Hiking & Camping Gear

Walking rucksack: carrying your load without wearing yourself out

The rucksack is the backbone of any walking kit: fitted properly to your back, it shifts the weight onto your hips and frees up your shoulders. Choose your capacity based on how long you're out for - 30 to 40 litres for a day out, 50 to 70 litres for a self-sufficient trek with tent and sleeping bag. To ease the strain on your joints over long distances and steep climbs, a pair of walking poles remains the most worthwhile piece of kit you can buy: less fatigue, more stability on uneven ground.

Tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag: sleeping well under canvas

A good night's sleep sets the tone for the whole adventure. Your shelter is chosen according to the weather and the weight you're willing to carry: a freestanding tent, a minimalist tarp or a simple bivvy bag. The sleeping bag - down for lightness or synthetic for damp conditions - is selected based on its comfort rating. Between the ground and the sleeper, the mat makes all the difference: an inflatable mat insulates against the cold rising from the ground, while a foam mat offers toughness at a low price. This trio of shelter, bag and mat forms the heart of your sleep setup for a restful night, even in cool weather.

Stove, cook set and water bottle: cooking and staying hydrated out on the trail

A hot meal changes everything after a long day's walk. A compact camping stove heats water in minutes, paired with a lightweight camping cook set that doubles as a pan, bowl and mug. For hydration, a walking water bottle remains the simple, sturdy option, while a hydration bladder lets you drink on the move, with the tube always within reach. Away from water sources, a filter completes the set-up, letting you draw safely from streams.

Compass and head torch: finding your way and lighting the path

Off the marked trails, knowing how to read the terrain avoids nasty surprises. A walking compass paired with a map stays reliable where GPS falls short, whether the battery's dead or there's no signal. As soon as light starts to fade, a head torch frees up your hands for pitching camp or cooking, and a rechargeable lantern gives off a soft light inside the tent or around the stove. Having a backup power source, whether a power bank or spare batteries, means you'll never be left in the dark at camp.

Knife, whistle and first aid kit: the safety gear that makes all the difference

Small bits of kit weigh next to nothing but can save a trip. A survival knife for walking cuts rope, helps prepare meals or fixes gear on the go, while a walking first aid kit deals with blisters, cuts and scrapes before they ruin your trek. Add to this the quiet essentials: a survival blanket, whistle, lighter, cord and a few bags for sorting your rubbish. Ticking off every item on a checklist before you set off remains the best way to guarantee a complete pack, with nothing missing and no unnecessary weight.

See also: our walking and trekking bags.

To complete your kit: our action cameras.