Reviews
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.
TOG24 Denton Men’s 3-in-1 waterproof jacket review
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
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.
What's new?
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.
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 shoes tested in 2024 for men and women: stroll, ramble and hike in comfort
Finding the best walking shoes for you can be a challenge. So, to help you out, we've reviewed some of the best hiking shoes on the market, from traditional leather options to lightweight and affordable choices.
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
Choose your Christmas treat when you subscribe to BBC Countryfile Magazine!
Save 30% and receive a Regatta fleece when you subscribe to BBC Countryfile Magazine
Books
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.
Best countryside and nature diaries to help you plan ahead in 2024
Make big plans for the new year with our selection of the best diaries to keep you organised in 2024
Best non-chocolate Advent calendars | Featuring Pact coffee, L'Occitane, Bonne Maman, and more
Kick the festive season off in style with an alternative advent calendar that ticks all your boxes
Clothing
Best fleeces tested for 2024: our ultimate guide to the cosy, must-have midlayer
Looking to beat the chill, or in need of a new midlayer? We review the best fleeces on the market.
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.
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.
Best hot chocolate for winter nights in 2024 - reviewed and tested
We tasted a selection of hot chocolates first-hand to find the perfect evening drink
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.
Footwear
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
Mountain Warehouse Hurricane Extreme Mens IsoGrip Boots review
Searching for a pair of traditional-looking walking boots for under £200? The Mountain Warehouse Hurricane Extreme IsoGrip Boots, with their durable leather upper and grippy outsole may just be for you.
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.