The North Face Women's Fortress Peak GTX

Advantages: Waterproof, well constructed
Disadvantages: Bit stiff at first

...One of the good things about being an urban girl is that it feels a real treat to escape into the countryside. We are lucky enough to live within easy reach of lots of beautiful scenery, the Peaky Peak District, the Lakes, North Wales, Yorkshire Dales and N Yorkshire Moors and more besides. (Offers for house swap if you live somewhere gorgeous and rural still considered, mansions only). When we go for our weekend and day trips, essential footwear for me comes in the form of a pair of walking boots. For many years I had a trusty pair of brown leather boots. However, one day last autumn whilst walking in the Lake District on a particularly cold day, my feet got wet; my boots had holes. Soggy wet socks and cold feet were enough to make me go shopping in search of a replacement pair. All I knew was I wanted a good pair, suitable... Read review

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Advantages: very comfortable, all day 3-4 season boot, all terrain, fully laden
Disadvantages: initial outlay is large but they will last for years. no half sizes

...for several days on the trot. They are suitable for most terrains and although not a mountaineers boot they are suitable for scrambling over rocks. They are classed as a 3 to 4 season boot which indicates they are suitable for all seasons except real bad winter conditions. The winters we get here now are fine but heavy, prolonged freezing cold conditions would require a more specialised boot as would climbing or scrambling in icy surroundings. These boots are also very suitable for use when carrying a fully laden multi-day backpack. The Berghaus GR20 GTX boots are available in either women’s or men’s; women’s sizes range from a 36 to a 42, men’s range from 39 to a 48. Increments are in full sizes only; they don’t do half sizes but the fittings are quite wide. A pair of size 36 weighs around 700g and a size 42 weighs around 850g so they aren... Read review

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Advantages: Small, portable, high heat (but controllable), reliable
Disadvantages: Price of fuel

...I purchased a Coleman Peak 1 camping stove about 12 years ago, when I embarked on an expedition to walk the Penine Way. The stove is lightweight, portable, and best of all - reliable. It gives a good heat, boiling 2 pints of water in less than 5 minutes (try doing that with your standard Calor Gaz stove!). Although the power output is high, it is also very controllable. There is a small lever to adjust the flame, and it can be lowered to a simmer if that is all that you need. Safety has also been taken into consideration such that, even though the stove is fuelled with petrol, it can be tilted, turned, and even inverted without flaring up in your face. The fuel made by Coleman is rather expensive (around 9 pounds for a 1 litre tin), although the newer models can now use standard unleaded fuel of the type you put in your car... Read review

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