Rachel Howatson
Digital Writer
Rachel Howatson is a digital writer for Countryfile.com. With a love of hiking and campervanning, she is most at home in the great outdoors, where you’ll find her reviewing the latest outdoor kit for Countryfile’s gear section. Waterproofs, camping stoves, and even the best tea bags for a morning brew — all put through rigorous testing. Growing up on the east coast of Scotland, Rachel loves nothing more than a dog walk along one of the area’s many beautiful beaches. A two year stint tackling New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Milford Track and the Abel Tasman Coast being her personal favourites, fuelled a passion for multi-day walks. Next up? All 870 miles of the Wales Coastal Path.. Rachel is a BJTC-trained journalist with bylines in Gardens Illustrated, BBC Science Focus Magazine and Gathered. An experienced consumer writer, you can trust she’s finding the best deals and latest products to help you enjoy the countryside all the more.
Recent articles by Rachel Howatson
We reviewed the best Christmas hampers you can gift this Christmas: for friends, family and even your pooch
Our review of the best Christmas hampers on the market this festive season. Read on, and spoil your loved ones with their favourite snacks and tipples.
The best Cyber Monday outdoor deals for 2024: huge savings on Patagonia, Rab, Merrell and more
Upgrade your walking wardrobe, camping kit and holiday essentials on a budget.
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 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 outdoor gifts 2024: For adventurers and nature lovers
Browse our guide to find inspiring outdoorsy and nature-themed gifts to suit all budgets.
The best water shoes reviewed in 2024: we explore from streams to shores
Whether you're a wild swimmer, a water sports fan, or a paddling enthusiast, pop on a pair of water shoes for a more comfortable experience
Our team heads to streams, shores and blustery beaches to test the best changing robes for 2024 — here's the result
Calling all beach fans and water sport enthusiasts — here's our review of the best changing robes available to buy. Find out how leading brands, including Red, Dryrobe and Regatta, fare on sand and shore.
Best walking boots tested in 2024: hiking boots for comfort and durability
Lightweight, waterproof and grippy – the latest generation of walking boots offers all-season protection and comfort. Our expert reviewers tested a batch of hiking boots from leading brands, on muddy trails over hills and through forests and fields – and here are our findings
The best walking socks reviewed in 2024 for all hiking conditions
Our team reviews a selection of the best walking socks including anti-blister, bamboo and wool choices. Get ready to stride in comfort.
Best Black Friday tent deals in 2024
Read our guide to find the very best Black Friday tent deals out there this year
Best Black Friday UK travel deals: save on rail fares, accommodation and family days out
Looking to treat your family to a special day out, or a weekend's break in the great outdoors? Explore the best UK travel deals on offer this Black Friday
Fancy a new brew? Here's four of the best coffee subscriptions to try for 2024, reviewed by our team
We put the kettle on, and review Grind, Pact, Lost Sheep and Union coffee.
Dryrobe Advance Short Sleeve review: this serious bit of kit is both practical and luxurious
Are you tempted to join the changing robe hype? We see how one of Dryrobe's core designs, the Advance Short Sleeve, handles life by the water.
Salomon Techamphibian 5 Water Shoe review: a versatile, top-quality choice for summer adventures
Could Salomon's Techamphibian 5 water shoe, a versatile design for adventures on both land and water, suit your love of hiking, wild swimming and beach exploration?
The best camping lanterns and lights reviewed in 2024: enjoy the outdoors for longer
Looking to read in your tent, or cook under the stars? Browse BBC Countryfile Magazine's review of the best camping lanterns available to buy.
Best daypacks reviewed for 2024 - these durable designs have got your back this summer
Make sure you're adventure-ready with the help of a decent daypack. We put leading brands, including Fjällräven, Patagonia and Cotopaxi, to the test.
Fancy taking your camping adventures to the next level? Here's where to buy the best roof tents for 2024
We've gathered a list of the best roof tent brands, including TentBox, Quechua and Oex, for a hassle-free, adventure-fuelled camping trip
Fjällräven Skule Top 26 Daypack Review: this well-built pack oozes quality
Fjällräven is a big player in the backpack world. Does the Skule Top Daypack live up to the brand's stellar reputation? Paul McGuinness finds out.
Horizn Studios Air review: this sustainably-made suitcase seriously pulls its weight
We test Horizn Studios' new Air suitcase, and it turns out, it's pretty hard to fault
The best glamping accessories: bell tents, lanterns, bunting and more
Treat yourself to a more lavish camping experience with our list of the best glamping accessories
Father's Day gift guide: it's time to treat your outdoorsy, nature-loving dad
Find present inspiration with our Father's Day gift guide, filled with outdoor wear, camping gadgets, pizza ovens, model train sets and more
Your festival checklist for 2024: camp, dance and sleep in comfort this summer
Heading to your first family festival, or perhaps you're returning to a beloved field with friends this summer? Pack with confidence with our festival checklist.
Best dog-friendly hotels for 2024: here's where to holiday with your hound
Fancy treating your four-legged pal to a well-deserved break? Get inspired with our selection of the best dog-friendly hotels in the UK
Cotopaxi Luzon 24L daypack review
Find out how the Cotopaxi Luzon 24L backpack, a sustainably-made, colourful daypack, fares on review.