You have booked your first hiking trip. Now you are wondering if you need any special gear to ensure a potentially fun day, won't end up in a glum.
Here is a list of what you might need. Take in consideration the weather and the difficulty of the hike
If you have chosen an easy hike of under 8 miles and the weather will be great, you won't need fleece or waterproof for example.
When experienced hikers take to the hills of Britain in the summer months they will wear clothing that is comfortable, practical, wicks away sweat and dries quickly. They will wear hill walking trousers and what is known as a technical ‘T’ shirt. On top of this they will wear a mid-weight pull over and have a fleece in their rucksack with a waterproof jacket and trousers. They will wear layers of clothes so they can adjust to the constant changes of temperature due to elevation, weather, or physical exertion.
This sort of clothing is not actually that expensive to buy, although we realise that you may not want to spend money on hiking clothes just yet.
When you come for a hike with us you will need a waterproof jacket and trousers at a minimum. The clothing you choose to wear must be comfortable and dry quickly, definitely no denim. Please do not bring umbrellas as they get destroyed in the wind. If you have any queries about what to wear please contact us.
Your experience will be much better appreciated if you are wearing the correct clothing and waterproof hiking boots. Obviously your experience and comfort will depend on how well prepared you are for the weather we may encounter. It can be very cold when you’re high in the mountains even in the summer months and weather can change very quickly. You need to be aware that it is simply not possible to go indoors and the bus could be 6 hours walk away. We always prepare for the worst in the mountains!
Please read this list carefully and make sure you bring everything you need.
EQUIPMENT LIST – SINGLE DAY HIKES
• Spending money • Small backpack • Walking boots or decent rugged footwear you’ll be happy walking through mud, puddles, and persistent rain. • Water bottles – 2 litres • Snacks • Packed lunch • Waterproof Jacket and trousers • Fleece • Warm jumper • Warm hat or balaclava that can be rolled up into a hat • Gloves • Hiking trousers or comfortable sportswear, definitely not denim. You want clothes that dry quickly and are comfortable for walking in for many hours. • Sunglasses • Sun hat /peaked hats/bandanas for keeping the sun off • Toilet paper • Sun block • Any medication that you require
NATIONAL 3 PEAKS KIT LIST
All of the equipment above, plus a small bag to keep on the minibus with the following:
• Pillow and blanket for the minibus • 6 litres of water per person • Quality, powerful branded head torch such as Petzl, Alpkit or Black Diamond with spare batteries • Lots of food and snacks. A well balanced variety of high energy and nutritious food. • Wash kit/overnight bag • Small first aid kit, including: painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, adhesive dressings (plasters), Compeed blister pads and any medication you normally use. • 2 or 3 pairs of good quality walking socks • Clean shirt for the journey home.
EQUIPMENT LIST – SINGLE DAY WINTER HIKES
It can be -25 in the mountains of the UK in winter so it is imperative that you are well prepared. In addition to what is mentioned in our single day hiking kit list, please also bring: • Warm base layer (top and bottom) • 2 pairs of gloves • Spare warm hat • Hiking boots appropriate for the weather • Down jacket (very warm winter jacket, parka or synthetic material – down is best) • Balaclava • Ski goggles or sunglasses (preferably goggles) • 2 litres of hot water • Big packed lunch full of high energy and high-fat foods
You may also need the following but speak with our team before buying or renting. • B2 rated mountaineering boots • B2 rated crampons • Ice axe
Optional
• A sense of humour! • Notebook and pen/pencil • Warm flask with tea or blackcurrant juice
EQUIPMENT – MULTIPLE DAY CAMPING HIKES
As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your rucksack while hiking should be no more than 10kg. Remember in addition to this weight, you will also be given a tent, cooking equipment and food to carry.
Travelling light is much less of a hassle; so do not bring things you can do without. If you need to wear jewellery, keep it simple and inexpensive. Essentially, if you don’t need it, don’t bring it.
Kit List
• Spending money • 1 large rucksack (65-80 litres) • Good, sturdy waterproof hiking boots that are broken in before the trip. • Waterproof rucksack liner/strong bin liner • Small plastic bags for soiled clothes • Sleeping bag • Sleeping mat • Water bottle – 1 litre • Small freezer bags for use as a daily personal rubbish collection • Torch (head torches are best) • Spare batteries for torch and any other device
• Phone charger and cable • Whistle • Hiking socks, 2 pairs • Underwear • Waterproof jacket and trousers • Fleece • Warm hat or balaclava that can be rolled up into a hat • Gloves • Hiking trousers • Sunglasses • Sun hat /peaked hats/bandanas for keeping the sun off
Toiletries
• Wash kit • Biodegradable soap (available from good camping shops) to avoid polluting the mountains • Feminine hygiene products, for the duration of the trip • Toilet paper • Sunblock • Any medication that you require
Optional
• A sense of humour! • Notebook and pen/pencil • Novel • Snacks
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