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
The best hedgehog houses for your garden in 2025
Provide a safe and sheltered spot for your spiky visitors this year with a charming hedgehog house.
Best umbrellas tried and tested in 2025: brilliant brollies for rainy strolls
Be drizzle and downpour ready with our review of the best umbrellas on the market. Fulton, Totes, Barbour and Mountain Warehouse are put to the test.
Mother's Day gifts for your outdoorsy mum: reviewed and loved by our team
Our list of reviewed gift ideas – including socks, flasks and books – is here to help.
Best walking trousers for men and women - tried and tested for 2025
We've tested the best walking trousers to suit all budgets and types of walkers
Best walking boots of 2025: tested by hiking experts for comfort and durability
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
Best walking holidays for 2025: Hiking routes, guided tours and accommodation
Explore our beautiful coastlines and countryside on foot with our guide to the best walking holidays in the UK
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 2025: 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 2025 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 2025: For adventurers and nature lovers
Browse our guide to find inspiring outdoorsy and nature-themed gifts to suit all budgets.
The best mushroom gifts for 2025: 13 fun fungi present ideas
Help the fungi fan in your life celebrate their favourite vegetable with our round-up of the best mushroom gifts.
The best water shoes reviewed in 2025: 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
Best changing robes for 2025, tried and tested
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.
The best walking socks reviewed in 2025 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 2025, 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 2025: 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 2025 - 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 2025
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.