We’ve been busy testing in the past year. Here is what we’ve found that works

MCN STAFF RATE THEIR RIDING KIT

Are you getting started outdoors, gearing up for a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, or just need to save a few quid? We all need to get out, even in this economy. Here’s the lowdown on the best, more budget-friendly backpacking kit our team have reviewed over the last year or so, in one place for the first time

More stuff to spend your hard-earned cash on

STAY WARM AND, HOPEFULLY, DRY WITH THESE COLD-WEATHER ESSENTIALS THAT CHAMPION FLEECE, MERINO WOOL AND HIGH-TECH WATERPROOFING

£24, zefal.com Why did France miss pancake day? It crêpe’d up on them. However they don’t miss a thing when riding their bikes, thanks to French brand Zéfal’s huge range of accessories, including this