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Travel and Outdoors

Our experts test and review the best new travel and outdoors products

Find all our reviews of travel and outdoors products here. Whether you're looking for new camping gear, hiking boots or suitcases, our writers have you covered. We test products for quality, ease of use and value for money. You can also find the latest deals on travel and outdoors products here.

Latest travel and outdoors reviews and deals

<p>If our feet started to suffer, the shoes didn’t make our final list of the best men’s walking boots </p>
Hiking

Best men’s walking boots 2026, tried and tested on hikes

<p>I tested a range of walking poles during country walks and mountain treks</p>
Hiking

8 best walking poles for 2026, tested in the Cotswolds and Cumbria

<p>I tested a range of torches during camping trips and expeditions into my loft</p>
Lighting

Best head torches 2026, tried and tested by camping experts

<p>My top picks held drinks’ temperatures for at least five hours – some lasted for a whopping 28 hours </p>
Outdoor Eating

Best flasks of 2026, tried and tested for hot and cold drinks

<p>From lightweight backpacks to waterproof rucksack designs, the right travel bag can make your trip</p>
Travel & outdoors

Best travel backpacks 2026, tried and tested by a travel writer

<p>From wild camping in Scotland to glamping on the Cornish coast, these mats were tested thoroughly</p>
Travel & outdoors

Best camping mats 2026, tried and tested by a travel writer

<p>I tested each one for waterproofing, breathability and comfort</p>
Hiking

Best men’s waterproof jackets for 2026, tested by a fashion writer

<p>Choose a sturdy, stylish brolly and you’ll always feel like singing in the rain</p>
Travel & outdoors

Best umbrellas for 2026, tried and tested

<p>These handy travel companions racked up thousands of miles</p>
Luggage

Best carry-on luggage for 2026, tested by a travel writer

<p>Popular brand Dryrobe is essentially synonymous with changing robes, but plenty more of the plush windbreakers exist</p>
Travel & outdoors

Best changing robes 2026, tested by a cold water swimmer

<p>I rated the quality of down and synthetic insulation of each jacket tested </p>
Men's Clothing

Best puffer jackets for men 2025, tried and tested

<p>My favourites were sturdy, accessible and easy to close – even when nearing full capacity</p>
Travel & outdoors

Best car roof boxes 2025, tried and tested

Explore by product type

Hiking

Read expert guides on the best hiking gear to buy

<p>I tested these boots in rugged Cornwall</p>
Hiking

Best hiking boots for women 2025, tried and tested on rugged terrain

<p>I looked for waterproofing, extra grip for those tricky trails, and comfy padding </p>
Clothing & Footwear

Best kids’ walking boots for 2025, tested by a parent

<p>Beyond waterproofing, we assesed packability, breathability and how easy they were to put on </p>
Hiking

Best men’s waterproof trousers 2024, tried and tested

Camping

Read expert reviews on all of the best camping gear to buy

<p>Don’t forget little luxuries like portable chargers and cordless hair tools </p>
IndyBest

Festival packing list 2025: What to bring to Reading & Leeds and more

<p>We headed to festivals, fetes and sports events, to put a range of camping chairs to the test</p>
Camping

Best camping chairs for 2025, tried and tested

<p>I tested a range of sizes and have found quality tent options to suit most budgets</p>
Camping

Best tents for camping 2025, tried and tested

Luggage

Read reviews of all the best luggage to buy

<p>The hybrid backpack boasts wheels and adjustable straps</p>
Luggage

I roadtripped the Scottish highlands – this is the bag I took with me

<p>Whether you’re heading on a city break or balmy beach holiday, this is a great buy </p>
Luggage

Ryanair is cracking down on hand luggage – this is the bag to buy

<p>Love or loathe packing, these brands will lighten the load</p>
Luggage

Best luggage brands 2026, chosen by experts

Travel and outdoors deals

<p>Get hundreds of pounds worth of savings on easyJet package holidays</p>
Deals

easyJet holidays discount codes for February 2026: Save up to £100

<p>Here’s how to get a discount on some new outdoor essentials</p>
Deals

Go Outdoors discount codes – get up to 15% off

<p>There are myriad deals available in the outdoor specialist’s clearance sale </p>
Deals

Get 20% off your order with this Blacks discount code

<p>From scenic trails to cosy cottage stays, here’s how you can save at National Trust</p>
Deals

National Trust discount codes and offers for February 2026

More

More from travel and outdoors

<p>A good sleep will leave you energised for the day’s activities ahead</p>
Travel & outdoors

Best earplugs for sleeping, tried and tested in noisy environments

Travel & outdoors

Best earplugs for sleeping, tried and tested in noisy environments

<p>A good sleep will leave you energised for the day’s activities ahead</p>
<p>The pillow is worn as a scarf and the fleece fabric is warm and cosy against the skin </p>
Travel & outdoors

The £50 Trtl travel pillow, tested by a travel writer

<p>Say goodbye to uncomfortable shut-eye, thanks to these impressive designs </p>
Travel & outdoors

Best travel pillows 2026, tried and tested by a travel writer

<p>These designs cover warmth, comfort and on-trend features </p>
Travel & outdoors

Best women’s wellies 2025, tried and tested in wet weather

<p>Whether you’re glamping or camping in the wild, I’ve found the best tents for your family</p>
Camping

Best family tents for 2025, tested on camping trips

<p>Whether you’re glamping or camping in the wild, I’ve found the best tents for your family</p>
Camping

Best family tents for 2025, tested on camping trips

<p>I tested these cubes over hundreds of miles</p>
Travel & outdoors

Best packing cubes for 2026, tried and tested

<p>Will you choose a self-inflating style or one with a built-in pump?</p>
Camping

Best air beds for cosy camping trips in 2026

<p>Previously a rookie outdoor enthusiast, Eliza’s hike across the Norwegian wilderness helped her forge a new connection with nature</p>
Norway

Off the grid in Norway – and more connected than ever

<p>The suitcase has a padlock and four 360-degree spinner wheels</p>
Promoted content

This cabin bag from Amazon is Ryanair-approved and reduced by 25%

<p>All our kayaks were tested on the south coast of Devon</p>
Travel & outdoors

Best inflatable kayaks for 2026, tried and tested

<p>Whether you’re backpacking or wild camping, these tested tents have you covered</p>
Camping

10 best two-person tents, tried and tested

<p>Exposure to levels of 70dB or higher for a prolonged period of time can start to damage your hearing </p>
Travel & outdoors

Best earplugs for concerts and festivals 2026, tried and tested

<p>We sought out the soggy areas mosquitos know and love to put each product to the test </p>
Travel & outdoors

Best mosquito repellent 2025, tried and tested

<p></p>
SPONSORED

Welcome to the club: The new Heathrow hotspot you need to know about

<p>We rolled each bag over a few miles, to see how they fared </p>
Luggage

7 best backpacks with wheels for a smooth ride, tried and tested

<p>We considered whether Uniqlo’s HeatTech leggings, socks, tops and trousers are worth your money </p>
Travel & outdoors

Uniqlo HeatTech review: Thermal clothing I actually want to wear

Travel & outdoors

Uniqlo HeatTech review: Thermal clothing I actually want to wear

<p>We considered whether Uniqlo’s HeatTech leggings, socks, tops and trousers are worth your money </p>
<p>We snuggled into each bag while camping in chilly Cornwall and the Cotswolds in spring </p>
Camping

Best sleeping bags for camping, festivals and hiking, tried and tested

<p>These styles will ward against the chill whether at home or on the mountain<em> </em></p>
Travel & outdoors

9 best women’s fleeces for hiking, layering and hunkering down

<p>We looked for good comfort, cushioning where it counts and decent breathability</p>
Sports & Fitness

8 best thermal socks tried and tested for 2024

<p>We tested for comfort, durability and breathability, mile after mile </p>
Fashion & Beauty

14 best walking sandals for men, women and kids

<p>We tested for comfort, durability and breathability, mile after mile </p>
Fashion & Beauty

14 best walking sandals for men, women and kids

<p>We looked for stylish travel wallets with room for all the essentials, as well as those that reduce the risk of identity fraud</p>
Travel & outdoors

Best travel wallets, tried and tested

<p>We’ve got every base covered, from lightweight luggage to kids’ suitcases for first-time travellers </p>
Luggage

Best suitcases for 2024, tested by experts

<p>We looked for craftsmanship, durability and how waterproof they were in dewy grass</p>
Outdoor Eating

Best picnic blankets for al fresco dining this summer

<p>We kept an eye on boiling and cooking times while testing these on wild and windy Dartmoor</p>
Camping

Best camping stoves and portable gas cookers for 2024

<p>We were looking for packability, warmth and practical features from both budget and high-end options </p>
Travel & outdoors

10 best men’s gilets for layering up during outdoor adventures

<p>We tested different styles and designs, to cope with all weathers </p>
Travel & outdoors

10 best dog-walking coats for men and women

<p>It’s time to upgrade your adapter – ideally to one with at least one USB port and the ability to help you stay connected in a minimum of 150 countries</p>
Travel & outdoors

9 best travel adapters to keep your devices charged on holiday

Outdoor theatres, operas, dance and music shows can now go ahead thanks to the latest easing of lockdown restrictions
Travel & outdoors

Outside concerts and theatres: The kit you need to enjoy them

The end of WWII in 1945 meant very different things to different people
Independent Premium

We may be ‘in it together’ – but only up to a point

Look for include zippable pockets, high collars, adjustable hoods and elasticated cuffs
Travel & outdoors

10 best women’s puffer and quilted jackets for walking

Travel & outdoors

10 best inflight gadgets

Travel & outdoors

10 best inflight gadgets

Features

The 10 Best commuter gear

News & Advice

The 10 Best days out in the city

Travel & outdoors

The 50 Best summer days out

News & Advice

The 10 Best beach gear

News & Advice

The 10 Best beach gear

Travel

The 10 Best hand luggage

UK

The 10 Best flea markets

UK

The 10 Best flea markets

<p><strong>{1} Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester </strong></p> <p>The country&#x2019;s largest winter garden opened in Cheshire in 2009 and boasts hundreds of thousands of snowdrops. Even head gardener Damian Harris has said it&#x2019;s hard to imagine how much it has changed in just four years. </p> <p>Garden open 11am-4pm Mon-Fri,  11am-5.30pm Sat and Sun,  adults £7.20, children £3.60,  <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/" target="_blank">nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey</a></p>
Travel

The 10 Best snowdrop walks

<p><strong>{1} Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester </strong></p> <p>The country&#x2019;s largest winter garden opened in Cheshire in 2009 and boasts hundreds of thousands of snowdrops. Even head gardener Damian Harris has said it&#x2019;s hard to imagine how much it has changed in just four years. </p> <p>Garden open 11am-4pm Mon-Fri,  11am-5.30pm Sat and Sun,  adults £7.20, children £3.60,  <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/" target="_blank">nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey</a></p>
Travel

The 10 Best snowdrop walks

<p><strong><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/the-10-best-running-shoes-8492160.html?action=gallery" target="_blank">{1} The North Face Hyper-Track Guide</a></strong></p> <p>The latest trail-running shoe from  the North Face, in stores in early March, is designed to withstand all but the  rockiest of roads, and is lightweight enough to perform well on asphalt. Good for triathlons or short cuts in  the park.</p> <p>£100, <a href="http://TheNorthFace.com/eu" target="_blank">thenorthface.com/eu</a></p>
Sport

The 10 Best running shoes

<p><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/skiing/the-10-best-ski-jackets-8471680.html?action=gallery">1. Schoffel Hermine</a></strong></p> <p>£299.99, <a href="http://www.ellis-brigham.com/products/womens-hermine-jacket/4309" target="_blank" title="ellis-brigham.com">ellis-brigham.com</a></p> <p>Inspired by classic ski-fashion designs, the removable hood and snow skirt protect you from the elements while the Venturi softshell fabric insulates you from the cold.</p>
Skiing

The 10 Best ski jackets

<p><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/skiing/the-10-best-ski-jackets-8471680.html?action=gallery">1. Schoffel Hermine</a></strong></p> <p>£299.99, <a href="http://www.ellis-brigham.com/products/womens-hermine-jacket/4309" target="_blank" title="ellis-brigham.com">ellis-brigham.com</a></p> <p>Inspired by classic ski-fashion designs, the removable hood and snow skirt protect you from the elements while the Venturi softshell fabric insulates you from the cold.</p>
Skiing

The 10 Best ski jackets

<p>{1} Beer to Branscombe, Devon</p><p>This amble along the Jurassic Coast is perfect for dog-walkers. The South West Coast Path is canine-friendly and Branscombe and East Beach in Beer allow dogs on the sands. The Anchor Inn and the Mason's Arms, at the
UK

The 10 best coastal walks

<p>{1} Beer to Branscombe, Devon</p><p>This amble along the Jurassic Coast is perfect for dog-walkers. The South West Coast Path is canine-friendly and Branscombe and East Beach in Beer allow dogs on the sands. The Anchor Inn and the Mason's Arms, at the
UK

The 10 best coastal walks

<p>1. Adventure Trail</p><p>£259.99, johnlewis.com</p><p>This well thought-out bike will give you that extra grip on rugged terrain, while the 21 gears will help you climb hills. The frame comes with a lifetime guarantee.</p>
Interiors

The 10 Best mountain bikes

Interiors

The 10 Best mountain bikes

<p>1. Adventure Trail</p><p>£259.99, johnlewis.com</p><p>This well thought-out bike will give you that extra grip on rugged terrain, while the 21 gears will help you climb hills. The frame comes with a lifetime guarantee.</p>
<p>1. The Bell at Skenfrith &#x2013; Skenfrith, Monmouthshire</p> <p>The food is the major draw at this Jacobean coaching inn on the banks of the River Monnow in Monmouthshire. The restaurant is particularly good, producing solid British classics using in
Features

The 10 Best country pubs

<p>1. Ally Capellino Freddie waxed-cotton bag</p> <p>£325, mrporter.com</p> <p>Made from British Millerain navy waxed cotton with leather trim, so both the style and the bag itself will endure for years to come.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best overnight bags

<p>1. Blackbush &amp; Twenty Acre Shaw, Bromley</p> <p>woodlandtrust.org.uk</p> <p>Go for a leafy ramble in this ancient woodland, close to London, and see berries ripening and leaves browning.</p>
UK

The 10 Best leafy walks

<p>1. Pack This pad</p> <p>£5.35, amazon.co.uk</p> <p>OK, nobody really needs this pad of checklists &#x2013; the back of an envelope will be just as good &#x2013; but if you make a list, you're far less likely to forget your pants or your passport.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best packing tips

<p>1. Pack This pad</p> <p>£5.35, amazon.co.uk</p> <p>OK, nobody really needs this pad of checklists &#x2013; the back of an envelope will be just as good &#x2013; but if you make a list, you're far less likely to forget your pants or your passport.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best packing tips

<p>1. Alwen Reservoir, Conwy</p> <p>bit.ly/alwenreservoir</p> <p>Most of this seven-mile walk is around the shoreline of the Alwen Reservoir but it also has uphill paths that trail through forest to Mynydd Hiraethog.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best autumn walks

News & Advice

The 10 Best men's travel kits

News & Advice

The 10 Best men's travel kits

<p>1. John Lewis Beach Huts towel</p> <p>£18, johnlewis.com</p> <p>Generous and featuring maritime stripes and a fun, coastal design &#x2013; just what you need to get you in the mood for a day at the beach.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best beach essentials

News & Advice

The 10 Best lightweight luggage

News & Advice

The 10 Best lightweight luggage

<p>1. Livescribe ECO Smartpen</p> <p>£79, dixons.co.uk</p> <p>This smartpen is light, portable and captures everything you write in your notebook, notepad or paper, allowing you to print it out later at your leisure.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best business travel kits

<p>1. Zippo Lighter</p> <p>£17.79, langtoninfo.co.uk</p> <p>A lighter is a must. For lighting the gas hob, romantic dinner candles or just finding your way to the fuse box in a power cut, you'll almost certainly need one.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best self-catering essentials

News & Advice

The 10 Best lightweight luggage

<p>1. Livescribe ECO Smartpen</p> <p>£79, dixons.co.uk</p> <p>This smartpen is light, portable and captures everything you write in your notebook, notepad or paper, allowing you to print it out later at your leisure.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best business travel kits

<p>1. Zippo Lighter</p> <p>£17.79, langtoninfo.co.uk</p> <p>A lighter is a must. For lighting the gas hob, romantic dinner candles or just finding your way to the fuse box in a power cut, you'll almost certainly need one.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best self-catering essentials

<p>1. Neal's Yard Frankincense Hydrating Facial Mist</p> <p>£10.50, boots.com</p> <p>If you have oily skin, you probably don't want to use one of the heavier 24-hour moisturisers. Instead, plump for this hydrating spray with frankincense.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best in-flight essentials

<p>1.Travel Etch a Sketch £11.49, lovememory.co.uk </p> <p>Channel their inner Picasso on that long haul flight with this pocket-sized version of the children&#x2019;s drawing game.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best travel games

<p>1. Travel Republic</p> <p>travelrepublic.co.uk</p> <p>Create your own package with this site, which allows you to pick up last-minute everything, from flights and car hire to hotels.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best bargain travel websites

<p>1. 2 Willow Road, Hampstead</p> <p>Adult: £6, child: £3, nationaltrust.org.uk</p> <p>Ernö Goldfinger may be the father of British modernism but here, in the house he built for his family in 1939, things are on a smaller scale.</p>
UK

The 10 Best houses to visit

<p>1. Eastpak Provider Blackout</p> <p>£65, epacks.co.uk</p> <p>No list of the best backpacks would be complete without an Eastpak in there somewhere. This one has two main compartments, one mini one, plus a padded laptop sleeve as well.</p>
News & Advice

The 10 Best rucksacks

UK

The 50 Best spas

Any Indoor Slope, UK Duncan Worrell, director of the Snowboard Club UK, recommends hitting any indoor slope before booking an expensive foreign trip. 'Whilst you could spend a fortune going abroad and then be restricted to the bunny slopes, your money is well spent learning properly in the UK, so you can get so much more from your first real mountain trip. Snowboard Club UK are huge advocates of riding in the UK generally and our indoor slopes make that fun and possible every day of the year.'
Skiing

The 50 Best ski resorts

<p><b> Lainston House Hotel</b></p> <p> For a very English weekend away and a classy approach to the romantic break, David Else recommends Lainston House Hotel, which he calls 'a quintessential country house hotel, complete with manicured gardens, croquet lawn and fly-fishing on the chalky streams of the nearby rivers Itchen and Test.'</p> <p><b>Where </b>Lainston House Hotel, Sparsholt, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2LT (01962 776088; www.lainstonhouse.com)</p> <p><b>How much </b>From £245 room only</p>
Games

The 50 Best weekend retreats

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