We have lucked out with our summer this year - in between the usual rain and blustery winds we have had some wonderfully sunny days. Unfortunately, this has resulted in my partner’s usual dodgy sunglasses tan line along the right side of his face. Normally I would see the funny side of this, but with our wedding fast approaching I struggled to find it amusing. So, imagine my relief when the Maui Jim Breezeway Sunglasses turned up in the office with its super thin, anti-stupid-thick-tan-line frame.

Even though I try my hardest to avoid female stereotypes, I have still managed to end up with a large collection of bags. However, unlike the stereotype, only two of them are hand bags, whilst the rest are backpacks and travel bags in various sizes and strap positions. The Hylete Iron aims to be all of your bags in one, with six distinct conversions: backpack, extended backpack, small duffle, large duffle, removable daypack, and messenger bag.

My partner and I are one of those annoying couples who are always participating in some ridiculous outdoor challenge. This involves us begging our friends for sponsorship and then running/falling around an assault course while getting covered in mud, water, foam or paint (sometimes all at the same time).

Every year without fail, when we go camping, we seem to forget that we won’t have a fridge or freezer. How we haven’t learnt this yet, I’m not sure, but it always results in about six of us turning up with enough meat to feed an army and an attempt to cook and eat it all on the same night. Well, not this year! We managed to get our hands on the Powerbox Plus, a 28L active cooler that operates off of a 12V car plug-in or a 230V electrical outlet (both cables included).

New on the scene is the Transporter 65 Duffle Bag from Osprey. Their bags have been designed to be tough and “adventure proof”; this expedition-style duffel bag is made from highly durable materials, is water-resistant and has a varied carrying system. Large enough to accommodate technical equipment, it is made from a super tough, TPU laminated 800D Nylon+ 0.2mm, which has excellent durability whilst keep the weight to a minimum.

The Stratos 50 is a hiking backpack that is packed with useful features and generous ventilation to make your outdoors adventure is as comfortable as possible. These features include Osprey's AntiGravity technology and a fully adjustable AirSpeed ventilated back system, which is a single-piece constructed back panel and hip belt with highly breathable suspended mesh.

The Fairview has been created specifically with women in mind. It is Osprey’s lightest travel backpack to date, featuring a women-specific fit created with an ergonomically shaped hip belt, harness, yoke and zip-away spacer mesh ventilated back panel. The bag is available in three sizes - 40, 55 and 70 - and in two colours – ‘Misty Grey’ and an attractive ‘Rainforest Green’.

Having the right sleeping bag when camping is important. Lack of sleep can easily ruin any trip; trying to get to sleep when you are too cold isn’t a lot of fun, and waking up sweating you butt off is equally unpleasant.

We have had a pretty rubbish summer so far: a few hot days here and there mixed with rain, cold temperatures and even snow - typical England. Because of this, we have rather shamefully neglected our back garden, but I was still surprised by how over-grown it had become when I finally dared to venture out there. Due to living in rented accommodation, we are limited to what we can do with the space, so it remains a rather boring gravelly rectangle with very little sunshine, where even lavender will die.

The iconic VW campervan is the pinnacle of the hippie camping lifestyle, but for most people these days it’s well out of their price range. Fear not! You can get the look for a faction of the price and without the risk of breaking down on the way (unless you have the tent in a car as old as mine then it is a constant risk). The VW Tent is a four-man tent with a divider down the middle creating two rooms and it is an exact licensed replica of the 1965 classic. It is available in Blue (our test model), Orange, Red and a limited-edition Green.