Summer Exploration Essentials

With summer slowing creeping back around, now is the time to start preparing for your seasonal adventures. Whether you prefer camping beside a log fire beneath a starry sky or putting the little ones through their paces with a hike through the countryside, summer is undoubtedly the time to get outdoors and explore nature in full flourish. Wherever your escapades will be taking you this summer, ensure you're ready for all that nature can throw up; from clothing essentials to handy gadgets, our guide to summer exploration has been curated so that you can truly reap the rewards of the great outdoors this summer.

Before we get carried away with wishful images of a sun-drenched British countryside, let’s remember that even in summer the great British outdoors can be partial to the odd shower or two… With that in mind, a waterproof jacket is imperative whether travelling on high or low ground. British outdoor specialists Craghoppers have garnered an expanding reputation for excellent waterproof jackets that we can vouch for, while respected brands such as The North Face and Jack Wolfskin have long been our go-to outdoor brands here at The Hut.

It beggars belief the number of times we have seen the casual hiker attempting to take on Snowden in a pair of throwaway trainers or old sandals destined for the bin at the end of the day. Not only is this extremely dangerous, but it will inevitably lead to damaged feet and most likely muscular injuries in the foot or lower leg. A good pair of hiking shoes will provide the foot with the right balance of support, comfort and breathability to keep your feet happy every step of the way, reducing the potential of danger and helping to prevent the possibility of injury. Merrell has set itself one step ahead of most brands in outputting sturdy, technically advanced footwear built for the outdoors. Jack Wolfskin is another brand at the forefront of outdoor sportswear, and its footwear collection is a testament to its solid reputation.

Often overlooked by even the most professional outdoor explorers, the power of compression socks has yet to be discovered by walkers and hikers. During any outdoor adventure, the amount of pressure and weight placed on the foot is unaccustomed and unnatural for the foot to deal with; while the humble sock may keep your feet slightly warmer and more comfortable, it is essentially just a layer of cotton designed to prevent rubbing and light cold. Compression socks are instead engineered to provide targeted muscle support and improved blood circulation in the foot and calf, making for longer-lasting comfort, a reduced chance of injury and quicker recovery afterwards. Skins prides itself on the quality of its compression wear, and you would struggle to find a more technically advanced pair of compression socks anywhere on today’s market.

Part of the fun of camping is testing out your latest outdoor gadgets. For long walks and hikes, stay hydrated with a Contigo autoseal travel mug which is designed with a double-walled insulation that can keep liquids hot for up to five hours and cold for up to 12. Similarly, Thermos have been at the frontline of on-the-go food storage for decades and the newly designed food flask is ideal for soups with its foldable stainless steel spoon.

A camping trip wouldn’t be complete without a cooked full English the morning after enjoyed against nature’s backdrop. The Campingaz Series 400 SG Double Burner and Grill Stove makes this task a doddle, with a two-burner stove and a grill to the underside ready to cater for all the family. Of course, the gadgets section wouldn’t be complete without dad’s novelty bottle opener for fireside beverages, and The Hut offers you a comprehensive selection ranging from a one-legged pirate to a subtle key-shaped bottle opener that can makes a handy addition to any set of keys.

If you a keen hiker or traveller, you will need to invest in a good backpack. Not only will it benefit you in terms of comfort and convenience during your next adventure, but it will save you a large amount of money instead of buying lower-quality backpacks not designed for much outdoor exposure. Jack Wolfskin once again rises to the fore with its Velocity 12 backpack, crafted from a robust waterproof ripstop fabric with a full range of practical features. The Under Armour SC30 Undeniable Backpack is also good option for athletes and can even work well on your commute with a handy laptop sleeve, while we also recommend more fashion-forward backpacks including Fjällräven’s Kankenor Herschel Supply Co. Men's Retreat Backpack for less rigorous exploration.

From camping essentials to technical sportswear and equipment, The Hut has all you need to make the most of the outdoors this summer. Whether your target is to get fit, climb a mountain or simply take more pleasure in the beauty of the great outdoors, we have a range of products that will bring you that bit closer to achieving your target.