The essentials you need in your weekend bag if you’re going beyond the city limits.

It might well be summer, but the combination of the slightly grey weather here in the UK and the rugged, practical pieces landing on MR PORTER this week is making us want to head to the countryside for a wholesome outdoor excursion. This is not to say we wouldn’t appreciate some more sun. But just that in a spirit of preparedness, we’re looking ahead and investing early in the pieces that will see us through next season. This is something we touched on recently, here. Anyway, since there are lots of nice cosy sweaters and examples of utilitarian footwear in pleasingly neutral tones featuring in our uploads (alongside many more wild and wonderful trends, of course – read more here), we’re already planning to escape to greener pastures. Just for a little bit, mind. We’re definitely urban creatures, after all. Scroll down for everything you need for a sophisticated trip to the country.

If you’re anything like us, you don’t always crave a full-blown adventure. Trekking and camping are fun and all, but they require a lot of effort, and the whole sleeping on the ground thing is not always ideal. So this autumn, we’re packing for a long stroll in the forest, or a light hike (to a pub). Lovely. And nothing says “at one with nature” more than a nice knitted sweater featuring a cheerful woodland creature. The deep green tone will help you blend in nicely, and you can ground the look with this sturdy woollen Our Legacy jacket.

There can be few more glaring signifiers of an urban gentleman out of his comfort zone than incorrect footwear. Suede loafers are lovely on city streets, but will not fare well among foliage. So stow them away and try on a pair of these sturdy Loro Piana lace-up boots for size. With all the elegance of a Chelsea boot (flattering shape, smooth and shiny leather, cashmere trims) and the practicality of hiking footwear (water-repellent finish, gripped rubber soles, shearling lining), you’d struggle to find a better balance of form and function. Pair them with some distressed jeans, like these from Fabric-Brand & Co for the best effect.

Even if starting a fire in the garden ends up being the most daring of your countryside pursuits, it pays to come prepared. Which means thinking about your extremities. This pair of Missoni knitted socks will keep your feet warm and comfortable. If your head needs a little protection – ­a nice beanie, like this one from OAMC will come in handy, and will also help drown out the racket at that point in the evening when someone called Dusty (he’s really called Dave) brings out his guitar and starts wailing to “Wonderwall”.