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

As the mercury rises, lunch isn’t the only thing we’re taking alfresco. Lace up your boots, grab your all-weather kit and hit the trails, rain or shine

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

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

JBL Grip Built for beach days and lazy kayak ...

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