We all know that the great outdoors is good for you. Being active and getting closer to nature is good for mind, body and soul, with countless physical and mental benefits, from relieving stress to lowering the risks of heart disease. It’s also a great way to have fun and to challenge yourself. But if you want to get out there and really enjoy it – whether you’re hiking, camping or backpacking – it’s worth investing a little time and effort in getting the right gear.
Luckily, with the right wardrobe and perhaps a few camp essentials, you can nail all your outdoor adventures. So, here are some of our top picks when it comes to year-round layers, handy accessories and campsite luxuries to keep you cosy wherever you pitch up. So, gear up, ladies, and get out there!
Voited’s Ripstop Pillow Blanket is durable, versatile and folds up small enough to take anywhere. But best of all, it’s super cosy. As the name suggests, it can transform into a comfy pillow or a snug blanket. It also wraps and snaps into a hands-free cape and even has a removable hood. Basically, it’s the perfect adventure accessory. Pack it on long-haul flights, extended bus rides or intercity train journeys. Or just keep it handy for hikes, picnics, gigs and festivals. It’s literally got you covered.
Men always seem to want to take over when it comes to making fire. But this clever bit of kit means you can have a campfire pretty much anywhere, whilst still ensuring you Leave No Trace. Portable and packable, it’s quick and easy to set up – by the time your friends have set up camp, you’ll already have a fire burning. The clever custom-engineered hinge mechanism ensures a small pack size that folds flat so it will slot easily in your rucksack. Winner winner, campfire dinner.
This is a high-quality sustainable rain jacket that lives up to its name, thanks to its proprietary 3-layer H2No performance fabric, which is reliably waterproof yet breathable too. Blending functionality and durability, you get a fully adjustable hem, cuffs and hood to keep the rain out, as well as pit zips to ensure you'll stay ventilated on changeable days. Best of all, the Torrentshell is surprisingly packable. Stuff it down into its own left handwarmer pocket and you're good to go.
This stylish bodywarmer from Norwegian brand Amundsen combines modern-day function with gorgeous heritage looks. We love details like the '70s-style sherpa collar and the rugged two-tone waxed cotton shell. What's more, the toasty 750 fill-power down insulation is all recycled, as is the fleece collar. Built for active wear in cold and damp conditions, it features a simple snap closure front and two flapped handwarmer pockets, plus a soft herringbone cotton lining.
This tiny light weighs about the same as a single AA battery and can be clipped to your jacket or cap for hands-free illumination. It's great for finding your way from the toilet block back to your tent on a campsite. Water-resistant and lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge, it’s capable of casting a beam of light up to 50 metres, and can even be hung in your tent in lantern mode for added versatility.
Fed up with bland food when you’re out on the trail, in camp or on the road in your camper van? This compact, portable kitchen kit is the answer. It features 8 essential herbs and spices, carefully selected to enhance any dish, plus a set of handy cooking utensils. So, whether you're cooking over an open fire, a camp stove or in the back of your van, you’ll have everything you need to add bold and delicious flavours to your food.
As camping chairs go, this one is about as light and packable as it gets. It weighs just 567g but is surprisingly comfortable thanks to the EVA foam padding, adjustable webbing straps and sturdy internal carbon fibre stays. It's the ideal solution for weight conscious hikers and backpackers who still want a comfy spot to chill out and enjoy the view at the end of a tough day's trekking.
I spent years stuffing clothes into drybags or improvising makeshift pillows from down jackets before I discovered the NEMO Fillo Elite. This soft, comfortable camping pillow packs down to about the size of a large potato and weighs under 300g. It’s become one of the first bits of kit I pack for almost any trip, from a wild camp overnighter to a three-week backpacking trip.
There you have it, my complete list of essentials any women needs when heading outdoors. Whether that’s a wild camp by a tarn or a cosy night around a beach bonfire. Don’t wait for the perfect weather to hit the trail. With the right gear you can have fun outdoors year-round.
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