Walking gear - Editor's top picks
Heading into the countryside for a walk on the hills is a great way to connect with nature, especially when you are on camping trips. But you’ll need specialist clothing and accessories to stay safe and warm in the great outdoors. Good footwear is vital and a warm and waterproof jacket is essential if it’s wet and cold. There are a few things you should always have in your backpack: a map and compass, a head torch, a first aid kit and food and drink. Our Editor Iain Duff recommends some of his favourite walking kit for a day on the hills.
A warm and waterproof jacket at a great price
(Photo courtesy of Mountain Warehouse)
Mountain Warehouse Bracken Melange 3-in-1 jacket
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As well as its versatility, what makes this three-in-one jacket such a winner is its value for money.
High Street chain Mountain Warehouse might not have the kudos of the big name outdoor brands, but when it comes to supplying good quality at affordable prices it’s hard to argue against it.
The Bracken comes in at around £130 and boasts the sort of features you’d expect to pay double that for – including IsoDry fabric, taped seams and a detachable inner softshell.
Expect to pay...
About £129.99
Waterproof walking boots strong on fit, reliablility and durability
(Photo courtesy of Lowa)
Lowa Trek Evo GTX Boots
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Lowa is one of the leading European outdoor shoe brands, but what you might not know is that the company is also renowned for producing rugged footwear for police and armed forces around the globe.
The lightweight and sporty new Trek Evo GTX mid-height boots are a far cry from the utilitarian products the German company supplies to the emergency services. But you can be sure that the fit, reliability and durability were top of the designers’ ‘essential considerations’ lists for both.
The Trek Evo certainly ticks all three of those boxes. The fabric upper and Gore-Tex lining combine to give you a fully waterproof boot that still allows your feet to breathe, no matter the weather. Perfect for wet and warm conditions, then… they must have been specifically designed for the UK summer!
The shock-absorbing midsole, heel protection and padded collar make the Trek Evo extremely comfortable for walking and the innovative two-zone lacing system lets you lace the upper and lower parts of the boot to different tensions depending on what’s most comfortable for you.
A Vibram outsole is designed with all manner of studs and multidirectional lugs to give as much grip as possible on tricky terrain, so even if you’re not going into a war zone, you should certainly be able to cope with some challenging underfoot conditions.
One last thing – these boots are 100% vegan-friendly. That means, not only are they completely leather-free, but there are no other animal products used anywhere in the manufacturing process.
Expect to pay...
About £189.99
A feature-packed backpack in a range of sizes
(Photo courtesy of Berghaus)
Berghaus Remote Hike backpack
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Backpacks come in a vast range of sizes, but for a day walking on the hills a 25-litre daysack should be perfect for your requirements. The Remote Hike 25 has got all the capacity and features you’ll need for a long day on the trail and features a breathable back system designed to help you comfortably carry a full load without overheating.
For longer walks that involve an overnight stay, the 35-litre Remote Hike 35 (pictured) gives you enough space for a sleeping bag and small tent or bivy.
You have easy access to the main compartment through a ‘frog mouth’ zip at the top, so you quickly retrieve waterproofs if the weather changes. But the storage options don’t stop there. Valuables can be safely hidden in a small zipped external pocket and the elasticated front stash pocket is perfect for your map.
Drinking bottles will fit in the two mesh pockets on the sides and the two hip belt pockets are great for essentials like snacks and a compass. Daisy chain lashing points provide additional external storage options.
For comfort, there is foam in the straps and the hip belt designed to distribute the load as you walk and a hard board in the back system protects your back.
There are two walking pole holders and side compression straps to let you to adjust your pack depending on how full it is.
Expect to pay...
About £80 (Remote Hike 35)
Walking trousers to last a lifetime
(Photo courtesy of Fjällräven)
Fjällräven Keb Agile trousers
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Fjällräven’s mission for the last six decades has been to encourage more people to enjoy the great outdoors by keeping them warm, dry and comfortable. And the Swedish company’s aim is to do so with products designed for a lifetime of wear. That means hardwearing fabrics and timeless designs that will never go out of fashion.
The Keb Agile Trousers are a lightweight version of the original, multi award-winning Keb, made with a four-way stretch fabric to help you be more, well, agile. The Agile also has few less reinforcements than the original trousers, to keep the weight down. The fabric dries quickly and feels pretty rugged, so should give you plenty of protection when you’re squeezing your way along narrow paths.
All this comes at a price – these trousers cost an eye-watering £170. But think of it as an investment. These should be the last walking trousers you’ll ever need to buy, assuming you can keep your waistline under control for the next 40 years!
Expect to pay...
About £170
A perfect waterproof jacket for changeable weather
(Photo courtesy of Jack Wolfskin)
Jack Wolfskin Pack & Go! Overhead Jacket
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The trouble with walking in the UK is that you can never be sure what weather you’re going to get from one minute to the next. What might start off as a beautiful, warm sunny day can quickly change to wet and cold… and then back again, just as quickly.
An easy jacket like this overhead cagoule is ideal. It weighs just 230g (about the size of an adult male hamster, fact fans) and packs away in its own pocket, ready to be whipped out at the first sign of rain.
The ripstop fabric is made from recycled polyester, and the jacket is waterproof, breathable and windproof, with an integrated hood
Expect to pay...
About £130
Lightweight folding walking pole
(Photo courtesy of Komperdell)
Komperdell Carbon FXP.4 Cloud walking poles
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These pop-up poles from Komperdell are strong and super-lightweight at just 173g and fold away to an extremely small size of just 45cm.
The ergonomically designed cork grip has an extension, so grip positions can be changed depending on the terrain.
Expect to pay...
About £189.95
Comfy sandals that give you grip on the trail
(Photo courtesy of Ecco)
Ecco MX Onshore sandals
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It takes a certain kind of thought process to look at a motocross bike and think, “Eureka! I’ve got the perfect idea for a pair of sandals!” But apparently that’s what went through the mind of whoever designed the Ecco MX Onshore walking sandals.
According to the Ecco website, the deep, multi-directional grooves on the outer sole are inspired by a motocross tyre tread. And to be fair, there is a certain logic to it.
Motocross tyres need to be rugged and grippy in all sorts of difficult terrain, and so do walking shoes, and these certainly are. Sandals are usually only for gentle ambles around town, but these are designed for much more vigorous activity.
The cushioned sole follows the curve of your feet and the three adjustable straps let you control the fit and stability.
They are available in both men’s and women’s styles and in a selection of different colours
Expect to pay...
About £54
A retro flask for picnics and hiking
(Photo courtesy of Thermos)
Thermos Revival flask
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For children of the 70s (like me), the “new” Thermos Revival flask is a thing of beauty. It will instantly transport you back to a simpler time, when picnics involved parking the Morris Marina in a layby and scoffing floppy cheese sandwiches, Salt ‘n’ Shake crisps and warm Ski yoghurts, all washed down with scalding hot tea from a Thermos flask, just like this.
The Revival’s retro checked pattern certainly instigated nostalgic feelings – we got the orange one (as pictured), but it’s also available in blue or green.
The slightly off white screw top cup with handle is bang on the period too.
However, the inner cap with its push button operation is simplicity itself to operate and the flask work as well as you’d expect, perfect for picnics and days out walking.
Expect to pay...
About £30
Comfortable boots for walking in the hills
(Photo courtesy of Hanwag)
Hanwag Banks SF Extra GTX boots
We recommend because...
One of the obvious side effects of having wide feet is that it can make fitting shoes – and walking boots especially, for some reason – difficult. They might be the perfect length, but width-wise they’re hopeless. This normally means you have to go up a size to get a comfortable fit, which is far from ideal.
hankfully, some boot manufacturers have recognised this problem , and German brand, Hanwag, is one. The SF Extra in the name of these trekking boots stands for Straight Fit Extra – Hanwag uses a special last to create more room at the front of the foot and around the big toe. The result is one of the most comfortable pairs of boots we’ve tried.
The foam wedge in the sole provides shock-absorbency and adds even more to the comfort levels, while the soft nubuck leather upper gives a luxurious feel.
The boots are available with a Gore-Tex inner, like here, or a leather lining
Expect to pay...
About £210
An insulated water bottle
(Photo courtesy of Camelbak)
Camelbak Forge Flow bottle
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Camelbak is best-known for its hydration packs, which revolutionised the world of outdoor sports when they hit the market in the 1990s.
If you spot a trail runner or mountain biker wearing a small rucksack or vest with a hose hanging out of it, chances are it’s a Camelbak. The company now includes in its range a collection of drinks bottles and insulated mugs and here’s the latest one – a stainless-steel insulated travel mug with a powder-coat finish and a non-slip rubber base, featuring ‘Press, Sip, Go’ technology.
With a 350ml capacity, it holds a decent cup of tea or coffee, and we’ve seen many flasks similar to this before. However, this one is designed to be used when spillages could be a problem, such as when you’re driving, so the idea is good. Using one hand, press a lever, which opens the top of the flask a small fraction, enabling you to sip your drink.
Let go of the lever and it seals again – job done. A thermal flask like this will keep your drink piping hot for up to five hours, and warm for up to eight. Unfortunately, that means you’re likely to have arrived at your destination long before your scolding hot beverage has reached drinking temperature! The Forge Flow is available in three sizes and three colour choices.
Expect to pay...
About £29
A practical outdoor watch
(Photo courtesy of Garmin)
Garmin Instinct Solar watch
We recommend because...
We thought technology was supposed to make life easier, but we live in a world now where people are so busy they have to wear a smart watch because they don’t have time to look at their phone to check their emails. That doesn’t sound much like progress to us, but if you do feel you need to wear a smart watch, then the Garmin Instinct Solar is an excellent choice.
It’s a solid piece of kit that reminds us of the G-Shock watches that became popular in the 90s, and, while it may not have the sleek looks of an Apple, it’s perfectly suited to outdoor activities.
Among the Instinct’s many features, you can obsessively count the number of steps you’ve taken in a day, check how many hours you’ve slept, analyse your heart and stress rates, and even check your blood oxygen level.
What really makes the Garmin Instinct Solar so practical, especially for campers and outdoor enthusiasts, is its tremendous battery life. The Power Glass solar lens tops up the battery whenever it’s exposed to daylight, so if you’re regularly outdoors during the summer, you’ll rarely have to charge it. Even without a solar boost, a full charge will last up to a month.
You can keep track of everything by linking the watch to your phone via the dedicated app – assuming you have the time.
Expect to pay...
About £270
Highly-commended power bank
Goal Zero Venture 35 power bank
We recommend because...
Keeping your devices topped up can be essential when you're out and about and we've been a fan of Goal Zero's Venture power bank for a while.
It's been given an upgrade for 2022, meaning it now has more protection against dust, sand and debris, and can charge your device even faster than before.
Expect to pay...
About £70
An old-school essential for hillwalking
(Photo courtesy of Easy Camp)
Easy Camp Venture map compass
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What with smartphones being able to do pretty much everything these days, you might think there’s no need for old fashioned stuff like maps and compasses.
And you might be right – until, that is, your battery goes flat or you drop your phone into a stream. What then? Basic skills like being able to read a compass still have their place and a simple piece of kit like this should always be in your backpack.
For less than £3 this could be a lifesaver… as long as you know how to use it.
Expect to pay...
About £2.99
Award-winning rucksack
Vango Sherpa 60:70 rucksack
We recommend because...
The Vango Sherpa 60:70 was already one of the most popular hiking rucksacks in Vango's range and, with its 2022 update, we reckon it's going to be even more sought-after. The Sherpa is now part of Vango's eco-friendly Earth Collection, having introduced rugged, recycled fabric.
And the knowledge that using the pack will in a small way help the planet is something we can all get on board with right now.
The Self-Adjust Back System and Air Mesh ventilation on the straps means it remains as comfortable and practical as ever, and the easy-to-access 70L main compartment is ideal for multi-day treks and wild camping trips. With a whole host of extra features, you're getting lots for your money here.
Expect to pay...
About £105
A cosy and naturally breatheable hat
(Photo courtesy of Tilley)
Tilley Trail Toque beanie hat
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IThis beanie hat from Tilley is made with 50% soft Merino wool, so it’s extremely warm, naturally breathable and moisture wicking – and it’s also odour-resistant.
Even when wet, wool will keep you warm so it’s the perfect hat to keep you toasty if you’re heading off into the hills for an autumnal walk, while being stylish enough to be worn as you go about your day-to-day business.
I love the waffle design and know it will be a trusty companion for years to come.
Expect to pay...
About £25
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How we choose our recommendations
Nearly every product we recommend has been tried and tested, reviewed, handled and experienced by our very own Camping magazine Editor, Iain Duff. You can take our recommendations and be sure you are getting a quality piece of kit, that also represents superb value for money. We only recommend products we believe in, to help you choose the best value-for-money camping products that do their jobs really, really well.
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