On manoeuvres

Well done on the magazine and I enjoy your features on walking equipment. One avenue readers might not immediately have considered for hiking gear is army surplus stores. Not only can you buy hard-wearing and cheap boots, waterproof coats, rucksacks and the like you’re also helping to re-use and recycle equipment that may have gone to landfill otherwise. I have a small family, so money is always tight, but I managed to buy a waterproof coat and trousers for less than £100 from an online surplus store. If it’s good enough for a 30-mile trek with the Royal Marines then it’s good enough for me in the local hills!

Brendon Hall, Ashton-under-Lyne