IF you're gearing up to head out on a hike or a walking holiday this summer, you'll want to make sure you have all the right accessories to make your trip a success.
With this in mind, we've rounded up the essentials you'll need for your next outdoor adventure.
One crucial piece of equipment you'll need is a sturdy rucksack.
Pick a model that is lightweight yet comfortable and with plenty of space for all your essentials.
Similarly, if you're not wearing the right shoes, your trip will quickly become a painful experience.
The perfect pair need to keep your feet dry and protected, but they will also offer enough support to help you get through a full day of walking.
Wondering how you can hike with a little one? We've also included a child-carrier so you can take your baby on your walking holiday with you.
Here's our round up of the best accessories to bring on a hike this summer
Shoes
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Chameleon 7 Low A/C Waterproof, from Merrell – buy here
Whether you're going on a light hike, backpacking, or a simple walk, Merrell shoes will protect your feet against the elements.
We like this model, which has a waterproof construction to keep your feet dry.
Thanks to its lug pattern outsole, the model will give you a reliable grip on mud or slippery ground throughout a whole day.
Bear in mind that if you’re planning on going properly off the beaten track you’d need a model that comes much higher on the ankle.
Rucksack
- Alpine Aqua II 80+10 Litre Rucksack, £65 (Was: £120), from Millets – buy here
Developed for hikers and backpackers this rucksack allows you to carry your gear for miles in total comfort.
At just over 2kg, it's incredibly lightweight considering the storage it offers.
It also has a waterproof dry system lining which will keep your gear within the main compartment dry.
An ideal rucksack if you're planning a week-long expedition, it's currently available for a discounted £65 down from £120.
OS Maps
- OS Maps 12 Month Subscription, £18 (Was: £30), Millets – buy here
A little bit unsure about where you're going?
A 12 month OS Maps subscription will give you access to all maps for the UK on any of your digital devices, so you can never get lost again.
Print them before your trip or download it on your mobile phone to keep it with you at all times.
Trekking Poles
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Trail Pro Trekking Poles, £60, Go Outdoors – buy here
Trekking poles can add a lot of stability and comfort to your hike, especially on long uphill or downhill sections of the trail.
Well balanced, durable and comfortable to handle, the Black Diamond Trail Pro Trekking Poles are a great choice if you need a new pair.
Baby carrier
- Ranger S2 Premium Child Carrier, £94.99, Go Outdoors – buy here
Baby carriers are designed specifically to help you hit the trail with your little one.
We like this model from Go Outdoors, for its light weight (just 1.7kg) and versatility.
It includes a pivoting hip belt for extra comfort and there's also a buckle harness to make sure your little one is safe and secure in his seat.
There's also still room for two handy hip pockets to store your essentials.
Healthy snack
- SIS Go Energy Bar Chocolate Fudge 30 x 40g, £28, Holland & Barrett – buy here
Having the perfect snack will make your hike even more worthwhile.
We like the SiS GO Energy Bars which provide a nutritious, easily digestible and high carbohydrate based snack that is made from real fruits.
Each bar is 40g and can easily be carried in your pocket.
Whether you’re driving to the beach or going to your favourite park, we’ve put together a selection of the best picnic accessories so you have all the essentials for this summer.
If you're not going away this summer, you might be stuck for ideas for things to keep your kids entertained. Here's our selection cheap and free outdoor family activities.
We've also put together a guide of the best colourful trainers – whether you're looking to upgrade before you start training for next marathon or just wear them as a fashion statement.
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