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

Is it possible to buy everything* you need for a hill day for under £100? TGO reviewer, wildlife ranger and Glasgow’s premier purple fleece fan Peter Macfarlane learns you needn’t be minted to kit yourself out on Vinted

Planning an international trip to beat those winter blues? Gear guru Chris Townsend and Mountain Leader Fiona Russell test the best shirts designed for hiking in warmer weather

From DIY pot cosies to learning to love noodles, these cost-cutting ideas can make your bank account great again

I’ve long been a winter boot denier. My go-tos for winter riding have always been regular summer shoes (sometimes with vents taped up) plus overshoes and thermal socks. In really poor weather I’d swit