Ready for a summer of walking, running and camping? From shoes to fleeces and tech, here's our managing editor's pick of the kit to take your adventures to the next level.
Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof
£150
Rugged yet comfortable, waterproof yet breathable, the Targhee Apex from Keen are, like a post-hike Cornish pasty, very, very hard to fault. We’ve taken to wearing them consistently for hiking and everyday wear, and they excelled on the Jersey Tidal Trail (and around town) thanks to the assured grip, supportive midsole foam and trainer-like internal comfort. The multitude of colourways look the part in both men’s and women’s, too. keenfootwear.co.uk
Darn Tough Vermont Vert Micro Crew
£25
For us, Darn Tough Vermont makes some of the most durable, comfortable and stylish hiking and trail-running socks on the planet, and that lofty praise also applies to the Vert Micro Crew. The star of the show is the Merino Wool yarn that manages to be warm and breathable, wicking moisture away from the feet. Such is DTV’s confidence in these made-in-America-numbers, they offer a lifetime guarantee ‘if these aren’t the longest lasting socks you’ve ever owned’. Darntough.uk
Nebo Rambler 20K
£59.99
Whether it’s when camping, at a festival or on a multi-day hike, the tough Rambler 20K (457g) should see you make plenty of new friends thanks to its two-way charging output that can charge multiple devices simultaneously. Its powerful 20,000mAh battery has enough juice to power 4.5x smartphone recharges, with the digital display allowing you to monitor battery levels. There’s also a decent floodlight for late-night fiddling and a kickstand to keep the cables tidy. nebotools.co.uk
Kailas Fuga EX330
€180
The EX330 trail-running shoes from Chinese brand Kailas Fuga look like they’ve been
teleported from a future age. There’s an engineered mesh upper, an ingenious lacing
system and serious traction delivered by Vibram’s powerful Megagrip outsole, which is
sometimes too powerful on asphalt. The multitude of tech could all have been very Heath Robinson (or the time Homer Simpson designed a car), but somehow it works for both running and summer hiking. All that’s missing is a heel loop. Available in men’s and
women’s sizes in a range of colourways. kailasfuga.com
Falke TK1 Adventure Wool
£31
These luxurious mountain hiking socks from long-established German brand Falke might not come cheap, but the material quality shines. There’s cushioning where you need it, as well as odour-resistant qualities that are currently victorious in the high-stakes dual with our sweaty feet. The three-layer Merino wool construction has kept our feet dry and blister-free on hilly terrain, and we’re always pleased to see a true Left/Right design on each sock for securing the best possible fit. Falke.com
Inov8 Racepac 8
£70
The Racepac 8 ticks the boxes for trail runners wanting a lightweight (230g), lean and breathable backpack. It boasts eight litres of storage space; recycled materials; room for a hydration bladder in the main compartment; and an array of frontal pockets for stashing snacks and cash. It’s made secure on the move by both waistline and chest bungees, creating a no-bounce effect even when on the move. You will, however, need to buy a bladder and any soft flasks separately. Inov8.com
Osprey Hikelite 18
£90
The Hikelite 18 comes with an array of features, the standout arguably being the tensioned mesh back panel that provides welcome airflow between bag and body while keeping weight off your back. Elsewhere, there's a stealth waterproof rain cover tucked away in its own pocket, two water bottle-friendly side pouches, 18 litres of capacity, and a handy top pocket for sunglasses and valuables. Weight is a lean 730g, and the Olive Tan colourway here (four others are available) looks smart enough for casual wear and commuting. osprey.com
Lifesystems Trekking Poles
£69.99
Stylish isn’t an adjective commonly used when discussing hiking poles, but we especially like the ergonomic cork grips and carbon design of these lightweight (228g each) poles. They boast flip-lock length adjustments (no tools required here), which admittedly means they don’t fold down as short as Z-shaped poles, but they feel reassuringly secure on the trails. Tungsten carbide tips for muddy terrain and trekking baskets complete the versatile package. lifesystems.co.uk
Inov8 Airlite 2-in-1 Short
£65
The 7-inch shorts come with an inner liner that's successfully prevented chafing during lengthy summer runs. There's also a comfortable drawstring waistband to keep them hoisted in place, while the zipped rear pocket. There's also a 5-inch Airlite if these look a little long for you. inov8.com
Kiprun Run 900
£79.99
Ultra lightweight it may be, but the PFAS-free Run 900 still achieves a waterproof rating
of 20,000mm thanks to its 2.5-layer membrane and taped seams. That weight of 182g (M) impresses, as does its ability to stash neatly into its zipped pockets.
The fabric is very delicate and it’s not the warmest, however, so you’ll need layers beneath it on midwinter ventures. For running, though, its svelte profile, underarm vents and adequate breathability are welcome.
Cheaper jackets can be found within's Decathlon range, but the Kiprun Run 900's price is impressive for the amount of tech you're getting, too. It comes in two colours for men, just a dark grey for women. decathlon.co.uk
Montane Roco Pull-On
£70
The Roco stands out from much of the fleece crowd due to its neat fluorocarbon-free overlay across the shoulders and chest, which offers extra protective powers when wearing a backpack and in light rain. Elsewhere, there’s a stealthy zipped chest pocket, 100% recycled polyester build, and adjustable cuffs and hem. The brushed fleece keeps things internally smooth, too. Available in multiple colours, plus men’s and women’s options. Montane.com
Ayacucho Venture Colourblock
£60
I've barely taken this fleece off this spring, such is the internal softness delivered by the (76%) recycled polyester microfleece material. Elsewhere, the trio of zipped pockets are ideal for hands and valuables, and I always like a full-length zipper for easy removal. The elasticated hem stops it riding up and prevents naughty draughts sneaking in. Men get three colourways, women frustratingly only one turtledove option. Both men's and women's options are currently reduced (June 2026), with up to 40% off making this an even more tempting option. cotswoldoutdoor.com
