If you’re a regular hiker the most important piece of kit you’ll ever buy is your walking boots, but with so many styles to choose from it can be hard to know where to start. We've created this article to pass on our many decades of testing experience to help you find your perfect pair.

The LFTO team doesn’t mind admitting we’re obsessed with walking boots. We’ve tested pretty much every major release over the past 30 years on every type of terrain you could ever think of.

We use them on multi-day mountain expeditions, on weekend walks with our friends and families, and we even wear them to work on the rare occasions that we sit still long enough to spend a day in the office.

So whether you like the classic leather look, prefer something more lightweight and modern, or maybe even want boots that can handle technical winter routes in the mountains, then our testers have used them and reviewed them below.

Keep scrolling down to see our pick of the best hiking boots we've tested to date or if you want more advice, jump right down to our walking boot buying guide. Here, we explain the different styles and models of boots available for walkers, and give you expert tips on what to look for when shopping for your pair.

Jump to: How we tested | Best walking boot reviews | Buying guide | Boot categories | Key features of a walking boot

Shortlist: Best walking boots at a glance

Best walking boot on test: La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike GTX

Highly rated: Scarpa Rush Trk Pro GTX

Best budget walking boot: Quechua MH500 Mountain

Best leather boot: Lowa Tibet Evo GTX

Best lightweight boot: Mammut Aenergy Mtn Mid GTX

Best winter walking boot: La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT GTX

Editor's note: This article was last updated 24th September, when we updated product links and checked all boots in the list are still readily available.

How we tested

We don’t like to brag, but if there’s a more experienced group of walking boot testers out there then we haven’t met them yet.

The LFTO team spend most of their working life (and almost all of their spare time) trekking along trails, scrambling up mountains, yomping over hills, and backpacking through any shred of wilderness they can find; so you can fully trust the options in this article.

Below you’ll find recommendations from freelance gear experts James Forrest and Matt Jones, plus our gear editor Ben Weeks and former senior writer Chris Williams.

The hiking boots we test undergo thorough real-world testing on a range of terrain and we consider every possible factor when making our recommendations. The key criteria we consider when testing includes: features, quality of construction, comfort, performance (including traction and weather resistance) and value for money.

Read more about how we test.

Best walking boots reviewed:

How do I choose a walking boot?

How to find the right walking boot size

You want walking boots to have about a thumb's width of room beyond your big toe and be quite snug at the heel. If you can get a finger down each side of your Achilles with your foot shoved as far forward as possible, you're about right. Walking boots need to hold your foot securely without being uncomfortably tight.

Everyone's feet are different; likewise, boots have different fits. Some brands like Keen are known for a wider fit, while others like Salomon are narrower. And while there is universal sizing, it still varies from brand to brand. Your best bet is to try things on. And don't forget about socks either - their thickness affects fit too.

Are leather boots better than synthetic ones?

The upper is the external material of a walking boot. Leather is very popular and used to be the only option. Leather is hard-wearing but can take some breaking in. Today, more walking boots are being made from synthetic material, even alpine boots. They're often lighter than leather alternatives, which makes synthetic a great option for fast summer hiking. But predictably, they aren't usually as durable.

Do I need stiff or flexible walking boots?

Use the B-rating system we've explained above to decide how much flex your walking boots need. Essentially, if you'll be doing a lot of climbing and scrambling, a stiffer boot is good. For less technical terrain, speed, and agility, you'll want more flex.

Are walking boots really waterproof?

Not all, but most walking boots feature a waterproof membrane (like you get on a waterproof jacket). This might be the industry favourite Gore-Tex or a brand's own waterproof membrane.

Footwear with Gore-Tex membranes have the most water resistance fabric but the story doesn't end there. The other factor at play is how high a boot's flood level is. The cut of the boot (mid height or full boot height) and the height of the gusseted tongue (also called bellows tongue) dictate this.

So, for example, a full height leather walking boot with a tall gusseted tongue and a proprietary membrane that's not as good as Gore-Tex will still offer better protection against water ingress than a lightweight, lower cut mid boot with a Gore-Tex lining. There are several variables here but as a rule of thumb, full height leather boots generally offer the best waterproofing.

Are walking boots sustainable?

There are two parts to think about here: how the boot is made and how well it is made. Low-impact and sustainable production is key, but so too is longevity.

In terms of production, third-party certifications such as Leather Working Group or Bluesign are useful indications of footwear being produced in a responsible way. The use of recycled materials is important, too, especially with synthetic hiking boots.

High-quality boots not only last longer but are nicer to wear, perform better, and are cheaper over the longer term. Top-quality boots can last decades if you care for them properly. They can often be re-soled too.

What features are important in a walking boot?

Leading on from B-ratings, within each grade, boots still vary from one another. For example, you might think a B0 boot is best for you, but know they'll see some serious action. In this case, look for B0 boots with extra durability features such as a toe bumper and rand, deeper lugs, and a gusseted tongue and waterproof liner.

It's all about your personal requirements. Don't worry about being too fussy because there will be several suitable options for you, whatever your requirements. Read our glossary below to make yourself familiar with walking boot anatomy.

What about hiking shoes and sandals?

As with boots, hiking shoes come in quite a range of styles and designs, from super lightweight models to heavier, to climbing-oriented approach shoes, to more durable trekking shoes.

For those who find boots a bit restrictive, hiking shoes are the perfect alternative. Similarly, hiking sandals are worth investigating for walking in summer.

Walking boot categories

If you go into a footwear store or an outdoor retailer, walking boots and shoes only tend to be split into shoes and boots. But within walking boots ('hiking boots' is another term but means the same thing), there are grades that indicate what a walking boot is intended for, called B-ratings. This grading system goes from B0 to B3.

B0: These are your most typical walking boots. Lightweight synthetic walking boots and general hillwalking boots fall into this category. They are relatively flexible and often have little break-in time. B0 boots aren't compatible with crampons and are intended for unchallenging terrain.

B1: These are noticeably stiffer than B0 boots and are compatible with basic strap-on-type C1 crampons. They are great for scrambling a bit higher up mountains and winter use. B1 boots offer more protection than B0 boots.

B2: These are a step into alpine footwear. B2 boots are stiff, with some flex for hillwalking. But these are intended for mountains. They're compatible with C2 crampons.

B3: These are for alpine use only. B3 boots are very stiff because they offer lots of lateral support for climbing. Mountaineers can use C3 crampons with B3 boots, but C2 crampons are also often used.

Key features of walking boots

Ankle cuff

The ankle cuff is the section of the boot that sits around your ankle. Higher cuffs offer additional ankle support, which helps you traverse uneven ground while also reducing the risk of sprains. The height of the ankle cuff can also help fend off water, mud and debris from entering the boot - which is always a nuisance. Some boots have a lower cuff. While this makes the boot lighter, it reduces the above benefits.

Often, the height of an ankle cuff is referenced in the title of a boot. For example, low, mid and high.

Upper

The upper of a walking boot is the exterior material of a walking boot above the sole. This will either be leather or a synthetic material.

Midsole flex

Midsole flex is a way of looking at the flexibility of a boot and the rigidity of its sole. This is important to note, as a flexible sole is preferred for even ground, while a rigid sole offers superior performance on inclines, scrambles and rough ground. You can test the longitudinal midsole flex by bending the boot from toe to ankle and twist the sole to check lateral flex.

Toe box

A toe box protects your toes from the peril of stary rocks and heavy items. The harder the toe box, the more protection offered.

Rand

Rand is a rubber layer that can wrap around the toe, sole or whole boot. It can sit between the sole and upper, and it offers additional protection and improved durability.

Outsole

Well-spaced deep lugs can bite into the soft ground without clogging. A deep heel breast – the step between the heel and midfoot area of the sole unit – is vital for providing braking power in descents.

How do I clean walking boots?

Crucial to the longevity and performance of hiking footwear is caring for and cleaning them properly (it's very easy).

Head to our dedicated guide on how to clean walking boots to learn the best way to keep your hiking footwear performing at its best for as long as possible.

About the authors

Matt Jones is an incredibly experienced outdoor writer and kit tester. He was previously editor of Walk magazine and Scouting magazine, but these days you're most likely to find him hiking in the mountains of North Wales or ticking off another long distance trail.

James Forrest is a published author and freelancer journalist who's tested hundreds of pieces of kit over the years. He's also climbed every mountain in the UK and Ireland, so he knows what he's talking about.

Chris Williams was is our former senior writer, but he still contributes to the website. He trained as a journalist in New Zealand and has been testing gear for us since 2021, and has journalistic, outdoor industry, and basically his lifetime's worth of hiking experience to bring to his gear reviews.

Two hikers go on a trek into the hills; one is wearing a base layer, mid layer, and a waterproof outer layer, the other is wearing a t-shirt and a thick jacket. While standing in the car park, hiker number two is very happy with their thick jacket, but they soon regret their wardrobe choice as they march up the hills.

The thick jacket traps too much warmth and they overheat. But as soon as they remove it, they’re too cold. Meanwhile, hiker number one is very comfortable. The layering of lighter garments makes it easier for the body to move perspiration away from the body, and it's easier to regulate body temperature because they can remove or add layers without quickly getting too cold or hot.

One of the first pieces of advice you’re told about hiking is 'layer up'. And the first piece of a layering system is the base layer. This is our guide to the best base layers to make your hiking experience much more comfortable.

Best hiking base layers at a glance

Best base layer overall: Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Half-Zip

Best technical base layer: Fjällräven Abisko Day Hike

Best value base layer: Craghoppers Nosilife SolarShield+

Editor's note: This article was last updated on 24 September, when we added two new options – the Craghoppers Nosilife and the Berghaus Delta – and checked all other options are still in stock.

How we tested

All of the products included here have been tested by our expert gear team, including group editor Oli Reed, digital writer Evie Nichols and deputy editor Rob Slade.

Oli has been hiking all his life and has been testing kit professionally for over 15 years. Evie has been camping and hiking around the world since childhood, while Chris grew up exploring his native New Zealand.

We test base layers for performance, comfort, breathability, versatility and durability. We find out if their features and designs work in demanding real world environments, and also look at other important things such as sustainability and value for money.

Product scores are given as a star rating out of 5, with 5 being genuinely class leading, 4.5 being one of the best around, 4 being better than average, 3-3.5 representing average and anything below best avoided.

Check out how we test out kit for more info.

Best hiking base layers reviewed:

What to look for in hiking base layers

What fabric is best for base layers?

Merino

Merino wool is soft and comfortable, regulates temperature superbly and is naturally anti-bacterial, meaning it resists odours even after prolonged wear. However, it is more expensive and less durable than synthetic fabrics. Check that the wool is responsibly sourced.

Synthetics

Synthetic base layers are usually made from polyester, polypropylene or polyamide (nylon). These fibres wick moisture well, dry quickly and are very durable. Their major downside is that they start to smell after prolonged wear, though many brands now use anti-odour treatments to guard against this.

Bamboo

Bamboo is even softer than cotton, with superior wicking and warmth for weight. However, its main benefit is its sustainability. It is a fast-growing natural fibre that is far less resource intensive to produce compared to merino wool. Nor is it derived from petrochemicals like synthetic fibres.

Hybrids

Hybrid base layers use a blend of yarns to maximise the benefits of different fibres or feature zoned construction, employing fabric panels of different types.

Why not cotton?

Cotton absorbs moisture and then holds onto it, keeping it next to your skin. This lack of wicking and slowness to dry may not be a problem when the weather is warm, but if the temperature drops or the wind picks up it can become chilling very quickly. Cotton is best avoided in the varied and changeable climate of the mountains.

What makes a base layer more comfortable?

Garment patterning and design can make a huge difference to comfort, as well as freedom of movement. Look for flatlock stitching and offset seams to reduce chafing or irritation.

What makes a base layer breathable?

This depends on various factors, including fabric type and quality, weight and weave. But lighter base layers are generally more breathable and therefore better suited to high-output activities.

Are base layers all the same thickness?

Base layers are generally classed as lightweight, midweight or heavyweight. Fabric weight is sometimes expressed in gsm (grams per square metre). A higher gsm usually means a thicker and more durable fabric.

Are all base layers anti-odour?

Natural fibres like bamboo and merino are naturally odour resistant. In contrast, synthetic layers were once notorious for their pong. But fabrics are now often treated with anti-microbial technologies such as Polygiene to help prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria.

Should I get a base layer with a zip?

Quarter or half zip-neck layers offer some ventilation and typically have a raised collar for added neck protection. But crew necks are usually cheaper and can feel more comfortable when worn as part of a layering system.

Are thumb loops necessary?

A useful but often overlooked feature, thumb loops help to stop sleeves riding up and exposing your wrists in colder conditions.

About the authors

Oli Reed is the group editor of LFTO, Country Walking and Trail magazine. He's been hiking extensively for all of his life, has an intimate knowledge of British mountains and has tested hundreds of pieces of kit over the last two decades.

Evie Nichols is LFTO's hardy digital writer and kit tester, who has a real soft spot for long distance trails. She's hiked and camped all over the world, and knows what separates an average product from an excellent one.

Rob Slade is LFTO's deputy editor. He's been testing camping and hiking gear for over 11 years and has previously worked as content editor at 220 Triathlon and editor at Adventure Travel magazine.

The best sleeping bag liners are precious middle layers, like pickle in a cheddar sandwich. Sitting between the human and the sleeping bag, or the bread and the cheese, neither would be the same without them – yet they're under-appreciated.

You might be undecided on whether a sleeping bag liner (not to be confused with a bin bag liner) is actually useful. Your sleeping bag is already warm enough, so why would you need to fork out another £50+ on more camping kit you don’t really need?

This is a totally valid question, which we’ve asked ourselves before, too. But after years of camping experience, we’d never go on a trip without one – and here’s why.

Selfishly, your sleeping bag needs a liner. Liners are an elixir of youth for your sleeping bag, shielding it against everything that harms it (namely: your dirt and sweat). You wouldn’t sleep directly under your duvet without a bedsheet, right?

But sleeping bag liners are generous with who they benefit. They don’t just protect what’s on the outside, they also help the human inside to sleep better.

If your sleeping bag isn’t very warm, a fleece liner like the Rab Thermic Neutrino will give you a much-needed warmth boost. Lighter silk liners, like the Lifeventure Ultimate Silk, help you to regulate your temperature and make your sleeping bag more comfortable.

Plus, the same liner can be equally useful in both the Mediterranean or the Arctic. It can be used to protect a sleeping bag that’s already warm enough, or can be slept in on its own – if the temperature allows.

If you’re not already convinced, on top of all of this they’re also super handy for mountain refuges and hostels. And they’re much less hassle to wash than a sleeping bag.

In short: they’re worth it. But if your sleeping bag liner isn’t well-suited to your needs, it won’t be much use – and could even be a waste of money.

So how do you find the best sleeping bag liner? When every brand states that their liner adds about three degrees of warmth and is made of cutting-edge ‘PolyThermoLite’ fabric, it’s difficult to know where to start.

To help you choose the right liner for your needs, we’ve spent months testing the best sleeping bag liners for 2026. We’ve also compiled our many years of camping experience to put together a buying guide, helping you to make the most informed choice possible.

Best sleeping bag liners at a glance

Best sleeping bag liner overall: Big Agnes Polartec Alpha Sleeping Bag Liner

Best sleeping bag liner for warmth: Rab Thermic Neutrino

Best value sleeping bag liner: Sea to Summit Reactor

Editor's note: This group test was last updated on 23 September, when we checked whether all options were still in stock and added two new options: the Big Agnes Polartec Alpha Direct and the OMM Core.

How we tested the best sleeping bag liners

The LFTO team is made up of outdoor gear experts with years of experience using sleeping bag liners. We carefully curated this selection of liners to ensure there's something for serious winter campers as well as happy-go-lucky summer backpackers.

The reviews in this list have been written by LFTO digital writer Evie Nichols, with each one informed by thorough, real-life tests performed over several months.

Evie tested most of these liners in her The North Face Kilo Bag, a mummy-shaped down sleeping bag that's rated to 0°C. To judge how comfortable each liner is, she carefully assessed their size, shape and texture, as well as ease of use and perceived added warmth.

To verify each of the liners’ measurements, Evie measured their weight with her own scales (with the pack included) and used a tape measure for the pack size.

We reached a conclusion on the overall performance of each of these sleeping bag liners through carefully assigning a score based on five criteria: comfort, weight, pack size, features and value.

Want to know more about how we get products in for review? Read how we test here.

Best sleeping bag liners reviewed:

Comparison table

Here are our three favourite sleeping bag liners compared. This table shows just how much difference material makes to weight: the silk option is far lighter than the other two. But it's not as warm – so it depends what your priorities are.

What to look for in a sleeping bag liner?

Size and shape

There are two main shapes of sleeping bag liner: mummy and rectangle. Mummy liners are wider at the shoulders and hips than at the ankles. Rectangular liners are, as the name suggests, a standard rectangle shape.

Mummy liners are best if you have a mummy-shaped sleeping bag. As they fit more closely around your body, they’re more snug. They also tend to be made of stretchy material, to compensate for the tighter fit. This shape tends to be slightly lighter, as there’s less fabric.

Rectangular liners, on the other hand, have more wiggle room. But this won’t be particularly useful if you have a mummy-shaped sleeping bag. So again, it depends on your type of sleeping bag. It’s best to use a rectangular liner on its own or with a rectangular sleeping bag.

Material

The most common types of sleeping bag liner material are: silk, cotton and polyester.

Silk

Silk liners are the most lightweight and compact of all liner types. They also tend to be the most expensive. For some people silk is the most comfortable material, as it’s very soft and smooth against your skin.

A silk liner is very versatile: it could be equally useful during a Mediterranean summer camping trip or a winter alpine expedition.

In the heat, you might find that your sleeping bag is too hot, but you don’t want to just sleep with nothing over you. Here, a silk liner comes to life. It’s comfortable to sleep in and will help you thermoregulate by wicking sweat.

On a cold night, you won't want to depend on a silk liner as it won’t add much warmth at all. But it’ll wick moisture away from your sleeping bag and protect it against dirt. This prolongs the life of your sleeping bag.

You’ll feel the benefit during the night as well, as it’ll help you to thermoregulate. But make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough on its own.

Cotton

If you like to feel like you’re stepping into bed when you get into your sleeping bag, you’ll prefer cotton and polycotton liners. Cotton liners are super easy to wash and maintain, plus they tend to be very durable. They’re also generally more budget-friendly than silk or synthetic options.

We wouldn’t recommend taking a cotton liner on backpacking trips though, as they tend to be heavier and bulkier. They also take a long time to dry.

A cotton liner sits somewhere between a silk liner and a fleece-lined liner in terms of warmth. If in doubt, consider whether you’d be warm enough taking your bedsheet with you, as a cotton liner feels basically the same.

Overall, a cotton liner is a good choice for staying in hostels or mountain refuges, especially if you don’t like the feeling of silk or synthetic fibres. But it won’t save you any space or weight on a hiking trip.

Polyester

You might think liners which are 100% polyester all feel the same, but they can actually feel quite different.

The Rab Thermic Neutrino, for example, feels like a fleece. But the Sea to Summit Reactor liners, which is made fully from polyester, feels more like a base layer.

Fleece-like liners are much warmer and they’re also less able to wick sweat, but may pick up less odour. A fleece liner is best if your sleeping bag needs a significant boost in warmth.

If you don’t need a massive warmth boost, but would still like a little extra (plus all of the other benefits of a liner), then a base layer-style liner would be best.

These are a lot more stretchy than cotton or silk liners, so they’re comfortable to sit up in. You can even walk around in the Sea to Summit Reactor liner.

In general, polyester might not feel as comfortable as silk or cotton when it’s hot, but polyester liners tend to dry faster – especially thinner ones. They’re also more durable than a silk liner, which can tear more easily.

Overall, a polyester liner is a good choice for backpacking trips where you need a little extra warmth than a silk liner.

Are sleeping bag liners a good idea?

In almost all cases, sleeping bag liners are an excellent idea – no matter what kind of trip you’re going on.

On a basic level, a sleeping bag without a liner is a bit like a duvet without any bedsheets. Liners protect your sleeping bag from moisture and dirt, helping it to live longer. Unless you’re going ultralight and aren’t fussed about the lifespan of your sleeping bag, it’s best to bring along a liner.

Having said that, it’s a bad idea to depend solely on a liner to keep you warm on a cold night. And if you’re camping during winter, it might be best to buy a warm sleeping bag rather than adding a warm liner to your not-so-warm sleeping bag.

But even if you do have a really warm sleeping bag, you’d still be grateful for a lightweight silk liner to protect it against your dirt and sweat.

Beyond its benefit to your sleeping bag, a liner will help you to feel snug when you’re camping, if you choose the right one. As an experienced camper, I would never go camping without my silk liner – my sleeping bag wouldn’t be the same without it.

How much warmer does a liner make your sleeping bag?

The amount of warmth a liner adds to your sleeping bag depends on both the liner and your sleeping bag.

A fleece liner, like the Rab Thermic Neutrino, will add the most warmth to your sleeping bag. It’s like sleeping wrapped up in a lightweight fleece.

On the other hand, synthetic liners like the Sea to Summit Reactor are like being wrapped in a base layer.

Sea to Summit claims that its liner will “increase 3-season sleeping bag's temperature rating by up to 6%”, while Therm-a-Rest says it’ll “contribute 3C of warmth to your sleeping system”.

Although you should take these claims with a pinch of salt, we do find synthetic liners to be pretty effective at keeping you warm.

Silk liners won’t make your sleeping bag much warmer, but they’ll add to its overall comfort and longevity.

However, in all of this discussion, the amount of warmth a liner adds also depends on your sleeping bag itself. The warmer your sleeping bag, the less you’ll notice its effect.

This is because most sleeping bags are far more insulating than any liner. So, the warmer your sleeping bag is, the smaller the insulation boost your liner provides relative to it.

For more advice, read our article on how to pack for ultralight backpacking.

About the author

Digital writer Evie Nichols loves nothing more than wild camping in high and remote places. Her trusted silk liner has accompanied her on pretty much every camping trip she's ever been on, from the Cambodian jungle to the Atlas mountains. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @eviejnichols.

Even the most seasoned of campers can get fed up of lying on the floor in a tent. So how about sleeping off the ground among the trees? Hammock camping can be an absolute pleasure in the right conditions, so we've tested and curated a list of the best camping hammocks to help you get into the swing of things.

If you're new to hammock camping, here's a brief explainer... A hammock is a hanging bed suspended between two anchor points, usually trees. Sleeping in a hammock is a rather niche activity in the UK, but for some wild campers, backpackers and long-distance walkers it’s their preferred way of sleeping under the stars.

Set it up right and you can really maximise your overnight comfort – especially if you pop a decent sleeping mat underneath you. Some camping hammocks come with tarps, but if they don't you can pair it with a good camping tarp to offer greater weather protection.

So if you're fed up of crawling into a bivvy bag or wild camping tent, you may want to try one of these out. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re thinking of trying a hammock as an alternative to a normal tent.

Jump to: How we tested | Best hammock reviews | Buying advice

Shortlist: Best camping hammocks at a glance

Best camping hammock on test: Bushmen Bushbed Hammock

Best ultralight camping hammock: Ticket to the Moon Lightest Hammock

Best value camping hammock: Alpkit Mora

Best weatherproof camping hammock: Robens Trace Ultimate Hammock Set

Best camping hammock for comfort: ENO TravelNest Hammock + Straps Combo

How we tested

All of the camping hammocks featured here have been tested extensively by experienced outdoor journalist and gear tester James Forrest. Here's how he's been testing them:

Recently I’ve reviewed eight different hammock brands in a direct like-for-like comparative test. The field-testing has involved hanging every hammock in a local campsite between two conveniently distanced trees, and then investigating at length how each suspension system works.

After playing around with tweaking and re-tweaking the set-up, I’ve then spent time sitting and lying in each hammock, carefully thinking about its performance in terms of comfort, durability, features and ease of setup.

On top of that, I’ve also taken the eight hammocks out to a secret, mountaintop Lake District location for further real-life field-testing in the wild.

For more info on our review process, see our how we test page.

Best camping hammocks reviewed:

How do you set up a hammock?

Setting up a camping hammock is NOT particularly quick or straight-forward. It requires skill and practice, and fine-tuning the setup with micro adjustments can be fiddly and frustrating. Some suspension systems are easier to use than others. More basic setups may require knot-tying knowledge and expertise, while more intuitive systems do the complicated stuff for you, leaving you simply to pull straps or clip-in carabiners.

The usual hammock hanging process involves wrapping the suspension straps around two sturdy trees, clipping or attaching the hammock to the straps, and then adjusting the height and tension until it hangs with a gentle curve. Most manufacturers recommend a hang angle of around 30° to create a flatter, more comfortable sleeping position.

What suspension system do I need and will everything I need be included?

A good suspension system should be quick to set up, easy to adjust and gentle on the trees you're attaching to. Most modern camping hammocks use wide, tree-friendly webbing straps with daisy-chain loops or buckle systems, allowing you to fine-tune the hang without tying knots. Some ultralight models use ‘whoopie slings’ instead, which save weight but can be a little less intuitive.

Before you buy, check exactly what's included. Some hammocks come as a complete package with suspension straps, carabiners and a stuff sack, while others are sold as the hammock body only, meaning you'll need to buy the suspension system separately. If you're planning to camp overnight, it's also worth checking whether extras such as a bug net, tarp, guylines and stakes are included or sold separately.

What should I look for in a camping hammock?

The best camping hammock depends on how you plan to use it. Backpackers should prioritise low weight and a compact packed size, while campsite campers may prefer a larger, more luxurious model. Comfort, durability, ease of setup and a reliable suspension system are all key considerations, as are practical features such as an integrated bug net or the option to add a tarp and underquilt for overnight use.

Are hammocks comfortable?

Yes and no. Some campers find them extremely comfortable; others struggle with the setup. It mostly comes down to personal preference. Certainly, there is likely to be a learning curve if you’re new to hammocks and you may need time to get used to the sleeping style.

It’s worth noting that, contrary to what you might expect, you don't sleep in a straight line down the middle of hammock, which can bend your body like a banana. Instead, lying diagonally creates a flatter sleeping position that reduces pressure points. Longer hammocks are generally more comfortable than shorter ones, giving you more room to stretch out and achieve a better night's sleep.

Is sleeping in a hammock even viable in the UK?

Yes, but it isn't the right solution for every trip. Hammocks work brilliantly in wooded areas, making them a great option for forest camps and campsites with suitable trees. However, much of Britain's best wild camping country is above the treeline, where suitable anchor points simply don't exist. If your adventures regularly take you onto high ground, a good one-person tentwill always be the more practical choice.

The UK's cool, damp climate also presents a few challenges. A waterproof tarp is essential for protection from rain, while an underquilt or insulated sleeping mat is strongly recommended, even in summer, as the air circulating beneath a hammock can quickly leave you feeling cold. These additional requirements can quickly increase the cost and weight of your hammock setup.

How much will a hammock weigh and what size will it be?

Camping hammocks vary considerably depending on their intended use. Ultralight backpacking models can weigh under 500g for a complete setup, while more fully featured systems with bug nets and tarps typically weigh between 1-2kg. Packed size is usually comparable to a small sleeping mat, although adding accessories will inevitably increase both weight and bulk.

What is a hammock weight limit?

Most camping hammocks have a maximum weight capacity of between 120kg and 180kg. It's important users stay within the manufacturer's recommended limit for both safety and durability.

What size of hammock do I need?

Length is generally more important than width when choosing a camping hammock. Most standard hammocks come in a length of about 300cm, which should allow for a flatter diagonal sleeping position and greater overall comfort. Some experienced hammock users suggest going up to 330cm (11ft) or even 365cm (12ft). Taller campers will definitely benefit from longer 365cm (12ft) models, while many solo campers also opt for a double-width hammock to gain extra space. As a rough guide, aim for a hammock with a length 61cm (2ft) or 91cm (3ft) above your height.

What features should I look for?

Look for wide, tree-friendly suspension straps that are easy to adjust, along with durable carabiners and quality stitching. Other useful features include an integrated bug net, structural ridgeline, storage pockets and a compact stuff sack.

What materials are best for hammocks?

Most camping hammocks are made from nylon, which offers an excellent balance of strength, low weight, packability and quick-drying performance. Polyester is another good option, stretching less and offering better resistance to UV damage, although it's often slightly heavier. Cotton hammocks are comfortable and cheap, but generally of a lower, more basic quality.

To ensure you get the best night's sleep, take a look at our lists of the best camping pillows and the best sleeping bags – essentials for a comfortable, cosy night.

About the author

James Forrest is one of the most respected names in outdoor journalism and is an exceptionally knowledgeable kit tester. He's also a man that's climbed every mountain in the UK and Ireland, is a serial wild camper and an experienced long-distance hiker. James has been reviewing kit for us for years, bringing a forensic level of testing from his base near the Lake District.

As you’d expect from a fellrunning brand, the Inov8 VentureShell Pant overtrousers excel across a couple of metrics: lightness, agility and comfort.

They are ultralight (just 260g in a small), with an athletic and sporty cut that delivers excellent freedom of movement and high levels of comfort.

You also get a 30,000mm hydrostatic head rating, so the all-round package is pretty impressive for £120. That said, there is one inherent risk – the long-term performance of the unbranded waterproofing system is yet to be determined.

They firmly sit in the ultralight category.

So how do these waterproof overtrousers, designed and manufactured by a brand that excels in the running market, stack up when used for hiking? I test them in the unpredictable weather of the Lake District mountains to find the answer.

Waterproofing

Not all waterproof trousers are created equal. At the cheaper end of the market, some pairs will cope with little more than a passing shower, while higher-spec options are designed to keep you fully protected through hours of sustained rain and proper mountain weather.

The best starting point for judging performance is the hydrostatic head (HH) rating, which measures how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before it leaks. As a general rule of thumb, premium waterproof gear sits at 20,000mm HH or above, meaning a 20-metre column of water could theoretically stand on the fabric before penetration occurs. Fully taped seams are also essential, as these prevent leakage through stitching points.

Construction matters too: waterproof trousers are usually built using 2-layer, 2.5-layer or 3-layer designs, depending on how the membrane is bonded. For consistently poor weather, 3-layer trousers are the gold standard, with the waterproof membrane sandwiched between a face fabric and an inner scrim for greater durability and long-term reliability.

Against that benchmark, the VentureShell Pant stacks up confidently on paper. Inov8 uses a 3-layer waterproof construction technique (54% recycled nylon ocean waste, 46% recycled ripstop nylon) with fully taped seams and a 30,000mm hydrostatic head rating, which places it firmly in premium territory.

The brand describes the trousers as offering “complete protection from wind, rain and snow” and says the 30K HH rating means they are “highly waterproof and will withstand almost any downpour.” It also positions them as “hardcore waterproof overtrousers for hiking and outdoor adventures”, adding that the trousers are “a highly technical, dependable waterproof for when the weather throws everything at you.”

That all sounds reassuring, but lab results and real-world hill use aren't always the same thing, and outdoor brands often have a habit of over-promising and under-delivering. In limited early testing, the VentureShell Pant has kept rain out effectively, coping well with wet Lake District conditions and short periods of sustained rainfall. The question mark is longer-term durability.

The membrane here is unbranded (it’s not Gore-Tex, Pertex, eVent or any other well-known brand) and therefore lacks an established track record. So while initial impressions are positive, its performance over repeated seasons of hard use remains less proven.

If you were of a cynical persuasion, you’d probably presume that an unbranded membrane – of which there is little information other than lofty claimed statistics – probably won’t perform that well over the long-term. But, of course, I might be wrong. Time will tell.

Breathability and ventilation

On paper, breathability is one of the VentureShell Pant’s strongest areas. Inov8 quotes an impressive 30,000 g/m²/24hr MVTR breathability rating, stating that the fabric is designed to “keep the moisture out but also let it escape”, allowing sweat to exit the shell and helping regulate temperature during harder efforts.

The addition of zip vents also improves airflow, giving you extra ventilation when climbing or moving quickly. Compared with many newer Gore-Tex ePE products, where breathability ratings have noticeably dropped, these figures are genuinely strong and suggest superior performance in lab conditions.

That said, as with the waterproofing, long-term real-world breathability performance is still untested, and I would treat all official breathability figures with a fair degree of scepticism. Across all brands, breathability stats often feel a little misleading in practice.

However good the lab numbers look, the reality is that when hiking at a decent pace, climbing steeply or working hard with a loaded pack, I almost always end up feeling warm, sweaty and clammy in waterproof trousers.

That's simply the trade-off that comes with wearing a fully waterproof shell. The zip vents help, and the VentureShell does seem strong on paper, but I would still set realistic expectations rather than expecting miracle levels of breathable comfort.

Weight and packability

Weight and packability are two of the strongest selling points of the Inov8 VentureShell Pant, and in testing, they performed exceptionally well across both metrics. At just 260g in a small (excluding storage bag), they're the lightest waterproof trousers I've tested this year and firmly sit in the ultralight category. That low weight is particularly impressive given that they're still a fully waterproof 3-layer shell, rather than a stripped-back emergency overtrouser.

It's very much a shove-them-in-your-pack-and-forget-about-them setup, and it works well.

Compared with key rivals, the weight savings are significant. They're 71g lighter than the Helly Hansen Moss (331g), 126g lighter than the Berghaus Hillwalker 2.0 (386g), 167g lighter than the Dare2B Adivort III (427g), 45g lighter than the Rab Namche Hike GTX (305g), and 46g lighter than the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (306g in a men’s small). For fast-moving hill days, long-distance walking or multi-day trips where every gram matters, that is a noticeable advantage.

A particularly useful addition (and one many brands still fail to include) is the supplied storage bag. This weighs just 16g and is made from a lightweight mesh netting with a simple drawcord toggle closure at the top. It allows the trousers to pack down neatly and compactly into a bundle roughly the size of a 1L water bottle, making them easy to stash in a daypack without sacrificing valuable space. It's very much a shove-them-in-your-pack-and-forget-about-them setup, and it works well.

Size, fit and comfort

Comfort is a very subjective thing, so it’s worth taking my opinion with a pinch of salt. My walking style, leg length, stride pattern and personal preferences might all differ wildly to yours. That said, my take is that these trousers deliver top-notch comfort with a nicely athletic and sporty cut.

These trousers deliver top-notch comfort with a nicely athletic and sporty cut.

During my test hikes in and around the Lake District National Park, I’ve found the Inov8 VentureShell Pant overtrousers to be well-proportioned, with a relatively close-fitting cut and a nice sense of agility and freedom of movement. To me, they’ve felt more streamlined and sleeker than other pairs, which can often be too boxy, baggy and cumbersome. Overall I’ve got on well with them.

The overtrousers, which are classed as unisex, are available from XS to XL, with no variation in leg length options. This isn’t, therefore, a particularly broad size range, but if you’re an average height and build, you should find a pair that fits you well enough. Inov8’s marketing team told me the unisex sizing is “generous, particularly for women”, or if you’re unsure, you could try them on for size at the brand’s stores in Bakewell, Sheffield or Staveley.

Pockets, waistband and ankle cuffs

Due to the ultralight design ethos, these overtrousers are quite minimalist and pared-back on features. However, you do get a few noticeable design touches. The waistband is highly elasticated, with 360 degrees of concertinaed stretchiness for a fine-tuned fit. An external drawcord toggle also allows you to cinch in the waistband further, if required.

You don’t get any handwarmer pockets or ankle cuff adjustment, but down the side of each leg, you do get very long, two-way, waterproof zippers for venting. These zippers also make it far easier to put on or take off the trousers whilst wearing outdoor footwear. Another nice touch is the inclusion of two press-stud buttons across the zipper on each leg – these buttons let you stop the trousers flapping around loosely when the zippers are open.

Verdict

An ultralight, comfortable, athletically-styled pair of overtrousers with impressive official stats, some nice design touches and a very useful storage bag. I haven't tested them through winter yet, so I can't comment on long-term performance in the worst conditions, but first impressions are strong with a lot of quality for the price tag.

If you want to see more options for ever type of budget, check out our list of the best waterproof hiking trousers.

About the author

James Forrest has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years. James is based on the edge of the Lake District, so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s hiking and running around his local fells. He's an experienced long-distance hiker and has climbed every mountain in the UK and Ireland.

Back in its 20th iteration, the latest generation of the Brooks Cascadia 20 boasts a 21st-century upgrade with plush cushioning and a more modernist style.

This arguably sacrifices some technical nous, ground-feel and nimbleness, which may upset some. But for many others, the 4mm boost to the stack height, the addition of nitrogen-infused DNA Flash V2 cushioning, and the use of a new Vibram MegaGrip outsole will only be seen as positive upgrades.

At LFTO, we’ve reviewed the Cascadia 17, Cascadia 18 and Cascadia 19 GTX over the years, and they've always scored well, often featuring in our Best Trail Running Shoes round-up. In my view, the Cascadia 20 is no exception, despite its divergence from previous versions.

I’ve run 117km so far in my pair, all in the fells, woodland and local trails around my home in the Lake District. These outings have included a 10.6km run over Ullock Pike, Long Side and Carl Side with 902m of ascent, a 10.8km loop through Thornthwaite Forest near Bassenthwaite with 337m of ascent, and 21.1km on the King Charles III England Coast Path between Maryport and Allonby.

I’ve also put in 33km on the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail, 9.6km of exhausting hill reps up Watch Hill in Cockermouth, 5km on my gym treadmill and another 10.5km road loop near my home.

So I’d class this as a first look review, but with a decent amount of miles and ascent in the bag.

My overarching view? This isn’t the fastest trainer I've ever used, so I wouldn’t wear it for all-out racing. Nor is it the most technical trainer ever, so I wouldn’t wear it for super-gnarly, rocky descents where feel, control and 6mm+ luggy grip are required. But for everyday trail running and regular daily miles, I actually found this shoe pretty dreamy. It ticks all of the boxes: it’s comfy, nicely cushioned, grippy, stable and has a nice ride. I really enjoyed running in it.

Upper

The Cascadia 20's upper doesn't shout about innovation, but it quietly gets the job done. Brooks has opted for a soft, breathable air-mesh upper reinforced with 3D overlays in key high-wear areas, alongside a protective toe cap and mudguard to improve durability on rocky trails.

Fit is roughly true to size and, for me, immediately comfortable straight out of the box. The overall shape sits slightly towards the snugger end of the spectrum, gently wrapping the foot rather than offering an especially roomy fit, but I never found it restrictive. If you favour a broad, foot-shaped toe box, you may find it a touch close-fitting, yet for my average-width feet, it struck a pleasing balance between comfort and security.

On twisting Lakeland trails and uneven rocky paths, I rarely found my foot moving around inside the shoe.

That secure fit translates into good overall lockdown. On twisting Lakeland trails and uneven rocky paths, I rarely found my foot moving around inside the shoe, helping to inspire confidence over mixed terrain. Heel hold is also generally strong, although I did notice the slightest hint of heel slip on a handful of particularly steep descents. It was never enough to cause rubbing or detract from the run, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless.

Durability, meanwhile, looks promising. After more than 100km of rocky Lake District testing, my pair is showing very little sign of wear, with no noticeable damage to either the mesh or the protective overlays.

Midsole

Perhaps the biggest talking point with the Cascadia 20 is underfoot. Brooks has increased the stack height by 4mm and introduced nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 cushioning, giving the shoe a noticeably more modern ride than previous Cascadia models while retaining the brand's TrailAdapt stability system.

Traditional Cascadia fans may lament the loss of some of the shoe's famously connected trail feel, but personally, I think Brooks has judged the balance rather well. The cushioning feels generous without becoming overly soft or unstable, taking the sting out of long days on rocky trails while still providing enough feedback to place your feet accurately.

The biggest talking point with the Cascadia 20 is underfoot. Brooks has increased the stack height by 4mm.

The ride is enjoyable. It rolls along smoothly, feels well cushioned over longer distances and offers just enough rebound to stop it feeling dull. It's certainly not a plated super shoe or an ultralight race model, but nor does it feel sluggish. There's a subtle amount of zip when you increase the pace, enough that I wouldn't rule it out for the occasional trail race if you’re not gunning for a PB.

The added cushioning also broadens the shoe's appeal. Whereas previous Cascadias leaned more heavily towards technical mountain running, the latest version feels happier covering everyday training miles on everything from forest tracks and gravel paths to rocky fell trails. Throughout my testing, it consistently delivered a stable, predictable platform, and that's perhaps its greatest strength. Rather than excelling in one narrow area, it performs well across almost every type of run.

Outsole

Brooks has made another significant change by replacing its own TrailTack outsole with Vibram MegaGrip rubber. It's an upgrade many trail runners have been hoping for, and in practice, it delivers exactly what you'd expect: dependable grip across a wide range of surfaces. The outsole combines Vibram MegaGrip rubber with 4mm lugs and Brooks' TrailAdapt technology, allowing the sole to flex and adapt to uneven ground.

During my test runs, I found traction consistently reassuring. That said, this still isn't a specialist mountain shoe. The 4mm lug depth offers an effective compromise for mixed terrain but doesn't bite as aggressively as shoes fitted with 5mm or 6mm lugs. Likewise, on particularly loose, steep or highly technical descents, I'd still reach for something a little more aggressive with lower ground feel and a more mountain-focused outsole.

I found the outsole to be one of the shoe's strongest features, and the switch to Vibram feels like a worthwhile improvement.

However, it’s worth noting that I’ve not done any runs in the Lake District where I thought “I shouldn’t be wearing the Cascadias”, so it’s only on very hardcore trails that it might feel out of its depth.

This is really a jack-of-all-trades rather than a technical specialist. For the vast majority of everyday trail running, however, I found the outsole to be one of the shoe's strongest features, and the switch to Vibram feels like a genuinely worthwhile improvement.

Price and Competition

At £140, the Cascadia 20 sits firmly within the competitive mid-to-premium trail running market and goes head-to-head with established all-rounders, including the Asics Trabuco 14 (£140) and Saucony Peregrine 16 (£140), which interestingly are all identically priced. The Cascadia 20 weighs 292g in my men's UK size 8 and features a 6mm drop, placing it squarely in the middle ground rather than chasing the ultra-light race shoe market.

Having tested all three shoes recently, albeit the GTX versions of the Asics and Saucony, I'd place them in a very similar category: reliable, do-it-all trail shoes for regular miles. They're the kind of trainers with enough stability and support to use daily, unlike aggressive, plated and ultralight racers, which can cause injuries if overused. I’d say the Brooks is marginally my favourite, but it’s a close call.

Verdict

The Brooks Cascadia 20 represents one of the biggest evolutions the series has seen in years. By adding more cushioning, introducing DNA Flash V2 foam and switching to a Vibram MegaGrip outsole, Brooks has nudged the shoe away from its more technical roots and towards the increasingly popular category of highly cushioned everyday trail trainers.

Not everyone will welcome that shift. Runners who loved the lower, more connected feel of earlier Cascadias may find this latest version a little less precise on technical mountain terrain. Likewise, if your running revolves around fast fell races, deep mud or steep, rocky descents, there are more specialised options available.

For everyone else, though, the Cascadia 20 is exceptionally easy to recommend. Comfortable, stable, confidence-inspiring and versatile, it's the sort of shoe you can happily lace up for almost any trail run without a second thought.

Read our team's reviews of all the latest trail running shoe releases.

About the author

James Forrest writes regular articles for LFTO, and has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years. James is based on the edge of the Lake District so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s running and hiking in his local fells.

Ask 10 keen hikers to name the best trail in Europe and you’ll get 10 different answers, and probably a small argument about whether Türkiye counts (it does in our book, as it gave us valid justification to include the epic Lycian Way).

But that’s the trouble with a continent this varied: within a few hours’ flight of any UK airport you can be traversing a sub-Arctic plateau, an Alpine ridge, a Mediterranean gorge, or walking a pilgrim’s road that’s been walked for over a thousand years.

This list doesn’t pretend to be definitive – any such claim would be nonsense – but every trail here has been walked, researched, or is firmly on the to-do list of the Live for the Outdoors teams. Scenery and views come first in the selection, but so do solitude, satisfaction and the simple pleasure of well-earned refreshment at the end of a long day.

Within a few hours’ flight of any UK airport you can be traversing a sub-Arctic plateau, an Alpine ridge, a Mediterranean gorge, or walking a pilgrim’s road.

We’ve deliberately mixed things up: short, sharp day hikes sit alongside multi-week epics, so whether you’ve got a weekend or a month to spare, there’s something here. Difficulty varies wildly too, from boardwalk strolls to routes that demand serious mountain experience. We’ve flagged which is which as we go.

So here are 20 of the best hikes Europe has to offer, in no particular order except loosely north to south. Pack accordingly.

1. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

Distance: 55km (34 miles)
Duration: 3-4 days
Start point: Landmannalaugar
End point: Þórsmörk

Iceland’s unique landscapes are world-renowned, but even so, few of the country’s trails cram as much geological variety into so few days. The Laugavegur takes walkers from rhyolite mountains striped orange and green, through geothermal fields that hiss and steam underfoot, black volcanic deserts and glacial rivers, before dropping into the birch-lined valley of Þórsmörk.

Most hikers walk south from Landmannalaugar, since the route loses more height that way, though plenty do it in reverse too. A network of huts (book well ahead) and designated campsites means you’re rarely far from shelter. The walking itself isn’t technically difficult – good paths, moderate ascents – which is precisely why the weather catches people out. Iceland’s mountains generate their own conditions, and a bright morning can turn to horizontal sleet within the hour, so reliable waterproofs aren’t optional extras here, they’re essential.

2. Trolltunga, Norway

Distance: 27km (17 miles)
Duration: 10-12 hours
Start and end point: Skjeggedal

That iconic photograph – the flat tongue of rock jutting 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, one tiny hiker balanced on the end – has done more for Norwegian tourism than anything else. What it doesn’t show is the effort involved: an out-and-back day of 27km with 800m of ascent, most of it front-loaded into a brutal first kilometre of steps.

It’s graded “very demanding” locally, less for technical difficulty than for sheer duration – allow a full 10 to 12 hours and start very early if you want any hope of a queue-free photo. The trail is well marked and doesn’t require ropes or scrambling, but this is proper mountain terrain: wet and exposed in equal measure, and the weather in the Hardanger region is famously changeable.

3. Besseggen Ridge, Norway

Distance: 14km (9 miles)
Duration: 6-8 hours
Start and end point: Gjendesheim or Memurubu, Jotunheimen

Routinely described as Norway’s best ridge walk, Besseggen is spectacular in every sense. The route threads between two lakes of wildly different colour: the milky turquoise Bessvatnet on one side, the deep glacial green of Gjende on the other, with barely a rock’s width separating them at the narrowest point. A short scramble near the top is the only real technical demand, and most people combine the hike with the ferry across Lake Gjende to make a one-way route between Gjendesheim and Memurubu.

It’s a full day rather than a stroll – reckon on 6 to 8 hours – but the path is well trodden and doesn’t require mountaineering experience, just decent fitness, sturdy boots and a head for exposed ground.

4. Kungsleden (Abisko–Nikkaluokta), Sweden

Distance: 107km (67 miles)
Duration: 5-7 days
Start point: Abisko
End point: Nikkaluokta

The full Kungsleden runs 450km from Abisko to Hemavan, but it’s the northern stretch to Nikkaluokta that draws most walkers, and for good reason. Five to seven days takes you from the birch forests of Abisko National Park up over the 1,150m Tjäktja Pass – the trail’s high point – and down past Kebnekaise, Sweden’s tallest mountain, before a final valley walk to the road at Nikkaluokta.

Staffed mountain huts spaced a day’s walk apart split up the route nicely, and the path itself is gentle by Scandinavian standards: boardwalks over the boggy sections, well-graded climbs, few technical surprises. The real challenge is the Arctic weather and the sheer scale of the wilderness – this is reindeer-herding country, and you won’t get wi-fi for days. For most people, that’s entirely the point.

5. Cape Wrath Trail, Scotland

Distance: 370km (230 miles)
Duration: 10-21 days
Start point: Fort William
End point: Cape Wrath

If you think of the West Highland Way as Scotland’s best introduction to backpacking, the Cape Wrath Trail is the other end of the spectrum – difficult and demanding but also beautiful. There’s no official waymarked path – route-finding across bog, river and pathless moor is part of the deal – and resupply points are few and far between, so most walkers carry a few days’ food at a time and wild camp most nights.

What you get in return is genuine solitude through some of the remotest country left in the UK, from Knoydart’s rough peninsulas to the empty quarters of Sutherland, ending at a lighthouse perched on mainland Britain’s most north-westerly point. This is widely considered the hardest single long-distance trail in the UK, and it’s not for beginners. Navigation skills, river-crossing know-how and a tolerance for midges are all prerequisites.

6. Wainwright’s Coast to Coast, UK

Distance: 293km (182 miles)
Duration: 12-14 days
Start point: St Bees Head, Cumbria
End point: Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

Devised by the great fellwalker Alfred Wainwright in 1973, this crossing of northern England finally earned official National Trail status in March 2026, more than fifty years after he first put pen to paper. It’s hard to fathom why it took so long for the Coast to Coast to get official recognition: you get three national parks in one route, from the rocky fells of the Lake District through the limestone dales of Yorkshire to the heather moors above Robin Hood’s Bay.

Tradition dictates you dip your boots in the sea at St Bees and again in the North Sea at the finish, by which time you’ll have crossed a great swathe of northern England. Difficulty is moderate rather than severe, but the distance and the number of consecutive days demand proper planning, especially over Lakeland’s steeper early stages.

7. Cambrian Way, Wales

Distance: 480km (298 miles)
Duration: 19-21 days
Start point: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
End point: Conwy Castle, Conwy

Billed as the mountain connoisseur’s route through Wales, the Cambrian Way links two castles via almost every significant upland range the country has to offer: the Brecon Beacons, the Cambrian Mountains and most of the major mountain massifs in Eryri, including Snowdon itself. It stitches together high ground rather than skirting it, which makes for a route with a serious amount of ascent packed into three weeks.

Although now waymarked end-to-end, some sections cross genuinely remote and pathless terrain, so this sits toward the harder end of UK long-distance trails – navigation and hillwalking experience matter here. The reward is a route that captures Wales at its wildest, rarely dropping into valleys for long before climbing straight back into the clouds.

8. South West Coast Path, England

Distance: 1,014km (630 miles)
Duration: 6-8 weeks (full); 2-7 days (sections)
Start point: Minehead, Somerset
End point: Poole Harbour, Dorset

This much-celebrated National Trail follows every headland, cove and cliff edge from Somerset round to Dorset, and the cumulative ascent over its full length exceeds Everest several times over. Only the most committed walkers attempt the whole thing in one go; most pick a section, and the coastline obliges with everything from the wild cliffs of North Cornwall to the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast.

Terrain and difficulty vary enormously by stretch, from gentle strolls to relentless up-and-down “coast path miles” that take far longer than a look at the map might suggest. Good footwear and realistic daily targets matter as much as raw fitness on the South West Coast Path.

9. Alta Via 1 (Dolomites), Italy

Distance: 120km (75 miles)
Duration: 8-10 days
Start point: Lago di Braies
End point: Belluno

The most accessible of the Dolomites’ ten Alte Vie trails, Alta Via 1 starts at the near-impossibly turquoise Lago di Braies and threads south through limestone towers, high passes and hut-to-hut alpine landscapes to Belluno. Unlike some of its sister routes, it avoids via ferrata sections, so no specialist climbing gear is needed. Just a head for the odd exposed stretch and reasonable fitness for consecutive days above 2,000m.

The trail passes beneath some of the range’s biggest names, including Tofana, Civetta and Pelmo, with a well-spaced network of rifugios serving hearty food each evening. It’s graded as moderate for the Alps: no technical climbing, but long days and real elevation gain add up over more than a week.

10. GR20 (Corsica), France

Distance: 180km (112 miles)
Duration: 10-16 days
Start point: Calenzana
End point: Conca

Regularly ranked among Europe’s toughest long-distance trails, the GR20 runs the length of Corsica’s mountainous spine, crossing granite ridgelines and sections requiring hands-on scrambling. The northern half, from Calenzana, is generally considered harder than the gentler southern stretch down to Conca, and many walkers split the route accordingly if short on time.

Refuges and campsites are spaced along the way, though beds fill fast in peak season. This is not a trail for a first long-distance hike: good fitness, sure-footedness and comfort with exposure are all required, but the reward is Mediterranean mountain scenery – granite, maquis scrub and sea views – found almost nowhere else in Europe.

11. Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland

Distance: 170km (106 miles)
Duration: 7-12 days
Start and end point: Les Houches, Chamonix

The classic circuit of the Alps’ highest peak crosses three countries in a loop that never strays far from Mont Blanc’s glaciated flanks, taking in high passes, alpine meadows and the odd cowbell-punctuated silence. It’s a trail runners’ route too – the UTMB race follows much the same line in considerably less time – but walked at a normal pace over a week or more, it’s one of the more approachable multi-day routes in the high Alps.

Waymarking is excellent, huts and gîtes are plentiful (book ahead in summer), and while there’s serious daily ascent and descent, none of it demands technical skill. Weather and altitude are the main considerations; the walking itself is graded moderate throughout.

12. Camino de Santiago (Francés), Spain

Distance: 780km (485 miles)
Duration: 28-35 days
Start point: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
End point: Santiago de Compostela

The best-known of the many Camino routes crosses the Pyrenees from France before threading west across northern Spain – taking in the wine country of La Rioja, the flat expanse of the meseta, and the green hills of Galicia – to the pilgrim city of Santiago. It’s walked for every reason imaginable: faith, fitness, heartbreak, curiosity, or simply the appeal of a month with nothing to do but walk day after day.

Physically it’s forgiving by long-distance standards: well waymarked, gentle gradients for the most part, and an entire hospitality infrastructure of albergues built around exactly this journey. The one real obstacle is crowds in peak season, particularly on the popular final 100km from Sarria, which is the minimum distance required to earn a Compostela certificate.

13. Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail), Portugal

Distance: 226km (140 miles)
Duration: 11-13 days
Start point: Porto Covo
End point: Odeceixe

This is Atlantic coastal walking at its best: clifftop paths hugging the wild western edge of Portugal’s Alentejo and Algarve coasts, with storks nesting on sea stacks and empty beaches appearing round almost every headland. The classic Fishermen’s Trail from Porto Covo to Odeceixe – part of the wider Rota Vicentina network, which also includes an inland Historical Way – can be walked in four to five days, though the extended route continuing south adds another week and more spectacular cliff scenery.

Difficulty is generally easy to moderate: no major climbs, but plenty of soft sand underfoot in places, which slows progress and tires legs in a different way to hills. Shade is virtually non-existent, so early starts and sensible sun protection are vital.

14. Caminito del Rey, Spain

Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Duration: Half day
Start point: Ardales
End point: El Chorro

A boardwalk clinging to the cliffs of the Gaitanes Gorge near Málaga, up to 100m above the Guadalhorce River at its most dramatic – once condemned as the world’s most dangerous path after a string of fatal accidents, and closed for over a decade before its 2015 restoration.

It’s now one of the most popular short walks in Spain, and deservedly so: sheer limestone walls, a swaying suspension bridge and views straight down to turquoise water below, all achieved on flat, well-maintained boardwalks with sturdy handrails throughout. Physically it’s easy – anyone reasonably fit can manage it – though the exposure will test anyone uneasy with heights, and the one-way route means factoring in the shuttle bus back to your car.

15. Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne (HRP), France/Andorra/Spain

Distance: 800km (500 miles)
Duration: 45-50 days
Start point: Hendaye
End point: Banyuls-sur-Mer

Where the GR10 and GR11 keep mostly to valleys on the French and Spanish sides respectively, the HRP takes the high road – literally – following the Pyrenean watershed as closely as the terrain allows, crossing the border repeatedly and passing through Andorra along the way. It’s largely unmarked, often requires off-trail navigation, and demands a level of self-sufficiency and mountain experience well beyond the GR routes it parallels.

In return you get genuine wilderness: passes above 2,500m, unstaffed refuges, and days without seeing another soul in the central massif. Most walk west to east, from the Atlantic surf at Hendaye to the Mediterranean vineyards of Banyuls-sur-Mer, over six to seven weeks. This is strictly for experienced, self-reliant mountain walkers.

16. Hardergrat, Switzerland

Distance: 24km (15 miles)
Duration: 6-10 hours
Start point: Interlaken
End point: Brienzer Rothorn Station

There aren’t many ridgelines in the Alps you can walk in a single (very long) day, and fewer still with views this good: Hardergrat runs high above Interlaken with the glaciated Jungfrau massif on one side and turquoise Lake Brienz on the other, all the way to the Brienzer Rothorn.

Long stretches are narrow and exposed, with a 1,500m drop in places and one unprotected scramble near the steepest section. Some fixed cables help on the trickiest ground, but this is firmly a route for experienced, sure-footed hikers with a head for heights, best avoided entirely in wet conditions when the rock turns treacherously slick.

17. Via Francigena (Lucca to Rome), Italy

Distance: 410km (255 miles)
Duration: 18-24 days
Start point: Lucca
End point: Rome

Long before the Camino de Santiago became a hiking rite of passage, medieval pilgrims were walking the Via Francigena to Rome, and this southern stretch from Lucca captures the route at its most rewarding. The path winds through cypress-lined Tuscan hill towns and the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Val d’Orcia before descending into Lazio and finally the outskirts of Rome itself, with St Peter’s as the ultimate reward.

Waymarking and pilgrim accommodation (many convents and guesthouses offer beds) have improved significantly in recent years, making this an increasingly manageable multi-week walk. Terrain is gentle to moderate throughout – rolling countryside rather than mountains – though the cumulative distance and summer heat are the real tests of endurance.

18. Mount Olympus from Litochoro, Greece

Distance: 60km (37 miles)
Duration: 4 days
Start and end point: Litochoro

Home to the gods, according to the ancients, and it’s easy to understand why: the highest peak in Greece rises abruptly from near sea level to over 2,900m, cloaked in beech and black pine forest at lower altitudes before giving way to bare limestone crags near the summit.

The standard route from Litochoro climbs through Enipeas Gorge to mountain refuges at altitude, with the final push to Mytikas peak involving genuine scrambling on exposed rock – enough that a head for heights and some hands-on-rock confidence are essential, even though no technical climbing gear is required. Lower down, the walking is straightforward and well-marked; it’s only the final approach that shifts this from moderate to properly serious.

19. Lycian Way, Türkiye

Distance: 540km (336 miles)
Duration: Around 30 days
Start point: Ölüdeniz
End point: Geyikbayırı

One of the great coastal long walks of the Mediterranean, the Lycian Way follows ancient Roman and Byzantine paths along Türkiye’s turquoise coast, past clifftop ruins, hidden coves and sarcophagi scattered incongruously among olive groves. The full route from Ölüdeniz to Geyikbayırı takes around a month, though the path suits shorter sections just as well, with regular villages offering food and accommodation along the way.

Waymarking is decent by international standards, if occasionally patchy in remoter stretches, and the terrain ranges from easy coastal strolls to steep, rocky climbs that demand proper boots and serious stamina. Summer heat is the main hazard rather than technical difficulty – spring and autumn are far kinder seasons to attempt it.

20. Peaks of the Balkans, Kosovo/Albania/Montenegro

Distance: 192km (119 miles)
Duration: 10-12 days
Start and end point: Theth, Albania

A circular route through the so-called Accursed Mountains, linking remote villages across three countries that spent decades cut off from casual visitors and still feel wonderfully undiscovered as a result. From Theth, the trail crosses into Kosovo’s Rugova valley and Montenegro’s high pastures before looping back through the Valbona valley, requiring cross-border permits, but offering homestay hospitality and mountain scenery that rivals anywhere in the Alps at a fraction of the crowds.

Difficulty is moderate rather than technical – no climbing skills required – but daily distances and altitude add up over the full circuit, and logistics require more planning than most European trails. For a genuinely wild, still-quiet corner of the continent, this is hard to beat.

About the author

Matt Jones is a freelance journalist based in the heart of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). He’s a prolific long-distance walker who's hiked all over the world, a vastly experienced gear tester and self-confessed outdoor kit geek. Matt’s been one of our main gear testers for the last couple of years and is the first person we call with any complicated kit queries that need in-depth and forensic analysis. He was previously editor of Walk and Scouting magazines.

US brand GSI Outdoors has been building backcountry cook systems for the best part of three decades, and the Halulite range is where a lot of that accumulated know-how lives. It’s built from a proprietary hard-anodised aluminium alloy that GSI reckons is basically as light as titanium, but which is designed to actually cook your dinner rather than just cremate it.

The Halulite series contains a range of different cookware and cooksets, but the Dualist HS is my pick for the best two-person backpacking setup of them all. It’s almost a complete two-person cooking and eating system – i.e. pot, mugs, bowls, sporks, sink and all – that packs down into a single compact package small enough to disappear into a typical 40-60 litre rucksack.

Just add a small screw-in stove and a 230g gas canister (both of which will nest inside the pot along with everything else) and you’re sorted. This would give you a complete two-person cooking system for an all-in weight of just over 1kg.

I think it’s a brilliant option for a pair of backpackers whose meals mostly amount to Super Noodles, Pasta ‘n’ Sauce and Idahoan instant mash – in other words, the staples of UK dirtbagging at its finest. The ‘HS’ stands for heat sink, and that’s the detail that lifts this set above GSI’s standard Halulite cookware: a finned aluminium disc bonded to the base that pulls in extra heat from the flame and speeds up boil times noticeably.

Features

The heart of the set is a 1.8-litre Halulite hard anodised aluminium pot with the heat sink welded to the base, topped with a crushproof, heat-resistant nylon lid that includes a built-in strainer and folding tab for easy handling without scalding your fingers. A long metal handle riveted to the side of the pot folds flat and locks the lid down when it’s time to pack up.

Inside the pot you’ll find two wide-base nylon plastic mugs (which hold 600ml apiece) with neoprene-style insulating sleeves and ‘Sip-It’ lids to stop your brew spilling all over the tent. There are two matching, colour-coded bowls of the same capacity. Both mugs and bowls are designed with a deliberately low centre of gravity, which makes for efficient nesting. This feels like you’re drinking from a bowl rather than a conventional mug but also does a surprisingly good job of stopping them tipping over.

A pair of clever little folding metal sporks completes the set – they fold in half for storage, then extend and lock out to a decently sized fork-spoon hybrid that’s genuinely usable, rather than the flimsy plastic sporks you get with a lot of ultralight kit. Everything packs away inside a welded drawcord nylon sack, which doubles as a washing-up bowl at camp.

Cooking performance

GSI claims the HS (heat sink) design boils around 30% faster than the standard (non-HS) Halulite pot, and in use, it’s noticeably quicker than a lot of the backpacking pots I’ve tested – in our controlled boil test, I got a result of under 2 mins (for 500ml water), which puts it up there with other leading heat exchanger designs like JetBoil’s Zip or Flash stove systems.

Beyond straight boiling, the pot handles simple one-pot meals well. Rehydrating instant mash or noodles is obviously no great test of any pot’s abilities, but I also had a go at simmering a basic pasta sauce and nothing caught on the base, even with the heat left on a touch too long while I faffed around. The one caveat worth flagging is stove compatibility: because of the heat-sink fins, you need a stove with fairly wide splayed pot supports that measure at least 12cm in diameter.

Ease of use

For two people, this is about as fuss-free as camp cooking gets. Everything you need – pot, mugs, bowls, cutlery, even a washing-up bowl – is in one bundle, and there’s still room inside for a stove and a 230g canister if you pack it thoughtfully. That means you can hand someone the whole bag at camp and know they’ve got everything required to cook, eat and wash up afterwards (apart from the food itself!).

The locking folding handle is simple but secure, unlike some rival designs. The graduated markings clearly moulded into the side of the pot are a nice practical touch too, making it easy to measure out water for a brew or a pouch meal without needing a separate measuring cup. My only mild gripe is that the wide mug/bowl design makes them a little bulkier than a conventional mug, though they do have insulating ‘cozies’ to ensure you don’t burn your hands.

Durability

GSI backs the whole range with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, which is reassuring. The hard-anodised construction resists scratching and dents far better than raw aluminium. The nylon lid and sink sack both feel like they’re built to survive being packed and repacked into a rucksack repeatedly without cracking or splitting, which is exactly what you want from kit that’s going to spend most of its life getting thrown about.

Weight and packed size

Though you could probably build a lighter two-person cookset, the Dualist HS is undoubtedly convenient: it’s a complete two-person kitchen that packs down into a single storage sack. GSI quotes the full system at 655g (it was 670g on our test scales), and packed up, it measures around 15 x 16 x 15cm – small enough to fit easily inside a 40-60 litre pack.

Even if you add a stove and a full 230g fuel canister, it comes in at not much over 1kg all in and adds zero additional bulk, since both will nest conveniently inside. For a set that includes mugs, bowls and cutlery as well as the pot itself and even a stuff sack/camp sink to wash up in, that’s genuinely impressive, and it’s precisely why I think this is such a strong option for backpacking duos.

If you’re heading out solo rather than as a pair, it’s worth looking at the smaller Halulite Soloist or Minimalist cooksets instead. These do much the same job – nesting pot/mug, lid and spork – in an even lighter package built around one person’s needs rather than two.

Price and competition

At £112, the Dualist HS sits in fairly sensible territory for a complete two-person system with tableware included, rather than just a bare pot.

The closest rival is probably the Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible One Pot Cook Set (2 Person, 5 Piece), which retails for £155 RRP and pairs a collapsible 2.2L silicone pouring pot (with hard-anodised aluminium base) with Sea to Summit’s own medium collapsible bowls and mugs, plus a pot lid and removable locking handle. It’s a lovely bit of kit, and packs even smaller than the GSI, though it doesn’t have anything to match the Dualist HS’s heat-sink base, so boil times lag behind. There’s also nowhere to nest a stove or gas canister.

Another good option is the SOTO Navigator Cook Set, which comes in a bit cheaper (around £72). We’re big fans of SOTO stoves like the Amicus and Windmaster, and this set would be a good match for either model. It actually gives you two pots of 1.8L and 1.3L capacities, plus two lids that double as canister stands or cutting boards, as well as extra like a thermal disc, insulating pot cover, hybrid handle/tongs and a microfibre cloth. That would still leave room to nest a stove and fuel canister inside for an all-in weight of about 875g, though you don’t get mugs, bowls or sporks.

For my money, the Dualist HS strikes the best balance here: proper two-person capacity, with two sets of tableware and a super-efficient heat-sink pot that meaningfully speeds up cooking, all for just over £100.

Final verdict

The GSI Outdoors Halulite Dualist HS Cookset is a brilliantly designed two-person cookset that packs proper tableware and a fast-boiling, super-efficient pot into a tidy, compact package – a top choice for backpacking and wild camping.

About the author

Matt Jones is a freelance journalist based in the heart of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). He’s a vastly experienced gear tester and self-confessed outdoor kit geek. Matt’s been one of our main gear testers for the last couple of years and is the first person we call with any complicated kit queries that need in-depth and forensic analysis. He was previously editor of Walk and Scouting magazines.

Whether you’re hanging out on a campsite with family and friends or heading into the hills for a wild camping weekend with your buddies, sooner or later the conversation will turn to food. “What’s for dinner?” someone will ask, usually when the first pangs of hunger arrive.

If you’ve been nominated as camp cook, your answer can make or break the trip. And if you really want to impress, you’ll need a decent set of pots and pans to help you appease those eager appetites.

If you’re catering for lots of hungry mouths on a campsite, you’ll probably have a decent camp kitchen set-up: at least a single or twin burner stove (see our pick of the best camping stoves here), maybe even a portable barbecue or a fire pit. This means you can afford to go for a bigger, heavier and more robust set of camping pots and pans: likely stainless-steel or even cast iron.

If you’re going trekking and camping with friends for a few days, you might be tempted to opt for lighter weight aluminium, though you’ll still need a decent-sized cookset that can handle potatoes or pasta for four to five people.

If you’re wild camping or backpacking, your priorities will be very different. The major factors here are weight and packed size, which means that gram-counters often go for minimalist titanium cooksets, often consisting of a single pot with a lid – enough to boil water for a brew and prepare a simple dehydrated or freeze-dried pouch meal.

We’ve put the leading options to the test across all these categories, from cooking around the firepit to brewing up outside the tent.

Jump to: How we tested | Best camping cookware reviews | Buying advice

Best camping cookware at a glance:

Best camping cookware for backpackers: GSI Outdoors Halulite Dualist HS Cookset

Best camping cookware for groups: Petromax Dimego Series

Best value cookware for groups: SOTO Navigator Cookset

Best value buy for solo campers: Alpkit Mytistax 2

Best ultralight option: MSR Titan Kettle

How we tested

All of the camping cookware featured in this article has been extensively tested by experienced gear reviewer Matt Jones.

To assess overall performance of this camping cookware, he's conducted a range of controlled testing. This includes comparative timed boil tests and flipping pancakes and fried bacon in search of the best non-stick performance, looking for easy, even cooking rather than hot spots.

He simmered and sautéed, stirred, scraped and spatula’d (is that a thing?). In one case, he even flambéed (rum-soaked pineapple with cinnamon and brown sugar, in case you were wondering) – and don’t worry, no eyebrows were harmed during testing.

Oh, and to round out all this culinary experimentation, he held a winner-takes-all camp chili cook-off, seeing which of these big pots was best for low ‘n’ slow style simmering.

Anyway, after hours of cooking in camp and on the trail, these are the best options for your needs and budget.

Find out more on how we test here.

Best camping cookware reviewed:

What camping cookware should I buy?

It depends on how, when and where you’re planning to cook. Before anything else, think about who you’re cooking for – just yourself, you and a partner, or a bigger group such as a family of four or more – and what kind of camper you are. Are you after pots and pans for the back of the van or the boot of the car on a summer campsite trip? Or do you need something light and packable for trekking, wild camping or backpacking in the hills?

Your cooking style matters too. If you fancy yourself a camp chef or a budding pit boss, you might want a full set of sturdy stainless‑steel or even cast‑iron cookware that can handle a campfire, fire pit or portable barbecue. If you’re cooking family meals on a twin‑burner stove, a two‑ or three‑piece pot and pan set will do the job nicely. But if you’re backpacking, chances are you just need to boil water for a morning brew and rehydrate a pouch meal – in which case, a light, packable pot that sits neatly on a small stove is all you’re after.

Beyond that, it’s down to personal preference. Some people like a bare‑bones setup and add extra bits as they need them; others prefer a complete nesting cookset with room for the stove inside, or even a full camp kitchen with mugs, bowls and plates included (but before you select your eating irons, take a look at our best camping cutlery group test).

Bottom line? There’s no one right answer or approach – although it really comes down to whether you’re base camping or backpacking.

Should I buy cookware for backpacking or car camping?

These are two very different jobs, so it’s worth deciding which camp you fall into (literally) before you buy.

For car camping or van life, look for a pot and pan set that suits your cooking setup, whether that’s a gas‑fired twin‑burner, a portable fire pit or a BBQ. The most versatile sets can also go over a campfire, which covers you for pretty much any eventuality. It’s handy if everything nests together so it packs down for the campervan cupboard, a storage crate or the car boot, but since you’re not carrying it far, I wouldn’t worry too much if it’s a little on the heavy side.

Backpacking cooksets are a different animal altogether. Some are built for shorter trekking trips, while the lightest and most minimalist are designed for multi‑day hikes and wild camping, where weight and pack size matter more than almost anything else – including outright cooking performance, since most backpacking meals simply involve boiling water quickly and efficiently.

In many cases, all you’ll need is a single lidded pot or a camping kettle. Remember that wider pots are generally more efficient than tall, narrow ones, since more surface area is exposed to the flame. Ideally, look for a pot or pan that’s just a touch larger in diameter than your stove’s burner.

What material is best for camping pots and pans?

Camping cookware comes in several different materials, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these will help you work out what’s right for your setup.

Aluminium

Aluminium is affordable, lightweight and conducts heat well, which speeds up cooking. Raw aluminium can react with acidic or alkaline foods and change their flavour, and it dents and warps more easily than other materials, though most sets these days are anodised, which makes them harder and less reactive. It’s a good all‑rounder for outdoor cooking, though it’s less durable than stainless steel.

Hard‑anodised aluminium

Hard‑anodising creates a coating up to three times thicker than standard anodising, making it noticeably more durable than raw or regular anodised aluminium. It’s often paired with a non‑stick coating, which means slightly more careful maintenance, and it costs more than standard anodised aluminium.

For my money, this is the best all‑round choice for backpacking – it conducts heat evenly, is lightweight and cleans up easily. Because it spreads heat uniformly across the surface, it can also handle frying and simmering, and its efficiency as a heat conductor helps save fuel too, which backpackers will appreciate.

Titanium

Titanium is around 45% lighter than steel and has higher strength-to-weight compared to aluminium. Its thin walls mean it heats quickly, but that same trait can cause hot spots, since titanium isn’t a brilliant heat conductor. Titanium cookware is expensive, too. It’s become the material of choice for fast‑and‑light users whose needs (and meals) mostly amount to boiling water. But it’s generally less suited to more involved cooking tasks.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel sits somewhere between aluminium and titanium for cooking performance. Perhaps surprisingly given how often you find it in home kitchens, it doesn’t conduct heat especially well, which can mean hot spots, burnt food and extra gas used, but it’s exceptionally durable.

To improve performance, many modern stainless steel pots and pans use a laminated construction, which ensures more even heat distribution (but comes with a weight penalty). Heavier or spun bases can also help deliver more consistent cooking.

Cast iron

Cast iron is a traditional choice that has been used for centuries. A cast iron skillet or Dutch oven cooks evenly, is naturally non‑stick once seasoned, and will genuinely last a lifetime with a bit of care – which is why many cooks use them at home too. The catch is weight: it’s heavy, so it’s not one for backpacking, and it needs periodic re-seasoning to keep its non‑stick surface in good shape.

What other features are worth looking out for?

Non‑stick coatings

For years, non-stick pans meant a Teflon‑type (ePTFE) coating. Due to high-profile concerns over toxicity, particularly in the outdoor industry, they’re now largely being replaced by ceramic non‑stick coatings, which are chemically inert and don’t pose any health risks.

Ceramic non-stick is very durable, though you should only use non-metallic utensils (wooden, nylon or silicone spoons and spatulas) and avoid harsh abrasives when cleaning it to guard against scratches.

In use it does a good job of preventing burnt-on food build-up at the bottom of pots and pans, while also allowing you to use less oil/fat whilst you are cooking, which means less mess and healthier meals.

Silicone

Silicone is very heatproof, with standard types handling continuous temperatures up to 200°C (446°F) and special high-heat grades withstanding up to 300°C (572°F). For this reason, it’s become a common material in outdoor cookware, often being used as a coating for handles or lids.

Some cookware, like the Sea to Summit Detour and Frontier ranges, even have collapsible silicone sidewalls, which give improved packability. However, silicone will melt in open flame, so don’t use it over a campfire or fire pit, and control the gas flow of your stove carefully.

Heat exchangers

After material, the biggest factor in how efficiently a pot boils water is whether it has a heat exchanger – a ring of corrugated metal welded or soldered around the base that captures heat that would otherwise escape. In our testing, pots with this feature generally boiled noticeably faster than those without, which matters both for a quick brew and for fuel efficiency.

Handles

Most camp cookware is fitted with either folding handles or a removable handle. Fixed handles that fold flush against the pot save you losing a separate part and means you don’t have to keep moving the handle from pot to pot as you’re cooking.

My favourite removable designs lock onto the pot so you don’t need to keep gripping them while stirring – a clear improvement on the older hinged, squeeze‑grip handles, which tend to fall off the moment you relax your hand.

Lids

A lid makes a real difference to boil times and prevents splashes and spatters. Some lids double up as a frying pan, too. Others may have straining/pouring holes, which is handy for draining pasta or noodles. Look for a lid with a heatproof handle or tab to prevent burns. Make sure the lid fits well (so it doesn’t rattle in your pack) and is made from a material that won’t deform under sustained heat.

How many pots and pans do I actually need?

The answer to this depends on how big your camping stove is (single or twin burner?) as well as how many people you’re feeding.

When comparing cooksets, be wary of marketing claims like a ‘20-piece set’. Most manufacturers count a lid as a piece, and it might fit more than one pot or pan in the set, so it’s worth checking exactly what you’re getting rather than assuming a bigger piece count means better value. I’d avoid overbuying – a large set is only worthwhile if you’ll actually use most of it, rather than letting half of it take up space in a cupboard.

For ultralight backpacking, I’d keep it simple:

• Allow approx. 500ml of actual cooking capacity per person

• One spoon/spork per person

• One bowl per person (but remember that you can also use the pot itself as a bowl)

• One mug per person (for tea, coffee or soup)

• Optional: Small frying pan (many solo cooksets have a combined frying pan/lid)

For car camping:

• A 2 to 3‑litre pot for every one to four people, with a lid

• A second pot or large bowl

• A frying pan

• Chopping board and knife

• One plate or deep bowl per person

• One spoon and fork per person

• One mug or cup per person

• Washing up kit – paper towels for short trips, or a washbasin/camp sink, washing up liquid, sponge and tea-towel/microfibre cloth for longer ones

How do I clean and look after my camping cookware?

Every camper hates doing the washing up, but it’s unavoidable. The simplest approach is to eat absolutely everything (no leftovers!) and wipe out any residue with paper towel, though that’s not really practical on a longer trip.

For anything beyond a night or two, I’d pack a J-cloth or sponge scourer and biodegradable liquid soap such as Wilderness Wash. A portable camp sink makes it easy to do the washing up without contaminating natural water sources like rivers, lakes and streams.

About the author

Matt Jones is a freelance journalist based in the heart of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). He’s a prolific long-distance walker who's hiked all over the world, a vastly experienced gear tester and self-confessed outdoor kit geek.

Matt’s been one of our main gear testers for the last couple of years and is the first person we call with any complicated kit queries that need in-depth and forensic analysis. He was previously editor of Walk and Scouting magazines.

If you want a premium item of outdoor clothing for UK adventures, Rab is often a safe bet.

The brand’s Namche Hike GTX waterproof overtrousers are somewhat eye-wateringly expensive at £195, but you do get premium performance and a fine balance between competing priorities.

These 3-layer, Gore-Tex ePE overtrousers feel durable and protective, yet agile, comfortable and ultralight at the same time – it’s the best of both worlds. But, of course, all those qualities from a trusted mainstream brand comes at a high price.

I've been testing these trousers for the past few months in my local Lake District fells to see if the price matches the performance for hikers and hillwalkers who demand a lot from their gear.

Waterproofing

In initial testing on wet walks in the Lakes, the Rab Namche Hike GTX trousers have proven competent in short spells of poor weather, dealing well with isolated showers, damp undergrowth and the kind of changeable conditions that often define British hillwalking.

I'll need more time to properly assess their long-term waterproof performance, particularly through repeated heavy use and sustained rainfall (thanks to our long and very dry summer), but on first impressions they inspire confidence.

That is helped by both the construction method and the membrane choice. Rab uses a premium 75-denier, 3-layer construction with Gore-Tex ePE waterproof technology and a PFC-free DWR finish (141g/m²), backed by a minimum hydrostatic head rating of 28,000mm.

Rab describes them as offering “reliable defence, whether you’re wearing them all day in relentless rain or packing them as a contingency in case of a sudden storm”, and on paper that claim feels justified. A 28,000mm hydrostatic head sits firmly in top-tier territory, offering reassuringly high protection, while Rab also awards the trousers 5/5 for waterproofing in its own internal grading system.

A 28,000mm hydrostatic head sits firmly in top-tier territory, offering reassuringly high protection.

Waterproof trousers are generally built using one of three construction methods: 2-layer, 2.5-layer or 3-layer, depending on how the waterproof membrane is bonded to the surrounding fabrics. For serious wet weather use, 3-layer trousers are typically the most durable and protective option, with the membrane sandwiched between a hardwearing face fabric and an inner scrim.

That is the approach used here, and it is a clear positive for anyone expecting regular use in rough weather rather than just occasional emergency carry. The use of Gore-Tex also offers obvious reassurance, given its long-standing reputation as one of the most trusted names in waterproof membranes. Although some people are cynical about the membrane brand’s overly confident marketing claims.

One important point, however, is that this is the newer Gore-Tex ePE membrane rather than the older ePTFE version (read our deep dive on this topic here). Gore-Tex has now fully moved away from ePTFE in favour of the more environmentally friendly ePE fabric, which avoids the harmful PFC chemicals previously associated with production.

To most users, the new membrane feels almost identical to older versions of Gore-Tex and, at least initially, performance appears very similar. The lingering question is long-term durability. Much of the criticism aimed at eco-friendly waterproofs centres not on the membrane itself, which should still prove sufficiently robust in a 3-layer design despite being slightly thinner and lighter, but instead on the PFC-free DWR treatment applied to the outer fabric.

These more environmentally conscious DWR finishes often don't last as long, meaning the fabric can stop beading water and begin to wet out sooner than expected. They can also be more vulnerable to contamination from mud, sweat, dirt and skin oils, all of which can accelerate that decline.

This isn't a problem unique to Rab, but a wider industry shift that affects many premium waterproof products. The practical takeaway is simply that buyers should expect to wash and reproof waterproof trousers more regularly than they may have done in the past, which is an admin annoyance, particularly when spending close to £200 on a premium pair.

Breathability and ventilation

Breathability and ventilation feel like a slightly weaker area, and this is one of my main disappointments given the premium price tag. To Rab’s credit, the trousers do feature long two-way side zippers that provide effective mechanical ventilation, and these make a noticeable difference when climbing steep ground or walking hard in milder, wetter conditions. Being able to dump heat quickly without fully removing the trousers is a genuinely useful feature.

The bigger issue lies with the breathability of the membrane itself. These trousers use the newer Gore-Tex ePE fabric, and while this brings clear environmental benefits, it's also been widely noted across the industry that the newer membranes don't match the breathability performance of the older ePTFE versions. Again, this isn't a Rab-specific problem, but something affecting many waterproof products using the updated Gore-Tex technology.

Breathability and ventilation feel like a slightly weaker area, and this is one of my main disappointments given the premium price tag.

The Namche Hike GTX trousers carry an official breathability rating of RET <13, which is just about respectable enough for general hillwalking but fairly average at this price point. Historically, anything below RET < 6 would be considered genuinely premium in breathability terms, so this represents a noticeable step down compared to older high-end waterproofs.

In practical terms, that means there's still a reasonably high chance of becoming warm, clammy and sweaty during sustained effort, particularly on steep ascents or in humid conditions. The side zips help offset that, but they don't fully solve it. For a pair of waterproof trousers positioned at the premium end of the market, I would have hoped for stronger breathability performance.

Weight and packability

Weight and packability are areas where the Namche Hike GTX trousers do perform particularly well. For a fully featured, 3-layer waterproof trouser designed for serious hill use, they feel impressively light and compact, making them an easy option to carry as part of a regular hiking kit.

In a men’s medium, they weigh 305g, which compares very favourably against several competitors I’ve tested, including the Helly Hansen Moss at 331g, the Berghaus Hillwalker 2.0 at 386g, the Dare2B Adriot III at 427g and even the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, which comes in at 306g in a men’s small.

They aren't quite as featherweight as the INOV8 VentureShell Pant, which weighs 260g in a men’s small, but given the level of weather protection, durability and technical detailing on offer here, the Rab trousers still sit firmly in the lightweight category.

They also pack down neatly and compactly. They disappear easily into the corner of a daypack without taking up excessive room or adding much noticeable weight.

Size, fit and comfort

Size, fit and comfort are another area where the Namche Hike GTX trousers perform strongly. Many waterproof overtrousers can feel overly boxy, baggy and slightly cumbersome on the move, creating that familiar rustly, restrictive feeling that makes them something you tolerate rather than actively want to wear. In contrast, that wasn't my experience with the Rab trousers during test hikes in the Lake District.

They feel noticeably more athletic and agile, moving well with the body and sitting more naturally when walking uphill, stepping over rough ground or covering longer distances. Rather than feeling like a bulky outer shell thrown on in bad weather, they feel more streamlined and less intrusive, which makes a real difference over the course of a full day on the hill.

They feel noticeably athletic and agile, moving well with the body and sitting naturally when walking uphill.

Comfort is, of course, subjective, and fit will vary depending on body shape and personal preference, but for me these worked particularly well. Rab describes them as having “a slick, stripped-back design and hike-ready features, built for hitting the trail in any conditions”, and that feels like a fair summary. They strike a good balance between protection and freedom of movement, with overall comfort levels feeling higher than many comparable pairs I've tested.

The sizing options also add to that positive impression. There's a broad size range across both the men’s and women’s versions, and crucially the trousers are available in three leg lengths: short, regular and long. Many cheaper waterproof trousers only offer a standard leg length, which can result in a compromised fit, particularly for walkers who are shorter or taller than average. Having those options available allows for a more tailored, better-balanced fit.

Pockets, waistband and ankle cuffs

In terms of features, the Namche Hike GTX trousers strike a sensible middle ground. They feel deliberately minimalist and pared back, but without ever seeming stripped of anything essential. Rather than loading the design with unnecessary extras, Rab has focused on practical details that improve performance on the hill without adding excessive weight or bulk.

Features include a stretchy and comfortably elasticated waistband, helping the trousers sit securely without feeling restrictive. Even if you need a more precise fit, a stretchy dawcord enables you to cinch-in around your waist.

You also get the previously mentioned long, ¾-length, two-way side zips, which are one of the standout practical features. They use a premium waterproof zip design and provide both easy on-off access over boots and valuable ventilation when conditions become warm or humid. The two-way function is particularly useful, allowing you to fine-tune airflow without fully opening the trousers.

Rather than loading the design with unnecessary extras, Rab has focused on practical details that improve performance.

There are no hand pockets, which for many walkers will actually be seen as a positive rather than a drawback. Pockets on waterproof overtrousers can create additional weak points for water ingress, so the cleaner design arguably makes more sense for reliability. There is also no dedicated ankle cuff adjustment system, but the cut around the lower leg is already fairly streamlined and sits neatly over the tops of walking boots without excessive flapping or bulk. Overall, it feels like a well-judged balance of simplicity and function.

Another positive is the trousers’ strong sustainability profile. Rab continues to lead well in this area through its Material Facts programme, which offers clear transparency around product construction and recycled content. According to Rab, 58% of the total material content in the Namche Hike GTX trousers is recycled. That breaks down to 82% across the main fabric, with the face fabric and backer both using 100% recycled content, while trims account for 17% recycled material and zips 2%. The membrane itself contains no recycled content, but overall these are still impressive eco credentials for a premium waterproof shell.

Verdict

A premium pair of lightweight yet protective waterproof trousers with Gore-Tex technology. They also boast a strong feature set, good packability, excellent comfort and good sustainability credentials.

If you can live with the almost £200 price tag, you'll get. agreat pair of waterproof trousers that should last you for many years and adventures.

If you want to see more options for ever type of budget, check out our list of the best waterproof hiking trousers.

About the author

James Forrest is a prolific peak bagger and long-distance walker who’s one of the most high-profile outdoor writers in the UK. He writes regular articles for LFTO and has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years. James is based on the edge of the Lake District so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s walking in his local fells.

For stowing climbing equipment, storing gear at base camp or for travel, duffel bags are one of the most versatile kinds of packs out there. To make some attempt at an analogy, if a hiking daypack was a race car, a duffel bag would be its support truck.

While the design and focus of a duffel bag is narrower than hiking packs, there is still a broad variety of options. This ranges from super lightweight, inexpensive duffels that pack into a little pocket through to ginormous 100+ litre, wheeled monsters.

They're a key piece of kit if you need to pack loads of kit for a trip where a suitcase or backpacking pack just won't cut it. But you need to pick carefully. Choose a dud and you'll be uncomfortable, while your kit may end up all over the place – especially if your duffel bag brakes under duress.

In this roundup, you’ll find the best duffel bags we’ve tested for outdoor adventures and travel. We’ve tested a range of sizes and price points in order to find options for everyone. But if you want something more compact and comfortable to travel with, take a look at our list of the best travel backpacks.

Shortlist: Best duffel bags at a glance

Best duffel bag on test: Osprey Transporter Duffel 65

Best value duffel bag: Alpkit DryDock 50L

Highly recommended: Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L Duffel

Best for expeditions: The North Face Base Camp Duffel Large

Best for camera gear: Peak Designs Travel Duffel 35L

Best waterproof duffel bag: Ortlieb Waterproof Duffle 60

Editor's note: This article was updated on Friday 18 September when we added three new products and awarded new 'best buy' awards.

How we tested

These duffel bags were tested by outdoor experts Milo Wilson and Chris Williams, both experienced gear reviewers that have spent years testing gear.

We use duffel bags all the time for hauling our gear almost wherever we go, so we get a great sense of which ones work well and last the distance, and which don't. For this test, we also fully packed each one and ran simulations loading it in and out of cars and luggage racks so we knew which were comfortable and easy to move around.

What we look for in a duffel bag for outdoor adventure and travel comes down to three fundamental things, which form the basis of our testing. First, durability and construction. Will this bag still be in one piece after being chucked, dragged and scuffed on a yearly basis?

Next, is it practical with great features? And are there grab handles or shoulder straps for easy transportation?

Comfort is another key aspect, particularly if you have to carry it for a long time, while our performance rating refers to how well the bag keeps your kit protected and organised.

We also like to see brands making sustainability efforts here – so we're talking recycled fabrics and a design that's built to last.

Curious as to how we get products in for review? Read how we test gear for more more info.

Best duffel bags reviewed:

What to look for in a duffel bag

Volume: As dedicated gear haulers, duffels and hold-alls focus primarily on maximising packable space. That still means there's a wide range of duffel volumes, though. There is, therefore, plenty of choice for your requirements, whether it's a 35-litre duffel or larger 100+ litre option.

Durability: This is key to performance and longevity (which feeds into sustainability). Those of you needing a duffel for hauling outdoor gear to your destination, be it a base camp or climbing route, need it to repeatedly shrug off scrapes, bumps, and often moisture for years.

To achieve this, look for duffels that use high-denier fabrics, tough metal zips, and reinforced stitching. If you're after more of a travel bag, you may not have to be quite so scrupulous in this regard but it still pays over the longer term to get a duffel that can take a beating.

Water resistance: A lot of duffel bags use water repellent materials or coatings, which adds a useful feather to their caps. If you're going to use your duffel in snowy or wet conditions, this is a good feature to keep an eye out for, but it's not essential. Don't forget about dry bags, which are the best way to ensure gear stays dry in your duffel or backpack.

Internal organisation: By nature, duffels are a large, tough sack. However, many have evolved to include some extra features relating to organisation. Inside the main compartment, the use of mesh pockets, for example, make finding items easier. Meanwhile, external side pockets make accessing some items easier.

Shoulder straps: We don't hold duffels to the same high standards of carrying comfort as hiking backpacks. That said, if it's got shoulder straps, they need to work. Duffel shoulder straps are usually lightly padded and adjustable.

Load whichever bag you're looking at with the amount of weight you'd expect and make sure it's comfortable enough to carry over a short distance (if you need a large bag for long distances, get a backpacking rucksack).

What are the pros and cons of a duffel bag?

First, the pros. It’s easy to pack or unpack a duffel bag due to their wide, top-zip opening. This also makes it easy to see what’s inside and find what you need.

You you can flatten them when empty, so they take up less space than a suitcase. They're often more affordable than a technical backpack, and can be equally as spacious.

On the other hand, they can be uncomfortable to carry. Unlike a backpack, they’re not designed for comfort over long distances. It can also be tricky to organise things within duffel bags, as they often have just one main compartment.

Is a duffel bag better than a backpack?

Duffel bags are well-suited to travel or sports. They tend to be easier to pack and access quickly, thanks to top-zips. This means that you can easily chuck things in and find what you need.

Backpacks – particularly hiking rucksacks – are designed for comfort, with padded shoulder straps and back panels. You might have a few more compartments and pockets, which makes it easier to keep everything in its place.

The bottom-line is: choose a duffel bag if packing ease is important to you. Opt for a backpack if you need long-distance walking comfort.

Do airlines allow duffel bags?

Airlines don’t tend to restrict bags by type, so a duffel bag is treated just like any other bag. The most important factors are size and weight.

For example, popular airline EasyJet states that customers who have paid for a large cabin bag are restricted to 56 x 45 x 25cm. Smaller duffel bags, like The North Face Base Camp – Extra Small, are designed to be cabin friendly.

If your duffel is too big when empty, you can always underpack – unlike with a suitcase, you can compress it to the size required. But if it really is too large, it can be checked in like a suitcase or rucksack. But make sure it doesn’t go beyond the weight requirements (usually around 23kg).

How do I clean my duffel bag?

Thebest way to clean backpacks and duffels is also the easiest. You’ll want to first make sure that there’s no dust or crumbs, so check all the pockets are empty.

Then, using an outdoor equipment gear wash (we recommendGrangers Tent and Gear Cleaner orNikwax Tent and Gear SolarWash), spot clean the duffel to keep the fabric in top condition. Cleaning is important for both performance and longevity.

About the authors

Milo Wilson is an experienced gear tester and outdoor writer who has tested 100s of products over the last few years. A runner, hiker, camper and traveller, putting kit through its paces in real-world conditions keeps him happy most weeks.

Chris Williams is a contributing writer for Live for the Outdoors. He trained as a journalist in New Zealand and worked full time for us between 2021-2024.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants sit firmly in the dependable all-rounder category.

Rather than excelling dramatically in one area, they offer a strong balance across the board: solid waterproofing, good durability, practical features and sensible packability, all wrapped into a proven 3-layer shell design. For many walkers, that kind of versatility is exactly what matters most with waterproof overtrousers.

Patagonia uses its own H2No Performance Standard waterproof technology here, paired with a 3-layer construction and a 20,000mm hydrostatic head rating. That puts the Torrentshell comfortably into premium waterproofing territory, even if it doesn't quite reach the higher headline figures of some Gore-Tex rivals (28,000mm).

A well-rounded waterproof overtrouser that balances protection, comfort and durability.

The trousers are made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop face fabric, with the membrane and DWR finish made without intentionally added PFAS, and they're also produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory, which adds genuine substance to Patagonia’s strong sustainability credentials.

The main drawback is price. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L aren't cheap, and there are lighter and more breathable options available elsewhere. But as a well-rounded waterproof overtrouser that balances protection, comfort and durability without obvious weaknesses, the Torrentshell remains a very solid option.

Waterproofing

The easiest way to judge waterproofing is by checking a product’s hydrostatic head rating, which measures how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before leaking. Anything around 20,000mm or above is generally considered premium-level waterproofing, particularly when paired with fully taped seams and a durable 3-layer construction.

The Torrentshell 3L performs well against that benchmark. Patagonia uses its own waterproof-breathable membrane called H2No, a slightly cheesy but memorable name based on the idea that the fabric says “no” to H2O getting in. The branding may be playful, but the technology itself has a strong reputation with an official 20,000mm hydrostatic head rating, fully taped seams and a 3-layer build.

The 3-layer construction is important. Compared with 2-layer or 2.5-layer designs, a 3-layer trouser is generally more durable and better suited to regular mountain use, with the waterproof membrane protected between the outer face fabric and inner backer. That gives the Torrentshell a more robust, confidence-inspiring feel and helps justify its premium positioning.

Breathability & ventilation

Patagonia doesn't appear to state any official breathability statistics on its webpage about the H2No Standard. Instead the brand simply says “breathability means a fabric must simultaneously repel water from the outside while allowing heat, sweat and moisture to escape from the inside”, and outlining various tests and re-tests that are undertaken.

My personal opinion on breathability is a little bit cynical. No matter what a brand claims, I always feel hot, sweaty and clammy wearing waterproofing clothing when I’m moving – so the whole thing seems a bit futile. Perhaps you’re the same? Or maybe not?

The breathability of these trousers is pretty standard and comparable to most other pairs I’ve tested.

Either way, I’d say the breathability of these trousers is pretty standard and comparable to most other pairs I’ve tested. There’s nothing better (or worse) here, so there’s nothing to wax lyrical about nor be concerned about. The good news is that Patagonia includes long two-way side zippers running from the ankle cuffs to the thighs on each leg, which allow effective venting and help – at least in part – to combat the clamminess issue.

Weight & packability

The Torrentshell 3L strikes a sensible middle ground on weight and packability. At 306g in a men’s small, it's light enough to carry regularly in a daypack without much thought, but it isn't trying to compete with true ultralight specialists. Instead, Patagonia prioritises a stronger balance between low weight and long-term durability, which feels appropriate for a more robust 3-layer shell designed for repeated use rather than occasional emergency carry.

At 306g in a men’s small, it's light enough to carry regularly in a daypack without much thought.

Compared with other waterproof trousers I've tested, it sits very much in the middle of the pack. It is 46g heavier than the INOV8 VentureShell Pant (260g), which remains the clear ultralight standout, and 1g heavier than the Rab Namche Hike GTX (305g), so there is very little between those two. However, it is lighter than the Helly Hansen Moss by 25g, the Berghaus Hillwalker 2.0 by 80g, and the Dare2B Adriot III by 121g. That makes it a reassuringly lightweight option without feeling overly fragile or stripped back.

It also packs down neatly enough for regular hill use, disappearing easily into a daypack corner without dominating space. It may not be the most compact option on the market, but it follows that useful “pack it and forget about it” principle that most walkers want from waterproof overtrousers.

Size, fit & comfort

Size, fit and comfort are generally strong on the Torrentshell 3L. Patagonia uses a regular fit, and in practice it strikes a sensible balance between allowing enough room for layering underneath while avoiding the excessively baggy, cumbersome feel that some waterproof overtrousers suffer from. That is important for UK hillwalking (and where I tested them in the Lake District), where overtrousers are often pulled on quickly over walking trousers in worsening weather rather than worn all day from the start.

The Torrentshell 3L gets the feature set right by focusing on practical hillwalking essentials rather than unnecessary extras.

For me, the fit worked well overall. There is enough space through the seat and thigh to move comfortably and layer effectively, but without the trousers feeling too loose when walking. If anything, the leg cut is perhaps a little broader than I would ideally prefer – I tend to favour a slightly more athletic and streamlined silhouette. That said, fit is always personal, and many walkers will probably appreciate the extra room. Overall, comfort levels are strong, in my eyes.

Patagonia also offers two inseam (leg length) options, with a standard 32½-inch version and a shorter 30-inch alternative, which is a welcome touch and improves fit flexibility.

Pockets, waistband & ankle cuffs

The Torrentshell 3L gets the feature set right by focusing on practical hillwalking essentials rather than unnecessary extras. Nothing here feels flashy, but everything serves a clear purpose.

You get two zippered hand pockets, which isn't always guaranteed on waterproof overtrousers and will be a genuine plus for some users. They feature mesh pocket bags and protective storm flaps, giving you useful storage without creating obvious weak points for water ingress (although, personally, I’m not a fan of pockets on overtrousers – I prefer to see them omitted).

The waistband is simple but effective, using an elasticated design with an internal drawstring closure rather than a toggle system. It's easy to adjust, sits comfortably around the waist and allows the trousers to be pulled on quickly over walking trousers without much fuss. It lacks the slightly more refined feel of some premium toggle systems, but in practice it works perfectly well.

The standout features are the long, two-way side zippers, which run from the cuffs up to the thighs. These make getting the trousers on over muddy boots much easier and also double as highly effective vents when things get warm on the climb. Patagonia protects them with a fairly chunky stormflap, which adds reassurance in sustained rain. At the ankle, partially elasticated cuffs are paired with two press-stud adjustment points, allowing for a more secure and fine-tuned fit around the top of your footwear. It is a simple but very functional setup.

Verdict

A dependable pair of waterproof trousers using Patagonia’s own H2No waterproof-breathable technology. If you're a fan of a brand and don't want to take a gamble on a lower-priced alternative, you'll struggle to go wrong with the Torrentshell 3L. You just need to be comfortable with that £130 price point.

If you want to see more options for ever type of budget, check out our list of the best waterproof hiking trousers.

About the author

James Forrest is a prolific peak bagger and long-distance walker who’s one of the most high-profile outdoor writers in the UK. He writes gear reviews and route guides for LFTO and has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years. James is based on the edge of the Lake District so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s walking in his local fells.

The words ‘portable barbecue’ can mean just about anything to just about anyone. From setting fire to some driftwood inside an old washing machine drum while camping, to purchasing the most extensive and expensive electric glamper-van setup, the way you choose to cook outside depends on your budget, skill level and willingness to scrub sausage fat off a grill tray on any given day.

Thankfully, portable barbecues have come a long way in recent years and we’re no longer dependent on those horrific disposable foil trays, which seem to waft a little hot air over your burgers and then promptly fizzle out.

But whether you prefer the authenticity of proper charcoal or the instant gratification of gas, there's now a huge range of excellent compact grills designed to make cooking outdoors easier than ever (and they're a great alternative to standard camping stoves) – some even boasting dishwasher-friendly components for easy cleanup.

Some are small enough to slip into a backpacking pack for a solo overnight hike, while others are substantial enough to feed a family at the campsite without taking up half the car boot. Many even moonlight as fire pits, earning their keep long after dinner has been demolished.

Of course, not every portable barbecue is going to please everyone, hence testing a wide range of options here. Some prioritise packability above all else, while others sacrifice a little portability in favour of better cooking performance, temperature control or versatility.

Shortlist: Best portable barbecues at a glance

Best portable barbecue on test: Quechua Compact Barbecue L

Best for solo campers: UCO Mini Flatpack Grill & Firepit

Best portable gas barbecue: Primus Kuchoma

Best for versatile cooking: Cobb Premier Air Deluxe

Best for family camping setup: Campingaz Tour Grill CV Plus

How we tested

For this particular group test of portable camping barbecues, we’ve found seven of the most popular models and put them to the test over the course of a few months, making sure to test them in differing scenarios, with plenty of food options being cooked each time.

Fliss Freeborn, a cookbook author and experienced outdoor gear reviewer, tested each barbecue over a period of a couple of months, cooking a huge variety of food outdoors, and feeding friends in the sun at every opportunity. From classic burgers, sausages, and halloumi, to kofta, tofu, potatoes, marinated chicken thighs, vegetables and lamb steaks, she put each barbecue through its paces a few times over, cooking a variety of different foods on each – but making sure she cooked pork sausages each time as a ‘gold standard’ benchmark for control and heat distribution.

She assessed how easy each barbecue was to transport, set up, cook on and clean, paying particular attention to fuel efficiency and overall build quality as well as the standard of food coming off each time. Finally, she weighed up whether each model delivered enough performance and practicality to justify its price, because there's no point buying a barbecue that's a pain to use, no matter how clever it looks.

For more on our review process, see our how we test page.

Beat portable barbecues reviewed:

Table: Best portable barbecues compared

What should you look for in a portable BBQ?

Portability

The clue’s in the name: portability is the obvious one, but it's about more than just weight. A barbecue might only weigh 4kg, but if it's awkwardly shaped and refuses to fit anywhere in your car, you'll probably end up leaving it at home.

Likewise, even if it packs down to nothing but weighs 12kg that’s not hugely helpful for lugging about either. Barbecues that come with carry cases are fantastic, as it means you don’t need to worry about them dirtying the inside of a car or other bag on the journey home.

Think about how you normally travel. If you're backpacking, every gram counts and a flat-pack charcoal grill is likely to be your best bet. If you're camping from the car, a slightly heavier barbecue with a lid and better temperature control is well worth the extra space. Look for folding legs, integrated handles or designs that collapse flat, as these make a much bigger difference than shaving a few hundred grams off the weight.

Cooking performance

A portable barbecue is only as good as the food it cooks. Larger cooking surfaces make life much easier when you're feeding a group, while lids can transform a grill into something capable of roasting joints of meat or cooking thicker cuts more evenly.

Heat distribution is equally important. Cheaper grills often develop obvious hot spots, leaving you frantically moving sausages around to stop half of them burning while the others remain stubbornly pink. Better-designed models spread heat more evenly and give you a little more forgiveness if you're distracted by pitching a tent or topping up someone's drink.

It pays to get this right, so you don't have to rely on camping snacks for the whole night.

Temperature control

If all you ever cook is burgers and hot dogs, temperature control probably isn't top of your priority list. But if you enjoy cooking outdoors properly, it's one of the biggest differences between a good barbecue and a great one.

Gas models usually win here, offering instant adjustments with a simple control knob. Charcoal requires more patience, but barbecues with adjustable vents or variable grill heights give you much more control over how fiercely the coals burn. Being able to slow things down makes cooking vegetables, chicken or thicker cuts of meat dramatically less stressful, especially if you have a lid to contain the heat properly.

Build quality

Outdoor kit has a hard life. It gets rained on, bounced around in car boots and occasionally forgotten outside overnight.

Stainless steel construction is usually worth paying extra for, particularly if you camp regularly. It resists rust, cleans up more easily and generally survives years of use without looking battered. Hinges, folding legs and catches should all feel reassuringly sturdy too, as they're often the first things to fail on cheaper models.

Ease of use

No one wants to spend half an hour assembling a barbecue when they're hungry. The best portable grills can be unpacked and set up within a couple of minutes, with intuitive controls and simple mechanisms that don't require an engineering degree to understand.

Cleaning matters too: removable grease trays, non-stick cooking surfaces and accessible ash pans can turn a tedious end-of-evening chore into a five-minute job. Bonus points for dishwasher-safe components.

Are portable BBQs safe?

They are, provided you use them sensibly. Always cook outdoors in a well-ventilated area and keep your barbecue on flat, non-flammable ground. Even insulated models that stay cool on the outside can scorch grass or decking underneath, so it's worth using a heatproof mat where possible.

Never use a charcoal barbecue inside a tent, awning, campervan or enclosed shelter. Even after the flames have died down, charcoal continues producing carbon monoxide, which is colourless, odourless and potentially fatal. People die every year using charcoal barbecues in tents and conservatories.

Keep children and pets well away while you're cooking, have water nearby in case of flare-ups, and give the barbecue plenty of time to cool before packing it away. It might seem obvious, but plenty of scorched car boots have resulted from someone deciding it was "probably cool enough".

This should also go without saying, but if you're planning to cook in an area suffering with drought, with lots of dry grass or shrubs nearby, a barbecue spitting out embers might not be the best choice in that moment – avoiding wildfires is a must.

Gas, charcoal or electric: which is best?

Charcoal

If flavour is your priority, charcoal is king. Nothing quite matches the smoky taste it gives food, and there’s something evocatively primal about cooking over real fire. The downside is that it takes time, and a little bit of skill depending on what you choose to cook. You'll need to light it (often easier said than done), wait for the coals to ash over and deal with disposing of them afterwards.

Temperature control also takes practice, but I’ve absolutely come to relish the variety of temperatures you can create using a blend of fuel and oxygen, which can cook anything from brisket to biscuits. Charcoal is best for traditional barbecue lovers, slower campsite evenings and anyone who enjoys the ritual as much as the meal.

Gas

Gas is by far the easiest option. Most portable gas barbecues are cooking within a minute or two, temperature adjustments are immediate and there's very little mess afterwards. They're ideal if you're arriving late at camp or simply want dinner without the ceremony, and many portable gas barbecues can feed more people at a time than charcoal ones.

The flavour isn't quite the same as charcoal, but modern gas grills still produce excellent results, charring things in all the right places. The main downside of gas is that it’s more expensive to run, so finding a barbecue that takes those cheaper blue butane bottles over the more expensive smaller butane/propane mixes (or finding a swappable hookup) is most likely the way to go.

Electric

Electric portable barbecues certainly have their place, particularly on balconies, campsites that ban open flames or in locations where charcoal or open flame isn't allowed. Given this lack of burn, the flavour is going to be less classically barbecue than other options, but it’s certainly the safest option of the lot. The catch, however, is obvious: you'll need access to mains electricity, making them much less useful for some camping trips. For genuine off-grid adventures, gas or charcoal remain the better choices.

What should you do once you've finished cooking

First, let everything cool down completely. With charcoal barbecues, close the vents if possible to help extinguish the remaining fuel, but don't assume the coals are cold just because they've stopped glowing. They can stay dangerously hot for several hours. Dispose of ash responsibly, ideally in designated ash bins if your campsite provides them. Never tip hot ash into general rubbish or onto dry grass.

Leaving them overnight is a better idea if you have the time, because simply pouring water on them to extinguish the flame creates a cement-like gritty mush of lukewarm coals, which makes cleaning harder.

Gas models are simpler: turn off the burner, disconnect the gas cartridge once everything has cooled and store it safely. Before packing any barbecue away, brush off food debris and wipe away grease if you can. It makes cleaning much easier when you get home and prevents lingering smells in the boot of your car.

What's the best way to clean a portable BBQ?

The easiest time to clean a barbecue is while it's still slightly warm, not piping hot but before the grease has completely hardened. A stiff grill brush deals with most burnt-on food, while warm soapy water is usually all that's needed for removable grills and drip trays. Avoid harsh metal scrapers on non-stick coatings, as they'll shorten the life of the cooking surface.

For charcoal models, empty ash only once it's completely cold, then wipe down the body with a damp cloth before storing it somewhere dry. Gas burners rarely need much attention beyond wiping away grease and checking that burner holes remain free from blockages, but if your barbecue boasts that it has dishwasher-safe components, then who am I to stop you bunging the whole thing in the cleaning machine and calling it a day?

Most importantly, don't put it away filthy with the promise that you'll clean it next time. Future you will almost certainly regret that decision and they can get horribly mouldy during storage. You’ll also extend the life of your barbecue doing so, keeping you and your friends and family fed better outdoors for longer.

About the author

Fliss Freeborn is a writer and gear tester for Live for the Outdoors. She's been camping, hiking and travelling all her life, so she knows what makes a great product. She's also a published cookbook author, which makes her exactly the right person for testing portable barbecues.

The Quechua Compact Barbecue L from Decathlon is the outdoor grilling equivalent to your favourite chain restaurant. It's Nandos. It's Franco Manca. If I'm being especially generous, it may even be Côte Brasserie.

What I mean by this is that in the grand scheme of things, there are better portable barbecues, and there are worse barbecues, but like walking through the glass doors and being handed a menu you know well, this one feels instantly familiar, easy to navigate, and reliable, being there for you time and time again. And, just like your weekday set menu, or two-for-tuesdays, you're getting great value for money. And here endeth the extended metaphor. Let's get into the review.

First impressions

Folded flat in its carry case, this Quechua product could be a laptop rather than a barbecue, sliding easily into the corner of a car boot, or a briefcase if you're feeling fruity on the office balcony. At just over 2kg, it's light enough to carry one-handed across a campsite, but not so featherweight that it feels flimsy or disposable. You can absolutely pack it as a luxury item into a backpacking rucksack, but given there are more appropriate backpacking barbecues out there, this one is more suited to car camping, park or beach days.

Setting it up is highly intuitive. The legs swing into place, the firebox unfolds, the grill drops on top and within approximately 28 seconds you've gone from carrying a flat metal rectangle to having a perfectly respectable outdoor cooking station.

I never found myself reaching for instructions or wondering whether I'd assembled something backwards, which is usually the case when it comes to things with moving parts. This is an underrated but great perk of the Quechua, seeing as most of us are setting these things up at the end of a long drive, possibly in fading light, and quite likely while someone else is asking when dinner will be ready.

The stainless steel construction immediately inspires more confidence than many of the wafer-thin portable barbecues I've used over the years. Nothing rattles alarmingly, the hinges feel solid, and while the metal inevitably discolours after a few hot burns, that's simply the badge of honour every decent barbecue wears eventually.

The best feature it has, however, is the lid – not something that is used directly for cooking the food itself, but a solid tray which can be used as a windshield, as a prep area, or as a serving platter during service. Who knew how handy a sheet of stainless steel could be?

Fuel

The biggest strength of this barbecue is also the thing that makes it feel slightly old-fashioned, in the best possible sense. Rather than locking you into a single fuel source, it'll happily burn charcoal, briquettes or ordinary pieces of dry wood. If I'm after a quick evening meal on a campsite, I'll probably reach for charcoal, simply because it's predictable and easy to manage.

If I'm tucked into a woodland campsite with access to dry fallen branches or a beach filled with driftwood, it's also satisfying to feed the fire with wood, hearing it crackle away while the smell of smoke drifts through camp (fire bucket on hand, of course – we never use it without one).

I've always felt that cooking on actual fire turns an ordinary dinner into an event, even if all you're making is halloumi wraps and a few skewers of vegetables.

Cooking performance

Of course, versatility only gets you so far if the food doesn't come out well. Fortunately, the Quechua cooks with an honesty that's easy to appreciate once you've spent a little time with it. It's fundamentally an open grill over glowing embers, so success depends far more on how you manage your fire than on clever engineering. Give yourself 20 minutes to establish a decent bed of coals, and you'll be rewarded with impressively even cooking across most of the grill surface.

Steaks pick up those dark grill marks without drying out, sausages colour evenly provided you remember to rotate them every few minutes, while vegetables develop the sweet, smoky edges that make courgettes actually taste of something.

It's particularly well-suited to foods that enjoy direct heat. Flatbreads blister beautifully, corn on the cob chars nicely, peppers collapse into silky sweetness, and thick slices of sourdough become dangerously addictive after a quick brush with garlic butter.

Where it starts to show its limitations is with anything requiring more finesse. There's no lid, so roasting simply isn't on the menu, and maintaining a consistent cooking temperature demands a little more attention than enclosed charcoal barbecues.

If a gusty evening suddenly encourages your fire to flare up, you'll find yourself shuffling food around the grill rather than relying on carefully calibrated air vents.

Additionally, the grilling depth isn't as deep as in other models. Without topping up the charcoal you're only guaranteed around 45-50 minutes of cooking time, which is fine if you're feeding four, but for larger groups or more food, you'll need to top up after around 40 minutes. This also means it's slightly more difficult to create zones as you might do on a larger barbecue, but for 90% of the food you're going to be cooking, this also shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Hardcore outdoor chefs will soon be wanting something with more features and control, but if you're rocking up to the campsite with a few marinated pork chops, this will do you nicely.

Cleaning and durability

Cleaning any charcoal barbecue is one of those jobs nobody volunteers for, usually postponed until the following morning when the enthusiasm for outdoor cooking has been replaced by the realities of packing a damp tent.

It's not the easiest cleanup operation, especially in comparison to gas – but it comes pretty close. The ash tray lifts out neatly once everything has cooled, allowing you to dispose of the remains without tipping the whole barbecue upside down and hoping the wind doesn't redecorate your campsite. The cooking grill also removes easily enough for a proper scrub, although I'd always recommend giving it a quick brush while it's still warm, before any stubborn residue has a chance to weld itself to the metal overnight.

After several burns, I'd expect the stainless steel to develop the usual rainbow heat staining and patches of smoke discolouration, but that's cosmetic rather than structural. In many ways, it starts looking better after it's been used a few times, acquiring the slightly weathered appearance of equipment that's earned its keep rather than sitting pristine on a garage shelf.

The hinges and folding mechanisms feel robust enough to survive repeated weekends away without becoming loose or wobbly, although as with any folding metal product. I'd avoid forcing them if they're clogged with ash or grit. I'd also be very, very wary of using this on the beach without giving it a proper rinse in fresh water afterwards, as I can imagine the hinges getting salty and rusted pretty quickly without proper care. A quick wipe down before packing it away goes a long way towards keeping everything operating smoothly.

Value for money

For £50, you get decent materials, simple yet thoughtful design and versatility rather than flashy features, and I think that's where the value lies. There are certainly cheaper folding grills available, but many feel disposable after only a handful of uses, with warped fireboxes, peeling finishes or flimsy legs that inspire very little confidence once they're supporting a bed of glowing charcoal. This is well-built, sturdy and will last much longer than most barbecues of this price point.

Equally, if your idea of outdoor cooking involves smoking brisket for 12 hours or producing restaurant-quality pizzas, you'll quickly outgrow what this barbecue can offer. Its strengths are rooted firmly in campsite practicality rather than culinary ambition. For most campers, though, this is the biscuit.

Final verdict

For family campsites, weekends in the hills, lazy afternoons by the loch or evenings outside a campervan, it's a dependable, thoughtfully designed piece of cooking equipment built around how most people actually cook outdoors.

Want to cook more than just meet and veg? See our lists of the best camping stoves and best camping cookware.

About the author

Fliss Freeborn is a writer, gear tester and recipe book author. She believes that life is too short to eat bad food outdoors, and that cooking good scran while in the hills is easier than you might think with the right kit and some forward planning – yes, you can always do better than a pot noodle.

The Asics Metafuji Trail 2 shoe is a double-edged sword. The pros? Oh boy, it's rapid as hell. This is definitely a super-shoe for the trail world, with an incredibly fast, snappy, energetic feel – I was wowed by it.

The X-shaped carbon plate gives you a really propulsive ride, and if you’re chasing trail PBs, this trail running shoe will definitely help you achieve your goals.

The cons? The super-high stack and aggressively speedy design means you get very little lateral stability here. I wouldn’t go so far as to say this shoe feels dangerous, but on uneven terrain, the chances of twisting an ankle feel worryingly high. It’s a big flaw.

So where does that leave us? This is how I see it... If you’re taking on smooth gravel trails, runnable climbs and easy-to-moderate difficulty terrain, this shoe is an absolute rocket – you’ll be flying. Or, if you’ve got bombproof ankles and are blessed with a fleet-of-foot nimbleness, you might get away with the Metafuji Trail 2 on slightly rockier, more technical terrain.

For sheer trail speed, this shoe is the Usain Bolt of the market.

But for the vast majority runners, the wobbly, high-stack, unstable design means this shoe is not suitable for more rugged ground. Why? Because when the terrain becomes uneven, steep or rugged, it feels like the chances of rolling your ankle increase dramatically in a carbon-plated super-shoe like this. That’s the big trade-off here.

Ultimately, this isn’t a shoe for everyday miles. It’s 100% a premium, race day shoe for speedy runners chasing podiums and PBs, who have deep pockets to afford the £220 price tag. It works better on smoother, groomed trails rather than anything too gnarly, and it’s definitely better suited to speed merchants rather than mid-pack plodders.

But if you want to feel fast and energetic, there might not be anything better out there. I’ve tested loads of other carbon-plated trail shoes – the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed, the Hoka Tecton X4 and The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 3 – and none compared to the Asics Metafuji Trail 2. For sheer trail speed, this shoe is the Usain Bolt of the market.

How I tested

I ran the Yorkshire 3 Peaks in the Asics Metafuji Trail 2, going full-send to truly test the super-shoe’s speed, stability and traction over mountainous terrain. I ticked off the 39km challenge with 1,684m of ascent in 4 hours and 9 minutes, putting in maximum effort the whole way round. I was very happy with my time (even if a little disappointed not to break the 4-hour barrier) – and the experience proved the perfect training ground for picking out the benefits and flaws of the shoe.

I also used the shoe to race the famed Barrow Fell Race in the Lake District in August, which is part of the annual Keswick Show. This classic fell race is short, sharp and brutally steep, climbing 425m in just 4 miles.

Upper

The Metafuji Trail 2 has a suitably race-focused upper, using a lightweight engineered woven material that keeps the amount of additional structure to a minimum. There are no bulky overlays or unnecessary reinforcements, helping Asics keep the shoe's weight down to 257g on my scales (men’s UK size 8). The streamlined ankle collar incorporates a speed-lacing system and integrated lace pocket, while the sock-like construction gives the shoe a close, performance-oriented feel.

Breathability is good – particularly welcome when you're working hard on long climbs.

That low-slung upper works well with the rest of the shoe's racing credentials. It feels lightweight and unobtrusive, while the speed laces provide a good level of lockdown without having to spend ages fiddling with conventional laces. The fit is suitably secure, and there is little unwanted movement inside the shoe when you're running quickly.

Breathability is also good, which becomes particularly welcome when you're working hard on long climbs or racing in warmer conditions. The trade-off is that this isn't an especially protective upper, with little to no armour between your feet and the trail.

Midsole

This is where the Metafuji Trail 2 really comes alive. The combination of Asics' new FF LEAP foam and FF BLAST PLUS cushioning, sandwiching a full-length X-shaped carbon plate, creates an exceptionally energetic ride. FF LEAP is Asics' lightest and bounciest midsole foam, designed specifically to deliver energy return and forward propulsion, while FF BLAST PLUS provides additional cushioning beneath the plate.

And, frankly, it works. This shoe is as rapid as a cheetah – I was really impressed by its sheer speed. There's a distinctly aggressive, propulsive sensation through the stride, with the carbon plate helping you roll forwards and the bouncy foam adding plenty of energy at toe-off.

The X-shaped plate is a particularly interesting development from the previous Metafuji. Asics says the new geometry is designed to improve propulsion on climbs while providing greater stability and control on descents. In practice, I found it excellent when the trail was runnable. On smoother climbs and fast sections of trail, it encourages you to increase the pace and feels almost unfairly efficient.

But here's the big caveat. The shoe has a 41.5mm stack at the heel and 36.5mm at the forefoot, giving a 5mm drop, so there is a huge amount of foam between your foot and the ground. That is fantastic for cushioning and speed, but it also raises your foot a long way above the trail. Despite the new plate geometry and ASICS' efforts to improve stability, I found the shoe worryingly wobbly when the terrain became uneven.

On rougher sections, I became increasingly conscious of its tall, relatively unstable platform.

This isn't necessarily a problem on smooth gravel trails, hard-packed paths, or runnable fell tracks. But introduce rocks, camber, roots or awkward landings, and the high stack becomes a liability. I wouldn't go so far as to call the shoe unsafe, but I did find myself thinking about my ankles more than I would like. On technical terrain, the consequences of a slightly misplaced foot feel greater than they do in a lower, more stable trail shoe.

My Yorkshire Three Peaks test was the perfect demonstration. I covered 39km with 1,684m of ascent, running hard throughout, and the Metafuji was superb whenever I could open up my stride. But on rougher sections, I became increasingly conscious of its tall, relatively unstable platform. On a few occasions, I came pretty close to an ankle roll – and I’d class myself as having strong, reliable ankles and a good eye for quick foot placement – so others may really struggle with the lack of lateral stability.

For me, that's the fundamental compromise of this shoe: the faster you can run, and the smoother the terrain, the better it gets. For anything else, it’s not the best.

Outsole

The outsole uses Asics' proprietary ASICSGRIP rubber with relatively shallow 3.5mm lugs. That's an interesting choice for a shoe marketed at trail ultramarathons because it reinforces the idea that this is primarily designed for fast, runnable terrain rather than gnarly mountain trails.

On hard-packed paths, gravel and dry rock, I found the traction fine. The compound provides plenty of confidence when you're moving quickly, and the relatively low-profile tread doesn't feel cumbersome or draggy on firmer surfaces. It also works well with the shoe's speedy character, allowing the rocker and carbon plate to do their thing without the outsole getting in the way.

But, again, there are limits. A 3.5mm lug isn't going to offer the same bite in deep mud, loose scree or soft ground as a more aggressive mountain outsole. I found the traction adequate rather than exceptional when the going became steep and technical. For a shoe costing £220, that's worth bearing in mind.

Price and competition

At £220, the Metafuji Trail 2 sits right at the premium end of the trail-running market. It's competing against other carbon-plated super-shoes, such as the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 at £200 and The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 3 at £225.

That's a lot of money for a trail shoe, particularly one that isn't versatile enough to serve as your everyday trainer. But this isn't really an everyday trainer. It's a specialist racing shoe, and if you're chasing podiums or PBs on fast, runnable trails, the price starts to make more sense.

Having tested several of the leading carbon-plated trail shoes, I'd put the Metafuji Trail 2 at the very sharp end of the speed spectrum. Personally, I think it might be better for shorter trail races, rather than longer stuff. It almost feels too fast and aggressive for longer distances.

For races including 5km, 10km and up to half marathon, it helps you hit those top speeds better than anything else.

For races including 5km, 10km and up to half marathon, my view is that the Asics Metafuji Trail 2 is a clear winner – it’s the most rapid and energetic, and helps you hit those top speeds better than anything else. It feels more dialled-in for raw speed. But for anything over 21.1km, and certainly for ultras and 50kms upwards, I’d go for the Hoka Tecton X4 or The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 3 over Asics. Those two shoes still feel fast, but have more stability and comfort for bigger mileage.

The important question, therefore, with the Asics Metafuji Trail 2, isn't whether £220 is expensive. Of course it is. It's whether you're going to exploit what you're paying for. If you're a fast trail runner competing over smooth, runnable courses, the answer could be yes. If you're looking for one shoe to cover everything from local training runs to technical mountain races, there are much better places to spend your money.

Verdict

The Asics Metafuji Trail 2 is a spectacularly fast trail shoe, but it's also a highly specialised one. The combination of FF LEAP and FF BLAST PLUS foams, a full-length X-shaped carbon plate and lightweight 257g construction creates one of the most energetic trail rides I've experienced.

For smooth gravel trails, runnable climbs, hard-packed paths and other relatively benign terrain, it's an absolute rocket. If you're chasing a trail PB and have the budget for a £220 race shoe, I'd have no hesitation in recommending it. The speed is genuinely impressive.

But the high stack is the elephant in the room. When the terrain becomes rocky, uneven, steep or highly technical, I found the shoe's lateral instability increasingly concerning. The X-shaped plate may improve stability compared with the previous generation, but it can't completely overcome the fundamental physics of putting a lot of soft foam between your foot and the ground.

That leaves the Metafuji Trail 2 occupying a very specific niche. It isn't the shoe I'd choose for everyday miles, and it certainly wouldn't be my first choice for a gnarly Lakeland fell race. But for a fast runner chasing PBs on relatively smooth, runnable trails, there might not be much quicker.

For sheer trail speed, this is the Usain Bolt of the market. Just make sure the trail is smooth enough to let it run.

Read our team's reviews of all the latest trail running shoe releases.

About the author

James Forrest has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years. James is based on the edge of the Lake District, so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s hiking, camping and running in his local fells.

Petromax is a well-established player in the outdoor cooking world, making highly regarded cast iron cookware as well as a wide range of stoves, grills and fireplaces. They’re a particular favourite among bushcrafters – you know, those beardy types who spent a lot of time whittling things in the woods.

The Petromax Dimego Pot Set consists of two large capacity ceramic-coated stainless-steel pans and a matching frying pan, plus a close-fitting strainer lid, all of which nest neatly together, securing with a simple elastic strap.

This gives you pretty much all you’d need to cook for a family or group on a campsite, catering for around 4-5 people. It’s a fantastic set. On test, it soon became my favourite option for deluxe basecamp-style cooking, winning my chili cook-off to take top spot for group cooking in our best camping cookware test.

It’s worth noting that for added cooking capacity and versatility, the Dimego series also features the Camp Oven (sold separately, £74.95), which is a clever two-part bundt-style pan with a matching lid. It has an unusual centre hole that is designed to deliver triple air circulation: top, bottom and side heat. It’s a clever bit of kit that works well for conventional camp meals like casseroles, curries or stews, but which also enables you to bake simple cakes and breads over a campfire or fire pit. Case in point: on test we discovered it makes awesome cornbread.

Features

The Dimego series is a little different from Petromax’s more traditional cast iron pots and pans, using modern stainless steel and ceramic non-stick coatings with heatproof silicone-coated folding handles. But there are still plenty of refined design touches that point to the brand’s outdoor heritage, like the handsome etched lid handles, brushed exterior finishes and matte black powder-coated lids.

Both the pot set and the camp oven are supremely practical designs. The pot set consists of a generous 2.3-litre pot and a 2-litre pot, plus a deep 20cm frying pan. All are finished with interior ceramic non-stick coatings.

The pots have stubby double folding handles with silicone coatings, while the frying pan has a longer folding handle, again with a silicone coating. The handles are securely riveted and fold neatly away. I generally prefer this type of design to a removable handle, as a) it’s less faff, b) it’s generally more secure and c) it’s one less thing to lose.

Cleverly, all the pots and pans have the same diameter upper edge too, which means that the supplied lid will fit any of them. This ensures maximum versatility, making it easy to boil and steam rice, pasta or veggies in the two pots or sweat down onions and peppers in the pan.

Cooking performance

The pots have heavy bottoms, which means they heat evenly without noticeable hotspots, unlike cheaper stainless steel. In my boil test, I brought 500ml of water to a rolling boil inside three minutes on a standard Campingaz twin burner, which is impressive for a big pot.

The non-stick coatings also proved to be among the best of all the pans I tested, meaning I was able to simmer away happily without worrying about thicker sauces or stews catching. The frying pan performed well for knocking up bacon-and-egg breakfasts, and I prepped a plate of fluffy, American-style pancakes without a single one getting stuck. Just remember to use non-metallic utensils to protect the coating.

The camp oven also proved to be a revelation. At first, the unconventional design put me in two minds about how best to use it – but as it turned out, it’s an extremely versatile bit of kit. It’s also highly efficient, since the design circulates heat from top, bottom and sides, just like a domestic oven, so you can roast or bake as well as cooking low and slow.

Its wider base means it’s better suited to use over a fire pit grill rather than a gas-ring burner, though the optional heat distributor does help if you’re cooking on a small camping stove. I was able to use it to knock up a delicious batch of cornbread to go with a camp chilli, which has to be one of the best campfire meals I’ve eaten in recent memory. The bundt-style shape of the pan also suggests it’d be a good way to bake tear n’ share breads or cakes, which definitely merits further experimentation on future camping trips.

Ease of use

The pots and frying pan have decent weight to them, with a heavy base that ensures they don’t slide around too much on burner rings or grill grates.

The two sizes (2 litres and 2.3 litres respectively) are practical for cooking rice, pasta or potatoes alongside a curry, ragu or stew, enabling you to prep a complete meal simultaneously for 4-5 people on a twin burner camping stove. And if you’re cooking over a fire pit or campfire, adding the camp oven gives you even more versatility for making extra dishes to complement your main meal, including breads and cakes.

I really like the fact that all the bigger, heavier pots are fitted with double handles, which makes for much easier handling, especially when they’re full of boiling water. The handles themselves are quite short and stubby though, which means you’ll still need to watch your fingers – a pair of fire gloves is a good idea.

Durability

Being made from stainless steel, the Dimego range is sturdy and robust. The brushed external finish is easy to clean, and the powder-coated matte black lids don’t show scorch marks. Inside, the ceramic non-stick coating is reasonably tough and won’t peel or flake as easily as Teflon pans.

However, it does need more careful cleaning than cookware without any non-stick coating, so it’s best to rinse, soak and wipe them out with a soft cloth rather than use anything too abrasive. This might mean you spend a little more time washing up on camp that you’d like, but for me, it’s worth the effort. And the coatings themselves are so effective that it’s rare you’ll get too much burnt-on food stuck to the bottoms of your pots or pans.

The only other thing to note in terms of durability are the silicone-coated handles. Although these pots and pans are safe to use over the campfire, the silicone shouldn’t be exposed to naked flame, so be sure to position handles well away from the middle of the campfire.

Weight and packed size

The cookset integrates together seamlessly, measuring 10.5x22cm overall. The smaller pot nests inside the larger one, and in turn, the base of the large pot fits inside the frying pan. The silicone-coated folding handles prevent rattling, and the lid is designed so that it can be placed on top either way up, depending on whether you want maximum portability or more secure transport.

Lastly, a simple but effective elastic strap with a stitched leather logo holds everything together. All packed up, it weighs in at 1.89kg (just over 4lbs), which isn’t bad for a 3-piece stainless steel set. It’s worth noting that there’s space inside the smaller pot to add bowls and utensils too, so you could get most of your camp kitchen inside it – though none of this is included.

Meanwhile, the camp oven is a bit lighter at 1.24kg (2lbs 11oz), but not quite as packable due to its larger diameter and multi-part design. However, it still makes for a fairly neat package and has a similar elastic storage strap to keep everything together without rattling.

Ultimately, the Dimego series is primarily aimed at basecamp use: think family/group camps and car campers or vanlifers rather than lightweight backpackers or trekkers. As such, weight and packed size aren’t such critical factors. But both sets nest tidily and are packable enough for storage crates or car boots and campervan cupboards.

Price and competition

Premium build quality usually comes with a premium price tag, and the Petromax Dimego range isn’t cheap. But it is built to last and should give plenty of years of good service. And against much of the competition, it actually looks like extremely good value.

If you want a similar setup but with an even larger 3-litre stock pot, there’s the Stanley Wildfare Core Full Serve Cookset (£130). This has a similar-sized frying pan to the Petromax cookset and also bundles in a full set of tableware for four people, though it sacrifices a smaller pot, which is a slight drawback for making a main meal.

For something a bit more basic, there’s the MSR Alpine range, an extremely robust range of stainless steel camp cookware that includes a two-pot set (1.5L and 2L) for £75, plus the Alpine Fry Pan for another £38.95.

Primus has a good stainless steel range in similar style, and I particularly like their large 5-litre CampFire Pot (£55) for hanging over the fire – a solid choice for batch-cooking hearty stews and chillies for bigger groups.

There’s also the popular GSI Glacier range. The medium Base Camper set (£125) gives you a 3L pot, 2L pot, a 9in frying pan, plus two strainer lids, and has some user-friendly features like silicone-coated folding handles.

However, all of these rivals lack non-stick coatings, which admittedly makes for easier washing up but also means it’s much easier to end up with burnt-on mess stuck to the bottom of your pots and pans. All in all, we think the Petromax Dimego is the pick of the bunch.

Verdict

A robust and classy cook set that is our top choice for basecamp-style campsite cooking: solid build, even heating and cooking performance, easy handling and good looks to match.

For more group camping gear, take a look at our list of the best family tents.

About the author

Matt Jones is a freelance journalist based in the heart of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). He’s a vastly experienced gear tester and self-confessed outdoor kit geek. Matt’s been one of our main gear testers for the last couple of years and is the first person we call with any complicated kit queries that need in-depth and forensic analysis. He was previously editor of Walk and Scouting magazines.

“Maybe if I get some fancy new shoes, I’ll get a new PB”, the logic goes. But to what extent is this true?

We've all been there. A couple of weeks before race day, training no longer feels controllable; training harder now isn't going to make much difference. Inevitably, attention turns to factors that feel controllable, like kit choice.

In those nervy pre-race days, it’s easy to fret over your shoes, the underlying worry being that all the hours, days and personal sacrifice put into training will come undone in the wrong pair. The running shoe market does nothing to calm these nerves, with constant new releases promising an even better performance.

To cut through that noise, we sat down with Colin Ingham, Hoka's VP of Global Product, to talk about everything the everyday runner needs to know about the running shoe market. That includes what actually makes a difference in a shoe, how to choose the right pair and the challenge of evolving a shoe line without losing what made it great.

New shoes, new PB?

The sensible (boring) answer is, of course, shoes can make a difference. But your performance on race day is a complicated mix of training, nutrition, how you’re feeling on the day and, yes, your shoes. All of which are difficult, near impossible, to disentangle.

As a gear reviewer, I’ve tested my fair share of trail running shoes. While I can’t tell you that my performance increases by 11% in one pair compared to another, I know that shoe choice is important to the experience of running. A technical descent can feel smooth in one pair, but precarious in another.

When I ask Colin Ingham for his take on what really makes a difference to people’s performance, I’m expecting him to point out one particular part of the shoe, say the midsole foam or the outsole rubber. Instead, he suggests it’s about how all of the parts come together. “Their performance is improved when their experience is improved,” he says.

Matching shoe to purpose

How do you improve that experience? Arguably, the most important factor is how well the shoe is matched to the runner. But it can be hard to know where to start – at the moment of writing, Hoka has 11 different women’s trail running shoe models on sale.

Trail running shoes can be divided into two categories. One is an everyday cushion ride: soft but stable and lightweight options. For Hoka, that includes the Bondis, Cliftons, Speedgoat and Mafate. The other is the fly side – propulsive, speed oriented shoes like the Tecton or the Rocket series. The kind that you put on and instantly marvel at how energetic they feel.

Carbon plates are touted as a speed-booster for elites. But over longer distances, a plate can be helpful even for regular runners. The plated Hoka Mafate X, for example, isn’t designed for speed, but for ultras (more than a marathon). “You’re standing on a ton of foam”, Ingham says, and the plates stabilise the shoe.

“Getting muddy and gross with it”

The last consideration is terrain. Non-British brands like Hoka are sometimes criticised for not being suited to our splendidly muddy and boggy paths. Their shoes are often tested somewhere like the Alps or the Rockies, where the trails are generally hard-packed and dry.

Take them to a Scottish hillside, and they’re like aliens taking their first steps on planet Bog. Hoka's answer to this is the Speedgoat. “It has the perfect balance of cushion, traction, and technicality that allows you to get really muddy and gross with it,” Ingham says.

Improvement or re-iteration?

When updating a trail running shoe, there’s a risk of changing it beyond recognition, just for the sake of change. Hoka's latest Tecton X4 release had 8 previous versions, including a 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3, a 2.4 and a 2.5 that nobody really saw.

Each version added minor improvements. Hoka uses an “individual ingredient approach”, focussing on smaller gains rather than trying to create something completely new.

There’s an interesting question around whether running shoes really are constantly improving, or if the yearly re-iterations are just a way of generating a steady stream of new products to sell.

For trail running at least, the evidence suggests that innovation is still happening. Unlike road, track and field running, where governing bodies now regulate what shoe technology is permissible in competition, trail remains, as Ingham puts it, the "last bastion of experimentation."

He hints at developments already in the pipeline that are "mind-blowing in a way". For recreational runners who remember when carbon plates felt like science fiction, that might be reason enough to watch this space.

Before you think about any other outdoor kit, you need a good backpack. How else are you meant to carry the rest of what you need? And, what's more, how else are you meant to keep all your stuff dry?

A waterlogged pack is anyone's nightmare. At best, ruined clothes and provisions. At worst, you could find yourself kneeling over an incomprehensible mush of a paper map and bidding a teary farewell to your laptop. That Piña Colada song is a lie: rain is evil, and nobody likes getting caught in it.

Enter: the waterproof backpack. From hardcore hikers to everyday commuters, a reliable waterproof rucksack is essential for everyone in winter. Or, if you're in the UK, it's basically a year-round requirement.

So, we took it upon ourselves to test a cross-section of options on the market right now, covering everything from out-and-out hiking daypacks to casual options for commuting or exploring town. Take a look at our top picks and grab yourself something stormproof.

Shortlist: Best waterproof backpacks

Best waterproof backpack overall: Rab Veil XP 20L

Highly rated waterproof backpack: Osprey Transporter WP 30

Best lightweight waterproof backpack: Montane Trailblazer LT 28

Best value waterproof backpack: Exped Typhoon 25

Editor's note: This article was updated on 11 September, when we added a new option: the Osprey Downburst 26L

How we tested

Your main testers of the best waterproof backpacks are rain-loving Oli Reed, group editor of Live For The Outdoors and Trail magazine, and Emma Cole, experienced gear tester and journalist.

Our testers used these packs in the same way they would day-to-day. In winter, that meant local walks and day hikes, while in summer, we took them hiking, paddleboarding and canoeing. Testing them on the water gave us a good sense of how well the packs cope with splashes, humidity and long-term exposure to damp conditions.

Testing took place on hikes in the hills of North Wales, as well as local trails across the UK, where the typically persistent – and sometimes horrendous – October rain provided ideal conditions. Some of these packs were even tested on the island of Malta, where dry weather allowed us to evaluate general performance without the distraction of bad weather.

Water resistance is the obvious priority when testing waterproof packs; and that's easy to test too, we simply checked whether the contents were dry after a persistent downpour. But a waterproof pack still needs to be practical, so we also look at pocket layout, access, attachment points and whether it works as an everyday bag as well as in tougher conditions.

Comfort is key too, so we assess the back panel, straps, ventilation and how the pack carries when fully loaded. Finally, we weigh durability and price, looking for materials that stand up to regular use and offer good performance for the cost.

For more information, read how we test gear.

Best waterproof backpacks reviewed:

The best waterproof backpacks compared

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the top waterproof backpacks in this test (from best overall to best value).

Unsurprisingly, the Rab option stands out here: it costs less than the next two closest competitors, the Osprey and the Montane, while outperforming both in our evaluation (although it does have less capacity).

The Exped also impresses – as you can see, it’s significantly lighter than the Rab Veil, offers more capacity and is much cheaper.

What to look for in a waterproof backpack

Your four main considerations when choosing a waterproof backpack should be the materials used, the closure system, comfort, and capacity.

Materials

The majority of waterproof packs will use a blend of polyester and nylon as a base material, and then treat it with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. You'll also may want to look for a TPU lining.

You'll likely see fabrics rated by a number and a 'D'. This is a unit of measurement which stands for 'denier', it tells you how thick the individual fibres are in a given fabric. Naturally, a high denier count fabric will be tougher and more weather resistant than a lower count.

Another common rating is 'HH' or hydrostatic head. This directly measures how waterproof something is. The number indicates how many millimetres tall a column of water standing on a fabric would have to be before it managed to penetrate and soak the fibres.

Closure

The closure system is also important to consider. A rolltop is the simplest and most reliable method for keeping your contents dry. Other bags might opt for placing the zipper in an unconventional spot, like the Ortlieb Atrack's back panel zip. If a bag does use a zipper, be sure that it seals watertight.

Comfort

As for comfort, look for features like a padded back system, a body-hugging hipbelt, an adjustable chest strap, and shoulder straps that look ergonomic and well-cushioned. Sometimes, these features are sacrificed in the name of durability or water protection – a soft back panel isn't much totally fun soaked through.

Capacity

Naturally, choosing the volume of your pack is going to be largely down to the kinds of activities you're planning on doing with it. Bear in mind that longer and more technical outings will require a larger capacity to accommodate for the extra gear and supplies you'll need.

Also remember that a large capacity will mean more weight on your back, so comfort gains a bit of priority on bigger backpacks.

About the authors

Oli Reed is the Group Editor of Live for the Outdoors and Trail magazine. He's been hiking, exploring and reviewing outdoor kit for decades, so it's fair to say he knows what makes a good piece of gear.

Emma Cole is an adventurous freelance journalist, podcaster and copywriter with a passion for outdoor sports, international travel and sustainability. Whether she's testing gear in shifting climates – cycling through the deserts of Jordan or hiking in the UK – Emma brings first‑hand insight to her writing.

Running tops prioritise being lightweight and moisture-wicking, and are much more suited to high-intensity activities than your everyday cotton t-shirt. The best running tops for women will also provide female-specific features to make your run more seamless and enjoyable.

These days, most running tops are made from technical fabrics which aim to regulate body temperature and keep you comfortable as you put in the effort over the trails. They should also feel good against the skin and provide a good fit and shape.

Best running tops for women at a glance

Best running top overall: Rab Sonic Tee

Best long-sleeved running top: Inov8 Adventure Mid Crew

Best for UV protection: The North Face Sun Hoody

Some running tops on test here could also double up as running base layers, while others are made primarily for providing a cooling layer for efforts in hot conditions. All those tested are women-specific running t-shirts (don't worry, they're not all pink), while some are more tailored to the female form than a typical men's running t-shirt.

In this article, we've recommended some of our favourite running tops for women over a range of different styles and types. Whether you pair your running top with a running jacket or a mid-layer is up to you, and largely influenced by the season. There are many factors to consider when picking a running top, but here we've gathered a collection of the best.

How we tested the best women's running tops

These tops were tested by our all-female Scottish contingent of freelance gear testers for Live For the Outdoors. All are competitive marathon and ultra marathon runners who live within an hour of the highlands.

We send the crew outfits on a bi-monthly basis, and they test out the gear on long weekend trail runs over the brutal and often-rainy Scottish wilds. They then gather to discuss and compare their kits before sending in their reviews and rankings, each tee having been thoroughly put through its paces.

Leading the charge on the best women's running tops is our full-time gear guru, Fliss Freeborn. She also had support and insights from Megan Durkin, Lily Snowden and Evie Nichols.

Best running tops for women

What to look for in a women's running top

Material: Different materials have different merits. Polyester is highly breathable, while technical nylon is stronger and can have more stretch, but isn't quite as breathable. Merino is clever because it aids temperature regulation; it can therefore be suitable year-round.

Fit: Consider whether you prefer a skin tight fit, tailored, regular, or lose. Some women-specific tops will have a more of a tailored shape, while others you can play with the sizing to create the fit to suit your preferences.

Sustainability: Merino is always a favourite for many runners because of its properties and because it's a natural fibre. Synthetic materials are very popular too, but want you want to keep an eye out for is the quantity of recycled materials used. Many in this round-up are made from recycled polyester, while others have injections of Lyocell, which is a fibre made from wood pulp.

Take a look at the garment's certification, such as those from the Fair Wear Foundation and B Corp, as this demonstrates that the brand is operating responsibly and transparently.

Features: Mesh panels, sleeve length, anti-odour treatments, zipped, flat seams. There are lots of features crammed into performance running tops. Some are for comfort, some for breathability, some for warmth, and so on. Think about which are applicable to you and the conditions you're likely to be running in.

About the author

Fliss Freeborn has authored this piece, handling much of the testing of these women's running top herself, while also taking feedback and insights from other members of our all-female Scottish testing team. Fliss spends more time in a tent than she does in her Glasgow flat, and loves nothing more than accompanying her ultra-marathon-PB-smashing pals on their recovery runs. Her number 1 priority with running gear is comfort, so you can be assured that any top she rates in this article will be silky soft and super at sorting out sweat.

When was the last time you and your mind were completely at peace? I’ll take a guess and suggest that it might have been on a walk. The rest of the time, life barely gives us a moment to switch off.

Even the ‘quiet times’ of going to bed or waking up are not immune; in fact they’re often when the noise rises loudest.

Walking, though, is different. The time when I am most at peace is when I am outside in nature; feeling the sun on my face, hearing the sound of birdsong, smelling the flowers or the scent of rain on soil, and sensing the wind blowing my hair.

My body moves seamlessly without effort, and I have the closest experience of connection and belonging; an almost overwhelming appreciation of the world and my place within it. When I return home, I have more perspective over problems, more clarity about potential solutions, a deeper understanding of my emotional reactions and other people’s responses; more strength and resilience to look forward; more gratitude for the good things in my life, and more hope about what is next.

The time when I am most at peace is when I am outside in nature.

I also sleep better, tend to make better nutritional choices, hydrate more, and feel encouraged to care for myself and others much more. Again it’s a guess, but I suspect you might say the same.

What’s happening when we walk that makes these extraordinary things happen? I’ve been curious about that for most of my life. To understand it, I have to go right back to my childhood. And a garden.

The fight to be outside

From a young age, being outside was my sanctuary. I was lucky enough to have a garden when I was growing up and spent countless hours out there climbing trees, making up stories in my head, playing games, reading books and listening to music, as well as looking at the birds, insects, ants, flowers and plants.

I helped my mum and dad out with mowing the lawn, pushing wheelbarrows, cutting branches and making compost, and I loved it all. I often say that I grew up in a garden, not in a house.

That garden was my childhood, but it also forged my career path, too. In my 23-year career as a medical doctor, I have harnessed those experiences, mixed in some understanding about the science, and set out to understand how and why green space (gardens, parks, fields, forests) and blue space (rivers, lakes, the sea, and sometimes the sky) are so good for us.

It’s a conversation that I think is urgently needed right now. We live in a stressful world, one which conspires to take us outside less and less. We’re compelled to keep gazing at screens rather than the sky; to be alert for pings rather than birdsong. We develop muscle tension in our shoulders and necks, ready for the next message, assignment or news alert, rather than allowing our bodies to relax and our nervous systems to calm down. We actually have to fight to take ourselves out of that loop.

The good news is, as someone who likes walking, you’re already staging that fightback, and that is the smartest move any of us can make. The more people join that fight, the better the outcomes will be.

What nature does for us

Engaging with nature supports all three pillars of human wellbeing: mental, physical and emotional. In terms of mental health, simply being out there in green or blue space reduces our levels of cortisol (the infamous ‘stress hormone’).

Just a 10% increase in our exposure to a natural environment can lead to potential 7% reduction in the risk of developing depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that we experience fewer feelings of tiredness and low mood when we spend time in nature, and our cognitive abilities and concentration improve.

We live in a stressful world, one which conspires to take us outside less and less.

The news is just as good for our physical health. Regular walking helps to lower your pulse, meaning your heart has to work less hard to circulate blood around your body. This in turn reduces the strain on your arteries, lowering your long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, and helping your body recover faster after exertion.

All of that is true even if you’re just standing still in a wood, a field or a forest, or by a stream. It gets even better if you’re moving. Walking naturally and gently releases dopamine and serotonin, the chemicals which improve mood (the same ones we’re trying to stimulate artificially when we scroll a social feed or binge a series). We build muscular and cardiovascular strength, and lessen the risk of obesity. Research has even shown that access to nature may reduce the risk of mortality, too.

And then we have the social and emotional benefits. Going for a walk helps you to feel connected to your local area; its history, its wildlife and its communities. Even a friendly greeting can be enough to trigger those mood-boosting chemicals, and appreciating an area for its beauty makes you more likely to care for it.

Even the simple nature of the movement is beneficial: the swing of our arms and legs and the repetitive motion create a rhythm which almost imperceptibly takes us into a flow state. When we walk, we live in the moment – even if we’re not trying. To put it another way: nothing makes you ‘present’ quite like walking.

And whether you walk alone or with others, you experience that rare and precious thing: kindness. If alone, it’s kindness to yourself. If with a friend or loved one, it’s a reciprocated kindness that only strengthens your relationship. Either way, you feel seen and heard, and that’s a feeling which most of us would say we’d like a little bit more of.

Loving what’s local

It doesn’t take a lot, either; just 120-150 minutes of engagement with nature per week is linked to better mental and physical health. That’s 17-21 minutes a day over a week. As a regular walker, it’s likely you’re already doing more than that (especially if you’re doing Country Walking magazine's Walk1000Miles challenge) – but those figures are still reassuring, especially if you’ve only just got started with regular walking, or are managing illness or injury.

And if you are someone who is just starting out on their journey with walking (or you know someone in that situation), then you are just the person I’m keenest to talk to. First of all, well done! You have a wonderful journey ahead of you.

Staying in your local community but exploring new footpaths, country parks or nature reserves can offer all the peace, calmness and connection you need.

But secondly, don’t feel you have to travel a long way, climb a mountain, or walk for miles along a rugged coastline to access all these benefits. Yes, such locations are beautiful and they have the advantage of adding in elements of adventure, inspiration and curiosity. But green and blue space literally starts on your doorstep. Staying in your local community but exploring new footpaths, country parks or nature reserves can offer all the peace, calmness and connection you need.

You can also make those local walks endlessly varied. Think about a walk you’ve done before. Can you do it in the reverse direction, or take a new path halfway through and end up somewhere new? Can you enrich the walk by finding out about the wildlife you’re seeing and hearing? Or take a friend who has never been that way before, so you see the beauty of the scenery through fresh eyes?

Building a new world

As your walks take you further outwards from home, the benefits keep coming. You’ll meet new people, find hidden gems, and maybe even find new ways to connect with people and place. You might find a walking group, get involved in a conservation project, join a litter-picking crew or help with a footpath repair initiative.

The more you share in other people’s experiences and life stories, the more you strengthen that precious sense that you belong. And if you’ve ever felt lonely (which of us hasn’t?), you’ll find companionship, a sense of resilience, and a feeling that you have a place in our world that matters.

Which all means that when the time comes and you want to explore further afield, you’ll have a suite of skills to inspire confidence, and a state of mental and physical health that’s ready for the challenge. (You’ll also discover that planning a walking trip can be just as exciting as the walk itself – trust me on that.)

This story started in a garden; where it goes next for you and me is a beautiful mystery. And the message? We are not separate from nature; we are irrevocably intertwined with it. And although the modern world tries harder each day to break that link, we can take tiny steps to strengthen it.

All we have to do is remember that we aren’t just passing through the green and blue space.

We’re part of it.

This article was originally published in the October 2026 issue of Country Walking magazine.

3 ways to enrich any walk

Notice the wildlife. Grab a wildlife guidebook or download an ID app such as Merlin (for birdsong) or the Woodland Trust’s British Tree Identification app, and make a note of what you see and where. It may feel daunting at first; like there’s too much to know. But that first moment when you hear or see something and know that you recognise it, the release of endorphins is very special.

Mix things up. Walk a favourite route in the reverse direction, or take a friend who has never been there before. You may be amazed how different the world looks ‘backwards’ – and at how much you can point out to your friend. (It works even better if there’s a walk they can take you on in return.)

Be still. As good as walking is, it’s important to stand or sit still, too. Pause and be present. Focus on what each sense is trying to tell you about your surroundings. We are vision-dominant, so close your eyes and let the other four senses take a starring role for a while.

About the author

Dr Radha Modgil is an award-winning medical doctor and GP with over 20 years of clinical experience in hospital and neighbourhood medicine. She is also an award-winning podcaster, author and broadcaster who has appeared on the BBC’s Feeling Better and The One Show and ITV’s This Morning, and on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. She writes a weekly column in the i newspaper, and is the author of Know Your Own Power. She was named as one of the Top 100 Change Makers by The Big Issue in 2022. Find out more at drradha.co.uk

When the hills are drenched in golden sunlight, it’s time ditch the walking trousers, free your knees and reach for a pair of comfy hiking shorts.

By and large, most of us prefer to indulge in our wanderlust when the weather is warmer. Hiking is ever more appealing when the wind drops, the sun shines and the temperature rises (though you'll see many hardy souls wearing shorts all year round).

Just like their full-length counterparts, walking shorts vary in construction, weight, fit and price, among other factors. Here, you'll find our favourite walking shorts that each bear a certain strong point, be it value, lightness or durability, for example.

Shortlist: Best hiking shorts at a glance

Best hiking shorts overall: Montane Caelum Shorts

Highly rated hiking shorts: Helly Hansen Meridalen

Editor's note: This article was updated on 10 September 2026, when we added new reviews and gave out our best buy awards.

How we tested

A lot of the hiking shorts below were tested by LFTO deputy editor Rob Slade, gear reviewer Milo Wilson and former senior digital writer Chris Williams (above). The trio have over 15 years of product review experience between them.

Testing took place out on the trail, with each pair analysed for suitability to warm weather hiking, including things like scrambling.

Among the core criteria we tested was features – so how good are the pockets and do you get a decent belt? The quality of construction and performance of the fabric (e.g. moisture wicking, drying times, water repellent coatings) was also key, as was comfort. For the latter, we paid close attention to range of movement, fit and how the waistband felt.

For more info on how we review products see our 'how we test' page.

The best hiking shorts reviewed:

How do I buy the right hiking shorts?

What length of shorts is best?

Longer length shorts provide your thighs with a little more protection but may not be as agile for scrambling. Short shorts are less restrictive, but the look isn’t to everybody’s tastes. The lengths of shorts are categorised by inseam length, which is the distance between the crotch and the hem.

How should hiking shorts fit?

A comfy, non-restrictive fit around the waist and legs is absolutely crucial. With an elasticated waist, the fit will be more forgiving. If not it’s more important that the size is spot-on. Also consider whether you prefer baggier, more ventilated legs, or a slimmer, more athletic fit.

How many pockets do I need?

A lot of this comes down to personal preference. Do you just need a single pocket to keep your phone, or cavernous pouches for a map, guidebook or hiking snacks?

In our opinion, heavily-laden shorts aren't always that nice to wear. And as you'll probably be carrying a hiking backpack anyway, you don't really need to keep much in your pockets.

But if you do want to store things in them, then pockets need to be secure and not get in the way of your stride.

What materials are best?

Hiking shorts are usually made from nylon or polyester – materials that provide a good balance between weight, durability, moisture wicking, protection and breathability. Using recycled nylon and polyester helps improve sustainability and a PFC-free DWR if it has one.

Many shorts fabrics are also blended with elastane (also called spandex or Lycra) for added stretch. It improves freedom of movement, makes a closer fit and increases comfort. Two-way stretch fabrics stretch either vertically or horizontally. Four-way stretch fabrics stretch in both ways, crosswise and lengthwise.

Some brands use natural fibres like bamboo or hemp, which are softer and do increase comfort and sustainability further. But, typically, cotton, bamboo, and hemp aren't as good in wet conditions as synthetic fibres.

What type of waistband is best?

Most hiking shorts feature belt loops, meaning you can use a belt (usually sold separately) to fine-tune the fit around your waist. Some shorts have more elasticated waistbands for an adjustable fit, while others have integrated belts. Shorts are commonly closed around the waist using a press stud, snap or flat button.

About the authors

Chris Williams is a contributing writer and a gear geek for all things hiking and trekking. He worked full time at LFTO from 2021-2024, prior to which he worked for one of New Zealand's largest outdoor gear brands.

Rob Slade has spent over 10 years professionally reviewing outdoor and sport kit. Before joining LFTO in 2024 he worked at 220 Triathlon and Adventure Travel magazine (now named Wired For Adventure).

Milo Wilson is one of our full-time writers and gear reviewers. He's tested hundreds of pieces of kit over the last few years, so he knows the difference between something decent and something amazing.

Is there any better way to test a trail running shoe than to go running in the Alps near Chamonix with some of the world’s best trail runners? That’s exactly what I did this summer, putting the new Hoka Tecton X4 to the sword in the foothills below mighty Mont Blanc.

Trying to keep up with Ludovic Pommeret, a former UTMB winner, and the rest of Hoka’s elite trail team wasn’t exactly easy – but it certainly proved an excellent way to get to grips with a shoe “crafted to lead the pack at the world’s pinnacle trail races”.

I also attended a seminar led by Vincent Bouillard – another UTMB winner and, coincidentally, a full-time employee in Hoka’s innovation team – about the design process for the Hoka Tecton X4. It was a geeky deep-dive into shoe engineering, yet it was incredibly insightful.

I learnt that the Tecton X4 has one very clear goal: to deliver that “podium-chasing propulsion” fast runners want and need, but to deliver it without the instability that often plagues carbon-plated trail shoes. The technical solution? Parallel carbon plates that move independently.

Does it work? My view is overwhelming positively. I absolutely love this shoe. It’s probably the best trail supershoe I’ve ever tested. It ticks all of the boxes: it’s grippy, comfortable, lightweight and supportive. But, best of all, it does appear to have solved the instability flaw of trail supershoes.

Despite feeling really fast, energetic and efficient, with a lovely ride, you don’t get the lateral instability and ankle-rolling risks you get with other trail supershoes. For those reasons, the Tecton X4 is a big win.

There are a few flaws, of course. The sizing is a bit off and you might need to size up by 0.5 or 1. The entry point is very awkward and getting the shoe on and off can be cumbersome. Heel capture isn’t great, the 4mm lugs aren’t deep enough for thick English mud, and the price-tag of £220 is pretty sky-high. Ultimately, this means the shoe is better suited to harder-packed trails in drier conditions, than super-technical, uneven terrain.

But all of that is just nit-picking. In my eyes, this shoe is an absolute rocket and a superb choice for classic ultra races in Europe and the UK alike, particularly if you’re pushing yourself to big goals. As Hoka puts it: “this beast has course records in its sights”.

How I tested the shoe

In the Alps, near Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, I ran 32km with Hoka’s elite team while wearing the Tecton X4s. This was split across three runs on steep, reasonably technical Alpine terrain, and ticked off 1,586m of ascent in total. Upon arriving home, I’ve also used the Tecton X4s on several runs near my home in the Lake District, including a 36km blast along the Cumbria Way from Carlisle to Caldbeck.

I’ve run over 100km in total in these shoes at the time of writing, so I’d class this review as a first-look, rather than a long-term test, but with a reasonable amount of real-life experience from which to draw conclusions.

Upper

The Tecton X4’s upper is built around a lightweight Matryx Micro textile, which is more breathable than the material used on the previous Tecton X3. It has a slightly open, almost translucent appearance, and in my testing it did a good job of keeping my feet cool during some very hot Alpine runs.

It also dries quickly after wet sections, which is useful on long mountain days when your feet are repeatedly getting wet and drying out again. Hoka has retained the integrated, sock-like knitted gaiter collar, which extends upwards around the ankle to help prevent grit and debris getting inside.

There are several clever details here. The ghillie lacing system is designed to distribute pressure across the foot rather than creating concentrated pressure points, while a stretchy dynamic “vamp” at the forefoot allows the toes to spread and accommodate some swelling over long distances. There is also now a marathon-lacing option, giving you an additional eyelet for a more secure heel lock. These are relatively small changes, but they make the upper feel more refined than the previous generation.

My main criticism is the fit. I normally have no reason to deviate from my usual shoe size, but the Tecton X4 felt too short in the size I initially tested (UK 8.5). On fast descents my foot was moving forwards inside the shoe, pushing and crushing my toes into the front of the toebox.

At the same time, I didn't feel that the heel was being captured as securely as I wanted. Going up by at least half a size, and potentially a full size depending on your feet, would be my recommendation. That’s what I did and the bigger size (UK 9.5) worked for me absolutely fine, solving those issues pretty well.

The other annoyance is the entry system. The sock-like gaiter looks neat and does its job once the shoe is on, but getting your foot through the relatively narrow opening is surprisingly awkward and difficult. There is no conventional heel pull tab, either, which seems like a strange omission on a shoe that is otherwise so carefully engineered. A simple loop would make getting the Tecton X4 on and off considerably easier. That said, it’s not a big issue.

Midsole

This is where the Tecton X4 gets really interesting. The shoe uses Hoka's PROFLY X platform, combining two layers of PEBA foam with a pair of parallel carbon-fibre plates. There is a 40mm stack under the heel, a 5mm heel-to-toe drop and a weight of 280g per shoe in a UK 9.5 (on my scales).

The dual-density PEBA construction provides the cushioning and energy return, while Hoka's MetaRocker geometry encourages a fast, rolling transition from heel to toe. But the real trick is the carbon plate arrangement. Rather than using a single rigid plate spanning the whole width of the shoe, the two plates sit alongside each other and can move independently. Hoka has also re-shaped them with winglets intended to increase stability.

That sounds like a relatively minor engineering distinction, but I think it fundamentally changes how a carbon-plated trail shoe behaves. On uneven ground, a conventional plate can make the shoe feel like a rigid lever underneath your foot. That's fine when you're running along smooth, hard-packed trail, but less desirable when one foot lands on a rock or root while the other is on a different plane. The Tecton X4 retains a degree of torsional compliance, allowing the two sides of the shoe to respond independently.

I noticed this particularly on rocky Alpine trails. Despite the substantial stack height and obvious propulsion from the plates, the shoe didn't give me that perched-on-top-of-the-midsole sensation I've experienced with some trail supershoes.

It felt planted and predictable through cambered sections and uneven descents, while still delivering a distinct sense of forward momentum. On climbs, the combination of low weight, responsive PEBA foam and plate geometry is particularly effective. Put simply, it makes running uphill feel easier.

The flip side is that the shoe is designed to be run. At slower speeds, the rocker and stiff plate construction don't feel nearly as natural, and the magic starts to disappear. It's not a particularly compelling shoe for easy recovery runs or walking. This is a race-orientated platform, and it feels best when you're moving quickly enough to engage the geometry properly.

It’s also worth remembering, however, that – while this shoe does have good stability – it still has a maximalist 40mm stack height, so that’s a lot of foam between you and the trail. Hoka can’t break the laws of physics and this shoe, therefore, does lack the “groundfeel” you get from many other shoes. And if you have weak ankles – or have a tendency to roll your ankles – you still might find this shoe a tad unstable. Personally, I didn’t experience this, but it might be relevant for others.

Ultimately this is how I’d sum it up the Hoka Tecton X4. Some “trail” supershoes feel like a road supershoe with a grippier outsole plonked on the base – and they feel rapid, but really “wobbly” and impractical for real trail use. The Hoka Tecton X4 is nothing of the sort. This feels like a genuine trail shoe, designed from the bottom up with long-distance trail use at the heart of every design decision.

Outsole

The outsole uses Vibram Megagrip Litebase rubber with 4mm traction lugs. Hoka has essentially tried to strike a compromise between grip and weight here: the Litebase construction reduces material without abandoning the high-friction Megagrip compound.

On the right surfaces, it works extremely well. Across the trails around Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, I found the Tecton X4 reassuringly planted on rock, gravel and hard-packed dirt. However, there are limits. The 4mm lugs simply aren't deep enough to provide the kind of bite you need in thick, saturated British mud.

That doesn't make the outsole poor - far from it. It's an effective compromise for the terrain the shoe is really designed around. But if your typical run involves boggy fells, deep mud and wet grass, there are better choices.

Price and competition

At £220, the Tecton X4 is firmly in the premium end of the trail-running market. Hoka is positioning it as a race-day shoe rather than an everyday trainer, and that makes the price slightly easier to justify. The technology is genuinely sophisticated, the weight is low for a shoe with this much cushioning and protection, and the combination of PEBA foam and independently moving carbon plates gives it a distinct character.

But £220 is still a lot of money, particularly when much of the shoe's appeal is concentrated in fast running and racing. You don't need a carbon-plated supershoe to enjoy most trail runs, and a more conventional model will usually be more versatile across mixed UK conditions.

Personally, I’d describe the Tecton X4 as way more stable than the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed and the new Asics Metafuji Trail 2 – although both of these are rapid. In terms of competition, I think the Hoka Tecton X4 is competing more with The North Face Sumit Vectiv Pro 3 for the top spot in terms of the speed versus stability equation. Which one is best? I love them both – but the Tecton X4 might just take the win.

Verdict

The Hoka Tecton X4 is an expensive, highly specialised trail shoe, but it justifies much of that specialisation with an exceptionally good ride. The combination of dual-layer PEBA foam and independently moving carbon plates delivers impressive propulsion without sacrificing the stability that is so important on uneven trails.

The Tecton X4, therefore, makes most sense for runners who are specifically looking for a performance shoe for long-distance racing and fast training. It is particularly well-suited to dry, runnable mountain ultras, where the cushioning, propulsion, protection and grip can all be exploited. For muddy fell races or slower technical outings, something with deeper lugs and a more conventional midsole would probably be a better investment.

About the author

James Forrest is a prolific peak bagger and long-distance walker who’s one of the most high-profile outdoor writers in the UK. He has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years.

James is based on the edge of the Lake District so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s walking in his local fells. James reviews every type of outdoor kit for Trail and is a real authority on everything you need for wild camping and packing light for a multi-day walk.

When I tell people the context in which I decided to hike over 500km of the Camino de Santiago, at best, they laugh. At worst, they think I’m nuts.

I suppose I was at the time. I was a hot mess distraught with grief who’d never so much as crossed a stile by choice before.

I can’t remember when I first heard about the Camino. At uni perhaps, while studying Spanish, Linguistics and Drinking. I remember hearing about how thousands of people from all over the world flocked to Spain every year to bash out anything from 100 to 1000 kilometres on it.

All those pilgrims had one common mission pulling them forward: to reach the finish line at the Cathedral of St James in Santiago de Compostela.

Why? I didn’t have a clue. Why people would even want to go walking in the first place blew my mind. Why walk when you can drive? (Which is a particularly absurd opinion to hold when you happen to live right next to the Peak District.)

My uni friend Arturo, who had grown up in Santiago de Compostela, scoffed at me when I asked him if he’d ever hiked it. “Eww, no,” he said. “It’s full of weirdos with big-T Trauma trying to find God. Or a shag. Don’t go there unless you’ve become desperate.”

And that was where I left it. Until the time I did become desperate.

Hiking for Grandma

In 2018, I lost my favourite person in the world: my brilliant, beautiful grandma. Or as I called her, Nannan Jean. Nannan’s death was no small thing for me. We had shared a friendship deeper than I can articulate. She knew things about me nobody else did. Whatever happened in life, I knew I was always welcome at Nannan’s place for a cuppa, day or night.

And she was just… gone.

It was my first significant experience of grief, and it was derailing me in every way possible. I woke up every morning and cried. I drank a lot of Asda’s own-brand red wine, developed a habit of binge-eating Dairy Milk bars until I was sick, and ended up in bed with my therapist so I couldn’t get the help I needed. Enter, stage left, the Camino de Santiago.

I set off on the pilgrimage with the faint hope that magic and miracles were real

Somehow I ended up watching a documentary called The Magic of the Camino, in which pilgrims suggested it could heal a broken heart and ‘find lost souls’. I felt like I’d won the lottery. I was in precisely the right place to believe I had my answer to the pain I was feeling. Three weeks later I was on a plane.

I set off on the pilgrimage with the faint hope that magic and miracles were real, and that even someone as imperfect, neurotic and messy as me could be fixed. Apparently, all I had to do was walk. How hard could it be?

Within a day, I realised exactly how hard. The realisation came as I shambled out of my first hostel, sleep-deprived following a night skewered by a constant cacophony of snoring and farting.

I hobbled forth, unable to control my walking poles and struggling for breathing space amongst 50 other overly sociable pilgrims (wasn’t this meant to be about getting some time alone?).

“You leave a cat and come back a lion, you’ll see,” a fellow pilgrim told me chirpily, before leaving me in his dust. I didn’t feel like a lion. More like an abandoned British Longhair dragged through a hedge backwards. This was all a terrible mistake. Within a week, I gave up on the Camino and booked a flight home.

But here’s the thing. I never got on it.

Hiking for Me

Let me give you some context, if not an excuse. First of all, I wasn’t a walker. In preparation for a month’s worth of hiking from dusk until dawn, I did precisely no training whatsoever. I bought new boots and didn’t break them in. I didn’t bring plasters.

I took poles but didn’t know how to adjust them, so I started off with them at thigh height and assumed they were broken. My water bottle could only hold 500ml. I could go on and on with examples of how wrong I got the whole thing, but I won’t, because it’s bloody embarrassing – especially in front of you smarter people.

I took poles but didn’t know how to adjust them, so I started off with them at thigh height and assumed they were broken.

But my desire to give up wasn’t just because of all that. It was because of the questions the Camino was asking me in that first week. It interrogates your reasons for embarking upon it and takes you more deeply into those reasons than you thought you wanted to go.

But like I say, I didn’t get on the plane.

It happened because I met a waitress. She had multiple sclerosis, the same illness that Nannan had, and she said to me, "Oh, I would love to be able to do what you’re doing." And that absolutely floored me. I thought, ‘What am I doing giving up? Yes I’m knackered and yes I’m sunburned, but it’s a privilege to be able to do this. Crack on.’

The story of what happened in the month that followed is too big to tell in this space. It involves ridiculous injuries, hilarious accidents, crazy love triangles, unlikely friendships and a powerful spiritual awakening, as well as walking several kilometres in flip-flops from George at Asda.

But if you’re interested, you can make my day by treating yourself to a copy of my book, in which I reveal the whole sorry, spectacular, life-affirming tale. What I can tell you is this: the magic of the Camino de Santiago is real. Hiking it helped me process my grandma’s death, and my general state of mind, in a way that no amount of therapy ever could have.

The Camino takes you into a process of hardship, yes. But it also brings you out the other side. It gives you joy and laughs and quietness, and as much intimacy as you want. And it teaches you a thing or two about the simple power of walking.

I believe that if you set off on the path with bravery and an open heart, the answers you are searching for won’t be withheld from you. Why? Well, this may be a cliché, but it’s because they’re already inside you. The Camino just helps to bring the wisdom out of you, quietly, subtly, as you put one foot in front of the other.

The Camino takes you into a process of hardship, yes. But it also brings you out the other side

By the time I had completed my first pilgrimage, I knew it wouldn’t be my last. The Camino had made a walker out of me, and there was no going back to the life I led before. Hiking would become not just something I now understood; it would become part of who I was.

And then one day, a month on from almost giving up, I stood in front of Santiago cathedral, my mind having gone from closed and tortured to open and joyful. My body having gone from being wrecked and weak to strong and healthy. And my soul?

From lost, to found.

This article was originally published in the October 2026 issue of Country Walking magazine.

About the author

Amy White is an author, literary agent and (now) avid walker from South Yorkshire. Hiking for Her: Loss, Lust and Life Lessons on the Camino de Santiago is available now, published by Valley Press.

The problem with wanting to go off-grid is that the grid fights so hard to keep you on. Today more than ever, it’s there in your hand.

The little black oblong that shows you the way home, plays your favourite song when you need it, buys your shopping and gives you The Short Answer to Absolutely Everything.

The brutal truth is, we like it. It feels naughty to want to disconnect from it. Or at the very least, irresponsible. What if the kids/the boss/Mum needs me? What if I don’t know what’s happening in the world? And if I turn it off, it’ll just stress me out: the FOMO, the bajillion messages when I turn it on again. Best just leave it on, eh? Ping.

And yet. Let me take a stab here and suggest that you were alive in the 1990s. Next guess: at some point recently, you’ve spoken to someone under the age of 18 about how we lived back then, and it included a sigh of nostalgia. No, we didn’t know how Mum’s appointment went until we got a phone call at home (probably after six, it was cheaper).

Nope, we didn’t know what President Clinton was up to until we watched the Nine o’Clock News or looked on Ceefax. Long journey? AA road atlas. Holiday snaps? Max Spielmann’s a week later. Tell someone you’ve arrived safe? Three rings.

And you know what? We loved it.

It is, perhaps, one of the reasons why magazines like Country Walking (where this article was originally published in September 2026) continue to thrive. Reading a magazine in print form is going off-grid. A small act of rebellion. A moment away from the screen.

Walking itself is the same. Yes, you might use the phone to navigate, take photos or track your miles, but for most of us, a walk is disconnection. It’s telling the grid to do one for an hour or four. It’s also a gift to yourself: time.

But what if you want to make your time off the grid a bit longer? How do you turn tempus fugit into tempus sistit? For that, you need to go back to the 1990s, and pretend the oblong hasn’t been invented yet.

Going dark

The answer used to be simple: find somewhere with bad network, but even that is tricky now. Signal can find you more or less anywhere, as anyone who’s heard someone yapping into their phone ‘I’M ON TOP OF BEN NEVIS!’ will attest.

You can still track down ‘dark zones’: most of the major phone networks offer coverage maps, showing where their coverage is strong – and more importantly for this story, weak. Ofcom and Which? have their own coverage checkers, too.

Then, you need a time machine, and that’s where the bothy comes in. The bothy is the very definition of ‘off the grid’. No electricity. No running water. No beds. No public vehicle access. No telly. No toilet. Definitely no Wi-Fi.

Basically a stone tent with a fireplace, in the middle of nowhere. There are just over 100 of them around the UK, all in remote locations. Scotland has the majority (over 80); England and Wales around a dozen each.

Most of them are looked after by the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA), a donation-funded, volunteer-run organisation which works to keep their basic structures intact and watertight.

There they sit, in the heart of absurdly beautiful scenery, unlocked and free to all. A moment before the birth of the smartphone, preserved in stone.

At this point, you might think the author of this story is the kind of grizzled old pro who’s slept in every bothy from here to Inchnadamph and is about to tell you how easy and wonderful it all is. Not so. Before this story, I was a bothy virgin. So here’s what it’s actually like to do it for the first time, and why it’s so damn perfect for quitting the grid.

How to plan your first bothy trip

Confessions, then. I’m a bad camper. I’m quite lazy. I like creature comforts. I’m not terribly practical. In many ways, I am exactly what the grid wants me to be. So I have to work really, really hard to disconnect. And I’ll be honest: bothying takes a lot of planning and a lot of mental resilience. Switching from Netflix-and‑chill to sleeping on a shelf amid mouse droppings, miles from anywhere, is a big leap.

It also means carrying far more than most of us do on the average walk. You’ll note the 50L pack on my back, laden with extra guff like stove, gas cartridge, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, packable shoes, spectacles, reading matter, medication, head torch, batteries, dinner-in-a‑bag, spork, loo roll and a couple of cans of IPA. Plus two days’ worth of water, food and layers for the walks that will sit either side of a night in a bothy. Oh, and a tent, in case the bothy is full.

It’s a lot. Perhaps you do this all the time and you’re chortling now as I make out that this is all some kind of Big Deal. But for me, it is – and I suspect I might not be alone.

Where I’ve been slightly smart, though, is in my choice of bothy. Not the gnarly Highlands or the wilds of Snowdonia, but Galloway. It’s called White Laggan and it’s a perfect beginner’s bothy: a few hours’ gentle walk from the nearest car park along forestry tracks. No nasty hills, no pathless miles. It even has signposts pointing to it. This is rare; bothies are usually secretive.

It’s also the perfect introduction to the landscape of Galloway: a vast splay of soft green mountains dotted with calm little lochs. White Laggan is reached from a car park at the head of one such loch – Trool – and sits just above another, Loch Dee.

So I’ve made the trip as simple and as direct-to‑remoteness as possible: arrive Glen Trool, abandon vehicle, walk gentle tracks to bothy, stay over, return next morning, swap big rucksack for little one, and do an absolute cracker of a walk.

And along the way, turn off, tune out, drop off the radar. All that jazz.

Walking into the wild

Seasoned bothyers/wild campers will again laugh at this, but the first 30 minutes of my walk are very much not ‘oh, I’m at one with nature, la la la’. More like ‘did I definitely see the stove go in?’

And irritatingly, the grid is still present. I partly chose Galloway because EE told me it had poor network coverage here, and yet: three bars. A BBC News alert pings just as I’m putting my boots on. Grrr. I turn the phone off.

I should emphasise that I am managing the risks of this endeavour sensibly. Wife and family know where I’m going, they know my plans, and they know I’ll be out of contact until late tomorrow. I have a paper map (I always do, even if I’m not trying to go off-grid). Plus I have company: our long-serving photographer Tom Bailey is here, and he’s good at this stuff.

At the head of the glen, a grand view unfolds into the heart of Galloway.

But after that first half-hour of slapping different pockets whenever a jolting fear of omission hits, things settle down. The walk takes over; the scenery becomes all. I’m on the Southern Upland Way, wending through a corridor in the hills between the mighty Merrick and the less well known but hilariously named Curleywee.

The rhythm of Anywalk sets in: chat, happy silence, chat. Thoughts and plans give way to
empty-minded calm. The navigation is so simple there’s barely a need to consult the map. At the head of the glen, a grand view unfolds into the heart of Galloway, and closer at hand, the somewhat mournful Loch Dee. The bothy is hidden out of sight, tucked away in an annexe glen.

This means there is mystery to the walk, because the two big questions anyone asks themselves on the way to a bothy are:

1) Will someone else be there?
2) Might it even be full?

If the latter is the case, all is not lost: as all surfaces in a bothy are hard, you might just as easily grab a bit of floor space as a bunk shelf. If even that’s out – well, that’s why you bring a tent.

If you can see your bothy from a distance there’s often a clue, at least to the first question: smoke from the chimney. In all but the highest heat of summer, the occupant of a bothy is likely to get the fire going. But White Laggan can’t be seen until you veer into its mini-glen, so the mystery endures.

Finally, after a very pleasant couple of hours, there it is. My stone tent. And yep – like the Vatican at Conclave, there’s smoke. Somebody’s home.

Home for the night

The knock is nervous. Suddenly I picture a party of six pals, sleeping bags arrayed on the bunks like towels on sun loungers. Would it really spoil the whole thing if bothies were bookable? (Answer: obviously, yes.) I push the door open timorously. A gust of welcome warmth issues forth.

“Hi,” says a single voice from within. “I’m James.”

The wave of relief is almost worth the five minutes of anxiety. We have bed space. And it’s not a stag do.

James has done a beautiful job with the fire. He needed to: it’s autumnally chilly, but also, he’s on day four of the Southern Upland Way and it’s laundry day. The first thing I notice is a row of James’ pants, strung on a line above the fire to dry after a rinse in the nearby burn.

Welcome to Bothy Life

Candles are lit, and James has quite rightly bagged the best sleeping spot, on a stone ledge near the fire. Tom and I adjourn to the bunkroom, sweep the bunks for mouse wotsit, and unfurl mats, sleeping bags and air pillows.

Dusk falls as we set up our stoves and make dinner. Mine’s a bag of mushroom risotto; Tom’s brought simple supermarket pasta and a separate stash of water for cooking it. The kitchen has big windows, which Tom says is a luxury. “Usually you’re cooking in the dark.”

Through the evening, talk ebbs and flows. We potter, we stroll outside, we read, we saw fresh logs for the fire (from the pile and the ground, never live wood). We do a whole lot of nowt, and it’s lovely.

Here’s the important thing: not once am I tempted to turn the phone on

Toilet breaks are taken in the woods, away from the bothy. I do not contemplate the shovel, leaning on the outside wall. On Tom’s advice, I timed the day’s meals carefully and made enthusiastic use of a service station on the way here (sorry Welcome Break). Knowing my own rhythms, I should be safe through to tomorrow night. (I apologise for the overshare, but it’s all in the name of good intel.)

But here’s the important thing: not once am I tempted to turn the phone on. Here is enough. There is no urgency. No Next Thing That Needs Doing. No alarms and no surprises. Tempus sistit.

A new day

The sleep is fitful. I’m on a solid wooden shelf whose hardness is only partially offset by my airmat, and the mat slips about. I’m fully clothed and wearing an insulator. I probably haven’t walked enough today. If I’d had a full day of ups and downs and fresh air rather than just a couple of hours after a long car journey, I might have slept like a baby.

But each time I wake and feel an urge to grumble inwardly, I quell it. Take a deep breath, glance at the stars outside the window. Or tiptoe to the door, quietly lift the latch and slip out. Be present with the pines and the universe. Holy cow.

Dawn comes, and we are groggy. Tea helps, as does a little pot of porridge and a Pink Lady. We pack up, tidy, sweep. We sign the Bothy Book, bid farewell to James, leave only a copy of Country Walking, and depart my first bothy.

The new day’s walk is a corker. I swap packs and head off up The Merrick. That’s a hill of which I’ve sung many times before, but it’s not really the focus of this story. Also, the cloud comes down.

The vision might be limited, but the thinking is deep. My night in White Laggan has reassured me that, clot that I am, I can do this. I’ve embraced disconnection. That said, I won’t pretend that the next time I do it I’ll be casual about it. I’ll still fret about the prep, about stuff I might have forgotten, about whether there’ll be a free bunk. Only after three or four more expeditions will I start to feel like ‘confident bothyer’ could be added to my CV.

But there will be three or four more. I’m at that age now where having to be home for family stuff is less bound into my life (I might even persuade a family member or two to come with me). So as soon as the diary allows, this is what I’ll be doing. One down, 100-ish to go.

Back at the car, I turn the phone back on. Instantly it fills with alerts in shouty colours.

I read the ones I care about, dismiss the rest, and shove it in the glovebox. As I do so, a phrase comes into my head. In mental health counselling there is a concept called cognitive defusion: a coping strategy of acknowledging negative thoughts but denying them control. The key phrase is: ‘I see you there, anxiety, but you are not in charge.’

That’s exactly how I feel as I put the phone out of sight. In this moment, it’s no longer the extension of my right hand. It’s not the thing I must consult on every whim. I feel no need to doomscroll. It’s just a black oblong with no power. In this moment, that feels incredibly healthy.

Almost like it’s 1999.

Where next? Three more great bothies to consider

Claerddu Bothy, Mid Wales

Even the most seasoned bothyer might have trouble tracking down Claerddu, not least because it isn’t maintained by the MBA. It’s owned by the Elan Valley Estate, although it doesn’t even get mentioned on the estate’s website.

It’s relatively easy to reach, thanks to the fact it’s adjacent to the beautiful Teifi Pools. You’ll find it at grid ref SN792686. We have a perfect 9½-mile circular walk to get you there and back – find it HERE.

Mosedale Cottage, Lake District

Not the famous Mosedale in the western Lakes; this Mosedale lies among the Shap Fells at the far east of the park, south of Haweswater. The bothy feels remote, although it’s within easy-ish reach of the car park at the head of Haweswater via Gatesgarth Pass.

It’s an MBA bothy, so it appears on the website (mountainbothies.co.uk) although details are scant. But it’s richly appointed; it even has sofas. You can reach it on our classic circuit of Mardale’s old corpse road – find it HERE.

Corrour Bothy, Cairngorms

The most accessible bothy in the Cairngorms is Ryvoan, a famously good ‘first bothy’ above Glenmore Lodge. Alas Ryvoan remained closed at the time of writing due to the wildfires which devastated the area. But if you’re feeling brave, take the plunge and head into the Lairig Ghru, the vast canyon which scythes between the highest peaks of the Cairngorms, with Ben Macdui, Braeriach and Cairn Toul for company.

At grid ref NN980958, at the foot of the Devil’s Peak, you’ll find the tiny Corrour Bothy. It’s an epic nine-mile walk just to reach it via the River Dee from Linn of Dee (and another nine miles out again next day). But if you’re seeking true wilderness, this is the one to aim for. Plus, it’s almost luxurious: it has a composting toilet.

The story of the bothy

Originally old farmsteads or workers’ huts, bothies existed because employees on large, remote estates, or those quarrying, mining or building dams deep in the mountains, needed overnight lodgings. But by the mid-20th century, access was better, machinery and vehicles improved, and automation was changing industry.

Bothies became redundant, and were adopted by climbing and hiking groups as the outdoors-for-pleasure revolution kicked in. The Mountain Bothies Association was founded by Bernard Heath in 1965 (its first project was to restore Tunskeen, another Galloway bothy) and its volunteers have worked tirelessly ever since to keep bothies open and available to weary wanderers.

Find our more about the origins of this remarkable network of shelters in our Brief History of Bothies.

When it comes to hiking jackets, especially mid layers, one fabric rules supreme: fleece. First developed in the late 1970s, this synthetic fabric was lighter and softer than wool. It's also much cheaper than down, and has a great warmth-to-weight ratio due to its large surface area trapping air against the skin.

Most hiking fleeces make a fantastic mid-layer option; cooler than insulated winter jackets, but warm enough - and breathable enough to keep you comfy on the uphills in colder weather.

We think having two or three in your hiking wardrobe is a good idea: a light one for summer breezes, a medium all-rounder and a deep pile one for cosy winter camping or layering under a waterproof jacket.

From lightweight, breathable gridded microfleece tops to uber-cosy, high-loft fleece hoodies, fleeces range from technical outerwear to an everyday wardrobe staple. Almost every outdoor apparel brand makes fleece jackets, which means there are hundreds of different options on the market today.

Plus, of the thousands of options, some brands do women's cuts far better than others, so we've dedicated our female testers to an entire separate group test: check out the best women's fleece jackets.

With an almost overwhelming choice out there, deciding which is best for you can prove difficult - especially as some are only differentiated by the price tag, or logo on the chest. Which is why here at LFTO, we've done the hard work for you, and have put many fleece jackets to the test over the years brining you a roundup of the best on the market right now.

Shortlist: Best fleece jackets of 2026 at a glance

Best in test: Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoody

Highly rated: Rab Evolute Hoody

Best budget buy: Alpkit Griffon

Best lightweight fleece: Peak Performance Freelight Polartec Alpha Half Zip

Editor's note: This article was updated on 1 September, when we removed any discontinued products and added in new reviews.

How we tested

These fleece jackets were tested and reviewed by members of the LFTO team. We've been using and abusing fleeces for decades, and have gone though hundreds between us in our time - so we really know what separates the wheat from the chaff.

This article has contributions from all over the team – with the highest scoring jackets from Rob Slade, Fliss Freeborn and Evie Nichols.

We take each jacket up high into mountain terrain in all sorts of weather, as well as using them in and around campsites and for lower level walks.

Our decision making process on what makes the best fleece jackets takes into account warmth to weight ratios, fit, breathability, value, and style - and only the fleeces that balance all of those parameters in some way will make the roundup.

The following, then, includes a mix of our favourites: retro classics, uber-modern materials, and some with added wind protection for blustery days too.

Find out more about how we test gear.

Best fleece jackets reviewed:

Best of the rest

With so many great fleeces on test, not every favourite could make our top picks – but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth your attention. In fact, many of these “best of the rest” options are lower in stock, often discounted, and still offer brilliant performance for the right user.

If none of the products above quite fit the bill, these honourable mentions might be exactly what you’re after.

For those who like their fleece cosy, tough, and heritage-inspired, the Sherpa Rolpa Eco is a standout. It’s thick, durable, and made for cold days with recycled materials and a design that gives back through Sherpa’s education initiatives.

Prefer a throwback look? The Cotopaxi Abrazo Half-Zip blends retro vibes with a modern fit and solid warmth, making it ideal for cold-weather walks, après-ski, or just looking sharp in the pub. It’s not the most technical fleece here, but it’s definitely one of the most fun.

While these didn’t take top honours, we’d be more than happy to have any of them in our kit cupboard. And if you spot your size in stock, you might just score a cracking deal on a fleece that’ll last you seasons.

What to look for in a fleece jacket

Hang on, what is fleece?

Invented 1979 by Patagonia in tandem with Polartec, fleece is a synthetic fabric, typically made from polyester, designed to mimic the insulating properties of wool - while being lightweight, soft, and moisture-wicking. Fleece is incredibly versatile. It's quicker drying than a heavy wool jumper, and, unlike down jackets, works when wet.

Fleece types

Traditional options include polar fleece, micro-fleece (lightweight and tightly-woven) and high-loft fleece (fluffy and warm). Modern offerings include gridded fleece and Polartec’s super breathable Alpha Direct fluffy mesh tufts.

Fleeces also vary in weight and thickness, too. Thinner fleece jackets work best as mid layers. Sleek, stretchy and technical, they provide better freedom of movement and overall breathability but don’t offer much warmth. Thicker fleeces with a deeper pile trap more heat. They work best as standalone outer layers on dry days, but they are heavier and may feel too bulky underneath a hard shell. We usually categorise these into lightweight, mid-weight and heavyweight layers.

Casual vs performance fleeces

Casual fleece jackets are designed primarily for comfort and everyday wear, often focusing on style over technical features.

In contrast, performance fleece is engineered for active use, offering features like moisture-wicking, extra breathability, and technical fits to accommodate movement, making it ideal for hiking, climbing, or mountaineering.

Choosing between these depends on whether you need a jacket for daily wear or intensive outdoor activities.

What's the difference between cheap and expensive fleeces?

Things like design, durability, and sustainability separate cheap and more expensive fleeces (generally). A cheap fleece will be warm and functional initially, but will wear quickly and won't usually give a thought to the environment.

More expensive and 'technical' fleeces often employ more thoroughly engineered design methods. For example, some feature natural fibres such as merino wool. Others blend in additional synthetic materials like elastane. Hybrid fleece jackets mixing different materials are common. Their ‘zoned’ or ‘mapped’ construction optimises warmth, breathability and stretch.

Durability

Durability varies among fleeces, with thicker fabrics and higher-quality constructions offering better longevity. Performance fleeces often have reinforcements on high-wear areas, like elbows, while casual fleece may be softer but less durable. For long-lasting wear, especially in rugged environments, look for abrasion-resistant materials and reinforced stitching.

Sustainability

In terms of sustainability (more on this below), we consider the use of recycled material the bare minimum these days. Brands should be doing all they can to make fleece jackets more sustainable and durable, which is worth paying for.

Should a fleece be tight or loose fitting?

Ultimately, this is a personal choice. For hiking, a fleece needs to fit over base layers without feeling restrictive, but should also fit comfortably under a hardshell waterproof without being too chunky or boxy. Look for one with a snug, close-to-the-body fit, with warmth sealed-in at the wrist cuffs, waist hem and collar.

Adjustable drawcords or stretchy edging at the waist hem enable a snug fit tailored to your body shape. Adjustable wrist cuffs are rare, but some are elasticated for a closer fit that seals in warmth.

Should a fleece have a hood?

A fleecy hood provides excellent warmth and an essential feature for some. However, they can be annoying under other layers. If you prefer wearing a warm hat, you may not need a hood.

Are fleeces wind or waterproof?

Fleeces are neither wind- nor waterproof and thus need to be paired with a a more protective outer layer in windy or wet conditions. However, some fleeces use high-density, close-knitted yarns or the addition of wind-resistant face fabrics or membranes to keep the breeze at bay.

Otherwise, you'll need to take a look at softshell jackets or a windbreaker like this for added protection from breezy weather.

What about pockets and zips?

A selection of internal and external pockets is handy for storage. Handwarmer pockets are most common, but some jackets also feature Napoleon (breast) and bicep pockets too.

Fleece jackets have full-length, half, or quarter zips. Full length zips are easiest to get off and on, but they are heavier and slightly compromise warmth due to a longer seam.

Fleece sustainability

In these more enlightened times, we’ve now realised that a fabric made from petrochemicals is not so great for the planet. The manufacture of raw fleece material (polyester) emits a lot of CO2. And when put through the washing machine, fleeces release tiny strands and particles called microplastics into the environment.

Some outdoor gear brands are trying to find solutions to these problems and many fleeces are now made from recycled material, which is something but doesn't wholly address the challenge and more needs to be done.

However, innovation continues to amaze. In 2021, New Zealand outdoor gear brand Kathmandu launched a world-first range of fleeces made from Primaloft Bio. This fully recycled fabric looks and performs the same as traditional fleece, but it largely breaks down at an accelerated rate in oceans, wastewater, and landfill, the three places fleece fibres usually end up. Primaloft Bio is now being used by other brands too.

Having a circular/closed loop (i.e., recycled and recyclable) fleece is an important step too. You can also help battle against microplastic release by using a washing bag that catches the dislodged fleece strands.

For something a bit warmer, check out our roundup of the best synthetic insulated jackets.

About the author

This article was assembled by LFTO deputy editor Rob Slade, with product reviews done by himself and LFTO writers Evie Nichols and Chris Williams. Between them, the trio have decades of hiking and product reviewing experience between them, having explored in wild places all around the world.

No explanation. No destination. Just a track leading to the mountains. Sometimes you simply need to get away from it all: away from the traffic, the emails, the screens and the endless buzz of modern life. There is something profoundly instinctive about wanting to climb towards a mountain summit, disappear into a forest or spend several days following a trail through wild, off-grid country.

That is the idea behind ‘The Call’, the new campaign from Swedish outdoor brand Klättermusen. Launching on 3 September alongside its autumn/winter 2026 (AW26) collection, the campaign explores that almost irresistible urge to leave normal life behind and head for the hills. The four-part video series follows three people who abandon their busy routines and travel into the mountains with little more than a set of coordinates to guide them into the high country. No fixed itinerary. No agenda. Just the landscape and the freedom to see where it leads.

The accompanying clothing collection is designed for precisely this kind of escape: multi-day trekking through changing terrain and unpredictable weather. It combines waterproof shells, lightweight insulation, durable trekking trousers and new wool pieces, with an emphasis on protection, freedom of movement and adaptable warmth. It’s a collection designed for experienced outdoor users “who keep moving when both route and forecast become uncertain”, as the brand puts it.

It’s an approach that comes naturally to Klättermusen. Founded in Umeå, Sweden, in 1975 by a group of local climbers, the company began as a small DIY workshop developing technical solutions for the challenges its founders encountered in the mountains. By the 1980s it had grown into a manufacturer of high-performance outdoor equipment. Its original philosophy remains remarkably intact: make functional, extremely durable equipment while considering its environmental impact.

That long-standing emphasis on durability is particularly relevant to the new collection. Rather than simply adding features for the sake of it, Klättermusen says its designs are intended to reduce unnecessary weight, maximise longevity and keep the wearer moving when conditions become difficult.

The brand itself is continuing to expand, too. Its growing retail presence now includes dedicated stores and spaces in key international markets, following the opening of its first European flagship outside Scandinavia in London and its established presence across Asia. For AW26, Klättermusen is adding a store in Gothenburg, holding the grand opening of its new Kungsgatan store in Stockholm, and launching a four-month pop-up at Hatchet Supply in Brooklyn, New York.

Two new styles bring that philosophy into focus for AW26. Balderus, a mid-layer crafted from recycled Italian wool, combines warmth with added wind protection and is available with or without a hood. Embla, meanwhile, is a technical wool-blend mid-layer designed to provide adaptable warmth in the unpredictable conditions of Scandinavian mountain environments.

At the heart of the new trekking collection are several familiar Klättermusen designs that have been refined for the demands of extended trips. The Allgrön 2.0 provides the waterproof outer layer; the Gondul 2.0 adds lightweight insulation for colder sections of the trail; while Gere 3.0 is a hardwearing trekking trouser redesigned with a lighter construction.

Designed for the distance between who you are and where you’re going. For anyone planning to answer their own call this autumn and winter, three pieces stand out – here are all the details you need.

3 of the best: Klättermusen’s new hiking and trekking collection

Klättermusen Allgrön 2.0 Jacket – £500

A serious four-season shell for when the weather decides to make its own plans. The Allgrön 2.0 uses Klättermusen's three-layer Cutan fabric, with fully taped seams and a waterproof rating above 20,000mm, while maintaining a stated moisture-vapour permeability of 20,000g/m²/24h.

The jacket also has a stretch construction, underarm ventilation zips and a three-dimensionally adjustable hood, while the pockets are positioned to remain accessible when carrying a pack or wearing a harness. A RECCO reflector adds searchability in mountain rescue situations.

Find out more: Men's version | Women's version

Klättermusen Gondul 2.0 Hood Jacket – £270

At just 410g (men’s medium), the Gondul 2.0 is designed to provide warmth without becoming a burden when you're carrying everything you need for several days. Its PrimaLoft insulation provides lightweight warmth, while breathable side panels help with ventilation and freedom of movement.

A two-way front zip, pre-shaped sleeves and adjustable hood and hem make it well suited to active use, while one of its zipped hand pockets doubles as a stowaway pocket.

It's the kind of garment that’s light enough to stash away in your pack without weighing you down – and then, when the temperature drops, it will instantly become an integral part of your layering system.

Find out more: Men's version | Women's version

Klättermusen Gere 3.0 Pants – £260

The Gere has become one of Klättermusen's signature trekking trousers, and the 3.0 version retains its rugged character while using a lighter construction. Made from durable Levitend fabric with elastane, it combines wind resistance with stretch and adds reinforced Oculus Icebreaker panels in high-wear areas.

Zipped side ventilation helps regulate your temperature during hard climbs, while secure pockets, integrated boot hooks and an included stretch belt add practical touches for long days.

Find out more: Men's version | Women's version

Take a look at Klättermusen's full AW26 collection – and learn more about 'The Call' – by visiting the brand's website.

French ultrarunner Blandine L’Hirondel has won the women’s 2026 Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), covering 174km and just under 10,000m of ascent in a record-breaking time of 21:54:49.

"Until a few seconds ago I didn't believe it, actually I still don't believe it," she said in a post-race interview. "It's going to take me several or weeks or months to realise what I've just done."

L’Hirondel led from early on in the race, and built a convincing lead. There was some jeopardy toward the end, though, when the runner suffered a couple of falls in the final 10km of the race, with the huge descent into Chamonix putting up one final barrier for tired legs that had already been working for over 21hrs.

The Kiprun-sponsored runner was visibly emotional in the latter stages of the race as she was greeted by huge crowds cheering her on, with a few tears sneaking through as she went through the La Flégère checkpoint.

This UTMB win is another feather in the cap for an impressive athlete that’s already achieved so much, including two Trail World Championship titles (2019, 2022), a European title (2022) first in the UTMB CCC event in 2022 and third in the full-distance UTMB in 2023.

It was also the second record to be broken in a day after American ultrarunner Ben Dhiman won the men's event in a record-breaking time.

How it happened

L’Hirondel took an early lead, with USA’s Rachel Entrekin (pictured above) staying in close company. There was just one minute between them when they passed Les Champieux at the 52km mark, with Australia's Lucy Bartholomew an extra couple of minutes behind.

Three-time UTMB winner Courtney Dauwalter came through in fifth and was nine minutes back at this point, but would soon retire from the event and later posted on Instagram suggesting that the effects of her win at Hardrock 100 in July were still lingering.

L’Hirondel passed the Courmayeur checkpoint (80km) in 9hrs 2mins, by which point she’d grown her lead over Entrekin to four minutes. The next athlete behind was USA’s Abby Hall, 23mins back.

The gap from first to second grew in the next phase of the race, with L’Hirondel establishing a 15min gap to Entrekin by the time they arrived at the Grand Col Ferret (104km). Careth Arnold (USA) and Emily Schmitz (USA) were the next athletes on the chase, who were some 38mins back at this point.

L’Hirondel continued to improve her lead, with the gap 23mins at La Fouly (112.5km) and then 37mins at the stop before Champex-Lac (126.5km). By this point, Schmitz had moved into third, 46mins behind the lead.

At 154.5km, the gap from first to second was 42mins, with Schmitz well in the hunt for that second spot while running just 90secs behind Entrekin.

By this point the race was in the bag for L’Hirondel, who broke the 22-hour barrier for the first time in UTMB history, but the battle for second was heating up. Moving into the final descent into Chamonix there was just minutes separating Entrekin and Schmitz, and that only closed up further as the duo hit the streets.

Both athletes picked up the pace with the finish line tantalisingly close, but Entrekin held on to take second in a time of 22:16:54. Schmitz was following just behind and secured third place in a time of 22:17:28.

What is the UTMB?

The Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc (UTMB) is a 174km ultramarathon race that circles the Mont Blanc massif, passing through the French, Italian and Swiss Alps.

With over 9,900m of elevation and a maximum race time of 46 hours and 45 minutes, it’s widely seen as the pinnacle of competitive ultra trail running.

Last year’s women’s UTMB race was won by Ruth Croft with a time of 22:56:23, which made the New Zealand runner the first female athlete ever to win all three UTMB World Series Finals: OCC, CCC and UTMB.

The UTMB, officially known as UTMB World Series Finals, refers to the final and most well-known race of the ultra trail series. It follows the popular Tour du Mont Blanc route around the iconic mountain, starting and ending in Chamonix, France.

Before the race was turned into an international brand, the circuit was organised by a local club as a relay of seven runners. The event was considered a symbol of friendship between the three nations of France, Switzerland and Italy.

This year marks the 23rd edition of the race, with 29,000 runners entering the lottery to take part. The event operates at a capacity of 10,000 runners, spread out over eight races during the week. That includes 23% women, with 129 nationalities in total (76% European).

The event has received criticism at times for the pressure it puts on local towns and villages, as well as the fragile Alpine environment. The organisers say the event capacity “will never increase”.

Check out everything you need to know about the UTMB for more info.

American ultrarunner Ben Dhiman has won the men’s 2026 Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), with a time of 18:16:29 – the fastest time ever, though not a course record due to changes made to the route this year.

"Unbelievable", he said at the finish line. Dhiman, who’s based in France and is a father of three, had spoken ahead of the race about his determination to win, having come agonisingly close in recent years. He dropped out of the UTMB in both 2023 and 2024, before finishing second in 2025 – 33 minutes behind winner Tom Evans.

This year’s UTMB course is 174km long, circling Mont Blanc from Chamonix, France, through Italy and Switzerland, with 10,000 metres of elevation gain. The race is widely seen as the pinnacle of competitive ultra racing, attracting an elite field of ultrarunners.

Several big names were missing from this year's men's race: Kilian Jornet, a four-time winner, withdrew ahead of planned knee surgery, while Jim Walmsley – the current course record holder – pulled out with a knee injury of his own. Defending champion Tom Evans had announced his withdrawal earlier in August.

The race start was delayed by two hours due to the threat of thunderstorms, eventually getting underway at 7.45pm on the evening of Friday 28th August. Through the opening miles, 2024 UTMB winner Vincent Bouillard led the pack. However, Bouillard started to slip in place on the first big climb up to Col du Bonhomme around 40k in (he later pulled out of the race).

Dhiman established a lead from this point onwards. By the time he reached the race’s highest point, Grand Col Ferret at 6.37am on Saturday, Dhiman had forged a lead of over 20 minutes in front of his nearest chasers, Baptiste Chassagne and Joachim Lopez. "There was a full moon over the mountains, it was magic," Dhiman said in an interview shortly after winning the race.

After almost 19 hours of racing, the battle for second and third was agonisingly close, as Chassagne finished just 36 seconds in front of Olson. "Caleb Olson can smell the body odour of Baptiste Chassagne", the commentator said.

As men’s champion, Dhiman takes home prize money of €20,000, while Chassagne will be awarded €12,000 for second and Olson €8,000 for third. The top three women will be awarded the same amounts (results to be confirmed – watch this space).

UTMB key facts and stats

The UTMB is the final and most well-known race of the UTMB World Series ultra trail series. Before the event grew into an international brand, the circuit was organised by a local club as a seven-person relay race, a symbol of friendship between France, Switzerland and Italy.

This year marks the 23rd edition of the race, with 29,000 runners having entered the lottery for a spot. The event brings together nearly 10,000 runners from around the world, spread across eight races throughout the week – with 23% women and 129 nationalities represented (76% of whom are European).

The race has faced criticism over the strain it places on local communities and the delicate Alpine ecosystem. The organisation has stated that event capacity will not be increased.

Check out everything you need to know about the UTMBfor more info.

Open your wardrobe, grab a versatile hiking outfit. Most people think in terms of base layers, fleeces and waterproofs. But there’s one piece of kit that often gets overlooked: the humble hiking shirt. Unlike a standard T-shirt, a button-down shirt gives you options.

Roll the sleeves up or down, pop a few buttons open for airflow (and style), or button all the way up to keep the sun off your chest and collar. A shirt can adapt to variable weather without you constantly pulling layers on and off.

And while hiking shirts might conjure up images of baggy, old-school safari tops, modern versions are lightweight, breathable and sometimes don't even look like that. Though many still do.

Whether you’re sweating through a steep climb in the Lakes or strolling sunny trails in the Alps, a hiking shirt can strike the perfect balance between ventilation, sun protection and comfort.

Below, you'll find out pick of the best we've tested to date, plus a guide on how to pick the best shirt for you.

Shortlist: Best hiking shirts at a glance

Best hiking shirt on test: Ayacucho Jungle Travel Long Sleeve Shirt

Highly rated: Thrudark Oryon Shirt

Best value buy: Craghoppers Kiwi Long Sleeved Shirt

Best short-sleeve hiking shirt: Passenger Traveller Short Sleeve Stretch Shirt

Best hiking shirt for wilder weather: Berghaus Explorer Long Sleeve Overshirt

Editor's note: This article was updated on 28 August, when we removed one discontinued product and added in three new reviews.

How we tested

Our roundup of the best hiking shirts is built on countless trail miles and plenty of sweaty days in the sun.

Testing has been done by deputy editor Rob Slade and gear reviewer Milo Wilson. Rob has been testing kit and reviewing gear professionally for over 10 years, hiking thousands of miles in varied conditions along the way.

Milo has been our digital writer for the last three years, testing hundreds of items of kit every year. He's an all day hiker when he goes out, and values the ventilation and lightweight feel that hiking shirts offer.

Each hiking shirt featured here has been tested over a prolonged period and analysed on comfort, weather protection, versatility, features, breathability and value for money.

For more information about our review process, read how we test gear.

The best hiking shirts reviewed

What to look for in a hiking shirt

Materials

Fabric choice makes or breaks a hiking shirt. Synthetic blends like polyester and nylon are lightweight, durable and excellent at wicking sweat, while elastane adds stretch for comfort.

Cotton is best avoided – it absorbs sweat and dries slowly – but some modern poly-cotton blends balance breathability with quicker drying times.

Merino wool is another option, offering natural odour resistance, though it tends to be pricier and not as hard-wearing. It's also not as common to find in hiking shirts.

As is sometimes found in hiking base layers, some brands will add an anti-odour treatment to their fabrics. Effectiveness can vary, but if you intend to travel in your shirt or hike for multiple days, it's definitely something worth having.

Similarly, some shirts also come with insect repellent built in, which will definitely be welcomed by anyone planning to spend time in Scotland in summer!

Fit and features

Think about how the shirt will feel over a long day. A looser, airy cut promotes ventilation, while articulated sleeves and gussets give you freedom of movement on scrambles.

Pockets can be handy for maps, phones or snacks, though too many add weight and bulk. For them to be worth their weight, pockets should really have some sort of fastening, either in the form of a popper or a zip.

Some pockets can also double up as vents, which can prove very useful on hot days. On that note, some shirts come with vents across the back or mesh-lined panels to help airflow.

Roll-up sleeve tabs, hanging loops and snap buttons (quicker than fiddly standard ones) are also worth looking out for.

Sun protection

One of the biggest advantages of a hiking shirt is coverage. Long sleeves help shield against sunburn and biting insects, but you can always roll them up when it gets hot.

Some shirts are treated with UPF-rated protection – useful if you’re hiking at high altitudes or spending long days in the sun.

We also like to see a well designed collar to help protect your neck, as this is one of the most common places to experience sunburn when hiking.

Ideally, the collar will fold out into a tall, structured shape and stay there without flopping around.

Everyday wearability

The best hiking shirts don’t just belong on the trail. Plenty of modern designs look good enough to wear down the pub after a day in the hills. If you’re planning to travel, look for shirts that resist creasing, dry quickly and won’t look out of place in town.

About the authors

Milo Wilson is a gear tester and content writer for Live For The Outdoors. Much like a labradoodle, he's pretty much always happy outside, whether he's hiking through snow or hitting summer park runs.

Rob Slade is LFTO's deputy editor. He's been working as a journalist and gear tester for over 10 years and has been hiking around the world for much longer. He previously worked as content editor at 220 Triathlon and was editor of Adventure Travel magazine before that.

After six hours of racing, American runner Lauren Gregory has won the OCC in a time of 6:08:07. In one of the closest finishes of the event’s history, Gregory crossed the line with a gap of just three seconds to the second-placed runner, Scotland’s Naomi Lang.

The OCC is a highly competitive 60km race in the Alps and is part of the wider UTMB event. With more than 3,500m of elevation gain, it’s referred to as the ‘ultimate challenge for mid-distance runners’. The race started at 8:15am on Thursday 27 August in Orsières, Switzerland, with a nail-biting finish in Chamonix, France.

Lang was in the lead throughout most of the race, but Spanish runner Sara Alonso was hot on her heels – just 24 seconds behind – at the final time check in La Joux. But in a dramatic turn of events, Gregory then overtook Alonso, establishing a second place position. “My goodness, she’s been hiding this from us all,” the race commentator said.

The race suddenly turned into a fight between Lang and Gregory. Lang held on as Gregory sat a few metres behind her. Gregory then overtook Lang in the final kilometre, just as the race entered Chamonix. “It was such a fight the whole time,” Gregory said in an interview after the race. Lang finished with a smile, just a few metres behind Gregory. Alonso finished in third place, just over a minute behind Lang and Gregory.

The 2026 men’s OCC race was won by French runner Frédéric Tranchand with a time of 5:10:08. Second place was won by Kenyan Nashon Kiplimo, just 4:29 minutes behind. Spaniard Miguel Benitez took third place with a time of 5:17:43.

The OCC is the 50km category final for the UTMB world series, with 1,945 starters. It draws a highly competitive field, but for many of the elite runners the distance is longer than what they’re used to racing.

Setting off from the Swiss municipality of Orsieres (+887m) in the Val d’Entremont, runners head into the Swiss valley towards Champex-Lac and Trient before crossing over the border into France. The cut-off time is 14hrs 30mins.

Last year’s women’s OCC was won by Chinese ultramarathon runner Miao Yao with a time of 5:35:13.

The full UTMB event begins on Friday evening, and we'll be reporting live from Chamonix – here's who's racing and how to follow along.

The Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc (UTMB), the pinnacle of competitive ultra trail running, is almost upon us, with the race set to start on Friday 28 August at 5:45pm CEST.

The event takes the form of a 174km trail race that circles the Mont Blanc massif, passing through the French, Italian and Swiss Alps. With a cut off time of 46 hours and 45 minutes, over 10,000m of elevation and a highly competitive entry process, it's where the world’s very best ultra runners go to test themselves to their limits. And you can be confident that dozens of fascinating stories will come out of it.

LFTO digital writer Evie Nichols is in Chamonix waiting to report on the race and has put together this preview, looking at the key contenders lining up for a chance of glory.

And if you're not familiar with the UTMB and the different race distances (which include the UTMB, OCC and CCC), take a look at our UTMB explainer.

Early upsets

There have already been several major curveballs in the line-up. Kilian Jornet, four-time winner of the UTMB, announced on Thursday 20 August that he’s dropping out of the race. The Spanish ultrarunning superstar wrote on Instagram: “After several months dealing with a knee injury, we have decided, together with my medical team, that surgery is the best next step.”

Defending champion Ruth Croft, who made history last year as the first woman to win the UTMB World Series Triple Crown, which includes the UTMB, the OCC and CCC, announced she is withdrawing just two days before the race. “Today my heart and mind want to be somewhere else,” she wrote.

And if previous years are anything to go by, there are likely to be further upsets, so follow us on Instagram for more updates as events unfold. But first, here are the athletes you should be looking out for – including the top British contenders.

Who to watch in the UTMB women’s event

Although there are race favourites, the playing field is wide open among the UTMB elites. Here are the top three ranked runners expected to toe the start line on Friday.

Courtney Dauwalter (USA)

A three-time winner of the UTMB, Courtney Dauwalter is firmly up there in the race favourites. The American ultra running legend won the Hardrock 100 in July this year for the fourth time, setting a new course record in the process. But with the UTMB startline under two months later, will she have had enough time to recover?

Riley Brady (USA)

Fellow American ultrarunner Riley Brady is also one to watch, having won the Canyons 100k in April 2026 and finished second at Western States 100 in June this year. They DNFed during the CCC last year and this will be their first UTMB.

Fuzhao Xiang (CHN)

Having raced at least eight ultras last year, Chinese runner Fuzhao Xiang finished first in the Buffalo Stampede 100k this year, and has finished second twice in the Western States, in 2025 and 2024. “The mountains are an integral part of who I am, as essential to me as water,” Fuzhao says. “Every time I go into them is a chance to go beyond myself and show what’s possible.”

Who to watch in the UTMB men’s event

Caleb Olson (USA)

Caleb Olson won the Western States 100 last year in 14:11:25 – the second-fastest time ever. However, he injured his femoral bone over the winter. On 17 April, he wrote on his Substack that “this week has been the first where nothing I’ve done has caused any femoral objections”. So the question is whether he’s had enough time to rebuild fitness, and if his femur will hold up to the intensity of the UTMB.

Vincent Bouillard (FRA)

The 2024 UTMB champion, Vincent Bouillard set a course record in the Western States 100 in June this year. That’s only two months ago – only one other runner, Killian Jornet, has won both in one summer. So it’d be an incredible achievement if he won this year’s UTMB. There’s one thing in his favour: Bouillard is running on home turf, having grown up in Annecy – not far from the start line in Chamonix.

Hannes Namberger (GER)

This year will be Hannes Namberger’s fifth UTMB – he’s previously finished eighth, sixth and fourth. The German ultrarunner has won the Madeira Ultra Trail, as well as the Laveredo Trail (four times). But the UTMB is different. “UTMB has its own rules, and after four starts I know how it works. I need to stick to my plan, stay calm and focused,” he wrote on Instagram. The sky is the limit for him. “If you still see me smiling in Champex-Lac, everything is possible!”

British UTMB runners to keep an eye on

Josh Wade

Lake District based runner Josh Wade has finished first in the Transgrancanaria and third in the Eiger Ultra Trail, and he’s ranked seventh in the UTMB index. He finished third in the UTMB last year, and is hoping to improve on his performance this year. “I’m just fully focussed on training, running twice a day most days.”

Jonathan Albon

British skyrunner Jonathan Albon is the sixth highest ranked male UTMB runner. Born in Essex, he’s no stranger to racing in the Alps, having won the OCC in 2021, as well as the Mont Blanc Marathon in 2022. “Fitness is where it’s at, now it’s all about the execution on the day,” he wrote three days before the race.

Julia Davis

Julia Davis began her running journey on the road, with a 2:39 marathon PB. Based in Cornwall, her racing background is international, having raced in the US, South Africa, Europe and across the UK. Ranked 37th, she trained for UTMB with two part time jobs while looking after a four-year-old, posting a week before the race: “Ultimately what’s harder than wrangling a wild four-year-old boy?”

Eleanor Davis

Eleanor Whyman-Davis holds the women’s record for the mid-winter Bob Graham, and won the Nice UTMB 115km in 2023. The British runner, who comes from Chester and is based in Cornwall, works part time as a GP. “With this being my first time, I’m going in with some excitement. Also a lot of curiosity and definitely a lot of respect for the distance and the elevation,” she said in an interview with sponsor Garmin.

You can watch the race live via this link. Follow our Instagram for more coverage from the ground.