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

Expert advice on the kit that makes a difference

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

MCN STAFF RATE THEIR RIDING KIT

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

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