Gear guides

Help with buying and using your outdoor equipment

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Beginner's guidesCyclingFamily activitiesWalking Show more

What to take walking

There's a fine line between having the right equipment to keep you safe and comfortable on a walk and being so weighed down with unnecessary kit you'll struggle. Our hiking checklist will help you get kitted out with essential gear for a long day on the trail and tell you what to take on a walk.

The ultimate guide to layering

Whether you’re a seasoned hill walker, a speedy trail runner or you’re new to the outdoors, this ultimate guide to layering will help you get kitted out so you can enjoy your favourite routes whatever the weather.

Gear Guide: Walking socks

Having the right walking socks will prevent blisters, regulate foot temperature and wick away moisture, helping you extend your favourite walks. This guide from Bridgedale will help you choose the perfect pair to keep your tootsies comfortable all day long.

Gear Guide: Walking footwear

Regardless of whether you’re a local dog walker or a seasoned trail blazer, you’re going to want to have the right footwear to make your walk more comfortable. We take a detailed look at the best footwear for walking and how they fair across different terrains.

Gear Guide: Head torches

During winter and autumn and on overnight trips you’ll need a light to see where you’re going and what you’re doing. This gear guide tells you all you need to know about head torches to help you choose the perfect one for you.

Gear Guide: Walking Poles

The simple wooden walking stick has gone high-tech! This is a quick look at why you might want a walking pole, and what sort of features to look for when you are choosing one.

Gear Guide: Tents

Camping experts Vango offer a comprehensive gear guide on tents to help you choose the perfect outdoor abode and enjoy cosy nights under the stars.

What is a GPX file?

In any discussion of routes, navigation or GPS devices, you have probably seen people mentioning ‘GPX files’. GPX is shorthand for GPS eXchange Format and is a type of file that’s really helpful to anyone who loves the outdoors, plus it's the most popular way of saving and exchanging routes.

Cotton kills! Why the wrong clothing can be lethal

If you just go for the occasional walk or ride, you may wonder why the outdoor gear shops are full of clothes made from artificial fibres – what’s wrong with jeans and a t-shirt anyway? This is a quick look at the materials technology science behind the ‘Cotton Kills!’ campaign.

Choosing the right walking boots

Good boots are an essential part of the walking kit so make sure you're choosing the best ones for you.
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