I’ve walked more than 1,000 miles on the Camino: this is the hiking gear I swear by

After hiking four routes of the Spanish pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago, I know the importance of the right kit.

I clocked up as many as 22 miles a day, sometimes in the driving Galician rain. I trekked through mountains, vineyards and sun-scorched plains while carrying all my essentials on my back.

So of course I made sure to stock up on the right gear before setting off.

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In our unique surveys, we ask thousands of Which? members to rate their outdoor clothing on everything from comfort and breathability to how good they are at keeping you dry.

They also told us about their go-to brands for accessories such as backpacks and hiking poles. And the good news is that a reliable bit of kit doesn’t need to cost the earth.

Read on for the Which? Recommended Brands (WRBs) rated by you that I can also personally vouch for. Plus, the alternatives to suit every budget, whether you’re looking to save or splurge.

Best walking boots

It’s essential to invest in the right footwear, especially if you plan to hike in all weathers and on uneven terrain. A good pair of hiking shoes is generally more lightweight and flexible. 

But I prefer a harder-wearing and more water-resistant boot with ankle support. I chose a pair of Scarpa boots for my most recent long-distance hike - a brand that received an overall score of 83%. 

Customers praised their supportive fit and durability - essential, as I wore right through the sole of my last pair (not a WRB). Even after walking 90 miles along the Northern coast of Spain, my feet were bone dry and without a single blister.

It’s a good idea to consider sizing up when you buy, while choosing a good pair of hiking socks can also make the world of difference.

Highly rated: Altberg 92%

If I’d had a few more pounds to spare, I might have stretched to a pair of Altberg’s. The Yorkshire-based brand uses durable materials that give superb grip over tough terrain without compromising on comfort. They’re costly, £196 a pair on average, but customers found them worth it, awarding them four stars for value for money.

Budget: Peter Storm 78%

Provides great comfort and shock absorption underfoot for about a third of Altberg’s price. But they can feel stiff, and your feet may get warm and sweaty on long hikes.

Best walking boots for 2026

Best walking trousers

I walked for almost 40 consecutive days with one pair of trousers, so it was essential that they were comfortable, breathable and quick-drying. I went for Rohan, which topped the table with a score of 87%. My pair were easy to wash and even zipped off into shorts for sunny days - which I was very grateful for during an unexpected heatwave. 

Highly rated: Paramo 86%

Paramo’s walking trousers are expensive (£100+), but unlike most, they’re waterproof so there’s no need to buy overtrousers too. The breathable fabrics ensure you don’t end up hot and sticky.

Budget: M&S 82%

Customers praised M&S’s prices (average of £45), as well as the quick-drying, high-quality fabrics and their robust build. One particularly liked the deep, secure pockets for functional storage.

How to choose a good pair of walking trousers and the best waterproof overtrousers

Best backpacks for walking

I often walk point to point, without the luxury of luggage transfers - so a good backpack is essential. I love Osprey (83%): the gender-specific designs suit my frame, while the harness and hip belts can be adjusted to distribute the weight evenly (it received five stars for adjustability in our survey). The mesh panels also wick away sweat well and are comfortable to wear all day long. All the clever pockets and compartments make it easy to organise your belongings too. Mine came with a rainproof cover too, a must-have in my books. For smaller daypacks, consider the below.

Highly rated: Highlander 83%

Highlander daypacks have comfortable padded shoulder straps and well-ventilated back panels to keep you cool. Their construction is durable with dependable zips, and this is all backed by a 282-year warranty. 

Budget: Decathlon Quechua 78%

Starting at £10, Decathlon’s daypacks are lightweight, highly adjustable and have decent pockets. But they lack the ventilation and water resistance of the Highlander.

Best hiking and walking backpacks

Best hiking poles

Hiking poles will take the pressure off your knees and joints, especially for hilly terrain. Trespass is not a WRB, but I was happy with my pair (75%), which were easy to grip and cost less than £35 on sale. Leki poles are pricey at £90 a pair on average, but they are a WRB with a score of 83%. Strong and supportive, they also have a quick-release handle system that helps to hold your hand in place. Just make sure to put them in your hold luggage before flying; otherwise, they will be confiscated at security. 

Best walking poles

Best waterproof jackets

I didn’t get everything right. I used an old waterproof jacket that wasn’t a WRB, and I was wet and clammy when the weather inevitably turned. I won’t make the same mistake again. While some of the best brands are on the pricey side, you can still get a decent-quality waterproof for as little as £51.

Highly rated: Rohan 86%

Scoring five stars in almost every area, they’re light, made from comfortable materials and packed with practical pockets. And they give top-tier wind and rain protection

Budget: Regatta 77%

At £51 on average (vs £154 for Rohan), its jackets were applauded for their durability and weather resistance. They’re light too, but some customers felt they could be more breathable.

Best waterproof jackets for 2026