Squad selection is never easy. Just ask Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps et al. Who makes it on the plane? Who stays home? How do they all fit together and into which formation? There is much to consider. And that’s just packing our bags for the duration of this summer’s World Cup. Running for a bumper 39 days from 11 June, the 2026 edition of the international football competition will see a record 48 countries vying for glory.

People tend to praise Toy Story for its animation. And fair enough – in 1995, the gleam on Buzz’s helmet did look like witchcraft. But strip away the pixels and what you’re left with is the finest ensemble comedy of the decade: a workplace sitcom that happened to be set in a toy box.

Summer vacations take many forms. And so do the suitcases you pack for them. Coastal breaks demand something different to mountain hikes; city escapes call for an entirely different wardrobe. Each demands its own logic, but three things are non-negotiable – shorts, sunglasses, SPF. Beyond that? Let the destination decide. The Mediterranean instantly says “slow down”, so you’ll want something that suits the pace – and the heat. Plus, if you’re moving from boat to island to boat again, weight might not be your best mate. Linen breathes in heat, dries fast after saltwater swims and looks intentional, whether you’re fresh or rumpled.

A hike is a walk in the park. (A National Park, certainly.) Or it can be with the right gear. The benefits of getting out in nature are numerous enough to fill a field notebook, but not limited to boosting cardiovascular health, body strength and mental well-being. Only, with suboptimal kit, it can quickly turn into a bit of a slog. What you want is equipment that isn’t just up to the task but is as elevated as the places you plan to take it. Below, seven pieces that are the pinnacle of outdoor clothing.

Squad selection is never easy. Just ask Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps et al. Who makes it on the plane? Who stays home? How do they all fit together and into which formation? There is much to consider. And that’s just packing our bags for the duration of this summer’s World Cup. Running for a bumper 39 days from 11 June, the 2026 edition of the international football competition will see a record 48 countries vying for glory.

People tend to praise Toy Story for its animation. And fair enough – in 1995, the gleam on Buzz’s helmet did look like witchcraft. But strip away the pixels and what you’re left with is the finest ensemble comedy of the decade: a workplace sitcom that happened to be set in a toy box.