Reviews
Best trail running shoes for UK off-road adventures, tried and tested in 2024
Rob Slade hits the hills and puts seven pairs of trail running shoes through their paces.
The best mushroom identification books of 2024
Forage for fungi confidently with our pick of the best mushroom identification books.
Best waterproof backpacks reviewed in 2024 for rainy hikes and wet-weather adventures
The best backpacks for wet-weather and aquatic adventures – great for walkers, hikers, cyclists, trail-runners, kayakers and stand-up paddle-boarders
Best 2-person tents reviewed for 2024: top picks for backpacking, wild camping and beyond
You want a reliable 2-person tent for outdoor adventures in summer and beyond – but which one is best for you? Seasoned camper and outdoors instructor Fi Darby helps out by testing nine of the best for BBC Countryfile Magazine - and here are her verdicts
The best hot chocolates for winter nights in 2024: tested and reviewed by us
We tasted a selection of hot chocolates first-hand to find the perfect evening drink.
What's new?
Best fleeces for men and women tested for 2024: our ultimate guide to the must-have midlayer
Looking to beat the chill, or in need of a new midlayer? We review the best fleeces on the market.
Best down jackets to beat the cold: tested for 2024
Helen Webster puts eight of the best down jackets to the test
Looking for sustainable presents? Here are the best eco-friendly gifts for 2024
Whether it’s fairly traded, ethically made, recycled, vegan or cruelty free, here’s our guide to the best sustainable gifts.
Best walking poles tested in 2024: hiking poles for all abilities
Walking poles for casual country rambles and longer treks
Best waterproof jackets for men and women tested by experts: for hiking in comfort in 2024
Keep the rain firmly out whatever the conditions with a waterproof jacket we've tested in the elements.
Books
The best foraging gifts for 2024: the art of identifying, gathering and bringing wild food home
Shop for the forager in your life, if they love bringing food from the hedgerow to the kitchen table.
Save 30% and receive your choice of welcome treat when you subscribe to BBC Countryfile Magazine
Save 30% and receive a Regatta fleece when you subscribe to BBC Countryfile Magazine
World Book Day: 13 must-read classics inspired by the countryside
From Swallows & Amazons and Tarka the Otter to The Snow Goose and The living Mountain, here are 13 country classics to get stuck into this World Book Day.
Clothing
Best windproof tops for walkers – buyer's guide and review
Sometimes when you are out roaming the countryside all you need to keep at a pleasant temperature is a windproof layer. Here's why to try one, what to look for, and some of the best products reviewed
The best travel pillows of 2024: six comfy designs reviewed
Travel pillows come in all shapes and sizes. Here, we review some of the best travel pillows on the market, from inflatable neck cushions to versatile foam-filled designs.
Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Trail Jacket review
Looking for a no-fuss shell jacket for everyday use in the spring and summer? The Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Trail Jacket with its roomy fit and large pockets might be for you
Food and drink
Best travel mugs reviewed: 10 great flasks for hiking in 2024
We tested 10 of the biggest brands to find the best travel mugs for hikes and camping trips.
These are the best hiking foods we’ve tested
Tasty, convenient and nutrient-rich snacks come in all shapes and sizes - here are the best hiking foods we’ve tried.
The poor maligned Brussels sprout: why do we loathe them, why do they taste so bitter - oh and why do they make us fart...?
Humdrum, bitter and smelly? Wait – there’s more to Brussels Sprouts than you might think. Cast aside your preconceptions, urges our Brussels correspondent, Dixe Wills
Footwear
I just wore these strange 'sock shoes' on a muddy forest walk – and it was totally liberating
Just when I thought I'd tried everything in the gear-testing world, a pair of these Skinners Comfort 2.0 'sock shoes' landed on my doorstep. Intrigued, I pulled them on and went for a long, muddy walk. Here's what I thought of them
La Sportiva TX Hike GTX hiking shoe review
If you like rugged hill and mountain walks, a tough approach shoe with a rigid outsole should suit you. BBC Countryfile Magazine tester Rob Slade tries La Sportiva's TX Hike GTX in the Brecon Beacons
Columbia Facet 75 Outdry walking shoe review
The Facet 75 looks good – but can it cope with a muddy Welsh trail? Rob Slade pulls on a pair to find out
Tents
Perfect pitch - we've tested the best tents for families, backpackers and festival goers in 2024
Packing light for a multi-day hike, or perhaps you're setting up base for a week of family adventures? Here's our guide to the best tents on the market, reviewed by our team.
Best family tents reviewed for camping trips in 2024
In our expert guide, we've tested the best 6-man and 4-man tents on the market to help you choose the right family tent for your camping adventures in 2024.
The best festival tents to get you through summer 2024
Looking to pitch up this summer? We put five of the best festival tents to the test.
