Six of our top summer gear picks

From Italian-made boots to eco-friendly fleeces, here’s what we’re using in the outdoors this summer


Aku Superalp NBK GTX, £200

[#Beginning of Shooting Data Section] Nikon D4 2013/05/29 10:47:43.10 Time Zone and Date: UTC+1, DST:OFF RAW (14-bit) Image Size: L (4928 x 3280), FX Lens: 85mm f/2.8D Artist: Copyright: Focal Length: 85mm Exposure Mode: Manual Metering: Matrix Shutter Speed: 1/100s Aperture: f/11 Exposure Comp.: 0EV Exposure Tuning: ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200 Optimize Image: White Balance: Color Temp. (5000K), 0, 0 Focus Mode: Manual AF-Area Mode: Single AF Fine Tune: ON(0) VR: Long Exposure NR: OFF High ISO NR: ON (Normal) Color Mode: Color Space: sRGB Tone Comp.: Hue Adjustment: Saturation: Sharpening: Active D-Lighting: OFF Vignette Control: OFF Auto Distortion Control: OFF Picture Control: [SD] STANDARD Base: [SD] STANDARD Quick Adjust: 0 Sharpening: 3 Contrast: 0 Brightness: 0 Saturation: 0 Hue: 0 Filter Effects: Toning: Map Datum: Dust Removal: 2013/05/09 08:50:16 [#End of Shooting Data Section]

Stable and supremely comfortable, these Italian-made boots ooze quality with every step you take. The upper is made of durable nubuck leather with a Gore-Tex lining. Aku’s IMS3-Exo midsole provides cushioning and shock absorption, while the Vibram sole offers great grip on rough terrain. The toe rand offers protection from rocks. The lacing system is effective, so getting the tension right is a cinch. Highly recommended for long-distance hikes on rough terrain.

Bridgedale Speed Trail Socks, £15

Bridgedale

Calling all trail runners! Sock maestros Bridgedale are on a mission to keep your feet cool, comfortable and blister-free with their new Speed Trail range. They use CoolFusion technology, which knits together heat-regulating merino with fast-wicking Coolmax wool. The result? Good ventilation, durability and long-lasting comfort. Extra points for the mapped padding, which protects pressure points when running on tricky terrain.   

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VangoCorvus Auto 100, £22

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The nifty thing about this 100 lumen headtorch? You can operate it handsfree! Just wave your hand in front of the light to turn it on or off — a blessing when you’re on the move. You can also switch it to red LEDs, so you can preserve your night vision while navigating. Powered by three AAA batteries, it features a smart battery meter so you know exactly how much power you have left, and will last 50 hours on low mode. Fancy getting your hands on one for free? Head here to subscribe.

Campingaz Party grill 400, £110

Party Grill 400-2

Five different cooking surfaces rolled into one very compact package, this is the cooker to take on your next family camping adventure. You can use it as stove or grill, with pan supports, grill and griddle included, and the lid doubles as a large wok. Our favourite feature is the integrated water compartment, which collects fat and grease to make cleaning up a breeze. It weighs in just shy of 5kg, and comes with handles so you can easily carry it across the campsite. The powerful 2000W burner has an inbuilt Piezo lighter.

Norrøna Falketind PrimaLoft 100 Vest, £139

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Our go-to layer this summer, Falketind’s big sell is the PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Active, which offers impressive thermal regulation. The construction enables excess heat and moisture to leave the vest, meaning less taking off/adding layers during your outdoor pursuits. Huzzah! It’s lightweight and compressible (it packs down into its own pocket), making it a handy addition to your rucksack. The windproofing, protective collar, handwarmer pockets and easy-adjust hem all add to the comfort factor.   

SueMe Echoic fleece jacket, £280

SueMe

Made in Great Britain, the Echoic jacket blends green thinking, textile traditions and modern technologies to make one very good-looking, functional and warm fleece jacket. Made with panels of Mallalieus of Delph tartan tweed, waxed cotton and Polartec’s 300 recycled fleece, the jackets are sewn by an artisan tailor in North London in small batches. Further green credentials include YKK recycled zippers and a lining made from eucalyptus pulp. You can even offset your purchase by planting the beech, birch and wild meadow seed packet the fleece comes with.

OAG