Equip yourself with some of these hardy items and boldly embark on your next autumnal adventure.

What do you want to be when you grow up? We’ve slowly come to the realisation that “explorer” – like “professional footballer” or “astronaut”, say – is one of those job titles that, for the vast majority, is only reasonable to aspire to while you’re still in single digits. Granted, a lucky few have managed to turn the dream into a reality – our recent portfolio of Britain’s most dashing explorers springs to mind here – but for most of us office drones, an existence formed largely by trips to far-flung locations is off the cards. Or is it? If you’ve grown accustomed to your urban surrounds, going off-grid for a weekend in the wild (or even just venturing out for a nice long walk) is enough to reset and refresh. Given recent news that inner-city pollution is not only making us less healthy, but less intelligent, you’ll find swapping the city for the countryside, at least temporarily, is rejuvenating not just for the body, but the mind and soul, too.

If you don’t often commune with nature though, your day-to-day uniform won’t quite cut it in the sticks. Whether you’ve got camping, a spot of climbing or a hike in store, below you’ll find a packing list of the essentials you’ll need to look and feel like a real-life action man. Ready? Let’s go.

First things first. An expedition is nothing without a bag. Well, technically it is, but it’s certainly not practical to set off without one. And besides, how are you supposed to take in all that awe-inspiring scenery if you haven’t got your hands free to properly explore? You’ll need something large enough to hold all the necessary accoutrements for your journey – say, a bottle of water, penknife and a laptop to flip open whenever you chance upon a free Wi-Fi spot. But it’s also got to be hardy enough to handle whatever the wilderness throws at you. This backpack from French expert Bleu de Chauffe has a sufficiently outdoorsy pedigree, modelled as it is on vintage climbing gear, and made from the same tough cotton-canvas used to renovate Jeep tops. Another option is this Eastpak camo number that, once your travels are over, will stand out on your commute. After all, not every adventure is far from home. It’s a jungle out there in the city, too.

You won’t get very far on your travels without a decent pair of hiking boots. Have you ever tried to scale a mountain in moccasins? We wouldn’t recommend it. It also seems semi-ridiculous to belabour this, but not all hiking boots are made for… walking of the hiking variety. In fact, for most designers, the aesthetic is rather more important than, say, waterproofing. So, consider the terrain you’re likely to be traversing. If a jaunt to a country pub is all you’ve got planned, Brunello Cucinelli’s will see you in good stead – they’re set on thick lug soles and certainly look the part. Think you might stumble across as a few stiles? Grenson’s Brady boots are your best bet, since they’re Goodyear-welted and designed for durability. Anything more hardcore calls for a pair from ROA, an Italian brand that doesn’t sacrifice style or sturdiness. This Andreas model is rendered in quick-drying nubuck, has performance-grade Vibram rubber soles and heel counters made from bulletproof aradimic fibres – the very definition of “heavy duty”.

Going outside does have a few downsides. It can be a bit chilly, for one thing. Before you set off, consider slapping on some of The Lost Explorer’s Traveler’s Protection Balm. It’s packed with essential oils, moisturisers and anti-irritants to prevent skin getting chapped in adverse conditions. Protecting your extremities should be a priority, too. After all, bright-red ears and freezing fingers do not a happy camper make. Both Drake’s woolly hat and these shearling mittens from Hestra, a Swedish brand that has been making such pieces for actual lumberjacks since the 1930s, will do a good job of trapping heat and keeping frostbite at bay. Speaking of warming up, how about a cuppa? You’ll be in everyone’s good books if you break out Dunhill’s handsome leather-bound flask set. It comes with four cups so you can share your tea with your travelling companions.

Be prepared. That’s our motto. Well, it’s actually the Scouts’ motto, but you know what we mean. Specifically, it’s much easier to be at one with nature if you’ve brought along a few home comforts. Gazing up at a starry sky is, for example, better done while lying on a warm woollen blanket than the cold, muddy ground. This Calvin Klein 205W39NYC option is the result of a collaboration with Pendleton, the Pacific North-Western mill that’s famous for keeping settlers swaddled since the mid-19th century, so you can guarantee it’ll do a good job of keeping out the cold. We’re also firm believers in having the right tools for the job. It practically goes without saying, but a torch is likely to come in handy after dark. Best Made Company’s MMR-X brass model will light your way up once the sun goes down, and features distress and strobe modes in case you get lost – or people aren’t paying you enough attention.

You know that saying about a tree falling in a forest? Well, the same principle applies here. You’ll need photographic evidence to prove you really were roughing it to show your friends and colleagues when you’re back on home turf. Leica’s M240 camera might look like something Mr Henri Cartier-Bresson took on his travels, but it really packs a punch tech-wise, boasting a high-res 3in 920,000 pixel display and powerful SUMMICRON-M lens to capture campfire memories. And if you’ve still got room in your pack, James Purdey & Sons’ hip flask, filled with something to warm your cockles, wouldn’t go amiss, either.

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