Fi Darby
Outdoor writer and navigation specialist
Fi is an outdoor writer based in Devon. She grew up on the Malvern Hills, her first camping experience was as a young girl at Guide camp, and she still knows how to pitch a traditional ridge tent today. From tarp shelters to canvas mess tents, Fi hasn’t let a tent beat her yet. Fi gained her Hill and Moorland Leader qualification in the days when it was still Walking Group Leader, and for the last 20 years has worked with young people and adults teaching expedition and wild camping skills through Scouting, the Ten Tors Challenge, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and wild camping workshops. She loves to bivvy on beaches and wild camp on Dartmoor, but her best sleeps come when she can find somewhere to hang her hammock. Fi loves camping so much her sleeping bag has a name.
Recent articles by Fi Darby
22 picturesque National Trust walks in the UK
From Kent, Dorset and the Lake District in England to the Highlands of Scotland and the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales, here is BBC Countryfile Magazine's pick of the best National Trust walks in the UK.
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
We pick up our paddles and take to the water to test the best inflatable kayaks for 2024
Looking for a more lightweight and portable way to enjoy your love of kayaking? Fi Darby tests five inflatable kayaks in our tried and tested review.
Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak review: a lightweight all-rounder for all levels
Find out how the Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak fares on the water in Fi Darby's review
Oru Inlet folding kayak review: 'we were impressed from the start by this clever piece of boat Origami'
Find out how the Oru Inlet folding kayak, a nifty, packable watercraft, fares on the water
Best sleeping bags in 2024 for every camper: tried and tested
Whether you're after a lightweight design for a multi-day hike, or a warm down model for autumn, our review of the best sleeping bags has got you covered.
Hoka Hopara walking sandal review
Could the Hoka Hopara be just the ‘wear anywhere’ sandal you're missing? Fi Darby puts the versatile walking sandal to the test.
Best walking sandals tested in 2024 for trails, beach trips and holiday rambles
In the market for a pair of walking sandals? Fi Darby puts the holiday essential to the test
Osborne House, Isle of Wight: What to see and do
Feel a sense of regal history in the sumptuous rooms and stunning parkland of Osborne House, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s much-loved summer retreat
Best camping mattress for comfortable camping in 2024
Looking for the best camping mattress or sleeping mat on the market? You've come to the right place – we've tried and tested 10 top choices.
Mountain Warehouse Andros Women’s Walking Sandals Review
Walking sandals are a holiday essential — is the Mountain Warehouse Andros design up to the job? Find out in Fi Darby's review.
Trespass Women’s Hueco Sandals Review
We put the Trespass Women’s Hueco sandals, an attractive model designed for both day adventures and evening strolls, to the test.
Xero Z-Trail EV Walking Sandal Review
Tempted to try the near-to-barefoot walking experience? We review the Xero Z-Trail EV walking sandal.
Keen Astoria West Women’s Walking Sandals Review
We put Keen's Astoria West walking sandals to the test. Find out how they fared on both water and land.
Merrell Women’s Kahuna III Walking Sandals
Find out how Merrell’s Kahuna III sandals fare on test in Fi Darby's review
Robens Icefall Pro 300 Sleeping Bag Review
An ultra-lightweight synthetic sleeping bag that lofts like down. Sound too good to be true? We review the Robens Icefall Pro 300.
Rab Women’s Ascent 500 Down Sleeping Bag Review
You want a top-of-the-range, comfortable down sleeping bag for backpacking adventures. Consider Rab's Women’s Ascent 500 Down design.
Nemo Equipment Disco Women’s Down Sleeping Bag Review
We test Nemo Equipment's Disco Women’s Down sleeping bag. A versatile, three-season design with plenty of wriggle room.
Outwell Contour Lux Sleeping Bag Review
Discover how the Outwell Contour Lux sleeping bag, featuring dual temperature ratings, fares on review
Easy Camp Moon 200 Sleeping Bag Review
Our review of the super soft, Easy Camp Moon 200 sleeping bag
Sea to Summit Quest Women’s Synthetic Sleeping Bag Review
Discover how the Quest women’s synthetic sleeping bag, from popular brand Sea to Summit, performed on test.
Vango Zenith 200 Sleeping Bag Review
Heading to a midge-prone area? The Vango Zenith 200 sleeping bag could come in handy...
Snugpak Travelpak Traveller Review
Heading to warmer climes and in need of a lightweight sleeping bag? The Snugpak Travelpak Traveller could be the one for you.
The Sierra Designs Cloud 800 35 Degree Down Review
The Sierra Designs Cloud 800 Down sleeping bag is packed with innovative features. Read our review of this one-of-a-kind sleeping bag.