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The Guardian
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
From packing cubes to multi-strap bras: the holiday hacks you swear by
It's high holiday season, and whether you're heading to the coast, a city or the hills, a bit of pre-trip prep can go a long way. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. To help you pack more thoughtfully, make the most of the beach, and stay sane on long journeys with small people, we've asked for your best holiday tips – and rounded up the best of our own, too. If you want to take more manageable luggage, two- (or even three-) in-one products are a godsend. Reader Carina suggests 'a decent multi-strap bra to cover all eventualities', such as this M&S Flexifit bra that can be worn three ways. Fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley loves this swimsuit from John Lewis (now reduced to £27.50). 'The shoulder detailing and sturdy, non-transparent fabric make it perfect for wearing as a top, so it does double duty on holiday,' she suggested in her June style essentials. Fashion writer Peter Bevan selected these tailored swim shorts that could also pass as daywear for his 50 men's summer wardrobe updates. Shoes are tricky: you want something for every occasion, but don't want to bring seven pairs with you. So, you need a pair of catch-all shoes that are comfortable for walking but won't look out of place at dinner. Fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley found just that for her roundup of the best summer shoes: these women's Keen sandals and these men's Chaco sandals. If you're in need of holiday outfit inspo, check out Jess's capsule holiday wardrobe. When it comes to beauty, travel minis will save suitcase space. Beauty writer Anita Bhagwandas picked her favourite Clinique travel moisturiser (currently on sale for £10) and two-in-one Bumble and Bumble dry shampoo and styling powder for her guide to the best travel toiletries. However, decanting your own products is far kinder to the planet (and cheaper, as you can use products you already own): she recommended these travel pots. Choose a lightweight, quick-drying hammam-style towel instead of a bulky beach towel, says Melanie Wilkinson in our summer style updates (she also found this cute coin purse key chain to carry loose change for emergency ice-creams). While reader Annie Jackson suggests packing baby powder: 'It works a treat for getting sand off your feet and hands.' Reader Shona recommends packing cubes: 'I organise my clothing by category in each cube so it's easy to find what I want without rummaging,' she says. She also advises noting what you did and didn't wear to inform your packing next time. If you're in need of some new luggage, look no further than Pete Wise's favourite budget pick from his test of the best suitcases and this genius Antler carry-on bag that Jess says has strangers stopping her in the street. Always check visa requirements before travelling: people from Europe heading to the UK now need to pay £16 for an ETA. Similarly, the US requires you to have an Esta even just for a layover. If you're planning on driving from the UK to Europe, here's everything you need to know. Learn a few basic words in the language – please, thank you, hello at least. Duolingo is a great free app to help you learn. Plus, make a list of everyone's must-do activities to ensure you don't miss anything. Never over-plan though – always leave space for spontaneity and rest (holidays are always more tiring than you think). Reader Jess Rogers has a tip for distracting kids on long journeys: 'Wrap up little inexpensive gifts from the charity shop and stagger them throughout the journey – or as a distraction to avoid a meltdown.' She also has a staycation hack: 'Find a new theme for every outing … how many birds/butterflies can you spot? Can you find a rainbow of flowers?' For more tips and tricks, check out our guide to surviving long journeys with kids. 'The only thing that gets me out of my tent': the camping essentials you need (and what you don't) The best kettles to save energy and speed up your cuppa, tested The best short shorts for men – and how to pull them off 'Astonishingly good value': the best supermarket tofu, tasted and rated Summer drinking should be just as special for the sober. Wine writer Sophia Longhi has been testing red, white, rose, bubbles and sparkling tea to bring you this selection of 28 genuinely delicious no- and low-alcohol wines. Her favourites include a French white that tastes like the real thing, a blanc de blancs fit for a celebration – and even a few decent red wines. Monica HorridgeDeputy editor, the Filter Keen to get out for a walk or bike ride but held back by a reluctant child? Parent of a toddler and lover of the outdoors Paddy Maddison gathered all the best tips from parents on how they manage to get outside with their little ones. Have you made an eco-friendly swap that's stuck? Maybe you found a microfibre cloth that transformed your skincare routine, plastic-free cleaning products that actually work, or a shopping tote that finally broke your addiction to plastic bags. Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at thefilter@
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Yahoo
I swapped the StairMaster for hill running — here's what it did for my mind and body
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The StairMaster is a popular gym machine that offers a hefty lower-body workout. On those revolving steps, you build strength in your quads, glutes, and calves while challenging your cardio and burning calories. That's all fine and well until you get bored three minutes in, staring at the plain white gym wall in front of you, wishing you had downloaded something on Netflix to pass the time as you count down the remaining steps. There are certainly ways to spice up your StairMaster sessions; for example, my colleague Sam tried the 25-7-2 TikTok workout for a week. The challenge involves setting your StairMaster to level seven, stepping for 25 minutes, and completing the workout twice a week. But I'm a sunshine worshipper, and if I can work out outdoors instead of indoors, I will. So, while trying to figure out how I could get benefits similar to those offered by StairMaster, I decided to ditch the StairMaster and the gym altogether and take to my local hills to work out. Here's what happened. Modern technology makes it easy to find hilly locations I felt a bit like a grandma saying 'technology is great, isn't it,' but it really did help when I started looking for good hill running spots. After moving to my new area, I used Strava's route maps (part of its premium features) and played around with filters like elevation and distance to find hilly routes other local runners were using. For my first session, I didn't follow a set plan. I just wanted to see how I handled the elevation. If you already know your local hills, you could turn them into a short workout, like a set of sprints with jog-back recoveries. Being surrounded by nature was a great distraction It sounds a bit cliché, but I genuinely feel a rush when running up a steep hill, surrounded by greenery with even bigger hills looming in the background. Breathing in fresh air instead of the recycled, sweaty air from the gym is also a huge bonus. Hill running is undeniably hard, but being outdoors helps to distract you from how tough it is. Plus, it's easier to take walking breaks without messing around with machine settings. You can just ease off when you need to and get going again when you're ready. I know I'm lucky to live right at the foot of some scenic hills, and not everyone will have easy access to this. But you definitely don't need to live near mountains to give hill running a go. A steeper path in your local park can work just as well, and apps like Strava are great for spotting popular hill routes nearby. If you're heading off-road like I did, I'd highly recommend wearing a pair of the best trail running shoes for adding grip and stability on uneven ground. The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is built for rugged terrain, with grippy soles that keep you stable on uneven trails and a cushioned feel that helps soften steep climbs and descents. They're light, comfortable, and designed to handle hills with Deal The glute burn was real Just like the stairmaster, hill running really puts your glutes to work. It mainly activates the gluteus maximus, which plays a key role in hip extension and powering you forward as you climb. The steeper the gradient, the harder those muscles fire to keep you moving. I usually notice it the day after, not an overwhelming soreness, but a solid, satisfying ache that feels like progress. In short, hill running is a practical way to build glute strength using just your body and the terrain. What the science says about hill running Hill running is not just a tough workout but one with real benefits. A recent study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences looked at hill runners' fitness, body composition, and performance. It found that better aerobic capacity and lower body fat were linked to stronger hill running performance. The study also noted that hill running pushes you close to your maximum effort, which is a sign of an effective cardiovascular workout. However, it's important to note that another key takeaway from the study was that many hill runners might be burning more energy than they take in, so fueling properly is important if you increase your hill running sessions. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide Best fitness trackers New study says these workouts don't just build strength — they improve your sleep, too Don't own a smartwatch? Strava's app update just made phone tracking way better
The Guardian
11-07-2025
- The Guardian
The best camping stoves for cooking like a pro in the wild, tested
A reliable camping stove makes all the difference to food alfresco, allowing you to cook a stew in the evening and then warm up in the morning with a hot cup of coffee. The great thing about these stoves is that they're essentially portable hobs, meaning anything you can cook on the stove at home can be whipped up in the great outdoors by sticking a pot or frying pan on top. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. There's a dizzying variety on offer, ranging from dinky ultralight burners that fit into your pocket to big stove-tops with multiple hobs, grills, wind protectors and a lid – the latter are like bringing along your cooker from home. Most run on gas, such as propane and butane, although I've also included charcoal options for traditional types. I've tested some of the best portable stoves, for everyone from ultralight wild campers to families who need to cook dinners for the masses. Best camping stove overall: Dometic Cadac 2 Cook 2 Pro£99.99 at Robert Dyas Best grill:Primus Kuchoma portable grill £154.95 at WildBounds Best for family camping:Campingaz Camping Kitchen 2 Multi-Cook Plus£160 at Go Outdoors Best for wild campers:Petromax Atago stove£179.95 at Mountain Warehouse Best for backpacking/best mini stoveMSR Switch system stove£114.75 at WildBounds I'm a keen camper and spend many nights a year under canvas, either wild camping solo in the hills or on weekends away in my bell tent with friends and family. Wherever I pitch my tent, I also love making supper in the great outdoors – whether it's a bowl of noodles in the wild, a hearty stew at a campsite or a spot of marshmallow toasting on a campfire. With my journalist hat on, I've been testing all kinds of outdoor kit for years, so I know what works – and what will last. Read our expert guide to the best tents for more inspiration I fired up each of these nine stoves and cooked camping staples such as porridge, pancakes and fried eggs, as well as checking how long it took to boil water on each. I looked for an easy setup without any complicated instructions to follow and tested to see if each stove cooked evenly and reliably, and that the components felt good quality and built to last. I hate cleaning stoves, but I took one for the team and gave each of my top-rated models a good scrub to see how easy they were to get spick and span after use. My selection of the best camping stoves includes lightweight numbers and multi-hob monsters, as well as a great mini grill and even a smoker you can take camping. £99.99 at Robert Dyas£125 at Decathlon This is a compact gas stove with two independent burners. It also has built-in ignition, and ceramic-coated flat and ribbed grill plates, allowing for simultaneous grilling, frying and boiling. It weighs 4.8kg and is compatible with butane and propane. Why we love itThere are camping stoves out there to suit everyone, from the hardiest mountaineer who wants to fit a stove in the palm of their hand to the van-lifers in need of a setup that would rival a kitchen. If pressed, I'd say this was the best camping stove I tested overall. It's lightweight, at less than 5kg, and is portable, folding into its case for carrying and storage. Pop off the lid and there are two burners, each with its own built-in ignition, so you can have coffee going on one and bacon and eggs sizzling on the other. You can also stick two grill surfaces (a ceramic flat plate grill and a ribbed grill plate) on top and simply pop ingredients straight on to sizzle and sear. The case makes for fuss- and mess-free storage in your van or car boot (or cupboard back at home), and it sits sturdily on tabletops. This is ideal for campervans or on family camping trips, although it would benefit from the addition of a wind guard, as it doesn't like anything stronger than a mild breeze. This is also a well-priced camping stove. It's a shame that … it doesn't like high winds. Weight: 4.8kgBurners: twoFuel type: gasTime to boil water: six minutes £154.95 at WildBounds£163.40 at Cotswold Outdoor The Swedish-designed Primus Kuchoma is a lightweight, portable gas-powered grill designed for outdoor cooking adventures. Weighing 4.6kg, it features a ceramic non-stick grill grate, a stainless-steel drip tray and foldable legs. Why we love itThe Kuchoma felt rather like the Cadac 2 Cook 2 Pro in terms of shape, size and portability, but it's a dedicated grill rather than a two-burner. This was the most portable grill I could find to test, and if you love a proper barbecue but want to travel light, it'll be your bestie, allowing you to sizzle a steak or brown toast wherever you pitch your tent (or simply on the beach, patio or in the garden). I liked the foldout legs, which protect the ground and make a solid base for the grill, and there's room on the Kuchoma to cook supper for two people, with heat distributed well across one wide grill plate. The steel hood seals tight, too, so the burner stays lit in windy weather. It's quick to remove the grill to wash it and wipe clean the grease tray. If you already own a stove, this will be a great addition to liven up your camping culinary adventures more exciting – but it won't cover the basics such as boiling the kettle or making pasta. It's a shame that … it's expensive, especially for a one-trick pony. Weight: 4.6kgBurners: oneFuel type: gasTime to boil water: not applicable £160 at Go Outdoors£213.99 at Decathlon This larger (but still portable) stove has a triple burner, so you can boil, saute and grill all at once. It all sits atop a table and storage shelf with screw-on legs, making for an instant family cooking setup wherever you roam. Why we love itLike to take everything camping but the kitchen sink? Campingaz's Camping Kitchen 2 Multi-Cook Plus takes the brand's popular double-burner stove and adds a sturdy table, storage shelf and aluminium griddle with a small burner. This allows you to boil the kettle, stir baked beans and toast bread at the same time – perfect for a proper brekkie. There are also two small-but-useful side tables that are perfect for prep or condiments. Campingaz uses Flameguard technology to improve fuel efficiency, and I did find it more windproof than some other double-burners, but it didn't boil water significantly faster in my tests. It's quick to set up – just screw on the legs if you want to use it as a table, and then pop the lid – and it includes built-in ignition. It was my favourite stove for cooking for family and friends, with room for larger pans, and the handy table is a makeshift kitchen even in the most basic camping spot. Another bonus: it's easy to keep clean, with removable griddle and pan supports. It's a shame that … it doesn't have pull-out windguards to help preserve energy, although I can't find much to critique about this setup. Weight: 5.4kgBurners: threeFuel type: gasTime to boil water: seven minutes £179.95 at Mountain Warehouse£179.95 at B&Q The Atago is a four-in-one charcoal cooking kit designed to function as a grill, stove, oven and firepit. It's made from stainless steel, which makes it durable, and features a double-walled design for efficient heat retention, plus it has a one-step folding mechanism for portability. It's also compatible with various iterations of Petromax cast-iron cookware. Why we love itThis might be the hardiest portable stove on the market. The stainless-steel unit uses charcoal or charcoal briquettes for fuel, so it's ideal for wild campers, foragers and explorers who fancy cooking a feast when they're far from the nearest plug socket or shop. The Atago is designed to be compatible with Petromax's Dutch ovens, woks, pans and even a camping coffee percolator, although you'll have to buy these separately – and this cooking system is already expensive. You'll also have to tend to a fire rather than just turn on the gas, though I found the Atago easy to light and use, plus grilling meat and fish on charcoal gave a wonderful smoky flavour. Gourmet chefs who want to produce Instagram-worthy eats even if they're in the wild will love this setup, and I liked that it converts into a fire bowl – a great way to have a campfire without causing damage wherever you set up your tent. All in all, this is a fun mini mobile kitchen, and worth investing in if you're serious about food even when you're in the backcountry. It's a shame that … it's expensive – and you'll have to buy the accessories. Weight: 6.1kg Burners: oneFuel type: charcoal, charcoal briquettes and firewoodTime to boil water: five minutes (once the fire is hot) £114.75 at WildBounds£135 at Valley and Peak MSR (Mountain Safety Research) is a US-based outfitter whose tents I rate. In fact, it makes the best tent overall from our recent test. It calls this stove 'the ultimate all-in-one cooking system' – and it's lightweight, compact and efficient. The brand aims the Switch at backpackers and mountaineers who want to boil water fast in the integrated pot, but it also allows you to use other pots and pans. Why we love itThis 'personal stove system' is a clever all-in-one option that solo backpackers, bikepackers and wild campers can pop in their rucksack and fire up anywhere. The included pot has a rounded bottom that MSR reckons makes it more efficient at boiling water than a flat design (so much so that there's a patent pending on it). I found it boiled water very quickly – it was the quickest stove in my test, at three minutes, and made the morning coffee round a pleasure. The pot holds 600ml for boiling and has handy markers so you can boil enough water for a cuppa or to fill a ration pack, and it slots easily on to the round potholder above the flame. It's easy to adjust the stove's power, too, and there's a handy cork cosy around the pot for insulation and to make it easier to hold if you're munching your noodles straight from it. You don't need to use MSR's integrated pot all the time, either: fold-out pot supports will take larger pans if you're doing more than boiling water, and there's a built-in igniter, so there's no fiddling with old lighters or wet matches. The Switch only really has the capacity to cook for one, though. While it weighs just under 400g, this isn't the lightest solo system out there – however, I do think it's one of the best for quality. It's a shame that … it's not the lightest system on the market. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Weight: 392gBurners: oneFuel type: gasTime to boil water: three minutes £215 at Ellis Brigham Best for: a multi-fuel stove Multi-fuel stoves do what they say on the tin, and by allowing you to swap between fuels they're versatile for travel. MSR's XGK EX is a popular choice with hardy outdoorsy types as it burns white gas, paraffin and diesel. It's a hard-wearing stove that should last a long time; its stainless-steel, scorpion-like legs provide a wide, sturdy surface for your pot. All this little stove really does is boil liquids (albeit fast and reliably, and it will also melt snow in harsh weather conditions), so you can't simmer your meal or make anything complicated. It's pricey, too, so casual campers need not splash their cash here, though for international adventures – where you really need to rely on your kit – it's worth the spend. It didn't make the final cut because … it's expensive and has no temperature control. Weight: 366gBurners: oneFuel type: gas, paraffin and dieselTime to boil water: three to five minutes £79.99 at Robert Dyas£85 at Argos Best for: a portable barbecue and smoker A smoker you can take into the sticks? The Bar-Be-Quick's multilayered design looks too hefty to be portable at first glance – but this smoker and grill (which weighs 8.3kg) will fit into larger cars if you fancy a gourmet camping feast. It can also be converted into a small portable barbecue by taking away the top section, making it ideal for shorter trips. You can then choose whether you fancy smoking, grilling, roasting or steaming ingredients. During testing, it took me a few goes to put the smoker grill together and then to use it correctly, but once I got the hang of it cooking was simple – and more fun than your standard barbecue or camping stove. It works well as a simple charcoal grill, too. This grill perhaps isn't as solid as some premium models, but it's good fun and affordable. It didn't make the final cut because … it's flimsier than some models on test. Weight: 8.3kgBurners: oneFuel type: charcoalTime to boil water: not applicable £129.95 at WildBounds£166.95 at Amazon Best for: a single burner Many of the stoves I tested came with a lot of bells, whistles and removable accessories – not so with the Moja, which is pleasingly simple and does one job very well. Open the slim carry case and there's a single, powerful burner designed for cooking for one to three people. At 2.3kg, the Moja is lightweight enough to be portable for camping and festivals, and it will easily fit into cars (or a backpack at a pinch). It's also a great size to use as a makeshift cooker in smaller campervans, caravans and boats. Fire up the Moja, and pots sit solidly on top – the lid is removable if you're using a wider pan. The hob boils water in about five minutes, and the removable drip tray also made this one of the easiest stoves on test to clean. It didn't make the final cut because … its use is limited. Weight: 2.3kgBurners: oneFuel type: gasTime to boil water: five minutes £34.95 at Outdoor Action£49 at Amazon Best for: an affordable, lightweight stove Redefining what it means to be a 'Beetles fan', this compact stove may be small but it's also mighty. It weighs just 189g – not as featherweight as the teeny, less-than-50g stoves favoured by hardcore hikers, but it's great for its price and will do just fine for most backpackers and trekkers. The Beetle folds out into a surprisingly sturdy pot stand, which I found steady even on uneven surfaces. I'd suggest adding a foil windscreen if you're out in the wild, as it proved pretty sensitive to any kind of wind, but it was easy to light and control the power of the flame, and it boiled water fast. Other reviewers report this stove doesn't work well in winter conditions, but in spring it was an efficient cooking companion I barely noticed in my pack – and it's well priced. It didn't make the final cut because … there are lighter stoves out there if the weight is really important to you. Weight: 189gBurners: oneFuel type: gasTime to boil water: four minutes A lightweight canister stove is ideal for boiling water quickly for solo hikers and minimalists, but less suited to multi-pot gourmet meals. For groups or more elaborate campsite cooking, I'd opt for a dual-burner stove so you've got room for frying, simmering and brewing coffee all in one place. Ensure you buy the correct fuel canister for your stove. The most common models use gas or liquid fuel (paraffin etc), and different canisters are designed to clip or screw on to different stoves. This can be confusing to shop for. Most gas stoves run off propane, butane or a mixture of the two gases. First, check what fuel is recommended for use with your new stove – some are compatible only with branded gas canisters, while others allow multiple fuel options. If you're camping in cold weather, it's sensible to pick propane if you can, as it has a lower boiling point. Gas canisters come in different sizes – mini ones are great for wild campers, while big refillable bottles will suit family weekenders. Larger stoves may require a refillable gas bottle – these also usually need you to buy a separate regulator, but they are more eco-friendly, as they can be used again and again. Check if you need a clip-in or screw-in canister and have a go at setting up your new stove with the gas cylinder before you go camping, so you're confident it works. Whatever stove you go for, look for features such as wind protection, simmer control and easy ignition (built-in igniters are handy in case you forget to bring matches). Weight, packability and setup time are also important – especially if you're trekking rather than car camping. It's worth investing in the best camping stove you can afford. Stainless steel and titanium offer durability and rust resistance. Canister stoves are perfect for lightweight trips, but make sure you look for sturdy pot supports and quality valves. Liquid fuel stoves often come with serviceable parts, a major plus for longevity. Fuel efficiency is just as important for the planet and your wallet, and a wind-resistant burner will save fuel – and frustration. Wood-burning stoves will appeal to the off-grid minimalist and should last for ever if they're well constructed. Find a stable, flat surface away from tents or dry brush. Wind is your enemy, so shield the stove. Attach the fuel canister or line securely and double-check for leaks before lighting. Most camping stoves require you to turn on the gas and then light with a match or lighter, or click the built-in igniter. Some will burn with a bright blue flame; others are hard to see alight but make a roaring noise. If it's windy, watch carefully to make sure the flame hasn't gone out. We've included wood and charcoal stoves and grills in our roundup – these usually require you to light a fire with kindling and then add bigger pieces of wood until you have a fire hot enough to cook over. Never cook inside your tent: you could poison yourself with carbon monoxide fumes. It's a sensible idea to have a go at setting up your stove at home first before you head off on holiday – there's little more frustrating than realising you brought the wrong fuel when you're desperate for a cuppa. Sian Lewis is an award-winning outdoors and travel journalist and author who loves putting adventure kit through its paces while hiking, swimming and wild camping. She also shares her adventures at @sianannalewis and
