1. Lowe Alpine Walkabout Air 45 - £55
This 45-litre backpack has space for a hydration pack, straps for walking poles and ice axe, and a waterproof cover. A gap between your back and the sack means you don't get clammy.
www.lowealpine.com; 01539 740 840
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2. Craghoppers Super Lite pole - £12 each
Leki makes the best walking poles. Craghoppers makes the best affordable ones. This telescopic aluminium pole weighs 250g, with a sprung foot to absorb shock and a cork handle.
www.craghoppers.com; 0870 220 6601
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3. Berghaus Paclite Helium trousers - £100
At 100g, these Gore-Tex trousers keep the rain off without weighing you down. They have long zips on both sides, so putting them on – and accessing pockets underneath – is easy.
www.berghaus.com; 0191-516 5700
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4. Ortleib Mapcase (large) - £15
When a storm hits, you really need to be able to find your way. In this case, your OS map will stay as dry as a bone. Plus you can sit on it to keep your backside dry when you stop for a sandwich.
www.lyon.co.uk; 01539 625 493
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5. Compeed blister plasters - £4.39
Both prevention and cure, these rubbery plasters protect you from getting new blisters while soothing and healing existing ones.
Available in pharmacies and walking shops nationwide
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6. Brasher Trekking three-season socks - £10
These socks are great all-rounders. A mix of natural and man-made fibres wick away moisture and keep your foot cool. For long walks, wear a silk liner sock inside to reduce blisters.
www.brasher.co.uk; 0191-516 5780
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7. Berghaus Paclite Trek - £160
A very lightweight jacket made from waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex. It’s a minimal shell with just three pockets, and is good and rainproof, with an excellent hood.
www.berghaus.com; 0191-516 5700
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8. Howies natural base layer - £40
Merino wool is antibacterial, so this thin base layer don’t get smelly as it wicks away sweat. Wear it under a technical outer layer to keep warm in the cold and cool in the heat.
www.howies.co.uk; 01239 614 122
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9. Garmin Etrex H - £99.99
In conjunction with a map, a GPS is invaluable when you’re lost. This one is compact, waterproof, logs where you’ve been and has a battery that lasts for 22 hours.
www.garmin.co.uk
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10. Silva Expedition 4 - £24.95
This Army-issue compass is the choice for experienced navigators, complete with declination scale, Romer scales, measuring scales and magnifying glass.
www.silva.ltd.uk; 01506 406 277
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6 August 2007, Chosen by: Caramel Quin
