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

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

More stuff to spend your hard-earned cash on

Kit reviews from Britain’s most experienced gear-testing team. Here, Steph Wetherell and Francesca Donovan n focus on two innovative new outdoor products