The Great British Adventure Club Magazine

Discover everything you need to wild camp, hike, and run Britain’s trails with confidence.

Your go-to source of expert info to better explore the UK

From expert advice on planning your next adventure to tried-and-tested gear recommendations, the Great British Adventure Club brings you the UK's most honest outdoor reviews and advice — written by real adventurers, for real adventurers.

Latest best-ofs

Our best-ofs bring together the standout gear that truly excels in British conditions — the kit that's proven itself through rain, wind, mud and miles. Each round-up focuses on what really works here in the UK, from waterproofs that can handle a Lake District downpour to sleeping bags that keep you warm on a frosty Cairngorms night. We test, compare and curate the best-performing gear across every category, so you can find the right kit for your next adventure — built for Britain, not just the brochure.

Best sleeping pads for the UK 2026

Whether you're fastpacking in summer or camping through frost, these are the best sleeping pads to keep you warm, supported and well-rested across Britain in 2026.

Best midlayers for UK adventures 2025

From Merino wool classics to ultralight technical fleeces, these are the best midlayers for tackling Britain's unpredictable weather in 2025.

Best wild camping tents for the UK 2025

Our round up of the best wild camping tents for the UK 2025 — as tested by the GBAC.

Dive deeper into specific sports and activities

Discover everything you need to get out on real wild camping, hiking and trail running adventures in the UK, from packing lists, expert advice, routes and more.

Hiking
Hiking

Find route guides, navigation tips, and honest gear reviews — everything you need to hike further, safer, and happier across the UK.

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Wild camping
Wild camping

Find guides to UK rules and locations, essential kit advice, and trusted gear reviews — everything you need to camp responsibly and confidently.

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Fastpacking
Fastpacking

Find lightweight gear recommendations, training tips, and UK route inspiration — everything you need to move faster and go further on Britain's best trails.

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GBAC reviews carousels
Browse Britain’s best gear reviewsHonest, hands-on reviews of camping, hiking and trail running kit, based on its performance in proper British conditions — so you know what holds up before you buy.
Wild camping in the British hills
Camping gear reviewsTents & shelters · Sleeping bags & more
Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW4-seasonNordisk Telemark 2.2 LWIs this the most versatile 4-season tent available today?Read the review →MSR Tindheim 22-personMSR Tindheim 2One of the most comfortable ways to camp in poorer conditions.Read the review →Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1UltralightBig Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1Ideal for weight-conscious adventurers keeping pack size down.Read the review →MSR Hubba NX1-personMSR Hubba NXThe original ultralight OG — how does it hold up today?Read the review →Vango Banshee 200Long-term testVango Banshee 200Is this cult-classic backpacking tent worth the hype?Read the review →OEX Bobcat 1 UltraliteSoloOEX Bobcat 1 UltraliteThe popular lightweight backpacking tent just got even lighter.Read the review →Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2Long-term testBig Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2Small, lightweight and surprisingly roomy.Read the review →Wild Country Helm 1 CompactSoloWild Country Helm 1 CompactSome of the best all-round performance we’ve experienced.Read the review →Nortent Gamme 44-seasonNortent Gamme 4A portable brick building for the worst conditions imaginable.Read the review →Nortent Vern 1 PCSoloNortent Vern 1 PCAn innovative polycotton tent built for foul weather.Read the review →
Hiking across the UK
Hiking gear reviewsLayers · Packs · Boots & more
Isobaa Borg FleeceFleeceIsobaa Borg FleeceSupremely warm, breathable and beautifully made.Read the review →Simond MT900 50+10BackpackSimond MT900 50+10Premium performance without the premium price tag.Read the review →Helly Hansen LokeWaterproofHelly Hansen LokeA lightweight, city-smart shell at home on coastal trails.Read the review →Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTXBootsSalomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTXLight, cushioned and waterproof — superb for UK day hikes.Read the review →BRS-3000T StoveStoveBRS-3000T StoveLighter than a snack bar, under twenty quid — backpacking’s biggest bargain?Read the review →Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down HoodyDownFjällräven Expedition Pack Down HoodyBalances warmth, weight and packability for British adventures.Read the review →Quechua MH100 FleeceFleeceQuechua MH100 FleeceA basic midlayer built for beginners — a bargain at £9.99.Read the review →Helly Hansen Odin EverDownDownHelly Hansen Odin EverDownLightweight and impressively warm for layering in the mountains.Read the review →Patagonia Nano Puff HoodyInsulationPatagonia Nano Puff HoodyWarm, packable and pretty much ready for anything.Read the review →RevolutionRace Nordwand ProTrousersRevolutionRace Nordwand ProAre these the best-value hiking trousers on the market?Read the review →
Trail running and fastpacking in the UK
Trail running gear reviewsShoes · Packs · Waterproofs & more
Scarpa Spin PlanetShoesScarpa Spin PlanetA rugged, eco-conscious runner for long, slow adventures.Read the review →Isobaa Merino 200 Zip-NeckMidlayerIsobaa Merino 200 Zip-NeckA do-it-all superfine merino layer for British conditions.Read the review →TNF Summit FutureFleeceMidlayerTNF Summit FutureFleeceA technical fleece so light you’ll forget it’s there.Read the review →Icebreaker RealFleece DescenderMidlayerIcebreaker RealFleece DescenderMaybe the ultimate merino midlayer for runners and fastpackers.Read the review →Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2ShoesScarpa Golden Gate ATR 2A versatile door-to-trail trainer with grip and cushioning.Read the review →Marmot PreCip EcoWaterproofMarmot PreCip EcoThe best-value rain jacket for UK three-season use?Read the review →Scarpa Ribelle Run 2ShoesScarpa Ribelle Run 2A confident ride from mountain trails to riverside mud.Read the review →TNF Summit Superior FUTURELIGHTJacketTNF Summit Superior FUTURELIGHTPhenomenal performance for a phenomenal price.Read the review →Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 GTXShoesArc’teryx Norvan LD 4 GTXTalks a big game, but better suited to high street than hillside.Read the review →Harrier ExmoorLong-term testHarrier ExmoorA budget running jacket with a premium design.Read the review →

How we test kit

At the Great British Adventure Club, we’re a collective of outdoor experts — from mountain leaders to designers — united by a love of Britain’s wild places. Every product we review is tested by multiple members in real conditions, ensuring every verdict is authentic, unbiased, and built on true adventure experience.

Our testing ethos

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