The best summer hiking gear

footwear

La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike Gtx boots

These mid-cut boots offer great protection – even on multi-day hikes – but are lightweight and breathable. A Vibram sole and pronounced lugs help to tackle muddy and rocky terrains, and the boots are fully waterproof. They’re made from an anti-abrasion material to resist wear and tear.

accessories

Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full Cushion Midweight hiking socks

Summer socks need to be moisture-wicking and comfortable. These ones are 66 per cent merino wool (the remainder being stretchy and durable nylon and Lycra) for some welcome cushioning. They also have a lifetime guarantee.

equipment

Leukotape P zinc oxide support tape

A backpack essential for long hikes, this zinc oxide tape can protect blisters or be used as strapping for muscular support.

gadgets

RovyVon Aurora A8 USB-C keychain flashlight

This versatile USB-rechargeable torch has a powerful 650-lumen brightness (with up to 72 hours’ battery life), but is just 6cm long and weighs only 17g. It also comes with a magnet and clip for fixing almost anywhere.

accessories

Osprey Talon Pro 20 hiking pack

Weighing just over a kilo, this hiking pack is lightweight but high-specification: from the injection-moulded frame with foam for support and the torso adjustment feature for comfort to the close fit with great ventilation. It can also be chosen in a women’s-specific version.

footwear

Merrell Moab Speed 2 shoes

These new-generation hiking shoes provide trainer-like agility and comfort with added support and protection for use on technical trails. A great lightweight companion for speedier hikes.  

equipment

Exped Flexmat

A fit-for-purpose but affordable camping mat that is lightweight and durable – and can also be used as comfortable seating mid-hike. It comes in three sizes.

sportswear

Columbia Cirque River technical T-shirt

Ideal for summer hikes on hot days, this synthetic T-shirt is lightweight and moisture-wicking.

gadgets

Platypus Quickdraw 1l filter system

When hiking in remote areas, a compact water filter (complete with a 1l reservoir) is an essential. This one is just 100g, easily stowed in a backpack for emergency use, and removes 99.99 per cent of bacteria and protozoa from backcountry water.

sportswear

Shackleton ultralight down jacket

For cooler mornings or evenings, this relaxed fitting, packable jacket is invaluable. With 800-fill power, using responsibly sourced goose down, it has a high warmth-to-weight ratio, and the outer shell is a 100 per cent recycled ripstop fabric. A cosy microfleece lining in both the neck and external hand pockets add a luxurious touch.

sportswear

Rab Incline light shorts

These lightweight shorts are fast-drying and stretchy, have multiple zip pockets and, as they’re nylon, are durable.

accessories

Arc’teryx Calidum 5 Panel cap

This cap is really comfortable, fits well, and has a soft, wide peak (so won’t lose its shape when stuffed into a backpack).

sportswear

Smartwool classic all-season merino base layer

A merino fabric – with just 12 per cent nylon for durability – makes this base layer a good year-round essential. It’s highly breathable and helps manage moisture, as well as offering warmth and odour resistance.

equipment

LEKI Makalu FX Carbon trekking poles

With an extended grip system and rubberised head for extra control, these all-carbon poles are lightweight (243g per pole), stiff and fold down into five pieces to a length of just 40cm.

sportswear

Thrudark Veles jacket

This soft shell is very versatile: windproof, showerproof, warm and comfortable. It fits nicely, is snug around the neck with a compact hood design, and the fabric (which incorporates graphene for durability) is light, stretchy, packable and helps regulate the body temperature when worn.

accessories

Sea To Summit lightweight Stuff sack

Keep the contents of your backpack secure in these recycled water-resistant nylon bags, which have a tear-proof drawcord closure. There are six sizes from 3l to 30l.

sportswear

Montane Spirit waterproof jacket

A hiking waterproof shell to stash in a backpack, should conditions take a turn. It’s highly water-resistant (28,000mm H/H) and breathable, lightweight (365g) and is made in 75D Gore-Tex fabric.

equipment

Solo Stove Titan

This sturdy and compact stainless steel camp stove (measuring 20cm tall and 13cm wide and weighing 470g) burns twigs very efficiently and can handle anything from cooking to toasting marshmallows.

sportswear

Fjällräven women’s Abisko Trail stretch trousers

Wear for summer hikes. They have an elasticated waistband and are made from stretchy double-woven recycled polyamide fabric for unrestricted movement and durability.

gadgets

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro watch

One of the best outdoor watches I have tested. It has a robust case, huge battery life, integrated mapping to assist with navigation on new footpaths, a very handy built-in LED flashlight, and all the fitness and wellness features you’d expect from a top end sports watch.