overnight, the weather did what it does best — went full British. In the blink of an eye I swapped t-shirts, shorts and flip flops for waterproofs, wellies and muttering about where we left the sodding umbrella.
That’s where Ridgeline Clothing comes into its own. Originally from New Zealand, where they know a thing or two about miserable weather and rugged landscapes, Ridgeline has carved out a solid reputation here in Blighty as the go-to brand for people who don’t just talk about the outdoors, but actually live in it. Farmers, gamekeepers, dog walkers, green laners, campers, basically anyone who knows the joy of cold fingers, wet socks and stubborn mud.
The range is broad: lightweight smocks and waterproofs that’ll laugh in the face of sideways rain, insulated fleeces thick enough to replace your log burner, and jackets built to survive actual use rather than Instagram posing. The quality’s spot-on, designed to take a beating without falling apart, and while you won’t find it in the bargain bin, you also won’t need to flog a kidney like you might with some of the posh “country lifestyle” labels.
And that’s the real difference.
If you want to look sharp in the pub beer garden, you’ll probably reach for Barbour, Seeland, or maybe even a bit of Scandi chic with Fjällräven. But if you want kit that’ll keep you dry, warm and sane when the heavens open halfway up a hillside, Ridgeline’s your brand. It’s outdoor clothing for people who’d rather be practical than pretty - though you’ll end up looking the part without even trying.
So, our challenge, if we chose to accept it (which we did, otherwise this would be a silly article), was to choose a few of garments from their collection and put them to the test. Not a quick wander to the shops or a posed photo shoot, but real use: muddy fields, damp camps, long dog walks and days when the weather couldn’t quite decide what season it was meant to be.
Over the coming week we’ll be breaking down how three bits of Ridgeline kit got on, trousers, fleece and jacket, after being worn the way they’re actually intended to be worn. No hype, no sales pitch, just an honest look at whether Ridgeline’s reputation is deserved once the novelty’s worn off and the mud’s properly ground in.
Watch this space.