SIX WISE BUYS FOR OCTOBER RAMBLES

UST Hi Vis Lensatic Map Compass Whitby and Co, £14.95 whitbyandco.co.uk This folding device – also known as a military compass – will fit in a small pocket, and makes it easy to take a bearing on distant objects. Singi Trekking Shirt Fjallraven, £110, fjallraven.co.uk There’s a lot to be said for hiking in a shirt. Chest pockets are useful for essentials, and you can control your temperature by rolling up sleeves. Beautifully made from moisture-wicking and wind-resistant G-1000 fabric. Skyline Summit GTX Ariat, £170, ariat.com/gb/en Sturdy enough to withstand rough terrain, surprisingly light, and grippy on slippery surfaces. A waterproof membrane helps keep your feet dry, and there’s good protection around the heel and toe. JT Klean Kanteen Insulated TKPro 500ml flask Whitby & Co, £34.95 whitbyandco.co.uk Made of tough stainless steel, this stylish flask contains just under a pint. It insulates reassuringly well – we found the contents were still piping hot after 10 hours. Talon 33 backpack Osprey, £100 ospreyeurope.com Bristling with useful features, this backpack is hard to fault – it feels like an almost perfect design response to the needs of a hiker. Super-light at 910g, it should be big enough for all the basics of autumn walking. Sport 150 Mountain Magpie Tee Smartwool, £54.99 themountainfactor.com This highly versatile and adaptable top is made from lightweight 56% merino wool fabric that feels pleasant whether the weather is hot or cold.