Buying guides

Our roundup of the best hiking socks will keep your feet dry, comfortable and protected in any weather

The best base layers, from merino and bamboo to synthetic and hybrid tops, to keep you warm on your adventures – tested by experts

Our top pick of the best women’s gilets, hiking vests and body warmers are ideal for walking, working and playing outdoors

The best camping mattress or airbed adds a whole new level of comfort to camping – here are the models we’ve enjoyed snoozing on most

The best running poles for tackling tricky terrain are lightweight, compact and easy to assemble, collapse and carry

When things go wrong on the trails, the best emergency blankets, survival bags and shelters can save lives

The best camping tarps can serve as a sun shade, tent footprint, hammock rainfly, multi-person camp awning and more

Our selection of the best 2-season sleeping bags reveals superb lightweight down and synthetic bags for your camping trips in the warmer months

The best barefoot running shoes and minimalist designs fo experiencing the addictive sensations of increased trail-feel

The best approach shoes bridge the gap between climbing and hiking shoes, allowing hikers to get a little bolder and climbers to save their tightest shoes for the hardest routes